"indoor plants"

Jamie Graham, Operations Manager, StonehengeThe new visitors’ centre at Stonehenge opened in December 2013. It was designed to deal with the increased footfall that we have experienced here, as a result of which we’ve had to open the new Groups Welcome Centre and in that we have installed URIMAT waterless urinals, in addition to the ones that we have at the regular visitors’ centre. These were installed in October 2017. Waterless urinals by URIMAT were specified by the architect as part of the building programme.Here at Stonehenge we’re not connected to any mains water supply so we need to extract water from a borehole, so we need to limit the use of freshwater on site in terms of maintaining our commitment to the environment – URIMAT’s waterless urinals really do help with that process.All of our waste water is treated here at Stonehenge before being tankered away. In terms of the load on the sewage processing plants that we have here on site, the URIMAT waterless urinals really are key to ensuring that that load is reduced.So when we were specifying the groups welcome centre that we have here we were looking at technology that we had already implemented, technology that works well for us, so that’s why we made the decision to install them in the new groups welcome centre.On a busy day during the summer period we can see round about 9,000 or more visitors on site so it’s really important that the technology copes with that amount of footfall, and since installation we’ve had no problems whatsoever.

Kent County Council wanted one-off architectural fencing for its keynote public square, the focal point of a new £16.5m town centre, to celebrate famous Ashford-born mathematician John Wallis.The scheme next to Victoria Road School in Ashford was designed by an artist to commemorate the work of Wallis, a pioneer who developed various mathematical theories and introduced the symbol for infinity. Unfortunately, it required a natural edge to the square that reduced visibility through to the school beyond.The SolutionZaun drew on its specialist bespoke construction skills to produce a complex fencing solution with parallel perforated panels of different-sized holes, creating a zany fence line up to a height of 4m.Different materials and finishes have been used to create an art trail with etched text and symbols relating to his work.Zaun and the main contractor, Volker Fitzpatrick, accommodated several changes from the original designs to reduce overall scheme costs. A pavilion was replaced with an additional planting area, and the architectural fencing was adapted.The £16.5m project secured funding from the Departments for Communities and Local Government and Transport.Victoria Way is a new route to the south of the town centre to link the International Station at Beaver Road and the A28 Chart Road providing better access to the heart of the town.The new road opened in late 2011, providing an attractive, tree-lined avenue from Victoria Road through brownfield industrial land to join with the A28 near Matalan, and includes John Wallis Square, public art displays and new shops restaurants, cafes and homes.

The original timber sleepers used for Manchester Royal Infirmary external areas had begun to rot away quite early in their lifespan. We were tasked with replicating the existing footprint of planters to replace them within the confines of the existing paving. All installation works were undertaken in a busy hospital with minimal impact on patients and workers. Using a typographical survey we created CAD outlines for each planter, a number of existing structures featured extremely tight angles, which meant we needed to modify our corner cuts to ensure a perfect match.Our components were all pre-cut ready for installation so there was no need to use any heavy machinery on site. WoodBlocX modular system is guaranteed for 15 years and because the structures are made up of a series of individual blocks, held together by strong dowels, they will not warp or distort, nor will they rot, thanks to the pressure treatment used.WoodBlocX components are manufactured in five different sizes and work in the same way as bricks, in addition, any capping and angled parts are pre-mitred, which saves installers significant build time and eliminates the need for sawing, drilling and disposing of waste. With WoodBlocX you receive a guaranteed standard of material. From the planting of the trees to harvesting of timber all the way through to cutting the WoodBlocX components, we keep on top of every aspect of each process - maintaining the highest standards of timber quality. Using WoodBlocX, specifiers can be safe in the knowledge that the supply chain of their timber products is sustainable and reliable.

Preventing punching shear failure with flat slab construction is critical and while traditional solutions such as links in the punching area work fairly effectively, there are disadvantages. They are time-consuming to install and risk installation inaccuracy and positional stability during concreting. A product that does offer a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution, is the widely used and dependable Schöck Bole shear rail; and one of the many construction sites where Bole is the system of choice is the New Green project at Rainham in Essex, where two outdated 13-storey tower blocks are being replaced by mid-rise, high density buildings, providing 197 homes. As with any reinforced concrete slab design, the New Green project is at risk of punching shear failure, which traditionally has been resolved by adding further concrete, such as the use of downstand beams or localised thickened column heads. However these measures require complex formwork and significantly reduce the benefits offered by the flat slab design. By incorporating the Schöck Bole shear rail system, installation is cost-effective and significantly faster than traditional loose links. The ready-to-install reinforcement element consists of double-headed studs with spacing bars to ensure correct positioning.  Spacers allow installation on the formwork, making installation on the construction site and in the precast plant quicker, safer and easier to achieve. The dramatically reduced fixing time far outweighs any additional material costs that may be involved with a prefabricated system.  

