"flooring reinforcements toppings"

350m2 of the entrance foyer and retail area was levelled and smoothed over 3  nights, allowing the cinema to remain fully operational.

The new Vista apartments occupy an enviable location, close to Chelsea Bridge and overlooking Battersea Park. As a high-end residential project, the landscaping was given a high priority.Lang+Fulton were approached by the architects to propose a suitable stainless steel grating for pedestrian use, which would ventilate the underground car park. A grating with a heel proof mesh of 55x11mm was recommended and was designed with support beams and anchor bolts. The stainless steel was pickled and polished. In addition, 31m2 of galvanized mild steel grating with 66x33mm mesh was supplied for an area which was inaccessible to the public.

Residing alongside the River Thames in Reading is the site of the King’s Meadow swimming pool. It originally opened in 1902 as the Ladies Swimming Baths and is the oldest outdoor public pool from the early Edwardian era in existence. However, over time it fell into a state of disrepair and, following its closure in 1974, has been left unused for over 40 years.

Castlebar Government OfficesBauder Total Roof System (BTRS) and BauderThermofol PVC single ply waterproofing systemSynopsisThe roof area of this government office building was complex due to expansion joints, air conditioning units and intricate detailing requirements. Work hours had to be agreed with the client to keep disruption to other ongoing work at the site to a minimum and insulation upgrades were necessary to satisfy building regulations. The office also had to remain open throughout the works, causing some logistical challenges. All deliveries were timed so not to cause any disruption to visitors coming in and out of the facility.Bauder Building BoardProject:Castlebar Government OfficesLocation:Castlebar, Ireland​Roof Area:2,500m²Specifier:Office of Public Works​Approved Contractor:Deane Roofing & Cladding​The specificationBauder’s bituminous system, BTRS, was specified because it is durable, robust and can withstand permanently sited loads of up to 2000Kg/m². The system build-up included Bauder’s 100 mm Thermotech Glass insulation for superior thermal performance, ensuring the roof achieved the required 0.17 U-Value. Small linking roof areas were waterproofed using Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply system, which is long lasting, possessing high tensile strength of over 1100N, and allows for no physical penetrations of the roof.Products appliedBauder Total Roof SystemIntegrated bituminous waterproofing system with a life expectancy in excess of 40 years.Bauder Thermofol PVC1.5 mm single ply membrane can be guaranteed for up to 20 years depending on system type.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)1 Bauder K5KA heavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet, featuring a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture. The mineral finish provides protection against UV degradation.2 Bauder ThermotechPIR insulation board with a coated glass tissue facing on both sides.3 BauderPIR FA-TEAn efficient PIR insulation board with aluminium foil facing on both sides. The top facing features a printed grid pattern to aid site cutting. It is lightweight and has zero ozone depletion potential.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system1 Bauder Thermofol U15 FRA 1.5mm thick, reinforced PVC waterproofing membrane. Stated within BBA certificate 06/4354, the Thermofol PVC waterproofing membranes have a service life in excess of 35 years. 2 Bauder PIR MTissue-faced flat board insulation, benefitting from a zero ODP and a Green guide rating of ‘A’.3 BauderTEC KSD FBSA technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen air and vapour control layer with an aluminium foil facing for vapour impermeability.AdvocacyProject specifier, Tony Collins, Office of Public Works:“Bauder delivered a comprehensive roofing solution that utilised their top quality products and unrivalled technical support. Despite the design and logistical challenges encountered, the new roof system was delivered on time and to budget much to the delight of the client” 

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.

