"green applications resources sustainability"

Over time bricks can discolour and lose their lustre because of the impact of wet weather, air pollution or efflorescence. The result can have a detrimental effect on a building’s visual aesthetic, compromising the architect’s design vision and reducing the value of the property for the owner. Brick manufacturer, Vandersanden is the first company to develop a viable, large scale coating solution to provide superior protection against efflorescence as well as secondary protection against the effects of pollution.Vandersanden’s automated coating formulation makes facing bricks water-repellent and resistant to the effects of air pollution and efflorescence, ensuring façades remain beautiful and untarnished throughout their lifetime. This innovative and environmentally sustainable process which also makes it easier to clean the brick, if dirt or damage does occur, has now been fully rolled out across the entire Vandersanden hand-formed brick range available to UK specifiers.Vandersanden worked with Belgian University, KU Leuven, to develop the solution which treats bricks with a special coating after the firing process. The process penetrates to a depth from 5mm to 15mm whilst retaining the original colour of the brick.The liquids contain no harmful substances or chemicals that can damage the brick or the environment and is automatically applied at Vandersanden’s manufacturing facilities in Belgium and The Netherlands.A coated brick has exactly the same pore structure as a non-coated brick and the number of pores and their size remain the same. However, as the walls of the pores are covered with a water-repellent layer, the water droplets are no longer attracted to the walls and will not be absorbed. As the pores remain open, the bricks also retain their resistance to frost.Applying the coating during the production process, eliminates the need to coat the bricks with an applicator once they have been installed, which is a highly specialised and expensive process. It also reduces the often laborious and costly task of prepping the facade for a coating and the regular maintenance required.“Creating beautiful facades that will stand the test of time remains crucial for Vandersanden,” says Jean-Pierre Wuytack, CEO at Vandersanden. "Thanks to our commitment to innovation in product design and manufacturing, we can ensure a lifetime of colour-safe brick performance for architects and their clients. We are proud of our coated solution which demonstrates how Vandersanden is the natural partner for architects who care passionately about creating the very best, most long-lasting aesthetic for their buildings.”Vandersanden coated bricks come with a 25-year guarantee and the company has worked hard to ensure these bricks can be delivered at the same cost as non-coated bricks.Vandersanden produces a vast array of high-quality bricks in different finishes and colours, ranging from reds and browns, to greys, creams and buffs that will inspire and enable the design and construction of beautiful buildings.To find out more, register for our RIBA approved CPD #2 "How to avoid brick stains and efflorescence" here CPD – Continuing Professional Development | Vandersanden

As part of a multi-million-pound development aimed at enhancing the overall shopping experience, Maple undertook the creation of a decorative architectural panel facade. This transformative project was executed in collaboration with Glasgow Fort Shopping Centre, focusing on the redevelopment of their new 601-space multi-storey car park.The primary objective was to augment parking capacity at Glasgow Fort Shopping Centre by 25%, emphasizing the dual purpose of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design aimed to make a distinct architectural statement, contrasting with the steelwork of adjacent structures while ensuring stability and a visually striking appearance. Given Maple's established reputation for pioneering innovative architectural façades, the collaboration was a natural fit for this ambitious undertaking.Teaming up with contractor McLaughlin & Harvey and architect Cooper Cromar, Maple played a crucial role in bringing this impressive five-floor development to fruition.The centerpiece of the project was a 'living art' façade for the new car park, featuring a curved timber-clad steel enclosure inspired by nature. Enhanced by captivating landscaping and boardwalk frontage, the design sought to harmonize with the environment.The construction of this intricate feature façade involved the use of sustainable materials, including 700m2 of Corten steel cladding, 1,100m2 of vertical timber fins, and 1,200m2 of curved timber fins spanning 75m.Through the thoughtful combination of these materials, Maple successfully contributed to the creation of a visually stunning car park exterior that met both the aesthetic and structural requirements of the project.The Glasgow Fort Shopping Centre car park development served as a testament to Maple's proficiency in designing, manufacturing, and installing architectural facades for landmark buildings, employing sustainable construction materials and showcasing their commitment to excellence.

The Rednock School in Dursley in Gloucestershire won the people’s choice and awards for sustainability and architectural excellence in the RIBA Regional Town & Country Awards. Wings emanate from a central red hub, designed to be energy-efficient and natural light and airy.So pioneers of transforming the ‘beacon of sustainable school design’ called in experts to design and install their planned multi-use games area (MUGA) and keep the school open while still pushing forward design boundaries.The SolutionThe 1,400-pupil school turned to artificial sports surfaces specialists AP Thompson and MUGA manufacturer Zaun to provide it with a multi-functional state of the art sports pitch.With limited space and the need to keep open throughout the works, contractors built the new school on the old playing fields then demolished the old buildings to make way for the new MUGA.Zaun recommended its Duo6 Sports fencing with fixings every 200mm instead of 400mm. Each fixing point uses a rubber EPDM insert that insulates the panel from the post and reduces rattle during play to a minimum. This is a solution Zaun has developed for schools to minimise noise from outdoor pitches distracting classes being taught indoors.Clever siting of goal recesses makes the MUGA ideal for a full size international standard football pitch or four concurrent 5 a side matches across the width. In addition, Zaun incorporated gates at strategic locations and 4.4m high fencing behind the goal areas to improve ball retention.After four decades, the reincarnation of the school cost £38 million in total and includes a TV studio able to broadcast live to every corner of the school.