Aston House is a collection of thirty-two apartments in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.The one and two bedroomed interiors are complemented by a mix of classic protruding balconies and Juliet balconies, as well as terraces for the top floor homes. The external envelope has a brick-work skin up to the 4th floor and the fifth-floor penthouse apartments have metal rain screen cladding panels. There is also rain screen cladding around the ground floor entrance lobbies.Popular earthy, natural shadesThe architects wanted a warm, natural shade to complement the pale sand coloured brick work. ‘Rusted steel’ from our Landscape/Terrain range was chosen to coat 850sq metres of mild steel forming the rain screen cladding. All the powders we use conform to fire reaction rating A2-s1,d0 and have a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.BenefitsPowdertech has years of experience in applying additional coating where needed to protect vulnerable metal surfaces. We call this our Plus+ service.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.Powdertech has a very wide range of both standard and unusual powder coating shades and textures.Powdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.

System Used - TerraSmart pedestal IGNOThe Botanist is a botanical cocktail bar in the heart of Newcastle. Complete with a rooftop terrace bar, it entices revellers and partygoers with a welcoming and curated look. The natural materials of the terrace bar, mixed with the abundance of plants and natural light, transport customers to a chic, far-off watering hole. To complement and contrast the natural materials in the industrial setting, the bare materials, exposed brick, and stone effect tiles give a suggestive canvas to the biophilic decor. The design function of the terrace is as a high foot traffic area for social meetings. To fully support the paved area in these situations, we have seen a rise in users looking for simple pedestal systems that still provide a robust substructure at an economical rate. The pedestals have a wide base acting as a stable foundation and spacer tabs that equally space the pavers apart to create drainage channels.Sasso porcelain tiles could support the primary use of the space due to their inherent properties. These porcelain paving tiles are naturally non-porous, protecting the finish from staining. This non-porous property also makes the tiles resistant to bitumen and algae. The tile also features a low slip potential in both; wet and dry conditions. Having these properties within a hospitality environment can help make a safe and long-lasting flooring surface.TerraSmart Pedestal IGNO fits into this industrial, chic environment with its simple, robust pedestal structure and hard-wearing but stylish flooring finish, punctuating the space and tying the terrace together. 

OverviewThis project saw the refurbishment of King Solomon International Business School, which was changing hands from office use to education. The building now features specialist science rooms, resistant materials workshop, drama studio, outdoor sports hall, music rehearsal rooms, food technology, ICT rooms and language rooms.ChallengesDue to the change of building use, a full survey of the roof covering was required. Excessive moisture was found within the existing asphalt covering, water ingress was present and the internal top floor of the building was not suitable to be used as a teaching space. The roof area presented many challenges with complex detailing to existing balustrade posts, live mobile telephone masts and large quantities of plant / M&E installed.SolutionsAs a starting point, the roof was completely stripped due to the high level of water ingress. The existing asphalt covering was removed ready for installation of a new Excel RBM system, with Hytherm ADH PIR thermal insulation. Much of the existing M&E was found to be redundant and could safely be removed from the roof area.The complex detailing to the balustrades and fire risk areas was simplified using Starcoat PMMA cold applied liquid waterproofing, allowing for a long term, robust and financially viable solution. High level roof areas were also detailed with ease using Starcoat PMMA. Successful installation provided a peace of mind roof covering for the next 25 years, supported by Axter’s Platinum Guarantee.Systems in useExcel®Starcoat® PMMA

Artform Urban Furniture were appointed by Lendlease and Gillespies to provide a number of waste / recycling units and a water fountain to a new public green space in the centre of Elephant and Castle.The Box Litter Bin is a versatile and highly adaptable design that features a variety of finishes to complement a range of external spaces. After receiving a suite of options from our sales team , the client opted for a hardwood clad door option with powder coated steel frame. The combination of materials sit naturally within the new green space. The bins come complete with an anti-graffiti coating and bespoke designed designation plate to front of bins and bespoke stubber plate to top of general waste bins. The Fuente fountains provide fresh drinking water, an environmentally friendly option for members of the public to fill up their water bottles and save on plastic waste.Elephant and Castle is a central London neighbourhood that has a long and fascinating history dating back as long as the reign of the Roman empire. In recent years, £4bn of public and private money has been invested into the area in a major regeneration project. Thousands of new homes are being built and the town centre is being revitalised with new shops, offices, restaurants and the largest new green space in London since the '50s.Elephant Park is a spectacular 2 acre green oasis at the heart of the ground-breaking project - featuring a huge array of plant species, play areas, seating spaces, water features and the aim to be the UK’s first climate positive development when completed.