11 Freebournes RoadBauder reinforced bituminous waterproofing system with BauderSOLAR FSynopsisA large derelict warehouse located in Witham has undergone major renovation to transform it into a storage centre for Essex County Council that will assist its services and benefit the local community. The refurbishment works were designed and project managed by Lambert Smith Hampton on behalf of the client, who wanted the building to act as a benchmark for sustainability with the roof playing an integral part in achieving this through the addition of solar panels.Bauder Building BoardProject Name:11 Freebournes RoadLocation:Witham, EssexRoof Size:5,200m²Client:Essex County CouncilProject Manager:Lambert Smith HamptonApproved Contractor:Acclaim ContractsPV Installer:CJ SolarEnvironmental focus:Solar PVThe specificationWorking closely with the client, Bauder performed a comprehensive roof evaluation survey to identify the full extent of water ingress being experienced and to confirm the suitability of adding solar. The bespoke survey report highlighted that the roof needed to be stripped back to its original deck, before being waterproofed with over 5,200m2 of Bauder’s reinforced bitumen system by Acclaim Contracts. 588 solar PV modules were then fitted onto the roof by electrical installer CJ Solar, enabling the client to generate at least 134.70 Megawatt Hours of solar power each year. Products appliedBauderSOLAR FIntegrated photovoltaic system, where the modules and the substructure are combined to form a single unit, which is secured to the roof without any penetration of the waterproofing or roof deck. System installedReinforced Bitumen Membrane System1 Reinforced bitumen membraneTorch applied, elastomeric bitumen capping sheet2 BauderPIR M 60Rigid urethane foam insulation faced on both sides with aluminium foil.3 BauderPIR FA-TETorch applied air and vapour control layerAdvocacyJulian Sanchez, Commissioning Delivery Manager for Essex County Council: “We actively look for opportunities to implement renewable energy and knew that this storage facility lent itself well to PV retrofit. Our system selection process involved the due diligence you would expect from a local authority and we decided to go with Bauder because of its comprehensive system portfolio that meant we could have a single source supply and all-inclusive guarantee; giving us complete confidence in the roof’s performance.”

Flooring contractors, 14 Flooring, have used Level IT Super Flex 30 to create 44 luxurious bathrooms at the Radisson Red Hotel in London Heathrow – much to their guests delight.BackgroundLocated at one of the world’s busiest airports, Radisson Red Hotel provides the perfect location for holidaymakers to get a good night’s sleep ahead of their flight or to chill out after a long day of travelling.Forty-four bathrooms, across four floors, have undergone a makeover to provide guests with an even more magnificent stay.The ChallengeTime was of the essence at this location. With guests already booked in, it was imperative that the flooring was completed on time to allow other trades to finish their works in readiness for the agreed handover date.The SolutionCommercial flooring specialists, 14 Flooring, partnered with subfloor preparation experts, UltraFloor, to install 3sqm of flooring, in 44 bathrooms, across 4 floors at the hotel.In preparation of the Tarkett LVT large format tiles being installed, 14 Flooring primed the substrate using UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer.Formulated to promote the adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Once cured, Level IT Super Flex 30 was applied across the entire area, resulting in the smoothest of subfloors.Specifically designed for use over a wide variety of subfloors including steel mezzanine decks and flooring grade plywood, Level IT Super Flex 30 is a rapid setting and drying, fibre reinforced flexible smoothing finishing compound.Developed with a high polymer content, Level IT Super Flex 30 boasts superior flexible properties, making it the perfect smoothing underlayment for floors where movement is likely.What’s more, subfloors prepared using Level IT Super Flex 30 are available to receive foot traffic in as little as 30 minutes, bonded floor coverings after 1 hour and resin finishes and forklift traffic after just 24 hours, allowing you to move on to another project quickly.ResultsThe expertise and skills of 14 Flooring teamed with the fantastic performance of UltraFloor, meant that it took the team just six days to prime, latex and install flooring across the hotel bathrooms.On selecting UltraFloor for the project, Daniel Lunan, Director of 14 Flooring, commented: “I chose Level IT Super Flex 30 for its rapid setting and rapid drying properties. With many bathrooms to complete in a short time frame, the smoothing compound drying quickly, without airflow, enabled us to work and install flooring the same day, which was essential. Having used Level IT Super Flex 30 many times in the past, I knew I could rely on it to perform exactly how I needed it too.”For further information on Level IT Super Flex 30 and the other materials available from UltraFloor, please contact UltraFloor’s team of flooring experts by emailing ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk or calling +44 (0) 1827 254402.

This historic landmark required revitalising to enhance its appearance whilst maximising floor space within the existing retained Grade 2 listed facade. This project required a flexible yet robust structural waterproofing design supported by the appropriate warranties. FIS were able to provide a strategy within the budget constraints exceeding the clients requirements whilst ensuring practicability of installation. The waterproof layer beneath the basement slab incorporated a combination of a bentonite membrane and a cementitous coating to the top of the piles caps providing full protection. This deep basement construction required a maintainable cavity drain system applied to the secant piled walls.

