"elevator"

Bespoke acoustic rafts and baffles for Virgin Media’s new 120,000 sq ft HQ in Reading.

IssueEstablished in 1916, Doylestown Country Club is a private country club located in Pennsylvania, USA. In addition to its reputation as one of the top golfing destinations in the state, the Doylestown Country Club’s culinary team strives to create memorable dining experiences for all members and guests. To achieve this goal, the country club has created a new space to elevate kitchen safety and ensure efficient back-of-house operations.ApproachDoylestown Country Club wanted a floor that would provide comfort for their staff, who spend prolonged periods on their feet. Other considerations including reducing noise transferrence in a busy commercial kitchen and having a floor that could be installed around the kitchen drains which required a watertight, seamless transition with the flooring.SolutionAfter consultation between the Altro sales and technical teams, together with the flooring installer and specifier, 350sqm of Altro Stronghold 30 was specified, keeping staff safe from slips and helping to reduce fatigue thanks to its 3mm thickness.Altro Stronghold 30 achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance (PTV ≥55, R12) and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy conditions for the lifetime of the flooring. As well as helping to keep staff safe from slips, it also helps reduce their fatigue, thanks to its 3mm thickness which provides noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

This elevated balcony project in Taunton is a great example. The goal of the project was to make the addition of large balcony areas to the rear of two adjacent houses, with large steel frameworks to be designed to provide the balcony level to the first floor.

The Home Lift installed in this private house is an EcoVimec Home lift, which has been chosen to increase comfort and add value to the property. The owner chose EcoVimec home lift because it’s electric and environmentally friendly (it has reduced energy consumption and doesn’t use hydraulic oil).The EcoVimec Home lift has been designed to fit within a masonry shaft, offering a compact and space-saving solution to access multiple floors of the house. The cabin has been designed to be as discreet as possible, with a low profile and modern appearance that complements the property perfectly.

A Fusion of Tradition and InnovationIn Belper, Derbyshire, Quarry Cottage, a beacon of history, embraced modernity with Gowercroft's Heritage Windows and vacuum glazing. Sylvia's pursuit of timeless design led to a harmonious blend of traditional aesthetics and cutting-edge efficiency.Perfect Upgrade: Heritage Windows with Vacuum GlazingWith no strict heritage mandate, Sylvia chose Gowercroft's Heritage Windows for their seamless fit with Quarry Cottage's charm. Nestled amid the Peak District, Belper's historic legacy found an ideal complement in the cottage's traditional stone façade.Richmond Casement Heritage Window: A Modern ClassicSylvia opted for the Richmond Casement Heritage Window—a marriage of classic styling and modern efficiency. The vacuum double glazing provided the appearance of traditional single-glazed windows while leveraging the benefits of vacuum cavity double glazing.LandVac Heritage Glazing Units: Efficiency RedefinedAt the heart of Quarry Cottage's upgraded windows is the vacuum glazing. Elevating efficiency, this ultra-slim 8.2mm glazing unit boasts an industry-leading centre pane thermal efficiency of 0.4 W/m²K. Mimicking traditional single-glazing, it adds both aesthetic authenticity and longevity to the heritage upgrade.Accoya Timber: Low Maintenance, High PerformanceCrafted with Accoya timber, Gowercroft’s Heritage Windows and Doors boast unparalleled stability and strength. The unique treatment process minimises expansion and contraction, ensuring resilience against temperature changes and water ingress. Meticulous finishing extends their lifespan, offering a harmonious blend of low maintenance and high performance.Weather Resistance and Assurance: 10-Year GuaranteeGowercroft's commitment to quality is evident in rigorous weather resistance testing under the BS6375 standard. Accoya, sourced sustainably, aligns with responsible practices. Each Heritage Window and Door comes with a 10-year guarantee, while TimbaCare cover offers homeowners peace of mind, ensuring minimal maintenance for enduring perfection.In Quarry Cottage, tradition intertwines with innovation, creating an everlasting allure that seamlessly integrates into Belper's architectural legacy. Explore the synergy of tradition and efficiency with Vacuum Glazing — a choice standing the test of time.

