"furniture"

"The most modern and largest municipal archive in Europe", Cologne proclaims, is now in their city. The future of the city archive had been uncertain for decades: first due to a lack of space, then came the collapse in 2009. The repository with its fragile treasures lay in ruins. No one expected this kind of new beginning. Through the office Waechter+Waechter Architekten, a new building was erected on a different site. With its opening, the rescued archives, the staff and the users are making a comeback - and a successful one at that. For the architects mastered the merging of two opposites. The transparency and openness of a civic archive is now in harmony with an indestructible security wing for the archives. Bronze and glass enclose the façade, of which there are actually two, because the building consists of an outer and an inner cuboid. The core houses the treasures, while the shell houses the offices, laboratories and workshops, the lecture hall and the foyer, whose interior glass façade provides a view of two atriums and the bronze body of the magazine.The staff offices and the lifts are covered with grey linoleum flooring, because Waechter+Waechter value the flooring as a sustainable and ecological product that meets high hygienic as well as aesthetic requirements and is hard-wearing at the same time. On the outside as well as on the inside, the beautifully ageing material of bronze is used again and again, as great importance is attached to the fact that the materials used haptically tie in with the task of preserving significant testimonies of time. Waechter+Waechter speak of their idea of connecting the areas through the repetition of the materials. This attention to detail is also reflected in the use of linoleum. The stair treads and the custom-made tables made of Douglas fir wood, the benches and the shelves have received an inlay of furniture linoleum "in a pastel moss green" (Bauwelt issue 20.21). Protected, the archival material is placed on gentle material for viewing, the colour tone has a soft effect, which gently dictates the handling of the treasures.

Our most recent project was in Romford, London. We worked alongside Vincent Stokes on their refurbishment of the changing area at Central Park Leisure Centre. The project included a variety of new furniture for the changing rooms, Helmsman supplied new lockers and bench seating.The client chose our Leisure Lockers, which are manufactured with an aluminium body and solid grade laminate doors. These lockers are specifically designed to withstand an environment subject to high moisture, humidity and chlorine, perfect for swimming pool changing rooms such as this project. The choice of lockers for Central Park Leisure centre were a mix of 1 and 2 compartment lockers.Helmsman’s leisure lockers come in a variety of colours and finishes, and with a variety of suppliers, there’s a huge range of colours to choose from. For this project, Vincent Stokes requested lockers in 3 colours, with Greenlam Laminate doors manufactured in Pearly White, 268 Dust and 297 Blue Galaxy. These colours work brilliantly together and match the rest of the design in the changing rooms perfectly. A popular choice of lock for a leisure centre changing rooms is a coin return lock. The locks used for this project were Ojmar coin return locks, with wrist straps, perfect for a swimming pool environment to keep the keys safe whilst the customer uses the facilities. We also produced bench seating for the project at Central Park Leisure Centre, with both wall to floor benching complete with hook boards, and wall island benching. These were manufactured with Greenlam laminate slats in colour 297 Blue Galaxy to match the lockers and the rest of the changing room design. It was great to work with Vincent Stokes on this project. If you need leisure lockers, bench seating, or have a project you want to chat with us about, give us a call today on 01284 530427 or email specifications@helmsman.co.uk

Pure luxury in the newly constructed building between the terminals  The 5-star Hilton Munich Airport hotel is situated like an oasis of tranquillity between terminal 1 and 2 at Munich Airport.The hotel enjoys a high occupancy rate and had an annex constructed to increase the number of exclusive rooms. Completed in 2016, only the finest of materials and finishes were used in the new building, to establish a very special atmosphere. With the abstract silhouette of the Alps and the wooden furniture, for example, the charm of the state capital of Bavaria is reflected in the premium interior furnishings. Select designer creations can be found in the sleeping areas, and naturally also the bathrooms. The interior architects JOI-Design, with proprietors Peter Joehnk and Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk, were responsible for the concept design for the hotel rooms. Entering the bathrooms, the brilliant chrome finishes of the KEUCO accessories and the iLook_move cosmetic mirror immediately catch the eye. Gleaming luxuriously, the KEUCO products jump out at you from among the more unobtrusive colour schemes of the tiles and interiors. Designed by the renowned Tesseraux+Partner design agency in Potsdam, the iLook_move cosmetic mirror shines particularly with its extraordinarily clever and durable hinge design.The mirror can be arranged optimally vertically, horizontally and in angle of inclination. The rugged wall mounting and the premium quality and workmanship will make it an indispensable companion in the hotel bathroom for many years to come.Individually adapted PLAN grab bars from KEUCO grace the glass doors of the shower partition and the drawer of the washbasin cabinet and can also be used as a towel holder. Another PLAN grab bar in the shower provides guests with a sense of security. With its strong design, KEUCO's EDITION 11 shower basket hangs beside it in harmonious combination. Its striking yet discreet language of form lends the shower basket a unique aesthetic.

Private Clinic Blomenburg stands for holism when it comes to the therapy and design concept.A haven in the middle of a beautiful environment in the north of Germany: The 19th Century Blomenburg („Burg“ for castle), is surrounded by a huge park. Away from the everyday hustle and bustle, offering 69 furnished in premium quality, spacious single rooms and suites. The modern bathrooms are equipped with KEUCO furnishings and complement the syntonic interior design. Here the guests can dedicate their soul to regeneration in a quiet and peaceful stylish ambience.The elaborate restoration of the building was carried out taking the historic importance and special use of the Blomenburg into consideration. The new building with its generous glass facade was constructed under the castle rock and now accommodates the guest rooms. Between the old and the new building, there is an approximately 800m² big spa and pool area engrafted in the topography of the castle rock. The historic buildings surrounding the castle yard are used for social purposes, medical fitness, healthy living and mindfulness training of the body, soul and mind. The exclusive design of the indoor rooms is not to be compared with the magnificence of the outside of the buildings.Noble materials and luxurious items of furniture in the guest rooms create an ideal setting for convalescence and relaxation. This temporary home equipped with KEUCO furnishings and accessories in the bathroom offer the guests plenty of storage space for personal care products. Not only do the PLAN vanity unit and tall unit in unobtrusive truffle offer generous storage space, but the light mirror with a frame offers additional storage space. The perfect light lets the windowless bathrooms appear brighter and friendlier. The integrated mirror heating makes it possible to look in the mirror after a hot and relaxing shower.IXMO fittings in a strong design offer intuitive use to reach the right temperature. Matching accessories nicely round-off the bathroom interior in a coherent way and perfectly match the high-class concept of the clinic.

Innovative Solutions to Common ChallengesThe StayCity Hotels project was one in which Umbra's unique motorisation options were brought into play in a major capacity.The main challenge at the time was that motorised blinds were catching on objects within the room such as furniture and other objects obstructing the blinds mechanism. This was causing damage to the blind system themselves and meant a lot of downtime and maintenance cost. This was solved by a unique obstacle detection solution that Umbra offers, meaning that the blinds would stop when coming into contact with an outside object.The wide range of fabric options Umbra offers also helped greatly in this project. A fabric with high heat control properties meant that over the entire hotel, large savings could be made on heating and cooling costs. With sensors within the blinds also being able to communicate with the BMS, helping further with heat control and therefore energy efficiency.This is where Umbra's unique obstacle detection motors came into play, whereas before an obstacle would have been met with the force of a blind trying to close despite being unable to, now the smart sensors detected the obstacle and brought the mechanism to a swift halt, saving the obstruction from damage or wear.The full blackout KuroLok blinds also go a long way in quality of sleep for the residents of the hotel, blocking all light and creating a private environment greatly heightened the customer experience.The wide range of fabric options Umbra offers also helped greatly in this project. A fabric with high heat control properties meant that over the entire hotel, large savings could be made on heating and cooling costs. With sensors within the blinds also being able to communicate with the BMS, helping further with heat control and therefore energy efficiency.

