"external lighting"

Caribbean Blinds have been an external shading expert since 1987. based in Sudbury provide from outdoor living to solar shading, exclusively designing and UK manufacturing luxury external shading systems.Helmsman manufactured, delivered and installed 22 two compartment heavy-duty laminate with camlock locker door. The specification of the locker is 1800 high, 300 wide and 450 deep, powder coated in black and with a laminate door colour of ‘Fenix Nero’.‘Fenix Nero’ is an aesthetic style of laminate, which has low light reflectivity with a matt surface. Additionally, it has a soft touch as well as being anti-fingerprint colour.On the laminated lockers the clients decided to have an oval laminate number plate with a key, making it easy for staff to use as they will be allocated a locker and a key to keep their personal belongings secure.The bespoke lockers were designed and manufactured at Helmsman. Some of the lockers were created to fit in alcove and were fitted with cladding and end panels in matching laminate to make the project look aesthetically pleasing.Get in touch today if you have a similar project, or want any more information on the products discussed, contact us today on 01284 530 427.

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Robertson Construction to provide a complete range of street furniture elements including seating, planters, cycle parking, and bollards to the external space of a newly built Care Centre and Library in the historic market town of Belper. We offered extensive assistance throughout the project including attendance at design meetings looking at materiality, cost, and installation demands which changed a number of times throughout the project.Although largely a new build, the existing façades of a former Thornton’s Factory have been retained, refurbished, and carefully incorporated into the scheme maintaining considerations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of the area.Artforms' premium selection of street furniture perpetuates the careful consideration for the site heritage as well as offering an inviting space for the public and residents of the home. As well as providing space for socialising and natural splashes of colour with plants, the concrete seating and planters echo the light stone of the new section of the development.The inclusion of Moka Bollards and Cubes in Corten provides elegant seating and pedestrian safety whilst coordinating with the restored red-bricked factory façades. The Corten products were supplied with a unique seal coating that significantly reduces the risk of any leaching - ensuring the surrounding paving maintains its clean light colour.The symmetry in the positioning and layout of these elements creates an inviting space leading to the building’s entrance.Finally, a shelter and a number of cycle stands have been provided to ensure people traveling to the space on bikes have secure parking spaces. The new Ada Belfield Centre & Belper Library was previously an unused and derelict building, now it is a space to offer high-quality care that is connected to the local community. Events can now take place bringing residents and members of the public together by utilising the new external space as well as the Library, which also features a café.

Berry Systems supply and installed safety barriers and balustrading to protect loading bays, warehouse racking, pedestrian walkways and the plant.The new Co-Operative Composite Distribution Centre in Birtley covers 25,600 sq metres (276,000 sq ft) and supplies a vast range of products from 3,500 lines to 262 Co-Operative stores in the North of England.Activity in the centre is extremely busy with hundreds of vehicle movements daily facilitated by 500+ members of staff. We won the contract to supply and install all the safety barriers, balustrades, loading bay barriers and racking protectors inside the warehouse, as well as the vehicle perimeter barriers and ramp barriers externally.All the products, with the exception of the galvanised spring steel barriers, were painted in high visibility yellow. The spring steel barriers are designed to absorb  impacts from HGVs and forklift trucks while retaining their own integrity and ongoing effectiveness. The Co-Op were determined to ensure their new development was as environmentally friendly as possible. Waste oil helps provide heating and the lighting system is solar controlled to eliminate wastage. It ensures a variable level of interior lighting to automatically complement exterior levels.

Following on from the launch of our Brise Soleil earlier in the year, we were approached by Aztec to provide some external structures for Penketh South Primary School in Warrington. With over 30 years’ experience the Twinfix Technical Team had no problems designing structures to suit both their needs and budget.Our expert team designed, manufactured, and installed a 49 sqm free-standing mono-pitch canopy in the front courtyard of the school and two staircase canopies complete with Brise Soleil.The Brise Soleil served two purposes, while providing additional shelter in conjunction with the canopies running above the external staircases, it also enhanced the aesthetics of the area and complemented the building’s exterior.The canopy roofs comprise of our innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system, the panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019 with a B designation, meaning they are classified as non-fragile. The Brise Soleil is made up of vertical ellipsoid blades which are 200mm deep and generally 2.1m height. The aluminium blades were powder-coated in RAL 7035 (light grey) and RAL 3020 (red).The structures were installed in time to protect students and staff from the recent heat wave and also in preparation for the inclement weather that the new school year will bring.