Carewell Vets, a brand-new independent veterinary practice situated in Lingfield, Surrey, decided from Day One to provide the best facilities and services for both their patients and staff, and that included the need for a modern and welcoming environment.The Practice started afresh with the conversion of an old building, with the objective to establish a state-of-the-art practice, to include the integration of cutting-edge equipment and facilities right from the beginning.To create an efficient and contemporary space, Carewell Vets partnered with David Bailey Furniture. The challenge was clear - to seamlessly upgrade the practice's interiors, ensuring a cohesive blend of modern design and functional fitted furniture, all geared towards delivering exceptional veterinary care.David Bailey Furniture responded with a wide range of bespoke fitted furniture solutions tailored to meet Carewell Vets' specific needs. These solutions were destined for various areas within the practice, including the RDS Consultancy Room, RDS Pharmacy, RDS Laboratory, RDS Theatre, RDS X-Ray, RDS Preparation Room, RDS Cat Ward, and RDS Dog Ward.To infuse a fresh and contemporary look, David Bailey Furniture recommended the use of Colour D030 White Frontage, a classic choice. Chrome D handles were added, elevating the overall design with a touch of sophistication.In addition to aesthetics, Carewell Vets required durable and hygienic worktops for their medical areas. Here, David Bailey Furniture provided Trespa TopLab Base 16mm worktops and upstands in E0-02 Silver Grey, custom-selected to meet the practice's stringent standards.The success of this project hinged on meticulous planning and precise execution. Countless hours were dedicated to the design and verification phase, with close collaboration between David Bailey Furniture and Carewell Vets. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that the final outcome exceeded all expectations.The newly modernised interior spaces now offer an enhanced working environment for the veterinary team. Efficiency and comfort are at the forefront, while patients and visitors can feel at ease in the inviting and friendly surroundings. Jason Hadley of Carewell Vets commented: “I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the units from David Bailey Furniture. The practice looks amazing and everyone who has set foot in it so far has simply said wow!”The collaboration between David Bailey Furniture and Carewell Vets, delivered by Lingstead Construction Ltd, is a testament to the potential of purposeful design and tailor-made furniture solutions. Through this transformational project, Carewell Vets now boasts an exceptional environment that aligns with their commitment to providing the highest standard of veterinary care, right from day one.

A Glimpse into 17th-century CharmIn Leeds, the venerable Land End Farm, a testament to 17th-century architectural splendour, underwent a transformative window upgrade. Keith and Carolynn Squires, custodians of this historic property, embarked on a journey to bid farewell to draughts and enhance their farmhouse's efficiency while preserving its heritage.Preserving the Past: The Window DilemmaOld and listed properties demand meticulous attention during upgrades, and the Squires faced the challenge of replacing degraded original windows without compromising the farmhouse's historic charm. The solution came in the form of Gowercroft's Heritage range fitted with LandVac Heritage vacuum glazing, specifically the Richmond flush casement windows, known for preserving the authenticity of listed properties.Richmond Casements with Vacuum Glazing: A Historic UpgradeThe Squires opted for Richmond casement windows, crafted from sustainable Accoya® timber. What set these windows apart was the ultra-thin high-performance vacuum glazing — a vital component delivering energy efficiency without compromising the authentic single-glazed look. The slimness and performance of the vacuum glazing impressed Keith, and Gowercroft's extensive warranty added significant value.LandVac Heritage Glazing: Efficiency RedefinedTo enhance Land End Farm's historic windows, Gowercroft introduced LandVac Heritage Glazing—an ultra-thin, high-performance glazing unit designed to preserve the authentic single-glazed look while boosting energy efficiency.LandVac Heritage Glazing transcends conservation requirements, eliminating the 'double reflection' associated with conventional double glazing. With a remarkable U value of 0.4 W/m²K, it not only meets but surpasses standards, making Land End Farm a blend of historical charm and contemporary sustainability.Conservation Approval: A Collaborative ProcessNavigating conservation approval seamlessly, a Gowercroft team member attended site meetings, presenting a sample window that showcased the slimness of vacuum glazing. Detailed fenestration drawings provided assurance, aligning with stringent conservation requirements.Transformation Unveiled: The ResultsLand End Farm witnessed a remarkable transformation. The new windows not only rejuvenated the farmhouse's external aesthetics but also ushered in comfort, bidding farewell to draughts and enhancing thermal insulation. The vacuum glazing also played a pivotal role in reducing external noise, creating a serene living space.Conclusion: Tradition and Innovation UnitedLand End Farm's journey epitomises the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Gowercroft's Richmond casement windows, complemented by vacuum glazing, demonstrate the power of preserving heritage while embracing modern efficiency. The farmhouse now stands as a comfortable, energy-efficient haven, seamlessly blending the best of both worlds.