With their delicate nuances, Atlas Concorde concrete-look porcelain tiles define the contemporary esthetic of a Spanish residence. Explore the project.The elegance of contemporary architecture with its clean lines and spaces that communicate with each other is the central theme of a home in Sant Quirze Des Vallès on the outskirts of Barcelona. Warm colors that evoke the cozy ambiance typical of Catalonia give the residence a modern flavor, where every piece of furniture faithfully does its part to reinforce the overall style.In this context, concrete-effect porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde were selected to clad the building's interiors and exteriors. The warmth of a lived-in space and the authenticity of places reborn to a new life are the values evoked by concrete-effect porcelain floors. Applied in an ivory color, Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles give the rooms a relaxing yet dynamic vibe.In the kitchen, concrete-look tiles were the ideal choice to visually enlarge the space, increasing its depth and making it more welcoming. The ivory shade of the porcelain tile also matched perfectly with the minimalist style of the bedroom, bringing out the space’s contemporary character.The sophistication of this contemporary style is also evident in the outdoor spaces of the residence, where the patio and pool area recall a luxury resort. Indeed, the wide selection of Atlas Concorde outdoor porcelain tiles allows for coordinated indoor-outdoor projects, ensuring the esthetic continuity of the various spaces. Furthermore, porcelain slabs with a 20 mm thickness guarantee non-slip performance and high resistance to weathering.Homes with contemporary-style architecture are treasure chests of elegance, expressing a solid bond with the surrounding nature and rejecting all glitz and superfluous frills. With this in mind, Atlas Concorde's ceramic solutions are able to perfectly satisfy the precise, timeless demand for style.

Balance pedestals form Wallbarn provide ultimate in precision and performance for roof terrace construction.This large roof terrace in a luxury residential redevelopment of a commercial block next to the Royal Courts of Justice demanded a high end finish. The roof deck had been waterproofed and insulated and 50mm limestone slabs needed to be raised and supported to achieve optimum drainage and ventilation to the structure.The client wanted a flat upper surface with no ridges or interruptions between individual slabs and the Balance self-levelling pedestals were able to create a smooth upper surface with reduced trip hazard and more attractive aesthetics across the terrace.The self-levelling nature of the headpiece meant any blemishes on the surface beneath such as laps between the waterproofing layers and drains, services etc. were accommodated easily without any noticeable effect on the upper surface.Because the self-levelling headpiece has an optic type mechanism it moves in all directions and achieves a perfectly flat upper level by itself, there is no need for installers to wind up and down separate segments of the head. it creates a better finish in much less time. The installer on this project simply loves Balance and will not use any other brand for self-levelling solutions. The limestone slabs were installed in a staggered layout and the Balance pedestals coped with this easily as the positioning lugs could be snapped off at T junction and other detail areas to create clean finishes. Weight tolerance was a major issue as heavy planters, a large barbecue, seating and other furniture were to be placed onto the slabs. Balance pedestals have a normal weight tolerance of 683kg each and a break point of over 1 tonne, so could cope with the additional weight easily. The end result was stunning. The client was delighted with the result and used this terrace on the show flat for the whole development.

The town of Whitchurch in Hampshire is a special place: most of the town is a Conservation Area, the amount of wildlife in and near the River Test means its course and banks are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the town is the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the third largest of Britain's 46 AONBs. The current Town Hall was built by a local landowner, Lord Middleton, in or around 1791, using some of the timbers from the Old Town House that had stood in the centre of The Square, and was demolished in the 1780s. During the 1800s the building had many tenants including the Mechanics Institute and a furniture warehouse.Records show that in the 1900s the building was also put to a variety of uses. The local Magistrate held sessions, two rooms were used to shelter Military Units passing through Whitchurch, and in 1919 the building was used by the National Federation of Discharged Soldiers and Sailors. Parish Councils were set up in 1896, but met at the Poor Law Institute (the Gables). More recently, the National Fire Service was accommodated in the lower middle section of the building. In 1946, Midland Bank, (now HSBC) was in the lower right hand corner. The Town Band practiced here, and the British Legion used the upper floor. Recently, an extensive program of refurbishment works has taken place to improve the Grade II* Listed Building. This included new steel doors and windows by Clement for the front elevation. The Clement W20 range was chosen for both, with krypton gas filled units. Ash pull handles perfectly complement the steel doors and Boleyn handles were chosen for the steel windows. Sarah Weir, Clerk at Whitchurch Town Council said ““The Town Council are really pleased with the new windows and door which are modern, practical and in keeping with the historic building”. 

Feeling at home when abroad: A short, medium or long-term stay in a fully furnished serviced apartment, equipped with all the paraphernalia of daily life, can be booked in many cities. Customers can move in straight away with their luggage, even staying several months. With the declared goal of understanding today the needs of the traveller of tomorrow, the project team from Apartmentservice, JOI-Design, G&S Planwerk GmbH and iHaus has implemented real model apartments for various target groups.The Apartment.Base 4.0 project undertakes the exhibition-like marketing of all forms of micro-living. These can be viewed in an impressive exhibition space in Unna, Dortmund. Various residential visions for student halls, micro-apartments and alternative serviced apartments have been equipped multifunctionally, efficiently and flexibly, showing how space can be sensibly divided up.The core of the exhibition is the two “apartments of the future”, aimed at creating a pleasant living experience in an unknown city through smart features, designer products and technical refinement. With its comprehensive product portfolio, KEUCO offers individual solutions for creative and demanding bathroom planning, supplementing the project perfectly as a strong partner in bathroom furnishings. The KEUCO range includes fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets and light mirrors, basins and bathroom furniture in a wide range of materials, surfaces and designs for every taste and budget – whether for the business traveller or the student apartment.The initiators’ goal is to support the synergies of suppliers, developers and investors in micro-apartments on a shared platform. Their task is to develop a pioneering concept taking account of the demands and wishes of guests in this sector. Entry into this rising market segment is to be made easier for investors and potential providers – and they should be allowed to profit from the participants’ extensive knowledge of the sector.Not least, the apartment ought to function as a platform and exhibition space for companies that have made a lasting impression on the project partners through innovative interior design and future-oriented technology.

Increased awareness of need for sustainable solutions is causing the construction industry to lean towards wood materials, thus strengthening the position of wooden buildings in the real estate sector.At the Latvian Construction Annual Award 2021 and the Latvian Construction Engineer of the Year 2021 contests, the new regional Customer Center building of Latvijas Valsts Meži was awarded 1st place in the category “Wooden Structures”. The project was developed following the best practices of sustainable buildings, including energy efficiency, material optimisation, and minimising the negative impact on the environment in both the short- and long term.Riga Wood birch plywood was used in various stages of the whole construction process, too. For this project, two Riga Wood birch plywood products were chosen – Riga Decor and Riga Form. Riga Decor is a common choice for interior solutions where functionality shouldn’t overshadow aesthetics. The decorative appearance allows it to be used for the design of furniture and other interior elements. Meanwhile Riga Form, another birch plywood product applied in this project, is among the top choices for concrete shuttering.“For us, this has been a project full of customised solutions – starting from the technical specification to the provided services. Close collaboration between our sales team and customer, as well as mills and the logistics, led to a high-quality end-result,” comments Uģis Ozols, Riga Wood Baltic director. Customer oriented service solutions integrated in the customer’s production line is among top services provided by Riga Wood and Latvijas Finieris team.It’s well known that construction sector accounts for a hefty amount of CO2 emissions, and a wave of urban growth is increasing the global building stock. Construction materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium are among those contributing a notable share of generated emissions globally. Nevertheless, by using smart technologies and shifting one’s way of thinking, constructions can become global CO2 sinks that support climate stabilisation. Wood is the key factor.

