"landscape"

Colindale Gardens is a unique mixed-use development in the heart of north west London. Commissioned by Redrow, the full development will bring over 2,900 new homes along with cafes, restaurants and retail facilities to the local community.Project BreakdownDesigned in a collaboration between Broadway Malyan, Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios and Fourpoint Architects, the extensive 19.17 hectare project will encompass a range of residential spaces, from studios to 4 bedroom homes. Each new development will overlook over 9 acres of landscape gardens.Close to Fryent Country Park with 250 acres of rolling fields and woods, the development has been designed with an emphasis on creating a community for relaxation, sports and play. To further enjoy indoor/outdoor living, all new release apartments and duplexes offer a tranquil private balcony and/or outdoor terrace space. The full development is due to be complete 2021.The SolutionEnviroBuild provided just under 400 m² of Hyperion Pioneer Walnut and Oak decking for the residential terraces. The minimal water absorption rate of Hyperion decking made it the perfect material to frame large outdoor planters in the centre of the residential hub.Working closely with sub-contractor Horohoe, the terrace decking was installed on a sub-frame of Manticore plastic Lumber and MESA Support adjustable decking pedestals.Project DetailsSize: 400 m²Product: Oak Hyperion Decking, Walnut Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: Manticore Plastic Lumber & MESA Support Adjustable PedestalsClient: RedrowArchitect: Broadway Malyan, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio & Fourpoint ArchitectsContractor: RedrowSub-Contractor HorohoeLocation: London

CUPACLAD 101 Logic was recently installed as part of a striking new-build project, located in Aberystwyth, Wales. The natural slate cladding was chosen because it could complement the coastal surroundings as well as provide outstanding resistance to the harsh weather conditions. The site was purchased by homeowners, David and Shirley Harries who looked to extend the pre-existing bungalow but after finding significant issues with its structure, opted instead to erect a new build on the same plot. “We really wanted a home that utilised a range of materials to create a modern look as opposed to building a glass palace that could look too ostentatious in the rugged seafront location,” said David. The couple approached Arwyn George from George + Tomos Architects who put together a design, which included CUPA PIZARRAS’ natural slate cladding system, CUPACLAD 101. “The CUPACLAD system allowed the new home to blend into the surrounding cliffs beautifully,” said Arwyn. “In addition, I had to consider the high winds that the project would be exposed to and select something that would have the appropriate durability.” High quality natural slate is a very resistant material – its deterioration is unnoticeable to the human eye, meaning its colour does not change across its 100 year lifespan, even in the coldest environments. Natural slate also has a permanent sheen, unlike other roofing materials which can decrease up to eight times superior.  “We really loved the proposal,” the couple commented. “The slate would blend seamlessly with the local landscape – both the cliffs behind the property as well as some of the other houses in the area, which also utilise natural slate. What’s more, the material is sympathetic to its environment.” CUPACLAD is constructed using specially selected slates, which are dark in colour, creating a bold and dramatic look, particularly when utilised alongside lighter materials such as glass, timber and render. CUPACLAD 101 Logic is made up of 40x20cm slates installed horizontally using fixing systems that are completely invisible once installed to avoid impacting the design. As with the rest of the CUPACLAD 101 series, it is BBA certified, verifying that it has an incredibly low level of water absorption, test results show a value between 0.16 and 0.17%. This ensures that the material is not susceptible to frosting or hypothermal ageing. Furthermore, the BBA certificate demonstrates the slate is very resistant to high winds, fire and impacts. Rhys Ben Wright from RBW Carpentry was then selected to install the slate system. A process made easier, thanks to the quality of the slate, with pre-drilled holes and self-drilling fixings. What’s more, natural slate has a number of environmental benefits. According to research carried out by the University of Glasgow, it produces a limited amount of atmospheric carbon (1KgCO2/metre2 over its lifetime) and has a low water and energy consumption rate. Furthermore, by sourcing natural slate from CUPA PIZARRAS, a carbon neutral company, David and Shirley’s cladding solution is verifiably sustainable. Once the project was completed, David and Shirley were over the moon with their new home: “The cladding fits the landscape seamlessly, which is due to the properties of the slate, as well as Arwyn’s design. He was able to shape the building in such a way that it really fits with the outlines of the hilly surroundings. “We were concerned that some of the slates would be lost in recent strong winds; however, the cladding remained completely intact. We would definitely recommend CUPACLAD.” CUPA PIZARRAS’ slate is exclusively distributed by Taylor Maxwell to the UK market. To find out more, about CUPACLAD, please visit: https://www.cupapizarras.com/uk/rainscreen-cladding/

Date of Project: August - September 2014Project Owner: Occidental PetroleumProject Contractor: Hugh Roberts ConstructionMarket/Environment: Oil ProductionSubstrate: Gunite from the 1960sProduct Used: Five Star Structural Concrete V/0®Project Size: 500+ PailsProject DetailsIn 1965, four artificial islands were built in San Pedro Bay off the coast of Long Island to conceal oil pumping stations. In the year 2000, Occidental Petroleum purchased the islands, known as THUMS Islands or Astronaut Islands, and operations. The islands contain significant landscaping, a waterfall, and tall structures concealing the drilling rigs, including one known as The Condo and often mistaken for "a ritz hotel" by those on land. Island Grissom is the closest to land and contains more sculptured screens than the other islands.The ChallengeOver the years, wind and water have taken their toll on the concrete structures around the island, causing a great deal of deterioration. A few obstacles to overcome were:The depth of repair (Tapcons were driven into the substrate for added reinforcement in the deeper areas of repair)Direct sun/heatHeight of repair was as high as 100 feetLimitations on water saturation for presoak and wet cure.Deliveries had to be scheduled precisely as all products had to be shuttled over to the island via ferry.Five Star® SolutionChosen for this demanding repair project was Five Star Structural Concrete® W/O because of its rapid-setting properties and ability to be used on vertical and overhead surfaces. Moisture-sensitive coatings could also be applied in 8 to 24 hours, speeding up repair time.This high-strength, permanent concrete repair material allowed the workers to make repairs quickly and efficiently, using only one product for thin and thick placement.

St. Anns, London, new mental health inpatient building Blossom Court is undergoing it’s second phase and specified DVS and Franke products for the project. The unit is due to be completed in Autumn 2002 and aims to replace its old mental health wards with modern, state of the art facilities for patients requiring inpatient care. The full range of products provided was: • 2 x VR01-072 V2 High security WC pan less abled with grey top • 3 x VR01-010 High security ligature resistant toilet • 5 x VR01-030 High security V2 basin with integrated backplate (not including sensors) • 5 x VR07-004 Washroom control system kit – for DVS high security backplate & WC • 5 x WC02-014 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 2” unit • 4 x F0354P Single bowl • 4 x F0359P Single bowl • 6 x F0360P Single bowl • 1 x G22025L DUH hospital disposal unit • 1 x G20605N Stainless steel cistern • 3 x G20055N Centinel janitorial unit – HTM64 The plans for the redevelopment of St Ann’s Hospital were developed with patients, staff and local stakeholders and involve a series of improvements. Following completion of the new inpatient unit in summer 2020, Phase 2 includes the refurbishment of other buildings, a new restaurant for visitors and staff and improvements to the site power and water supplies, roadways, car parking and landscaping. Designing sanitaryware for mental health and high-security environments can be a challenge, however, the DVS branded safe ensuite range is manufactured using advanced technologies, provides the perfect solution. These high-security and ligature resistant products are virtually unbreakable and create a safe solution within all mental health facilities.

