"general products"

The Emerald rises 40 stories above one of Seattle's most desirable neighbourhoods. The LEED Silver certified building manages to redefine luxury living. According to the idea of Hewitt architecture studio from Seattle, high-quality, natural materials as well as the sophisticated daylight concept blur the boundaries between the interior rooms and the picturesque nature. This is particularly evident on the second and third floors where the Pilkington Profilit™ channel glass system spans the outside of the fitness centre and community meeting spaces. Large, glazed areas can diffuse extensive amounts of natural light deep into interior spaces without loss of privacy.Apart from channel glass, Pilkington Pyrostop® Line fire protection glass also ensures natural light deep into the interior. Both products were installed in systems from Technical Glass Products.A transparent façade with Pilkington fire-resistant glass was planned to separate the fitness studio from the corridor in terms of fire protection. The spacious inner façade made of glass provides plenty of light in the training area and enables the desired feel-good atmosphere in the fitness studio. At the same time, it directs a lot of light into the interior of the building.The fire-resistant glass Pilkington Pyrostop® Line was used in a Fireframe Clearview® system from TGP with Heat Barrier frames and doors from the Fireframe Heat Barrier series. This generously fire-resistant and at the same time impact-resistant solution could be implemented without a vertical frame between the individual panes, with almost colourless transitions between the adjacent glass panes and without coloured inner glass spacers.

The facade of Rollercoaster House is made up of render, a curtain wall system and Hardie® Plank cladding. It is the first time that site manager David Tomlinson has worked with the product, who states that the coastal environment conditions were the main factor when deciding which type of cladding to use. ‘With timber, David says, ‘however good a product you are going to get, it wouldn’t have had the same lifespan as Hardie® Plank at the end of the day. PVC discolours, especially the darker colours, but I am expecting and hoping that Hardie® Plank will stand the test of time.’

TapcoSlate is a great product, but it’s also how you use it that makes a project stand out from the crowd! Roofing industry expert Jos van Bommel is someone who knows exactly how to achieve this. During the renovation of his own home, Jos refurbished the entirety of the roof along with help from his three sons.

Franke Products were chosen for a ground breaking transformation of the disused Bute Mill facility for Youthscape: a charity who works with young people across Luton. Franke’s Xinox stainless steel accessories were chosen for the bathrooms, which included soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, waste bins and a hand dryer as well as touch free options. “Product quality and uniqueness were factors in deciding which suppliers to choose for this prestigious project. A brand like Franke ensured we would get the best quality that would last for years, and still look good too!” commented Chris Curtis Chief Executive of Youthscape.

Crown Paints has donated a selection of its most popular paint products to create a vibrant learning hub as part of a community make-over project organised by national contractor, Novus Property Solutions. The project involved refurbishing a dilapidated prefab building for Bromley Pensnett Primary School in Birmingham, to create the new Novus Learning Hub which will become a valuable resource for the wider community as well as school pupils and staff. Crown Decorating Centres delivered the products needed; Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell; Crown Trade Vinyl Matt; Crown Trade’s Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat and Gloss and Sadolin Superdec.

Hethel Engineering CentreBauder Thermoplan FPO single ply system with Bauder solar PV systemSynopsisHethel Engineering Centre supports high performance engineering companies located throughout Norfolk. The original building at the centre had been operating at maximum capacity and they urgently required a new building to satisfy increasing levels of demand. The client wanted the new facility to meet a high level of sustainability, achieving a BREEAM excellent rating and using key renewable technologies, such as photovoltaics (PV) to minimise its environmental impact.Bauder Building BoardProject:Hethel Engineering CentreLocation:Hethel, NorfolkProject type:New buildRoof size:2,500m²Specifier:NPS GroupApproved contractor:Voland AsphalteThe specificationBauder’s Thermoplan single ply membrane was specified for the new building’s 2,500m2 roof due to its longevity. Roof areas totalling 500m² were fitted with 160 PV Modules, enabling the centre to generate at least 44.23 mWh of solar power each year and annual CO² savings of 23.40 tonnes. The PV system was installed without any penetration of the waterproofing or roof deck, ensuring the integrity of the roof is completely upheld. The simplicity of the installation also meant that approved contractor, Voland Asphalte, could install the entire PV array in just one day.Products appliedBauder solar PV system160 solar photovoltaic modules were installed with an expected energy generation of 44.23 megawatt-hours and a kilowatt peak of 47.20 along with Bauder's Thermoplan single ply membrane.  Project challengesThe centre remained operational throughout the works, which caused logistical challenges, however all deliveries were timed as not to conflict with vehicles moving in and out of the facility. The work at HEC was completed on time and to budget, providing the client with an innovative roof that boasts extraordinary environmental credentials.System installedThermoplan Single Ply System 1 Bauder Thermoplan FPO FPO membrane with laminated fleece for adhered installations; pre-coated cross weave polyester reinforcement for high levels of tear resistance.2 BauderPIR M 60An efficient PIR flatboard insulation with aluminium foil facing on both sides and rebated edges to remove a thermal bridge.3 BauderTEC KSDA technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen air and vapour control layer with an aluminium foil facing for vapour impermeability.AdvocacyKarl Manning at NPS Group: “Hethel Engineering Centre is a perfect example of a project where outstanding workmanship and top quality products can harmoniously come together to deliver an exceptional, sustainable roofing solution. The Voland team in collaboration with Bauder provided the highest degree of technical support throughout the project, helping us overcome any issues we encountered promptly and efficiently.”