We were commissioned to supply and install cloakroom fittings and a bespoke ‘classpack’ package for a four-classroom extension at Hillside School in the north-east of Scotland... all to seriously tight deadlines.Portlethen is one of Aberdeen’s fastest-growing commuter towns and, within two years of completion, the local primary school needed space for more pupils... quickly. What’s more, the four-classroom extension had to be completed while the existing school and nursery operated as normal.Boyco were approached to simply provide fixed furniture and equipment but, instead, proposed a fully managed, supply and installation service that would ease the pressure on main contractor Bancon Construction. Our end-to-end package included the design, manufacture and installation of a bespoke system of cloakroom fittings, teacher walls, kitchen units and height-adjustable worktops.Challenging lead times were made more difficult by the coronavirus pandemic and new construction site rules. However, we put together a plan of works for accelerated manufacture and installed the systems in just two weeks at the end of 2020. The extension was handed over to the client in January 2021.“It was satisfying that even in the midst of a global pandemic, the Council and its partners could work together to ensure the completion of the project,” said Cllr Gillian Owen, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee.Throughout, we liaised directly with the architect and the end client, combining our skills and experience to provide a fully-managed service designed to take the pressure off the main contractor. “Hassle-free” was how they described it. The project contributed to a portfolio of successful supply-and-fit projects in Scotland. “I will be recommending that Bancon Construction use Boyco on future projects,” said site manager Colin Smith.The service from Boyco couldn’t be faulted - from the drawings and delivery schedule to the quality of fittings, and an installation team who worked diligently without fuss to get the work completed on time.Colin Smith, Site Manager, Bancon Construction

Unity Square, NottinghamPAS68 seating and plantersStreet furniture | Street Planters | HVMTownscape Products has recently completed the hard landscaping for the Unity Square scheme in Nottingham.Unity Square forms a major part of Nottingham’s southern gateway regeneration project, which includes work to create a new-look Intu Broadmarsh centre, central library, bus station and car park.The hub was forward funded by LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General) and will accommodate HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) new regional centre. The building now comprises of ten storeys and is due to open in late 2021. As the cornerstone of the redevelopment work taking shape across the city’s Southside, Unity Square will truly put Nottingham on the map once complete.”The site will eventually house up to 4,000 HMRC employees. Nicole Newbury, HMRC director and a senior sponsor for the Nottingham Regional Centre, East Midlands Region, said:“We can’t wait to move into our new regional centre. The new building is so much more than just bricks and mortar, it represents an exciting opportunity for us to utilise new technology and develop collaborative, new ways of working.Unity Square is one of ten regional hubs Legal & General has invested in to support the government’s efforts to modernise the civil service and save taxpayers’ money. Its investment in the programme crossed the £1.5bn mark last year. This scheme in Nottingham is particularly ground-breaking not only because of its size and central location but for its potential to transform the city centre, driving regional economic growth and supporting job creation.Working with Bowmer and Kirkland, a range of PAS 68 rated seating and planters were designed, manufactured, and integrated into the scheme.Finished in charcoal prestige, the concrete units were designed to complement the paving finishes.For more details of how we can help with your PAS68 requirements, please get in touch.

Located on St Mary’s Street, Cardiff, Hodge House is a beautifully renovated Grade II listed eight-storey building. Originally constructed in 1915 on the site of Cardiff’s original Victorian Town Hall, the building was home to the Welsh Co-Operative for many years.Architect Stride Treglown led the refurbishment of this historic building, converting it into 110,000 sq. ft of modern office space. Working in partnership with Paramount Interiors, they specified Allgood’s Modric and Holt ranges throughout. The development, winner of ‘Workplace Design of the Year’ and shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the Insider Wales Property Awards 2020, has had its interior transformed to suit the next generation of occupiers while showcasing the stunning original features including exposed decorative cast-iron columns and riveted steel structures from the 1930s.Our Modric and Holt ranges matched this design intent. The oak Holt range was chosen to complement the historic features, while the clean functional aesthetic of our Modric range perfectly complemented the industrial chic of the interior spaces.Helen Bartlett, Design Director at Paramount Interiors, commented:“Allgood’s willingness to consult with us and provide expert insight into how best to meet the specification at the design stage was welcome, and ensured the brief was met to the highest possible standards. The chosen products provide a finish of premium quality and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”Allgood’s Modric range is made from solid grade 316 stainless steel and encompasses the full suite of door furniture, including the variety of handles fitted on Hodge House. All products have been engineered to last a lifetime and come with a 25-year warranty for total peace of mind.Holt, designed by architect Alex Mowat, is a Nordic-inspired range of super-circular door and bathroom products made from European oak. Holt lever handles are fitted throughout Hodge House.

Coventry is a city of movements; for struggling workers, for women, for political reformers, for ravers, for refugees. The UK's motor city. The UK's bicycle city. A center of the UK's watchmaking trade. A City of Culture that uses its past to forge its future. Coventry Moves! Its Upper Precinct was a very concrete heavy city center, partly because of the style at the time, and partly out of necessity to ensure it could be re-built as quickly as possible after the Blitz damage. The project had access to a partial fund of £7.75 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) as part of the overall £11.8 million scheme. The package of works included; the installation of enhanced paving, street furniture, lighting, water features, planting, and the restoration of the historical Levelling Stone monument that was originally placed to commemorate the re-build of Coventry after the 1940-1942 enemy attacks. With the initial removal of the 'big green elevator' and huge concrete, once considered an eyesore, a clear view of the cathedral can now be seen, a view that has not been enjoyed since the 1970s. Almost every design element of this project included natural stone of some sort, making the relationship between the contractor Eurovia, the City Council, and BBS as the supplier, vital to complete each task on time and on budget. The circular shaped 'show stopping' water features created in a combination of both Italian Porphyry and Portuguese buff granite - a place where many people are often seen enjoying the weather. The benches and planters created in Portuguese buff granite, none of which barely had the same two pieces throughout, putting the pressure on BBS to individually CAD each and every one. The project covering the entirety of the Upper Precinct and continuing on Market Way, and Smithfield way, saw the complete removal of everything in situ and replaced with an unrecognizable scenery. All in time for Coventry Moves the City of Culture event.

FORBO’S MODUL’UP VINYL CREATES WELCOMING MATCH-DAY SPACE A unique hospitality space located in Cardiff’s iconic Principality Stadium, the Riverside Terrace is notable for its move away from the traditional match-day hospitality experience. To create a premium experience, Design and Build Specialists Benchmark Designs called upon Forbo’s adhesive-free sheet vinyl floor covering – Modul’up.  Situated on the banks of the River Taff, the Principality Stadium plays host to a range of events and is renowned as the home of Wales’ Rugby Union team. Working with PSE Wales and Levy UK, Benchmark Designs looked to create a distinctive interior space, capable of offering a premium match-day experience for general admission visitors. Combining a variety of furniture and surfaces with a diverse street food menu, the Riverside Terrace was designed with the city high street in mind, as Hannah Glazier, Interior Designer at Benchmark Designs, explains: “The brief we received for the Riverside Terrace was to take this space and transform it from a traditional food service and interior style, to something with a more up-market feel that had a broad appeal to customers.  “Cardiff’s high street has such a wide range of street food eateries and PSE Wales were keen to incorporate this heritage into the Riverside Terrace, with a different vendor selected to cater each match, along with live music. With such a dynamic environment, we needed products that would complement the usage of the space, providing a practical and refined finish. For this, texture was a really important design element and we wanted to make sure the surfaces we specified would complement and contrast with each other.” With this brief in mind, Hannah looked for flooring solutions that would deliver on the desired aesthetic and feel, stating: “The space itself had a very industrial design, with exposed fixings and a metal-studded bar front adding different textural dynamics. With texture and visual quality in mind, we needed a floor covering that came in neutral shades to match the other finishes, but that could also create a warm and welcoming environment. It was for this reason that we specified Forbo’s Modul’up, in its Concrete and Oak colourways combining the texture and tone of concrete with the warmth of timber.  “The realistic timber appearance of the Oak colourway was ideal for the zoned seating area, while we used the Concrete for the circulation areas, as it nicely matched the design scheme for the walls and bar tops. It was important that we used these complementary colours throughout the entire interior, from wall to floors, lighting to surface tops, helping to create a cohesive and well-rounded space, which feels welcoming yet distinctive.” However, it wasn’t just the aesthetic requirements that were key, but the functionality of the flooring too. Hannah explained: “With a capacity of over 74,000, the Principality Stadium is an extremely busy environment. As such, it was essential that the floor coverings used were able to keep up with the high footfall expected at the venue. This was another reason behind our specification of Modul’up. It has excellent indentation resistance, which was perfect for this space, being able withstand intense usage on match-days. It’s also able to be installed adhesive-free, which made it extremely easy to fit, saving valuable time during the installation phase of the refurbishment.”  She concluded: “Our intention was to create a fun and informal space that was suitable for all demographics to use. We feel we achieved this, with our use of versatile and flexible furniture, wall and floor materials contributing to a relaxed and casual hospitality experience.” Having opened in October 2022, the Riverside Terrace has been put to good use over the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, as well as the 2023 Six Nations, with a PSE spokesperson saying of the new space: “Forbo’s flooring has truly transformed the space, with its exceptional quality, versatile design and hard-wearing nature contributing to a modern and trendy atmosphere. The choice of flooring seamlessly merged functionality with style, making it an ideal option for entry-level hospitality settings. Overall, we’re delighted with the finished project and have enjoyed entertaining our customers in the new space.”  Benchmark Designs’ work on the Riverside Terrace saw the project achieve ‘Commended’ in the 2022/23 iteration of the Forbo Escapes competition. Find out more about Forbo’s Modul’up collection, here: https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/commercial-products/modul-up-adhesive-free-sheet-vinyl/cum7pa

