"interface"

Agar Grove in Camden has seen more than its fair share of changes throughout its history. Formerly known as St Paul’s Road, the original estate was owned by wealthy lawyer William Agar. Agar became infamous for his opposition to having the Regent’s Canal cut into his land. 

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley GroupLocated on the banks of the River Lea, Poplar Riverside by Berkeley Group is set to become one of East London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.It will feature over 2,800 new homes, a new 2.5 acre park and world-class resident facilities, including a commercial gym, a relaxing spa, and a public piazza for community events.As part of the façade package, OCL Façades installed the OBEX Class B Interface Sealing Membrane system, as specified for this project.Landmark Brickwork Ltd also installed the same system, namely 0500FR Class B Interface Sealing Membrane, complete with 0771FR Class B Paste Adhesive, ensuring that this development has the ultimate fully compliant, fully tested, façade interface sealing system.New Apartments: 2700Riverside Park: 2.5 AcresResidents Facilities: 16,000 Square Feet

A multidisciplinary teaching and research building at the heart of Salford University Campus.A striking colour palette selected for the modified window interface and rainscreen cladding. Finishes: Interpon’s D2525 Ostuni Y2211I, Interpon D1036 RAL 3030 Gloss

The Natural History Museum is protected by a network of cutting edge MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced.Established in 1881 and renowned for its collections of life and earth specimens, London’s Natural History Museum is widely recognised as the pre-eminent centre for natural history and related research. The Museum is the third most popular in the United Kingdom and its irreplaceable 80 million strong collection is of global importance and includes numerous specimens collected by Charles Darwin.At the heart of the active fire protection for the Museum is a network of 24 MxPro 5, intelligent, multiprotocol panels, plus remote control terminals, BMS interface and a bespoke PC based graphical user interface. The network was designed, configured and commissioned by Pacific Security Systems, a long-time partner of Advanced.

Floor preparation products donated by F. Ball and Co. Ltd. have enabled an outbuilding to be turned into a therapy room for Jack Tyreman, from Burythorpe in Yorkshire, who was left with severe head injuries after a road accident four years ago when he was 18.The room provides a space with amenities, including an entertainment system and sofa, where Jack can relax and enjoy spending time, with the potential for it to house exercise equipment to assist with rehabilitation in the future.After a botched construction left the original building unusable while exhausting initial funds raised for the project, local tradespeople, including Richard Forbes, owner of Forbes Flooring, stepped up to offer their services for free to complete the project. F. Ball technical representative for the North East, John Rowlands arranged for the donation of flooring installation products. Floorcovering manufacturer Interface also donated LVT and carpet tile floorcoverings.A team of three fitters from Forbes Flooring began the flooring installation by grinding the surface of the new concrete screed to ensure it was suitably smooth. A moisture test indicated that subfloor relative humidity levels were low enough to proceed with the installation without the requirement of a moisture management solution.Contractors then primed the subfloor using P131 general-purpose primer before applying Stopgap Fast-Track 30 levelling compound – the fastest setting levelling compound on the market allows floorcoverings to be installed in as little as 45 minutes after application.Once the levelling compound had cured, a combination of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) and carpet tiles was installed over the 40m2 area. Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive was used to adhere Interface ‘Studio Set’ wood grain LVTs on one half of the room. Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier was used to secure Interface graphite-coloured ‘Employ Lines’ carpet tiles. The adhesive dries to a permanently tacky film that will hold loose-lay carpet tiles securely in place when subject to normal foot traffic while allowing them to be lifted and replaced at a later date should they become damaged or worn.Commenting on the project, Richard Forbes said: “At first, we were asked if we would undertake the work for a fee, but we didn’t want any payment for it. Things can be very cutthroat nowadays, and it’s good to be able to look out for other people. I’d like to thank David Edmondson at Interface as well as John Rowlands at F. Ball for supporting the project. Using F. Ball’s Fast-Track 30 meant that we could achieve a quick turnaround, allowing other trades to do what they needed to.”On the benefits of the therapy room for Jack, his mum, Julie, added: “It’s got all the things in it a young lad needs and to help him get on with life, as well as a place to relax on his own and with other people. He loves it.”