Job: Restoration of Norman CastleProduct: SMET NHL 5 BinderDescriptionSMET NHL 5 Binder was specially selected for the restoration works in this historic Norman Castle and Tower.  Rainey Restoration Ltd used our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar.SMET NHL 5 is a high-quality, pure, Natural Hydraulic Lime binder, produced under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems to EN 459-1. The eminent hydraulic strength development of SMET NHL 5 makes it suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, plastering base coats, and limecrete in extreme weather environments and exposed areas.  An eminently hydraulic lime binder for the production of mortars particularly suited for ecological new build, restoration, and preservation works in extreme weather environments and exposed areas. The product’s special composition allows the mortar product to breathe and also permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.NHL binders, available directly in-store and online via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.Our restoration and preservation NHL is available from Haldane Fisher online. Superior quality combined with exceptional technical support and aftercare, are the key drivers in the selection of SMET natural conservation products.ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 accredited Smet Building Products Ltd, demonstrating – once again – best practices in supporting Smet Supported Partners in Natural Hydraulic Lime products.

Shingler Homes is an independent housing developer keen to provide individual, attractive homes sympathetic to their surroundings.Their development at Perry View, near Shrewsbury, is such a development. With thirty houses ranging in size from 2 to 4 bedrooms, Shingler Homes offers a quality, personal approach to housing development.Direct Roofing Services (DRS), who are a long-standing customer of ARP, approached Shingler Homes to quote them for the Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Guttering System as it is a high-quality, cost-effective gutter system, which is quick, easy and safe to install, and requires no maintenance.The Mustang® Seamless Aluminium guttering system was the obvious choice, as it is produced on-site from coated aluminium coil, roll-formed in continuous lengths of up to 30 metres. Brackets stop ends and outlets are installed at ground level before the finished section is raised to roofline level for the final fixing. As the gutter lengths are cut to size on site, there is no waste, and the aluminium coil is made from recycled aluminium, which, once it reaches the end of its useful life, can be further recycled.Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Gutter system is the ideal solution for housing developments as it is a strong, sustainable, leak-free, no maintenance option, which has a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.Mustang® Aluminium Seamless Guttering is a unique joint-less system and is the only seamless gutter system approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA).By meeting the strict BBA guidelines, both ARP and their approved installer network are audited and assessed twice yearly to ensure that the product and installers maintain these high standards.Jeremy Shingler, Managing Director of Shingler Homes, said, “DRS provide an excellent service supplying and fixing aluminium guttering, which our customers like due to its low maintenance”.

