"garden"

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the greatest horticultural event. It is known all around the world for its fabulous floral displays, thought provoking and beautifully landscaped show gardens and for nurturing gardening trends and talent.Held in the most beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is guaranteed to inspire and wow everyone who visits.One such garden is the RBC Brewin Dolphin Garden designed by one of House & Gardens Top 50 Garden Designers of 2023, Paul Hervey-Brookes. This stunning Silver-Gilt show garden ‘draws creative inspiration from the way knowledge is passed down from generation to generation and interpreted for the modern world.’To assist with the longevity and sustainable features of this garden, landscaping expert and garden consultant, G K Wilson Landscapes, opted to use UltraScape eco-bed environmentally friendly bedding mortar and slipbond brick slip adhesive to install the beautiful Lunar Sand pavers and Dover Taupe porcelain wall tiles. For the finishing flourish, the paving was grouted using UltraTile ProGrout Flexible in Bahama Beige and Grey.In a Chelsea Flower Show first, garden designer and RHS ambassador for inclusivity and diversity, Manoj Malde married his partner in his own magnificently designed RHS and Eastern Eye Garden of Unity feature garden. This powerful and vibrant garden is inspired by Manoj’s Indian heritage and has inclusivity and sustainability at its heart. Alongside peat-free planting, the garden also embraced the use of reclaimed materials to create the limestone path and used UltraScape eco-bed environmentally friendly bedding mortar to install the limestone paving.Two further award-winning gardens to benefit from Instarmac’s expertise are Darren Hawkes’ Silver-Gilt Samaritan’s Listening Garden and Emma Tipping’s Gold Medal St George ‘Alight Gere’ Balcony Garden.UltraScape were honoured to have supported, and sponsored, each of these beautiful gardens.UltraScape has been manufacturing and providing the industry with high quality, specialist paving installation materials for over 25 years. Their proven and trusted range includes BS 7533 complaint bedding mortars, primers, jointing solutions and brick slip adhesive. UltraScape’s premium products are specified by contractors, architects, consultants and engineers for an ever-expanding portfolio of major schemes across the UK.Choose UltraScape’s proven and certified BS 7533 Mortar Paving System for the performance and assurance that comes with a UKAS seal of approval – you can’t afford not to!To find out more about UltraScape’s range of paving installation materials, please email ultrascape@instarmac.co.uk, visit ultrascape.co.uk or call their team of experts by ringing +44 (0) 1827 254402.

Six of our large raised planters can be found in the walled garden of the historic Hopton Hall on the outskirts of the Peak District. The hall has a rich 600-year heritage and has hosted the likes of Oliver Cromwell and Mary Queen of Scots. Today the hall is a privately owned home with holiday cottage accommodation. Its beautiful gardens are open to the public, who travel from all over the world to see its famous snowdrop displays in spring and its fragrant rose garden in summer.The kitchen garden sits within the walled rose garden and is used to grow vegetables, herbs and varieties of pollinator-friendly flowers.There are two rows of three raised planters. This area of the garden is sloped, therefore the planters needed to be built into it to maximise the space large beds have been built into the slope.Hopton’s head gardener opted for high planters for ease of access and each design is 0.85m high.WoodBlocX modular planters are a popular choice for parks and gardens. The combination of versatile design and superior finish means the structures work well in historical and heritage settings and equally well within modern schemes by simply switching from traditional to contemporary capping, which sits flush with the structure.Raised planters can also be designed with integrated seating and in bespoke shapes and sizes, and we offer all clients a Free Design Service which will visualise your design in a series of CAD views.Bei

Challenge  For over 100 years the Boleyn Ground at Upton Park was home to West Ham United FC. When the club moved to the newer, larger London Stadium a few miles away in 2016, the Boleyn Ground was earmarked for demolition and redevelopment. The new site, Upton Gardens, was to deliver a new suite of residential, commercial and communal property, whilst honouring the history of the site and its former occupiers.SolutionBefore any construction work could begin on site, several 6-8-metre-deep wells were dug to monitor the ground gas and water levels. The basement was then constructed 3 metres below the water table, with a de-watering system installed to keep the site dry whilst the work was taking place. The basement area sits directly beneath where the Boleyn Ground’s pitch would have been situated, and covers over 11,000m2, housing a residents’ car park and an energy centre.The basement car park area was designed to a grade 2 waterproofing environment, using PUDLO concrete in the slab with a sheet pile retaining wall. To effectively seal this, HDBR Waterbar was used and an injection hose system was also adopted. To satisfy NHBC’s grade 3 requirements for other parts of the basement level, PUDLO waterproof concrete was used in conjunction with the PUDLO membrane as a dual system with a liner wall. A podium deck, due to be transformed into a garden space, was installed using the PUDLO dual system, with PUDLO membrane fixed to its external areas. To add to the intricacy of the waterproofing design process, a movement joint also needed to be factored into the podium of two of the residential blocks to allow them to move independently of one another.ResultPUDLO’s Technical Standards Manager, Liam Leonard, said of the design process, “It took roughly 10 months of continued discussions and waterproofing designs being submitted before the waterproofing work began on the Upton Gardens development. These designs needed to adhere to strict criteria set by the client and NHBC, so it turned into quite a lengthy process. The construction of the basement consisted of different waterproofing grades, as defined in BS8102:2009 and NHBC Chapter 5.4, and we worked closely with Barratt London, AECOM and NHBC prior to construction to ensure the best waterproofing solution was used. Even though the design was very complex, it was a real pleasure to be involved with such a prestigious project.”With a rich sporting history embedded in the Upton Gardens site, there are permanent reminders in place to pay homage to the time WHUFC spent there. A paved, circular courtyard marks the centre circle, while tower gatehouses sit in the same position as the iconic yellow turrets of the original stadium entrance. There is also the Legacy Route, a tree-lined street which slices through the centre of the development displaying sculptures of legendary figures connected with the football club.Pam Reardon, Sales Director for Barratt London, said: “A great deal of thought has gone into the design of Upton Gardens to ensure the legacy of the site, with its historical significance and importance to West Ham Football Club, is preserved. We are confident that the Legacy Route will ensure the spirit of the site lives on and we have taken care to retain the memorial garden for those commemorating loved ones affiliated with West Ham United.”          Now, Upton Gardens, delivers over 800 new homes, commercial space, a public library and communal gardens.