Located riverside, closed to Westminster and the London Eye, Southbank Place combines a perfect location with architectural quality, celebrating the heritage and history of its surroundings. For this project’s façade, and its intricate interfacing details, it was used the Effisus Pre-fab TrueSeal solution – a bespoke solution that assures a perfect sealing of complex details. Effisus Ecofacade Membranes and Effisus Pre-fab Corners, as well as Effisus Breather + Membrane, were used to achieve a complete façade weatherproofing.

The demand for an energy-efficient hot water distribution system was met by a single-pipe system with 850m of RAYCHEM HWAT-R self-regulating heating cables, managed by nine RAYCHEM HWAT-ECO smart controllers that interface seamlessly with the BMS. Eliminating the need for the secondary pipework of a conventional recirculation system saved space and achieved cost savings of between five and ten percent in material and installation time. Pipe freeze protection was also provided by RAYCHEM WinterGard self-regulating cables, supported by an AT-TS-13 surface-sensing electronic thermostat.

Vtec's SupaSlat and Supaline panels were key design elements in this high specification, luxury residential development in London. The foyer area showcases BESPOKE TIMBER BATTEN WALLS and a unique FEATURE STAIRCASE, whilst the post room is crowned with an impressive SUPASLAT RAFT. Vtec were specified due to the intricate detailing, integrations, complex interfaces and technical nature of this residential project. We supported the designer, an industry-leading international architect and contractor, throughout the design stage and development process through to installation, overcoming some particularly challenging programme requirements.

A hugely popular handrail design that ASF have supplied to projects in many locations. The full sized bollards that are used as post uprights give a sense of solidity and permanence, whilst the mitred top gives them just enough of a decorative nature to lift the product beyond a simple post and handrail job. In this project all welds and interfaces were polished back on site so the finished product becomes a complete unit with no visible fixings. With both double and single handrails over multiple flights and angles, this project shows how ASF can manage any project need.

Vtec’s MaxiBeam system was included in the design for a new reception area in a corporate office building. Both the client and designer wanted a statement feature that had a real ‘wow factor’ that also worked alongside the rest of the scheme. The design involved complex geometry and integrations for a stunning acoustic wall and ceiling in MaxiBeam Light Oak finish. The project involved bespoke angled ends on the interface, precise spacing and complete integration with the lighting scheme. In addition, timescales were extremely tight so drawings with full install details and 3D visuals were turned around very quickly.

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley GroupLondon Dock Block F is situated in the heart of Wapping, London, with a magnificent choreographed central water feature and the finest selection of high-quality new homes.The building, which will provide a total of 360 new apartments, is split into blocks at different heights to a maximum of 16 storeys, including communal roof gardens, courtyards and green roofs.The OBEX Class B Interface Sealing System and the Class A1 Breather Membrane System were specified in order to achieve full regulatory compliance and meet the correct performance standards.Quality Apartments: 360

5500m2 of Optima TFC+ has been used in the completion of the brand new Science, Engineering and Environment building on Salford University’s Peel Park campus.As you can see from the photos, a striking colour palette has been used in the modified window interface details. Interpon’s D2525 Ostuni Y2211I, 3030 High Gloss & 7022 High Gloss in 3.0mm Aluminium 3103 Grade PPC were selected.The unique overhang window details were created using the 20mm overlapping joint that is standard in Optima TFC+. A bespoke sharp edge detail was added to window interface locations for dramatic effect, creating a stunning visual contrast between the bright red window pods against the white vertical cladding as per the architect’s original design intent.Sotech assembled a full-size sample rig in the factory for the client, architect, main contractor and installer to view a full scale mock-up of the final proposed solution. This ensured that any design details or install sequences were scrutinised and fully understood before the project began onsite. Sotech then created a full 3D model of the project alongside their long-term partners Metclad Contracts. This allowed both parties to identify and avoid potential issues at the design stage before panels were fabricated and delivered to site.The SEE Building is Salford University’s brand new £65 million hub for discovery and innovation. Consisting of four stories over 15,500 sq meters, the department will house the university’s departments of Built Environment, Computer Science and Networking, Mechanical Engineering and Human & Natural Science, in addition to the university’s Morson Maker Space – an additive manufacturing and digital fabrication facilityTESTIMONIALS:Jamie Brown of Sotech said: “This is yet another example how close collaboration from day one, involving the full supply chain, ensures projects can be delivered on time and on budget. The very clever and intricate window interface details showcases just how versatile rainscreen cladding can be, whilst staying within the boundaries of a fully CWCT tested and accredited system.”Naveen Sandhu at Akzo Nobel said: “Great to see this installation following an increasing trend of injecting vibrant tones into the elevation. One of a plethora of schemes in Salford and Manchester adopting our enhanced D2525 PPC technology across the envelope. Pleasure to work with the team at Sheppard Robson and delivering yet another outstanding higher education facility with Sotech.”

