"hot water and oil filled radiators and fittings"

Alicante Port, the well renowned commercial and cruise ship terminal has been upgraded to benefit from a Gatic Slotdrain high-capacity surface water drainage system.Slotdrain UltraSlot was specified during the re-conditioning of Dock 19 to increase capacity from 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) to 463,000 TEU.“UltraSlot was chosen by specifier SETI, SA, who are well established within the ports sector and who have worked with Gatic products for many years,” said International Sales Manager – Luis Triguero “The engineer in charge was familiar with the mechanical and hydraulic advantages of UltraSlot and requested a competitive price for the project. As Gatic is so well established in the Spanish market, we could exceed their expectations.”UltraSlot is used in external concrete areas which are subject to constant traffic, such as airports and ports. This high-capacity system is designed to ensure sufficient depth of concrete cover over the main body of the channel to withstand ultra-heavy-duty loads of up to F900 - 90 tonnes.“The biggest challenge we faced was ensuring the system could withstand the consistent, heavy traffic that will always be moving throughout the port,” continues Luis. “However, thanks to its capacity to bear heavy loads, UltraSlot proved to be one of the best drainage options on the market.”

Launched in 2003 by Olly Olsen and Charlie Green, The Office Group pioneered the concept of shared workspace in response to a fast-changing commercial world. Today the company boasts 17,000 members and over 40 locations, 31 of which are in London. Beautiful workspaces and vibrant communal areas foster creativity and collaboration among members, from app creators and entrepreneurs, all the way to financiers and architects.

Making a development stand out is a priority for housebuilders, who want to attract buyers in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The kitchen is always going to be a key room for buyers, with the average Brit spending 253 minutes per week in the kitchen cooking meals. Add on top of that washing-up, cleaning, preparing packed lunches and even helping with homework, it’s fair to say that we spend a lot of time in the kitchen. So how can developers ensure they seduce buyers with a functional, striking kitchen, that also adds an element of luxury to daily life?

The Zip HydroTap Celsius Arc chosen for new Purelake luxury London development

Beautiful design is at the forefront of Sleeper Magazine’s publication, so they needed an office interior that was equally inspiring. Sleeper Magazine called on creative design studio NoChintz to create the workspace they were after, which included the addition of a new HydroTap.

Owner of interior design company Studio Fortnum, Rebecca Wakefield is no stranger to being briefed on all manner of interior design and architecture. Specialising in understated, modern, relaxed living spaces, Rebecca’s portfolio is a stunning array of calming wall colours, comfortable areas to relax and thoughtfully considered artwork.

Interior stylist and Instagrammer reduces single-use plastic waste while retaining style in her beautiful home

Working with big global brands to produce video content, RD Content is a busy agency based in Covent Garden. When it came to moving into their new office, the company decided to leave nothing to chance, and instead made sure every single element was designed by them.

Developer IM Properties is used to delivering projects for a range of clients, but 2019 also saw it complete a stunning new headquarters for its own parent company, IM Group. Known as The Gate, the new building - which houses IM Properties and International Motors, has been designed with wellbeing and sustainability in mind.

The HydroTap Arc All-in-One keeps Alison Potter's modern family home plastic bottle free

With a staff force brimming with talented journalists, designers, marketers and advertising pros, sharp, creative minds are in abundance. To keep those minds on top form, Time Inc. UK knew that a high performance hydration solution was key.

Squire and Partners were looking for instant boiling and chilled filtered water system a mixer tap to dispense hot and cold water. Across all floors, they have selected our popular plus systems, combining boiling and chilled filtered water through the XL lever dispenser in Matt Black and hot and cold water from a Gooseneck Sink Mixer Tap in matching finish. For some of their teapoints, they chose our Quadra 4100 with XL lever dispenser in Matt Black to cater for a larger office and our Quadra Sparkling with XL lever dispenser in Matt Black.

