"green applications resources sustainability"

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.

Roof with a message... CHALLENGEFor the renovation of the arena Antwerp Sports Palace the architect wanted to design a roof that gave a message. From the air people should see an “A” appearing. This A would be the A of the county Antwerp and not the A from the city Antwerp. Also with the possibility to have (solar) energy production installed on the roof. SOLUTION Six new colours within the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing range were developed specially for this prestigious project. The existing green coloured synthetic roof was used as substructure. The whole roof received extra insulation (thermal and acoustic) and the new RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes were mechanically fastened following an installation plan. All the membranes for the Antwerp Sports Palace not only had a special colour but also a special finish with an invisible protective coating. All membranes have excellent fire resistance for roofs with a higher slope. On the south side of the roof amorphous solar panels were installed upon the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes. 

A bespoke side sliding sectional garage door by Rundum Meir provides a blend of aesthetics and modern functionality in a Victorian house renovation project. The 19 ft x 12 ft garage has been transformed into a quality working space equipped and finished exquisitely, allowing for use as a utility area or office as well as a vehicular. A clear 2900mm span is provided by a sliding sectional garage door. Hand crafted using knot-free Spruce, this bespoke timber door in RAL 6021 Pale Green is fully automated with insulation between the five solid double skinned timber panels.With one third obscure glazing, the door allows for plenty of natural light to enter the garage. The design of the garage door panels and the cross styles in the window were the customer’s wish to satisfy the local conservation area requirements. It is the perfect example of the role a Rundum Meir garage door can play in transforming a garage to give it new purpose and flexibility.

Ivydale Primary School is an expansion of the campus. Combating increasing demand for primary schools within the UK, it introduced a two-storey cross-laminated timber framed building on a second site nearby; this includes an amphitheatre. This extension has doubled the school’s capacity to accommodate key stage two children in a four-form entry primary school. Taking inspiration from the children’s illustration ‘The Fox in the Forest’ by Julia Woolf, this development won a regional RIBA London Award in 2018. Southwark Borough Council ensured the remodelled building was energy efficient, applying the London Plan’s energy hierarchy: ‘Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green’.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XCHiP was specified by Hawkins\Brown due to its high-performance thermal insulation with a P5 moisture-resistant tongue and groove chipboard to produce a high compressive strength, interlocking floorboard.Galliford Try was supplied 1,000m² of Cellecta products to develop this school in Southwark.

The brand-new Skills and Innovation Centre at South Staffordshire College takes pride of place on the college’s town centre site. The architects envisaged a facade of long vertical fins giving the appearance of timber. Maple supplied the extensive vertical fin façade and Powdertech Wood Finish (PWF ™) was selected as the most appropriate powder coating. Wood Finish is formulated to match the natural variations in colour, grain density and grain pattern of wood. Importantly, Wood Finish meets fire reaction classification A2-s1, d0. We coated 4000 metres of aluminium, comprising mainly rectangular sections of extruded aluminium, of sizes 200mm and 100mm x 50mm. The stunning facade combines the strength and longevity of metal with the warm, natural appeal of a wood finish.Powder coating satisfies green credentials as it contains no solvents, no VOCs and produces no hazardous waste. Maintenance is simple – just a wash down with water every 6-12 months.

Turning a roofscape into a power station just got better. The combination of GreenCoat PLX with integrated, almost invisible solar functions to deliver green energy and good looks. The solar modules are bonded directly onto the metal roof within the controls of a factory environment at Metal Solutions Ltd, Bolton. Lightweight and maintenance free with no access requirements for cleaning the solution is a real game changer. Each module is 358mm wide and sits between the Snaplock® standing seam profile. In harmony with GreenCoat Mountain Grey the solar modules are virtually invisible from the street. A traditional Glass Crystalline module would add substantial weight, wind sheer load on the standing seam fixings and require access for bi-annual cleaning with the then risk of damage during that process.The thin, flexible solar modules do not detract from the design of the house and offer an excellent yield even in low light conditions.

With their proficient knowledge and background in conservation and working with listed buildings, 4 S Architecture (4SA) have completed numerous successful residential and workplace refurbishment projects around London, but this year the rising firm has proficiently completed the renovation of the striking Grade II listed 100 Pall Mall building. The design for new interventions is based on the original construction’s paired back ‘stripped classicism’ style by the renowned 1950’s architectural practice McMorran & Whitby geometry and materiality.  4SA’s approach was one of respect for the historic fabric while simultaneously updating the design to suit today’s modern office occupier.  In Hamson’s words: “Our practice’s design methodology starts with understanding the DNA of a building: what are the forms, materials, patterns and shapes that already exist [...]  Rather than introducing new forms and colours, those already present in the building were used to develop the design of the new interventions.  For instance inspiration for the green reception area wall panelling takes its queues from the prominent green marble arches, while the barrel vaulted ceiling informs the arched seating niches and tenant signage recess.Julia Hamson, founder and Director at 4SA, spoke highly of John Holmes’ attention to detail when it came to developing the bespoke ironmongery package for this project which features a combination of brushed brass and a patinated bronze ironmongery. “John asked us about our architectural concept for the design proposals at our first site meeting, which was a refreshing change when speaking with suppliers. We talked about how the existing barrel-vaulted ceiling and the arched green marble portals in the reception were two of our key design drivers in terms of generating what shape we chose for seating niches and tenant boards in the reception. Hearing this, John suggested that the top of the push plates could be arched to match.  At 4SA we firmly believe that paying attention to the smaller details is just as important as getting the big gestures right,  and it is this meticulous focus which can really distinguish a project. John’s suggestions with the ironmongery package throughout really helped to elevate this project.”Julia worked successfully with John at 3v, thanks to their shared design ethos and understanding of the existing building fabric. They worked closely together to develop a tailored hardware package; including the replacement of all existing stainless steel fittings with patinated bronze ironmongery for more utilitarian functional ironmongery elements such as hinges and push plates on smoked oak doors, and brushed brass for new decorative ironmongery elements.Julia recalls that “we received great feedback from client on the project and they were so happy with the design approach to the refurbished staircase with its new carpet, paint, lighting and ironmongery from the ground to first floors, that they rolled it throughout the rest of the building right up to the seventh floor.”Coordinating ironmongery schedules, when every door has an individual requirement, can be difficult, but according to Hamson, “John made me feel comfortable that nothing was going to get missed; this is what you want as an architect. Ironmongery schedules can be complicated and time consuming, and if there is someone who can do something better than you can in-house, then its best to take advantage of that skill and expertise to get the best result.”Photography: Neil Kenyon