Part of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Princess Anne Hospital opened in 1981 and is known as a centre of excellence for maternity care. Providing specialist care for women during pregnancy, as well as genetics and breast screening.Project Year: 2023Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 FrameArchitect: Strata DesignClient: West End ConstructionProject Background: During the first wave of Covid, a piece of art named 'Game Changer' appeared at Southampton Hospital, this was a gift from Banksy to thank the 14000 staff members, as well as honour the work of NHS workers everywhere. The canvas was auctioned to raise money for NHS charities and organisations, raising a total £16.8m.Part of these funds have been used to improve the facilities, and this is where Landscape Architects Strata Design and West End Construction were engaged, to design and build a rooftop oasis for all the hospital staff, to have a place to enjoy and unwind.Solution: Working collaboratively and having surveyed the site where a window was to be turned into a door, FAAC Entrance Solutions proposed a framed SL500 bi-parting sliding door, in order to both maximise the opening width as well as keep the natural light into the building. Being a staff restricted area, access control was also a must, so this was integrated with existing staff passes to facilitate swipe access and with our QFlow traffic light system which regulates occupancy. The SL500’s framed system is a robust resilient door, making it perfect to manage high volumes of traffic as well Southampton coastal wind loads. Additionally, with its thermally broken profiles, additional tight-fitting brushes, it will contribute to keeping energy costs down in comparison to slimmer or manual door entrances.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

The Strand Aldwych is a busy public area well-known as a procession route between Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. The area was historically plagued by traffic and pollution, so people were reluctant to dwell for long periods of time.The newly pedestrianised area with stone walls already in place needed public seating outside St Clement Danes Church. Coordinating the wall shape with the stone underneath was imperative, and access was needed to the lighting drivers through the platforms since the stone underneath is illuminated with LEDs. With this in mind, our design team worked collaboratively to develop a bespoke version of our modular RailRoad seating design, based on the principles where interchangeable parts can be easily removed or replaced. A RailRoad wall-top solution was created with a custom curve to match the stone walls, and the platforms have removable hatches for access when needed.The bespoke RailRoad seating solution is manufactured from our triple processed (recycled) steel and powder coated in a distinct metallic copper finish - while the iroko timbers were coated with UV protective finish in teak to maintain their natural look. This project focused on improving air quality, and our AKRI retaining planters were ideal for bringing green into the space. Their flexibility also allowed for matching the geometry of the adjacent stone benches and roads. In order to prevent damage, welded anti skates were incorporated into the solution.The project not only provides health and well-being benefits with the new public landscaped areas, it will preserve the historic character and for the first time allow people to appreciate the nearby listed buildings. The new inclusive seating spaces for people to mix in are seen to be well used as people can enjoy their lunch, meet with friends and colleagues and simply enjoy a sense of community.

Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) is a rail-road intermodal freight terminal with an associated warehousing estate in Northamptonshire. Owned by Prologis, the business park was originally built in the 90’s, but a recent expansion has added around 4 million square feet of storage and office space. Some buildings are already occupied by leading brands such as Royal Mail, BooHoo, Dunelm, Tesco and Sainsburys.DIRFT’s Unit DC628 (DC10) is a net zero carbon building with 627,707 square foot warehouse space rated BREEAM Excellent. Among its features are solar PV systems, a roof terrace, and enhanced external amenities.Our team was commissioned to provide seating and planting solutions for the outdoor amenity space and roof terrace by BCA Design, Landscape Architects for the project.Our RailRoad modular seating solution with Delta supports, and FSC iroko timber slats, that are left untreated to allow natural weathering, was installed in the outdoor amenity area adjacent to the car park - along with Parallel picnic tables and benches and Zenith 500 litter bins - creating an outdoor lunch break environment in which employees can enjoy during warm weather.Decking supplied by Outdoor Deck was installed on the roof terrace of the building, complete with our AKRI 300 steel planters with 500mm high panels, manufactured from triple process recycled steel, to form a variety of linear shapes filled with plants and greenery to create a peaceful oasis with a view of the countryside.Seating and benches made from FSC Iroko timber which included armrests on some, were integrated onto the planters to provide warehouse staff with quiet spaces to relax. The rooftop planters were complemented by the addition of our Hollo range of freestanding low seating / tables

Polytan LigaTurf Cross at the Campo Municipal de Fútbol, SpainDURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION AT AN ANDALUSIAN LANDMARKOjén is known as a pueblo blanco – one of the “white villages” near Málaga that are typical in Andalusia. The village is located between the nearby Costa del Sol and the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, just a few kilometres from Marbella. The year-round temperate climate is not only enjoyed by approximately 4,000 locals, but tourists are also increasingly discovering this location. Lush greenery sparkles thanks to the rain which is abundant by southern Spanish standards. Unlike other coastal towns, Ojén has not committed any building sins in favour of mass tourism, thereby maintaining the typical Andalusian architectural style of previous centuries.The athletes training at the Campo Municipal de Fútbol, known as “El Arenal”, also have a magnificent view over the mountain village down to the Mediterranean Sea. The sports field is located on the opposite side of the valley, cut deep into the rocky landscape by the Almadán stream. It is part of a sports centre that also includes basketball facilities, tennis courts and a swimming pool.The football pitch has a covered stand and floodlights. In spring 2023, we installed our Polytan LigaTurf Cross there as part of modernisation works. This infilled synthetic turf combines straight and textured filaments, their respective benefits combining to create the ideal turf system. The straight filaments provide a look and feel that is almost reflective of a real football field, while the textured filaments guarantee low and easy maintenance, greater infill stability and generally increased turf volume.What’s special about the Campo Municipal de Fútbol is that Polytan installed the first synthetic turf there back in 2005. This time, only the turf itself had to be renewed, since the elastic base layer can still be used.