Chris’s nature inspired garden sculptures are beautiful. From his small ferns to his large grass plumes, every piece is hand crafted with love and care.He offers his sculptures in two finishes; rustic and stainless steel. The rustic style has a beautiful rich brown finish, whilst the stainless steel version offers a shiny finish that reflects the surrounding areas.We think you will agree that both are stunningChris’s nature inspired garden sculptures are beautiful. From his small ferns to his large grass plumes, every piece is hand crafted with love and care.He offers his sculptures in two finishes; rustic and stainless steel. The rustic style has a beautiful rich brown finish, whilst the stainless steel version offers a shiny finish that reflects the surrounding areas.We think you will agree that both are stunning.Here’s what Chris has to say about Owatrol Oil:When I first started creating garden sculptures I tested out a range of oils and paints, looking for a finish that would enhance my work. Owatrol oil has proved to be the best, giving my rusted ferns a lovely dark satin finish. When asked, most of my clients prefer the oiled finish and it’s very easy to apply. On a sunny day I oil my sculptures in the garden and they’re dry in a few hours.When it comes to more complicated designs such as seed heads, the aerosol is great at covering the ‘hard to reach’ areas.I’ve been using Owatrol for over 5 years now, it just gives a quality finish.Chris offers a wide range of products. From garden sculptures, to fire-pit cubes and ornamental panels, you will easily find something beautiful for your garden.What is Owatrol Oil?Owatrol oil is a versatile, highly penetrating air drying oil. As a rust inhibitor it provides a tough, flexible finish, driving out excess moisture and air; displacing it from rusted metal, so stopping rust dead in its tracks.Owatrol Oil penetrates through the rusted metal to the sound metal below, isolating it and protecting it from further rusting. As it’s a penetrating oil it can be used directly on the rusted surfaces. It drives out moisture and air and stabilises the metal to protect it from future damage.Head on over to C K Garden Sculptures and take a look for yourself at Chris’s amazing work.

Brick manufacturer Vandersanden is expanding its Texture Generator with paver textures for garden and landscape projects. This allows professionals and consumers to render their designs in a detailed and lifelike way. These designs can also be integrated into the CAD programme Vectorworks. Integration with other common software packages for architects is in development. "At Vandersanden, we are constantly pushing for innovation and the digitisation of our offering. This major expansion of the Texture Generator fits in seamlessly with that," said Bart Hesen, Paving Marketing Manager at Vandersanden.Following the launch of the texture generator for facing bricks and brick slips, an online tool to design facades, Vandersanden is now expanding it to include its range of clay pavers for garden and landscape projects. So now the texture generator also visualises paving for gardens and public spaces in a lifelike way and allows users to design and download their own textures. This allows garden and landscape architects, project managers at municipalities, garden contractors and private individuals to imagine the end result in a lifelike way.More than 1.1 million lifelike combinationsAmong other things, users can experiment with formats and laying patterns in the online tool. In addition, they can mix colours themselves to create their own unique colour mix. This possibility is especially valuable for architects.The paver’s textures visualise public spaces or gardens in a lifelike way and help both professionals and consumers make aesthetic choices. After all, there are more than 1.1 million possible combinations at Vandersanden, all of which are available in the texture generator. The texture obtained is also infinitely scalable, with minimal repetition of patterns.Thanks to digital innovation, the brick manufacturer succeeds in making all combinations look lifelike: all pavers are scanned in 3D for this purpose, and lighting is added afterwards.Faster and more efficientThe texture generator works quickly, easily and intuitively. Afterwards, users can also download the creations, including exposure folders (including Albedo, Alpha and Diffuse) and technical specifications, allowing them to integrate the creations into their own design or 3D model."Knowledge sharing, inspiration and convenience for customers are central to us. The digitisation of our offering is indispensable in this respect. With the expansion of our texture generator for the paving of public spaces and gardens, we are taking another step forward on the digital front. We strive for the most realistic representation of our products in 3D visuals," says Bart Hesen, Paving Marketing Manager at Vandersanden.Vandersanden also enables the integration of its texture generator for facades and paving in the most common software packages for architects. This has already been done in the Vectorworks CAD programme; integrations with Archicad and Revit are under development.Try the Vandersanden texture generator here Texture generator | Vandersanden

