"green applications resources sustainability"

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!)

‘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.

Republic is a new campus at East India Docks: the design is centred around well-being at work with a focus on daylight and ventilation, direct connections with nature through the planting in the biodiverse central gardensThe first phase commenced in October 2016 and the public realm was completed towards the end of 2018The campus will ultimately provide 650,000 sq ft of high-quality affordable workplace, a wide range of amenities, generous public realm and extensive green spaces.BLOC sun bench can be used on its own or joined in rows and back to back. It is also available with a short seat.VROOM bench is a modular furniture system that can be extended in endless combinations. The bench comes in two widths, with or without a backrest and armrests. Straight, angled and curved connection elements mean that the seats can be joined to create long benches, formations, large and small circles, and letters.All furniture in RAL 1018Client: Trilogy Property and LaSalle Investment ManagementArchitect: Studio RHELandscape architect: Remapp Landscape Architects

In the west district of the Dutch town of Wallwijk an innovative multifunctional structure was recently built, combining residential and commercial spaces in a single project of contemporary design.Atlas Concorde outdoor porcelain stoneware tiles were selected for the architectural design, providing the look of natural stone and excellent technical properties.The Dutch complex includes private homes, apartments and a health and wellness center.The outdoor spaces and walkways in the green areas of the modern Dutch structure feature Trust 2 cm thick stone-effect porcelain stoneware tiles. LASTRA 20mm is the Atlas Concorde outdoor project that includes a wide selection of surfaces perfect for both commercial and residential contemporary outdoor spaces.For the Koetshuis project, the LASTRA 20mm version of the Trust collection in Titanium shades combines the extraordinary aesthetic power of the look and detail of faithfully reproduced split stone and exceptional technical performance. Thanks to Atlas Concorde, the outdoor walkways in the heart of the garden and the outside area surrounding the hotel are safe surfaces, both slip-resistant and resistant to weathering. 

Residents of a community on the hillside by Loch Craignish, one of Scotland's most beautiful sea lochs, have a new and unique village hall with a roof that is sympathetic to the surroundings, thanks to Eternit's fibre cement profiled sheeting.The old village hall at Ardfern in Argyll and Bute had been built traditionally with most recently, a corrugated metal roof which had corroded and leaked. Architect Tom McCardel was tasked with giving the villagers a community facility capable of handling a vast range of activities and he specified Eternit's fibre cement profiled sheeting for Craignish Village Hall for several reasons.Its light weight meant the main spaces of the building did not have to be taken up with supporting framework, its green painted finish blends more into the landscape than traditional gloss paint, and its roof had to be resistant to the corrosive atmosphere of the sea coast."I specified the Eternit sheeting because of its lightweight qualities, cost effectiveness, ease of detailing and appearance" he said.

Westhill Community Church was a new, green field project in Aberdeenshire. Its highly contemporary style was designed for maximum functionality and to encourage use by the wider community. Natural light and climate controllability were the central considerations for the clients of McLean Architects during initial discussions - a common request for high ceiling, large space developments.The architect, McLean Architects (based in Glasgow), had used FAKRO roof windows on a number of other projects and specified FAKRO products because of the excellent technical support and the option to specify matching zinc flashings.33 FAKRO roof windows were discreetly positioned to flood the stage with natural light as well as illuminate a cluster of buildings that formed the sanctuary, low-rise foyer, and adjoining offices.Products included electrically operated FTP-V U3 windows with a rain sensor, specially constructed EFW Kerb Upstands were made to enhance the internal light with combination flashings, Smoke Vent windows, wall switches, and remote controls.

Originally built in 1986, Dukes Court has formed part of a £77 million regeneration scheme in Woking, Surrey. The redevelopment included new signage and pedestrian routes, updated office space, a new restaurant and a living ‘green’ wall - aimed to improve air quality. Outside of Dukes Court a new pedestrianised public space was designed and required the creation of large wavey planting beds all in corten to sit either side of the entrance to the building. The planter had to adapt to the stairways, slopes and columns present in the final design, adding a lot of complexity to the required planter wall geometry.Our latest solution, AKRI steel retaining planters were best suited for this as they are flexible enough to allow for varying levels and can be manufactured in the desired style of corten to harmonise with the existing building facade. The AKRI planters were then welded on top with a return, to create an attractive wave look. The finished scheme has created a pleasant, open space for tenants and members of the public to enjoy.