The Junction, a new £3.5m Euro-supported community asset at Railway Park in Dungannon caters for a wide range of activities.The building, which has been created to host meetings, training, workshops and features a state-of-the-art conference space, café and casual meeting rooms, is located at the historic, 13th century Hill of the O’Neill and ancient capital of Ulster.THE CHALLENGEThe architects’ vision for the building was one that gave the impression of open access from every angle, set within beautiful grounds incorporating a pedestrian promenade and plaza.A key consideration was the need for a hard landscaped surface which would sympathetically blend into the aesthetic vision for inviting approaches and provide a durable ground cover for heavy footfall, requiring minimal maintenance, and with assured longevity.THE SOLUTIONArchitects, Hall, Black and Douglas chose AG’s Granaza flag because of its distinctive textured finish that combines granite and quartz whilst offering a great look with robust durability and excellent levels of slip resistance.In addition Xflo® Plaza Salt (Silver) and Xflo® Plaza Pepper (Slate) permeable paving was chosen for both form and function.As well as providing a proven means of controlling surface water flow, Plaza Salt (Silver) and Plaza Pepper’s (Slate) striking aesthetics acted as a perfect foil with the Granaza flags, creating the dimensional depth and enhancing the definition between the vehicular and pedestrian areas resulting in an attractive, distinctive effect.Meanwhile AG’s Terrakerb® offered a reliable alternative to natural stone with which to frame the paved areas.Within the grounds, AG’s products organically link the promenade and plaza to the surrounding park and existing routes to and from the amenity, in a sympathetically appealing fashion.Sean Mullen, QMAC Senior Contracts Manager praised AG’s supply capabilities and said the finished building was a ‘statement piece’.

Artform Urban Furniture supplies a range of specified bottle refill water fountains to Manchester city centre's first new public park in more than 100 years.Mayfield park sees the transformation of a vast, mostly derelict, former industrial site next to Piccadilly Station into a stunning, accessible and varied green space for all to enjoy. The 6.5-acre park surrounds the banks of the River Medlock and features green lawns and gardens with trees and shrubbery, as well as walkways for the public to use and a large children's play area.The site has an industrial history of innovation spanning back to the 1700’s and the park landscape recognises this by utilising old industrial rusted cast iron relics from the mills as sculptures that are dotted around the space.The Fuente Fountains in Corten steel were specified by Studio Egret West for the project, to match the surrounding industrial aesthetic of the park.The fountains have been placed across the park to provide accessible water refilling stations for visitors to use and reduce plastic waste. Water fountains are becoming a popular choice in urban spaces with developers recognising a push needed towards reducing plastic waste. The Fuente Fountain is available in a variety of shapes and finishes as well as a version with an additional tap lower down with a stainless steel bowl for dogs.Mayfield Park is part of a £1.4bn development that will continue over the next decade and will eventually completely transform the whole surrounding area near Piccadilly station into a vibrant new neighbourhood - delivering 1,500 homes, 1.6m sq ft of commercial space, as well 300,000 sq ft of retail and leisure.The park opened to the public in September 2022 and is a welcome addition to the city centre bringing a much-needed oasis of green space for local residents, visitors and communities across Manchester.

St. Anns, London, new mental health inpatient building Blossom Court is undergoing it’s second phase and specified DVS and Franke products for the project. The unit is due to be completed in Autumn 2002 and aims to replace its old mental health wards with modern, state of the art facilities for patients requiring inpatient care. The full range of products provided was: • 2 x VR01-072 V2 High security WC pan less abled with grey top • 3 x VR01-010 High security ligature resistant toilet • 5 x VR01-030 High security V2 basin with integrated backplate (not including sensors) • 5 x VR07-004 Washroom control system kit – for DVS high security backplate & WC • 5 x WC02-014 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 2” unit • 4 x F0354P Single bowl • 4 x F0359P Single bowl • 6 x F0360P Single bowl • 1 x G22025L DUH hospital disposal unit • 1 x G20605N Stainless steel cistern • 3 x G20055N Centinel janitorial unit – HTM64The plans for the redevelopment of St Ann’s Hospital were developed with patients, staff and local stakeholders and involve a series of improvements. Following completion of the new inpatient unit in summer 2020, Phase 2 includes the refurbishment of other buildings, a new restaurant for visitors and staff and improvements to the site power and water supplies, roadways, car parking and landscaping. Designing sanitaryware for mental health and high-security environments can be a challenge, however, the DVS branded safe ensuite range is manufactured using advanced technologies, provides the perfect solution. These high-security and ligature resistant products are virtually unbreakable and create a safe solution within all mental health facilities.

HLM Architects were asked by Wokingham Borough Council to create a community centred and modern building to replace the old and dated Activity Centre. HLM’s design is inspired by the centre’s beautiful and natural setting and supported the Council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.Celebrating the natural lakeside surroundings, the modern £2.4million scheme provides educational and leisure facilities for the local community in Dinton Pastures County Park for adventures on water and land. The new centre includes an activity hall, adults and children’s changing areas, dual-use teaching and conference spaces, and a coffee shop opening on to a spectator terrace overlooking the lake and park to cater for all the needs of the users and visitors.HLM worked with Reds10 to complete the structure offsite, with the facade applied later on-site. The designed is noted as it doesn’t look like the often maligned rectangular ‘shipping’ container shape which comes to mind when off-site production is mentioned. The size and presence of the two-storey building is specifically designed to be in harmony with the surrounding landscape and sits like a hidden oasis nestled between the treeline and shoreline. 75 per cent of the building was completed offsite; 16 modular frames were built and then transported to Dinton Pastures Country Park and then lifted into place. The facades were then added to the substructure on site. The modular approach significantly reduces the carbon emissions in the construction process.EQUITONE was used on the ground-level of the building. The high-density characteristic of EQUITONE worked well for the high footfall areas that will be getting a lot of contact, and where durability is crucial.The colour was considered a sympathetic complement to the FSC-certified Siberian larch chosen for the upper building, which is designed to weather overtime and blend in further with setting. Another important consideration was that EQUITONE is naturally resistant to many living organisms (fungi, bacteria, insects, vermin, etc.) and requires no harsh chemicals to clean.

Project detailsToyota contacted Watco looking for a long lasting anti slip decking solution. Four of Toyota GB Plc Head Office fire exits open onto an outdoor decking area, leading to assembly points. The decking is also used as a seating area at lunchtime for staff. In wet and frosty weather the decking becomes slippery, causing concern around slip hazards, especially in an emergency evacuation.Whilst the safety of its employees was the main concern, Toyota also wanted to ensure that the anti slip solution was easy to fix and would blend in with the natural colour of the decking.In addition, they needed a solution that could be fixed in the decking indentations. Having looked at several other solutions, it seems that most involved fixing the anti slip strips in the gaps between the boards, thus requiring extra work as the existing gaps were not wide enough. Our solutionWatco recommended and supplied heavy duty slip resistant GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Decking Strips. The strips in ‘stone’ colour blended in well with the timber and were supplied pre-drilled for easy fixing.Toyota were delighted with the outcome. The new anti slip decking strips provide safe fire escape routes for staff, whilst maintaining the aesthetics of the landscaped outdoor area."Our GRP Decking Strips are virtually indestructible, based on an extremely durable fibreglass base with a coarse, ceramic grit which is bonded to the top for a heavy duty, slip resistant surface. Chamfered edges minimise trip hazards. The strips are available in black, stone or yellow."Watco Decking Strips are supplied pre-drilled and with screws. The strips can be trimmed on site using a hacksaw or, if required, Watco will supply the strips already cut to size.