Sto’s specialist façade solutions have ensured a new affordable housing development seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Located in West Kensington on the Springvale Estate, ‘Tavener Court’ comprises eight one and two-bedroom flats as well as two three-bedroom houses, spread across three floors.Externally, the scheme features the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, which has been finished with StoSilco silicone render in a pale shade of yellow, and a variety of StoDeco three-dimensional profiles to add architectural detailing across the building. With 1,000 colours to choose from in the StoColor system, the Sto render offered extensive design flexibility for architecture and design company, NORR. It has also provided a high level of water repellence and water vapour permeability, making the façade resistant to the build-up of dirt and reducing the growth of algae and fungus. The StoDeco profiles were specified to create window surrounds in pure white, corner detailing around the roof area, and a decorative band course across the façade. Manufactured from Verolith, which comprises 90 per cent perlite, the StoDeco profiles are highly resistant to weather and other environmental factors. Light in weight and easy to work with on site, the products are quick to install and form a durable bond with the render. 

Ilona Rose House with its unusual rose-coloured 3D printed façade is a new-build, mixed-use project spread over 13 floors, including a 4 storey, basement with a quarter natural light. It has transformed the former site of the famous Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road, boasting outstanding new shops and restaurants, along with new pedestrian walkways, public realm and roof terraces.The unique building has been designed by MATT Architecture for main contractors Sir Robert McAlpine and offers 150,000 sq ft of office space, 20,000 sq ft of retail fronting on Charing Cross Road and a brand-new public courtyard with 15,000 sq ft of restaurant and bar space.The upper floors comprising of offices exploit the stepped massing of the building to create over 12,000 sq ft of planted external terraces for the benefit of the occupiers and to enhance the environment.The south-west facing terraces, nicknamed ‘the hanging gardens of Soho’ will provide external amenity space for every single level of office. It is here that Radmat’s waterproofing and insulation products were chosen for their tried and trusted properties. PermaQuik Hot Melt Bitumen Waterproofing System was used on 95% of the roof areas, multiple roof terraces, Greek Street Tunnel and James’ Courtyard.

This jaw dropping project featured Lazenby Light Natural polished concrete floors and cast in situ stairs. The concrete flows from the entrance hallways throughout the ground floor and up the feature staircase to the first floor landing.This 4 week phased project saw the polished concrete floor installed first. The formwork and reinforcement for the staircase was then fixed and built off the floor. Once the stairs had been cast the brass balustrades and handrails were retrofitted to the concrete.This self-supporting concrete architectural feature staircase involved discussions with external engineers who then designed the reinforcement. The complex angles, joins to other structural elements and the sleek elegance was meticulously planned and executed. The polished concrete floor joints carefully designed to enhance the creative charm of this project.Photography by David Butler

A re-development in an historic area of Bristol is the latest UK site to feature ACO’s Eyeleds – a combined surface water management and lighting system.

Occupying an elevated position above the city of Guildford stands this wonderful house, which was built in the early 1900s. Individually designed and constructed to a very high specification, the numerous windows and doors (over three floors) allowed plenty of light to flood into the property and to take advantage of the fantastic surrounding views. Windows from Clement’s EB24 system with rectangular leaded lights were used to replicate the original fenestration. As well as the new windows being in keeping with the character of the property, the multi point locking system chosen by the client brought extra security.