Buzon UK were commissioned alongside The Outdoor Deck Company to refurbish the external terraces of several top floor apartments located on Nile Street, moments from Old Street, London. The brand new GRAD invisible fixing clip system was supplied and installed by the Outdoor Deck Company, their first ever GRAD installation in the UK. Buzon UK supplied and installed PB pedestals, which were placed under each rail to support the GRAD ThermoAsh deck boards. The GRAD system can either be fitted onto conventional timber joists, or mounted onto the bespoke support rail system.

A home owner near Lake Constance has fulfilled his dream of having an office with a view: From the top floor, one can enjoy a fabulous vista of the water and the Alps rising into the sky behind the lake. In terms of building technology, virtually everything that you could wish for in an intelligent home has been installed. All components in the house have been networked via a KNX system, so that they can be controlled centrally and even automatically, when cross-linked with each other.Architect:  Matzke ArchitekturbüroElectrical installation: Contrel - Building Control Systems Photos: Ulrich Beuttenmüller for Gira

The Tate Modern’s Switch House is a new pyramid-shaped tower is built above the former power station’s subterranean oil tanks. The extension, which can be seen as you approach from the north, comprises ten floors that become incrementally smaller towards the top of the tower and culminates in a spectacular public roof terrace. Visitors to the roof are rewarded with 360-degree views of the river Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline, and you can see as far as Tower Bridge, the Old Bailey and Wembley Stadium.Radmat Building Products supplied a waterproofing solution to roof and viewing platform on the newly opened extension.

Stopgap 700 flexible smoothing underlayment and Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier have been used in the refurbishment of a thirty-year-old Routemaster bus to create a library for children at Tolworth Nursery. On the top deck of the bus, Stopgap 700 flexible smoothing underlayment was applied over a firmly secured plywood subfloor. On both floors, Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier was used to install premium fibre-bonded carpet tiles. Styccobond F66 solvent-free contact adhesive was used to install carpet tiles on the bus’s staircase. Stycco Flex, a rapid-curing flexible adhesive, was then used to attach the aluminium stair nosings.

The design specification was for the Sympathetic restoration of a Farm Labourers Cottage using natural materials.The interior brief was for an even textured creamy Portland Stone which was safe in use, durable and had good resistance to staining, so Bowers Basebed was selected for the flooring and stairs leading out of the kitchen.The exterior brief stated that the stone for external paving needed to be safe in use and have good slip resistance results in both dry and wet conditions.It was also important that the stone was aesthetically pleasing with interesting details. Therefore Grove Whitbed was selected.The surrounding wall was topped with Bowers Whitbed due its smooth texture and ease of shaping the edges.

The Easylift Premium is a highly convenient gas assist two-level bicycle parking system. The lifting system ensures that a bicycle can be parked on the top level effortlessly. - Easy to use: a. Light aluminium upper arm b. Upper arm on casters for easy glide action c. Upper arm reaches to the floor for ease of loading bike - European manufacture for quality assurance - Welded and bolted construction. Security bolts give additional security - Gas assist action: i. Dampers stop upper arm from falling down uncontrolled ii. Lifts loaded upper arm with little effort

Helo delivers stunning steam room for prestigious client working with top London based designer, Robin Moore Ede. Spectacular design and innovative technology come together to create the ultimate in relaxation and luxury. Helo were invited to create a bespoke steam suite with Turkish Room and relaxation area joined by two shower towers. An open effect between rooms was achieved with a minimal glass partition. Robin Moore Ede’s intriguing mix of bespoke mosaic sea frieze and honed marble seating with subtle down lighting to the floor created a steam room which offers the ultimate in comfort and visual impact!