In November 2020, we were contacted to schedule a meeting regarding the renovation of the former registry office at 8 Wind Street, Neath.For the radiator specifications, we decided on our Compacts and LST Ultra radiators in our standard white (RAL 9016) for the extension room facilities, whilst our traditional Windsor Column radiators and associated feet were all customised to a rough textured anthracite colour (RAL 7016) for the main offices, corridors, and conference rooms. These choices were in line with the building’s style. We also provided the necessary white and anthracite Angled TRV & Lockshields, as well as the LST ACVK3 Direct TRV Valve Packs to complement the radiators. The local authority accepted our proposal, and with that in December 2020, we supplied our initial quotation for the project.In March 2021, after the construction work inside the building was completed. A site survey was then conducted to ensure that the chosen radiators would fit properly in their designated positions. Following the site survey, a direct purchase order was placed.The installation commenced in May 2021. To assist, we ordered a sample of a White Windsor Column and Associated Feet to serve as a template for the pipework levels.By late May 2021, the specially ordered Windsor Columns and Associated Feet arrived at our Southam Distribution Centre. This allowed Allied Mechanical Engineering to proceed with their installation plan.Between June and July 2021, three batches of radiators were delivered to 8 Wind Street, Neath, and the installations on each floor were completed.

Lee Valley White Water Centre offers a unique mix of white water rafting and paddle sports, including family activities. The attraction, which is in Hertfordshire’s scenic Lee Valley Country Park, needed a new decking solution for its Terrace Bar & Café. Because many visitors choose to relax over a drink or a meal straight from their water sports experience, it was important to have decking that would be non-slip, even with surface water. And with the Terrace offering a packed programme including live music events, it also needed to be hardwearing. Gripsure supplied nearly 4,000 metres of Balau Hardwood anti-slip decking, an extremely durable product with an expected in-service life of more than 50 years. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s surveyor, Robert Kearney said: “We needed decking with the greatest resistance to damp, which we could use to create safe non-slip walkways. We were looking for many years of durability, so this is a long-term investment for us.”

In partnership with Inspired washrooms, Franke Water Systems UK have provided stainless steel hand sanitiser dispensers to Didsbury Road School, Stockport to encourage hand hygiene when the pupils return. Franke Water Systems were thrilled to provide Dart Valley branded AC00-050 free standing sanitiser dispensers for the entrance of the school before children returned on. The DVS branded touch-free hand sanitiser station is a floor standing dispenser with a premium stand. Manufactured from quality materials, this dispenser is perfect for environments with high footfall such as schools, universities, and other education facilities. The sturdy touch-free design comes with a large sanitiser tank and is battery operated, offering a touch-free, easy to install and low maintenance solution.  

Peri Ltd, one of the world's largest manufacturers of formwork and scaffolding, recently had Gatic CastSlot installed at its extensive multi-purpose service yard, where heavy lorries and vehicles come and go constantly.Our Area Sales Manager who worked on the project - Zach Graham revealed “The Gatic system was opted for due to its great hydraulic capacity and extensive reputation.” “This particular project required a safe solution that could bear the load of up to 40 tonnes, or D400, in technical terms. However, the Gatic range is designed to meet the needs of delivery or distribution areas where load ratings can reach up to 90 tonnes, or to F900 level, making it well within its capabilities.”Where continuous, slow turning traffic is a major consideration, Gatic CastSlot, from the Gatic Slotdrain range, is the front runner for ensuring a reliable water management system. The reputation of Gatic Slotdrain as the go to drainage range for infrastructure hubs such as airport runways and major ports, made this the obvious choice for this project.

As part of the refit, the building required a new roof as it was showing signs of wear and had started to leak. As well as a waterproofing solution, the client wanted to improve the thermal performance in line with current building regulations. For health and safety reasons, the client also requested a flame free roofing solution.

