"lighting fittings luminaires"

Washroom designed, manufactured and installed new washrooms and fitted out the reception area for the new Trampoline and Play Park at Sutton Sports Village. The team specified a vivid shade of orange throughout the centre including on the Forte SGL cubicles, Concerto SGL duct panels, SGL vanities and HPL reception desk. With accessibility a key consideration, Washroom installed two different sized washroom cubicles; one with half-height doors for younger children, disabled toilets with outwards opening doors and ensured the pilasters provided a colour contrast to the cubicle doors to assist any partially sighted visitors to the centre.

To make sanitation convenient for the busy doctors and nurses, our conveniently sized, pre-plumbed recessed and boxed-out units, from our Vepps healthcare range were placed in all consultation rooms. “The move into the new building was the biggest event in the Doctors’ Practice for a generation. The selection of Vepps units in the consulting and treatment rooms was an important part of delivering a modern Primary Care Centre, with modern, compliant, spacious, bright and colourful rooms, fit for delivering Primary Care Services for the next generation and beyond.” - David Golland, Project Manager for Strand Medical Centre, Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex

24 Savile Row, located in London’s prestigious Mayfair neighbourhood, is a stunning 7-storey landmark building that reflects the quality and bespoke genesis of its tailoring history. Carefully chosen materials, along with its iconic location and BREEAM Excellent rating, made it the perfect choice for a leading international real estate headquarters.Vtec’s MaxiBeam System was selected to create an iconic interior design feature for this office fit-out, enhancing its luxurious elements.Explore today how we created visual vertical patterns and integrated smart technology into the MaxiBeam Vertical Screens.

We were delighted to complete a playground regeneration project for at this stunning location in rural Hampshire. The site was situated on an idyllic location, with a cricket pitch on one side and sweeping downland countryside also adjacent. The council was looking for a natural aesthetic to match the surroundings, and Lappset glue laminated timber was an excellent fit. We installed a new 137124m multiplay, 2 flat seat swings, 2 cradle seat swings and a basket swing, and the surfacing was completed with black wet pour rubber. We very much enjoyed working on this project and thanks to the council for commissioning us to carry out the works.

A four-storey underground car park needs to meet enormous fire protection requirements. Preventive fire and smoke protection and fully functional escape routes and emergency exits were top of the list when planning the doors and barriers. T90 fire and smoke protection doorsets were used for highly frequented areas with a higher risk of fire and the gallery and escape routes between the individual fire compartments were fitted with single and double-leaf T30 doorsets with round glazing. Access points to the individual levels were equipped with T30 sliding doors and T30 sectional doors.

This grand Edwardian property began life as commercial premises, but has recently been given a new lease of life by urban regeneration experts Stockwool Design. The site near the City of London, known as Sterling Mansions, has been transformed into 59 quality apartments for Berkeley Homes. We designed, manufactured and installed 216 traditional timber flush casement windows with feature moldings. Fitted with high acoustic double glazing on the Leman Street elevation, the windows achieved an impressive 45 dB Rw acoustic performance rating (55.4 ACf / 12 / 44.1 Low-E glass).

Owen Street development is one of the city’s most high profile residential-led developments. But how would the planned integration of health and fitness facilities within the complex impact on the tranquillity of residents? TVS was approached by Fisher Acoustics to recommend a specialist acoustic floor build-up that would meet stringent acoustic criteria to protect residents and leisure users from any unwanted transmitted noise. The approved solution from TVS included installation of a specialist TVS RESi Dry Floating Floor System across the two floors incorporating the High Intensity Interval Training facilities and Yoga studios.

Heathrow terminal 5 was a project over 20 years in the making. Designed to be the largest free standing building in the United Kingdom, Terminal 5 is a £4 billion development constructed to maintain Heathrow’s status as one of the premier international airports in the world. Built to handle 35 million passengers a year, Terminal 5 houses more than 100 restaurants and shops within the building for passengers to choose from. HAG’s role was to provide vital high-level security to a large number of shopping outlets, fitting our Alulink security grilles, Armourguard roller shutters and Alishield roller shutters.