Cargill is an international food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services business. Cargill connects farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with nourishment.Project/doors:32 doors across six facilities12 Storm, 3 Super, 3 Mini, 6 Insulated Fast Action Roller Shutters, 4 Electric Operated Roller Shutter 4 Special Doors. Ongoing replacement of old doorsThe challenge Hart were consulted to help reduce vermin access mainly from pigeons, seagulls and geese attracted by the feed/agricultural nature of the production process. The doors needed to be capable of thousands of operations in dusty conditions allowing large vehicles fast access to the facilities. The solution With over 30 Hart doors installed across six production facilities, the latest contract replaced existing roller shutters, which remain open all day, with seven Speedor Storms, one Speedor Super and one fast action roller shutter. The emphasis was on speed of open/close cycles to significantly reduce the vermin access and improve energy efficiency. The success The investment by Cargill is also part of a drive to improve energy efficiency by 5% and to maintain a better working environment and temperatures within the building as well as preventing unauthorised access to different areas of the plant. The Review:“I wanted to say I was really pleased with the job David and guys have done. They showed great work ethic, housekeeping was spot on and their attitude to safety on site was great- whenever they were challenged they were very patient and helpful.”Gavin Dunn, Project Engineer, Cargill

The White Rose Office Park in Leeds; is a purpose-built 27-acre business park owned and operated by Munroe K. In 2014, they unveiled a £12m office for the global banking giant HSBC.Utilising in-depth knowledge, that Munroe K had about their client and the local area; the project had a number of specific requirements that needed to be addressed from the start.The BriefSecurity and Aesthetics were the two key areas taken from the client’s requirements for their car park security fencing. These included the following:A fencing system that would provide open ventilation for the car park.Additional high security fencing to the rear of the car park due to the construction of plant and control equipment compounds.Anti-climb and anti-cut properties to all fencing systems.Aesthetically pleasing without compromising on the inbuilt security.After working through the wide range of car park security fencing systems in the CLD range, the client selected Safeogril Open Mesh Fencing for the front of the car park and Securus 358 Anti-Climb Mesh Fencing System to secure the rear. They required the front of the car park to look visually pleasing and; at the same time, fit within HSBC’s brand to complement the new offices. Alongside the aesthetics, the architects wanted the car park security fencing systems to still encompass a wide range of security features in order to keep the car park secure.The installation was completed by Davison Fencing, a member of CLD Systems Approved Contractors, working with ourselves and the architects for the duration of the installation process.

CJ Murfitt were asked to provide an alternative product to replace failing timber products at Castle Special School in Cambridge. The school, which has 165 children attending, was opened in 2006 to replace four existing special schools in Cambridge. The timber had been used to edge planting bays and due to the poor quality of the existing material, large areas are now unusable and unsafe. The recycled rectangular palisade which was used on this project is ideal for challenging outdoor environments. The existing timber had rotted very quickly, due to poor quality preservatives which have been used in timber since the legislation which stopped the use of oil based preservatives came into effect.Recycled plastic products do not absorb moisture, do not rot and are resistant to vandalism. Rectangular palisades look great and their longevity is many times that of timber. There is a great variety of hanit palisades, suitable for creative design in any new development, reconstruction and modernisation project. Strong, durable and weatherproof, the palisades have a smooth splinter free finish. They have strong impact resistance and require little maintenance. The brown textured surface resembles the natural beauty of wood. These products can be easily nailed, cut and screwed. “The square palisades were very easy to install, allowing us to complete the work quickly and efficiently. As the product is maintenance free, we are confident that the project will remain aesthetically pleasing for a very long time.” David Coulson CJ Murfitt Limited - Contractor.