Discover how RecoEdge, a luxurious garden edging system made entirely from recycled waste material, was used as part of a landscaping project in which a client's garden was revitalised. By replacing their worn-out wooden edging with RecoEdge, they not only hoped to achieve a polished finishing touch to their garden overhaul project but also resolve issues including material migrating and deteriorating edges. Read on to explore the transformative power of RecoEdge in this case study.The ProjectThe client's garden had an outdated wooden edging system that had lost its charm over time. The discoloured and rotting edges meant it was in dire need of replacement. Seeking a lasting solution that would withstand these common issues, they turned to RecoEdge, an innovative landscaping product designed for this exact application.Introducing RecoEdgeRecoEdge is an exceptional edging system manufactured from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic waste, providing an attractive, durable, and simple-to-install solution. Boasting a unique slate-like appearance, this innovative product offers numerous benefits that set it apart from conventional edging options. RecoEdge is installed with the use of RecoStakes which are sturdy, long-lasting and user-friendly fixing solutions, manufactured from the same recycled materials as RecoEdge.How To Install RecoEdgeInstalling RecoEdge is straightforward when using RecoStakes. With just a few steps, gardens and outdoor spaces can be transformed quickly and efficiently.Step 1 - Dig a small trench along the desired length of the edging area.Step 2 - Vertically position RecoEdge within the trench, ensuring the desired edging height is achieved.Step 3 - Insert RecoStakes at approximately 1-meter intervals directly behind the RecoEdge before securing them firmly.Step 4 - Attach the edging to each stake using chipboard screws or similar fasteners, ensuring a secure fit.Step 5 - Finally, back-fill the area to create a smooth surface before landscaping the surrounding space.Project SuccessAfter repeatedly following the installation process until the edge was complete, the client achieved the last piece of their remarkable garden transformation with the use of RecoEdge. The distinct division between the gravel and flower bed added a new dimension that was previously lacking. The client expressed their satisfaction, stating,"RecoEdge is a fantastic product that combines an appealing aesthetic with easy installation using RecoStakes.""We opted for the black edging to create a captivating contrast against the existing gravel and it has replaced the old wooden edging perfectly."ConclusionThe client's experience demonstrates the remarkable results that are achievable through RecoEdge. This sustainable and visually pleasing edging system not only enhances the overall appearance of gardens, pathways, patios, driveways and other landscaping spaces, but also addresses common issues such as material migration and deteriorating borders. We would like to extend our gratitude to the client for choosing to use our RecoEdge and for also sharing the results of their outstanding installation with us.If you have any questions regarding our RecoEdge system, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Bellway had a prime location, just four miles from Canary Wharf and eight miles from central London, with 300 metres of river frontage and panoramic city views, in which to build an attractive new housing complex.Due to its prestigious postcode, the new homes needed to be of the highest quality in terms of construction and elegant in appearance to appeal to the target clientele.Following extensive planning, K Systems brought Bellway’s vision to life and created a beautiful collection of new one, two, and three-bedroom waterside homes on the banks of the River Thames.Each home in the River Gardens development boasts outstanding thermal performance incorporating a façade with an A2 fire resistance rating and a high-quality finish with superb durability and resistance to the elements.Our ServiceThe River Gardens project took place during a global pandemic when the construction industry was significantly impacted in terms of workforce and availability and costs of materials. Despite all these external factors we delivered a stunning, successful project, within budget, without delay or compromise on quality, that not only met but exceeded the requirements and expectations of the client, Bellway Homes.We worked in close partnership with Jessella Ltd (the installer) throughout the duration of the project. As part of our service commitment, our technical team were available to provide hands-on-guidance, offer support, technical guidance and ensure high levels of quality.Jessella Ltd Project Manager, Pavel Mihaylov explains:“River Gardens was one of the most challenging but rewarding projects I have worked on. It was a very complex project with a strict scaffold strike programme and being dependent on weather and many other trades. That made it very difficult to achieve completed areas on time. Thanks to working closely with Jason and Patrick from K Systems and their regular site visits and guidance over the phone, we managed to achieve the required completion dates, safely and with an excellent quality finish.”Technical Project DetailsAfter extensive planning and a comprehensive scoping process with the client and all involved third parties, we specified the K Systems Exicco M, drained cavity façade system with mineral wool insulation. This high performing system is suitable for steel and timber framed buildings and is highly compatible with high rise projects like River Gardens.Fire safety with high rise buildings is of utmost importance and the K Systems Exicco M system generates exceptional performance and provides high levels of fire resistance and noncombustibility (A2 rating).K Systems specified River Gardens with a façade system with an A2-s1,d0 fire rating. The system specified was made up of a combination of A1 fire classification substrate (sheathing board), a Tenmat 120-minute cavity barrier, an A1 non-combustible, dual-density stone mineral wool insulation slab, and a galvanised steel rail. The latest building regulations were complied with ensuring the safety of the future residents.Mineral wool has superb acoustic qualities, another reason it was specified for this project. Its inclusion in the build meant that noise from the wind and traffic travelling up and down the River Thames would be significantly reduced, ensuring a quieter residential option for target clientele who wish to avoid an audible disruption yet still live within the hustle and bustle of city life.For the finish, high-performance 1.5mm thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Our Silicone TC render is renowned for its ease of use on application, variety of texture and colour, and its high-performance properties. Each waterside home in River Gardens was finished in a variety of shades complimentary to the development’s surroundings.Aesthetically the development had a clean, crisp attractive finish with an impressive thermal performance and a protective exterior. The hydrophobic qualities of Silicone TC ensure a low maintenance finish, ensuring it will remain aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

Contract flooring specialists, C & C Flooring (Midlands) Ltd, have used UltraFloor’s expert subfloor preparation materials to install LVT flooring at Alver Valley Garden Centre in Portsmouth.BackgroundYour Local Garden Centre have recently opened a new store in Alver Valley, Hampshire. With a reputation of supporting local suppliers, fantastic products and delicious food, it was imperative that the brand new Alver Valley Garden Centre lived up to the high design expectations these centres are known for.The ChallengeThe power floated concrete substrate was installed in December with a view for the garden centre to open in April 2022 – an extremely short time frame for the 4,500sqm job. The project also took place during the winter months and therefore the cold temperatures also needed to be considered if the project was to be completed on time.The SolutionWith over 15 years experience in the flooring sector, C & C Flooring (Midlands) Ltd knew that UltraFloor’s expert subfloor preparation materials would be up to the challenge.After waiting 28 days for the new cement substrate to fully cure, the team at C & C Flooring (Midlands) Ltd diamond ground the floor to expose the aggregate. UltraFloor Area Sales Manager, Mark Berry, tested each area prior to applying DPM IT to ensure the moisture content was less than 98% RH.Once achieved, DPM IT was applied and allowed to cure for 12 hours. DPM IT is a two component, solvent free epoxy resin system for use as a surface damp proof membrane. Designed to provide protection against subfloor moisture, DPM IT has a pot life of 45 – 75 minutes, a cure time of 5 hours and boasts a 98% RH floor moisture tolerance.Once cured, UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer was applied in preparation for the application of Level IT Smooth.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 200m² at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Pump or trowel applied from 2mm to 30mm, Level IT Smooth has an extremely smooth finish, essential for installing LVT, and boasts a superior flow – perfect for larger flooring projects.With a coverage rate of approximately 5.5sqm at 3mm, Level IT Smooth is suitable for underfloor heating systems, has a working time of 20-30 minutes and can receive foot traffic after just 2-3 hours – allowing you to move on to the next part of your project quickly.The superior performance of Level IT Smooth is just one reason why this much-loved smoothing underlayment is being used on a daily basis up and down the country.Once dry, Karndean LVT was then installed across the garden centre.ResultsDue to the enormity of the project, the flooring was completed in three sections, 1,500sqm at a time. The project began in January and was completed by the end of February 2022 in plenty of time for the opening of the fantastic new garden centre.“DPM IT performed as expected and dried in very good time and was easy to work with. Level IT Smooth flowed exceptionally well and was perfect for such a large job.” Andrew Williams, Director at C & C Flooring (Midlands) Ltd.