We were delighted to have succeeded in a competitive tender to carry out the playground refurbishment works at Decoy Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, in the summer of 2021. Decoy Park is a beloved recreational space in the town, with a large lake, woodland trails, and adjacent football pitches complimenting the play equipment at the park. Our design reflected the semi rural nature of the landscape, with a huge Treehouse structure sitting as the centrepiece of the area, standing almost 6m tall with a tube slide coming off the top level.A dynamic area aimed at older children featured two aerial runways, a beautiful glue laminated hardwood robinia climbing frame, and an overhead rotator. A spinning machine, a unique play piece that spins the seated user vertically 360 degrees, added a unique twist to the zone, something not seen in your everyday playground!The toddler zone is a heaven for the smallest children, with tastefully designed animal graphics, a variety of spinning, balancing and rocking activities, and a fun play ship featuring telescopes, play panels and steering wheels.A variety of different safety surfaces were laid at the area, to suit the various requirements of each zone. Wet pour rubber was used for the Toddler area, as its array of colours made designing and creating the animal graphics a possibility. TigerMulch was chosen for the adventure zone, with its natural looks and hard wearing properties ideal for the dynamic activities taking place here.Decoy Park was one of those special, unique projects that don’t come around very often, and we had so much fun designing and building the new playground. Thanks to Teignbridge District Council for commissioning us to do the works, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it!

Mixed-use development created from a redundant gasworks site turning it into a high profile quarter in London.In the vibrant heart of Fulham, a groundbreaking mixed-use development has revitalized a once-redundant gas works site, giving rise to a high-quality urban quarter. This ambitious project boasts nearly 2000 new homes distributed across 15 buildings, reaching heights of up to 37 storeys. Beyond residences, the development incorporates a variety of complimentary uses, fostering a dynamic and inclusive urban community.Our involvement in the Fulham Gasworks redevelopment focused on a key aspect of functionality and safety within the expansive development—supplying and fitting metal riser doors. With safety and aesthetics at the forefront, these fire-rated doors seamlessly integrate into the architectural landscape, ensuring compliance with the highest standards.The challenge lay in harmonizing essential utility elements with the aesthetic vision of the redevelopment. Our team provided bespoke metal riser doors strategically positioned within the development. Crafted for both durability and fire resistance, these doors serve a dual purpose: ensuring safety compliance and contributing to the overall modern and sophisticated atmosphere of Fulham Gasworks.The metal riser doors, meticulously selected for their fire-rated properties, play a vital role in the safety infrastructure of the development. Beyond their functional significance, these doors seamlessly blend into the architectural tapestry, adding an element of sleek modernity to the urban quarter. The result is a harmonious integration of safety measures without compromising on the aesthetic vision of the Fulham Gasworks redevelopment.At the heart of the masterplan, a new square and urban park have been created, enhancing the setting for Grade-II listed buildings, a war memorial, and the Grade-II* listed Gasholder No. 2. The metal riser doors contribute to the overall safety and functionality of these communal spaces, ensuring that safety measures are discreetly woven into the fabric of daily life within the development.

The new Village Centre scheme at the existing Kidbrooke Village housing development in Greenwich, southeast London, has been designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and developed by Berkeley Homes. With a welcoming ‘village square’ at its heart, this green landscaped area is bordered by the surrounding buildings which have apartments above and a mixture of shops, restaurants and community use facilities below.The new Village Centre will provide a central hub for the community at Kidbrooke Village, which comprises four distinct neighbourhoods. Boasting a central location in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and benefiting from close transport links, including its own overground rail station, the new development offers a mix of housing from one to four bedrooms and access to a number of onsite amenities and facilities.The project also features an attractive combination of Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall and low U-value PURe® Commercial Doors.The contract saw Senior work closely with two of its fabricator partners, with Soundcraft undertaking the installation of the curtain wall and commercial doors on several of the ground floor retail units, and R.E.L working on the entrances for both the new supermarket and pub.Ideally suited to meet the demands of commercial projects, the popular SF52 aluminium curtain wall system offers slim sightlines to maximise daylighting and enhanced thermal-efficiency to help create more comfortable interior spaces. When used in conjunction with the PURe® Commercial Door, which is part of the Senior’s patented PURe® range of low U-value aluminium doors and windows, further savings can be made in terms of reducing both operational costs and carbon emissions. As Senior’s largest, strongest and most robust commercial door, the thermally-efficient PURe® Commercial Door is ideally suited for high traffic retail environments and offers both security and safety.

Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle quarter, south of the city centre, formerly a major industrial and warehousing site servicing the city’s successful dock economy, is now a well-known and popular venue for work, leisure and accommodation. Since 2007 the area has undergone considerable regeneration, creating a vibrant hub for digital and creative businesses, together with a flourishing night-time economy of night clubs, bars and restaurants. Alongside these developments the Baltic Triangle has doubled its residential population since 2010. A new £24m, 200 apartment building, designed by Tim Groom Architects is currently finishing construction on Blundell Street.‘Maintaining the Vibe’The striking red brick facades of many of the original buildings remain, imparting an energetic atmosphere, and the new apartment block was designed with the same objective. As one commentator put it 'We wanted to maintain the vibe'. For the aluminium feature panels on the façade the designers were looking for a finish with a warm appearance that would reflect and update the industrial heritage. These panels would sit alongside the buff brick colour of the new building. In Powdertech’s Evolution™ and Landscape™ ranges there are many shades with the appearance of rust, red brick and terracotta. The client selected Evolution, ‘Sandstorm’, a rust finish, to coat over 500 sq metres of 2mm folded and castellated aluminium panels.Benefits:The Evolution range has up to a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Colour, tone and texture are our passion, and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.Evolution and rust finishes do not stain adjacent brickwork and pavementsPowdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

Also the largest public cultural space in Europe, the new 35,000m² Library of Birmingham replaces the old Central Library and is seen by Birmingham City Council as a flagship project for the redevelopment of the city.Designed by architects Mecanoo, working with multi-discipline engineers Buro Happold and main contractor Carillion, the multi-tiered roof of the library features two garden terraces which have both contributed to the BREEAM Excellent rating.Radmat Approved Contractor Prater delivered a roofing solution that is BBA Certified to last ‘the life of the building’. Consisting of Radmat PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt Monolithic waterproofing membrane, root resistant Cap Sheet and ProTherm inverted roof insulation, the entire roof was electronically tested for integrity prior to the installation of aluminum powder coated cappings to the perimeter roof upstands.Once the installation of the 7,500m. of PermaQuik PQ6100 roofing system on the roof and ground level podium deck was signed off by a Radmat Technical Adviser, Prater brought in specialist green roof contractor Frost Landscapes. They then carried out the installation of the complex intensive green roofs, at levels 3 and 7, which were created to attract local wildlife and to offer visitors a pleasant environment to enjoy all year round.Combining durability and flexibility with independent verification of life expectancy and a market leading guarantee the PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt Monolithic waterproofing system is set to deliver exceptional performance befitting of the uniquely designed structure which has set a remarkably high standard for library design.With Radmat’s high performance roofing solution providing weathertight protection for years to come, the Library of Birmingham looks set to not only form the catalyst for further regeneration within the city but also how future libraries are designed and perceived by the user.