Associated Architects chose SAS International to provide the high acoustic and finishing touches to the UoB academic interior fit-out. Anodised gold cladding and bulkheads were selected to encase the atrium lift-shafts, the main staircase and highlighting the university crest on the 4th floor. Three additional acoustic treatments for open soffit areas were specified over computer clusters and lounge spaces. SAS500 baffles and bespoke ring shaped and circular rafts were designed and manufactured by SAS to fulfil this requirement. The architects have effectively linked elements of the build to the next tying the theme of regency with modern amenities.

A quaint family home in the South Downs Conservation Area has recently seen upgrades to its noise and thermal insulation with Selectaglaze secondary glazing. A total of 13 Series 10 – 2 and 3 pane horizontal sliders were specified and installed across the front elevation openings in 8014 matt sepia. Noise ingress was reduced due to installation with a 100mm cavity and 6.8 laminated glass. Draughts have been dramatically reduced with the high performance seals and close fitting of the secondary glazing. Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004.

Surespan manufactured this HIACE/GWO aluminium, single leaf, flush floor access hatch for a company in London to fit a structural opening 2600 x 650mm, recessed with TripleLite ‘Walk-on-glass’ infill. The lid is operated by two 24v DC actuators. The TripleLite 34mm thick glass suits pedestrian domestic loading only. The patent frame with unique hidden hinges incorporates an EPDM unbroken seal to help prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. This access cover is not watertight, it is self-draining. Should any water pass the seals it will be dispersed via an integral drainage channel.

A quaint family home in the South Downs Conservation Area has recently seen upgrades to its noise and thermal insulation with Selectaglaze secondary glazing. A total of 13 Series 10 – 2 and 3 pane horizontal sliders were specified and installed across the front elevation openings in 8014 matt sepia. Noise ingress was reduced due to installation with a 100mm cavity and 6.8 laminated glass. Draughts have been dramatically reduced with the high performance seals and close fitting of the secondary glazing. Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004.

Jesus Church had Selectaglaze secondary glazing installed by partner Fenestral, to raise the thermal efficiency of its thirteen lancet shaped stained glass windows in the north and south walls. The heating of the church is run on an antiquated oil-fired system which takes time to warm up the building. Once heated, a great deal of the energy was lost through the original windows. Special timber grounds were produced with enlarged gothic curved heads. By fitting the units nearer to the reveal, the primary windows are beautifully framed and the 13, Series 41 side hung casements have clearance to open.

David Austin Roses, award winning rose growers and home of the National Rose Collection, has recently installed Alumasc Rainwater steel gutters and downpipes at its nursery tea rooms in Shrewsbury. Following a recent extension they wanted to give the property a new lease of life as the existing plastic rainwater was becoming unsightly and tired. Rainwater specialists Roweaver Developments Ltd recommended the perfect solution for David Austin Roses with Alumasc’s contemporary steel range. The replacement steel guttering complements the timber cladding of the building and fits in with the overall look of its well-kept gardens.

ASF were approached by artists Lucy Strachan and Fred Baier who had produced conceptual drawings of laser cut tree grilles. Alongside these drawings was a brief that the guards should fit with invisible fixings into the ASF 303 cast iron tree grille. ASF took these concepts forward and produced a set of tree guards that met the needs of both the artistic concept and the required practical applications. The guards were first laser profiled and then rolled to the desired diameter. The guard halves then had to be hand fettled and blended so the pattern carried perfectly through 360 degrees.

The transformation and repurposing of an existing building into new serviced offices in Shropshire is using bespoke manufactured aluminium parapet capping from the Pendock Linea range to provide high-quality finish.Incorporating a slate grey PPC finish, to blend in with the existing column casings that support the canopy, the PC-F style flat parapet capping's are manufactured from 2mm thick aluminium, which resists weatheringPendock carried out all the site surveys, manufacturing and the final installation of the parapet capping's on this project, which involved the removal and re-fitting of the column casings to provide a water-resistant barrier for the brickwork.