Eco conscious barn conversion Landscape Design company Gardens Sorted specialise in renovation and bespoke garden installations. This project is a former farmyard and threshing barn conversion, the brief was to follow sustainable principles, the artifacts used around the garden are largely reclaimed, reused or recycled agricultural items.The client gardens by organic principles therefore the need for non-PVC galvanised rainwater goods was paramount. Chris Bligh, designer and installer at Gardens Sorted describes the installation: ”The rainwater solution required the high roof gutters to be deep profile, maintenance free, non-blocking outlets, and a long elegant downpipe into the storn water drain accross the yard. The addition of a rainwater diverter at the lower section afforded connection to a pressure water hose under grounded to two bends emptying into a reclaimed galvanised water tank. The hose is always full of water to the height of the tank. The important value of this is that the client can then dunk a large watering can into the deep water at waist height.” Chris adds that Lindab’s Rainline products are very good and he was grateful for a high standard of customer service.

Accoya® wood has been selected to provide decking for one of just twenty six gardens on display at Europe’s most renowned garden events the Chaumont-sur-Loire International Garden Show. The garden includes stone monoliths which represent the seven deadly sins and seven heavenly virtues connected by wooden decked paths, crafted from Accoya wood. There are also ‘see-saw’ structures of Accoya which connect different sides of the garden and which symbolise the need for balance in life.

THE PROJECTManhattan Loft Gardens is an exciting 42 storey cantilevered tower that offers ‘loft living in a high rise’ in the heart of Stratford, London.The development features a variety of residential living and facilities including a seven-storey hotel, spa, two restaurants, three sky gardens, 248 private flats, apartments, lofts and penthouses.The project was designed by the internationally acclaimed architects SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP). Private accommodation in the building is split between single and double-height apartments that are interwoven into the fabric of the development.Located between the Stratford International Station and the Westfield Stratford City, the Manhattan Loft Gardens has fantastic views over the Olympic Park.THE DESIGNThe design of the development is striking, with three extensive rooftop gardens slicing into the body of the high-rise tower, with the upper levels supported by a cantilever. The open-air spaces offer a modern take on the traditional London rooftop gardens, providing residents with space to relax outside of their home.The façade of the building features a combination of transparent and solid panels manufactured in terracotta and glass. The building has been constructed with a triangular geometric shape to offer a visually-interesting design, pushing the boundaries of modern high-res city developments.THE PRODUCTThe project required 148 mailboxes to securely store the mail deliveries for the residents living within this high-end development. The mailboxes are located on the ground floor in the entrance walkways with access to the mailboxes and building behind a secured external property door.The mailboxes are configured into multiple products in a bank, maximising the quantity of mail that can be securely stored in a minimum amount of space. The large banks of mailboxes are recessed into the walls of the walkways, fixed through the side, top and bottom faces of the product.The mailbox model used in this development was SLB’s brand new and impressive ‘Tile’ product that features composite doors finished in a Stainless Steel grade 316L with a vertical grain flow. This product has been used on other high-end projects such as Rathbone Square and Fulham High Street.The mailbox uses a non-standard lock with a Matt Nickel bespoke finish that secures the front door of the mailbox in style. Each mailbox features contrasting matt black engraved numbers on the face of the stainless steel door. The numbering corresponds to the apartment numbers of the residents in the development, allowing mail delivery personnel granted access to the area, as well as the resident to identify the correct mailbox quickly.They are fully designed and manufactured in our factory in Neath, South Wales.

The garden, which grew out of the dark days following September 11th 2001, is helping to revitalize one of Lower Manhattan's most historic areas, celebrating the long-standing ties between the United Kingdom and the United States whilst honouring the 67 British victims of the World Trade Centre attacks.The British Memorial Garden is intended both as a living memorial and as a place of solitude, comfort and reflection, a truly British garden drawing from the many wonderful elements of the historic gardens of Britain.

Challenge  Acton Gardens encompasses 52 acres which places it in the top five largest developments in the capital. Due to the size of Acton Gardens, it is being completed in a number of phases, with PUDLO chosen as the trusted system for waterproofing. SolutionPUDLO’s dual system, which incorporates membrane into the traditional waterproof concrete solution, is compliant with NHBC’s rigorous standards. The system was installed on a number of the building phases, and gas membrane was used for much of the project as ground gases including radon and methane were present on site.PUDLO has been used in huge areas throughout Acton Gardens, including critically dry grade 3 areas such as residential slabs and walls and grade 2 areas such as the underground car parks. PUDLO was poured and membrane laid in lift pits and basement areas up to the ground floor level.Consultation between PUDLO, the main contractor and consulting engineers took place in the early stages of the design phase. PUDLO’s dedicated CAD design team was on hand to offer advice and guidance on the waterproof and gas-proof elements. This team created bespoke drawings and details for Acton Gardens, ensuring the dual system would fully serve its purpose – keeping the development free from gas and water ingress. ResultThis £660m investment will be complete in 2026, delivering 2,500 new homes just a stone’s throw from Acton’s new main line Crossrail station. When complete, Acton’s desirability, which has previously been in short supply, is expected to grow significantly. Richard Cherry, Deputy Chairman of Countryside Properties says, “Our over-arching vision is to transform the South Acton Estate into a highly sought after, sustainable, residential community that all residents are proud to live in. 

Innovative garden refurbBuilder Ian Gray embarked on a major garden refurbishment to build a skate park and BBQ garden room at his own family home in Fareham, Hampshire.Having never worked with Lindab Rainline before Ian selected a plain galvanised system to complement the stylish design of the timber building. A key feature of the building is a truncated hipped shape roof with a raised gutter which provides shelter for the entrance to a covered seating area. Ian said, “we did this build as an on site example of what we can do and have taken orders for 5 so far”, “Rainline was very nice to work with”, adding “Thanks to Lindab for such a great product and service”.