FlexEJ has completed the design and fabrication of a batch of metal expansion joints for a UK pharmaceuticals manufacturer.Specifying an expansion joint in a pharmaceutical production line can be problematic. For this project, the piping design required expansion joints but a fundamental requirement was ease of cleaning and a complete avoidance of product retention.A possible solution could have been a pharmaceutical rubber expansion joint which is crevice free but its inherent design limits its flexibility and – as with any rubber expansion joint – it has a relatively low operating temperature limit.This formed the basis of the specification brought to FlexEJ’s engineering team. The design case was to meet 270 Deg. C and 10 Bar G with a high degree of flexibility so a metal bellow would be best suited to this application. But in a conventional bellow or expansion joint the convolutions are prone to retain product or contaminants. A liner can sometimes be used but again product can get behind the liner so the problem is not entirely eliminated.So how to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness inside the bellow once installed and in operation? The solution lay in designing a specific ‘open’ convolution profile which prevents contaminants getting lodged within the joint. The team’s clever design of profile, combining with the unit being used in vertical alignment leads to the bellow being self-draining – and at all movement positions. To achieve the high levels of purity and cleanliness required for this application’s flowing media, the bellow had to be fabricated in 316 stainless steel with a very high surface finish.The expansion joint also includes threaded mounting bars – these enable the bellows to be contracted slightly to enable easy removal from the pharmaceutical line when required. The smooth, polished rods seen in the image here are limit bars to prevent accidental over-extension. Each joint is also fitted with pharmaceutical grade aseptic flanges – smooth on the inside and sealed with an ‘o’ ring. On completion, the complete units were electro-polished for additional surface improvement and cleaning – and that gives them their photogenic qualities seen here.If you are interested in finding out more about FlexEJ's range of pharmaceutical & aseptic metal bellows, please contact our Technical Sales Team on +44 (0) 1384 881188 or send an email to sales@flexej.co.uk.

The Olympic Village consists of 11 blocks, each block comprising between six and eight individual buildings, which are eight to twelve storeys high. Of the many amenities in the Village, by far the largest usage is for apartments, of which there are around 3000 units.Despite the height and density of the scheme, it has a surprisingly open feel, aided by the glazed winter gardens and mostly generous sized balconies, which are very much in evidence throughout the entire development. There was a huge demand here for the Schöck Isokorb®, with around 10,000 thermally broken structural connections to be considered. For podium slabs and pre-cast balcony applications the Isokorb® T type K, for concrete-to-concrete connectivity was used. The T type S, T type Q-P and Schöck SLD dowels combined to meet the requirement for securing the winter garden balconies. Types SK-MM1 and SK-MM2 for steel-to-concrete, provided the solution for connecting the various concrete frames to steel balconies.Some of the steel balconies had a cantilever length of approximately two metres and in most cases SK-MM2 units offered the ideal solution. However, in certain locations – concrete edge beams for example – the reinforcement bars had to be shaped to suit and for these applications special SK-MM1 modules were utilised.The unusual T-shaped winter gardens provided one of the greater challenges. Remarkably, the winter garden concrete slabs are designed to span two building blocks – approximately seven metres – and it was essential to allow for movement of the slabs by combining the Isokorb® T type Q-P at one end and SLD dowels at the other.Exceptionally strong steel-to-concrete thermal break connections were required and usually the Isokorb® T type SK would be the natural choice. On this occasion however, the forces involved exceeded even the capabilities of the SK units and it was necessary to design a T type S configuration, in combination with a specially developed steel bracket. Back at ground and first floor levels a huge number of T type K concrete-to-concrete thermal breaks were required for the large slab sections. In some cases the extreme dimensions of the slab sections resulted in thermal movement beyond the Isokorb®'s capability and SLD dowels were used in their place.