The completion of a stunning new Hilton hotel at Silverstone is another step nearer and leads the way featuring the superior high-performance Wraptite external airtightness barrier.The impressive new hotel, located trackside, overlooks the starting grid for the home of the iconic British Grand Prix. Facilities include 197 guest rooms, a rooftop terrace and the offer of race-day hospitality experiences.KKA Architecture designed the hotel, with Metclad Contracts appointed as the specialist envelope contractor for the project.Wraptite airtightness membrane from the A. Proctor Group, specialists in supplying high-performance products to protect buildings, was selected by Metclad to maximise airtightness and energy efficiency, perfectly balanced with the crucial requirements of vapour permeabilityWraptite self-adhesive breather membrane is applied externally, quickly and efficiently as part of the rainscreen system. Incorporating the Wraptite System helps ensure “as-designed” performance. Its inclusion narrows the gap between asdesigned and actual energy performance whilst reducing the likelihood of possible failures to meet required airtightness levels.Traditionally air barriers have been fitted internally. The internal installation of an air barrier necessitates accommodating building services such as electrical, lighting, heating and drainage systems, thereby increasing the gap between as designed and built. However, the Wraptite membrane fully bonds externally to virtually any substrate, requiring no additional mechanical attachment, seals or tapes to suppress air leakage around junctions or penetrations.The high vapour permeability of Wraptite allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion.Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. Quite simply, providing a winning performance in advanced membrane technology for buildings.

Project: Kingsgate Primary SchoolProduct: Shiluvit by Oranit in White Washed Nordic PineArchitect: Maccreanor LavingtonInstaller: Lacunar LtdKingsgate Primary School, London (2018) Photos by Michael Whitestone PhotographySpecification:
Shiluvit 7-501White Washed Nordic Pine
20 x 45mm Blades with 40mm Gaps
Quantity:
1300m2LSA Projects Ltd are delighted to share with you a new award winning Oranit installation at Kingsgate Primary School in London.The £18 million, 5000m2 school has created over 420 new primary school places at the purpose built facility which is comprised of two connected two storey teaching blocks with generous picture windows throughout for an abundance of natural light.The site also has ample external space including running tracks, a science garden, and covered playing spaces in addition to being part of a community development project linking the site to a neighbouring park developed from unused green space in the area.The saw-toothed roof and external appearance of school was designed to reflect its industrial past and the cool tone light brickwork and generous windows bring the design up-to-date with current trends and the requirements of a modern building.Inside the school there is a consistent airy and neutral palette with white walls and ceiling interspersed with pale wood feature walls and stairways in addition to the white washed Nordic Pine Shiluvit panels.Oranit Shiluvit panels were chosen in part for the ceilings of the spaces due to their impressive acoustic power; the configuration chosen which included LSA Black High Density Acoustic mineral wool achieves an overall rating of Class A for acoustic absorption making it perfect for ensuring minimal reverberation across the spaces helping to keep a calm atmosphere.Nordic Pine timber was chosen for its depth of texture as well as its PEFC Certification, the timber was then white washed for a clean and bright appearance.

Granada’s secondary glazing is contributing to a quieter environment within the new Bradford Coroner’s Court following its move to a newly refurbished separate building in a more built-up and noisier area of the city.Formerly located inside Bradford Magistrates’ Court, the Coroner’s service moved to an independent site in Cater Street, Little Germany in early 2022 following years of concern over “sub-standard” facilities. It serves families in neighbouring Calderdale and Kirklees, as well as Bradford.

Belle Vue is a 5,700 square metre retirement community of 60 one and two-bedroom apartments in Hampstead, designed by Morris+Company. It’s surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens and manicured courts, with which it offers a communal environment for its residents.Inside the feeling of community is continued with a restaurant, cafe, library, spa, gym, lounges and activity rooms. All are thoughtfully considered to ensure the residents are catered for in all ways. Journeys throughout the project are open to communal areas as well for further social considerations.Due to Belle Vue’s surroundings, Floren.be’s Avorio brick was used to retain a similar, but a visually distinct homage to the brick structures in the multiple local conservation areas. The lightness and fluctuating tonality of the red Avorio allows the building to appear as light and airy externally as it is inside, due to its large windows, open plan layouts and community spaces.With a clientele whose average age is around 77, it’s insightful that Pegasus Life Pegasus Lifestory chose to hire from architectural practices who had no previous experience in the retirement sector. Modern sentiments are clearly visible throughout, but care and consideration are shown to its inhabitants where a calm environment is melded with the benefits of inner-city living.Belle Vue was recently shortlisted for the 2022 RIBA London awards.

Winchester Cathedral, a place of worship for over 900 years, has been brought up to modern accessibility standards with a light-filled passenger lift from Stannah. The installation now sits comfortably alongside the fine craftsmanship within the extraordinary Grade I Listed building. This is one of the first passenger lifts to be installed in a medieval cathedral in the UK, paving the way for other heritage buildings to offer step-free access for visitors. 