Split over basement, ground and three upper floors, the Charles Doll Building on Grape Street, London, offers a contemporary and functional specification in this stunning office refurbishment. The development mixes industrial elements with a crisp modern aesthetic by carefully combining characterful architectural features, including vaulted ceilings with exposed brick and steelwork.Named after its architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, the building is clad in decorative thé-au-lait (“tea with milk”) terracotta – Doll's use of grand façades is understood to have resulted in the expression, ‘all dolled up’. The first floor has been fitted out to a high standard with office furniture from Vitra, providing the perfect space for those who want to move in and get straight to work.The lobby mixes vibrate contemporary wall art with industrial light fittings and brickwork. Forza’s in-house CAD team planned the bespoke black oak Firescreen partition wall to match the architect's design. As a market leading passive fire product, this Firescreen provides both integrity from Smoke and Fire and insulation from heat. This is important because in a fire emergency heat has been shown to ignite secondary fires to items, such as curtains or carpets, that are near the other side of non-insulated partitions.Via the Thinking Space Design & Build, Forza Doors supplied twenty FD30 Fire Doors with stained frames and skirting boards to match throughout the five floors of The Charles Doll Building. Chosen to match the steelwork throughout the development, the dark satin finish of the doors was selected from Forza’s Creato range of dyed veneers. This ‘Illunis’ finish is one of twelve fashionable choices in the range. Dyed veneers are an increasingly popular choice with designers as they offer cost savings over stained veneers without compromising quality.The Doors with glass vision panels, required to allow light through to the stairwells, feature our flush and quirk bead. A minimalist design option where one side of the doors is completely flush right up to the glass vision panel and the other side has a very simple elegant bead detailing.

Sitting on the banks of the River Clyde, the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel (GJCH) has recently been refurbished to a create hygienic, neutral and relaxing environment for guests. Designed by SPACE Solutions, Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) were specified to fulfil the cleanability and design requirements set by the hotel.The GJHC provides accommodation and conference facilities in the centre of Glasgow and sees a range of guests, from hospital staff and pre/post-operative patients to conference goers and more. As such, it was important that the rooms could satisfy the needs of every guest.SPACE Solutions was tasked to refurbish the 53 rooms, prioritising hygiene and comfort. Gillian Ralston, Senior Architect at SPACE Solutions spoke on the brief they received, saying: “With this project we wanted to create a welcoming, warm and inviting setting, with easily cleanable furniture and flooring. To make this happen, we had to design the rooms in a way that would minimise the risk of contamination for not only the guests, but also the staff who have to clean the rooms after a stay. However, we had to do this without compromising on the aesthetic value of the rooms. That’s why Forbo’s Allura LVT was perfect for this project.”Forbo’s Allura Decibel was specified in the Seagrass Anthracite and Light Grey Seagrass colourways, which both have a similar patterning. As well as this, the grey and green hues matched some of the design inspiration Gillian took from the surrounding environment.Gillian continued: “We chose Allura as it was available in designs that matched the scheme we had in mind, whilst also being easy to clean, fulfilling the hygiene requirements, and providing underfoot comfort. We also specified the Decibel format, which helps to reduce impact sound by 19 dB – an important factor for a hotel, where people expect a good night’s rest!”The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel won ‘Commended’ in the Forbo Escapes 2021/22 competition.To find out more about Forbo’s Allura LVT products, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura or to learn more about the Forbo Escapes competition, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/forboescapes

Architect/Designer: Urban meshLocation: LondonProject Overview: Part of a new terrace of contemporary residential houses.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & bespoke finishProject Details3v worked closely with the Urban mesh to provide a full hardware package for this unique project. We always strive to build a close and longstanding relationship with our architects, Oliver Lazarus from Urban Mesh describes below how we worked together to find the best solution for this project.‘During the last 15 years we’ve worked with 3v on over 100 projects across all sectors. 3v provide a fantastic service in terms of specification, scheduling and ensuring that the correct hardware gets to site. We are also big fans of the Vieler ironmongery range for which 3v are the sole UK agents. At Coate St we specified the 05.ER.DG.117.DR-44 . which is a great lever handle and very popular with clients for its clean lines, solidity and smooth action.There were also a number of challenging door and furniture conditions requiring expert input. Most notably the handed front locks to garage and front door grill needed to provide a secure deadlock, be integrated with a door entry system, operate during a power outage, provide ease of egress from inside to outside without the need for additional switches or door release buttons. 3v came up with a great solution that the occupant of the house still enthuses about! Internally 3v specified an excellent ‘Squash court style’ magnetic latch which enabled us to design and detail a double fold hidden door.No other supplier had come up with these solutions previously and this is a great example of where 3v enabled us, with access to their expertise, to push design elements confident in the knowledge that they would understand the design question and go the extra mile to achieve the solution.’For more information about this project visit http://www.urbanmesh.com/iindex.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151:coate-street-hackney-london&catid=24:projects&Itemid=132Photographs by Charles Hosea

Inspired by traditional Belgravia garden squares, Chelsea Barracks is an exceptional development that will create an entirely new neighbourhood combining magnificent townhouses and spacious apartments with five acres of landscaped gardens, exclusive shops, fine-dining and state-of-the-art leisure facilities. It has been under construction since 2019 and it due to be completed in 2024.Chelsea Barracks represents a historic collaboration between world-renowned architects, best-in-class landscapers and the finest craftsmanship. It is the most coveted neighbourhood in London.It is a development of 440 residential luxury apartments, penthouses and townhouses. It cost £3bn to build and was the most sustainable developments in Europe in 2021, attaining LEED platinum certification for green building.The design and quality of finish in the properties is extremely high end and includes high spec finishes including natural stonework finished by Italian stone Artisans, bronzed ironwork balustrades inspired by the botanical prints of William Morris and elegantly crafted wooden floors and bespoke cabinetry.ECLISSE UK supplied 250 bespoke pocket door systems, including Classic singles and Classic doubles with accessories, to the project and they were predominately used in the bathrooms and living rooms. Classic singles were used in bathrooms to create more space where the arc of standard hinged doors would have otherwise encroached on the space. This allowed more space for larger shower enclosures and enhanced room layouts. Double pocket doors were used to create more space and enhanced layouts in the living rooms to allow furniture to be placed closer to the edges of the room to create more spacious layouts that feel bigger. Product: 250 bespoke Classic Pocket Door System with accessoriesLocation: Chelsea Bridge Road, London, SW1W 8RGDeveloper: Qatari Diar GroupArchitect: Masterplanners - Dixon Jones, Squire & Partners and landscape architect Kim WilkieDevelopment: Over 440 two to Seven bedroom luxury residences and townhousesCompletion: The development is being completed in phases with the final phase expected to be completed in 2024.Image Source: Savills