THE PROJECTThis incredible project, ‘The Renaissance’ in Lewisham, London was built with design, architecture, visualisation and community in mind. Both residential and commercial, the large development contains 795 private and affordable homes alongside a versatile range of commercial space.It was one of the first large developments in Lewisham Town Centre and contains eight mail buildings ranging from 5 to 24 storeys, each building having its own design, purpose, and appeal.The whole site was designed to increase connections and brig a community together whilst focusing on sustainable homes and the community culture.Within the development is an array of homes from townhouses to 1 bedroom studio apartments all aimed a range of residents from families to singles to create a wider community. These homes were designed to create affordable living through low energy bills and carbon neutral spaces to sustainable communities and vegetable growing areas.THE PRODUCTThe Client wanted a mailbox solution for the development that met their design and architectural needs. They wanted to offer 24-hour mail delivery and pickup for their residents alongside their onsite gym, 24 hour concierge, roof terrace, leisure centre, café, plus much more!The Safety Letterbox Company, having worked with our client on numerous occasions were delighted to work with them again on this futuristic project.Installed were, 238 H1 Lateral mailboxes, engraved and powder coated in Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016). These stunning mailboxes were installed in a creative way by placing part of them on top of a white island with under lighting to create a floating effect.With the high ceilings, monochrome design and a modern interior these mailboxes look absolutely stunning and perfect for the residents to enjoy 24 hour secure mail delivery.

Did you know Vincent Timber supplied both these clubs with their cladding and louvres?BurnleyBurnley Football Club's aim with this development was to raise the standard of their training facility to meet the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category 1 and 2 standard of infrastructure. Together with Barnfield Construction, they achieved just this.To meet the requirements of the EPPP the build included an indoor area, allowing training to continue through all weathers, complete with a small spectator gallery; as well as multiple developments outside, including three full-sized training pitches and a further two three-quarter size pitches.The new centre was then given a unique finish, clad in four pre-coated, custom colours of Vincent Timber's Thermowood.Thermowood is a versatile timber that serves as internal and external cladding, louvres and even works in saunas thanks to its heat resistant properties.Thermowood is produced by changing the cellular structure of the softwood with a heat treatment making the wood more stable. Its durability and sustainability make Thermowood very popular.ArsenalSupplied by Vincent Timber to contractors Richardson Roofing.With the help of Vincent Timber and Richardson Roofing, Arsenal Football Club were able to transform their training ground at London Colney to provide players with the best possible facilities, at every age group of the club.The facility, featuring a new gym, 40m running track, ice baths, cryotherapy chamber and state of the art analysis and scouting suites, will not only be used by the first team players but it will also house 1st and 2nd year professionals at the academy.The beautiful exterior on the training centre is Western Red Cedar cladding. This attractive, durable material is the ideal choice as it is highly resistant to weather while offering superior quality and sustainability.

Creating Paradise: Alumasc Delivers for the Complete Building Envelope for One Chamberlain Square Paradise Project One Chamberlain Square is the lead project in a wider vision to create Paradise in Birmingham—the most important development the city has seen in a generation. With the help of Alumasc offering solutions for the entire building envelope, One Chamberlain Square is set to be a vibrant mixed use development that will not only be the new home of professional services firm PwC, but will endeavour to maintain a balance between busy urban hub and the natural world. To do this, Alumasc provided a range of products and services encompassing the entire building envelope, specified by Weedon Architects. This included a Blackdown Extensive Brown Roof, applied over Hydrotech Hot Melt Waterproofing, alongside Harmer Roof Outlets and bespoke solutions from Roof-Pro, for building D: an eight-story commercial building over a podium car park. Inside, bespoke blinds by Levolux, also an Alumasc company, were installed. “This is an extremely high-profile development, which demanded trusted, standard setting products,” said Owen Doherty, Director at Weedon Architects and Project Architect for the venture. “All systems decided on were chosen on quality, durability and enhanced design life compared to competition.” ON THE ROOF OF PARADISEBlackdown’s Extensive Brown Roof is a green roof in the making. Covering approximately 4000m2 of roof space for this project, One Chamberlain’s ‘brown’ roof is installed without plant life and will naturally seed from plant material that either blows in from the local environment or that is introduced by birds. In this way, it literally replaces the green space that has been taken up by the construction of the building it lies on, encouraging biodiversity by providing and strengthening habitats for wildlife local to the area, with truly local plant life. Typically, the substrate is mounded to offer habitat variation, therefore the depth of the brown roof can vary be between 92-170mm and have a saturated weight of approximately 113-213kg per square metre, depending on the depths of the substrate. Beneath this, Hydrotech MM6125 roofing, a hot melt rubber bitumen membrane, delivers sound structural waterproofing. The bitumen is heated and combined with a polyester reinforcement and protection sheet to form a weatherproof layer that has a 100% bond to prepared concrete surfaces. With no product failures in over 50 years, Hydrotech Hot Melt roofing is guaranteed for waterproofing integrity for the lifetime of the structure. Working in tandem with each other, the Blackdown Extensive Brown Roof helps to extend and reinforce the life and guarantee of the waterproofing, offering a protective layer of natural insulation. Giving his seal of approval, Owen said: “I only specify Alumasc hot melt at the moment and have done for many years. All products and systems chosen here have had zero product failures and I have never had any issues with technical specifications on previous high-profile buildings.”PROVIDING EFFICIENT DRAINAGEGiven the huge expanse of roof space involved this project, effective flat roof drainage was essential. Harmer AV high capacity aluminium roof outlets were installed for this purpose. Suitable for all regular flat roofing applications with continuous membranes, these outlets are lightweight, durable, non-corrodible and have been proven to drain 40% more roof area than conventional gravity outlets, therefore further ensuring the long life and service of other flat roof systems. Aiding project completion, Roof-Pro support systems were also tailored bespoke to meet the roof structure requirements. Free-standing support and access solutions were devised that would allow work to be carried out safely, efficiently and without causing damage to any of the roofing systems being installed. A WORD FROM THE CONTRACTORChristian Bradley of Briggs Amasco, who installed the roofing, commented: “One Chamberlain Square and the surrounding podium waterproofing form part of the largest construction programme in Birmingham. We are extremely proud to be working on this landmark project. “The products and systems installed all have long legacies of successful projects behind them, and there are no better guarantees than real results. They also offer excellent value for a competitive cost. These are just a few of the reasons why we love working on Alumasc projects. Alumasc offer a single source for all solutions, bespoke design detailing and the technical support is always on-hand when you need it.” Completed in autumn 2019, One Chamberlain Square forms an integral part of a masterplan redevelopment that will transform part of Birmingham City Centre.