Sliding-Over Fixed Rooflight Maximises Light In Mansard Roof Extension Case Study

Electrically Hinged Rooflight Provides Effective Light Source To Grade 2 Listed Barn Case Study

With the aim of making a somewhat dated house welcoming and comfortable for a young family from Vilnius, the architect Ieva Prunskaitė of the Prusta studio redesigned the interior. The minimal, clean design combines functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter. Wood, plaster and cement are the three elements that are used throughout the house.The predominantly white walls with ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged white doors contrast beautifully with the wooden flooring. There are also wooden accents across the white kitchen cabinets and wooden panelling defining storage areas and a cloakroom between the main door and the living room.The interior is also interspersed with accents of grey and black in the form of the black marble worktop and black chairs in the kitchen, the minimalist wood burning stove, grey accent wall and grey sofa in the sitting room and a decorative black metal screen with a geometric design separating the master bedroom with the ensuite.The minimalist style of the ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged doors integrate perfectly into this interior being almost invisible, whilst being accented with sleek black handles echoing the colour scheme throughout.The ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door is part of the Syntesis® Flush Collection. This is a range of flush or architrave free products that work in harmony with each other. The collection features a, the concealed hinged door frame (available as a door set or frame only), pocket door system without jambs or architrave and a flush skirting board adapter. The emphasis is on uninterrupted, clean lines for an interior without fuss, where less is more.Architect: Prusta studioProduct: ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door

Architect: Simon Gill Architects. The brief for this project in Putney was to modernise the ground floor of this red-brick detached house, create a larger dining room and better connect the inside of the home with the garden. The end result is a complete transformation. Gone are the compressed spaces and smaller rooms and in their place is a large open-plan living area with seamless connection between the lounge, kitchen and dining room. These open plan spaces are filled with natural light thanks to a combination of Grand Slider II sliding doors and huge fixed frame picture windows.

The new build £75m project is part of the regeneration of the Temple Quarter enterprise zone in the city and includes a new office development at 3 Glass Wharf. The office building which will be occupied by HMRC, features a shimmering external envelope with an amalgamation of glazed units and rainscreen panels finished in a palette of champagne and sea foam green. The result is an external facade that creates a symmetry with both the surrounding buildings and its proximity to the riverside area. Metalline supplied and manufactured over 3000m2 of bespoke aluminium rainscreen panels which included large 4.0metre x 2.0metre panels featuring a 3D effect diagonal crease across each panel to enhance the light and shaded appearance of the façade. Each of these panels were finished and delivered in batch quantity to ensure continuity of colour. Working closely with Darling Associates and Glassolutions, Metalline produced a special bespoke support bracket to accommodate the 3D effect panels. These were pre-assembled in factory-controlled conditions to shorten installation time on site. Metalline also supplied a range of aluminium interlocking soffits in varying lengths and widths that create an eye-catching feature to each of the 8 storey balconies. Metalline has continued to invest in state-of-the-art machinery and has led the industry with having capacity to process material of up to 6.0metres, this includes a custom made 6.5metre vacuum bonding tent press, 6.0metre press brake and router beds. This investment has given Metalline the ability to offer solutions for designers and architects that previously were not available.