Newton Specialist Contractors ASF Waterproofing were called in to investigate why the Bridge Master’s Quarters at No.1 Tower Bridge was suffering from damp and proceeded to install multiple Newton products to resolve the issue.At the world-famous Tower Bridge, landscaping contractor Maylim was commissioned by the City of London Corporation to investigate why the Bridge Master's Quarters at No.1 Tower Bridge was suffering from damp.After excavating, they discovered that the structure had no effective damp proofing protection. Newton Specialist Contractor ASF Waterproofing were commissioned to install new damp proofing measures to solve the issue.ASF Waterproofing approached the project in two phases, using multiple products to effectively damp proof both inside and outside the building. At the start of phase one, ASF correctly prepared and cleaned the internal wall surfaces before installing a new damp-proof course by injecting Newton 804-DPC into the walls at regular intervals, then sealing the holes with Newton 313-WP. The walls were then smoothed with a new internal render, ready for Newton 103-S to be quickly and easily sprayed to provide a final barrier to water.For phase two, the ASF team turned to the external walls of the structure, preparing and cleaning the surface before applying a new external render coat. The wall was then thoroughly waterproofed with four coats of the flexible, resilient Newton 109-LM. To ensure that the building was completely protected externally, the waterproofing began at 1 metre below ground level and extended all the way up to the existing windowsills.Thanks to their meticulous attention to detail and high standard of installation, ASF Waterproofing were able to provide both the contractor and the client with a high-quality and comprehensive damp proofing solution. As a result, the City of London Corporation can now hand over the building to the new lease holder, safe in the knowledge that it is well protected from damp.

A new crematorium facility for Huntingdon Town Council, Huntingdon Crematorium is a collection of buildings equipped with ceremonial spaces and the appropriate crematory functions. The specification of Vandersanden’s Perla and Morvan bricks has resulted in buildings that have made a striking contribution to the landscape of the greenfield site while also helping to change the accepted perception of crematorium buildings. “We were looking for a way of making the process of going to an end of life ceremony uplifting and hopeful,” explains Mark Doohan, managing director at Benchmark Architects. “We had the idea of creating a curved, white, brick building within which there are beautiful, light filled and airy spaces.” When envisioning the scheme, the team at Benchmark Architects realised that by inserting a black brick wall across the site they could create a ‘canvas’ that provided the separation between the front of house and working areas of the crematorium. Against this, on one side, they packed three curved white brick volumes to create the key spaces, adjusted in height according to the hierarchy of their importance: the entrance lobby, waiting room and chapel. Out of sight, behind the wall, are the cremators, plant rooms, offices and other functional elements. The design focuses on a central drum flooded with natural light. The main building contains the ceremonial hall for 125 people, waiting rooms and crematory with capacity for two cremators. A second building contains a multi-purpose function room - that can be used for wakes - and a café with associated catering facilities and administrative offices. Having created the design vision, the choice of appropriate bricks was crucial. Good white bricks are hard to come by, often they’re tinged with yellow or beige; finding black bricks that are not simply colour coated or are a dark blue is equally hard, says Doohan.“We were delighted when we were able to find the Vandersanden bricks. We genuinely love the texture and through colour quality of Vandersanden’s white Perla and black Morvan bricks. They set off our concept perfectly, with the white brick capturing the light in the way that we envisioned when first sketching out the idea.” A double soldier course heads the windows to form a band around the building and is repeated close to the top of the main drum. There is also a recessed course 500 mm off the ground that creates a scored line at the base, bringing additional balance to the building. This is achieved by setting one course back by some 25 mm. Another advantage of the Vandersanden bricks is that they can be used in the ground below DPC level, visually rooting the building to the landscape. It was essential that the volumes were homogenous in feel so a good mortar match was vital. Lime mortar was selected and was aesthetically important due to its colour, texture and because its flexibility reduced the number of movement joints required. The lime used, NHL 3.5, was naturally white; for the black brickwork it was pigmented. When seen from a distance, only the overall form of the building is perceived but, on getting closer, the brick details start to stand out. Then, when really close, the contribution that the texture, pattern, shape and almost handmade quality of the individual bricks makes to the quality of the building becomes clear. We’re always keen to specify products where we get really good technical support, notes Doohan. “Vandersanden were excellent at providing advice and technical backup whenever we had a question. Since becoming aware of Vandersanden products, they are our go-to source for brick. As architects, we’re image-based creatures so the website is incredibly helpful. It’s an excellent way of being able to see the bricks in loads of different and inspiring building types. Many brick suppliers don’t show that connection. Most importantly, our client for Huntingdon Crematorium is delighted with the brickwork.”To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link

Doncaster Council sought out to develop a new leisure destination that complements the existing attractions in the nearby lakeside area.The new £7.7m retail park is a new destination where people can enjoy restaurants and leisure facilities next to the existing VUE cinema at the popular Lakeside in Doncaster.This development includes Europe’s first-ever Drive-Thru Dunkin’ Donuts, as well as a mix of local and national fast food outlets. These buildings are surrounded by service yards and 181 parking spaces, nine of which are electric car charging points.The green potential for the Herten Triangle was high on the agenda. The space includes sustainably-sourced timber-clad elevations, solar PV arrays, over 5000 plants and shrubs and 120 trees.Working with Willmott Dixon as the main contractor, Smeeden Foreman delivered hard and soft landscape designs for the external works for this new development.A whole host of Marshalls products were used for this project to help bring a modern and appealing feel to the complex. Modal textured in Light Granite, Anthracite Granite, Silver Grey Granite, Indian Granite and Mid Grey Granite were used in the light trafficked areas around the buildings. Saxon paving in Natural was used on the pathways in the social areas. Keyblok in Natural, Charcoal, Brindle and our White Marker blocks were used for the car parking bays. All of the above were installed alongside Conservation X and British Standard kerbs and edging, as well as Blister Paving for crossing areas.Neil Tyler the Senior Build Manager at Willmott Dixon had this to say:“The service provided by Marshalls was excellent, particularly with the quantities of paving required in a relatively short period of time. The quality of finish and dimensional accuracy of the products is also very good, and was recognised by all involved.”All manufactured in mainland UK, the products have provided a functional and aesthetic outcome for this retail space that is perfect for the public to use and enjoy.Imagery: Marshalls and some supplied from Smeeden Foreman

The Clockwork Building was a complete refurb of a 1960/70’s office building, project managed by Thirdway and landscaping done by Belsize Gardens. We became involved in the early stages when Belsize Gardens and the client wanted 4 large Corten planters at the front of the building to give the entrance a more vibrant natural look.All 20 planters were made in total from 3 mm Corten steel with a folded base and a double folded top to give extra strength. In the large planters we also added 4 mm stainless steel bracing wire due to the very large amounts of soil being added to each planter. This stops possible panel movement when the soil is being tipped inside.There were four larger planters all at 60 cm high, two at 11.2 x 3.8 M and two others at 4.5 x 3.2 M. Lighting was designed into all four planters, a bench incorporated into one of the 4.5 M planters as well as a 6 bicycle stand on the most southern planter. The material had to be Corten steel and needed to be pre-rusted which was done in our EverEdge yard in Staffordshire. The supports were our standard buttress design, all at 500 mm centres. Because the back wall of the planters adjacent to the building followed the contours of the building (windows etc) there were no continuous straight lines, but a series of 90°corners. All these fitted neatly on site and resulted on minimum construction time.In addition to the main entrance planters, there were 12 more planters in the car park area, infilled between the building windows all 250 x 55 cm and 88 cm high. These planters, being smaller, were incorporated with our steel brace system.Lastly 4 large planters for the roof garden were also constructed, 150 x 110 cms and 880 cm high as well as one “trough” planter, 250 X 40 cm.