It never ceases to amaze us what a difference a new finish makes to wood cladding. We have recently had a customer who was in desperate need of a makeover for cedar clad garden office & gym.Roger at R and A Pressure Washing has given us another great case study to show you and we think it’s looking amazing. When the office was installed 2 years previously, the customer had used Seasonite new wood protection to protect and stabilise the new wood. The wood therefore needed a good clean before a finish could be applied, as you can see:Now they wanted to complete the look and were straight back to Owatrol products with the help of Roger!Firstly, he applied Net-TrolBy using this powerful and fast acting wood cleaner and brightener, Roger was able to restore the natural colour of the cedar cladding and decking and clean it quickly and easily. Before starting work, Roger masked off all the areas of the building which he didn’t want to be treated.Net-Trol is non-aggressive and is harmless to plants, so Roger didn’t need to worry about it damaging the grass next to the garden office.Firstly, he wet the cladding and the Southern Yellow Pine decking with fresh, clean water.They then applied Net-Trol with a synthetic roller and then scrubbed the surface with a stiff synthetic brush.After leaving it to stand for around 15 minutes, the customer then scrubbed the surface whilst simultaneously rinsing it with water. You could also use a pressure washer, max. 60 bar.If the surface starts to dry while you’re leaving the Net-Trol to work, simply mist it with some water.If you want, you can repeat the procedure but in this case, the client did not have to.The customer then left the cladding and decking to dry for 48 hours before applying the finish.Next, Aquadecks was appliedA water-based penetrating wood finish that provides advanced UV protection, Aquadecks was the ideal choice to revive and protect this customer’s cladding and decking.One of the great things about Aquadecks is that maintenance is easy, with no sanding or stripping required.Roger applied a liberal amount of Aquadecks. He worked in sections that he could complete within 30 minutes, working in the direction of the grain.After the ‘wet look’ of the first application disappeared, he then applied a second coat of Aquadecks. He then allowed it to penetrate for 15-20 minutes.Roger then wiped away any excess Aquadecks that had not penetrated. This avoided it drying in shiny spots on the surface of the cladding.Aquadecks comes in a variety of colours but in this case the customer chose a Honey tint, which we think looks stunning.By using Net-Trol and Aquadecks, Roger has given his customer’s garden office and gym a makeover that has brought the building and adjacent decking back to life.

Thriving family run garden centre upgrades their automatic sliding door entranceLocated in Ayrshire, the long established Hayes Garden Land Symington replaced their existing entrance with a new solution.Project Year:  2022Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 Frame 4 Panel Bi-parting door. Project Background: As a returning customer, Hayes Garden Land approached us with a brief to replace their tired sliding door system with a modern solution which also tied in with the existing building fabric and internal decoration. With energy prices soaring, it was also important to come up with an efficient solution which maximised heat retention within the building.Solution: We successfully designed, manufactured and installed a 4 panel bi-parting SL500 fully framed system in matching Terra Brown finish, resulting in a seamless integration within the building. To mitigate operational issues & improve safety features - due to close proximity of internal swing doors - we supplied and installed clear glazed barriers and removed several potential risk factors during the design process. The end product is a modern, compliant system which has also added energy efficiencies due to the double glazing and upgraded aluminium profile system.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

Gripsure non-slip decking made from Accoya® wood was specified for the Rising Path Project at Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden. The Rising Path is one of the gardens’ biggest horticulture projects. It revitalises the three-acre Systematic Beds, which were first laid out in 1845. The striking structure offers visitors new ways to explore plant taxonomy. The 65-metre-long spiral structure was designed by Chadwick Dryer Clarke as a gently sloping path stemming off from the gardens’ existing path network. The path leads visitors to a viewing platform with a three-metre vantage point from which the full layout of the Systematic Beds can be enjoyed. The structural frame is formed from galvanized steel with the majority of the structure built from Accoya® wood, which was selected for its durability, stability and clean aesthetic. To ensure safe access all year round the walkway and stairs needed to be slip-resistant. We supplied over 1,300 hundred linear metres of Gripsure non-slip decking made from Accoya® wood, backed with our ten-year non-slip performance guarantee. Along the pathway are sections of landing points that highlight some of the plants’ significant evolutionary innovations, which allowed them to leave the water for life on land. At these points, Gripsure Graphics non-slip deck boards were supplied to create custom typographics. The boards needed to provide a visual contrast to the main decking as well as displaying information for visitors. Project architects Chadwick Dryer Clarke and Designmap (whose design was inspired by the work of the artist Gordon Young) developed the graphic design of the boards. A representative from Chadwick Dryer Clarke said “Gripsure’s approach was positive and collaborative, with a real interest in supporting the design team and project. A number of prototypes were developed that refined the depth, size and edge clarity of lettering, and the successful result has a crispness and quality that exceeds the design aspirations.” The Rising Path is a well-crafted and elegant structure which enhances the experience of the Systematic Beds which are of global heritage significance. It has had very positive feedback from visitors since its opening.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan welcomes over 290,000 visitors each year to explore its 200 acres of rediscovered gardens. Heligan came to Gripsure for a non-slip solution for the Jungle, where decked walkways lead visitors through immersive tropical plants and giant ferns. The Jungle is in a sheltered, deep valley. It is very steep in places, so when it rains, it’s essential visitors are kept safe. We recommended Gripsure Classic, a smooth board featuring three non-slip inserts. We chose this decking because it has the highest safety rating on the market, making it the right choice for this project. Heligan staff welcomed the innovative solution to replace sections of timber covered in chicken-wire. "A quality product at a competitive price as well as a friendly and professional service, where nothing was too much trouble"- Heligan Gardening Team.

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.

Croft Gardens is a four building student accommodation at King’s College in Cambridge, achieving full Passivhaus Classic standards. With 12 rooms across three floors of three crescents and a villa, along with the Victorian Holmcroft building which provides a library, laundry room and common room area, Croft Gardens provides 84 homes for graduate students. Including graduate rooms, communal facilities, landscaping and external works, Croft Gardens will be carbon negative for the first 7-10 years of operation.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XFLOOR 500 was specified by Feilden Clegg Bradley due to its high resistance to compression and closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for residential applications. These insulation boards are used under a concrete slab to comply with part L Building regulations.Gilbert-Ash was awarded this 650m² contract for this development at Barton Road.

Furnitubes' designers were set the challenge of devising a 3-part seating arrangement for Mark Street Gardens in Hackney. The seating would fit between existing lines of granite setts and alongside retained planting. The benches combine galvanised steel plate ends and sub frame, which sit well within this urban environment, and oiled iroko hardwood slats. Armrests have been carefully positioned to allow maximum usage of the seating area but also to deter rough sleeping which has been an issue at the gardens in the past. We wish Hackney well in their upcoming Green Flag application for Mark Street Gardens.