application area: domestic heatinguse type: gas fireplace project scope: restore fireplaces, rebuild chimney, line chimney ductadded value: 25-year guarantee on liner, quick and clean install, non-destructiveBackgroundThe camera survey revealed cracks in the chimney flue of a large victorian house in Muswell Hill. To protect against carbon monoxide leaks, the chimneys had to be lined before the gas fireplaces could be fitted. A flexible and uninflated FuranFlex tube was placed inside the chimney duct. Each FuranFlex liner is produced to fit the dimensions of the duct. Hot steam is used to inflate and harden the liner, fixing it in position.Statement of workThe installation took one day per chimney. The jointless and air-tight liner provides good draught and a clean and safe operation for the fireplaces. When FuranFlex liners are inflated they take up the shape of the chimney, providing maximum lined diameter and natural draught.

Challenge:For the first phase of 80 retail units, Phoenix Brickwork required IG’s bespoke arch lintels accommodating a range of opening spans between 910mm to 6000mm for ground and first floor shopfront door and window openings.Solution:IG’s technical team worked closely with Phoenix Brickwork and developed a one-piece lintel design solution taking into consideration loading conditions for each application.All special lintels were delivered to site as part of the project build schedule and helped to achieve the desired façade complementing both the fascia and canopy design. The welcoming shop fronts are sympathetic to building and have helped contribute to an attractive retail and leisure development.The 30,000m2 of retail space built over two phases will eventually consist of 125 retail units, generate 1,200+ additional jobs and create a new retail destination for the region with the aim to attract over 39 million tourists a year.

application area: commercial gas heatinguse type: condensing gas boilersproject scope: line commercial freestanding chimney for condensing operationadded value: corrosion-resistant, air-tight and waterproof finishBackgroundThe combustion gases from the school's boiler room are exhausted through a freestanding 28-metre brick chimney. The structure was not suitable for the wet operation of condensing boilers. FuranFlex-25 Black was the chosen lining material.The new boiler plant required a 500mm diameter flue liner but the chimney could not accommodate a rigid liner this size. A FuranFlex25 Black liner was therefore specified as it expands into the rectangular flue shape when inflated with steam.Statement of workFuranFlex25 comes as a folded and soft tube. Inflating with steam irreversably hardens the liner fixing it in place. Within a few hours of steaming the liner was ready for connecting to the boilers. The appropriate adaptors/terminals were fitted making the chimney ready for operation.

Kestrel Court is a bespoke development of nine apartments, comprising of one 3 bedroom and eight 2 bedroom high specification properties. Offering tree lined views, off street parking and private gardens, the development is nestled near Ewell Village, granting easy access to shops and restaurants. Its prime location provides A3 access to the M25 and trains to London. Also nearby is Bourne Hall, which features a library, theatre, museum, and various amenities, and Nonsuch Park, an English Heritage-listed historic park.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by 1929 Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are Robust Detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Turnbull Homes were supplied 500m² of Cellecta products for this development in Epsom.

Pembroke House is an assisted living home located in Camberley. The home had a conversion of the second and third floors and construction of a 2 story roof extension to provide 116 affordable apartments, as well as 20 in a dedicated dementia suite. Facilities include a private dining room, lounge areas, restaurant, cinema, library, café, spa bathroom, bistro, library, beauty salon and activities room. Located in the city centre, the building has underground parking, garden terraces on the 4th Floor, and a porte cochere providing outdoor space for residents to enjoy.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by PRP Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Wates Construction was awarded this 2,880m² contract to construct this development in Surrey.

BackgroundWard Flooring were required to fit a Stair Nosing which met DDA and Equality Act guidelines. Whilst helping to create an attractive and colourful new learning environment for the school’s students.SolutionThe new Q Range, available in 21 special profiles of Stair Nosing proved to be the perfect solution. This unique Stair Nosing design proved to be the most suitable solution for installation in Drapers Mills Primary Academy. Owing to its all over tread design, which provides a slip resistant surface from the nose to the back edge, gives the benefit of extra safety when ascending or descending stairs.The satin etched aluminium riser surface provides the double benefit of being scratch resistant and it inhibits the potential for ‘glare’, which is one of the requirements of the latest BS8300:2008 and Building Regulation guidelines applicable to stairways in areas of Public Access. For more information about the Q Range of Stair Nosings visit www.quantumflooring.co.uk.