Britannia Metalwork worked with building contractors Gilbert-Ash and Architects Hawkins/Brown in designing, fabricating, and fitting bespoke decorative floor grilles to replace the damaged originals in the Orangery at the City of London Freeman’s School.It was a project that we were thrilled to be commissioned for and work that we are extremely proud of - the grilles were manufactured, delivered and fitted within the project timeframe, despite pressures of the ongoing global pandemic of 2021.The 168-year-old City of London Freemen's School is set in 57 acres of Ashtead Park in the heart of Surrey. The masterplan scheme included the renovation works to the Grade II listed Main House (including an energy centre), and some new buildings including junior school, dining hall and assembly hall as well as landscaping and car park works. The total cost of the project was £15 and won a place as a Finalist in the 2022 Conservation & Regeneration Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards.Britannia was commissioned to design and make a total of 33 bespoke cast iron grilles, with bare metal finish, to be placed within the marbled floor of the historic and beautiful Orangery. The focus of the work was to complement the heritage of the iconic building while ensuring good ventilation to allow the building to become a flexible and useful large space for school events.Frequently referred to as Cathedral, Ecclesiastical or Victorian decorative floor grilles and as seen here, often placed over channels holding heating pipes, they provide a practical and decorative heating vent. Originally designed for churches they are increasingly popular in private houses, greenhouses, and commercial building developments. Our grilles can be ordered in cast iron or cast aluminium and finished in a wide variety of options. We also work in association with Gunning Heating, making decorative cast iron grilles that fit seamlessly into their underfloor trench heater units.  See our website for a full list of our grille designs or contact us to discuss your bespoke requirements.

Challenge Paving and flagstone products from the Netherlands were specified in the project plans for this regeneration of Dublin City University’s outdoor, communal areas and footpaths.Additional transport costs and CO2 emissions were involved in the project as the products were being shipped from the Netherlands.Solution - AG explained to the Landscape architect, it could produce bespoke paving and flagstone products with a similar finish to those already specified, and the products would be durable, available in various colours and sizes, and produced sustainability.AG created a display sample using Plaza paving and TerraPave® flagstones. The architect was satisfied with the finish and changed the specification – choosing AG’s products.By using a local supplier, like AG, the client received a greener and cost-effective solution as transport costs and CO2 emissions were reduced.AG supplied 6,500m2 of bespoke Plaza paving and 1,000m2 of TerraPave® flagstones during phase one of this project. In phase two an additional 1,000m2 of Plaza paving was supplied.AG’s Plaza paving is available in 11 colour blends and in a variety of colour intensities, depths and formats. Its surface is formed from natural granite aggregates giving it is durability. Its production uses several recycled materials, 90% of harvested rain and 100% renewable energy. It also has an excellent slip resistance rating and is a colour-fast product.TerraPave® is an aesthetically attractive and durable flagstone that uses the finest granite and quartz aggregates from around Europe to create its top layer. In both ground and textured finishes, TerraPave® is available in ten colours that complement AG’s Plaza paving – each produced with natural aggregates to ensure long-term colourfastness. With its range of depths and sizes and slip resistance quality – it’s a cost effective and a practical alternative to traditional stone paving.This project commenced in November 2018 and was completed in November 2019. The order value to AG was approximately €260,000 and AG was able to supply the products within the budget and timeline specified in the plan.

Artform Urban and the Bailey Street Furniture Group continue their ongoing partnership with contractors Renaker who have, over recent years, single-handedly transformed the Manchester City Centre Skyline. Following their collaboration with furnishing the roof terraces at the now-iconic Deansgate Square and Crown Street buildings, Artform has provided an array of high-quality external furniture for the Canalside terrace at Castle Wharf.Castle Wharf is the epitome of boutique waterside living.Castle Wharf is a modern and contemporary development of 188 apartments and penthouses in the heart of the Castlefield Conservations in Manchester's city center.The Building is designed by OMI Architects and reflects the area’s industrial heritage. Inside features high-end amenities; a gymnasium, spa, and lounge spaces.The exterior terrace has been designed by TPM Landscape and features sandstone to mimic the sandstone outcrops that are visible in the Castlefield Basin. To coordinate with this distinct colour pallet and style, Artform has provided a package of complementary street furniture elements. Large aged oak beams mounted on steel frames, as well as inset into the sandstone planter walls, create a plethora of seating options for dining and socialising. Bar stools, benches, and tables - as seen at Deansgate Square and Crown Street have been selected here. The range combines a minimal aluminium frame and hardwood clad toppers to create durable, stylish and lightweight products that offer ease of manoeuvrability and longevity.Finally, the popular Spencer litter bin clad in premium quality hardwood timbers have been placed around the terrace as well as the entrance to the building. The Spencer litter bin is a versatile design available in a variety of materials sizes and shapes - here the quality timbers harmonise alongside the sandstone. The Spencer bin has been used on all 3 projects that Artform has completed to date with Renaker.Artform’s world-leading products combined with their knowledge and experience within this sector has resulted in a unique and inviting outdoor social space for residents and guests.

A modern and green Mixed-Use project where people can live, work, shop, and play.  Oval Village is a major regeneration project in the South of London. It will include modern apartments, many new work opportunities, and aim to re-green the area resulting in better biodiversity.The first phase includes the apartment blocks Phoenix Court, Juniper Gardens and The Pinnacle offering modern homes with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Between the buildings, landscaped gardens will offer room for relaxation and some of the buildings also provide access to private roof terraces. Residents will have a magnificent view over the Kia Oval cricket stadium and London’s iconic skyline. The project includes many sustainable initiatives such as attenuation rainwater tanks and recycled rainwater irrigation of green areas. A site-wide district heating network connected to solar panels and a super modern ventilation system shall secure low energy use whilst providing optimal indoor climate control. The space saving FloSet® Compact valve set is installed on each apartment’s FCU to handle heating and cooling duties. The FloSet® Compact was chosen as it is the smallest FCU valve set in the market for pressure independent automatic balancing and flow control. Each FloSet® Compact includes a FlowCon By-Pass Mini with only a 40 mm center distance, a FlowCon Venturi Metering Station, and a FlowCon PICV. The valve set is fitted directly over the FCU drip tray. The valve set offers 5 different operation modes. These include normal operation, back flushing, forward flushing, coil isolation/system flush and full isolation. The FlowCon PICV insert solution provides flexibility in all project stages from selection, setting and commissioning to servicing. All-together a compact and smart solution providing optimal indoor comfort, reduced energy consumption and a better building CO2 footprint.