The project involves major refurbishment and alterations to a Sheltered Housing scheme including completely new M&E installations. We were looking for new systems to improve heating, reduce maintenance and running costs, and ultimately provide comfort for all residents in a smart new environment. We opted for a communal heating system to avoid individual boilers and gas supplies in flats through installing a cascade of GB162 / C7000WP boilers and a Greenstar Heat Interface Unit (HIU) within each property. To supplement the systems, we also specified Greenskies solar thermal panels and a Gas Absorption Heat Pump to enhance the overall efficiency

The Queens Quay project is the UK’s first large-scale water source heat pump, taking the latent heat from the nearby River Clyde and using it to heat the 23-hectare Queens Quay development which will include 1,200 homes, commercial facilities and essential infrastructure. The project saw us deliver a complete energy solution which included our next generation of smart, in-home technologies which bring transparency and functionality to both the client and end user. Our vTherm°e Heat Interface Unit (HIU) and Glass app were chosen as the preferred products as they are heat-pump-compatible and facilitate the decarbonisation, digitalisation and electrification of heat.

Project overviewJohnson Controls has upgraded the fire protection system at Cardiff County Hall with its latest MZX technology® to ensure the multi-purpose venue benefits from a robust and reliable digital fire detection system increasing safety on site. In addition, Cardiff County Hall took advantage of Johnson Controls' recycling scheme to help minimise environmental waste during the upgrade. Cardiff County Council took the decision to upgrade the fire protection system at the city’s County Hall. Since opening in 1989, the Johnson Controls system has safeguarded the County Hall without incident so were the ideal company to continue to provide fire protection across the site.Product and services applications MZX technology®Fire and smoke detectionMinerva system recycling schemeDamper panel interfaceInterface with access control doorsCustomer needsCardiff County Hall is the administrative centre for Cardiff Council and is situated in the Atlantic Wharf area of Butetown, Cardiff. In addition to housing councillors and other council officials, the building offers several function rooms and suites, which can seat up to 300 guests, meaning the building is in continuous use, with a constant flow of staff and visitors.Bob Evans, Electrical Engineer at Cardiff County Council commented, “Johnson Controls fire and smoke detection systems can identify the signs of fire at the earliest possible stages and can pinpoint its location across large premises, which is exactly what we need for our large council offices that house hundreds of visitors and staff each day.”Johnson Controls solutionThere were several key issues that Cardiff County Council needed to address. The first was to ensure the system incorporated an innovative damper panel interface, which, in the event of a fire, can recognise the air conditioning ducts and signal to a further control panel to shut them down – preventing the fire from spreading in this way. The digital upgrade will also mean that if a fire should start, along with the traditional fire alert messages, the system can rapidly prevent the spread of fire or smoke by automatically closing doors in the affected area.Glyn Davies, Building Supervisor from Cardiff County Hall control room concludes, “The safety of staff and visitors here at Cardiff County Hall is top of the agenda and for such a large venue, only the best fire detection system will do. Johnson Controls installed the system promptly, causing no disruption to the working day. It’s reassuring to know that we are protected by the latest intelligent digital system that will not only provide early detection, but will isolate any fires, should one occur.”In addition, the team at Cardiff County Hall decided to take advantage of Johnson Controls' recycling scheme to help minimise environmental waste. Designed to support existing Minerva fire detection systems, the innovative scheme aims to lower the cost of system upgrades and reduce electrical waste. Johnson Controls will recycle the old equipment so that certain parts can be used to support the new system.”