As part of the £25 million Wolverhampton Academy Trust sponsored Bilston Academy, BCL are proud to have been part of the overall process. This project was delivered through the BSF programme by Carillion PLC and was designed by Capita. The academy was designed with the ability to deliver a modern multi-disciplinary education centre for the 1200 students of Wolverhampton Academy in mind. The building is made up of 4 differently themed zones, a dedicated engineering hub, a science super-lab and a combination of grass and astro-turf sports pitches.Using 69 x 44 mm of Siberian Larch, the external walls were covered, with the timber installed vertically at 100 mm to form an open screen detail across the building, including the plant room and roof areas. Each slat was treated to Class 0 SSF, using the non-com impregnation system from Lonza Wood Protection. In doing this, BCL ensured the building would have complete fire protection for its entire life without requiring any maintenance.As per all BCL panel systems everything was designed and pre-fabricated off site into a panellised system, fitted using secret fixings. Installation time was dramatically reduced along with on-site waste, meaning the 3000 m2 envelope was constructed quickly and efficiently.Client: Wolverhampton AcademyArchitect: CapitaContractor: Carillion PLCLocation: WolverhamptonCompletion: April 2013 Siberian LarchFSC CertifiedSecret FixingsClass 0 SSF

The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre in Amersham will feature a range of leisure, sports and community facilities. As each of the activities taking place will require different indoor temperatures – warm or cool – to keep users comfortable, a high-performing insulation solution was essential.Thermal performance wasn’t the only factor in insulation choice for specialist façade contractor Teampol. At just 14m high, the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre doesn’t fall under current fire regulations banning combustible insulation. But non-combustibility was still a key consideration in installing 2,300m2 of Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.“The original specification was for a combustible phenolic insulation,” said Scott Millins, Quantity Surveyor at Teampol. “But there’s always that concern at the back of my mind of ‘what if the worst happened?’ so I will only use non-combustible insulation whatever the height of the building. Plus, there’s a very real possibility that regulations may change again, and I don’t want my projects to need costly remedial work further down the line.”“I approached several manufacturers for a non-combustible alternative. They weren’t able to do the calculations quickly and couldn’t meet the U-value required without increasing the depth of the rainscreen insulation from 80mm to 120mm, which would have impacted the whole design.”By this point, finding a solution was critical, otherwise the entire project would be delayed. Millins approached Knauf Insulation’s Specification Team for support and product advice stressing the need for a fast turnaround. Within 24 hours, the Technical Support Team had conducted 3D U-value calculations and a condensation analysis.They recommended 150mm OmniFit® Slab 35 for the steel frame stud with Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the façade. Crucially, this combination meant they were able to meet the U-value of 0.22 W/m2K and keep to the original 80mm insulation depth specified for the rainscreen.“Knauf Insulation were fast, responsive and helpful,” explained Scott. “From our initial conversations, it was clear they had the technical expertise, and this was backed up by an extremely quick turnaround for all the supporting calculations that I needed to move forward with the job.”Both OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offer exceptional levels of thermal performance. They are non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use at any height.OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab also have excellent sound absorption characteristics which will help ensure that any sports and community activities taking place inside don’t disturb local residents.As well as Knauf Insulation’s technical advice and product performance, the consistency and quality of the two products have impressed Millins and the Teampol installation team.“Installation of both OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has gone extremely smoothly. They’re both quick and easy to fit and it helps that these Mineral Wool products from Knauf Insulation are nice and soft – our installation team love working with them,” added Millins.This softness is thanks to the ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. Products made with ECOSE® Technology are also easy to handle, generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.As well as being kind to installers, ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is kinder to the environment too.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s rapid response and technical support, Teampol was able to meet the thermal requirements for the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre project using non-combustible insulation – all while keeping to the tight build schedule.

The initial phase of a large-scale regeneration project featuring community sports facilities, office accommodation and an Enterprise Hub in Irvine, North Ayrshire, has been constructed with the use of 50,000 Carsington Cream bricks produced by Forterra in Measham exclusively for Taylor Maxwell. The construction on Quarry Road, Irvine, houses the office headquarters of a local leisure company and work spaces for Business Gateway, who aim to support local entrepreneurs and business start-ups, encouraging local employment. It provides a gateway into the development that will include local indoor and outdoor sports facilities and multi-use community spaces. The building was designed to mark the development entrance, draw people into the site and set the construction standard for the phases to follow. Andrew Martin, Sales Executive at Taylor Maxwell, said: “We were tasked with finding a suitable facing brick for Irvine Community Hub. With a budget to adhere to and a remit to provide a buff/cream coloured brick with a traditional appearance, the Carsington Cream Facing Brick was ideal. “This brick type is part of a commitment to certain product lines manufactured in the UK and mainland Europe that Taylor Maxwell makes to provide a ‘Select’ range of brick types. This provided Clark Contracts with a commitment on price and availability for a soft mud manufactured brick with the technical qualities needed for the Scottish climate.” Steven Nicolson, Forterra’s Area Sales Manager for Scotland, said: “The Carsington Cream brick is a handmade, low water absorbency brick that was used here to combine with the modern aspect of the building and to complement the surrounding buildings.” Nick Shepherd, Architectural Assistant at Anderson Bell + Christie, said: “Forterra and Taylor Maxwell’s Carsington Cream brick was used to contrast with the residential context and establish the building as a landmark. The tone of the brick was selected to harmonise with the timber cladding, as well as the timber louvres within the window openings which accentuate the texture of the brick.” Forterra nominated the project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Public category. 