Electric loft ladders offer a superb solution for easy access to loft spaces. Especially for rooms with a very high ceiling, such as this property in Edinburgh.The challenge…Premier Loft Ladders received an enquiry from Magnus in Edinburgh who discovered the loft access specialist through an internet search. Magnus’ goal was to purchase a sturdy retractable ladder as part of a larger project; altering the loft space to function as a study, separate from the living area below.The ladder had to offer reliable, safe access to and from the loft whilst bearing in mind a high ceiling of 3.5 metres with restricted space for the ladder to deploy when opening. Ease of operation was also of great importance to Magnus so that deploying and stowing the ladder away could be made as effortless as possible.The Solution…With a heavy-duty aluminium structure and space saving qualities, the Supreme Electric from Premier Loft Ladders was chosen for this application.The Supreme Electric comes with a reliable motor, hard wired to the main supply via a control box and backup battery so it can be deployed and retracted effortlessly with the push of a button! Hard wired switches were also supplied, one on the landing and one in the loft area next to the opening so the ladder can be operated from above and below.The ladder itself features large treads (140mm deep) and a telescopic hand rail as standard, with an additional handrail added for this specific application providing safe, easy access to and from the loft.Installation Challenges…After the Supreme Electric ladder had been installed, there was found to be an issue preventing it from operating automatically. During this time Magnus could still use the ladder manually, thanks to the override option and counterbalance spring design.We worked with Magnus and his electrician to try and resolve the issue. This included checking warning indicators and working through a trouble-shooting guide. Unfortunately, it was not possible to fully diagnose the problem.As such, we sent replacement components for the ladder which were successfully installed by a different firm to the original installation team. After this the ladder operated perfectly, for which Magnus was very grateful.The results…A perfect solution was achieved for Magnus. The Supreme Electric ladder was positioned comfortably in the available space and gave him a safe, reliable access to and from the loft.

AWARD-WINNING DEVELOPER REAPS BENEFITS OF SPECIFYING MARSHALLS FACING BRICKS FOR WATERSIDE APARTMENTS The use of concrete bricks, supplied by Marshalls Bricks & Masonry, contributed to both cost and schedule control during the construction of a premium waterside apartment development in Birmingham as well as providing sustainability benefits too.Located on a former boat yard site adjacent to the famous Old Birmingham Canal, Ultima at Sherborne Wharf is a premium collection of 87 one and two-bedroom apartments in Birmingham city center.Developed and built by Crest Nicholson, the 10-storey new build was originally specified and approved at the planning stage as clay brick, but looking to meet budgetary and availability requirements, the design team approached Marshalls Bricks & Masonry to seek an alternative solution.With stringent planning guidelines to work to, Marshalls recommended a list of cost effective options closest to those already approved, together with physical sample boards for visual review.The design team selected two facing brick options from the Marshalls Sandstock range. This particular range has the appearance of a waterstruck stock brick but with the benefit of dimensional accuracy to ease construction.The preferred options were the Hampton Stock and Waddon Stock, which were submitted to planning and approved. Requiring a quick turnaround, from initial contact to delivery, 341,000 concrete bricks were delivered within just two months by Marshalls.Most of the apartment block features Hampton Stock, an almost buff red brick, created from using more muted tones of red and orange. This particular brick also features the occasional subtle black brick running sporadically throughout, which helps the brickwork tie-in to the building’s powder-coated balconies, windows and doors.Intermittently, between the storeys, the bricks are stacked vertically, adding subtle design detailing to the building.The scheme also benefits from a sustainability perspective. According to available Environmental Product Declarations, concrete bricks have a lower embodied carbon than clay bricks and are 100% recyclable. Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the extraction, manufacturing and transportation, installation, maintenance and ultimate disposal of materials. Reducing these emissions will be crucial to mitigate the industry’s impact on climate change.Commenting on Marshalls involvement, Julian Lee, Technical Director at Crest Nicholson said “We initially decided to go with facing bricks from the Marshalls Bricks & Masonry range as they enabled us to come within budget while still allowing us to get the colour we wanted for the site. After working with the concrete bricks, we found they worked really well with the added benefit of the sustainability access that comes with them. The Marshalls Bricks & Masonry team came to site to work with us, and the site bricklayers to overcome any questions or concerns. All in all, the building appearance with these bricks finishes well.”

DRU Polo gas stoves bring warmth and comfort to Cornish hotel suitesDRU Fires, in partnership with leading Cornwall fireplace dealer Kernow Fires, has supplied five DRU Polo balanced flue gas stoves for the new beach lofts at one of Cornwall’s leading hotels.Watergate Bay Hotel on the north coast of Cornwall, originally designed to a be a railway terminus hotel, has been developed into an inclusive year-round destination. Its spectacular clifftop setting and location just a short hop from Cornwall Airport Newquay makes it a primary choice for travellers from all corners of the UK and beyond.The recent closure of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant on the site paved the way for the £1.4 million development of the seven new beach lofts by contractors GSI and interior designers Dynargh Design, right above the beach. Described as ‘surf-in surf-out’ accommodation, the lofts have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic sea views. All have been designed to feel like modern city lofts, with warm textures and sustainable materials.High energy efficiencyThe DRU Polo gas stoves were chosen by Dynargh Design for their contemporary design, fitting in with the overall design and aesthetic of the beach lofts. In addition, they were selected for their A energy rating, 92% efficiency and the convenience of gas with easy remote-control operation. They have all-year-round use and are suitable for chilly autumn days and cool summer evenings. Their balanced flue system offers flexibility of installation, as they require no chimney and only need proximity to an outside facing wall. This enables them to be installed in the living space, bedroom or bathroom subject to the design of each individual suite.The beach lofts were completed in time for Cornwall’s peak 2021 tourist season, which has been hugely successful due to many more people taking their holidays in the UK during the Covid 19 pandemic. Impressive outlooks and sustainabilityKernow Fires owner Simon Breckon commented: “We’re pleased to have contributed to the success of the beach lofts and have seen strong growth in Cornwall’s domestic and commercial fireplace markets this year.”Watergate Bay Hotel CEO Will Ashworth said: “The beach lofts are our best rooms. They are sized very generously and the interior design represents our new approach to contemporary Cornish beach living.” Dynargh Design director Matt Hulme said: “The lofts have some of the most impressive outlooks of any hotel in Cornwall. But the interiors also needed to have enough appeal in the winter, when it’s dark at 5pm, that it feels warm, natural and enticing.”Sustainability was also an important factor in the design. “Getting active in the beautiful natural environment is at the heart of the Watergate Bay experience, and we’re committed to minimising the environmental impact of our design choices,” adds Will Ashworth.For further information visit: drufire.com, kernowfires.co.uk and watergatebay.co.uk