The Royal & Derngate Theatre is a mult-purpose space which can be configured for a variety of performances. Harlequin’s stage refurbishment project was the first restoration undertaken since 2005 when the theatre was first re-developed.A comprehensive multi-layered Harlequin Stage System. Harlequin fitted new battens to strengthen the stage over which a further double-layer of wood ply was installed. The stage surface was finished with a black Harlequin Standfast vinyl performance floor. The complete refurbishment project covered the entire stage area incorporating wings, lifts, orchestra pit and retractable removable seating.

Junckers solid hardwood flooring has been installed at The New Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge, an award- winning new building by Niall McLaughlin Architects. An interior of cross-laminated timber and hardwood create a welcoming and modern study environment with interconnecting rooms and spaces. The New Library at one of University of Cambridge’s oldest colleges provides a wide variety of resources, both print and digital, including books, journals, and reference works. There are more than 90 study spaces across three floors with a mix of individual desks, comfortable seating, and window seats. The long-length Junckers’ 20.5mm Oak Boulevard Harmony plank flooring provides a warm and elegant backdrop, complementing the use of timber throughout the building. A series of brick columns echo the gabled buildings typical of the College’s architecture and carefully considered windows and roof lights provide plenty of natural light making the library a comfortable and inspiring place to study and work. A solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a crevice-free surface which cannot harbour dust or mites. It is easy to keep clean and contributes to a healthy indoor climate, one of the RIBA’s targets in its 2030 Climate Challenge for architects. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure no harmful gasses are released into the room. Installing timber in an interior helps minimise static from electrical appliances and helps maintain an even temperature, an important consideration for a well-used library. The New Library by Niall McLaughlin has won several awards including the Wood Awards Gold Award 2021, the Civic Trust Award 2022, and a RIBA East Regional Award 2022. The Times newspaper named The New Library one of the coolest new buildings of the year (2021). 

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Robertson Construction to provide a complete range of street furniture elements including seating, planters, cycle parking, and bollards to the external space of a newly built Care Centre and Library in the historic market town of Belper. We offered extensive assistance throughout the project including attendance at design meetings looking at materiality, cost, and installation demands which changed a number of times throughout the project.Although largely a new build, the existing façades of a former Thornton’s Factory have been retained, refurbished, and carefully incorporated into the scheme maintaining considerations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of the area.Artforms' premium selection of street furniture perpetuates the careful consideration for the site heritage as well as offering an inviting space for the public and residents of the home. As well as providing space for socialising and natural splashes of colour with plants, the concrete seating and planters echo the light stone of the new section of the development.The inclusion of Moka Bollards and Cubes in Corten provides elegant seating and pedestrian safety whilst coordinating with the restored red-bricked factory façades. The Corten products were supplied with a unique seal coating that significantly reduces the risk of any leaching - ensuring the surrounding paving maintains its clean light colour.The symmetry in the positioning and layout of these elements creates an inviting space leading to the building’s entrance.Finally, a shelter and a number of cycle stands have been provided to ensure people traveling to the space on bikes have secure parking spaces. The new Ada Belfield Centre & Belper Library was previously an unused and derelict building, now it is a space to offer high-quality care that is connected to the local community. Events can now take place bringing residents and members of the public together by utilising the new external space as well as the Library, which also features a café.

With beautiful views of the Belvoir Valley, the client wanted a contemporary architectural piece that would integrate comfortably with its surrounding landscape whilst maintaining a natural yet modern 21st century aesthetic.Sustainability was at the forefront of the client’s brief, who wanted a recycled material for the external cladding that would accommodate the robust, maintenance-free and high quality requirements of the build. With the sensitive and vast wildlife of its surrounding landscape in mind, the property needed to be natural, both in terms of its aesthetic and its components, embodying an effective fusion of sustainability and simplicity.The SolutionBuilt to embrace the panoramic views, this two-floored structure is fuelled by the natural light of its landscape with its beautiful vast windows and balconies. Our stone Pioneer cladding was chosen to accompany this natural appeal, enhancing the contemporary simplicity that the client desired. Installed alongside our edging, fascia and fasteners, we supplied the complete system for the cladded sections of this striking exterior, suiting the sustainable prerequisites of the project as well as the contemporary visual requirements.Using clean lines and sophisticated lighting, this building is both articulate and elegant, conveying an elevated piece of architecture that both stands out and blends in. Having won 2019 RIBA House of the Year, we are proud to have contributed to this stunning project.Customer Feedback“We decided to use EnviroBuild on the Belvoir Vue project because we liked the product in aesthetic terms but were also looking for a product that would perform with stability and durability. From the outset, the project was intended to be sustainable and, once again, the product was a perfect choice.”Project DetailsSize: 116 m²Product: Stone Hyperion Composite Cladding (The same finish can be achieved using our Sentinel Class B fire rated composite cladding)Client:  From Residential Architect: CBP Architects Location: Vale of Belvoir, Granby