Holland Park is one of the UK"s first and most famous comprehensive schools. At a cost of £81m it was financed by selling off part of the original school site to finance the building of the new six-storey school for 1,500 pupils.Situated within a Conservation Area and adjacent to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s largest park, the balustrade fencing was chosen to reflect the prestigious nature of the new school's striking façade of copper, brass and bronze that adds character to the building and was designed to integrate with the heavily wooded nature of the site.The balustrade was designed as a modified version of Lang+Fulton's Novara-34 anti-climb fencing. The grating panels feature a narrow 34mm aperture which is particularly suitable for schools. The installation included a stepped area and an elevated walkway which required face plate fixings engineered to cope with a parapet application.Fencing and posts were supplied in a hot-dip galvanized and polyester powder coated finish.

The new flagship outlet of Pioneer Foodstore in Carlisle was built to a high specification with the aim of significantly extending their client base. The planning application had to meet the requirement for a screen to conceal the roof-top services and air-conditioning plant.Italia-80V was proposed, which could be bent to a radius, to fulfill the vision for a semi-circular end to one side of the compound. The 2950mm high steel louvre panels were welded onto appropriately shaped RSA support rails at top and bottom, which were supplied with multiple holes for fixing to the posts to ensure perfect continuity of spacing. A double-leaf gate was also seamlessly incorporated by using a front fixing design.Lang+Fulton worked closely with the architect at an early stage to advise on the fixing points for the posts which would carry the screen. This ensured that the thermal barrier and waterproof membrane could be wrapped up the footings for a neat and effective installation.

Lionweld Kennedy designed, supplied, fabricated and installed extensions to existing platforms in order to accommodate longer trains and add a new emergency end of platform staircase . The platforms we worked on was Shepherds Bush, Imperial Wharf, West Brompton and Clapham Stations.We provided GRP deck, below deck screens, mesh litter screens, end of platform steps, fencing and lockable gates as well as associated handrails, plinths, fixtures and fittings.The GRP deck panel’s increased strength allows spans of 4000mm clear span with a 5kn/m² pedestrian loading.This meets all network rail load requirements and is fully approved and in use.Additional strengthening to the deck was required to accommodate the lighting/CCTV columns shown above.We added white and yellow edge lines and safety lines as well as the tactile pavers moulded to the deck.The gritted anti-slip surface is also ideal for this application where safety is paramount.

Ward Firth 9 at The Northern General Hospital underwent a complete refurbishment as part of an essential maintenance project recently which included redecoration and new flooring as well as the installation of Yeoman Shield Wall Protection Panels and Guardian Handrail.After the work was completed the ward lookedsmart and refreshed which left the originalNurses Station lack lustre, as pictured to the left.Yeoman Shield were able to offer a solution to theworn work-unit with the application, to the sidesof the desk, of 2.0mm thick FalmouthEx protectionpanels in light grey to match the surrounding décor.The tops of the work stations were covered withYeoman Shield Satin Pastel Smooth panels in thecolour Clay.Not only did the covering of the nurse’s stationwith Yeoman Shield products reflect the newsmart décor of the wards but also gave them anextra lease of life with a durable impact resistantand easy to clean hygienic finish.

CHALLENGEAn ambitious project, and one of the first certified PassivHaus homes in the UK - the Denby Dale PassivHaus in West Yorkshire, had to to use 90% less energy for space heating than the average UK dwelling – with a space heating need of only 15 kWh/m2/ year. The three-bedroom property is the first UK Passivhaus to be built in a traditional style using cavity wall construction and had to be built to a tight budget of £141,000.SOLUTION“We decided to go down the cavity wall path and arrived at the design for several reasons including: planning restrictions, thermal store, cost, and maybe most important of all, buildability,” explains Bill Butcher, Project Leader.Excellent performing insulation is obviously fundamental to Passivhaus construction and the Denby Dale house has 300mm Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 in the walls, 500mm Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 44 in the roof void (both of which incorporate ECOSE® Technology) along with 225mm of high-performing Polyfoam® Floorboard Standard* insulation in the floor.“We’re fully filling the cavity with glass mineral wool insulation for the walls above ground, because it helps minimise air movement in the cavity and offers greater flexibility, fitting snugly around the ties, openings and imperfections of the masonry surface.” comments Bill Butcher.Economics, performance, availability, ease of fitting and reducing thermal bypass were all among the benefits of the Knauf Insulation products chosen.*No longer sold through Knauf Insulation.BENEFITSGlass Mineral Wool was specified over rigid insulation to ensure a tight thermal fit. Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slabs are flexible enough to eliminate air gaps and prevent heat loss due to their inherent ability to knit together at joints between the slabs. If rigid insulation is used and fitted badly with too many gaps, air movement around and between the insulation boards is increased, which can drastically reduce its insulation value.Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slabs are BBA Certified for all exposure zones and formally guaranteed for 50 years to prevent the transmission of liquid water from the outer masonry leaf to the inner masonry leaf.In addition to its thermal performance glass mineral wool also has other sustainable features. In manufacture it uses a high content of recycled glass bottles and requires less overall energy consumption than some alternative products, resulting in less carbon emissions. In addition, it can be recycled at the end of a building’s life and has zero GWP and zero ODP. ECOSE® Technology further extends these established green credentials as it is manufactured with 70% less energy than traditional binders and the products contain no dyes or added formaldehyde – providing the ideal solution to the eco-friendly house.