Heavy duty hinge Wash basin SolutionPROBLEMKey IssuesWhen using concealed hinges on wide doors, a several hinges must be used to support the door, otherwise it will sag.Product InformationOne-touch Heavy duty concealed hinge J95— Suitable for heavy doors up to 25 kg (2 hinges) and 40 kg (3 hinges).— Can also be fitted to glass doors by using the optional glass door faceplate.— Easy, one-touch attachment and removal of the door.SOLUTIONThe SolutionThe use of high load-bearing hinges meant that even wide doors could be supported with fewer hinges.Issue of wide door saggingConcealed hinges are essential for opening and closing furniture doors. However, with wide doors, the door will often slope downward, or “sag,” unless many hinges are used. This article will explain how this problem was addressed.What causes the doors to sag in the first place?The following are some of the reasons why a door may sag:— The door is too heavy— The door is too wide— The interval between the hinges is too short— Too few hinges are usedThe common issue with all of these problems is that the hinges cannot support the weight of the door.The Powerful J95 hinge to support even the heaviest doorsThe J95 concealed hinge is an ideal solution for hanging wide doors. This is specifically due to its high load-bearing capacity: 25 kg for 2 hinges and 40 kg for 3 hinges. It is possible to support heavy doors with fewer hinges than with conventional ones.Support 800 mm wide doors with just two hinges!A luxury hotel in Korea used the J95 concealed hinge for the bathroom sink plumbing maintenance door. Due to the 800 mm width of the door, it was necessary to use at least three conventional hinges, but with the J95, only two were needed. Since only two J95 hinges are required, it creates a cleaner and more visually appealing appearance. Additionally, since the same type of maintenance door was needed throughout the hotel, using only two hinges greatly decreased the overall installation time.

These are the 39 FalcoBloc picnic tables Falco supplied to Manchester City Football Club back in August 2010. Now twelve years on, after continuous use every matchday, the picnic tables are in as good of a condition now as when they were first supplied!When Manchester City Football Club required a high quantity of picnic tables for their brand new City Square entertainment zone, they approached Falco for a solution. Man City required a product that was highly robust and could withstand heavy demand from football day fixtures. Falco were able to provide Man City when they chose the high quality and robust FalcoBloc picnic tables range, capable of withstanding high use and constant demand. Back in 2010, the picnic tables formed part of the club’s new development for a City Square entertainment zone, a vibrant and state-of-the-art fan experience which was a new concept in British football, located on Joe Mercer Way outside the City store. Thirty nine FalcoBloc benches were supplied along with another 20 robust FalcoSwing tables to form a seating and ‘perch’ arrangement at the Blue Moon Café. Other facilities originally provided include giant LED screens, entertainment and a superb new menu devised with the help of top chef Marco Pierre White.The Man City v Liverpool rivalry match on the 23rd August 2010 provided the perfect occasion for the grand opening of the City Square. Supporters were invited down to enjoy the new facilities as they braced themselves for the big game ahead.Along with Manchester City Football Club, Falco has also supplied picnic tables to many locations across the UK including Manchester United Football Club, Euston station, Loughborough University, Middlesex University and Assured Guaranty Europe (next to the world famous ‘Gherkin’ in the heart of London).More information on the FalcoBloc picnic table is available by clicking here.For more information about the FalcoBloc picnic table or any other product from our street furniture range, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Back in 1961, this hotel claimed the title of ‘Tallest Hotel in London’ spanning across 18 floors but now its been vastly beaten by The Shard at 73 floors.However, that won’t stop The Carlton Tower, Jumeirah from undergoing a £100 million renovation, lasting nearly 2 years. The Hotel changed the entire interior but left the exterior untouched. All areas were remodeled with a new foyer, reception, Italian restaurant, health club, and a naturally lit swimming pool. The rooms and suites were reduced by 30, from 216 to 186, to allow for bigger and better accommodations for guests, enticing longer stays. Due to the extensive nature of the refurbishment, it came with its own set of challenges. This was a big project, but added to the fact that it’s an old building, lead to the discovery of things that the team were unaware of, creating extra hurdles and more time. The works also took place during covid which delayed the construction due to supply issues and lockdown and even after the construction was complete, covid still took its toll on the company when they struggled to hire more staff and even find guests to stay because of the limitations on travel. The Carlton Tower needed bespoke riser doors with wallpaper to match what was on the walls in the corridors which we were able to provide them with after extensive testing, as is the case for all our products. The subtle nature of the concealed riser doors allows them to seamlessly blend in with the surroundings for a flush look making them hardly noticeable.The interior design was carried out by 1508 London, bringing pops of colour, and soft, curved edges to the original clean, modernist style. The hotel features a mix of traditional and modern interiors with architraves, and panel detailing, and a touch of Scandinavian modern furniture. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, guests will be surrounded by luxury in every way. Just a stones throw away from the iconic Harrods Department Store and Sloane Street, which holds some of the worlds most luxurious brands like Prada, Armani, and Cartier.

Situated on Millbank in London, Tate Britain is a tourist hotspotdedicated to the finest British art dating back to the 16th century.The site originally housed the Millbank prison which was the maindeparture point for criminals being sent to Australia. Following thedemolition of the prison, the National Gallery of British Art (Tate Britainas of 2000) was opened in 1897 by Sir Henry Tate, making it the firstof the four Tate galleries.The building has gone through numerous renovations since it’s 19thcentury opening. In 1987, the Clore gallery was opened and wenton to win a Royal Institute of Architects award the following year.More recently in 2006, Caruso St. John architects began a long termdevelopment and renovation project which aimed to create ninenew galleries. The redevelopment featured a number of differentrenovations spanning seven years, whereby Allgood were chosento supply an Ironmongery and an access control solution in the newgalleries.Working on such a prestigious project, it was evident that aestheticswere of paramount importance. The architect desired a unique finishon items, so Allgood worked closely to produce a shot peened finishon some of the stainless steel furniture. To create a clean aestheticon doors which required push plates and signage, Allgood createdan all in one solution by shot peening stainless steel plates, blankingoff areas to create contrasting areasfor signage to be screen printedwithin.Many doors within the gallery space were of traditional archeddesign which caused a challenge on fire doors with self-closingrequirements. Allgood’s solution to this issue was to specify floorsprings combined with projection hinges to provide a specificationthat would self-close in conjunction with the door geometry.Furthermore, to minimise the aesthetic impact of the floor springs,bespoke tile trays with access holes were created to conceal thefloor springs whilst providing easy access for floor spring adjustment.This provided an aesthetically pleasing solution for a very technicalapplication.Having previously worked with the museum on their Mantonshop, Allgoodwere well prepared for this project and the existingrelationship enabled a smooth operation that was completed on timeand within budget.