As part of the BBC DIY SOS build to support the Grenfell community, Structura UK is proud to announce it has helped to realise two ambitious projects to support the survivors of the Grenfell disaster. This includes a brand new Community Centre as well as a replacement for the Dale Youth Amateur Boxing Club which was previously located on the first floor of Grenfell Tower and destroyed in the blaze.Over 200 square metres of Kalwall® translucent cladding has been used along the whole elevation of the new Boxing Club using the newly adapted THERM+ curtain walling system from RAICO.This was the first project realised using the new system and has worked remarkably well. The ability to conceal the fixings and screws coupled with the mill-finished aluminium framing has created a wonderfully smooth and dramatic façade.RAICO President, Dr Stefan Lackner commented, “RAICO has a long standing reputation for innovation and partnerships with customers and associated product suppliers. Working with Structura and Kalwall to develop a solution to integrate windows and glazing into a Kalwall screen has created many potential opportunities. We are particularly pleased that the first live project for our new partnership was for this deserving cause.”

We zone in on the complete wetroom solution provided for the Lalit Hotel one of Schlüter-Systems’ grandest projects of 2016/17 and finalist in the ‘Listed Building (Over £5 million)’ category of the AJ Retrofit Awards 2017. The conversion project took the historic Grade II listed building previously known as St Olave’s Grammar School, located at Bankside in London, and transformed it into a luxury 70-room boutique hotel that fuses the best of Indian and British culture. Lalit London is the 13th hotel of the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and the first based outside of India.

Based in the heart of London’s financial district, LibertySyndicates has taken up new office space at 20Fenchurch Street, more commonly known as the WalkieTalkie.Famed for it’s unique design, the building wascompleted in 2014 by world renowned architect, RafaelVinoly. Unlike most skyscrapers, the walkie talkie adoptsa top-heavy shape which allows it to maximise space onthe higher floors, the most expensive to rent.It also offers a free to use sky garden for the public,situated on the top three levels, which was one of thekey factors in the building receiving planning permission.Liberty Syndicates opted to make six floors of 20Fenchurch Street their new London home, with a view todeveloping a modern and vibrant working space.In a high usage, commercial environment, Allgood’skey brief was to provide a high performing ironmongerypackage. Grade 316 stainless steel Modric pull handleswere supplied on all of the meeting room doorsalongside matching accessories and overhead doorclosers.In the bathroom areas, Allgood supplied a co-ordinatedModric range of signage, WC turns, coat hooks andescutcheons.

The hydraulic system providing water to the two swimming pools, changing rooms, and a lounge area is operated by DAB pressure boosting sets and recirculating systems. The installed pumps ensure efficiency, energy conservation, and require minimal maintenance, offering maximum reliability to meet the demands of this contemporary facility.Utilizing Evoplus B and D electronic circulating pumps for the heating system, a consistent pressure is maintained within the system even as the flow rate fluctuates, preventing disruptions in the event of transient operational variations. Delivering an energy efficient system and CO2 reduction.