As part of its ongoing work to improve the energy efficiency of its homes, over the last two years Clarion Housing Group has retrofitted 505 homes across Fenland, Tonbridge and Malling which had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. Among them were 13 bungalows in the Chapel Gardens development in Benwick. The work was part-financed via the first wave of the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), which was launched in 2021 to help social housing providers and local authorities increase the EPC rating of their properties to C or above. All social housing provided by registered providers was eligible for SHDF wave one funding, regardless of archetype, and the work being carried out is designed to tackle issues associated with fuel poverty including mould and condensation.    As a registered provider of social housing, Clarion could apply for the funding as part of a consortium with Fenland District Council and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. The £4.35m secured by the two local authorities was match funded by Clarion, which is working closely with its main contractor Equans to upgrade the homes. “We were already carrying out works to improve residents’ homes under existing maintenance contracts, in line with the government’s 2030 EPC C target, but this funding has allowed us to accelerate and increase the scale of it all, ultimately improving more homes much faster,” said Daniel Archard, asset sustainability manager at Clarion. Meeting PAS 2035 standards  Sarsvati Varsani is part of Equans’ dedicated specialist retrofit team. As a senior technical retrofit advisor for the contractor, she is overseeing the process in terms of energy efficiency and compliance. She said: “The delivery of all SHDF projects must be PAS 2035 compliant, which specifies a whole-house or whole-building approach to retrofit. It means that energy efficiency measures should be installed with the requirement of the entire building in mind – both from a technical standpoint and considering factors like occupant comfort. “The SHDF facilitates a multi-measure approach to allow us to upgrade Clarion’s least energy-efficient homes to meet the PAS 2035 specification using more than one measure. For example, as well as replacing insulation we are also installing air source heat pumps at the properties where necessary. “I’m working closely with the site team, retrofit designer and contracts manager to address any issues throughout and ensure that every measure is compliant with the standard. Representatives from Clarion and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero also conduct site visits to review progress throughout.” One of the key principles of wave one of the SHDF is a fabric-first approach. This ensures heat loss prevention measures are installed before other energy efficiency measures, to maximise the dwelling’s suitability for low carbon heating either now or in the future, and to benefit tenants in terms of comfort, health, well-being and bills. The Chapel Gardens bungalows had an original U-value of 1.43W/m²Km, so this was going to take considerable changes. Having been built between 1967 and 1975, the cavity insulation in the bungalows was no longer fit for purpose as it had slumped to the bottom or – in some cases – didn’t even exist. It has now been replaced with a polystyrene bead insulation. The benefits of external wall insulation As part of the fabric-first approach being taken by Equans and Clarion, Saint-Gobain Weber’s External Wall Insulation (EWI) system was specified for the bungalows to improve their thermal efficiency. It is being installed by FRT Property Services Ltd, which is PAS 2030:2019 certified – something that is required of all of the subcontractors working on this project. By gaining PAS 2030:2019 certification, retrofit installers can demonstrate that they have installed energy efficiency measures that meet the required specifications, and have delivered on customer requirements and expectations in accordance with TrustMark standards. FRT Property Services – which began working on Chapel Gardens in January 2023 – specialises in EWI and its director Farhat Ahmed and Operations Director Radu Ursache helped to ensure work was delivered to Weber standards, on time and within budget.  For this project, Farhat’s team installed webertherm XM with 100mm of webertherm MFD insulation. The SHDF stipulates an energy performance outcome of 90kWh/m2/year, with a target U-value of 0.30 W/m²K. The addition of EWI from Weber was critical in enabling Clarion to meet the SHDF space heating demand performance outcome, as the replacement cavity wall insulation alone wouldn’t suffice – with the properties only achieving 0.44W/m²K. Having requested that the retrofit work didn’t change the aesthetic of the bungalows, the planners wanted to maintain a brick finish. To achieve this, weberwall brick was specified along with the webertherm XM EWI system. This innovative brick slip system is lightweight and quick to install, containing the equivalent of 20 brick faces per sheet. It is available in a wide range of colours including Antique Buff, which meant it was possible to closely match the surrounding buildings.  Farhat said: “The team at Weber has been very helpful throughout the process and applications manager Linda Twidale showed my team how to install the product. It’s very simple and provided the like-for-like result the client wanted; as far as brick slip systems go, weberwall brick provides the closest match to real bricks I’ve seen while working in this sector.” It was important to Clarion that the residents of the bungalows were able to remain in their homes while the work was completed which is why EWI was the perfect solution. Farhat’s team worked closely with Equans’ retrofit liaison officers and other subcontractors, including the scaffolding and utilities companies, to ensure everything went smoothly and the homeowners were not inconvenienced.  By installing the webertherm XM EWI system, the U-value at the properties has been improved to an efficient 0.20 W/m²K – far exceeding the target of 0.30W/m²K. Once all of the retrofit work has been completed, the bungalows will undergo a post-works EPC assessment and are expected to achieve a C rating. The new insulation will provide improved thermal performance all year round, helping to keep residents’ homes cooler throughout the summer and warmer in the winter. It is predicted that those living in upgraded Clarion properties will save between £300 and £500 on their energy bills each year. Switchee smart thermostats have been installed in some properties to relay data to Clarion, enabling them to monitor the energy consumption of the properties. Within six months, Equans’ retrofit evaluator will issue a questionnaire to residents to assess whether everything works as it’s supposed to, and Farhat’s team has already received feedback. He said: “Residents have told us they’re already feeling the difference in the temperature of their home. “It isn’t right that people have had to choose between eating and heating but getting such positive feedback really highlights the role that we’re playing in improving these homes.” Daniel Archard, asset sustainability manager at Clarion, added: “We’ve received more funding via wave two of the SHDF and are planning to increase our retrofitting tenfold over the next three years, as pressure builds to upgrade all social housing to an EPC rating of C or above by 2030.” Farhat concluded: “We’re looking forward to continuing our support during the delivery of the future pipeline of work within this area for Clarion Housing under SHDF Wave 2.1.”