The 8,500m2 Biosciences building is clad in silver anodised ACM panels generally 1.3m high and up to 6.4m long that work together to wrap around the complex elevations. Each individual panel purpose-made and pre-curved at Ash & Lacy’s West Bromwich site, to fit around and match the windows on the building. The protruding raked capping details were also manufactured in the same material, in order to provide a fully cohesive design. Original concept architects, Llewelyn Davies Yeang, specified 3,500m2 Ash & Lacy Facade for the extensive new build, to give the building an innovative and hi-tech finish, reflecting the standards of the department itself.The design of the seven-storey building responds to the constraints of a steeply sloping site divided by a service road creating staggered floor levels, interesting external spaces and a flowing façade. The science block also features a sedum green roof fitted with solar panels for the heating of domestic water contributing to the very good BREEAM rating it has secured.

Rugby Mill is a 60,181 sq ft new build warehouse. The external building envelope for this facility includes a two-storey office and dock levellers at the rear. Built using 9,000m2 of and insulated panels manufactured using and the front elevation features decorative cornice detail to the top right and top left hand corners of the building, in an agreed contrasting combination of blue colours (Solent Blue, Atlantis, Aquarius, Zeus and Sirius and Goosewing Grey).Adjacent to Rugby Mill, Ram Mill can accommodate up to 100,000 sq ft of occupiable space and has been pre-let. Built to the same design and using our and insulated panels, the front façade for this unit features our insulated panels in a different colour combination and features a decorative cornice detail that wraps around the top corners of the front elevation either side, in a green combination to reflect Pin Property’s distinctive brand (Heritage, Jade, Juniper, Sirius, Zeus and Goosewing Grey).

We completed this large redevelopment of this school’s playground in Ealing, West London, over the summer holidays. The teachers were looking for two separate zones for older and younger children, with the junior zone to feature challenging, stimulating equipment .The Lappset Motoric Track acted as a perfect centrepiece for the area, being able to entertain large numbers of users for busy break and lunch times. The 6 tower structure features interlinked climbing nets, rope bridges, fireman’s pole, a large slide, climbing panels, and much more, giving hours of endless fun. A space net climbing frame is positioned adjacent to the track, providing additional climbing and challenge for older aged children.The younger age zone is comprised of an exciting multiplay structure, natural themed trim trail, and two crawl tunnels under earth mounds.The equipment was constructed from glue laminate timber and green panelling, to blend in with the treelined surroundings of the play area. For the surfacing elements of the works, artificial grass was selected, to compliment the natural aesthetic. 

The Sash Window Workshop to replace several traditional timber windows and a back door in a property in Buckinghamshire.The enquiry was assigned to our sales surveyor who arranged a visit to assess the windows and door, answered any questions and provided them with a quotation for the work.A couple of meetings were held with the customer to discuss and review the details of the quotation and an order was placed for a timber back door and 21 replacement casement windows, comprising of a mixture of single, double and bay windows.The door and windows were manufactured in Accoya, which comes with a 50 year anti-rot guarantee alongside The Sash Window Workshop’s 20 year joinery guarantee.Internally the windows and door were painted in a standard white, with a bespoke green paint applied externally.The installation was carried out by The Sash Window Workshop over 2 weeks, with our site manager visiting the property to check that the installation was progressing smoothly.After the work was completed, the couple commented that they were very happy with their new windows and door.

Following the current trend for basement installations our client had an interesting twist; a large underground area was to be created under the rear garden. Designed to house the client’s beautiful motor cars, there was still plenty of room to include an opulent, huge swimming pool and generously sized sauna and steam room with shower between. Both rooms were designed with a U shaped, emphasising the great social occasion of heat bathing with clear glass fascias providing a wide view of the pool and client’s stunning décor including a feature faux-living wall.Sauna: Warm Alder panelling was chosen for the sauna with a hidden heater to have clean lines and ensure absolute safety for young ones.Steam Room: The matching steam room was lined in beautiful pearl green mosaics to echo the pool finish.Yet another angle on how to introduce a wellness feature at home, all beautifully presented and a project in which Sauna360 were proud to play our part!