Set to be the tallest building in Africa at 250-metres with 55 stories, Mohammed Tower IV is a new high-rise tower designed by Rafael de la Hoz & Hakim Benjelloun to resemble a rocket on its launch pad. The striking development will be visible from 50km in all directions and forms the centre piece in the Bouregreg Valley Development Project, which plays a leading role in the development programme for Rabat, ‘the City of Light,’ in the Moroccan Capital of Culture. Once complete, the project will provide a luxury hotel, commercial offices, high-end residential apartments, and a viewing sky terrace.The ChallengeSustainability and energy efficiency are both primary design considerations in this project, with the client aiming to achieve LEED Gold and HQE quality standards. LEED certification provides an independent guarantee of a building’s green features, with a LEED Gold rating representing first-class leadership in resource-efficient building design, construction, operations, and maintenance.Farrat were contacted via our export partner in the GCC region, UniGroup, to supply a high-performance, robust, and certified fire-resistant thermal break solution to mitigate against thermal bridging across façade connections for contemporary facade design company Glassline Abu Dhabi. Farrat Structural Thermal Breaks are favoured across the construction industry, as the most efficient & responsible way to thermally separate structural connections and prevent heat loss in the building envelope.The thermal breaks would form part of a wider sustainable construction program, alongside smart energy efficiency systems such as 3350 m² of photovoltaic solar panels on the South façade, rainwater recovery and wastewater recycling systems and an internal energy recovery system to produce hot water.The SolutionFollowing a review of the connection designs, Farrat TBF was selected as the optimal structural thermal break material for extensive use across the façade connections of Mohammed Tower, to prevent heat transfer through steel beams where the external building aspects meet the interior.Farrat TBF is an A2 rated non-combustible structural thermal break material capable of maintaining superior structural performance at temperatures more than 1000°C. Farrat TBF also provides high-level thermal performance to solve structural thermal bridge issues and exceeds all current fire regulatory requirements for buildings above (and below) 18m.Following several high-rise fire tragedies across the globe, increasing numbers of building designers are looking to go beyond the standard when it comes to fire safety.The DesignThe inherent non-combustible composition of Farrat TBF was the solution to the fire element of the design, allowing unrestricted use in the high-rise construction. Use of the material’s remarkably high compressive force resistance allowed Farrat to assess the transmission of loads through the structural connection, sufficient to maintain performance under influence from weather stresses.The Outcome“In designing and securing this high-performance project, Farrat utilised the full extent of our material research & development skills and harnessed our extensive experience of thermal bridging projects in all climates and circumstances around the globe,” states Chris Lister, Commercial Manager of Structural Thermal Breaks at Farrat.“The resulting construction details are to the highest levels of structural and fire safety performance whilst also being beautiful in their simplicity.”Structural Thermal Breaks with FarratFarrat Structural Thermal Breaks are favored across the construction industry, as the most efficient & responsible way to thermally separate structural connections and prevent heat loss in the building envelope.#onamission

The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire is recognised across the globe for its innovative research across a number of scientific fields. The lab employs over 1600 scientists and, as its work has developed, it became clear there was a need for a new, flexible space for testing the latest equipment. Oxford Architects created an iconic, curved design for the R105 Facilities Support Building and, in a break from the standard metal-clad facades of the surrounding buildings, specified a colourful façade using Kingspan Day-Lite Klick wall lights.

Utilising the same bricks as were being laid by the bricklayers to the masonry walls, FastClad supplied the cladding to the balconies so that there was a seamless match.Collecting bricks from site to ensure that they were from the same production run, the slips were cut and bonded to our profiled backing board at our Leicester factory.These boards were then returned to site for mechanical fix to the balcony structures and pointed in a lime mortar to match that of the cement mortar being used by the bricklayers at an off-site compound.The balconies were then craned into position and fixed to the structure.

Both WC and Shower cubicles come in the form of Marathon System D Cubicles. Featuring a curved aluminum pilaster and headrail, the 10mm toughened float glass doors and dividers look stunning in Traffic White from the Prospec standard glass collection. Our Marathon Laminate Wet lockers are also finished in Prospec White and give users the space to lock their belongings away while immersing themselves in the one of a kind spinning experience. In a mix of 2 and 3 tier configurations, the lockers are secured with Prospec OCS electronic code locks.

As part of the exhibit, Gradus was chosen to provide LED stair edgings for a custom-built theatre to showcase two films from Rosalind Nashashibi, one of the shortlisted artists. Her films use the camera as an eye to convey moments and events, merging everyday observations with fantastical and mythological elements. Electrical Gaza (2016) captures the self-contained life of Gaza, removed from the world yet somehow enchanted and Vivian’s Garden (2017) depicts the relationship between two artists, who are mother and daughter, in the connected houses they share in a jungle garden in Panajachel, Guatemala.