Marischal Square Bauder Bakor Hot Melt structural waterproofingSynopsisMarischal square is a mixed use complex in the centre of Aberdeen based on the site of the former council headquarters building, St. Nicholas House. In 2011 Muse Developments undertook a £107m redevelopment of the site creating space for two new office buildings, seven restaurants and café bars, a 126-room hotel, a modern civic space and a new public space area in between the new buildings.Bauder Building BoardProject:Marischal SquareLocation:AberdeenRoof Area:5,400m²Client:Muse Development & Morgan SindallApproved Contractor:Briggs AmascoThe specificationWith large parts of the new roofing areas being accessible terraces and areas which will experience a significant amount of foot traffic, the Bauder hot melt structural system was a natural choice. The system was combined with hard and soft landscaping to provide the different aspects of the various terraces, stairways, podium decks and rooftops.The Bauder Hot Melt structural waterproofing system is ideally suited as a waterproofing system beneath paved or ballasted surfacing, car parks, podiums, plazas, green roofs and substructures.Project challengesA key challenge for this project was the fact that Muse Developments and Morgan Sindall, who were working jointly on the development, were looking for a single source waterproofing. Bauder proved to be the perfect fit, covering and delivering all elements of the waterproofing systems.The resultApproved contractor Briggs Amasco carried out the works on the 5,400m² of the separate roof areas, whilst expert Bauder site technicians carried out a total of 26 site visits over the duration of the project to ensure the quality of the installations. Following a final inspection, Bauder was able to issue a 20 year product and workmanship guarantee on the project.System installed1 BauderPLANT E 42Green torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 790-11Hot melt rubberised bitumen asphalt with a percentage of post-consumer recycled materials that infills and fully bonds to all minor deviations in the deck.3 DeckPrimed concrete.

The ChallengeSituated in the Rye Lane conservation area in Peckham, South London, the four to seven storey mixed-use development in Rye Green – comprising 27 residential units laid out across six floors, with two retail units on the ground floor – would provide affordable housing for people in the community who are most in need.The scheme had to consider two elements, the first being the redevelopment of the frontage building (Rye Lane) with the retention of its façade, and the second being the six-storey (with set-back seven-storey) block to the rear, on the site of the existing fish warehouse.The SolutionThe architectural design of this residential development incorporates traditional and modern features with an existing brick façade.PROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILThe seven-storey block is rectangular in form and has been built with a striking yellow facingbrick with protruding red brick paneling. The contrast between red and yellow brickwork is exaggerated with the introduction of green glaze facing brickwork at street level. This change in texture and brick finish works well with the local vernacular.The new second and third floor additions are set back from the retained frontage.The design is simple and functional, and the specified fabric responds to the historic character of the conservation area.Three facing bricks from Butterley Brick were selected for the build. Arden Special Reserve, a red, light textured brick, and buff Village Harvest Multi – also light textured – were used as the facing material for the main body of the buildings. Wilncote Blue Smooth, a dark toned brick. was used to define the base of the buildings. The set-back top floor of the seven-storey block is clad in zinc shingles to reflect its roof-like character.The BenefitsThe high quality development, together with its associated external landscaping, has contributed positively to its place in Peckham.Butterley Brick offers a range of high quality facing bricks manufactured from locally sourced raw materials; the range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification. The bricks contribute to thermal mass and can be recycled at the end of their use.

The Post Building development completely remodels the former Royal Mail Sorting Office located on New Oxford Street in Central London into modern Grade A offices, with street level retail and restaurant space along with rooftop gardens, terraces, and leisure areas. The project received a prestigious RIBA London Award in 2022 and the main roof terrace is open to the public, providing panoramic views over the city. In order to gain planning approval, the development had to be repurposed in line with the ‘SuDS manual’ best practice guidance to minimise surface water run-off in the event of a storm and in order to meet the maximum discharge consent limits set by Thames Water.Basement SuDS storage is expensive and often impractical to achieve in city centre locations. ABG’s blueroof system was therefore chosen as an easy to install alternative to provide stormwater attenuation at roof level. The system is installed across three main roof areas and includes 14 restrictor chambers positioned above rainwater outlets to limit the outflow rate. The system is calculated to control stormwater in the event of a 1 in 100 year storm, based on the local Flood Studies Report (FSR) rainfall data, plus 30% allowance for climatic change.The roof design incorporates a variety of surface finishes, including a resin bound play area, biodiverse green roof areas and paved & decked terraced areas. The roof also includes solar PV arrays and planters supported on top of the blue roof.The ABG blueroof system drains like a normal roof during everyday rainfall events, but throughout the critical design storm periods restricts stormwater run-off, continuously releasing rainwater at a controlled rate until empty.The discharge rate is site specific and forms part of the scheme wide SuDS plan, and means that other downstream measures are not required. The scheme also included sedum green roofs to improve site biodiversity across two further areas.ABG provided project design calculations and all blue roof materials required for the different roof levels, plus our installation service.