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

Sertus worked with the developer to deliver sustainable natural smoke ventilation products to this project. Comprising of head of stair vents and façade vents.Project Name: Lily's WalkLocation: High WycombeSector: ResidentialClient: Inland HomesInitial BriefAs providers of tested and certified smoke ventilation equipment, Sertus were approached to deliver smoke ventilation products of the highest quality to Lily's Walk.OutcomeSertus Façade Single Leaf products were used on this project, which are tested and certified to BS EN 12101-2. Sertus also manufactured Roof Single Leaf smoke vents for Lily's Walk. Have a look at the products here.The residents of this flagship development can be fully confident that the smoke ventilation products installed meet all the necessary compliance criteria.

NOMA is a new breed of mixed-use development in the centre of Manchester, a multi-phase scheme to create a 20-acre neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, built to world-class sustainability standards. For the public and accessible toilets in this building on the NOMA commons, architects Simpson Haugh implemented a Superloo layout interspersed with DDA-compliant cubicles. The Splash Lab was privileged to work with Simpson Haugh closely over many years to bring this vision to life with taps and accessories from our Radius Collection in a bronze PVD finish, as well as a Monolith DDA basin. Our comprehensive support for superloo designs helped achieve an efficient installation that doesn’t sacrifice clean, minimalist design. The contemporary bronze finish of the fittings provides a rich contrast with the white panelling and basin to create a washroom that looks both luxurious and streamlined.

Durability, sustainability and innovation underpin the design of the Aspen Art Museum, located in the state of Colorado, USA. The building’s most striking feature is its exterior facade made of NATURCLAD-W panels, which provides it with protection against Aspen’s cold weather. PARKLEX PRODEMA worked closely with the architectural team to produce a mock-up of the facade prior to construction.The woven NATURCLAD-W exterior and timber support frame for the roof diffuse the light that enters through the glass walls and skylight. This innovative concept maximises the natural light of the interior whilst minimising its exposure to direct sunlight.The design concept of the building mimics the ‘thermos’ principle, whereby interior rooms are kept at a constant temperature by protective exterior spaces. These so-called ‘wrapper’ spaces support air circulation and serve as a visual connection to the outdoors.

The refurbishment was created with a light touch but transformed the main building entrance and reception, upper-floor common areas, WCs and half of the office floors. Work was undertaken whilst the other office floors remained in occupation.The reception refurbishment reused many of the existing high-quality materials, which complements terrazzo, but also helped to transform the space into a contemporary interior whilst retaining the grandeur and sense of arrival.Terrazzo is also in harmony with the edgier interventions such as the distressed metal ceiling raft and lighting which have contributed to the building appealing to the next generation of banking tenants with start-up bank Monzo taking the vast majority of vacant space in the building.The gentle approach to refurbishment and the reuse of materials as well as the use of terrazzo contributed to meeting British Land’s exacting sustainability targets.

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.

When it comes to choosing where to live during university, students expect much more than a just a room with a bed, bathroom and kitchen. Instead, now more than ever they want an accommodation that offers added comfort and includes additional facilities such as wellbeing spaces, gyms and even smart technology suites.Students are also recognising the importance of living sustainably and choosing a building that offers lower living costs and more environmentally friendly solutions, as well as having great curb appeal.So, in order to attract this new generation of students to the University of Exeter’s new East Park building, architects Stride Treglown designed the high quality student accommodation using bespoke rainscreen cladding panels from Proteus Facades as the central visual element.

Designed by architect Karakusevic Carson Architects with Maccreanor Lavington, Dujardin Mews is a multi-award-winning collection of 38 new homes and is the first social housing to be built in Enfield in 40 years.Built to replace nearby high-rise social housing towers, Dujardin Mews is a traditional street of attached houses but with a distinctly unique style. The homes achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes level 5 with reduced running costs thanks to their designs. Freshfield Lanes First Quality Multi bricks help the project blend into the area and allow a soft, traditional red brick glow to palette the area.Dujardin Mews has won a host of awards since 2018 including a Civic Trust Award, A RIBA National and London Award, A Brick Award and more.