A decorating contractor has praised Dulux Trade SmartShield+ after they were able to transform the exterior of a block of flats with the new product. The residential building in Loughton, Essex, had been suffering with the effects of water ingress and pollution over the years which has damaged both the exterior of the building as well as leaking inside. Cracks had appeared to the render of the building causing the water to leak into the fabric of the building. Contractor Armour Hart Group Ltd were tasked by The Square’s management firm Moat Homes with maintaining the cyclical decorations and associated repairs to the building and on identification of the issues consulted with partners Dulux Trade. Following an inspection from Dulux Trade the contractors agreed to use a specification containing Dulux Trade Plus SmartShield+ Exterior Clearcoat on the stonework to deliver the job. The first task was the cleaning and repair of the render and decorative edging after they had become infested with moss and lichen and this was adding to water ingress throughout the building. Both areas were cleaned and repaired before the waterproofing coating of SmartShield+ was applied to the decorative stone work throughout the property. Due to the specially formulated Dulux Trade Plus SmartShield+ the substrate was able to breathe and dry out after the repairs and coating had been completed. The pediment detail to the front of the building had also picked up grime over the years - and had been saturated during bad-weather and so repairs and cleaning of this area was also performed. Dulux Trade carried out inspections throughout the process and all of the cracks were repaired, sealed, coated and then painted to bring the whole building back to life. Armour Hart Group Ltd made the final checks to make sure the coating was waterproof - and were happy to report Dulux Trade Plus SmartShield+ passed the test. Phil Long at Armour Hart Group said; “Dulux Trade has supported us throughout this project so we were able to provide the best maintenance job possible to our clients. “Years of water damage was really starting to affect the building both aesthetically and physically - so it was important we targeted it properly. Cleaning the areas first really revealed the extent of the damage. It was so valuable to us to be able to use SmartShield+ as a coating - and then carry on working on other areas while it dried and sealed the exterior of the building.” Steve Plowman, Technical Support Manager at Dulux Trade said: “We’re glad we have been able to see this project through with Armour Hart and had such great feedback from them on how the product is working. SmartShield+ is a great product that really stands the test of time.” For more information, visit: www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/content/dulux-trade-plus-smartshield

Project type: Student Accommodation Location: Spreytonway & Moberly House, St Germans Road, Exeter, EX4 6TJ Project Cost: £41m Product: Meridian Coping System Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey Fire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018) Product: Rainscreen Cladding (Dales DF-System Panels) Finish: Powdertech Corby Peat Fire (Corten) Fire Rating:A2-s1, d0 (EN BS 13501-1). Architect: Willmore Iles Architects Contractor: Vinci Construction UK Ltd Sub Contractor: Longworth Building Services Ltd

Location: Maidstone, KentProject Type: HotelProduct: Dales Dove Gutter75mm Square Contemporary Rainwater PipeArchitect: D.L.A. ArchitectureSub Contractor: Hills Electrical & Mechanical

Project type: EducationLocation: Wimbledon High School, London, SW19 4ABProject Cost: £21mProduct: Rainscreen with ExtrusionsFinish (Extrusions): Syntha Pulvin RAL 7047 Matt Telegrau 4Finish (Panel): Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Fascia Soffit to Eaves, Verge & RIdgeFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Vertical Feature FinsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Copings & Rainwater PipesFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyFire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Product: Monocoque Support System (Galv)Fire Rating: A1 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Neilcott Construction LTDArchitect: IID ArchitectsContractor: Neilcott Construction LTDPhotography: IID Architects & John Nason

Location: Skelton Lakes Motorway Services, Leeds Project Type: Retail, Infrastructure, Leisure, Mixed-use Development Cost: £60m Products: Meridian Coping, Fascia Soffit, Privacy Screens, Rainscreen Cladding Finish: RAL 7014 Graphite Grey Client: Extra MSA Group Architect: Architecture 519 Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall Group PLC Sub Contractor: Cawston Roofing Ltd

  ​​​​​​​The FasTop RS69 polyurethane cement system was used for this ongoing Bangladesh food production plant project to deliver a heavy duty hygienic floor. Sherwin-Williams FasTop Multi RS69 product used in this system delivered a thickness of 6 mm overall and 9 mm in selected areas under machines where the floor would be subjected to boiling water. The initial area totalled 3500 sqm, and then further areas were done as the applicator worked through the factory. The project was the first time Quality Floors Bangladesh Ltd. team had taken advantage of the FasTop technology which featured extreme application conditions, including temperatures of 34-36oC, day and night, and also air humidity up to 100%.