Sector:     EducationArchitect:  Innes Associates Specified for: ·      Sustainable construction·      Inner timber frame ·      Durable external aluminium·      Design versatility·      Competitive pricingDesigned by architects Innes Associates, the latest addition to Cromer Road Primary School is a distinctive, L-shaped red-brick classroom building which wraps around a newly landscaped play space. VELFAC slim-framed windows and doors are a key feature of every facade, with dark grey external frames emphasising the pattern of shadows created by textured brickwork and inset window apertures. The VELFAC system has also helped architect Corrie Rounding meet challenging regulatory and sustainability targets while maximising usable space, increasing natural light and improving ventilation. ‘We pushed the contractor to specify VELFAC as we knew the composite frame was the right fit for the Cromer Road project,’ says Corrie. ‘The sustainability of the VELFAC system, and its low energy performance, met Department of Education requirements, while the robust external aluminium frame is ideal for a busy school environment. The design of the windows and doors also met our aesthetic brief, especially the inner timber frames. These are clear lacquered to emphasise the wood, provide a link with the trees surrounding the new building, and to deliver a less ‘sterile’ finish than aluminium or uPVC.’The VELFAC system could also meet key ventilation, daylighting and budget targets: ‘To manage costs, and maximise daylight in the right places, we concentrated our glazing allowance at the areas of most activity,’ explains Corrie, ‘but we also used windows to maximise the usability of the interior. For example, we used tall slim VELFAC units to illuminate the staircase but placed larger windows directly under the stairs to create an additional and useful breakout space.’The Cromer Road building is naturally ventilated, unusual for a Department for Education funded primary school project, with VELFAC units carefully configured to support an efficient flow of fresh air: ‘We wanted to make sure the building could stay comfortable without the need for mechanical cooling, even through the hottest summer,’ says Corrie. ‘This meant the placement of smaller windows on south facing facades, to manage solar gain, and the specification of multiple opening units across the building, including high level teleflex-operated lights. These are especially important in the classroom window screens where ventilation is guided by CO2 monitors.’ To ensure the security of children and staff, all windows also feature restrictors, with finger guards fitted to doors as an additional safety measure.Corrie was also pleased with the support provided by the VELFAC team, especially in the early stages: ‘VELFAC provided the estimates and performance data we needed to convince the contractor that VELFAC was the ideal solution for this project,’ she says, ‘and the school was certainly very happy with the end result’.

The ProjectIn aiming to create a facility capable of accommodating 55 million passengers a year, the Manchester Airport project became one of the UK’s largest airport development projects to date.An integral consideration for Manchester Airport Group (MAG) in their decision-making process was ensuring that any solution aligned with their overarching sustainability goals. These goals aim to consistently reduce their carbon footprint and uphold their carbon-neutral status, which they have maintained since 2016.Not only this, but MAG also had to consider a wider variety of objectives, including the long term operational performance of the whole building, lifetime costs and customer approval ratings, amongst many other factors.Finding a solution for over 100 washrooms, that aligned with these numerous, sometimes conflicting objectives, was imperative. Fortunately, the Diamond Dryer proved to be just the solution MAG was looking for.The SolutionSustainability: The latest generation of hand dryer technology, utilised by Diamond Dryers, uses a powerful brushless motor, ensuring that electricity consumption is minimised. Thanks to a low 300W rating, this, in turn, saves 90% of energy compared to conventional hot air dyers.For MAG, using hand dryers instead of paper towels immediately reduced waste generation too, and the need for waste collection/removal. This allowed for an immediate carbon reduction, delivering environmental and cost-saving benefits alongside.Reliability & Maintenance:The brushless motor technology that these Diamond Dryers use is super-reliable and the units are backed with a seven year warranty to offer long-term peace of mind.To minimise downtime, these dryers have just three replaceable parts, which on-site engineers hold in stock. This means that the units can be installed by them easily in minutes.Speed:In busy public buildings with significant peaks in traffic, washrooms must be able to manage sudden influxes of people to prevent congestion. Since airports face this challenge, a rapid drying solution makes a major difference. The Diamond Dryers specified by MAG meet this challenge, taking just 10 seconds to complete the hand drying cycle.Aesthetics:The aesthetic appeal of each washroom is an important issue. Unattractive or poorly coordinated hand dryers can detract from the overall ambiance. This aspect was particularly crucial for MAG.The sleek, contemporary design of the new Terminal 2 applies to every aspect of the building. Opting for the compact Diamond Dryer units, in colours and finishes to match the décor, provides a seamless sense of unity and cleanliness. This integration contributes positively to the overall impression of the airport complex.The ResultsIn considering all these factors as part of its washrooms strategy, MAG has been able to arrive at a specification that will deliver the best solution long-term. The process they have adopted here shows the potential for any other public building operator to benefit from advances in hand dryer technology and work towards a more sustainable future.*Please note that images on this case study are for illustrative purposes only, to demonstrate the Diamond Dryer in action in the washroom. These are not photographs of the Manchester airport washroom facilities.