The Coventry Building Society Arena is an award-winning complex situated in the heart of the UK. Maximising revenue opportunities for the exhibition and conference area, Style was commissioned to install a 10 metre high Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall, allowing the 54 metre wide hall to be divided into two separate rooms or left as one vast, open-plan space. Delivering an excellent acoustic rating of 55dB, the partitioning wall allows concurrent events to be run undisturbed on either side.Helping ensure the safe operation of such a large moveable wall, Style recommended the i-Track system which uses a sequence of curves and internal track switches to allow the smooth and easy movement of the heavy panels. The Coventry Building Society Arena (often shortened to the CBS Arena, and formerly known as the Ricoh Arena) is a first-class facility that includes a 32,609-seater stadium, conference, exhibition and meeting spaces to cater for events from as small as 7 up to as many as 7,000 delegates, as well as a Hilton hotel and an expansive casino complex.  Style worked directly with the arena to increase the flexibility of the Indoor Arena, a pillar-free hall offering 6,000 square metres of event space.“With nearly 25 years in operation, Style has had considerable experience delivering moveable wall solutions for halls as large as the one at the CBS Arena”, said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands. “When panel heights exceed 5000mm, weight can become an issue with regards to ease of manoeuvrability. “The Dorma Hüppe i-Track will help reduce wear and tear of the tracking and carriers, significantly extending the operational life of the wall and reducing ongoing maintenance costs. “For the operator, it means the days of wrestling with oversized panels is now a thing of the past. The i-Track system simply harnesses kinetic energy created by the panel movement, utilising that momentum to pass it in and out of the parking pocket.“Track diverters are also used to manually program the carriers to automatically move each panel to the correct parking location.”

Just a stone's throw from London, a private villa is coloured with traditional Mediterranean style thanks to Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles. Explore the project.A white wall, a blue sky bursting with the sun's rays, the scent of wild flowers, and the gentle sound of unspoiled nature. It’s a view that immediately recalls the Mediterranean landscapes typical of the coastal countries of Italy, Spain, and Morocco. And that’s exactly the feeling inside a private villa in Bromley thanks to the creation of a space thatconveys the understated allure of maritime residences. In this setting suspended somewhere between Mediterranean charm and the calm of English city life, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles were selected to adorn the villa's outdoor spaces.Thanks to the outdoor tiles of Atlas Concorde, the patio and pool area blend the nature, elegance, and freshness typical of the architectural style of southern Europe. White, the tone used for the floors, is also a clear reference to traditional Mediterranean houses where the delicacy of the sea breeze can be enjoyed.The expressiveness of the concrete look clads the outdoor areas of the home with sophisticated elegance by combining technical performance and aesthetic sophistication. The concrete effect is stripped of its typically industrial look to decorate the space with a unique material capable of being the perfect extension of the indoor spaces.The versatility of the concrete-effect tiles, thanks in part to their 20 mm thickness specifically intended for outdoor use, guarantees a product that is safe, weather-resistant, and easy to clean. In some specific settings such as the outdoors, the tiles must not only be beautiful but they also must have technical and application characteristics that limit the risks of falls and slips. Precisely for this reason, non-slip Atlas Concorde floor tiles have proved critical and made it possible to create continuity between spaces that have different purposes and characteristics.The end result is a space marked by an understated, elegant, and bright style where an absolute sense of lightness prevails. An inspiration that offers relaxation and wellbeing for an extremely refined style in perfect harmony with nature.