DescriptionModel: Vimec Easy Move cabin liftStops: 2  Type of building: Private House  Country: South Africa  The customer’s desire was to have a lift that would allow him to move around comfortably and stylishly. After an on-site talk with our partner, in order to fit well into his home design, the customer sought a modern and robust solution like Vimec Easy Move homelift.

This Grade II listed farmhouse in Monmouthshire has recently been redecorated using the KEIM Granital system. The 16th – 18th century limewashed lime rendered property needed a freshen up. The limewash was delaminating and powdery, lower sections on the northern elevation were damp with black mould, green growth moss and algae were prevalent on all elevations, as well as hairline cracks within the render.   It was specified that all elevations should be cleaned free of excessive mould and green-growth and powdery residue from the limewash. KEIM Algicid-Plus to be applied and left to dry on the surface before coating. The lower exposed render on the front elevation was suffering from splash back off the paving stone, it was recommended that an application of KEIM Silan Primer was applied on the first 0.5m of this elevation, to allow improved water repellence. The KEIM Granital system was then used to obliterate hairline cracks and provide a breathable coating.  

Lambertsson is one of Scandinavia’s largest rental companies and service providers in construction and industrial solutions. Lambertsson erects cranes and elevators for construction projects, among other activities. Shorter building times, better control over costs and smoother processes are therefore critical and beneficial to the project owners.ChallengeLambertsson has been erecting and dismantling elevators for more than a decade using wooden planks or plywood for building the elevator ramps. This method of building ramps is time consuming and resource demanding. Lambertsson needed a simple ramp solution that would make the project planning time more predictable and less time consuming when erecting the elevators. Lambertsson needed a ramp that could handle the same weight as the elevator, equivalent to a capacity of 2.1 tonnes, and without exceeding 1.3 metres from the position .SolutionIn order to meet the criteria of Lambertsson, PcP Scaffolding developed a custom solution based on the PcP OPTIMO® grating series, which is the safest choice for applications in construction, where workers are on the job. To customise a simple solution, PcP built a ramp that is able to lift the same capacity as the elevators, up to 2.1 tonnes, with a span of 80 cm. The ramp is made of aluminium decks and is very light to install.

The project was a complex backland site with a number of planning restrictions. The brief was to create an imposing and interesting modern townhouse making reference to the traditional London townhouse on the front elevation whilst the rear elevation was required to incorporate brickwork and reference the traditional mews houses.

The Wickes Farnbrough DIY store is one in the latest Wickes stores to have been developed by Travis Perkins as part of its ongoing plan to double its UK store network to 400 by 2020.The project used Trimapanel® micro-rib 90mm on the front elevations and Trisomet® 80mm for the rear wall elevations; Trisomet® 120mm was used for the roof; and parapet gutters lined with a Colorcoat Aquatite® PVC membrane. (HR50) site assembled built-up system, which is being used as a feature on a number of the Wickes Stores, ran across the top of the Trimapanel® on the front elevation acting as a separator between the two units. LP1000 liner panels were also used internally.