‘Form follows function’ – this maybe a basic tenet of modern architecture but when it comes to designing entrances, aesthetics are inevitably a determining factor. They must contribute to the design concept, blend with other building materials, flow effectively into interiors and above all make an impact. But behind every grand entrance, is a myriad of decisions based on function: the purpose of the building itself, expected footfall, user requirements, accessibility, ventilation, heat loss, safety and security.Match that with thousands of products on the market, all with subtle differences, and it can make identifying the right solution a complex process. It’s said that people do business with people and that good relationships open doors; that’s certainly true of the specification process. Specifiers and architects build a relationship where trust is garnered through advice, guidance and sometimes compromise to identify the best solution for a project.Design and Specification of DoorsEarly liaison is helpful – consideration needs be given to the product type and application from the outset. Design based on assumption will only result in major reworking at a later stage which is never desirable for architect or client. When appraised of an architect’s ‘wish list’, I advise on the best possible options and try to drill down to a level of detail they may not have considered. For example, with a retail project, consideration will be given to maximising frontage for window display, levels of anticipated footfall and funnelling of traffic across the threshold and around the retail floor plan. In most cases, an automatic sliding door system would be an appropriate choice, and although this may seem an obvious selection, this is where we need to need to look further at its intended application and operation. A sliding door operation is usually triggered by movement sensors with side sensors for safety but if baskets or displays are put too near to where the doors open, they may cause them to operate ineffectively. Doors may be better installed with pocket screens – glass panels that the automatic doors slide in to – which are protective and also use available space without any hindrance. Automatic Doors in the Healthcare SectorPocket screens are also an essential safety feature in a hospital environment as they minimise the risk of serious injury occurring by reducing the possibility of contact with the moving door leaves and eliminating potential entrapment zones.Within healthcare, there is a range of specific needs that maybe required – reduced contact mechanisms, hermetically sealed doors for laboratories, different levels of security access and safety requirements for particular groups of patients, classed as ‘vulnerable traffic’.BS EN 16005 European Standard for Safety in the Use of Automatic DoorsAll automatic door suppliers are required to provide solutions in accordance with BS EN 16005 European Standard for safety in the use of automatic doors for pedestrian use. Under BS EN16005, automatic doors are classed as machines, so within the design users must be protected from risk of injury. Sometimes, a design aesthetic must give way to practicalities. For example, the desire to see an automatic swing door put in place where leaf size has to battle environmental factors may result in ‘sail effect’ where the wind speed makes the operator less effective so users become frustrated by the slowness of the door opening or in extreme conditions, or not opening at all. Where there is such an obvious conflict, I would prefer to provide alternative design solutions for a system that will consistently operate in the conditions in which it is installed. When it comes to specifying requirements for heritage and listed buildings, the partnership between specifier and architect really comes into its own. Products can be adapted to provide a tailor-made solution that can be accommodated into the premises without altering form or structure. Take for example, our work at Blenheim Palace in which sliding doors were incorporated for improved accessibility while maintaining the original large timber doors. These clearly could not be automated or removed so a secondary glazed entrance was created behind the original.Automatic Doors for LobbiesLobbies can enhance a building’s sustainability, but performing a vital function, doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Circular or elliptical automatic entrances look visually stunning and maximise space. A recent installation at No 1 New Oxford Street, London, saw a Moderne building enhanced by an entrance that followed the curves of the building’s original design.Whatever the project, exacting standards must be met and checks and balances put in place. The relationship between a specifier and architect is fundamental – form and function should never ‘stop at the door’. It must be considered and applied to create a grand entrance.

Modular buildings are becoming a more popular solution as they demonstrate cost savings, shorter construction time and sustainability benefits. Go Modular Technologies (UK) Ltd manufactured ten flats constructed by nine large modules on three levels over the concrete commercial ground floor for this project in Poole. We were able to offer an affordable A2 fire rated solution to finish the building envelope which resulted in the facade being completed in Hardie® Architectural Panel. The planning approval was originally for render and buff brick so we were able to provide a similar look with our Smooth Sand texture which was chosen in three of our core colours to give this coastal location a modern and contemporary look.

The ChallengeThe design of two new two-storey, four-bedroomed homes with integral garages on the outskirts of Burnham village, Slough, was to be derived from the historical and varied architectural character of the surrounding area.The SolutionPROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILIt was important that the houses were not visually obtrusive in terms of height and detail. Their traditionally pitched roofs incorporate attractive half gable ends, and the front elevation includes detailed brickwork, stone cills and window heads.Forterra’s Hampton Rural Blend brick from the Ecostock range was selected for the build.The BenefitsEcostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, serving over 350,000 people in North London, has been a pillar of healthcare for a century. Embracing innovation, they recently expanded their services to include on-site electric vehicle (EV) charging, aligning with the government's Net Zero goals. In collaboration with Rolec, they installed 23 dual socketed BasicCharge pedestals, providing 46 EV bays in their new parking garage. Compliant with regulations and designed for accessibility, the solution includes LED amenity lighting and a Smart back-office management system for tailored charge point management and tariff settings. This initiative reflects the hospital's commitment to both public health and environmental sustainability.Click "view more" to read the full case study.

Designed by Grafton Architects, Town House is a mixed-use teaching facility at Kingston University. The interior is arranged around a series of interlocking, open plan spaces, where Junckers’ solid hardwood flooring features as part of limited materials palette. Junckers’ 140mm Textured Nordic Oak Classic flooring clads the treads and risers of the imposing staircase in the triple height courtyard, as well as providing a hard-wearing floor surface for seating areas. Junckers’ oak flooring promotes a healthy indoor climate. All-natural, solid hardwood is free of chemical substances which adversely affect indoor air quality. Junckers has completed EPDs for all its floors to aid specification for sustainable and net zero carbon projects. 