More than 5,000 m² in porcelain stoneware for Germany’s largest leisure pool – Villeroy & Boch tiles in the Stegermatt Swimming Pool in OffenburgSport, wellness and leisure spanning more than 10,000 m² – the largest leisure pool in Germany, Stegermatt Swimming Pool in Offenburg, opened in late July 2017. Along with an outdoor area with 50-metre swimming pool, wave slide and adventure pool, indoor visitors can look forward to a fitness courses pool, a teaching pool, a diving pool with two diving platforms and a 25-metre competition pool. The sauna landscape comprises a variety of saunas, a steam bath and a cold-water area with adventure showers and a plunge pool. The developers for the project were the City and Technical Operations of Offenburg. 4a Architekten of Stuttgart were the architects in charge of planning for the project. The tiling work, with a volume of EUR 2.5 million, was performed by the Freiburg subsidiary of Fliesen Röhlich GmbH; with a staff of around 300 professional layers of tile and natural stone, the company is considered the largest tile specialist in Germany. For an entire year, this major project in Offenburg had 15 employees working constantly, increasing to 25 in peak periods. As a result, in spite of at times difficult weather conditions, the work was completed on time.  With the exception of the swimming pools themselves, the entire bathing level, including the changing rooms in the interior of the facility, was designed in the X-PLANE range of vilbostone porcelain stoneware by Villeroy & Boch Tiles. The range features a trendy concrete look with fine colour gradations. Spanning an area of 5,000 m², cream-coloured tiles in the two modular formats of 30 x 60 cm and 15 x 60 cm were laid in a brickwork-effect pattern, creating a space with a harmonious and at the same time vibrant look. Another approx. 600 m² of matching mosaic tiles were also used. With the special 5 x 5 cm format and a slip-resistance class of R10 they are suitable for use in shower areas.

Bringing natural, simple and light aesthetics to busy campusIssueThe Aarhus University campus is easily recognisable with its long yellow brick buildings rising between trees, mature plants, lakes and paths in a park close to the city centre. The architecture of The Skou Building, which was named after Nobel Prize winner Jens-Christian Skou and is home to the Institute of Biomedicine, needed to be retained, while modernised.ApproachArchitect company CUBO Arkitekter designed the space, which was opened in 2018 and won the City Architects Award in 2019, with a focus on reinterpreting the campus architecture. The building is designed as two staggered lengths that meet in a central atrium. Glass slits have been inserted vertically throughout the building, affording wonderful views of the external spaces and the local cathedral.Inside there has been an emphasis on reducing the number of different materials used, to create a simple, bright and natural look throughout. At the same time, some of the organic, natural shapes in the green spaces outside are drawn into the building, promoting the biophilic design.SolutionThe first two levels of The Skou Building now feature white walls, oak interiors and large glass sections, continuing the biophilic feel. To provide safety throughout the 9000 m2 of corridors and laboratories on the top six floors, Altro Walkway 20 in Cloud has been used, reducing the risk of slipping to one in a million. In addition, 750 m2 of Altro Walkway 20 SD static dissipative flooring in Fog has been used in laboratories which had specific safety requirements. To complete the biophilic design, works of art have been used throughout the building to bring the outside in.

Riverwalk features two organically shaped buildings of 7 and 17 storeys, connected by a central podium and incorporating 116 high specification one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, plus penthouses. The design focus is on light, space and service, as well as exceptional views across the River Thames. Extensive planting on roofs, balconies and terraces, most significantly on the first floor podium terrace, also contribute to a substantial improvement in the green footprint and biodiversity of the site.With such a high specification development it is not surprising to find that enormous consideration was given to the avoidance of the thermal bridging at the critical balcony connections; and the structural thermal break module specified throughout is the latest generation Schöck Isokorb® XT type K. The XT type K – for concrete-to-concrete applications – offers such a high level of insulation that the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt has awarded the product with the "low thermal bridge construction" certificate and confirmed its suitability even for passivhaus construction.A major reason for the superior performance of the Schöck Isokorb® XT type K is the thickness of the insulation body. This is increased from the standard 80mm thick to 120mm, providing an even more efficient solution. The Isokorb® XT type K not only improves thermal insulation performance by up to 30% in comparison to to the standard range, it also improves impact sound insulation by around 50% as well. High quality stainless steel bars with improved tensile strength is an integral part of the unit and while the same load-bearing capacity is maintained, there is a smaller rod diameter and therefore a reduction in the thermally conducting cross-section, resulting in a further increase in the heat insulation performance.