Project: Broxbourne Business CentreDate: 2022 Background:·        APL were engaged with the architect early in the project design and specification process·        APL worked closely with the architect and powder-coating manufacturers to select the correct colour shade for the perforated areas·        APL’s design team assisted with detailing the challenging interfaces between different cladding types·        APL provided all structural calculations Systems:·        550m² of APL SnapLoc™ traditional standing seam system in steel with a RAL 7016 PUF coating ·        700m² of APL AP18HR-Airwall™ perforated sinusoidal profile with an APL Oxide3 PPC coating ·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing to SFS substructure for APL SnapLoc™ areas·        APL AluE™ Tritherm aluminium sub-framing for AP18HR-Airwall™ areas·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Broxbourne

Project: The Renaissance Date: 2022 Background:·        APL’s strong supply-chain relationships enabled the correct specification of aluminium and paint coating for a marine environment to be secured at a time of severe material shortages·        APL’s design team worked closely with the installer, helping to detail the challenging interfaces between different cladding types·        APL provided all structural calculations Systems:·        1,000m² of APL SnapLoc™ traditional standing seam system on marine-grade aluminium with a PvF2 coating in RAL 9002 and RAL 9006·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing to SFS and concrete substructure for APL SnapLoc™ areas·        100m² of APL Custom Bespoke Newton-range castellated profile in aluminium·        PPC aluminium infill panels and copings·        Complex bespoke feature flashings in PPC aluminium ·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Hove

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley Homes LtdWest End Gate is a mixed-use development by Berkeley Homes Ltd on Edgware Road in London W2, near the prestigious neighbourhoods of Marylebone and Little Venice.The development comprises 844 apartments (including 175 affordable), 8 shops and a restaurant, along with a new public plaza and improvements to Edgeware Road Junction.The full OBEX CORTEX Class A Through-Wall System has been specified on this project, including fire-classified Breather Membrane, Vapour Control Layer, Interface Sealing Membrane system, and the Score'N'Snap Cement Board system.With each OBEX product carrying a Class A fire-classification, it puts this façade installation by OCL Facades Ltd at the pinnacle of full compliance and highest performance.Residential Apartments: 844Buildings: 8Storeys: 29

Project DescriptionThe new £5.5m state-of-the-art Beacon building was created as part of a £40m investment in Staffordshire University’s City campus in Stoke-on-Trent. A three storey, metal-clad building, it features innovative learning and social spaces. These include 12 timetabled teaching areas and general teaching rooms, flexible, multi-sized space for lectures, IT labs, seminar spaces, and The Pavilion Café which offers a street-food style menu.Specific Project ChallengesMaintaining the critical system interface details from the SFSinstaller to the rainscreen cladding installer.Ensuring colour continuity from one anodised aluminimum batch to another.Unique project featuresA bespoke natural anodised plank system, designed to seamlessly facilitate linear vertical modules.New anodising finishing techniques, featuring etched, brushed and polished finishes.A fully designed and warrantied through–wall solution from a single manufacturer.

HMS Belfast, the most significant surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War, has been equipped with L1 category fire systems from Advanced. The decommissioned destroyer, which is permanently moored as a museum ship on the River Thames in London, was fitted with eight-loop and two-loop MxPro 5 fire panels, plus a TouchControl touchscreen remote control terminal and repeater.Fitted on behalf of the Imperial War Museum, which owns and operates the historic vessel, the new fire system covers six of the warship’s nine decks, as well as its on-shore visitor pavilion.Advanced’s long-standing partner, ADI Global, was responsible for the supply of the fire alarm control panels for the project at HMS Belfast, while facilities services company Atalian Servest was responsible for the installation, commissioning and networking of the fire panels in accordance with BS 5839. The panels were integrated with around 700 Apollo XP95 detectors and interfaced with VESDA aspirating smoke detection.

AJ Wells designed, manufactured and installed just over 1000m2 of vitreous enamel wall cladding with a metal ceiling to modernise the public areas of Three Bridges Station and provide easy access to hidden electrical and telecommunication services.The metal soffit was designed and installed to act as both a water management system and create an aesthetically pleasing ceiling in the subway and platform access areas. The ceiling also incorporated inspection hatches so that the underside of the rail bridges could be inspected periodically by the relevant parties.AJ Wells carried out the installation work under extremely challenging conditions as Three Bridges station is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. As a result the majority of works could only be carried out during the evening and in the early hours of the morning when customer traffic flow was at a minimum.AJ Wells worked closely with the other trades on the project in order to ensure that all interfaces achieved their required purpose.KEY FEATURES:• Vitreous Enamel Cladding system• PM13 ceilingA.J WELLS SERVICES:• Design• Manufacture• Installation