Eikon Design has successfully undertaken a major renovation of the Spirit AeroSystems main reception area, creating a stylish, energised space that integrates perfectly with the new corporate branding on its recently completed, world-class £28m Aerospace Innovation Centre.Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defence platforms, and business and regional jets. Eikon Design won the contract to design and project manage the reception area renovation.From the start, the designer felt that the refurbished reception area needed to reflect the dynamism and vitality projected by the Innovation Centre. The designers first thoughts were that they had to explore ways of using quality lighting and natural daylight on surfaces to create an impressive, engaging experience for visitors.The colour scheme - The designer Susan Anderson chose a neutral colour scheme that would reflect that used on the exterior of the Aerospace Innovation Centre, which was predominantly silver and grey. Surfaces – HARMONY pre-fixed slatted acoustic felt . Susan wanted to bring the reception area to life with surfaces that had different textures, depending on the light available and where the visitor stood in the room. After researching the market, Susan chose the Harmony ribbed-felt wall acoustic panels which Saxen sourced from the manufacturers, Soundtect. They were the perfect solution – grey fibre slats on a black acoustic sheet, as they had the structure, texture and colour she was looking for. Plus they were hypoallergenic and non-toxic, with up to 1.0 NRC (noise reduction co-efficient) – and a totally sustainable addition to the project, having been manufactured third-generation from recycled PET.The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are first recycled into exhibition carpets and then, at the end of their short second life, converted again into highly efficient acoustic felt by carefully re-layering the fibres to use as the core for this impressive, elegant, ribbed acoustic treatment.The Harmony panels are manufactured with fireproofing built-in, because the original carpet fibres were already fireproof so this critical safety component is integral to the product and not simply sprayed on. The Cause was responsible for fitting all the ribbed Harmony wall panels.The wooden wall panels behind the reception desk were dated, so the designer decided to repurpose them.- they were prepped, base coat applied and sprayed with two beautiful tones of metallic silver by Scottish Architectural Spray painters. Visual contrast was provided by prepped and coated matt white wall areas. LightingHaving found the perfect panelling, the designer had to consider the lighting and the role it would play. She worked with Seren Lighting, using a combination of existing products and bespoke lighting in ways which were both innovative and functional – using light to define spaces and surfaces. Depending on the way they were lit – whether artificial light, natural light or a mixture of both – the texture on the Harmony panels created subtly different moods. Also, as there is a fair amount of daylight flooding into the reception, the atmosphere of the whole space changed with the passing of time and the amount of daylight with both the ribbed and silver metallic panels creating different atmospheres depending on where you stood. All the lights installed in the project follow ‘circular economy’ principles and can be cost-effectively maintained and serviced – parts can be replaced with no need to throw the whole light away and buy a new one. The reception deskFor most of the day in summer and for short periods in winter, the reception area is flooded with natural light from two sides, so lighting the reception desk workstation needed a careful response.The workstation was located behind the reception desk, so using standard lighting methods would have detracted from the overall impression and been unnecessary for long periods. In developing the solution, the designer followed the basic principle, ‘put light where you want it, when you need it’. So an LED ultra-effect strip in diffuse profile was used under the top surface of the reception desk which threw a subtle light onto where the receptionist was working on the computer. The receptionist can switch this strip on or off as appropriate.The Cause remodelled and reformatted the reception desk to the design, which involved removing the angled elements and large posts, and replacing them with a concealed door. They also fitted the reception desk surface with a stylish, matt, dark-grey laminate, installing the lighting, graphic panel and ribbed panelling to the front. The panelling’s flexibility ensured a perfect fit around the curve in the reception desk.The reception desk skirting was painted the same colour as the staircase handrail.The Wing LightsThese were designed to develop the Wing Lights from first principle. The Wing Lights deliver light upwards, so it bounces off the various surfaces to enhance the textures and reflective differences. They also project a visual link to the ‘star’ element of the Spirit AeroSystems logo and took several attempts to create the final geometric shape. However, the Wing Lights now act as dramatic focal point within the space, capturing the essence of Spirit AeroSystems’ business and the designers overall design vision.CeilingThe existing suspended ceiling was off-white in colour, and looked rather tired so it was spray-painted with a dark metallic silver, which transformed the appearance of the ceiling and changed the whole look of the reception area. Lighting the upper-level walkwayThere were issues with uneven wall surfaces on the upper-level walkway. The solution was to apply architecturally inspired Harmony, lit by dramatic custom-made LEDs, to create the total effect – an utterly stunning, modern wall. The lights used were twin gimbal heads – round lights that can swivel in two directions. These were specially adapted from standard lights in the Seren range. The twin gimbal heads were installed in false pockets, clad with ribbed-felt. They provide functional lighting to the walkway, while adding a dramatic effect on the wall panelling.Finally, a pelmet was constructed to conceal a new LED Cob profile, allowing it to wash diffused light between the ribbed features of the Harmony panelling.The panels above the pelmet were spray-painted silver – the same colour as the ceiling – to give a much more dramatic effect.Other features…The wooden bannister handrail was stripped back and layered with different metallic colours to give a changing surface effect with different shadows and highlights. It was then coated in a high-gloss lacquer. This introduced an accent of colour, which also reflected the company’s corporate colours.StructuresDominating the reception area are two high columns, one of which contains a lift. Given the solidity and simplicity of the shapes, the designer decided on a lighting solution that would create an architectural feel, so she used beam-controlled light bars at the top of the structures to project a subtle wash down the full length of the columns.Carpets and furnitureThe existing carpet tiles were removed and upgraded. They were colour coordinated with the new, striking Italian Quadrifoglio furniture, sourced through Saxen. This furniture was the cornerstone of the designers vision vision, and its style, shape, colours and textures tie the space together.ConclusionThe success of the project was very much down to careful planning, creative thought and good people working together. Products used: Freestyle. Harmony

These are the classic FalcoSail cycle shelters recently manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco for Scottish Premiership team - Kilmarnock Football Club.Falco installed two 6m FalcoSail cycle shelter bays complete with the popular Toaster cycle rack to accommodate 16 bikes per bay. Each bay is made up of a standard 3m starter section with 3m add-on section, complete in a traditional galvanised steel finish.In view of the iconic Rugby Park stadium, the first cycle shelter bay was installed outside the Chadwick stand - towards the north of the stadium, with the second installation adjacent to the main entrance - outside the Frank Beattie Stand, off Rugby Crescent.Kilmarnock FC is a Scottish professional football team founded in 1869 and based in the town of Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.In addition to Kilmarnock, Falco has supplied many other professional football clubs with cycle parking infrastructure and street furniture including Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Wolverhampton and Aston Villa football clubs. Like all Falco structures, the FalcoQuarter cycle shelter not only meets the EN1090 Construction Products Regulations but also comes hot dip galvanised to EN1461 as standard. All products can then be powder coated in any of the 192 RAL colours in our own production facility. The shelter is clad in robust polycarbonate providing a maximum flow of light.With the addition of a simple walkway cover and optional gates front and rear, the FalcoQuarter can easily be made into a very versatile storage compound. Again with up to 5m variants, it is possible to create enclosed, weather proof spaces of any size.There are a wide range of cycle parking systems which can be incorporated into the FalcoQuarter including traditional Sheffield Stands, Toast racks, A-11 racks, Ideal racks, Perfecto stands and FalcoCam cycle stands.In addition to a cycle shelter, the FalcoQuarter design can also be used as a smoking shelter, waiting shelter, wheelchair shelter or storage shelter.For more information about the scheme here at Kilmarnock FC or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Sherwin-Williams delivers high-quality mirror coatings that reduce applied costs for seasoned mirror producer, Virginia Mirror Company.Virginia Mirror Company began producing mirrors for furniture manufacturers in Virginia and North Carolina in 1913. Now, it’s a prominent supplier of fabricated and stock sheet mirrors for residential and commercial construction throughout the southwestern region of the U.S.  As a leading producer of stock sheet mirrors, Virginia Mirror sells the majority of its products through distributors in the after-paint market. As an added layer of service, the company delivers all glass products to their customers directly, using its own fleet and loading process. The company’s most popular offering is its 42x120-inch sheets.“Virginia Mirror is known for its quality, craftsmanship and service,” said Lloyd Brigman, director of operations for Virginia Mirror Company. “From producing exceptional products to paying invoices and delivering products on time, these basic principles have been the foundation of our stability. They’re what set us apart from other mirror producers.”NEW & IMPROVED SILVERINGThroughout the 2000s, Virginia Mirror sourced its coatings from a paint supplier that eventually discontinued its mirror coatings portfolio, leaving Virginia Mirror in need of a new supplier. At the beginning of 2019, with quality, craftsmanship and service top-of-mind, the long-standing company chose Sherwin-Williams as its primary mirror coatings provider.“The kickoff discussions with Virginia Mirror centered around the quality of our silvering chemicals and paint,” said Tim Reilly, Sherwin-Williams mirror coatings technical sales manager. “They wanted to learn as much as they could before moving forward with our chemistries.”For quality, performance and application assurance, Virginia Mirror tested the Sherwin-Williams coatings on its production line.“After initial testing, we saw less rejection on the line,” said Michael Fain, plant manager for Virginia Mirror Company. “The chemicals just ran better. They were higher quality than the previous coatings we used, and the technical support we received from the team played a tremendous role in choosing them as our supplier.”