In late 2018 Westminster City Council commissioned WSP & Reardonsmith Landscape Architects to develop the design proposals for the Public Realm Improvements on Christchurch Gardens, a green space in the heart of Westminster, London.Works on the £3.3Million scheme commenced in October 2019 with extensive remodelling of the park to provide open and inviting footpaths into the gardens, new lawns, extensive planting and seating to offer a flexible open space that reflects the site’s historical background.Working with main contractor F M Conway, Addagrip approved contractor Street Tree was responsible for sourcing and planting large specimen trees, provision of 750 tonnes of soils and the installation of the 475m of Terrabase Rustic Resin Bound permeable paving that runs throughout the site.Due to the existing location of large London Plane trees along the perimeter of the garden and a desire to avoid compromising the trees, porous Terrabase Rustic in a 6-10mm Oak blend was installed onto a porous asphalt with Cellweb base. This provided a solution to allow site traffic access to these routes throughout the construction phase.The new resin bound surface provides decorative natural aggregate porous pathways with a rustic feel in keeping with this inviting green space in the heart of the city.The installation was completed in September 2020.

Demanding Regulation standards and the sheer scale of a residential housing project like East London's New Garden Quarter, have seen us here at TECHNAL and installer Ravenworth work together to deliver the £4.2m scope of work for Telford Homes. This includes windows, patio and entrance doors as well as curtain walling. New Garden Quarter is part of a masterplan development and takes in some of the Olympic Legacy land in Stratford. The development, which sits next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, features one, two and three-bedroom apartments, villas and sky villas set around a landscaped two-acre garden square.

Customer: Mark Greensill, Rugeley, West Midlands, England Background to the IssueMark Greensill from Rugeley in the West Midlands had a major issue of weed ingress in his garden pond. The garden feature was created 15 years ago and after fitting a brand-new pond liner just last year the very aggressive weed Mare’s Tail (also commonly known as horseweed) had broken through a seal and was growing rapidly in the pond. The creeping stems of this highly destructive plant may go down deep below the surface, making them hard to remove by digging out. CT1 Provides and Environmentally Compliant SolutionMark needed a long-term solution to repair the liner without replacing it, whilst being environmentally friendly to ensure no detrimental chemical impacts on the pond life and ecological biodiversity of the surrounding areas. Containing neither solvents nor highly reactive isocyanates CT1 is environmentally compliant and perfect for all pond and water feature maintenance as it will not affect any aquatic plants. Why Choose CT1?Having seen CT1 in his local hardware store and previously watched videos of internet sensations The Bald Builders sticking a skip to the ceiling and driving a Ferrari under it, Mark was sure it would provide the answers to his problem without having to drain all 900,000 litres of water out of the pond.For ease of access to remove the Mare’s Tail he pumped out approx. 250,000 litres of water. This made identifying where the harmful, spreading weed had damaged the pond liner very easy.As the CT1 is a highly deformable, polymer enriched sealant and adhesive with 350% more elongation it can be used in wet and damp conditions where increased flexibility, resistance to environmental changes and UV light are important.The Application of CT1Mark cleaned any silt and filamentous algae off the effected areas to ensure full contact of CT1 on the pond liner repair.This created a perfect seal that would prevent further ingress of damaging weeds while simultaneously preventing water seeping out of the pond. Another Successful Result Provided by CT1!The repair of the pond liner is a complete success, and the garden feature has been restored for the family to enjoy and local wildlife to benefit from. Mark said;“I’m absolutely delighted with the result. I thought I was going to have to remove and replace the while pond liner. It would have been so much work. CT1 provided such a great solution; cost effective, time saving and environmentally safe for the pondlife and local habitat.”Once again CT1, which comprises of the very best raw materials, has demonstrated why it’s the number 1 sealant and adhesive available. CT1 is always leading the way in quality, service and advancements being made in the construction industry.

Covent Garden is a district in London, on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St Martin's Lane and Drury Lane.[1] It is associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and with the Royal Opera House. TRC windows has been awarded a 600 K pound project by Sir Robert McAlpine to deliver over 120 Single Glazed Heritage Sash Box windows and over a 100 Traditional Double Glazed Sash Box windows as Secondary Glazing for high-end residences at the new Kings Court development in Covent Garden.

Your Local Garden Centre have recently opened a new store in Alver Valley, Hampshire. With a reputation of supporting local suppliers, fantastic products and delicious food, it was imperative that the brand new Alver Valley Garden Centre lived up to the high design expectations these centres are known for.

Kingsway Gardens, located in a leafy suburb of Hampshire, is made up of 5 residential blocks of flats that had been experiencing a large number of leaks across their balconies on multiple levels.The existing asphalt was showing signs of wear and tear with age degradation, where the lack of a full cavity tray, had meant the perimeter upstand had not been sufficiently protected for many years. With many attempts being made to patch the repairs, eventually, the insulation beneath the asphalt had become saturated, severely reducing its effectiveness as an insulator and having a detrimental effect on the U-Value of the buildings.Garland Technical Manager, Paul Boole and Technical Assistant, James Hiscock was instructed by property and construction consultants, The Welling Partnership, to provide their technical expertise and support to survey Kingsway Gardens and propose a tailored waterproofing specification for the residents.

A raised garden patio has been secured by a glass railing, supported by SPIG-LITEadvanced. The first few images of installations have been arriving and we love this one by Veon Glass Ltd. A raised patio must have it’s edges protected, but not everybody likes the look of wood or metal railing options. Glass provides a sleek and modern aspect to the garden. The SPIG-LITEadvanced raises the glass above the ground, allowing water to flow beneath, making it the ideal balustrade solution for poolside or wet areas. The product is lightweight and compact, enabling easy and quick installation. As with all Pure Vista products, the glass angle can be adjusted to ensure the glass is perfectly aligned. The best windbreak solution, when you have a view, is glass balustrade. As can be seen from the photos, the glass provides protection from the wind and allows a clear line of sight onto the lawn. A great solution for this family home and everybody can enjoy watching a game of football from the patio. To find out about what building regulations require of your glass balustrade project, refer to our building regulations web page.Installation and photos by Veon Glass Ltd.

We recently provided individually selected materials for a local garden project. These included our La Roche paving, Purbeck walling and bespoke La Roche copings to complete the desired design.Our La Roche limestone possesses a gentle mix of cream, grey & beige hues, offering a timeless and classic appeal. Additionally, this stones delicate fossil detailing adds texture – complementing this modern garden space.