Project DescriptionThe new £6M Savoy Cinema Multiplex is the latest phase in the transformation of the former Tresham College site, which has seen Corby Borough Council and the Homes and Communications Agency (HCA) merge their land to provide large-scale commercial development opportunities. Savoy Cinemas complex is capable of seating more than 900 people across six wall-to-wall screens in spacious, stadium seated auditoria.Specific Project ChallengesConsiderable budget restraints for envelope materialsExpedited 9-month build programmeBespoke, complex curved roof and façade designSolutions OfferedSite rolled top sheets were supplied to provide a continuous seamless finish to the standing seam roof, whilst also offering time savings against programme.2mm thick, anodised aluminium plank, supported by a bespoke helping hand support system, to provide a cost effective, yet flexible and accurate façade solutionA single point 25-year warranty covering roof and façade products, including interface detailing between systems.

Cambridge Biomedical Campus. (CBC) created a vibrant and groundbreaking health care community at the forefront of science and medicine.Dortek’s brief was to supply and installation of doors to a very specific programme, across primarily 3 floors.Our Dortek doors were installed within the BRF rooms, laboratories, holding room, procedure rooms, CL3 labs, equipment store, changing rooms, and circulation routes. The type of doors we installed were GRP hinged and sliding in stainless steel frames, many with integrated privacy panels.SolutionThe particular project requirements that made our doors suitable was the durability, acoustic performance, non organic door quality of our SS frame which ensures suitability to this environment. The SS frame had previously been used at Francis Crick Institute also. We fulfilled the clients expectations by meeting the specification and programme, and working closely with planners to interface with other trades. There was some complexity about the project as most doors are very large for equipment access and some have acoustic requirements, also to include is there are a lot of doors in a concentrated area.

Soundis were required to supply and install the Absorb-R GypLine αw acoustic plaster to the underside of the central staircase and to various meeting rooms around the BSKYB TV Meeting Centre.Offering unrivalled levels of sound absorption...The project presented challenges, programme constraints and critical interfaces with Mechanical & Electrical trades all of which were dealt with by the site and installations team in a professional manner.The Absorb-R GypLine αw finish offers unrivalled levels of sound absorption but also ensures walls and ceilings are clear of panels and visible acoustic solutions, providing a virtually seamless monolithic surface for walls and ceilings in a choice of RAL colours.This was ideal for the BSKYB project team as it complied with all of their requirements and expectations. Soundis along with our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems have completed numerous similar projects using the Soundis Absorb-R GypLine αw Acoustic Plaster.The Absorb-R GypLine aw system achieves the “best” aesthetic finish possible with a range of finishes available. Absorb-R GypLine αw is now being specified and utilised in a large number of office, hotel and leisure projects throughout the UK.

Following a significant programme of compartmentation works undertaken in 2018, the 11-storey Knowsley Heights buildings have benefitted from a refit that includes installation of Advanced's EvacGo system. This is compliant with the BS 8629 Code of Practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in England and Wales.Knowsley Heights is owned by Livv Housing Group, an independent housing association, with the two buildings partially managed by an onsite manager. ABM Fire and Security Ltd undertook the complete supply, installation and commissioning of the EvacGo systems. A 4-loop, 16-zone evacuation alert panel was installed in each building. Each EvacGo panel is housed inside a STS 205 security-rated enclosure with patented BS EN 1303-compliant lock and key mechanism for exclusive access by the fire and rescue service – ensuring minimal risk of unauthorised use and full compliance with BS 8629.Audible and visual devices and interfaces were installed in the hallways of each of the 128 flats to ensure all residents, including people who are deaf or have hearing loss, are kept safe and informed.

The University of Plymouth aims to invest in the campus to advance knowledge and transform the lives of its students. The 'campus masterplan' intends to ensure first-class learning, research and working environments based on low carbon design. Dart Valley Systems provided products for one of its new buildings, Portland House.The full range of products provided are as follows: ·       13 x AT03-022 Aquarius DM A45 Doc M tap spout only in s/steel with copper tails ·       94 x AT03-012 Aquarius DM A45 tap spout only in s/steel with copper tails·       1 x AC01-001 Handheld programmer with USB interface with case – For use with all DVS programmable sensors & taps The university's objective was to look at water-saving and low usage outlets within the building, keeping with the institute's core sustainability principles in finances, reputation, services, and environmental performance. The DVS Handheld Programmer allows quick and easy adjustment of settings, including run-on time, range, purge and more. Real-time data can be uploaded from the programmer via the USB port to allow accurate monitoring of water efficiency, making this an ideal product for those aiming to be more environmentally friendly. 