Client: Canary Wharf Group Consultant: Adamson Associates Architects Main Contractor: Kilnbridge Construction Ltd Main Products Used: Emseal DFR-2 SystemsWood Wharf Development is certified as a BREEAM Outstanding rated, sustainable mixed-use development that covers a 23-acre site. It consists of 6 individually designed building structures that provide 2 million square feet of curated workspaces and offices, more than 3,500 new residential homes and 500,000 square feet of retail space. The site is being developed as a new 5G and Wi-Fi-6 enabled, London District to include more than 9 acres of interconnected riverside leisure space with boardwalks, squares, and parks to create an oasis of urban green space. The new multistory building structures were designed with 50mm wide structural expansion joints between floor slabs to accommodate the high levels of thermal movement anticipated, as well as the vibrations from traffic and other loadings. These joints also had to minimise any noise transmission through the floors and provide a minimum of 2-hours fire resistance, which is a key reason the consultants selected the Emshield DFR-2 System as it could easily meet all these stringent requirements. In fact the innovative Emshield DFR-2 System can accommodate more than 100% joint movement capability and is CE Marked to EN-1366-4 for up to 4 hrs fire resistance. This unique Emseal solution also has the advantages of not requiring any potentially damaging mechanical fixings into the structure, as it is easily bonded into the joint, with access only required from above. 

With London’s new ‘Elizabeth Line’ open, Farringdon had been designed to create accessible, safe and comfortable spaces that people can move through easily and efficiently - with sound absorbing insulation playing a key role in minimising station noise for passengers and staff.The solution was the installation of ROCKWOOL RW3 Slabs 75mm thick incorporated in the perforated glass fibre and reinforced concrete tunnel linings of the platform and access areas.

Fed up of renting in London, Joe and Lina decided to build their own on a tiny 38m² plot of land in East London. With a budget of just under £200k they set about delivering Joe’s innovative concept for a six half-floor house with floating concrete slab, designed to maximise the space into a 83m² home, all whilst being filmed by Channel 4’s Grand Designs. However, things soon went south…Within weeks of the project beginning in October 2015, rogue contractors had performed a disastrous basement excavation attempt contrary to the Structural Engineer’s instructions, leaving unsupported banks of earth falling in beneath the street and shutters bursting inwards under the weight of the concrete.This first attempt, described as “spectacularly shambolic” by Kevin McCloud, more than doubled Joe and Lina’s budget for the excavation from £48k to £100k, and caused months of delays in order to get the project back on track.Having already contacted Newton Waterproofing Systems to consult on the poor workmanship, Joe and Newton soon determined that if he were to save his home and get it out of the ground, he would need a specialist contractor to actively communicate, collaborate and listen to him as both the engineer and client.MJ Rooney Construction came on board as contractors in November 2015, and following discussions to determine exactly what was required, modelled the entire project in 4D to ensure that all potential difficulties were solved before work began.With the right lines of communication in place, work recommenced in late January 2016, with the first challenge being to make safe a 3.5 metre high bank of unsupported earth with sheet piles, before creating a new and waterproof structural shell of reinforced concrete.With the shell of the structure in place, Newton and MJ Rooney’s next challenge was a much more welcome one, as they created a bespoke waterproofing solution to accommodate Joe’s ingenious design for a suspended reinforced slab that acted as both a floor and a prop force against the lateral pressure from the basement walls.This entire slab rested on brackets designed by Joe and his structural engineer, insulating it from the external walls by ensuring minimal contact, and only making contact through insulated blocks with enough compressive strength to take the vertical loading. The design also created a cavity around the slab that can be fully insulated, allowing the slab to be used as a thermal mass inside the building without having to insulate the entire external envelope.Working closely with Joe, a solution was devised that enabled the continuity of the waterproofing behind the brackets without compromising the structural design.

Year: 2015Location: Croydon, UKProduct: CladdingFinish: PaleArchitectural solutions: Architectural panelsProject type: ResidentialThe Woodview Mews residential complex, in the Croydon district of London, is a unique housing concept with a unique design. It is a 1,337m2 development that can be configured as flats, duplexes, family homes or even offices and commercial units.The three-floor units can be modified to suit the demands of both the property owner and the housing market. For example, the top two floors of a family home could easily be reconfigured to be let as rental properties. Or, each unit could be let as separate commercial spaces.The complex’s PARKLEX PRODEMA Rustik cladding offers protection against UV rays, atmospheric agents and inclement weather. The panels are maintenance free and sustainably sourced, which helps the project meet high design standards, including Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 as a minimum.