Unity Square, NottinghamPAS68 seating and plantersStreet furniture | Street Planters | HVMTownscape Products has recently completed the hard landscaping for the Unity Square scheme in Nottingham.Unity Square forms a major part of Nottingham’s southern gateway regeneration project, which includes work to create a new-look Intu Broadmarsh centre, central library, bus station and car park.The hub was forward funded by LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General) and will accommodate HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) new regional centre. The building now comprises of ten storeys and is due to open in late 2021. As the cornerstone of the redevelopment work taking shape across the city’s Southside, Unity Square will truly put Nottingham on the map once complete.”The site will eventually house up to 4,000 HMRC employees. Nicole Newbury, HMRC director and a senior sponsor for the Nottingham Regional Centre, East Midlands Region, said:“We can’t wait to move into our new regional centre. The new building is so much more than just bricks and mortar, it represents an exciting opportunity for us to utilise new technology and develop collaborative, new ways of working.Unity Square is one of ten regional hubs Legal & General has invested in to support the government’s efforts to modernise the civil service and save taxpayers’ money. Its investment in the programme crossed the £1.5bn mark last year. This scheme in Nottingham is particularly ground-breaking not only because of its size and central location but for its potential to transform the city centre, driving regional economic growth and supporting job creation.Working with Bowmer and Kirkland, a range of PAS 68 rated seating and planters were designed, manufactured, and integrated into the scheme.Finished in charcoal prestige, the concrete units were designed to complement the paving finishes.For more details of how we can help with your PAS68 requirements, please get in touch.

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.

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.

3900m2 Optima TFC in PPC Aluminium and 1800sqm Optima FC in Axalta PPC Aluminium have been used in the completion of the 400+ room in Salfords student accommodation project. The Optima TFC system was proposed to create a ‘basket weave’ pattern to the façade including a mixture of both landscape and portrait lay orientation, visible in the project photos.The Optima FC included multi-depth panels to create a 3D effect along with secret fix assembled triangle segments to further emphasize the projection.When you stand back from the building, you can see the two separate towers seem to connect ‘through’ each other.The expert team at Sotech worked closely with Britplas Facades and their team of specialists to design the unique façade, ensuring it was both viable and achievable to the installation programme. As a team, we developed a method to secret fix the triangular sections onto standard panels at our fabrication facility, to reduce the quantity of parts the installer would have to handle.No additional testing was required for the project as Optima TFC and Optima FC have been extensively tested and are approved by CWCT and have been tested to BS8414-2 (compliant to BR135).Jamie Brown, Estimating Manager at Sotech said: “This is a truly unique, vibrant and striking building. It was a real pleasure to have been involved in this scheme from concept to completion working closely with our supply chain partner, Britplas Facades, to develop a solution that ticked all the boxes – cost, programme and exceptional quality.”Discovery Quays includes 404 student bedrooms over 10,325 sqft in two blocks. The finished building also provides a coffee shop, library, lounge, media wall, gaming area and a stunning double-story reception.To find out more about how the expert team at Sotech can assist in your next rainscreen cladding project, click here.

EnviroBuild provided 223m² of Non-Combustible Luxury Italian Porcelain for the The redevelopment of 1 Bomore Road, located in Kensington London. This project  involved the removal of outdated wooden planks to be redesigned and fitted with high quality materials and non-combustible options. This contemporary 5-storey project, orientated around unique architecture, luxury living and sharp aesthetics, now offers 32 new residential units. Developed with a focus around landscaping, modernity and sustainability, 1 Bomore Road needed external flooring materials that would suit the existing clean creative of the project plans and comply with contemporary construction requirements, contributing to its unique architectural juxtaposition of harshness and harmony.Due to the non-combustible benefits and sustainable values, EnviroBuild’s Porcelain Paving and 145 Pro-Grip aluminium decking was chosen to furnish the external floors and attachments on this leading-edge development.From the Luna range, silver porcelain tiles brighten the communal courtyard, patio and corridor areas of 1 Bomore Road, as well as the rooftop penthouse terrace, providing an authentically light and natural stone furnishing. Offering impressive durability, stain resistance and anti-fade technology, the fire-rated A-class porcelain flooring system has been engineered to be naturally slip and scratch resistant. Furthermore, made with 40% recycled material and 100% renewable energy, EnviroBuild porcelain paving is designed to the highest standards, offering innovative solutions to current harmful construction materials and methods.These reliable fire-rated porcelain tiles are supported by complete non-combustible substructure and accessories for a beautifully efficient and time-saving balcony and terrace flooring option, making planning and installation as easy as possible.Project DetailsSize: 223m²Colour: Silver 800x800mmProduct: Non-Combustible Luxury Italian PorcelainSubstructure: Non-Combustible pedestalsLocation: LondonClient: Graniger Plc.Contractor: Axis EuropeArchitect: 3D Reid

Project Name: AMRC - Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North WestLocation: Samlesbury, LancashireMain Contractor: Cartwright PickardCompletion Date: 2021Total Cost: £11mServices Provided: RIBA stages 1-6, Architectural DesignAwards Received:Finalist in BCO Northern AwardsBest Commercial Development in the North West at RICS AwardShortlisted for Project of the Year at Construction News AwardsLancashire Project of the Year at North West Construction AwardsSystem Supplied: Bespoke Fabrications, LandMark I, SnapLok Capping, Soffits, Window LinersFusion Facades, along with AMS Cladding Limited and the supply chain, provided a high-quality facade for the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West (AMRC) project. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Fusion Facades was able to adapt and deliver exceptional service.The AMRC is located at the entrance to the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone and features a modern workspace with a flexible high-tech workshop. To blend the 48,000 sqft building into the rural surroundings, lightweight bronze metal cladding was used over a landscaped bund.As a flagship research centre for advanced manufacturing, the AMRC had to meet the highest environmental standards. The office and seminar rooms feature horizontal glazing slots with projecting cappings and perimeter framing for passive solar shading. Reflective solid panels are used within the curtain walls to reduce solar gain while retaining the articulated openings that distinguish the office and seminar rooms from a nearby main road.A neutral colour was chosen to catch the warm tones of the morning and evening light while subtly defining the different internal uses. To break down the mass, junctions between the sheets are articulated with bronze fins denoting where the structural grid occurs internally.Overall, the AMRC project has received numerous accolades and is a testament to the outstanding work done by Fusion Facades and their partners in delivering a high-quality, environmentally sustainable research facility.