We provided 260m² of our Hyperion non-combustible aluminium 145 Pro-Grip Decking for Acton Gardens Phase 9.2. Acton Gardens is the regeneration of the former South Acton Estate - this particular phase consisted of a 15 storey structure, totalling 203 units. This project demonstrated an amazing approach to mindful practise through fantastic external appearances and brilliant work with the local community. The assurances made in terms of the environment, safety, and personnel were outstanding.Our client sought a dependable and contemporary non-combustible aluminium decking for their residential balconies. The hidden fastener system used in conjunction with Hyperion 145 Pro-Grip provided a robust flooring solution with a crisp finish that could easily be installed on aluminium joists. The end result is balcony flooring which fulfils legislative requirements as well as our clients aesthetic desires.Project DetailsSize: 260m²Colour:Anthracite GreyProduct:145 Pro-Grip Aluminium DeckingSubstructure: Aluminium JoistsLocation: LondonClient: AYM Services

Over the next ten years Nine Elms will see 20,000 homes built, along with new schools, parks, cultural centres, a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Thames; and the opening of two new London Transport underground stations as part of the Northern Line extension. The residential and commercial heart of this huge development is Embassy Gardens, London's new diplomatic precinct on the riverside. The first release of apartments in Embassy Gardens is the Ambassador Building, adjacent to the new US Embassy. It comprises six distinct cores, which house not only the residential apartments boasting high ceilings, abundant natural light and walnut parquet flooring throughout – but also a fully equipped private members club to rival the best in any international hotel.Inevitably, the development has attracted a sophisticated level of residents who demand the highest standards of detail throughout these buildings; and one of the key features is the wide variety of balcony types, each governed by unit size and orientation. The specific requirements at the Ambassador building involved the Schöck Isokorb® T type K, K-WU an SK. The diverse range of Schöck Isokorb® T load-bearing thermal insulation products guarantees totally verifiable performance standards, meets full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and offers BBA Certification and LABC Registration. 

Recently, our good friends over at R & A Pressure Washing shared with us a customers garden furniture that was in dire need of restoration.They had a garden swing and a BBQ Prep station / organiser that was looking a little worse for wear. Being much loved and used had taken its toll. Luckily, Roger knew exactly what to do to restore them to their former glory.Firstly, Prepdeck was used to strip the previous coatingAs both the swing and the prep station had been previously coated, Roger had to strip off the old finish. This is a very important step and if you fail to do this it will alter your overall finish. Owatrol products need to penetrate into the wood to give the desired finish. This simply cannot be done if there is a previous coating on the wood.Roger worked in areas that could be completed in around 15 mins and applied the Prepdeck undiluted onto the furniture.After about 15 minutes, you can test a small area with a nylon scrubbing brush to see if the finish is lifting. If it is, scrub the area with a stiff nylon brush. Or, alternatively, a pressure washer at 1000 – 1500 psi (70-103 bars). The psi needed will vary depending on the type of wood you are using it on.Once sufficiently scrubbed, rinse with copious amounts of fresh water.Secondly, Net-Trol was used to clean and neutralise the woodRoger then used Net-Trol to lighten and restore the natural colour of the wood – without bleaching it.One of our favourite products, Net-Trol effortlessly removes ground in and surface dirt in as little as 15 minutes, leaving the furniture looking bright and vibrant.Before applying Net-Trol, Roger wet the furniture with clean water.Once both the pieces of furniture were sufficiently wet, he then applied Net-Trol with a synthetic brush and scrubbed the wood with a stiff synthetic brush. Roger worked to ensure that he had scrubbed the Net-Trol thoroughly making sure to get into all the small nooks and crannies.After leaving the Net-Trol to stand for approximately 15-20 minutes (if it started to dry, Roger applied a mist of water to keep it wet), he used a presser washer (max. 60 bar) to clean the furniture. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can scrub the surface whilst simultaneously rinsing it with water.Lastly, the furniture was finished with Aquadecks in the shade honeyAquadecks is a water-based penetrating wood finish that can be used on both new and weathered wood.It’s easy to apply and maintain, with no labour-intensive sanding or stripping required.Roger applied a liberal amount of Aquadecks with a brush, working in the direction of the grain.As soon as the ‘wet look’ of the first application had disappeared, Roger then applied the second coat and allowed it to penetrate. This took around 15-20 minutes. It’s important not to let Aquadecks become touch dry between applications and to work in sections that will take no longer than 30 minutes to complete.Next, in order to avoid Aquadecks drying as shiny spots on the surface, he wiped up any excess that had not penetrated into the decking.As Aquadecks is water-based, Roger could then wash the brush and cloth in soap and water.Take a look at those beautiful finished results! We think they look absolutely brilliant. It’s just a shame the customer will have to wait for the warmer weather before using them again!You can find out more information about about Aquadecks by clicking here.

Located in Shoreditch, the Waterson Building is a newly developed luxury residential facility. Maximising floor space, elegant glass enclosed winter gardens are accessed from both the bedroom/lounge areas of many of the properties. Successfully delineating the winter garden from the rest of the interior, a Dorma Hüppe Varitrans glass moveable wall system has been installed by sole UK distributor, Style. The Varitrans has been independently impact/pressure tested and works in tandem with externally installed louvred panels to provide free air space to residents of high-rise developments where wind and air pressure are at their strongest.

Landscape architects LDA Design were given the brief by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, a charitable organisation which owns and manages a large part of the garden city, to improve and enhance a substantial area within the town centre. Marshalls’ landscaping products fulfilled an important part of the brief, which was to provide an aesthetically pleasing area within the town centre, which attracted shoppers and visitors and acted as a focal point and meeting place where events, such as street markets, concerts and shows could be held. The scheme therefore required high quality paving materials ...

We supplied a range of Flooring Accessories and Barrier Matting Systems to Colindale Gardens, an ongoing development of luxury townhouses and apartments in north-west London. James Holmear, Sales and Marketing Director at Redrow’s Greater London region, commented: "We wanted to create interior solutions that would reflect the luxury nature that Colindale Gardens offers and would also be hard-wearing and long-lasting for our customers. The solutions provided by Gradus not only fit with the premium feel of the development, but also provide a high level of safety for our residents and visitors."