Outdoor life tends to take place inside the perimeter of block buildings in towns and cities. An inner courtyard becomes the outdoor area of choice, shielded from the noise from the roads that surround the building. The Wright Place project involved the installation of 60 balconies that were also planned as design elements. Schöck Isokorb® type KS was used for both structural stability and thermal insulation.Precast balconies as design elementsA total of 300 Schöck Isokorb® elements – between four and six per balcony, depending on size – were installed in the building structure, with some welded to the reinforcement to prevent tipping during concrete application. The Isokorb® used was type KS from Schöck's standard range, which functions as a load bearing thermal insulation element, eliminating thermal bridges between reinforced concrete and steel structures and thus preventing mould formation at the critical joints. The Schöck Isokorb® allows steel and metalworkers to prefabricate to a large degree, thus reducing installation times to a minimum. Its superb load bearing capacity offers enormous scope for balcony design while ensuring outstanding structural stability.

Resilient 250 was installed as a Soft Floor Covering and bonded to the top of the concrete base. The acoustic underlay achieves the Approved Document E UK Building Regulations (The Resistance to the Passage of Sound) performance standards for Floor Type 1.Resilient 250 was bonded to the concrete base with the Sonixx SX900 adhesive in the living areas of 255 apartments. An 8mm PU foam underlay (Super 8) was loose laid over Resilient 250 and a Cavalier carpet stretch fitted on top.In the bathroom areas the Forbo Surestep Laguna vinyl was installed directly onto the Resilient 250 using F46 (Pressure Sensitive Acrylic Adhesive) from F. Ball and Co Ltd.Resilient 250 is a 2.5mm thick, high performing acoustic underlay manufactured using sponge rubber. It achieves an acoustic performance of 19 dB (ΔLw), significantly reducing the transmission of impact sound. It is a versatile underlay and can be used below various floor coverings including carpet, wood, laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl and ceramic / porcelain / natural stone tiles.The installers had nothing but positive feedback, on how quick and easy the underlay was to work with. At only 24 kg (43 lb) per roll, it is easy to distribute around site. The underlay therefore facilitated a simple, quick, clean and cost-effective installation.Features of Resilient 250:Extremely installer friendly; quick and simple to work with and easy to distribute around site.Ideal for use in Private Homes, Hospitality, Retail, Healthcare, Multi-Family Housing, Apartments and Hotels, Commercial developments, Care Homes, Schools and Education Projects.With a Thermal Resistance of 0.23 Togs, RS250 is excellent for use with underfloor heating systems.As it is manufactured from sponge rubber, it does not mark the walls unlike alternative rubber crumb underlays.Durable - provides long-lasting performance and will not deteriorate or collapse over time.Hygenic - naturally anti-microbial, anti-allergy and resistant to decay with low VOCs.

TVS Group was tasked with the isolation of a residential property in St. John’s Wood as part of a redevelopment and basement extension. With the property in close proximity to the Jubilee line and the Metropolitan line passing only 5m away from the new basement extension, radiated noise and vibration was a serious concern for the client.An isolation layer utilising varying stiffnesses of Sylomer materials spanned the underside of the basement slab, continued up between the contiguous piled wall and the lining wall, and then across the top of the capping beam and to the side of the ground floor slab.Close work with the design team throughout the planning and specification process, provided a solution that integrated seamlessly with the structure and waterproofing detail.

Cambridge Central Mosque is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque and the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge. The mosque is well insulated and naturally ventilated, using efficient heat lights in the roof and solar panels on the top to help generate renewable energy.Cellecta XFLO Micro was specified by Marks Barfield Architects as its underfloor heating insulation boards were used to help create an efficient and environmentally friendly heating system. Cellecta ScreedBoard 20 was also specified for the overlay floorboard. It is suitable for all types of steel, concrete and timber floors.Warmafloor were awarded this 250m² contract to develop this eco-friendly structure.

Angel Gardens is one of Manchester’s newest, purpose built, residential developments and is located in the fashionable Northern Quarter of the city.Residents of the development enjoy a ‘clubby’ feel to their living environment with a number of exclusive facilities included within the high-rise building. As well as cinema and gym areas, the roof terrace on the 9th floor boasts not only a barbegue / bar / entertaining / dining area but also a football pitch. Included in the roof-top oasis is an outdoor kitchen, supplied and installed by GEC Anderson. Comprising of stainless steel base cabinets, a continuous stainless steel worktop with integral sink and back upstand, the kitchen is used for functions and generally to cater for requirements of visitors to this level of the building.