A lightweight solution... CHALLENGE A lightweight solution was required for the mounting of the PV installation on a production hall from Opel in Rüsselheim. For some years there existed no smart solutions for PV installations on roofs. Today we start to see the downside of PV roof installations that are not coping well with the weather conditions on top of roof constructions. Common mistakes made on PV roofs: • PV panels flying off the roof due to high winds where the attachments have not been strong enough and not fully tested. • Water leaks due to structural damage from the PV installation itself. Mainly due to the minute movement of the metallic/ aluminium PV-mounting on the roofing membrane. • Water leaks due to perforations through the roofing membrane when fixing the PV installation to the roof. • Roofs collapsing due to an excess of ballast of the ballasted PV installations. • Accelerated ageing of roofing membranes due to the use of incompatible materials on the roofing surface. SOLUTION RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR PV fixing system. This lightweight PV fixing system does not require extra ballast nor perforates the roofing membrane. The main parts of the system are PVC or EVA profiles that are heat welded onto the synthetic roofing membranes. This system is the only system that is fully tested for wind loads up to 200 km/h, has an Avis technique (France) and a DIBT approval (Germany).

With limited vertical wall space for windows, Denizen Works utilised Glazing Visions’ fixed Flushglaze rooflights to flood the living spaces with light in their recently built housing scheme, Haddo Yard.The project, on the site of a former bungalow, is located in Whitstable, Kent and takes its name from Oliver Haddo, a character in former resident Somerset Maugham’s novel, ‘The Magician’. Haddo Yard forms part of a series of projects initiated by developer Arrant Land, that seek to explore how a town with a distinct visual identity can be enhanced by adventurous but contextual contemporary design.Having been approached directly by developers Arrant Land, Denizen Works undertook an initial design review exercise resulting in an extensive overhaul of the scheme. Despite the detailed design, problems emerged, with the ground floor living spaces extending into a single story volume to the rear of the site creating deep plans and on the second floor, apartments occupied roof space so vertical walls for windows was limited.Denizen Works contacted Glazing Vision, who they had worked with previously, with the aim to utilise rooflights over these spaces which brought light in to the deepest parts of the plan and to create living spaces on the second floor which could be flooded with light, even with a lack of vertical wall space.“Glazing Vision always provide good technical support which makes specifying and detailing their products very easy”, explains Andrew Ingham, the architect working on the project.One of the most important factors for Denizen Works when they sourced the rooflights were the frameless appearance of the Glazing Vision Flushglaze rooflights. Three fixed rooflights were used, measuring 2000x1000mm, as means of providing natural daylight and helping to maintain the clean, contemporary and minimal detailing that had been employed throughout the project.The resultant scheme comprises of 6no. two bed flats and 1no. 1 bed flat spread over three floors, each enjoying dual aspect and south-facing living spaces overlooking the gardens. The ambition for Haddo Yard was to create a distinctive and contemporary expression of local identity. The finished building asserts a bold and confident presence within its context.Haddo Yard is the first completed building by Denizen Works and Arrant Land, helping to present a unique addition to Whitstable’s built environment. Andrew Ingham concludes “We’re very proud of Haddo Yard and we have heard first hand just how much the current residents enjoy the light, contemporary spaces we’ve designed.”

Sector:     EducationArchitect:  Innes Associates Specified for: ·      Sustainable construction·      Inner timber frame ·      Durable external aluminium·      Design versatility·      Competitive pricingDesigned by architects Innes Associates, the latest addition to Cromer Road Primary School is a distinctive, L-shaped red-brick classroom building which wraps around a newly landscaped play space. VELFAC slim-framed windows and doors are a key feature of every facade, with dark grey external frames emphasising the pattern of shadows created by textured brickwork and inset window apertures. The VELFAC system has also helped architect Corrie Rounding meet challenging regulatory and sustainability targets while maximising usable space, increasing natural light and improving ventilation. ‘We pushed the contractor to specify VELFAC as we knew the composite frame was the right fit for the Cromer Road project,’ says Corrie. ‘The sustainability of the VELFAC system, and its low energy performance, met Department of Education requirements, while the robust external aluminium frame is ideal for a busy school environment. The design of the windows and doors also met our aesthetic brief, especially the inner timber frames. These are clear lacquered to emphasise the wood, provide a link with the trees surrounding the new building, and to deliver a less ‘sterile’ finish than aluminium or uPVC.’The VELFAC system could also meet key ventilation, daylighting and budget targets: ‘To manage costs, and maximise daylight in the right places, we concentrated our glazing allowance at the areas of most activity,’ explains Corrie, ‘but we also used windows to maximise the usability of the interior. For example, we used tall slim VELFAC units to illuminate the staircase but placed larger windows directly under the stairs to create an additional and useful breakout space.’The Cromer Road building is naturally ventilated, unusual for a Department for Education funded primary school project, with VELFAC units carefully configured to support an efficient flow of fresh air: ‘We wanted to make sure the building could stay comfortable without the need for mechanical cooling, even through the hottest summer,’ says Corrie. ‘This meant the placement of smaller windows on south facing facades, to manage solar gain, and the specification of multiple opening units across the building, including high level teleflex-operated lights. These are especially important in the classroom window screens where ventilation is guided by CO2 monitors.’ To ensure the security of children and staff, all windows also feature restrictors, with finger guards fitted to doors as an additional safety measure.Corrie was also pleased with the support provided by the VELFAC team, especially in the early stages: ‘VELFAC provided the estimates and performance data we needed to convince the contractor that VELFAC was the ideal solution for this project,’ she says, ‘and the school was certainly very happy with the end result’.