In Rugby, 57 aerial masts and a radio station are the genesis for the beginning of a new town, centred around the recently finished Houlton School. The carefully considered design of the School by Van Heyningen & Haward (VHH), is the successful retrofit of a collection of historic, grade 2 listed radio station buildings. Its cost-effective evolution into a thriving, sustainable secondary school comes through the careful integration of the previous buildings and by choosing to use products that fitted soundly within the pre-existing vernacular.Adapting the original framework to today’s standards was a job that took years to come to fruition, careful application of steel frame and the restoration of the original brickwork has meant that the two main listed structures, Transmission Hall and Power Hall will become a place of learning for generations of students. Handmade clay bricks provided by Michelmersh were vital to the restoration of the project, where they were used to ensure the structures could be repaired and retained rather than rebuilt from the ground up.Throughout the project, various elements of the building's industrial past have been retained, with arched windows and high ceilings to ensure that the history of this nearly century-old building is revered, but not overpowering compared to its newly instated modern sensibilities.Houlton School recently won the Refurbishment Category at the BDA Brick Awards.

The new £18.9 million Wallyford Primary School opened in February 2019.The school is the first of two to be built in the Wallyford area amidst the construction of 2,050 new houses in the area.Broxap were chosen to supply all external street furniture, cycle shelters and a Keep It Kool canopy.Products included a series of ‘Fallowfield‘ concrete seats which were dressed in Grey BG01 Dressed finish. FSC certified Hardwood Timber planters.Cycle parking is facilitated via Broxap’s Cambridge Junior Shelters with Sheffield Stands beneath.A waterproof Keep it Kool Shade Cairns sail was provided with a Moss Green coloured fabric. This was positioned above a bespoke steel framed bench featuring FSC hardwood Radial Slats, planed and sanded.Also provided in areas around the school were a series of Broxap Synergy 200 MDPE Recycle Bins with general waste and plastic bottles and cans indicators on alternate sides.Roddy Clark, project director for hub South East said, “We’ve delivered a first-class facility for pupils and staff alongside a range of benefits for the wider community. A great deal of work has gone into the design and construction of the new school and the feedback received so far has been extremely positive.”

James Hardie recently featured on a stunning leisure facility in the heart of Clarach Bay, Aberystwyth. In collaboration with Nick Carroll Architects, we were able to provide a unique Hardie® Panel solution to this project. Originally a competitor product was specified at nearly three times the cost of Hardie® Panel, the client chose to switch to James Hardie thanks to our cost effectiveness, A2 fire rating and providing a robust cladding solution.

Location: Ashton Interchange, Ashton-under Lyne, OL6 6DP Project Type: Transport Development Cost: £32.7mProducts: Meridian Coping, Stepped Fascia, Kwikfix Plank SoffitFinish: RAL 9003 Matt Signal White RAL 8019 Matt Grey Brown Client: Transport for Greater Manchester Architect: Austin Smith Lord Main Contractor: Vinci Construction Ltd Sub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd

Well known as one of North Norfolk’s gems, not just because of its historic setting - it’s believed to be Holt’s oldest building - Byfords is the place to go for delicious home-cooked food, from breakfast, lunch and dinner to everything in between.Busy all year round with loyal locals and visitors to the popular upmarket town of Holt, Byfords is so much more than just a restaurant. On entering, guests are shown through the store, jam-packed with savoury pastries, hot food and cakes to take-away, before arriving at the striking but homely vaulted dining-cafe. Those lucky enough to be staying the night or two are shown to a sumptuous B&B suite upstairs.January 2020 saw Byfords renovate the ‘conservatory’ area of the restaurant, adding an impressive open marble-topped serving bar, behind which are positioned coffee machines and everything needed to make the ever-popular hot drinks throughout the day. One element of this key area that also needed upgrading was the water boiler. Used almost non-stop to fill teapots and cafetieres, Byfords looked to upgrade their current boiler to ensure it could meet the restaurant’s needs.General manager Richard Knights explains: “All of our kitchen & Bar products need to be able to meet a high level of demand, along with being reliable, as we don’t want to be replacing appliances every year.” Richard selected an Instanta product after researching boilers and being impressed with the capacity options and dedication to quality manufacture.A SureFlow Counter Top Filtered (CTS11F) boiler was installed, providing the cafe with up to 162 cups of boiling water per hour, with its built-in multi-functional filtration. This filtration can be adjustable for any catering facility in hard water areas to not only ensure the product isn’t affected by limescale build-up but also to keep hot drinks tasting fresh.“The team makes numerous hot drinks throughout the day,” continues Richard, “so it was vital we have a boiler that is up to the task. The tap is at the right height for filling tall teapots and cafetieres and we never have to worry about waiting for the water to be at the right temperature. As it is in a front-of-house location, it’s also great that it looks good! The smart stainless steel styling complements our other products and looks professional.”The positive feedback from Byfords team means Richard wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Instanta to the other restaurants in the Norfolk Passport brand. “When we come across a product that works so well we always share our insights and I’ll certainly be letting the other teams know that they might be missing out on something!”