Clear lacquer provides a sleek finishThe new Manchester Met University School of Digital Art (SoDA) houses the latest in technological facilities for students studying film, animation, AI, UX design, photography, gaming, sound design and more. This is a £35m investment into the future of digital story telling designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley (FCB) Studios and Kier as the constructors. SoDA is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary school supporting the growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s creative digital sector.Emphasising the creativity fostered within the school the entrance features a four-storey video light wall on the northern façade, creating a platform where the work of the students can be displayed.Powdertech was asked to provide the finish for the pleated aluminium façade, spanning 4000m2 across four aspects of the building above a new pedestrian street between SoDA and the adjacent Benzie Building, part of the Manchester School of Art. The sawtooth facade panels were finished in a Qualicoat Class 2 clear lacquer, applied using a chrome-free pre-treatment, and creating a sleek gleaming appearance. Transparent Metal Protection Lacquers are available in many shades and provide the same level of protection as opaque architectural powder coatings.BenefitsPowdertech has close relationships with the leading powder manufacturers who specialise in custom shades.All powders are of architectural quality and provide excellent weather resistance and colour stability.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the façade free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 35 years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.

OverviewCryfield Village, Warwick University, is a state-of-the-art student accommodation development, replacing outdated residences. Built as a series of townhouse-style apartments and studios, the village will eventually house around 830 residents. The new residences are fitted with photovoltaic panels that convert the sun's energy to electricity, supporting the University's aim to reach net zero carbon by 2030. The designers were keen to make a statement with the village properties and to impart a warm and welcoming feeling for the first year students.The SolutionWithin our “Collections” we have a number of terracotta-coloured finishes. The client particularly liked the tones and texture of ‘Cracked Clay’ from our Evolution range, and the 25 year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion was an important consideration. As do all our powders, Cracked Clay meets the Reaction to Fire Standards for fire classification A2-s1,d0, suitable for use on multi-storey residential buildings.We coated 900 m2 of aluminium cassette panels for the façade and roof of the phase 1 property which will house around 383 first year students. .The appealing, warm and eye-catching finish is (we think) a marked improvement on the existing building as one of these images shows.Benefits of Using PowdertechPowdertech has over 30 years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatingColour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.The Evolution range has a 25 year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the panelling free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

Using materials, shades and textures that work in harmony with rural surroundings is always an important consideration for designers and planners. In Hertfordshire an ancient barn has recently been converted to provide additional accommodation for the nearby house.The new roof of the C16th barn was constructed with Cadisch Welltec perforated profiled aluminium panels over a waterproof membrane. Visible roof lights on such an ancient barn were not permitted but some light is able to penetrate through unobtrusive roof lights which are entirely covered by the perforated Welltec. The outline of the windows can just be made out in the photograph.The corrugated effect of the Welltec already lent a rustic charm to the roof and the owners needed a coating for the aluminium that would both protect the roof and also give the appearance of an old building.Taking inspiration from natural elements, EvolutionTM powder coatings allow architects and designers to achieve the look they need, together with using the most appropriate materials for the job and satisfying planning requirements on a local level.  The panels and ridge cappings totalling over 200 square metres, were pre-treated in a chrome-free system and powder coated in EvolutionTM ‘Peat fire’ at Powdertech’s Corby plant, before being delivered to site for installation. Peat fire is an earthy shade, instantly giving an aged look to the roof. It is a shade that one might expect on a weathered ‘tin roof’ – but in this case the metal stands the Evolution™ system.”  BenefitsA wide range of effects to reflect the patinas that occur naturally on metalsExcellent visual and tactile detailHigh performance weather resistanceGood edge coverageAll powders are Qualicoat 1Leaves no residue or stainTwenty-five year guarantee.

October 2021 Cheshire East Council officially marked the reopening of Castle Street in Macclesfield following the completion of a scheme to transform the area and support the town’s regeneration. After delays, the work began in April 2021 and has seen footways widened and roads resurfaced with a natural cobblestone-style paving, newly planted trees, and improved street lighting.Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Ringway Jacobs Ltd to provide seating and cycle parking to the new external space. The seating option selected was the robust and sizable Canape Bench.The units consist of a powder-coated steel frame topped with exotic hardwood timber slats and backrest, providing a spacious bench for a number of users. In order to maintain the appearance of the benches, custom skate deterrents have been integrated into the design. The benches are positioned in rows of three, complementing the new resurfaced space and surrounding architecture. To further improve the space a number of Lucchetto Cycle Stands featuring a sealed Corten and stainless steel finish installed at the end of the new road providing stylish cycle parking. Lucchetto stands have the unique appearance of a padlock creating an original cycle parking offering. The project is part of a larger strategic regeneration of Macclesfield town centre to encourage greater footfall and business to the area. Castle Street was previously an underused space with vehicles having priority. The road has been opened up to the public to move freely and businesses can also apply for an alfresco dining license to expand their seating to the outside.Much of the Bailey Street Furniture Group workforce have been raised in and around Macclesfield, making this project a privilege to be a part of.