Over 2,000m2 of Tata Steel’s insulated roof and wall panels were used in the construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the development. Around 1,000m2 of Trisomet® 120mm panels in Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel in Goosewing Grey were used on the roof and nearly 1,100m2 of Trisomet® 80mm and Trimapanel® micro-rib 90mm panels in Colorcoat Prisma® in Ephyra were used on the wall elevations. The wall elevations were finished off with Anthracite soffits.

Over 266m2 of framed panels of Terra-34, which is a grating which conforms to anti-climb guidelines, were made to cover the south, east and west elevations. These were fabricated in 16 different sizes up to 2.5m high and 1m wide and fixed to the structural framework with custom welded plates. Access through the east elevation was provided by a very large double-leaf gate to allow for the removal of large sculptures and installations. The gate was made out of six separate panels within each leaf for an overall size of 4.6x5.3m (hxw).

This development includes large areas of external elevations & soffits cladded in Accoya. Accoya was also used for the Brise Soleil canopy detailing on the drive-through lane & the double height curtain walling pictured on the front elevations. For this natural aesthetic the pre-finished Accoya profiles were given one (natural plus-ctec) base coat & three top (sansin translucent) coats. As one of the most durable products on the market, Accoya is the ideal material for projects such as this. Accoya is 75% less likely to shrink & swell in variable weather, allowing it to retain its structural integrity.

Cordek were able to assist in providing a formwork solution for the construction of a new 8000m² elevated bus deck which will connect to Westbourne Park Bus Garage.

Made-to-order Traditional Leaded Timber casement windows and doors from the Kensington & Chelsea range by Lomax + Wood, an approved supplier and installer of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust (HGST). Timber casement windows with traditional single glazed true leaded bars on front elevation Leaded lights and double-glazed timber casement windows to the side and rear elevations Made-to-order with 18mm 4/10/4 Krypton gas-filled slim units Custom Designs to replicate the existing windows Luxury Forged Bulb End handles Colour match F&B White Tie Supply and install service 25 casement windows 3 French doors

New development featuring 173 residential properties with private balconies. MidiTerrace decking support system with Classic composite decking in the shade 'Slate' was used on the surface and soffits of each elevated terrace space.

Lower Cottage Farm is built on an elevated hillside location in Lancashire. The clients purchased a derelict farm and outbuildings which they replaced with a modern, state-of-the-art family home, designed to resemble a farmhouse and barn conversions.

The villas were developed using modular build with the aim of achieving government sustainability targets. Trespa® Meteon® was used in a radical, colourful way on every elevation of the build, combining aesthetics with sustainability.

For the JD Sport store in Newcastle, the Derby Terrazzo Untamed tiles selection exemplified our commitment to merging style with sustainability. Covering an area of 245m², the flooring transformation brought an elevated aesthetic and robust functionality to the space.

The living wall at the new Postal Museum in London demonstrates ground-breaking living wall technology with the integration of 5 post boxes within a 21m × 3m elevation consisting of 3,468 plants in the freestanding vertical garden structure.

Welsh Slate’s new Penrhyn Heather Blue slates feature on the front elevations of 31 almshouses in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, run by the Charles Sheils Charity, the largest almshouses charity in Ireland, and one of the largest in the UK.

Birkdale fibre cement slates was chosen as the perfect answer to fulfil part of a complex and challenging rainscreen design. The new single storey training centre, consists of a fully grassed roof with ‘basket weave’ Birkdale slates used as a form of a raked rainscreen cladding to elevate the building.

A great example of adaption and extension of the Royal College of Surgeons Grade II* listed headquarters.D2525 Anodic Bronze provides the feature finish across the new elevation facing Portugal Street, blending a rationalist design aesthetic with classical proportions.Finish applied: Y2214F Anodic Bronze

The brief to Habit Action was to create a space that was fit for high-profile clients and that would elevate their client's brand taking the business to the next level. Our acoustic solutions, including Breeze Acoustic Ceiling Baffles, played a big part in helping to deliver a space that was comfortable and that everyone would be proud of.