Following the devastating effects of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Hatfield Close & Gerrard House fell into the category of social housing buildings that needed to be reclad to meet safety standards and Terracotta cladding offered a solution that satisfied the required standards and ticked all the boxes. BackgroundOn the 14 June 2017, a disaster that shook the nation taking away the lives of 72 people, injuring many others and devastating families and a whole community became the core of public unrest and resulted in a mass scale enquiry that identified around 2,000 buildings over 18m tall clad in dangerous combustible materials in England alone. The cladding crisis exposed that not only did the buildings pose an immediate fire risk to residents but also saw flat owners facing building insurance premiums, extensive and costly remedial work and mortgage lenders deeming the properties unsafe and ceasing to lend money against them. The Grenfell tower tragedy resulted in the review of the building regulations nationally and internationally in countries including Australia, Malta and The United Arab Emirates and in a government pledge of over £5bn towards the remediation of fire safety problems in high rise buildings. The three Hatfield Close & Gerrard House blocks were identified as being clad with ACM, the cladding material used at Grenfell. The projectAlthough originally constructed as a concrete frame with brick infill sections, the Hatfield Close & Gerrard House buildings experienced weather penetration issues during the 1980s and the 1990s that led to a programme of improvements which included the introduction of an ACM rainscreen system in the 2000s which during the post Grenfell tall buildings cladding mass review was found unsafe. Only weeks later emergency works to strip the hazardous cladding began.  Although the primary objective of the project was to improve the fire safety performance of the three blocks, the project team took the opportunity to redevelop the buildings to also improve their aesthetic and structural and thermal properties. The nature of the project called for a holistic approach led by a multidisciplinary team which included Michael Dyson Associates Ltd, a housing consultancy firm that specialises in the social housing sector, social housing main contractor United Living, a Lewisham Homes & Fire risk manager, independent consultants and resident representatives. The team, with guidance from the planners selected terracotta cladding as the material of choice due to its non-combustible A1 fire rating and robustness. In addition to its essential non-combustible fire classification, terracotta offered a large range of tile colours, shapes, profiles and textures that gave the team design freedom and opened the possibility to improve the aesthetic appearance of the blocks at the same time as offering durability due to being a natural product with no synthetic dyes and a life expectancy of 60 years +. The terracotta cladding system offered the façade contractor Novo Facades a simple method that allowed them to deliver a clean and non intrusive installation process which was key as the residents were living in the buildings all along. The project became a construction referent of inclusion and savoir faire. It was a winner in the Inside Housing 2020 Resident Safety Campaign Awards, it was shortlisted for ‘Best Community Engagement’ and Won ‘Project of the Year £10 million to £25 million’ awards at the 2021 National Building & Construction Awards. SolutionTerracotta facade panels are one of the cladding resources of choice in the market because it is a natural and versatile material that gives architects freedom of expression whilst it gives cladding and envelope contractors the advantages of a quick and easy installation process. The Argeton system is one of the principal terracotta systems used worldwide not only because it is a natural and versatile material but also because it offers a technical and cost-effective solution for the residential, commercial and health and education sectors. Argeton is CE and UKCA marked and one of the most tested systems in the market including a BBA and an EPD. NHBC approved and not subject to any restrictions on building height or proximity to boundaries thanks to its Euro-class A1 Fire certification, it is no surprise Argeton is one of the materials of choice not only in new builds but also for refurbishment or re-clad. Durable and fully recyclable, ISO 14025 and EN 15804 (European BREEAM equivalent) certified, sustainability is at the heart of Argeton’s values. Argeton terracotta cladding systems are available in a range off the shelf and bespoke profiles, in lengths to suit and in natural, glazes, digital print and engobed finishes. https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/profile-and-finishes/

Groupe Atlantic’s mission is to help society rise to the challenge of reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy whilst still satisfying the demand for thermal comfort. So when RFD Interior Architecture was asked to design and build the interiors for its new Expert Training Academy in East Yorkshire, where the heating and hot water industry could learn about the next generation of renewable energy sourced appliances, it was key that the academy’s interior should itself have minimal impact.With this in mind, the project focused on mirroring Groupe Atlantic’s commercial approach by using sustainable materials and recycled products wherever possible to provide a practical, low maintenance interior with authentic natural aesthetics.

After an enquiry from Tenterden Town Council in 2013, Jacksons installed 65m of 1 metre high Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing and 3 matching single leaf gates around the play area. Over ten years later, the fencing and gates could almost pass as being new, showing no signs of weathering. Seeing first-hand the quality and longevity of Jacksons’ fencing and gates, and wanting to choose another sustainable solution, Tenterden Town Council made no hesitation to contact us again. Over 80 metres of our EuroGuard® Regular fencing and two 4.9m wide EuroGuard® Flatform double leaf gates were installed by our own team.

Designing distinctive and confident pieces inspired by vintage fashions, RIXO has become a cult British brand. So when it came to fitting out its latest high street store in London’s trendy Carnaby Street, founders Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey wanted an individual look with a nod to past decades that would also allow the personality of their hand-printed clothing ranges to shine.Appointing design studio Cúpla to create an empowering interior, RIXO was keen to stay true to their sustainability commitment by choosing British designs and family run suppliers. In line with their philosophy of designing one-off pieces that will become tomorrow’s classics, the aim was to create a welcoming environment and a memorable personalised experience.