Hitherfield Primary School & Children’s Centre provides community and children’s services and extended day care for pre-school age children in Streatham. The £1.2m project at Hitherfield was won by Architype whose philosophy is “to be bold and honest in the use and expression of materials, rooted in environmentally sustainable design and based on simple strong ideas”.Lang+Fulton were asked to supply non-climbable, Novara-34 barrier fencing, adjacent to the ramp which provides wheelchair-friendly access. The 1250mm wide grating panels and 130x15mm flat bar posts with base plate fixings were specified by the architect to accommodate any potential loading to the fencing. Entrance gates were made to match with provision for intercoms.Finish: hot-dip galvanized

For two existing units, a delicate garden terrace pavilion provides additional kitchen dining space and outdoor utility.Project BreakdownThe pavilion is set inside a planted terrace with special focus put on complimenting the existing structure with a delicate palette of materials.Customer FeedbackPioneer Granite Composite Decking set a muted charcoal backdrop for a stage of vibrant vegetation. The sustainable credentials of the materials reflect the harmony of the natural overgrowth and the use of Manticore plastic lumber and MESA Decking Pedestals ensured quick and easy installation.Project DetailsSize: 75 m²Product: Granite Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: Manticore Plastic Lumber, MESA Adjustable Decking PedestalsClient: Birds Portchmouth Russum ArchitectsLocation: London

Sustainability was a key consideration when British Sugar decided to create a new headquarters to replace its old, tired office.Once the designs were finalised, our floor fitting teams installed RMG600 raised access flooring across the ground floor, first floor and top floor of the building, totalling an area of 4,800m2, utilising our PSA MOB PF2 PS/SPU Medium Grade RMG600 panels.Around the central atrium, we fitted our innovative Attiro architectural finish over the steel-encapsulated RMG600 access flooring system. Attiro is an innovative overlay engineered timber flooring solution that is designed to enable quick and easy access to a raised flooring void at any point in that floor.

Gripsure decking has been used on an office roof terrace in the heart of the City of London’s financial district. Workers in the tall building in Fenchurch Street, home to many corporate offices and company headquarters, can now take time out on a stylish, non-slip decking area.Gripsure supplied 586 of the MOSO® Bamboo X-treme with black Gripsure non-slip inserts and a smooth finish for the project, completed last year. The private roof terrace serves as a ‘breakout area’ for office staff to relax, meet and entertain in an outdoor setting, which has fantastic views over the Thames.The existing timber deck had come to the end of its service life and risks of slips and falls had meant that the terrace area had to be closed. Contractors MJ Ferguson stripped away the old boards and installed 150m sq of MOSO® Bamboo X-treme with Gripsure decking. These sustainable, durable boards are Euroclass B fire rated, providing further peace of mind.Company staff have already been making the most of their new safe, contemporary-looking rooftop terrace, which can be used in all weather conditions.Gripsure have been supplying bamboo decking to the UK market for the past four years as a sustainable alternative to composite and tropical hardwood products. There are thousands of species of bamboo and our decking is made from a giant species, called Moso. This bamboo is a woody perennial, so has more characteristics in common with a timber, rather than a grass. Like grass, however, Moso grows rapidly – up to a metre a day in the height of the season. There has also been a carbon study, which shows that the product is a net carbon sink over its lifespan, even taking into consideration transportation and manufacturing.

The Wave is a world class inland surfing lake set in the Gloucestershire countryside on the outskirts of Bristol. The Wavegarden Cove technology is capable of producing one thousand waves per hour, creating perfect surf for professionals and beginners alike. We worked closely with APG Architecture to find just the right decking for this exciting project. After visiting a number of sites where our boards are performing well in a similar environment, the design team specified Gripsure Classic. These boards feature three non-slip inserts giving an initial PTV of 100 which is the highest rated product in the range. The design team wanted to ensure the safety of surfers as they transitioned from dry and wet zones on the site. An APG Architect commented "Our biggest concern was safety and Gripsure managed to solve that". The Wave's mission is to get people back outdoors, enjoying physical activity and connecting with nature. Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with materials chosen for aesthetic beauty and low impact on the natural environment. Gripsure uses sustainable Scandinavian Vth grade European Redwood timber, carrying FSC or PEFC third party accreditation. Gripsure non-slip decking were installed on the central pier, giving guests the opportunity to watch the surfers in the lake. The clubhouse also features a first-floor terrace, with panoramic views of the site, making it an ideal spot to enjoy refreshments. Gripsure Classic was also used for boardwalks and seating areas in the nature reserve by the lake. Gripsure supplied a variety of sub-contractors on the site, making a number of deliveries throughout the build. They provided cutting advice, recommended spans and supplied lengths to minimise wastage. The team at Gripsure visited the site shortly after it opened in November 2019 for their team day and were delighted to see the finished project (and have a go, of course!)