The ancient printing house of “De Vooruit” in the Center of Ghent, was completely stripped to only the ancient concrete supporting structure. From there the renovation to an ultramodern student home was to be made with steel, providing safe stairways, safe and easy to walk on platforms, as well as outside sitting areas for the students. This was all to be made in aesthetical harmony with other products, such as COR-TEN steel that was used in the project. This to create a modern look, aspiring to the students.The project criteriaPcP had to meet the criteria for a sustainable, durable product which was safe and comfortable to walk on. At the same time, the product needed to blend in well with the COR-TEN steel being used for other parts of the project, providing a modern look that would appeal to students. Another challenge was installing the new steel structure onto the existing concrete supporting structure of the original building.The solutionLannoo Konstruktie chose the OPTIMO® O2, Spiral treads – Type K and panels, as these high-quality products met all the stated requirements for the new student accommodation building. In addition, it was a bonus that the OPTIMO® O2 perforation is easy to walk on in all types of shoes, and is even suitable for outdoor furniture, such as tables and lounge chairs.“The strength-to-weight ratio of the PcP solution is very favourable. This was very helpful for us, as we had to mount the new steel structure onto the old concrete supporting beams. It was important to have a light but very strong panel and steps. PcP was ideal for this purpose.”– Christophe Lannoo, CEO, Lannoo KonstruktieThe resultThe ancient printing house of ‘Dagblad Vooruit’ in the centre of Ghent was completely stripped back to its concrete supporting structure. The structure was then developed to create ultramodern student accommodation using steel with safe stairways, safe and comfortable platforms as well as exterior seating areas for students. This work all harmonised aesthetically with the other building materials, such as the COR-TEN steel used in the project. The aim was to create a modern and inspiring student residence.Architectural steel platform and spiral stair treadsThe project lasted a total of five months from first production to final installation of the panels and steps. In total, 150 spiral K treads were used for three spiral stairs on the three-storey building. More than 100 OPTIMO® O2 treads were installed, together with almost 300 square metres of OPTIMO® O2 panels, both standard and customised. For Lannoo Konstruktie, it was a very attractive project to be engaged in, and likewise for PcP, which is used to projects which are more industrial in nature.

BackgroundThe owner and operator of a luxury retirement village in Warwickshire approached Hush Acoustics to improve the acoustic comfort in its main social area after feedback from residents raised concerns about excessive background noise.Lime Tree Village at Dunchurch features a superbly equipped bar and sun room as part of its extensive range of facilities, where residents can relax and socialise. Despite it being a relatively new development, the managers of the complex were receiving feedback from residents that the quality and useability of these rooms was being seriously affected by excessive background noise and sound echoing.Tackling the issue Keen to resolve the situation, the site’s managers approached Hush Acoustics for assistance. Step one was for Hush to visit the site and undertake an extensive survey of Lime Tree Village’s affected spaces – the sun room and the adjoining bar. The acoustic survey carried out by Hush at Lime Tree Village quickly revealed the cause of the background noise issue – common types of reflective, hard surfaces such as plastered walls and wooden furniture were indeed responsible for reverberating sound back into the room. And it was immediately evident that users of the spaces were having to do what most people do in rooms affected in this way – increase their level of speech to try and be heard, which means the issue spirals as everyone attempts to speak over the growing background noise.The solutionThe reverberation solution provided by Hush centres on its Hush Absorber 50 sound absorber panels, which are designed to be strategically mounted on walls or ceilings inside rooms affected by excess background noise. The absorber panels are Class A for the highest sound absorption performance, formed of a 50mm thick acoustic foam which is hand finished in a high quality fabric applied on the face, edges and back.After the site visit, the Hush team were able to calculate how many panels were needed to control the issue and where they would be mounted. A report was prepared for the retirement village managers with a quotation for the supply and installation of the panels recommended and Hush was commissioned to deliver the solution in November 2022. Installation of the Hush Absorber panels was completed in just one day which meant very minimal disruption to the facilities and the improvements were noticed immediately.Client feedbackA representative from Lime Tree Village said:“We always aim to create the best quality environment for our residents, so we are delighted that Hush Acoustics has been able to respond quickly to deliver an effective solution for our sun room and bar. From the initial enquiry to their recommendations and installation service, the process has been professionally managed throughout, and our staff and residents are delighted with the results.”

Through a collaborative effort with Ashe Construction, Team BOYCO successfully undertook the transformation of classroom areas.Project ScopeNestled in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, Avanti Brook Primary School is dedicated to providing students with a holistic and challenging learning experience. Recognised for its commitment to educational excellence, the school endeavors to cultivate a nurturing learning environment. In pursuit of this commitment, Avanti Brook sought to enhance its classrooms.Through a collaborative effort with Ashe Construction, Team BOYCO successfully undertook the transformation of a classroom area, crafting a space that seamlessly blends comfort with functionality for the benefit of students. The BOYCO WayBackgroundThe furniture was crafted to cater to 30 students, featuring a lower split-level sink for accessibility. Storeroom shelving was also installed, increasing classroom storage space and provide teaching staff with the space to create an organised and efficient learning environment. This has allowed for quick access to learning materials, and teaching essentials that need to be kept close to hand.Our dedicated in-house design and project management teams collaborated closely with architects to grasp the specifics of the client's requirements, ensuring the final product seamlessly complemented the school's overall aesthetic.The selection of our bespoke Peg Rails, Benching, and Sink Areas were chosen due to the Primary Schools requirement for a practical, everyday solution. The ranges selected also provide comfort and functionality for pupils, making them perfect for the classroom environment.Following a joint approach between BOYCO's project management team and Ashe Construction, along with our competitive pricing, the project was successfully fitted and completed within a 2-week timeframe.Quality Bespoke ProductsThe spaces that house the Split Height sink area and Cloakroom Benches were anticipated to be frequently used by students, so it was important for us to place a high emphasis on both durability and hygiene.As per the BOYCO standard, our timber is twice coated with our anti-microbial lacquer designed to prevent the spread of 99% of known bacteria, contributing towards a clean and safe learning environment.Additionally, all our metal work is coated in our 'Hot Dip’ Nylon, offering an unparalleled abrasion resistance that surpasses powder-coated paint alternatives by 500X. This robust solution ensures a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing product, contributing to the overall visuals of Avanti Brook Primary School. Project SuccessThis project with Ashe Construction resulted in the client expressing full satisfaction with the product, followed by positive feedback.Team BOYCO are proud to have contributed to the delivery of this excellent project and are thrilled to have transformed learning spaces for pupils at Avanti Brook.

On October 22, 2021, the doors to the new Edvard Munch Museum by the waterfront in Bjørvika in Oslo were finally opened. The museum will be a global destination for experiencing Edvard Munch's art and life – but also other art exhibitions and cultural experiences such as music, film, art talks, and various types of performances. With thousands of daily visitors, high demands were placed on the museum's seating furniture to be both extremely durable and robust, but at the same time comfortable and blend into the museum's interior.The new museum is a very prestigious project for Oslo and an inviting meeting place that is characterized by openness. The vision is to expand the idea of ​​what a museum can be, and offer the visitors completely new experiences and perspectives.The 13-storey and 58-meter-high building was designed by the Spanish architectural firm Estudio Herreros and includes eleven exhibition halls. Herrero's design is based on the idea of ​​a tower-shaped museum, where the main functions are organized vertically. With its impressive height and the distinctly leaning top section, the tower is a very visible landmark from all sides. It gives the Oslo skyline a new shape, but bows respectfully towards the surrounding city. The façade, which is clad in recycled, perforated aluminium panels with varying degrees of transparency, gives the museum an enigmatic and ever-changing presence that reflects the fantastic lighting conditions in Oslo that change during the day and the different seasons. In the old harbour area Bjørvika, the new Munch Museum is also accompanied by Snøhetta's opera building and the new library designed by architectural firm Lundhagem.The museum's main hall has extraordinary acoustics and can accommodate up to 700 people while the hall on the 12th floor has a roof terrace with a unique view of the city and the fjord. In addition, there is a cinema in the foyer that can be used for more intimate gatherings. The museum has around 28,000 objects – of which 1,200 paintings and over 7,000 drawings and sketches – created by the extremely productive Edvard Munch in its collections and for the first time, these works will truly have the space they deserve.The museum also wants to deepen and enrich the experience and insights further by inviting visitors to play and express themselves artistically and offers a range of tours and activities for both young and old.Food is also a natural part of the experience. At the very top of the building is a first-class restaurant. In addition, there is a café on the ground level next to the fjord and a bar with a fantastic roof terrace. The kitchen is run by the restaurant group MUMA, known for restaurants like Taco Republica, Ben Reddik, and Mangelsgården.Read more at the link below.