Retail Lighting Project completed with one of our wholesale partners BEM Finchley.Bikesoup is to launch its flagship store in Westfield, London, in early November.Founded by the late Anthony Auty and backed by retail entrepreneur and Dragons Den investor Touker Suleyman, Bikesoup is a one-stop shop for second-hand bikes and equipment.Suleyman said: “In the aftermath of the pandemic Tom, Tej and I saw an exciting up rise in cycling and the community culture that comes with it. It brought back many memories of cycling as a child and later in life with our own children.“We noticed a significant gap in the market to provide London cyclists with a premium, same-day servicing, bike shop in West London. We wanted to fuel the passion that comes with this sport by showcasing the latest technologies, being home to the best bikes across a variety of sectors and housing a coffee shop that will encourage conversations and storytelling amongst like-minded cyclists.”In February 2021, Suleyman welcomed Tom Singh, entrepreneur behind high street giant New Look, and former Dragons Den investor Tej Lalvani, CEO of Vitabiotics, as co-investors of Bikesoup.Bikesoup is now set to bring West London a curated edit of premium and bespoke bikes, carefully selected products and a showcase of the latest cycling technologies.Visitors can expect to see the latest bikes from brands including BMC, Scott, Giant and Gogoro, as well as some bespoke one-of-a-kind builds displayed over two floors totaling 5500 sq. ft.

The sides of the pontoon, bridge and ramp at Battersea’s river boat service required ultra safe balustrades. These had to be a natural fit to the industrial environment. The Square Line 60x30 stainless steel balustrade perfectly suited the job. Its stainless steel posts were welded to the pier for extra robustness, and toughened glass infills of 10 mm thick were added. The Q-lights Spotlight LED system was invisibly embedded in the handrails for extra safety at night. The industrial looking stainless steel elements of the Square Line 60x30 system add to the appearance of the pier.

AG supplied its well-established Plaza Lineal paving in Salt, Pepper and Birkes to provide a beautiful and robust hard landscaping solution for external surroundings at the highly esteemed Exeter School. Creating a pedestrianised area at the centre of the site, making it safer and a more aesthetic and pleasant environment for pupils and staff. The striking colour blends creates an eye-catchingly beautiful contrast with the 1633 building, adding vibrancy to the school.The Plaza Lineal 120mm paving was laid to allow a one-way system through the site. Plaza Lineal paving was the perfect choice for Clifton Emery Design as the paving has a technical loading capability of 3.5 tonnes on flexible construction, making it ideal for lightly trafficked and pedestrian areas that require access for cleaning and light vehicles. The ultra-linear formats and mixed sizes have been designed to deliver maximum performance and versatility – offering almost limitless design possibilities for architects.The recent refurbishment is part of Exeter School’s long-term strategic planning programme.