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is the biggest public procurement organisation the UK. At its busy offices in Norwich, Style worked with contractor, Sol Services Ltd, to create flexible space in one of the meeting rooms, enabling staff to configure the area into two smaller rooms or to completely open-up the area into one single space.The partitioning experts at Style designed a system that combines two glass folding partitions with impressive 42dB Rw acoustic ratings, alongside a Stylefold 120 solid folding wall with a 50 dB Rw rating, successfully delivering the level of adaptability demanded by CCS.With over 900 employees spread across four UK offices, CCS uses its commercial expertise to help buyers in central government and across the public and third sectors to purchase everything from locum doctors and laptops to police cars and electricity. The new partitioning moveable walls help ensure there is always the required room space available to accommodate the myriad of meetings that happen each week. “This is a great example of how a combination of solid and glass acoustic folding walls can create flexible meeting room space which offers light and visibility but is also very private,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“These walls are so effortless and light to manoeuvre that the space can be reconfigured in minutes, which means different room options can be created for different meetings throughout the day.“The glass moveable walls also retain that feeling of having open plan space, whilst the impressive acoustic integrity of these folding walls means that meetings can take place completely undisturbed.”Further adding to the interior design of the room, graphics were added to the solid moveable wall with matching manifestations on the glass.

Working with architects, Broe & Co LLP, Style was specified to install a new folding wall system to the ground floor of the Bloomsbury Street Day Nursery in Brighton, creating a flexible environment where children are encouraged to learn, play and explore at their own pace.Allowing nursery staff to separate the room into two, Style recommended a Stylefold acoustic glass folding wall with a 44dB Rw rating, ensuring that activities either side of the wall can take place undisturbed. By choosing a glazed folding wall, staff can maintain a watchful eye on the children and the area continues to enjoy an airy and open feel, even when the wall is in place.This manually operated folding wall is light and simple to open and close, encouraging staff to change the room configuration to suit daily activities. The pass door means the wall can remain in place for longer periods if desired without hindering access between rooms.“For schools, day centres, and community halls the Stylefold folding wall is a really effective solution,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group sales director.“It can be opened and closed in seconds, the acoustics are superb – which means you can enjoy privacy either side, and this modestly priced folding wall solution is ideal for when budgets are tight.“A folding wall can also help cut energy costs by avoiding having to heat and light a large open plan area when the entire space is not actually required – something that is at the top of most people’s priorities at the moment.”As well as the glazed option, the Stylefold folding wall is also available in a variety of finishes, including painted, polished wood veneer or a wide range of standard or high-pressure laminates.It can also be installed with writeable white board panels, which is ideal in a teaching environment.

The £82 million redevelopment of Coventry’s rail station has seen the creation of a new entrance building and multi-storey car park, with Senior Architectural Systems playing a key role in its creation.Designed by AHR Architects, the West Midlands station is one of the busiest outside of London. The project is the latest to have been delivered by Senior and its long-term supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems and Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd.Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system was specified for the main station building, helping to flood the concourse with natural light. Senior’s robust SD automatic commercial sliding doors were also installed to provide secure, safe and accessible access to the thousands of passengers who use the station every day. Additionally, the new-look station also features a footbridge to allow easier access to the platforms and bus interchange.Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system provided the ideal balance of aesthetics and performance by allowing copious amounts of light to enter the building and offering enhanced thermal efficiency. The aluminium frames were powder coated to boost durability and also complement the station’s feature grey and red cladding. Senior’s SPW501 aluminium commercial swing doors were also specified throughout to provide a safe and secure solution to such a high traffic environment.The extensive use of glazing on the building also pays homage to the original station building which is located nearby but owing to its Grade II status, could not be extended or developed to meet the increased demand on Coventry’s rail network. Ahead of the wider refurbishment of the original building, the large glazed panels have been used to frame various artwork from local artists and create another focal point for visitors to the city.