In a picture-perfect setting, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles give the Hotel Garden Park in the Vinschgau Valley an elegant, contemporary look. Learn moreIn a modern space with a refined flavor, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles help to bring out the elegance and relaxing ambiance of Hotel Garden Park.In a perfect blend of minimalist esthetics and the elegance of sophisticated contemporary apartments, the Hotel Garden Park in the heart of the Vinschgau Valley presents itself to guests with a simple style and a great attention to detail.A key focus when designing the rooms was the choice of surfaces, colors, and furnishings that best represent the atmosphere of comfort and rest typical of the facility. Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles were therefore the ideal solution for furnishing various areas of the hotel, giving them a refined look and bold visual impact.Floor and wall tiles with a troweled concrete effect and soft touch enliven the bathrooms of the rooms through a neutral nuance capable of conveying a style with a strong identity and creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and relaxing. Combined with the dark wood of the furniture, the concrete effect makes the bathroom a corner that evokes the beauty of craftsmanship, an expression of value and attention to detail.The hotel's dining room also speaks a modern and elegant language thanks to concrete-effect ceramic surfaces that give free expression to a setting where it’s easy to feel at ease. Floors that recall the strength of concrete feature a smooth, continuous look for bright interiors and relaxing atmospheres where even the minimalism of the furnishings helps to give the flooring a simple, refined look.The decisive character of the concrete-effect porcelain tiles and the neutral tones of their palette combine in the wellness area of the hotel, where the technical performance of the material and the esthetic research coexist without compromise in ceramic solutions that achieve new levels of excellence. Using different formats, the concrete-effect porcelain tiles have made the space dedicated to relaxation an environment able to satisfy modernity and classicism, minimalism and comfort, design and functionality, all characteristics of a contemporary style but that also represent essential elements for the construction of a spa.Thanks also to the anti-slip 120x120 cm format and to the 20 mm thickness specific for exteriors, the concrete-look porcelain tile solutions of Atlas Concorde have contributed to the creation of a total look with a powerful visual impact both in the flooring of the hotel’s terraces and in its outdoor spaces.The versatility of the concrete effect speaks a modern language in any kind of environment, opening up multiple avenues for design.

Continuing with the roll-out of secure cycle parking facilities to the sites operated by Barts Health NHS Trust, Falco has recently installed a bespoke cycle hub at the Royal London Hospital, based on the UK’s leading FalcoHub cycle hub design.Boasting in excess of 160 cycle parking spaces using the FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle parking rack, the new cycle hub provides patients, visitors and staff members with everything they need in order to visit the hospital by bike.In addition to the cycle racks, the new 18m x 6m cycle hub has also been clad with reinforced safety glass with bespoke St Barts Health Trust branding graphics, LED lighting and a secure access system.The attractive cycle hub has been installed on Newark Street, located to the west of the main building next to clinics two and three.Two key products of this scheme include the UK’s leading FalcoHub cycle hub coupled with the high density FalcoLevel-Premium-Eco two-tier cycle rack and when combined together create the ultimate secure cycle parking facility, providing cyclists with high levels of cycle safety in a spacious and contemporary hub design.The two-tier cycle racks are housed in a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The whole shelter is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 but also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!The Royal London Hospital is just one of numerous NHS hospitals Falco has provided cycle parking infrastructure to UK-wide this year alone. Other recent examples include cycle hubs for St Bartholomew's Hospital, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford, Basildon and Southend University Hospital, a bespoke cycle hub for Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, a trio of cycle hubs for NHS Grampian hospitals in Aberdeen, FalcoCrea cycle lockers for NHS Forth Valley in Falkirk, two cycle stores for NHS Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, cycle racks for Royal Berkshire NHS hospital in Reading and a flagship FalcoHub for Newham University Hospital in London.For more information about the scheme here at Royal London Hospital or how Falco can assist your street furniture scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

For the beautiful penthouse atop one of the buildings in South Bank Place, located next to the London Eye, the designers wanted a feature floor with a bespoke colour finish. We worked with the designers at Goddard Littlefair and decided on the timeless design of the Versailles parquet pattern. The designers wanted a show-stopping colour for this floor. We created the Belvedere colour finish; using a mixture of fumed, European Oak and pigmented hard wax oils to create a dark colour tone with red and golden highlights.To ensure a uniform and quick installation on site; we creating metre square panels with the Solid Oak Versailles pattern positioned by hand onto Birch plywood backing. Having discussed the fit-out process in detail with the fit-out team from SJ Eastern Joinery, we grooved all four sides of the panel and supplied the tongues loose. This gave the fitters flexibility to lay the boards as they saw fit on site. Once we had assembled the panels, the bespoke colour finish was applied; after completing multiple coats the panels were stored to fully cure and harden.Once the team from SJ Eastern had fitted the flooring on site, they protected it with a soft breathable cover and topped that with hardboard and taped the edges. This allowed the other trades to snag without damaging the floor. Once snagging was complete, the floor protection was removed. As anyone who has been on a building site knows, dust and debris are everywhere and sure enough the flooring needed a final clean and buff with oil to increase the lustre and make it perfect for the wow factor needed in such a stunning project.The expert team lead by Bardhyl Miskiqi of BRB Flooring came in and cleaned the floor thoroughly, removing plaster dust and other debris by vacuum and cleaning the floor down using a solution of Blanchon Natural Soap and hot water. Once the floor was suitably clean, they applied Blanchon Hard Wax Oil Satin on to the floor and buffed a coat into the floor using a buffing machine equipped with a white buffing pad. This fed the Oak another coat of oil which bolsters the protection against every day use and increased the lustre of the wood highlighting all the colours from that bespoke colour that had been applied at the factory.Once the oil was properly buffed in, the penthouse door was closed and the floor left to dry and cure. Once curing had completed the furniture was placed in the room and made ready for viewing by the client and new owner and a lifetime of happy memories.Please call 01666 504015 for more information or click the product image details below.

For the beautiful penthouse atop one of the buildings in South Bank Place, located next to the London Eye, the designers wanted a feature floor with a bespoke colour finish. We worked with the designers at Goddard Littlefair and decided on the timeless design of the Versailles parquet pattern. The designers wanted a show-stopping colour for this floor. We created the Belvedere colour finish; using a mixture of fumed, European Oak and pigmented hard wax oils to create a dark colour tone with red and golden highlights.To ensure a uniform and quick installation on site; we creating metre square panels with the Solid Oak Versailles pattern positioned by hand onto Birch plywood backing. Having discussed the fit-out process in detail with the fit-out team from SJ Eastern Joinery, we grooved all four sides of the panel and supplied the tongues loose. This gave the fitters flexibility to lay the boards as they saw fit on site. Once we had assembled the panels, the bespoke colour finish was applied; after completing multiple coats the panels were stored to fully cure and harden.Once the team from SJ Eastern had fitted the flooring on site, they protected it with a soft breathable cover and topped that with hardboard and taped the edges. This allowed the other trades to snag without damaging the floor. Once snagging was complete, the floor protection was removed. As anyone who has been on a building site knows, dust and debris are everywhere and sure enough the flooring needed a final clean and buff with oil to increase the lustre and make it perfect for the wow factor needed in such a stunning project.The expert team lead by Bardhyl Miskiqi of BRB Flooring came in and cleaned the floor thoroughly, removing plaster dust and other debris by vacuum and cleaning the floor down using a solution of Blanchon Natural Soap and hot water. Once the floor was suitably clean, they applied Blanchon Hard Wax Oil Satin on to the floor and buffed a coat into the floor using a buffing machine equipped with a white buffing pad. This fed the Oak another coat of oil which bolsters the protection against every day use and increased the lustre of the wood highlighting all the colours from that bespoke colour that had been applied at the factory.Once the oil was properly buffed in, the penthouse door was closed and the floor left to dry and cure. Once curing had completed the furniture was placed in the room and made ready for viewing by the client and new owner and a lifetime of happy memories.Please call 01666 504015 for more information.