Project DescriptionBioMed Realty’s development comprises 94,000 sq.ft. of new office accommodation over three storeys located in the heart of Cambridge’s Granta Park Estate. Rated BREEAM “Very Good”.The building features a dramatic top-lit central atrium space arranged at the heart of the floorplates. It affords the client, a leading international biotechnology company, to operate in exemplar facilities in a flexible environment to meet current needs, planned growth and evolving working patterns, including future proofing for laboratory uses. Aukett Swanke’s design embodies quality, simplicity and elegance, which enabled rapid construction to meet the proposed occupation date.Specific Project ChallengesThe façade design needed to be optimised so that the building could capture heat in the winter, minimise heat gain in the summer and maximise the use of natural daylight.The south-facing elevation, therefore, required a dynamic screen, acting as a brise soleil, maximising daylight opportunities and simultaneously avoiding excessive solar heat gain in the building interior.Solutions OfferedAsh & Lacy provided a bespoke two-step facade solution, using 3mm natural silver anodised aluminium to meet both the aesthetic and practical requirements at BioMed Realty.South elevation panels were rectangular perforated and mounted on a frame in front of the glazed curtain wall to form the dynamic screen.North, East and West elevation panels consisted of matching solid castellated panels with an embossed pattern matching the dynamic screen panels.

TSL secured the contract to install the rainscreen façade at Colbourne Place, a prestigious apartment block in Woking. To create the structural aluminium framework for the substructure, helping hand brackets were used, with the framework being secured with DrillFast A2/304 stainless steel frame fasteners. Throughout the project, a Kanban (just in time) delivery model was utilised, supplying the fixings for each of the four elevations as TSL began that phase of construction."When we are working on a façade project we aim to install one elevation at a time; it is therefore important that our supplier can be flexible delivering the right components for the façade fixing system when we need it. That way we don't have boxes of fixings on-site where they could get damaged but are able to progress at the speed we need to install the rainscreen support system, such as the CAD files with bespoke fixing patterns and technical datasheets"Aaron Humphries - Contracts Manager at TSL

350 square meters of wall designed, manufactured and installed by Grass Concrete Limited. A large scale hospital redevelopment site with a few added complications saw a need to construct an earth retaining wall but with high level services to one elevation, a pinch point to another and then for good measure the need to include a footbridge.

Innovative weberwall brick helped speed up this project in Anglesey. Anglesey County Council wanted to break up the elevations to add variety and create a more attractive appearance. Main contractor DU Construction suggested using weberwall brick which can be used to create a realistic brick effect across a range of different applications and substrates.

Kids Planet Day Nurseries currently provides childcare for over 7,500 children across their 54 settings in the North West and Midlands.Last September, the nursery opened a new setting in the commercial hub at the centre of the new Winnington Urban village housing development.Twinfix were approached by principal contractor Short Construction to design, manufacture and install two Brise Soleils for the nursery.The Brise Soleils served two purposes, while providing additional shelter in conjunction with the canopy over the play area and the entrance to the building, they also enhanced the aesthetics of the area and complemented the building’s exterior.The South West elevation spans 14 metres and the North East elevation spans 17 metres. Both structures comprise of 200mm ellipsoid aluminium blades, every 300mm and are 3m and 4m height. The aluminium is powder coated to RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey.The structures were installed in time to protect students and staff from the summer sun this summer and for years to come.