Barratt Developments, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has built a unique flagship zero carbon home concept featuring Hardie® VL Plank. The home is called the Zed House and will be occupied and monitored to assess its performance.It is the first new home in the country built by a major housebuilder to go beyond the new Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125% . Last year Barratt announced that all their new homes will be zero carbon by 2030 and this flagship concept house is the first step in achieving that. For this project Hardie® VL Plank was chosen in Anthracite Grey in a half wrap to create a great contrast against the brickwork. The seamless interlock of Hardie® VL Plank cladding epitomises architectural modern design and creates a stunning look for any home.The home has been developed as an industry showcase home to demonstrate what is achievable, particularly from a mainstream, volume housebuilder. There has been a collaboration with over 40 leading industry partners from across the housebuilding, sustainability and technology sectors, all helping to broaden knowledge in zero carbon living with the lessons learnt from the construction being shared across the industry. Incorporating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) such as closed panel timber frames with highly insulated cladding. Less maintenance due to our ColourPlus™ Technology means that our products deliver a high-quality, consistent finish to facades that will stand the tests of time. Our unmatched technological innovation makes our product generations ahead in performance meaning our products are impact, fire, insect resistant and weather resistant. Therefore, as the world continues to look towards sustainable solutions for the future we continue to invest in the on-going development of composite cement products recognised as being durable, low maintenance and energy efficient.

A global construction, energy and infrastructure organisation required a durable, chemical resistant floor coating solution with an anti-slip profile that would withstand the daily wear and tear of its internal vehicle repair and maintenance facility. VINCI Construction is part of VINCI Group, a multinational enterprise with operations in the energy, infrastructure and construction industries. Founded in 1899, the company now has a presence in over 120 countries with a global team of around 220,000 people. The Widnes facility is one of ten VINCI Construction UK locations and houses, among other facilities, a vehicle maintenance workshop where the company ensures their fleet of general and specialist vehicles. The industrial unit that houses the workshop previously had a concrete paving slab floor that proved to be uneven, unsafe, and difficult to maintain.  Not only did the new flooring solution need to address these concerns, it also needed to be both slip and chemical resistant as well as feature clearly marked automotive bays and provide enough durability to withstand frequent wheeled traffic as well as the impact of dropped tools and the weight of heavy equipment. Installed in a combination of RAL 7037 Dusty Grey and RAL 6024 Traffic Green, vebrores EP HBC was installed across the 332 m2 vehicle workshop, with the Traffic Green used to mark out the facility’s six automotive bays, before being outlined using vebrodeck PU Linemarker in Yellow. Prior to the installation of vebrores EP HBC SR – a system comprising an initial layer of vebro EP Primer followed two coats of vebro EP Universal with a broadcast of 52 mesh silica sand after the first coat for an anti-slip profile – the pre-existing concrete paving slabs were first coated with an epoxy DPM and a 20.0 mm screed to level the surface. vebrores EP HBC SR is a pigmented, solvent-free, slip-resistant high build epoxy floor coating system that is best suited to floors in medium duty processing areas where a textured, hard-wearing, chemical resistant finish is required. Available in a wide range of BS 4008 or RAL matched shades, the system is ideally suited to areas where there is a need for navigational demarcation and zoning. 

Extruded aluminium solar shading and screening systems cover the exterior of the new car park at the redeveloped Broadmarsh Shopping Centre in Nottingham. The solar shading screen by Maple Sunscreening is a stylish way to keep the lines and aesthetics of a building interesting, contemporary and smart, and to add colour and texture. The new Broadmarsh Centre is a key part of Nottingham’s plan to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral city. The site will have natural green spaces at its heart and will provide walkways based on a centuries-old city street plan to reconnect key parts of the city.A shade made to order                              Powder coating is an excellent finish for extruded aluminium, and Powdertech offers guarantees of up to forty years for the powders we apply. The designers wanted an earthy shade for the panels on the exterior of the car park, to blend in with landscaped green spaces. The designers sent us three pieces of terracotta in differerent sahdes and asked if we could match them. We developed the shades - light, medium and dark and the client chose the darkest shade which also reflects the red brick of some of the older buildings nearby. Powdertech coated the hollow rectangular box sections of 200mm by 50mm, making a total of 7,200sq metres of extruded aluminium coated and delivered, over a summer beleaguered by the coronavirus pandemic. The three terracotta shades are now one of our Collections.Sean McGrath, MD, Maple Sunscreening said "Maple Sunscreening Limited have worked with Powdertech (Corby) Ltd on a number of prestigious, high value projects. Broadmarsh required a significant amount of development of the colour to meet the architects vision. From initial submission of samples through to the final bespoke finish, chosen from matches to 3 shades of Terracotta, Powdertech supported Maple in achieving the desired result. The project itself went very well, backing up the initial development with on-time delivery"BenefitsWe can offer bespoke shades through our close relationship with major powder manufacturersFast turnaroundConsistent colour shade between batchesExcellent resistance against corrosionEasy to cleanSections can be drilled or cut without fracturing the coating.Material can be welded without affecting the finish.

HMS was appointed to lay specialised resin bound paving to the communal gardens, car park, and cycle lane. PROJECT OVERVIEW Sector: Housing DevelopersLocation: Ashford, Kent Product: Resin Bound PavingColour: Steel Grey & Golden Amber Application: Right-of-way cycle lane, car park demarcation, communal gardens, and footpaths.Area: Approx. 1,000 m2RESULTS 36 tonnes of aggregate In total, we laid 36 tonnes of aggregate and used 340 resin kits to deliver beautiful communal gardens that will continue to look great for years to come.Visually Appealing The cycle lane and car park demarcation look stunning with the contrast of the steel grey and golden amber.What they said“HMS kept us informed at every stage of the project, which enabled us to communicate with the residents and arrange alternative parking.“Their efficiency and workmanship ensured the job was completed in a timely manner and the team left the site clean and tidy.” Hayley, Concierge Victoria Point

Beckfoot Allerton opened on 19th November 1894, a proud day for the village of Allerton and its people. The school underwent many changes throughout the years surviving and contributing to both war efforts, while continuing to hold their high standards of education. In 1928 the school official became a primary school and later in 1960 a junior and infants’ school further undergoing changes. After a local authority change in 2000 Beckfoot Allerton Primary school was reborn. In the present day the school is much different to when it was opened generations ago and continues to serve as a corner stone of the village and its community.Taking into consideration all of the requirements of the roof, a bespoke specification was prepared to refurbish the roof. Polyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times, was the chosen system of use for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application the works could be carried out during the Primary Schools term times, without having to wait for closure periods between terms.