Rising into the clouds at the top of Mount Snowdon, Wales, the summit centre required a short travel lift in a tight alcove for less able visitors – to replace an old, unreliable lift. Transporting the lift to the top of the mountain on the Snowdon Railway was part of the challenge, with weight and size restrictions. The Gartec 7000 platform lift fit the bill, with a 410kg limit and wheelchair sizes without a huge footprint. The modular parts were ideal for transport to the top and the small 50mm pit and minimal building works were ideal.

UltraFloor are delighted to have supplied subfloor preparation materials to Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd. to complete a 180sqm project at leading family attraction, Hobbledown Farm.BackgroundHobbledown Farm is home to a huge variety of family attractions including animal experiences, indoor play area, Raptor Centre as well as a world of adventure in the Imaginarium. Part reptile house, part water play and part interactive jungle, the Imaginarium is an extremely popular attraction at Hobbledown which welcomes thousands a visitors a year.The ChallengeHobbledown Farm is open 7 days a week and therefore the 180sqm refurbishment project needed to be completed on time and without delay. What’s more, the interactive floor needed to have a perfectly flat finish so not to pose any trip hazards for the children playing in the barn.The SolutionWith a long and established relationship working with UltraFloor, the team at Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd knew that UltraFloor’s subfloor preparation materials would be perfect this exciting project.To begin, Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd applied UltraFloor DPM IT damp proof membrane to the clean, contaminant free subfloor and left it to dry for 2 days. Once dry, the team returned to apply a neat coat of UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer before applying Level IT Renovate at a depth of 5mm.Level IT Renovate dried within 3.5 hours giving a solid, strong subfloor to lay the finished floor covering – Altro Operetta low glare for the interactive areas and Forbo Sure Step Laguna for the remaining areas.Formulated to promote adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Developed for the renovation of existing floors, Level IT Renovate is fibre reinforced for added strength and to minimise the risk of hairline cracks – reducing a common cause of failure.Suitable for deep applications from 3-40mm, Level IT Renovate is multi-purpose for extensive use and boasts excellent flow properties, making this flexible and versatile floor leveller ideal for a wide range of flooring substrates.What’s more, Level IT Renovate can also be used externally, as a light wearing surface, can be walked on in as little as 2 – 2.5 hours and can receive floor coverings in just 4 hours.Results“The materials used were all perfect for the job needed. Delivery was met by our chosen distributor and all fitted within the time frame required. UltraFloor is always my first choice of subfloor prep materials. I always get the best advice and guidance from the team at Instarmac.” Steve Fincham, Head of Specialist Projects at Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd.

Scott Brownrigg are a global design leader ranked within the UK Top 10 and within the Global Top 100 of architectural practices. They have a vision to transform the industry and enrich lives through the built environment to create a better world.

Client: Bristol City Council Consultants: Chapman Taylor Architects & Arup Design Main Contractor: Bouygues UK Specialist Contractor: Optimum Dry Wall Systems Main Products Used: Emshield DFR-2 SystemOn the site of the former ambulance station adjacent to Castle Park, the largest urban green space in Bristol, this development is designed to provide 375 new homes, with a mixture of build-to-rent and affordable housing units. This comprises a new 26-storey tower, which will be the tallest building in Bristol, together with a 10-storey block, plus a third central building connecting the two, and providing a business centre and leisure facilities for the residents, as well as direct access to the park. The architects designed wide structural expansion joints to accommodate the anticipated levels of movement between the different building structures, as well as in and between the main reinforced concrete floor slabs and the structural frame of the building. They also wanted to reduce any noise transmission through the joints and to ensure that the designated levels of fire protection were maintained, which meant that the joints had to be treated to provide 2-hours fire resistance. To meet all these demands, the answer was a single solution using Emshield DFR-2 (horizontal floor joints) / WFR-2 (for vertical wall joints) systems. These produce a watertight joint, that can accommodate high movement up to 100% (+/- 50%), greatly reduce sound transmission (STC 62; OITC 52), and which are CE Marked to EN-1366-4 for up to 4 hrs fire resistance. 

Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive.The house is a 190m² new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air.This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows.When asked, why Fakro roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying Fakro roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes.Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architect-owned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS).

Whiskey connoisseurs can now enjoy a favourite tipple at the new Ad Gefrin whisky distillery and visitor centre in Wooler, which has been completed externally with a Sto render system. Ad Gefrin opened its doors to visitors in March 2023 to showcase the unique heritage, ancient hospitality, and contemporary crafts, arts and produce of Northumberland and re-awaken the Northumbrian tradition for Whisky distilling that has slept for over 200 years. The StoRend Flex Cote render system was specified for use on the facades of the new buildings by Elphick Associates, to provide maximum crack resistance, weatherproofing and fade resistance. Using the highest quality materials, StoArmat Classic Plus is a cement-free, acrylic resin-based reinforcing coat, and up to 15 times more flexible than traditional cement-based reinforcing coats, providing exceptional levels of crack resistance with the embedded Sto Glass Fibre strengthening mesh. The system, installed by Edendene Construction Services Ltd, was finished with an attractive, low-maintenance, white StoSilco render, which will keep its good looks for years to come.  StoDécor Flex, a mesh-reinforced system comprising of StoDecosit interior plaster onto StoVentec carrier board was also applied to some internal areas of the building to match the smooth, white exterior of the buildings. StoDecosit combines the best properties ofemulsion-based plasters and silicate plasters in a single product and is suitable for decorating walls to protect against mould and mildew, and for walls in heavy-use areas.Ad Gefrin is a family run business and this outstanding visitor experience includes a distillery, museum, bistro, and shop, and is also helping to deliver economic growth to the local and wider communities of Glendale. Client: Ad GefrinDesign: Elphick AssociatesSto Applicator: Edendene Construction Services LtdContractor: Brims Construction Ltd Sto Expertise: StoRend Flex Cote Render system (externally), StoDécor Flex (internally)Photography: Sally Ann Norman Photography

We have overcome the challenge of installing low channels in an existing reinforced slab at the southern entrance to the French station.We have supplied mini range polymer concrete shallow drainage channels. This range is specially designed for areas with height limitation and load classes up to C250. Since this specific case involved a pedestrian tunnel, channels with heel-proof grates that comply with PMR regulations for people with reduced mobility were installed.

The British Horse Society headquarters is on a listed deer park with many protected trees. The building’s circular design posed key construction challenges. The single storey office building was constructed in a doughnut shape, to ensure that a mature oak tree on site was preserved. In keeping with its green surroundings Spectraplan SM120 Dark Grey, a polyester reinforced TPE waterproofing system was mechanically fixed to a composite metal deck, ready to receive a sedum blanket.

Orbis OS211 Glass Infill Top FixOrbis OS221 Midrail Infill Top FixOrbis OS201 Vertical Bar Infill Top FixOrbis OS251 No Infill Top FixThe £4million campus modifications at Accrington & Rossendale College create a transformational green space to enhance the campus environment. Wildflower meadows are the backdrop to improved access, ensuring ease of movement around campus.A modern and refined aesthetic has been created at the new main entrance with the installation of Orbis balustrades with toughened laminated glass infill. Whilst powder coated Orbis with vertical bars guides the way from the street level access elevator to the main entrance.Incorporating Orbis with midrail infill to provide extra support for the high traffic main entrance steps, ensuring safety is paramount on campus.

Amongst the three solutions offered Intastop’s Door Top Alarm was considered to be the best option. The conclusion of the clinical group was that the Intastop Door Top Alarm would provide a robust assistance aid to ward staff and provide an early warning measure.

As part of the Rochdale Riverside new development, the TVS Group was approached to assist in the construction of a new 6-screen Reel Cinema to ensure that Reel’s acoustic requirements for the space were met, as well as ensuring that adjacent businesses would not be adversely affected.

The key to this unique spacial experience was choosing the right materials for the finish. PanDOMO® offered a monolithic system for a seamless, fully custom-designed surface resulting in a harmonious, flowing space with a clear, reduced design, resulting in an absolutely stunning effect.