With a focus on the needs of the local community, the newly constructed St Philip’s Church Centre near Birmingham, has been designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, from regular worship to choir practice, toddler groups and Pilates.Adding flexibility to the open-plan, 350 seat Worship Space, partitioning expert Style worked with Kier Construction and architects, Robothams, to install a Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable wall, dividing the area into two separate rooms, as required.Allowing light into both areas, the partition includes two Variflex glass panels as well as vision panels within the double door. With an impressive 52db acoustic rating, the moveable wall allows a noisy event to be hosted alongside say, a prayer group, without causing disturbance.St Philip's Church in Dorridge, Birmingham, reopened following a project to demolish the old buildings and replace them with a single, modern building with large open plan, flexible areas for worship and other community events. “This is an ideal solution for St Philip’s Church,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“The moveable wall is so light and smooth to operate it can be opened and closed very easily, and its high acoustic rating means that different events can take place throughout the day without sound seeping through to the other side.“The double pass door means the moveable wall can be left in situ for extended periods, however thanks to its ease of manoeuvre, the Variflex can be opened up effortlessly when the entire space is required.”Style is the UK’s multi-award-winning market leading moveable wall specialist, and the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG. It offers a complete range of moveable, folding and partitioning walls for all requirements and budgets across multiple market sectors.

With the help of a dark colour palette and classic features, owner and Senior Designer of Multiform Copenhagen Lene Halse Hornemann has created a wonderfully sophisticated home, full of glamour. Shades of black and dark grey throughout lend an elegance to the newly renovated home, and luxury materials including velvet, leather and brass introduce texture and comfort.A renovation projectLene and her husband restored the early 20thC villa to its former glory, reinstating many original features and filling the house with timeless design pieces and much-loved antiques. The dark colour scheme is enhanced by natural materials, such as the Junckers solid oak herringbone flooring installed throughout the house. The rigorous geometric pattern softened by the structural grain patterns and colourations inherent in the wood provide a warm and elegant backdrop that will last for generations to come. The flooring was fitted over underfloor heating.A stunning centerpieceThe home’s crowning glory is the kitchen by Multiform, an award winning design.  A large island in brass takes centre stage in the space, contrasted with black stained oak cabinetry and glossy black tiles around the perimeter. The state-of-the-art kitchen oozes elegance and at the same time a practical, functional space to cook, eat, entertain and live in.Good Design LastsUnited in the quest for exceptional quality and traditional craftsmanship rooted in Danish design, Multiform and Junckers enjoy a long-standing collaboration. Many of the kitchen company’s showrooms are fitted solid hardwood floors from Junckers – a perfect partner to the elegant kitchens.

Riverside Leisure Centre in Exeter is run by Exeter Leisure and boasts a Gym, Swimming Pool, Health Suite, Sports Hall, Squash Courts and more. Following Helmsman’s work with Exeter City Council on the changing rooms at St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre, we were asked to return to Exeter for some repair work at the Riverside Leisure Centre.Whilst Helmsman had not fitted the original lockers and locks, our service department are equipped to help with repairs and replacements for lockers and other products provided and/or fitted by other manufacturers. The Riverside Leisure Centre lockers had a number of faulty digital locks, and so we recommended a new lock that would stand the test of time.Our team removed 290 doors and re-drilled to fix the new Ojmar OTS Advanced RFID locks. The existing doors with new locks were then re-fixed to the lockers. The new locks allow users to open or close lockers by simply pressing a proximity media: card, bracelet or Wellness® key against the doorknob. With a high battery life and vandal proof design, this lock is the perfect choice for a leisure centre changing rooms.It was great to be invited back by Exeter City Council and highlights the high quality of work Helmsman provided at St Sidwell’s Point. We look forward to working alongside the team at Exeter City Council again in the future.If you have a similar project you need updating, replacing or refurbishing, even if Helmsman didn’t supply the products, contact our Service Department on 01284 530427 or email service@helmsman.co.uk