Rugby Mill is a 60,181 sq ft new build warehouse. The external building envelope for this facility includes a two-storey office and dock levellers at the rear. Built using 9,000m2 of and insulated panels manufactured using and the front elevation features decorative cornice detail to the top right and top left hand corners of the building, in an agreed contrasting combination of blue colours (Solent Blue, Atlantis, Aquarius, Zeus and Sirius and Goosewing Grey).Adjacent to Rugby Mill, Ram Mill can accommodate up to 100,000 sq ft of occupiable space and has been pre-let. Built to the same design and using our and insulated panels, the front façade for this unit features our insulated panels in a different colour combination and features a decorative cornice detail that wraps around the top corners of the front elevation either side, in a green combination to reflect Pin Property’s distinctive brand (Heritage, Jade, Juniper, Sirius, Zeus and Goosewing Grey).

The Ashington Leisure Centre is a community and leisure facility that sets a high benchmark and precedent for design excellence, marking the beginning of a regeneration for the town centre. Externally the building stands with civic pride facing the town centre. The scale of the large volumes: the triple height entrance foyer and pool elevation are fenestrated with tall glazed panels bringing elegance and emphasis to the entrance area.

Maple installed an 11.5m high brise soleil system to the north and west elevations of the four-storey building, which will accommodate up to 450 employees.“Maple’s project management and pre-construction support helped develop a brise soleil solution within budget, to the client’s aspirations – safely and to a high standard,” said BAM’s Senior Project Manager, David Oldfield.

The Scope of the project was to provide a structural waterproofing solution to a private dwelling with new build extension.The property, situated on a sloping site gave the opportunity for the waterproof design to utilise the properties environment to allow for natural discharge of any potential water ingress.The property was detached and retaining to the front and side elevations where the retaining ground slopes down and away from the property to a garden that continues to slope down to a small stream. The retaining walls on either elevation rise at their highest point to approximately 1500mm above the internal floor level.The internal walls of the property were original brick to the front and new cavity built concrete block. The floor to what was the original house is of solid concrete construction joining on to a newer block and beam floor construction.When designing the most appropriate waterproofing system to any given situation, various design factors require addressing such as (but not limited to), final use of the building, the grade of waterproofing requirement under the British Standard, structural considerations based on the form of construction and in some cases, satisfying the requirements of building warranty providers.

BH2 is a £30m development creating a newly-constructed leisure complex in Bournemouth  •  Originally a two acre NCP car park and bus station, main contractors Vinci has built a new 10 screen Odeon Multiplex cinema, café, casino, restaurant and retail complex.  •  Structura was appointed to design and supply Kalwall translucent facades to enclose the external fire escape routes around the perimeter of the building.  •  Structura installed multiple Kalwall translucent elevations, totalling over 1000m2, providing natural daylight to internal areas by day and a soft ethereal glow which brings the area to life at night.The SolutionPanter Hudspith Architects replaced the original curtain wall and specified Kalwall® for the front elevation. Unusually, this unique translucent cladding is fitted with a tight 150mm wide grid, known as Verti-Kal™, which not only serves to emphasise height but is the first of its type in the UK. On this scheme the Kalwall panels also insulate to 0.78 w/m2 making the building eye-catching and sustainable.Unlike conventional glazing, Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is bathed with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced.Kalwall is increasingly being used in the UK for new buildings and also for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. One of the main attractions of specifying Kalwall is its unique effect on both the interior and exterior. Although translucent, it offers the big advantage of privacy while the elevations appear crisp and simple. When illuminated at night they emit an inviting ethereal glow.The CommentsArchitect James Jeremiah comments, “This is the first time we’ve specified Kalwall and it fulfils our vision of retaining the modernist characteristics of the building. One of our original concepts for the building was of a zoetrope (one of the earliest forms of moving image) and there’s a strong history of using transparency in films with people moving behind the shadows. We felt the Kalwall system was a very good fit for what we wanted to achieve”.Amanda Birch, Technical Editor Building Design writes, “To appreciate fully the building’s transformation, it is best viewed from the street. The concrete structure has been retained along with its striking line of concrete columns, which are now a strong feature of the front elevation. The original coloured insulated glass panelled system has been replaced at first and second floor levels with Kalwall’s 75mm thick insulated cladding system creating a dynamic façade that is particularly effective at night.