BW Workplace Experts looks to Oscar Acoustics to create health-enhancing workplace of the future Making a sound choiceOffice fit-out professionals, BW Workplace Experts, who specialise in delivering welcoming office environments, enlisted the help of Oscar Acoustics as part of a major workplace fit-out to ensure optimal acoustic comfort for occupants and a calm ‘home from home’ experience for staff.Central to achieving their goal of creating a peaceful office ambience was the issue of noise reverberation. It was imperative that workers using the office space could communicate easily without needing to shout and that staff could work harmoniously without distractions.The challenge: unconventional working spaces Located at Herbal House in Farringdon, London, BW Workplace needed to allow for agile ways of working, providing flexible environments that offer focused work areas, co-working spaces and relaxed break out areas. A combination of both impromptu and formal meeting rooms was also required.  Working alongside architects TP Bennett, Oscar Acoustics were faced with the challenge of how to achieve the perfect acoustic balance within the two-floor Manhattan loft-style space. As office workers would be dealing with important sensitive circumstances, such as judicial matters, unwanted noise needed to be kept to a minimum, allowing staff to concentrate and focus on matters at hand.Leanne Baird, Head of Marketing at BW, said: “We needed an effective design solution to deal with reverberant noise so that staff remained free of distractions and their ability to concentrate was not impaired by excessive noise. “Having worked with Oscar Acoustics previously, we knew we were in safe hands as far as finding an effective noise-reduction solution was concerned. Their expertise in architectural acoustic finishes was crucial to the success of this project.”The solution: calm, inviting interiors that sound as good as they lookChosen for its ability to absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it, Oscar’s SonaSpray K-13 is a seamless acoustic spray with a deliberately industrial, coarsely textured finish that helps control stressful noise reverberation in buildings. Blending in seamlessly with the fluid, flexible workspace, the spray was completed in a single application, allowing BW to keep to important project deadlines, with minimal installation time.  Sustainable acoustic solutionsSonaSpray K-13 also contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. By choosing SonaSpray K-13, all parties could feel confident that the application met the highest health and welfare standards due its non-hazardous, GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality. As a seamless M1 certified Low Emitting acoustic spray, it also contains renewable natural resources such as wood, and cotton which effectively lowers the carbon footprint of the building project by sequestering rich stores of carbon for the lifecycle of the structure. In a world where environmental impact is paramount, SonaSpray K-13 boasts further green credentials, having been covered by the Environmental Product Declaration in accordance with ISO 14025 and meeting the Living Building Challenge and LEED requirements. In addition to these, Oscar Acoustics are ISO 14001 certified; completing the environmental jigsaw and making them Great Britain’s most sustainable acoustic solutions provider.Fire rated acoustic sprayIt was also imperative that employee safety was considered, especially in terms of fire safety. Knowing that SonaSpray K-13 not only met but significantly bettered the updated Approved Document B fire requirement (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1,d0 fire rating), gave both architects and designers complete peace of mind that should the eventuality occur, the acoustic spray would provide little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, assisting in the safe escape of its occupants.Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics says: “When we were first approached by BW, we knew just the solution for this type of acoustic problem in an office space. With years of experience providing acoustic solutions to commercial workspaces, our tried and tested SonaSpray range is our go-to choice for achieving superb acoustic results without design compromise. “Working with BW has been a fantastic experience. With the increased focus on wellbeing and the work-life balance becoming more prevalent, office space must reflect this change. It’s long been recognised that poor acoustics and excessive levels of noise can be bad for occupants’ health so it was great to see this issue being taken seriously, to improve the daily lives of employees using the building day-to-day.”Image credit to Tom Green Photography.

A bespoke Gatic CastSlot system was installed as part of the redevelopment of the riverside stand for Craven Cottage, home to Fulham FC. The project, which began in July 2021, incorporates Gatic CastSlot Treadsafe, which was chosen to drain away any excess surface water from the seating/standing areas along the deck of the stand. It was installed by main contractors Buckingham Group.The unobtrusive profile of CastSlot sits neatly within concrete, asphalt, and block surface finishes and features an electro painted ductile iron throat section. This is securely fixed to the galvanised steel channel body to provide an exceptionally robust yet discreet drainage system.The treadsafe option was chosen for this project. Treadsafe is available for areas where there is regular foot traffic and is available with a 10mm or 30mm opening—ideal for stadium standing and seating areas.Bespoke access boxes were also created for the new stand, and channel throat depths were also extended for level changes, allowing a constant invert within the channel.

When Booking.com decided to move their offices to a prime location in Central London, they required a full fit-out. They appointed HLW International, who specified Billi Taps for their main kitchen area, and another tea-point within the office space. Booking.com opted for Billi Quadra Plus 15. With a drainage font in chrome and a gloss finish, the tap delivers instant boiling and chilled water from an XL lever tap at just a touch of a finger, and hot and ambient from a second sink mixer tap – all this from a single under counter boiler unit.

Utilising the same bricks as were being laid by the bricklayers to the masonry walls, FastClad supplied the cladding to the balconies so that there was a seamless match.Collecting bricks from site to ensure that they were from the same production run, the slips were cut and bonded to our profiled backing board at our Leicester factory.These boards were then returned to site for mechanical fix to the balcony structures and pointed in a lime mortar to match that of the cement mortar being used by the bricklayers at an off-site compound.The balconies were then craned into position and fixed to the structure.

Designed to implement and maintain the transport network throughout the Liverpool region, Merseytravel, which operates as part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is a key service provider so it’s no surprise it has a large office in the Liverpool docks.