Stockport Exchange has been undergoing extensive refurbishment since 2014 with improvements to the train station, a new multi storey car park, new retail and leisure facilities as well as office buildings. Given its location on the doorstep of one of the busiest train routes in the country, connections to London in under 2 hours, and less than 10 minute journey into Manchester - The potential and popularity of the scheme has seen well known brands such as Stage Coach, Music Magpie and many others fully occupying the office spaces. The external area surrounding the buildings is completely pedestrianised with a combination of paved walkways, grass plots, and raised concrete edging for plants and trees. An open green space that is the first thing visitors see of Stockport after leaving the train station.Artform Urban were asked to provide their popular Stone Benches in HPC Granite with a smooth Velluto finish. The unique design and polished finish invites users to interact whether to rest or to climb and play. The solid stone bench becomes an immovable barrier offering security and protection once it has to be maneuvered into place with cranes. A modern and monolithic design that creates a striking visual contrast to the contemporary glass and steel architecture. The stone bench range has recently been expanded with three sizes now being offered in new finishes.The client, George Cox & Sons, have a mission to present a high quality finish on all their projects that provide essential transport links. Stockport Exchange is another excellent scheme added to their portfolio. The regeneration scheme has and continues to be a success for Stockport Council and is a benchmark for future renovations to the town centre. 

The power of a good student council has helped to shape six new outdoor areas at Denton Community College.Students at the secondary school in Greater Manchester highlighted the need for sheltered outdoor spaces for recreation, dining and for more comfortable journeys around the buildings.Working for Robertson Facilities Management, which looks after the school, Broxap was contracted to complete six installations.To keep disruption to a minimum, works on site began in July 2022, as soon as Denton Community College had closed for the end of term.Prior to that, our team had been preparing behind the scenes to ensure the design and manufacture stages were complete so the installation could go ahead without delay throughout the school holidays.The project included the survey, design, manufacture and installation of two twin conic tensile canopies; a triple conic tensile canopy; two bespoke link walkway tensile canopies and a bespoke access tensile canopy.The early works were of particular importance as the triple conic canopy and two walkway canopies were situated within a central courtyard.This required specialist plant to be moved into the space to accommodate all of Broxap’s installation processes.Thanks to the fact design works were completed in May and June, manufacturing began on time and the delivery and installation phases maximised the available time frames by working in partnership with other contractors on site.All six canopies were completed by the end of August, and students returned to school in September to three covered dining, study and recreation areas, as well as two covered walkways across the courtyard and a bespoke L-shaped entrance canopy over an inclusive access point to one of the buildings.

PROJECTAquilana, Baden [CH]COMPLETIONMarch 2023ARCHITECTofficeKonzept GmbHPRODUCTSTICELL-N open-cell ceilingSingle-louvre open-cell ceiling made of ’woven’ aluminium; cell dimensions: 33 mm; height: 40 mm; rectangular and round design; white strip-painted [74 m²]TANGENTA-Q24 linear LED lightingLight distribution: 2 x 60° wide distribution; light colour: 4000 K; DALI dimmable; CRI > 80; various dimensions [approx. 15 linear metres]PUNTEO-N 1x1 S02 LED downlightLight distribution: 2 x 38° wide distribution; light colour: 4000 K; CRI > 80 [81 units]’Health for Generations’ – Aquilana Versicherungen has been committed to this guiding principle for the best part of 130 years. This company values direct and personal contact to its customers. This is reflected in the modern design of its new customer zone. Sustainable materials, plants and natural colours create a pleasing atmosphere. The reception area is visually fascinating thanks to the round curves of the TICELL-N single-blade open-cell ceiling made of ’woven’ aluminium. The integrated and highly efficient PUNTEO-N downlights feature superlative anti-glare properties while also delivering maximum light output for a pleasing and well-lit ambience. In the consulting rooms, TICELL-N combines with the elegant TANGENTA-Q24 linear lighting installed above the open-cell ceiling and with LED spotlights to create unique light reflections, bathing these interior spaces in homogeneous light. Aquilana’s generously proportioned customer zone succeeds in creating interior spaces that situate customers and employees centre stage.