Mayfair is an area perpetually associated with prestige, calibre, class and sophistication. The quality of refurbishment in one of the most luxurious parts of London was paramount to conform to the archetypal standards of the surrounding area.Proudly commandeering the best position in Grosvenor Square, the apartments remarkable views from every aspect, including West-facing views of Grosvenor Square Gardens, it really was an honor to be involved with this refurbishment. Soundis were contracted to supply a bespoke acoustic flooring system to many levels and areas within the project.Priced at tens of millions of pounds, these luxury apartments required an acoustic solution of the highest specification. The Robust Detail compliant Soundis Cradle and Batten system combined with a high density, dimensionally stable and A1 fire rated flooring system proved to be highly effective in the reduction of both impact and airborne noise, but also fitted in perfectly at these prestige apartments from a design brief point of view.In a densely populated location both commercially and residentially, limited space was available for both storage and work. Our interface with the Underfloor Heating Company proved to be problem free with both trades building a professional working relationship as the programme developed.Installation was carried out by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems.

Clapham Junction Train Station is one of Europe’s busiest Railway Stations handling up to 50,000 passengers per day. AJ Wells designed, built and installed vitreous enamel cladding for the Grant Road Entrance.Detailed site surveys were carried out to design the appropriate framing system for the cladding panels. There were a number of design requirements to be considered including: provision of a rainwater management system, emergency fire escape, access doors, interfaces with electrical equipment, staircases and uneven flooring.Everything was successfully incorporated, manufactured and installed on-time and within budget in time for the new connection to the Overground to open just before the London Olympics.During installation, careful logistics and passenger safety were our top priority, with much of the works carried out at nights and weekends. Much of our work was carried out alongside other contractors working on floors, ceilings and electrical connections.KEY FEATURES: • Framing system and vitreous enamel cladding • Incorporates rainwater management system • Incorporates emergency fire escapeA.J WELLS SERVICES: • Design, Build & Install Project • Site-Survey, CAD design • Manufacture • Installation of framing system and VE cladding • Provision of project documentation

Five new towers at the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb Campus are now protected by a fault-tolerant network of MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced.The 13 networked MxPro 5 panels have been installed to protect the five student accommodation towers varying between eight and 18 storeys, which will provide more than 800 student bedrooms as well as ground-floor fitness facilities and amenities for the students’ union. Responsible for the fire system design, supply and commissioning were West Sussex-based Southern Fire Alarms (SFA) Ltd, who installed the equipment alongside mechanical and electrical engineers J&B Hopkins.The fire system is integrated with multiple third-party interfaces, including automatic opening vents (AOVs), sprinklers and access control. Careful consideration was given to the complex cause and effect programming that needed to be applied across the site. Each building is configured with a six-minute investigation period, with sounders on the floor of origin initiated after a single device activation. A single subsequent device activation will escalate into full evacuation of the specific tower. A master key switch has also been introduced, to allow for full evacuation of all towers if required.

A beautiful combination of old and new at this Grade A office development in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. Tribeca House was designed by Falconer Chester Hall and delivered by Barnfield Construction. The original building suffered significant fire damage back in 2007 and Kamani Property Group had the surviving façade restored and sensitively combined with its new, adjoining development.A modern take on the architecture of the Northern Quarter, the new building complements the red-brick façade of the original building. Through AGF, Metal Technology Ltd supplied its high performance curtain walling systems which had a feature that enabled an interface with the striking COR-TEN (steel) vertical feature fins. The 7 storey commercial development includes high quality office and retail space, bringing further regeneration to this dynamic area of Manchester.Metal Technology products used were: System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Door (roof terrace), System 17 HR High Rise Curtain Walling and System 17 SP Silicone Pointed 17 High Rise Curtain Walling.We’re very proud to have been involved in this one!