Home to one of the most popular casinos in the UK, staff at the Hippodrome in London’s West End were looking for ways to reopen their doors safely following the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in March (2020).

To build a sustainable future, Apache believes it is essential to deliver profitable, long-term growth in a way that protects and enhances the safety and health of its employees, the local communities in which it operates and the environment. With Apache embracing sustainable business practices across its global operations, Apache North Sea in Aberdeen, Scotland installed a Zip HydroChill to support the company’s efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste across its office.

Harmer Building Drainage, part of Alumasc Water Management Solutions, has been specified for the luxury apartments at Chelsea Bridge in Battersea. The project is the latest phase of Battersea Park Development, Vista. It is a landmark development, designed by Scott Brownrigg and built by Berkeley Homes, consisting of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, with the remaining properties ranging from £895,000 to £1.910 million – and they are selling fast. There is extensive outdoor landscaping and each group of apartments benefit from feature terraces and private balconies so they can take advantage of spectacular views over Battersea Park and towards the River Thames.Harmer’s expertise and existing relationship with Architects Scott Brownrigg and Berkeley Homes were major factors in winning the contract. Both were aware Harmer could supply a high-end product in an achievable lead time. Constant open dialogue with all parties helped get the project off to a smooth start. Accurate specification, with Harmer’s in-depth knowledge of products and issues, and close involvement at every stage, means any challenges during the project are quickly rectified. The development is due for completion in 2018.

High quality wooden gates can make a real statement at the entrance to your home, that is as long as they are protected with a high quality finish and looking great! These Iroko gates are making the right kind of statement with some top quality TLC and a beautiful finish provided by D1 Pro and Owatrol Deco.The Iroko gates in this case study had previously been coated with Danish Oil. It was now not making the right kind of statement and definitely needed to be stripped before a new finish could be applied. Roger at R & A Pressure Washing Services Ltd. set to work stripping the gates using Prepdeck.If your gates are remaining in-situ throughout the project then you’ll need to use Aquanett (for wood oils) or Dilunett (for paints and other finishes) as they are gel formulations which won’t run. In this case, the gates were removed so they could be laid flat for the application of Prepdeck.To use Prepdeck simply apply it to the surface with a brush and leave it to work for an appropriate length of time. When the coatings are lifting scrub the surface and rinse with water to remove the residue. You should then immediately neutralise the surface of the wood with Net-Trol. Roger then left it to dry and then lightly sanded the surface with a 60 grit orbital sander for a super smooth finish – this step is not essential though.Using D1 Pro to protect Iroko GatesWhen Roger had completed the preparation of the gates it was time to apply the D1 Pro. D1 Pro’s place is inside the wood, where it saturates it, feeding the wood with oil to replace those lost. It drives out moisture and air, filling the woods pores with oil, and enriches and stabilises it to provide long lasting protection with high UV resistance. D1 Pro enhances the natural beauty of the wood whilst being easy to maintain, requiring no sanding or stripping.D1 Pro is applied ‘wet-on’wet’ which means that you apply coats one after the other without allowing the oil to dry in between and continue until the wood is saturated and will take no more oil. To apply D1 Pro you start by applying a first generous coat. Work in areas that can be coated in 15 minutes. Allow time for it to be absorbed into the surface (15-30 minutes). Apply a second application as soon as the first has been absorbed. Allow to dry.Continue in this way until the wood will not accept any more oil, i.e. it is saturated. Then wipe off any excess to avoid shiny spots, you should be left with a rich matt finish. Work like this in sections to prevent the surface from becoming touch dry in between coats. Roger needed 3 coats of D1 Pro for his iroko gates.Using Owatrol Deco to protect metal work on wooden gatesRoger then used Owatrol Deco, our rust-inhibiting multi-surface primer and finish. This enabled him to have a high gloss black finish which would also provide long-term protection against corrosion and the effects of the weather. The Owatrol Deco is applied in 2 coats, allowing the first coat 24 hours to dry before applying the second.We think you’ll agree, it’s a pretty big transformation and these gates are now making the right kind of statement!