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

A new paradigm of beauty and functionality: Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles decorate the exterior floors of a luxurious private villa.In a refined residence on the outskirts of Memphis, the spacious, bright spaces boast the traits of an exclusive designer identity based on a perfect balance between technical performance and aesthetic research. Capable of ennobling the surrounding environment thanks to their value and uniqueness, Atlas Concorde concrete-look tiles were chosen to furnish outdoor paving and the edges of the outdoor swimming pool. An expression of an original urban chic style, the ceramic surface selected for the outdoor spaces is enhanced by textures featuring a blend of the warm shades of oxidation and the cooler hues typical of concrete. In a setting where harmony reigns, the ceramic material stands out not only for its marked personality, but also for the characteristics of safety and reliability necessary when designing outdoor environments. In fact, the large garden of the American residence features concrete-look porcelain tiles in the large 120x120 cm grip format with a 2 cm thickness specific for outdoor pavers: a guaranteed non-slip – and therefore safe – surface. The light colour also makes them ideal for outdoor paving where people walk barefoot during the summer: by absorbing little external heat, the surface is less warm to the touch. The permanence of the ceramic material and the simplicity of cleaning ensure a refined, pleasant external environment over time. With a variety of effects and textures, Atlas Concorde's large format tiles satisfy a wide range of tastes and trends, interpreting the diversity of their original materials and transforming them into an authentic visual and tactile experience that can enhance any project.

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Seddon Construction to provide external furniture to a state-of-the-art new Veterinary School in Staffordshire. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is a joint venture with Harper Adams University and is located on Keele University’s campus. The building is a modern take on the traditional surrounding redbrick architecture. Located in North Staffordshire, the rural campus location consists of extensive woods and lakes, an ideal location for the country’s future vets.To complement the building's distinctive raw umber colour the client opted for a range of corten street furniture. Corten Steel is sandblasted before proceeding with the oxidation process, designed to limit water consumption and achieve a more consistent finish. Pre-Weathering reduces the level of washout onto surrounding surfaces, units can be fully sealed with anti washout or wax protection treatment to eliminate leakage altogether.The street furniture package was to be positioned around the building's entrances and main thoroughfares. The selection of pre-weathered Corten Steel products includes Spencer T Litter Bins which have a modern tapered design, Cube bollards that can also be used as seating, and Vision Bollards that have an in-built LED light that provides a subtle ambient light for the walkways and entrance. Removable Stainless Steel Bollards were also supplied to provide restricted access for authorised vehicles to particular areas of the campus. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is now a site that provides excellent teaching to aspiring vets, and has a safe and harmonious outdoor space for respite from the heavy workload. 

Plants bring a new dimension to an otherwise dull and lacklustre indoor environment. Desk, shelf and window space does not always allow for houseplants though – but that should never limit the options – there’s the wall space too! Leaf colour, floral interest – plants can bring warmth,visual impact and a welcoming backdrop for employees and visitors in the form of a LivePicture living art wall frame. LivePicture adds nature to any office.

The Bourne Business Park in Weybridge Surrey has recently completed two new attractive office spaces totalling over 90,000 square feet. This smart office space built for La Salle Investment Management by Volker Fitzpatrick features new thinking in office design and features a range of metal fabrications on the external envelope manufactured and supplied by Metalline. Using high grade J57S UP aluminium, Metalline manufactured and supplied a range of aluminium pressed components. These included a specialist fascia panel that incorporated bespoke internal supports to ensure that the front face of the panels remained extremely flat together with heads, jambs and cills, for the window pods. To accentuate the flat clean lines of the building, Metalline produced a special secret internal dual toggle, which guaranteed that each panel was aligned correctly and there was uniformity across all the panels. Designed to attract the eye these smart office spaces feature panels and pressings finished in a specialist Regency Gold 2 anodised finish together with glazed in panels in RAL 7035 light grey that were also supplied by Metalline.

Whitethorn Village is an attractive residential scheme positioned adjacent to the centre of Naas. The contemporary development led by Cairn Homes PLC includes a mix of spacious family homes and two apartment buildings. These comfortable, sustainable residences offer the very best in terms of quality and energy efficiency.Developer Cairn Homes collaborated with Horizon Offsite to deliver the impressive 5-storey residential blocks in Whitethorn Village, benefiting from off-site fabrication, accuracy, and rapid completion within a tightly controlled cost plan.The apartments were constructed using an offsite fabricated light gauge steel (LGS) structural system. The external LGS wall panels and floor decking used in this system incorporated a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions. This included the advanced fire rated components EXOPERM MONO DURO 200 breather membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR airtight and windtight tape, the multi-purpose adhesive VERBOND, and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and VARA SEAL smart airtight tape.