St Peters Street landscapingStreet furniture | landscape seatingUnity RangeLocation: IpswichSt Peters street in Ipswich has recently been landscaped as part of the latest phase of the ‘Greener Ipswich Project.’ This renovation has aided the kickstart of green spaces across the town as well as helping to create a lively atmosphere for the public.A range of concrete seating and planters were installed here beside the bronze statue of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, which is situated in Ipswich town centre, Suffolk. The Townscape Unity range is designed to enhance and transform any urban space while maintaining functionality. The seating and planters are robust yet easy to move if or when necessary. The products used here were the Unity 1250 seat with deck top and the Unity 1250 planter in a Yorkstone buff finish.The landscaping upgrade was prepared as part of the Towns preparation for The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The main theme is based on the idea of Tudor plants, particularly those with medicinal properties. Tudor gardens were designed to provide food, medicine, and a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The herbs that have been planted near the Wolsey statue are some of the medieval healing herbs thought to have beneficial properties for the lungs, heart, digestion, and headache.

Location: Green Park, Reading, BerkshireProject Type: HousingProduct: Raking Fascia with Secret Fix Panel SoffitFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7015 Matt Slate GreyProduct: Meridian CopingsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 9003 Matt Signal WhiteFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Berkeley HomesArchitects: Broadway MalyanMain Contractor: St Edwards Homes Ltd

Naylor Concrete Ltd supplied Ultrafire and HiSpec Lintels to the Rolls-Royce project in Washington. Miller Construction has landed the contract to build a multi-million pound Rolls-Royce factory in Sunderland. The 20,000m2 facility, at Washington’s Radial Business Park, will manufacture fan and turbine discs for jet engines and is expected to be ready for production to start late next year. The construction contract, thought to be worth £35m, is part of a £950m five-year-investment programme on the part of the company.

Project type: CinemaLocation: St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, LincolnshireProduct: Shadex 150 Brise Soleil Horizontal (First Fix Brackets off Curtain Walling)​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7046 Matt Telegrau 2Fire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Architect: N. B. D. A.Contractor: G. F. TomlinsonSub Contractor: Optimus Architectural Ltd

Manthorpe Building Products has been an industry leader in quality dry fix roofing systems for over 15 years, helping to pioneer innovative new verge, ridge and hip systems for the roofing industry and the introduction of BS 8612 provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate this quality.

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.

Project type: Commercial Location: Bremont Watches Headquarters, Sheephouse Farm, Oxfordshire, RG9 4JF Product: Highline Gutter Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 9006 Matt White Aluminium Product: Meridian Coping System Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 9006 Matt White Aluminium Product: Faceted Verge Raking Soffit Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 9006 Matt White Aluminium Fire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018) Client: Bremont Watches Architect: Spratley & Partners Contractor: A&H Construction Sub Contractor: Vertec Roofing & Cladding Ltd

With a brief intro to Rawson, find a visual journey through their product range. this is just scratching the surface, so please contact our team for a comprehensive introduction

Dart Valley Systems (DVS), part of Franke water systems was chosen for the washroom revamp at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. The client required a setup that was robust, modern, and aesthetically pleasing. During the initial phase, DVS worked closely with the client to create a solution based on the project teams’ requirements. DVS has in-house capabilities to create bespoke product specifications and has worked alongside the client previously at their leading training facility. This was a great opportunity to put forward tried and tested products which were tailored to the client’s specific needs. DVS put forward customised programmable sensors for WCs, urinals and showers, alongside WC flushvalves. The stadium is now equipped with an intelligent and fully customised washroom system that saves water, increases hygiene and allows data capture. DVS is proud to have contributed to what is considered by many as the benchmark for future stadium and entertainment venues worldwide.

Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford reopened in October 2017 after the 1970s built centre was demolished in 2016. The £440 million development now offers shoppers a host of contemporary brands to shop from, as well as a variety of food and drink destinations – including the ever-popular Junk Yard Golf Club. According to the Westgate Oxford Alliance, the newly built shopping centre will welcome approximately 15m people annually, creating 3,500 full time jobs. The shopping centre covers around 800,000 sq. ft (74,300m2), 11,000m2 of which is new paving.

Completed in April 2013, the redevelopment of the seafront at Redcar was undertaken by landscape architects and urban designers, Smeeden Foreman. As winners of a RIBA International Design Competition, they led a team of architects and engineers, in conjunction with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Environment Agency and Birse Civils Ltd, that brought to life an ambitious plan for this North Yorkshire seaside town.

The ChallengeThe design of two new This large urban regeneration project in Pennywell, Edinburgh, included 719 new dwellings. It comprised four different brownfield areas with existing communities between them, meaning that linkage with the existing communities is essential.Homes are arranged around a central open space within an area characterised by low density housing.The predominant material in the overall development is brick – chosen for its durable, long-lasting qualities and ability to introduce consistency and identity. Zinc cladding, white brick and render, with key entrances defined by coloured blocks, also feature.The SolutionThe design used a simple palette of materials and approach to detailing, to bring a consistent and clear identity. The focus is on attractive, simple proportions, both in the form of the buildings and in the development of the elevations.Two types of brick were proposed: one a red/brown multitone and the other a light brown/red multitone; to be used in conjunction with grey and dark grey rooftiles. The brick selected was Village Harvest Multi for it was consistent with the design and referenced developments nearby.The BenefitsThe architecture used throughout the development provides quality and variety.The buildings complement each other and create a distinct character and identity. The feature materials add to the rhythms and patterns in the elevations to create variety in the streetscape and mark key corners and frontages.The extensive development is a result of an investment of £42 million by the City of Edinburgh Council and includes £7.9 million grant funding from the Scottish Government.

Broomielaw is a major thoroughfare in the City of Glasgow, UK. It runs adjacent to the River Clyde, on its North Bank through the International Financial Services District. Clyde Waterfront is a strategic partnership comprising the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire Councils.

Hardscape provided advice and technical guidance to Vector Design Concepts who in turn specified Hardscape’s hard landscaping materials for a £120million council-approved retail development to transform an unoccupied site in Beverley, East Yorkshire, into a modern shopping environment.

This incredible project came about through the Brighton Seafront Strategic Design Initiative, the aim of which was to regenerate The West Pier at Brighton seafront through an integrated development plan and strategy.

The ChallengeA new development of 15 individually designed four and five-bedroomed homes set in over four acres of mature woodlands in Nottingham.Each home in this secluded development was to be built over three storeys and designed and styled with the latest contemporary finishes, both inside and out. With a gated entrance, the private development is set down into its own valley, but still has breath-taking views of the city.The SolutionForterra’s Mandarin Mixture and Yorkshire Red Blend Butterley Bricks were chosen to meet the development’s high specification requirements. The properties were economically designed with underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, and a high level of insulation to keep running costs down.The BenefitsIncluding the latest interior finishes, each home also offers something different, from cinema rooms to beautifully landscaped terraces.

The ChallengeThe client’s requirements were to provide value for money and create a building that was easy to maintain and appropriate to its function and setting.Deafblind Scotland provided training for the architects so they could gain an appreciation of the barriers faced by those who would use the building. The design was then developed to satisfy funding requirements. Technology was utilised to assist the client’s team with visual impairment to understand the building layout.The SolutionWorking closely with the client the architects carefully selected materials, colours, stair detailing, thresholds and ironmongery. Our Welford Buff brick was chosen for the brickwork.Careful consideration was also given to the pedestrian route configuration that visitors would use when approaching the building – it was important to ensure a strong colour contrast between road and pedestrian walkway.Natural ventilation was maximised to reduce energy consumption and associated costs.The BenefitsThe 7,500 square foot building provides a centre of excellence for deafblind people with a hub for training and development. It is a daily resource for more than 300 deafblind people in the Glasgow area, and a further resource for the 2,700 people across Scotland who are severely dual sensory impaired.The project offers deafblind people more opportunities to learn, enjoy a range of subjects, collaborate, and to become more familiar with IT through the assistance of specially adapted technology and equipment.Feedback from building users has been extremely positive with the client remarking on the ease of way finding and legibility within the layout.