DUCO contributes with sun protection to the £78m project for The University of Manchester. The architectural sun control DucoSun Ellips 200 mm, supplied by Contrasol, was chosen for the Fallowfield campus. The solar shading is so much more than decoration.About the Fallowfield CampusThe Fallowfield is a student accommodation with 8 multi-storey blocks including a Warden’s flat and Energy Centre, amenity hub, landscaping and external works. Each residence will have 10 bedrooms per floor with ensuite bathroom pods and a shared kitchen. 1,122 student rooms are spread over the blocks with a combined floor area of 32,020m2. The Fallowfield Campus is the main residential campus of the University of Manchester. It’s a vibrant place where thousands of students live alongside residents – creating e a real sense of community. The mix of shops, cafes, bars and a frequent bus service to and from the city centre makes it an ideal location to live.Construction detailsThe blocks are constructed using pre-fabricated lightweight steel framing system panels which provide structure to the building when used along with composite concrete floors. External materials are predominantly buff brickwork with feature elevations picked out in charcoal fibre cement slate roofing and cladding. Study bedrooms incorporate built-in storage and furnishings and a high specification pre-fabricated GRP en-suite shower pod.  Solar shading is much more than decorationThe vertical solar shading system DucoSun Ellips was chosen for this project and supplied by Contrasol. This solar shading system, in which a blade with of 200 mm was chosen, guarantees not only maximum daylight, thanks to the optimal inclination angle and number of louvre blades. At the same time, DucoSun Ellips 200 ensures that the sun’s rays do not get a chance to heat up the Fallowfield interior spaces directly. The vertically installed solar shading system offers maximum privacy while maintaining the view outside.

The Project Gloucester Business Park, Plot 1420, takes the form of three buildings grouped around a landscape courtyard, the buildings are split into six self-contained units which are sub-divided floor by floor.  Gloucestershire is excellent for transport links & the parks modern and flexible working environment also provides sufficient parking for all employees and visitors Plot 1420 won Kier Central Site of the Quarter for Jan – March 2015. The site scored 100% when externally audited by the BSI for Quality and Environmental Performance.The ChallengeManufacture, deliver and install premium quality system befitting the development and the client’s requirements.Offer complimentary system for use in the shower areas &produce Solid Surface troughs to bespoke lengths, exceeding 3000mm. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 44 Full Height system provides a sleek flush fronted façade delivering the upmost in quality, design and privacy. Complimentary Mariner Cubicles finished in matching laminate installed in the wet areas. 12mm Solid Grade Laminate is recommended for shower enclosures the core material is manufactured with phenolic resins which ensures the self-supporting panels are impervious to water penetration and will stand the test of time against water/moisture ingressAll Cubicles and Vanities are finished in Oak Classic High-Pressure Laminate along with a Corian Vanity Top in Designer White. All working to complement each other and deliver a harmonious natural colour scheme generating a tranquil & calming atmosphereNick Flexen-Cook at Kier Construction has said – “Plot 1420 was delivered by the best, highest performing team that I have ever been privileged to be a part of. The tenant is rightly delighted with their facility which exceeds their expectations.”SpecificationProduct Range: MarinerDoors: 12mm Compact SGL Sonae Oak Classic M3817Pilaster: 12mm Compact SGL Sonae Oak Classic M3817Partition: 12mm Compact SGL Sonae Oak Classic M3817Ironmongery: Stainless SteelClient:GoodmanContractor:KierArchitect:Frank Shaw Associates LtdLocation:Gloucestershire

Nestled in a secluded location, the village of Lavenham has been a picturesque place to live since its mediaeval origins. But with housing supply limited within the bounds of the existing village, in 2016 residents voted for a new development to go ahead – providing it was in-keeping with their historic homes.The designs of The Paddocks’ 25 new properties therefore draw on influences from the Tudor and Regency homes and cottages already lining the streets of the village, reflecting their style and materials. Ranging from two to four-bedrooms, each home has been gifted its own individuality, with traditional finishes, such as rendering and weatherboarding linking them back to the original properties. Attention to the quality and scale of landscaping around the site has also been factored in to mirror the countryside that embraces the site.However, while the new homes certainly have similar characteristics to the houses already in the village, they do not share their energy inefficiency. Beneath the traditional finishes are contemporary homes with ambitions to keep carbon emissions to a minimum. To do this, Hartog Hutton decided to take a two-pronged approach to reducing CO2 emissions: by installing solar panels and electric car charging points, and by using thermally insulative fabrics, including blockwork.For the structural foundations, the housebuilder therefore turned to Lignacite’s 100mm and 140mm Lignacrete blocks, which are designed for high-strength uses. With an A1 fire rating, Hartog Hutton could also ensure that future residents would have an additional layer of fire protection.Lignacite Ash GP blocks then form the bulk of the buildings. With strong and durable characteristics, these blocks are ideal for all kinds of applications. More importantly, they also have great thermal insulation of 0.298 m2K/W (for 1400mm blocks at 3% moisture), which satisfies all the latest requirements of the Building Regulations Approved Document L.The remainder of each structure uses Lignacite’s Fibo 850/950, which forms the substrate for the weatherboarding and rendering. They provide an excellent surface for these finishes while also adding to the overall thermal insulation of the property. A final advantage is that these blocks are extremely lightweight and can be put into place one-handed.

The purpose:Taylor Wimpey’s Eclipse development was the final phase of the large-scale modernisation and renewal strategy for the London Borough of Walthamstow Forest, known as The Blackhorse Lane Action Plan. Eclipse would offer affordable social and private housing via 500 homes in two six-storey apartment blocks.To help satisfy one of the Plan’s objectives- “to ensure new developments incorporate the highest levels of sustainable design and their impact on climate change is minimised”- we installed green roofs on both blocks. As it was the final development phase, space was limited; time was also an influencing factor in facilitating the tight build programme,avoiding delays, and enabling the client to deliver much-needed new homes.Our solutionTo enable fulfilment of the brief, we recommended our HM-40 Paratech Hot Melt Roofing System as the inverted waterproofing base for the green roof. A fully-bonded system, HM-40 is a robust, durable, and highly flexible monolithic, self-healing hot-melt waterproofing system for protected roofs, green roofs, terraces, and podium decks with a 40-year durability statement. In addition, it is firerated for unrestricted use when covered with a green or ballast roof.Unlike other hot melt systems that use fleeces, the Paratech system incorporates a reinforcement mesh: this allows the system to be rolled out, making waterproofing installation faster, thereby enabling the contractor to lay the top roofing layer of artificial grass and landscaped green roofs. Unfortunately, an on-site compound to store the roofing components was unavailable. We worked closely with T&T Roofing and Taylor Wimpey to ensure deliveries arrived in build sequence for immediate use, but without adversely impacting residents who had already moved into their newhomes.“The features of the flat roof system provided a seamless, issue-free roof installation, with rapid installation time causing minimal disruption. Langley’s technical team was always on hand to provide assistance when necessary, working collaboratively to guarantee a consistent and highquality installation.”