Ground source review: Ullenwood Court, Churcham HomesA development of large luxury family homes in the heart of the Cotswold countryside is being built with sustainability in mind by property developer Churcham Homes. Once complete, all 26 contemporary properties, located within 34 acres of stunning countryside, will feature innovative ground source technology that produces zero emissions or air pollution.Key FactsPrivate, new build development13kW & 15kW Kensa Evo GSHPs52 x boreholes between 141m – 227m deepHeating, hot water and coolingAnnual heating load 672,099 kWhHigh spec, luxury new buildsUp to 6,547sq ft

Home Bargains, a leading UK retailer, sought to embrace sustainable infrastructure by introducing EV charging across their UK car park network. Partnering with Rolec EV, a pioneer in EV technology, they installed a mix of 25 AC fast and DC rapid chargepoints across 14 sites, with plans for further expansion. Tailored to meet the needs of both customers and fleet vehicles, the charging network offers bespoke branding and smart back-office management for seamless operation. This initiative not only optimizes fleet charging, reducing downtime, but also contributes to the advancement of the UK's public charging network, promoting the transition to electric vehicles.Click "view more" to read the full case study.

The Cyclepods Canterbury 40 Bike Compound is a secure facility for bikes with the ability to add extension units to suit most spaces. Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised 50 x 50 box section to BSEN ISO1461 Transparent PET 4mm roof Optional Transparent PET 4mm sides Aluminium fixing straps Anti-climb end panels No crawl under perimeters Angled roof Rear security panel Front security swinging gate Padlock/Hasp locking mechanism BREEAM AND CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES COMPLIANT This cycle compound can help contribute towards gaining ENE8 Cycle storage credits when used in the appropriate situation

A Classic versatile bike shelter. Galvanised box section construction with a clear UV rated PET-G roof and optional sides. Can be easily configured to form compounds as well as add on extension units. Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised 50 x 50 box section to BSEN ISO1461 Transparent PET 4mm roof Optional Transparent PET 4mm sides Aluminium fixing straps Anti climb end panels No crawl under perimeters Angled roof BREEAM AND CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES COMPLIANT This cycle compound can help contribute towards gaining ENE8 Cycle storage credits when used in the appropriate situation

The Cyclepods Canterbury 20 Bike Compound is a secure facility for bikes with the ability to add extension units to suit most spaces. Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised 50 x 50 box section to BSEN ISO1461 Transparent PET 4mm roof Optional Transparent PET 4mm sides Aluminium fixing straps Anti-climb end panels No crawl under perimeters Angled roof Rear security panel Front security swinging gate Padlock/Hasp locking mechanism BREEAM AND CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES COMPLIANT This cycle compound can help contribute towards gaining ENE8 Cycle storage credits when used in the appropriate situation

Iconic Manchester Central Convention Complex is an exhibition and conference centre which has undergone a £30m renovation with a seating capacity of 9,500. As a leading venue, sustainability is at the heart of everything Manchester Central do.The centre attracts 500,000 visitors annually, so the senior management team had a desire to engage visitors better and transform the user experience. By switching to 50 SAVORTEX adDryers, the following benefits were delivered. 88% energy saving per dry vs previous dryerOperational savings from smart washroom cleaning alerts and analytics dashboard0% service disruption from remote product health alertsEstimated ROI: 7 months & CSR reportingAdvertising revenue-share

Travelodge was the first Budget Hotel brand to launch in the UK in 1985. Since then Travelodge has undergone a radical transformation, opening more than 500 hotels (over 37,000 rooms), and moving from being a roadside hotel chain to become one of the UK’s largest, and fastest growing, highly recognised budget hotel brands.Soundis supplied FFT2 Acoustic Saddle Cradle & Batten System as well as 70mm Soundproof FFT1 Acoustic Battens. Each of these systems are compliant with Robust Detail criteria and each are able to significantly reduce and improve Airborne and Impact noise performance levels.Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects.

This exclusive up-market housing development in rural Somerset, required surfacing for what would become an adopted residential road. Planning requirements specified that a sustainable form of drainage would be needed to gain planning consent. ULTIPOROUS, Tarmac’s durable porous asphalt was recommended. It would allow full infiltration of rainwater to eliminate puddles and standing water even after heavy rain. It would also achieve a safe, all-weather surface for residents and avoid surface run-off into the local catchment. The approach taken, meant that no drains or manholes were required, which is another advantage of using this product for architects and designers. It would also deliver lasting durability, helping to minimise future maintenance requirements.

As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.The homes are built to strict Passivhaus standards, offering improved health and wellbeing conditions for occupants whilst requiring very low levels of energy for space heating or cooling. Additionally, using timber frame for the construction lowers the carbon footprint of the development.The major benefit of a Passivhaus build is the reduced energy consumption during the operating life of the structure. This will ultimately lead to reduced energy costs, heating bills, and even lower carbon emissions for the planet.The average air test result for the 12 homes came in at below 0.5 ACH. A Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall extension which creates extra wall space to a house insulation) was also used in the project. It was 330mm deep with the finished wall make-up being closer to 500mm.Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, commented: “The Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just one of several passivhaus schemes we have completed over the past 2 years. We now have an external wall build-up that not only meets the passivhaus standards, but also has extremely low embodied carbon credentials.“The external wall has been fire tested and achieves the airtightness required, all in all, reducing the heating requirements and the running costs of the property.”SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is an airtight OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures. The airtightness is engineered into the OSB panel substrate, whilst the factory applied specialist surface finish technology provides increased and constant vapour resistance on the warm side of construction. The panels are suitable for both new build and renovations.The distinctive green layer of SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is a UV cured coating providing increased and constant vapour diffusion factor. In addition, it provides a smooth and durable surface for taping the connections.The panels made to OSB/3 grade, are moisture resistant and can be used in humid conditions (service class 2). The hygroscopic nature of the OSB panel acts as a humidity buffer to help prevent interstitial condensation within the timber frame structure in limited cases of reverse diffusion.Jarman concluded: “Whilst there are other products available which will achieve the airtightness, we feel SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is the most robust solution available and eliminates the possibility of accidental damage, resulting in a failed test.”The ambitious project is part of the ‘Cardiff Living’ programme, a 10-year partnership between Cardiff Council and Wates Residential, which will deliver 1,500 new homes at sites across the city.Discover more about SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT and its applications here: https://mdfosb.com/en/products/smartply-airtightFind out more about Lowfield Timber Frames here: https://www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk/Twitter: @LTFltd