The Chocolate Quarter is a St Monica Trust’s retirement living village. Formally home of Fry’s and later Cadbury’s chocolate factory, the development was completely refurbished, restoring the iconic buildings, and converting them into apartments. The development comprises of three interconnected blocks. Block A was converted to provide 106 apartments with two floors built off the factory roof. Block B was converted and extended at ground floor level providing communal areas and a 93 Bedroom Care Home and housing apartments. Block C accommodates offices on the upper four floors and a Doctors Surgery at ground floor level.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by KWL 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.Hall Bros Carpentry was awarded this 4,953m² contract to construct this development in Keynsham.

CastSlot and Paveslot, the leading channel drainage systems from Gatic Civil Drainage, have been installed at Rushden Lakes, the new high end shopping centre in Northamptonshire. Specified by consulting engineers, BE Design, and working with contractors Winvic, CastSlot with a tread safe top was carefully selected for its robust composition – essential for a busy shopping centre. CastSlot’s tread safe top is important in areas with high volumes of pedestrians, removing the risk of heels getting caught in the grating. PaveSlot was installed in the project’s central boulevard – home to a bespoke water feature.Gatic is a globally recognised brand, specified for many prestigious projects around the world. Its leading range of surface water drainage is strong, durable and reliable, with load ratings from A15 to F900 to suit a wide range of applications. CastSlot’s high capacity channels provide effective surface water management, protecting areas from excessive rainfall. PaveSlot is ideal for paved areas, with a discreet profile that sits neatly in the ground for a subtle and unobtrusive finish.

REQUIREMENT: Able-bodied access to the cabin. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We quoted and produced technical and CAD drawings, with reference to the finished floor height measurement supplied by the modular building company.END RESULT:Our expert installers fitted a step system as shown. FEATURES INCLUDED: Mesh Platform - self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a step system to prevent clothes catching.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights.Standard Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.Standard Colour Black - ramps are powder-coated black, to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.THE COMPLETE RAMP PACKAGE:An all-inclusive, stress-free option which we managed in-house.This package includes a site survey (if applicable), quotation, CAD and technical drawing, supply, and installation. 

Anyone can say they offer a ‘heavy duty’ loft ladder, but what does it really mean? Premier Loft Ladders explain what you need to know. Premier Loft Ladders have been supplying high-performance retractable ladders for 20 years to a wide range of projects throughout the UK and overseas. They have established themselves as experts in this field and provide architects and designers with help choosing the right ladder for even the most challenging applications.When specifying a heavy duty loft ladder, Premier Loft Ladders always recommend the following:-      Check the ladder conforms to BS EN 14975-      Aim for a load rating of at least 200 kg per tread-      Ensure that there is a good warranty with the ladder-      Prioritise loft ladders featuring large treads and a handrailDepending on the project, fire-protection, security and operation from above may also be essential requirements.For more information about specifying heavy duty loft ladders please read the full guide.

MGM Macau is a luxurious integrated resort and casino located in Macau, China. The resort features a world-class hotel with over 500 rooms and suites. Inspired by the arts, this hotel is full of contemporary and traditional chinese art and has been on the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition for the last 8 years. In addition to it’s high end hotel rooms and stunning views, this hotel comes equipped with a world-class spa/ wellness centre and an impressive casino, making it a popular hotel destination.Interfloor was proud to supply 15,000m2 of Tredaire Colours Red for all the guest rooms and suite rooms throughout the hotel. Colours Red was picked for the luxurious underfoot feel, with a thickness of 11.40mm and a density of 357kg/m3, this underlay will not only provide ultimate comfort but is also exceptionally good at minimizing both impact sound and airborne sound between rooms, making it a perfect choice for a hotel. Sponge rubber underlay is incredibly flexible and covers more applications than any other underlay type. 

We are very pleased to announce our involvement in the design, manufacture and supply of all the ironmongery elements for this very prestigious project, working closely with the client, Finchatton and renowned architects Foster + Partners we were able to put together a very unique package, where the design details were a key element to the products used. We've included some of the design drawings, detailing some of these elements, such as The Whiteley logo on the apartment entrance doorsAt the heart of the Whiteley will be 139 unique residences and the UK’s first Six Senses hotel and spa, a brand renowned for its dedication to wellness and sustainability, that will provide residents with exclusive spaces, services and experiences. Every apartment at The Whiteley is utterly unique, offering the opportunity for both exceptional privacy, and engagement in the vibrant community on your doorstep

“ When the government unveiled its changes to Part L 2013 building regulations Barratts analysed a range of sustainable solutions in order to comply with the mandatory minimum fabric performance standard (Target Fabric Energy Efficiency, TFEE). The Hi-therm lintel has proved to offer a cost effective option as part of a suite of specification upgrades. ”Michael FinnGroup Design & Technical DirectorBarratt HomesHi-therm SolutionFull technical support and site-specific Psi value calculations provided.Hi-therm significantly reduces the thermal bridging through window & door head junctions to achieve class leading values.Hi-therm lintels are single piece and fitted in the same method as a standard steel lintel, so require no special arrangements on-site.