Skyliner Sports Centre, Bury St Edmonds

To update four pairs of manual swing doors at the health club in Wilmslow, which over time had become tired looking and cumbersome after years of wear and tear and replace them with automatic doors to create a welcoming, contact-free entrance for members and staff.

CUPA PIZARRAS has been specified across a major development and refurbishment at Tregenna Castle. The company’s products were selected for their ability to endure extreme local weather and provide an exceptionally long lifespan.Delivering spectacular views of the St Ives coastline, the Castle Approach Estate is a new collection of lodges built in the grounds of the historic Tregenna Castle Resort.Looking to complete the exclusive lodges, roofing contractor, Summit Roofing Solutions utilised a number of CUPA PIZARRAS’ products. Likewise, the project team also chose to use the company’s natural slate to complete a renovation of Tregenna Castle’s original roof.The lodges and castle are subject to difficult coastal conditions, including extreme winds and sea spray. As such, the project team needed access to roofing solutions that could deliver long-lasting, durable performance. Likewise, given Tregenna Castle’s status as a Grade II listed property, the team had to ensure that any selected products were able to deliver a traditional aesthetic, whilst still providing modern performance. Fortunately, CUPA PIZARRAS natural slate was able to meet all the desired criteria.Therefore, roofs on the lodges at Tregenna Estate exclusively used CUPA PIZARRAS’ 400mm x 200mm CUPA 12 natural slates, fixed using 100mm stainless steel hooks that were also produced and supplied by CUPA PIZARRAS.Notably, Summit Roofing Solutions was able to install the natural slate as a closed mitred hip system. In doing so, the project team ensured that all slates lined up perfectly with one another, which is only possible on account of the products’ uniform size and quality. This was particularly important on the lodges, where sections of roof were stepped down in certain locations and visible from ground level. Speaking on the project at Tregenna Estate, Adam Palmer, Company Owner of Summit Roofing Solutions commented: “Upon receiving the brief, we recognized that CUPA PIZARRAS’ solutions could help us to meet all key project goals. What’s more, the company helped us to overcome logistical challenges.”Following project completion, the Tregenna Estate played host to key stakeholders attending the G7 Summit in Cornwall, including the Prime Minister and US President Joe Biden. In anticipation of the event, enhanced security provisions were put in place on the site, which made the logistical side of the project more difficult.Thankfully, through its extensive distribution network, CUPA PIZARRAS was able to devise a well-considered delivery and logistics plan to ensure that supplies could reach the project team at critical times.CUPA 12 was chosen for this prestigious project as it is a high quality dark grey slate with a smooth finish. With a life span of more than one hundred years and very little maintenance required, natural slate is a durable, weatherproof product, un-matched by artificial alternatives. CUPA 12 has also received approval from Snowdonia National Park as a Welsh Slate alternative and has been certified by BRE Global as A+ for its quality, transparency, and sustainability credentials. Find out more about CUPA PIZARRAS solutions here at https://www.cupapizarras.com/uk/  

Project/ObjectiveProtection of offices from noise and vibration due to dropping freeweights.

The UK's most exclusive and largest bungalow provider needed a refurbished space to tell their story. Vtec was excited to support the designers with a premium and modern ceiling beam design with the MaxiBeam system. The ceiling beams were 39mm x 85mm tall and the decorative ceiling was coffered, creating a sunken rectangle in the space. The ceiling carries occupiers on a journey in the large open areas achieving both visual and functional benefits. Learn more about how the Click Fix installation system made it easy for the beams to be removed for access to M&E services.

A major housing provider wanted their new workspace to reflect its corporate and environmental ethos. Vtec's premium wood-slatted system, SupaSlat, was used in the ceiling design. The beauty of the system was it supported the client's green initiatives, as FSC® Certified (FSC® 160047) wood was used. Vtec's SupaSlat system addressed the need for sustainable measures. The beautiful light-coloured grain complimented the sophisticated soft furnishes infusing warmth and vitality to the space. Read more to explore how the Lift and Shift system enabled accessible locations into the T-24 ceiling grid.