Coopers Fire proudly installed multiple fire and smoke curtains in this iconic building in London.Coopers Fire was approached in 2013 to support multiple Architects and Fire Engineers to work through the difficult interface designs on the historic Battersea building that posed multiple challenges in incorporating smoke and fire strategies whilst maintaining the legacy build design.This was a great opportunity to once again put forward the innovative solutions that have attracted Architects to Coopers Fire on many occasions previously.These challenges followed with the introduction of bespoke curtain systems stretching the designs beyond the norm. There was also a need to carry out support testing to validate their capability and to offer comfort to the stakeholders.Coopers Fire offered continual support to the key stakeholders including the Architect and Fire Engineer community, giving them confidence in ongoing collaboration with Coopers Fire for future projects.The Coopers Fire product design and interfacing, complete with valid specifications, went a long way to assist a Contractors partnership decision in supplying and installing the finished product whilst enabling live design changes with the aligned Architect engaged on the project.The project required FireMaster® Concertina curtains 25m width and 12m in height of straight sections, with an integrity rating of 30 minutes.The Coopers Fire Concertina product portfolio allowed for 12m width and 8m height of straight length sections so the product needed re-designing and bespoke engineering to suit the requirements of the project.A specimen of the engineered solution was tested at an accredited fire testing lab. The specimen achieved 66 minutes integrity rating, without failure.The combined engineering design, testing and fire test data allowed Coopers Fire to meet the requirements of supplying a 25m wide and 12m high FireMaster® Open Concertina fire curtain.One major challenge of the large Concertina products was installation. The 12m drop Concertina fire curtains were installed successfully on site using a combination of scaffolding and mobile platforms and at some points with minimal headspace to work within.The Concertinas were so long that onsite redesign and engineering were required to ensure the bottom tray engaged perfectly with the headbox.The Concertina retaining guides were also so long they required onsite welding. A further four levels below the curtain drop, meant that total installation height was higher than 12 metres from the ground spanning over the voids either side of the bridge below.The Coopers Fire production and installation teams collaborated to manufacture the individual parts of the Concertina fabric off site to ensure the programme of installation was kept on time.Coopers Fire installed:47 x Vertical fire curtains7 x Concertina curtains32 x Vertical smoke curtainsThe team used for the Concertina installation specialise in this product and were able to overcome onsite challenges to ensure the huge Concertina fire curtains operated as expected and deployed effectively.

With a view to attracting more technology and media tenants to New York City’s NoMad Tower, owners Global Holdings and architects NELSON were keen to produce a dynamic, industrial-style space that fit in seamlessly with the vibrant and rich history of the surrounding neighbourhood North of Madison Square Park.The multi-million-dollar makeover of the 39-storey building included repositioning the entrance of the building from 32nd Street to 31st Street, with priority placed on the design of the lobby and shared communal spaces to achieve the architect’s vision.Working with our US distribution partners Lewis Stevenson, Planet’s export division manufactured and supplied multiple solutions from our LOFT range of glazed partitioning.LOFT20, LOFT54 and LOFT100 glazed partitions were utilised throughout the space at NoMad Tower, including one elevation 15 feet in height that required custom angle returns to be created. With acoustic performance a priority, the double-glazed LOFT100 (54dB RW) meant that the noise reduction between the bustling reception area and conference space was achieved to a very high standard.Planet IsoPro double-glazed pivoting doors and EclipseTec soft open & close sliding doors were fit alongside the LOFT systems to ensure continuity in noise reduction while providing superb user interface experience.

The £29m South West College in Enniskillen, designed by Hamilton Architects LLP and built by Tracey Brothers Ltd, is the first building in Ireland to be designed to Passivhaus Premium Plus standard, delivering an average project façade u-value of 0.8w/m2K. The 8,000sqm education and community facility is situated on the prime site of the former Erne Hospital and won the 2021 BREEAM Official Public Sector Project – Design Stage Award.Amongst the most environmentally friendly buildings in the world, the Erne Campus has been recognised as a UN Centre of Excellence for High Performance Buildings. The project has joined 25 other buildings around the world as an exemplar of green construction.Metal Technology Ltd assisted approved fabricator and installer, D & K Architectural Systems Ltd, with thermal modelling of the screens and interfaces to ensure the façade’s systems complied with the stringent design requirements, using triple-glazed System 17 Curtain Walling, System 4-35Hi+ Thermal Casement Windows, System 5-35Hi+ Thermal Tilt & Turn Windows, System 5-20DHi+ Thermal Heavy Duty Doors and System 22 Brise Soleil.A challenging and rewarding project for all involved, we’re extremely proud to have played a key part in bringing this state-of-the-art, carbon zero building to life – an exemplar in sustainable innovation and design.