The Spa at South Lodge, in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, is the picture-perfect, luxury destination for those seeking ultimate relaxation in complete comfort, far away from the pressures and strains of modern life. Designed by Hove-based architectural firm, Felce and Guy, this prestigious 44,000 sq. ft building sits harmoniously in its beautiful, natural setting with external facing bricks from Vandersanden selected to provide regular form, nuanced colours and natural texture for the project. Located in Lower Beeding, near Horsham, The Spa at South Lodge is a purpose-built spa within the grounds of an award winning 5-star hotel. It features a state-of-the-art gym and spin studio, indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool and wild swimming pool, a thermal suite and treatment rooms for members, hotel residents and spa day guests. In addition, The Spa at South Lodge includes the Ridgeview Beauty Bar and Botanica, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Felce and Guy were commissioned to provide a full architectural design, then appointed as lead consultant and contract administrator to oversee the build carried out by main contractor, Beard Construction. The firm’s design balances the specific needs of the hotel and The Spa at South Lodge’s facilities with a sensitivity to the context of the countryside setting and close proximity to the main hotel. The resultant architecture sympathetically responds to these surroundings with the building deep-set into the landscape, minimising its scale, yet taking full advantage of the extensive views available to guests over the South Downs. As the landscape falls away, leading to natural water forms, so too does the new building with external terracing leading out to a vitality pool and down to an external swim pond. After reviewing and testing different samples in advance, Felce and Guy selected Vandersanden’s Lithium brick in a 50mm size for the project. This attractive, hand-formed facing brick comprises a sanded-coated and grained structure in a muted base grey colour with accompanying shades of buff and black to match the stonework colours of the main building at South Lodge Hotel. Over 100,000 bricks were sourced and supplied for the project by specialist brick distributor, N R Taylor of Lingfield, with the thinness of the brick helping to further reduce the visual scale of the Spa building. The horizontal lines of the brickwork act as a softening counterpoint to the vertical natural green oak cladding and large glass panelling that also feature as key elements in The Spa at South Lodge design. Elsewhere, the Lithium brick has been used in the copings, landscaping and dividing walls which create external contours and help to separate the terraces outside of the building. “The Vandersanden brick works with the other materials in the design to present a very organic aesthetic for The Spa at South Lodge,” says John Chapman of Felce and Guy. “It perfectly complements both the dark sandstone used in the original hotel and its mix of greys and brown as well as the natural surroundings. The straight, clean-lines and regular shape of the Vandersanden brick, together with the raked joint we’ve used, has helped emphasise the horizontality of the building and works especially well with the textured finish of the timber panels. As a practice, we set very high expectations which the Vandersanden bricks have undoubtedly satisfied.” In addition to a curving, meadow-grass roof, which helps to attenuate rainwater flow, the Spa at South Lodge benefits from other sustainable technologies and finishes. A biomass boiler system has been installed, and all drainage is contained on site, using reed bed technology. The existing ponds within the hotel grounds have been modified and extended to benefit the local ecology. Vandersanden itself is building a sustainable future for its business, having already invested in renewable solar and wind energy technologies at its major European production plants and committed to a pathway which will see the manufacture of CO2-neutral bricks by 2050. Underlining the significance of the project to the hotel and its management, every member of staff laid one brick as part of their contribution to The Spa at South Lodge. To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link 

The first phase of Allies and Morrison‘s “Hale Wharf” development consists of 249 new homes across two buildings, and a pedestrian bridge that sits on a slender island overlooking the River Lee at Tottenham Hale. The venture also includes external spaces for communities to enjoy and easy access to public transport and nearby nature spot. Commercial areas are also included on the ground floor to further improve the area.Freshfield Lane First Quality and Selected Darks are used to striking effect as a homage to the characteristics of London’s historic canals. The hues embodied within the bricks allow for the structure to complement the modernisation of the area while also complimenting the waterfront green areas and the development of nearby nature parks.Hale Wharf represents an exciting opportunity for an area of London that needed a number of new properties to fulfil local needs, as such, a number of units in the development have been built to be affordable. Further developments are planned along the island with Phase 2 starting construction in 2022.

The Hive is a new creativity & innovation hub, built alongside the existing structures of Headington School and designed to ensure that creative thinking is established as the heart of a Headington Students education.Designed by LSH Architects, the 23,000 sq. ft building consists of sculpture studios, kiln room, photographic facilities, textile studios and 3 artist studios, with media editing suites and a Cinemax screening room also being included. Other facilities specifically suited to a range of creative outputs have been carefully and cleverly built into the project. To enable a sense of openness, high ceilings are used throughout the buildings and the gallery space is further enhanced to allow vast columns of light to permeate the area.Michelmersh’s Hampshire Red Stock Multi ATR was supplied via EH Smith and helped settle the building into the verdant, green backdrop and give the building a warm, comforting feel, as well as allowing the building to fit snugly within the landscape created by the surrounding buildings.