The new extension for the Donegal Garda is a prominent feature utilising materials that respond to its topology and enhance the building’s civic presence in the town. The dark coloured brick plinth of the semi-basement grounds the building while the upper floors which feature a facade of open mesh grating provide an open and transparent interface with the public whilst maintaining necessary security provisions.Lang+Fulton supplied the bespoke steel mesh cladding for the glazed upper floors of the facade. The grating achieves a contemporary aesthetic and delivers the practical advantages of protection and a brise-soleil solution, while achieving a transparency that offers the public an insight into the activities of the station; the degree of transparency and solar shading creating an interesting variety, dependent on the angle of view, the time of day and light conditions.The Terra-34 grating, which features an anti-climb aperture, was also used to create walkways, soffits and a secure enclosure around the roof-top plant. The gratings were made to 19 different custom-sizes and shapes for each floor with 3038mm high panels for the facade cladding. Slotted tabs were designed for fixing to the support steelwork. The material was supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish to withstand the coastal environment.Donegal Town Garda Station has won 4 national awards including Best Cultural/Public Building (RIAI). Adjudicators said that, “The project stands out for its laconic civic presence and its no-nonsense adaptation of the spatial culture of a thriving historic town … the building demonstrates that thoughtful architecture can quietly and carefully edify our everyday culture”.

Topping out at 64m tall, Furnival Square hosts a brand new £35 million, 445 bedroom, purpose built student accommodation building on a prime site in the heart of Sheffield City Centre, adjacent to the Sheffield Hallam University campus.Built by McAleer & Rushe and aptly named the ‘The Gate’, the 22 storey building offers modern, quality student accommodation to support Sheffield’s thriving higher education sector. The building is designed to a BREEAM Very Good rating, developed and detailed by TODD Architects using the latest in Revit and BIM technologies.The specification called for the use of special bricks that gave depth and texture to the external skin. The 22 storey student accommodation tower also had to comply with all current Building Height Regulations for residential use and the construction team was faced with the considerable additional challenge of completing the build during global pandemic restrictions.Ash & Lacy provided over 4,000m2 of the fully-tested noncombustible, mechanically-fixed NaturAL-X brick cladding system, suitable for residential buildings above 18m tall. The system is also CWCT A1-rated and BBA certified (20/5773). Brick choice was SD102 from the Simplicity range.This lightweight system offers fast and simple installation and enabled a large amount of labor to be completed offsite, improving time efficiencies on site and facilitating just in time delivery.Over 50,000 cut and bonded corner bricks were manufactured at our in house facility, creating the deep castellating reveals that sweep across the building elevations. Soffit bricks were designed and manufactured to return underneath window heads, providing a realistic genuine brick aesthetic at key interfaces, achieving the original design intent.

This building was once home to the Henderson Garage door production facility, with the client in the process of renovating the entire premises to be split into several new warehousing and office units. To be able to secure new tenants, however, there was an urgency to stop a mass amount of water ingress into the building, due to the roof's years of neglect.Systems in useHyranger®Starcoat® RChallengesThe state of the existing waterproofing was poor, meaning it needed to be stripped back to the metal deck below. Given the years of water ingress it was clear some areas of the substrate were deteriorating and would need replacing.There was also an issue with the adjacent metal cladding to the perimeter of the roof space, one of which was coated in an asbestos paint and the potential for asbestos rope within the old rooflights. All of this needed addressing prior to the roofing works commencing.SolutionsAxter were called to initially survey the roof area, highlighting the main areas of concern and interface issues. Following a roof condition survey report, proposals were put forward as to how best to detail waterproof these areas and achieve the brief set out by the client.To the metal cladding, Starcoat R cold applied liquid bitumen PU resin was used to create a waterproofed upstand without the need for the complete removal of the cladding. Upon discussions with the building owner, it was also discovered that the existing rooflights were no longer needed, so these were boarded over and waterproofed in line with the rest of the main field area.The Hyranger system, comprising polyester reinforced SBS polymer modified bitumen membranes, was ideal for the job due to its guarantee strength, stability, performance and cost efficiency.The completed roof gained a 20 year guarantee and extended the life of the building.