A stunning installation of the SPIG-LITEadvanced in Cornwall.If you own a home by the Cornish sea you don’t want to miss out on any of the view. This home, high above the water boasts enormous panoramic sea views. Cornwall is known for its quick changing weather, and high winds could be a downside to this location. However, there is an easy solution! A frameless glass balustrade. SPIG-LITEadvanced can support glass up to 1100mm high. Creating an elegant and stylish windbreak to protect furniture and people on the balcony. Without a channel being used, more of the view can be enjoyed. For this installation, the spigots are placed below eye-level when you’re on the balcony but can be seen from other angles around the property. The SPIG-LITEadvanced is easier to install and transport to and from any site. The lightweight and compact product can fit into smaller vans to fit through those country winding lanes. For our installers, there are many advantages to this product; the easy installation, adjustment, product weight and outstanding test results. SPIG-LITEadvanced can be spaced 500mm apart, enabling just 2 spigots per 1000mm piece of glass. Free water drainage is also a big benefit to this product, rain and water can flow beneath the glass, reducing the chance of water ingress and making this product perfect to use around swimming pools or other wet areas. If you’re interested in reading about the SPIG-LITEadvanced head over to the product page. 

Project DetailProject: TGI FridaysLocation: The Avenue, O2 Arena, London, UKProduct: TS.9205 BC High usage architectural door closerProject DescriptionThe O2 Arena in London was prime location to enhance the many food stores and eating places. Known by many as a great place to be, it makes sense to serve food where the need is greatest. After a concert, during a football match, or at the time when and where Royalty give special speeches or Charities give heart rendering calls for action, you can be assured that food is being prepared and served to all.The O2 Arena stands at the centre of all time and show cases the TS 9205 iconic high usage door closers that work while you shop or eat or rest. Set at the busiest spot in the restaurant between the stores and the front of house, it shines under pressure and speed of use powering the doors quietly to a closed position. The TS 9205 door closer with its varying power and high efficiency catches the moment in its Satin finish.The TS 9205 architectural, third party UKAS approved door closer was chosen for the refurbishment fit-out with in the many and vast places of the centre because of:High efficiency and ease of operation which matched the regular use and high trafficVariable power size to help ease the speed of fitting and adjusting.35 year guaranteeMatching the aesthetic finish and design for the modern building.

Crossley Webb Contracts Ltd have specialised in providing exceptional quality interior refurbishments and fit-outs for the past 16 years. They were tasked to fully refurbish 14 hotel rooms and bathrooms located at the Bannatyne Hotel Durham. They required a product that was quick to install but equally had a desirable look.CWC specified Bushboard Nuance wall panels, Bushboard’s Nuance is a unique wall panelling system that is 100% waterproof, extrusion free and can be installed in a matter of hours offering a wide choice of stunning designs and textures to create any bathroom the client wishes.OBSERVATIONS‘Bushboard were recommended to CWC through a regular client and after thoroughly researching the product we decided to use it due to it’s practicality.It is the ideal product for refurbishment and fit-out projects as working to tight deadlines means we need to have the flexibility for quick installation. Nuance meets this requirement perfectly.’Bushboard panels can be tailored and installed in a matter of hours. In Bushboard’s time trials, Nuance was up to six times faster to install than traditional tiles. For a project Nuance is perfect to cut down the disruption.OUTCOMECWC specified Driftwood, this decor is printed in life-like proportion and enhanced by a realistic texture, mirroring the beauty of real wood.‘We loved working with the product and our clients think the overall finish looks outstanding. The product is hard wearing and easy to install, along with a great modern and stylish look.We will definitely use Nuance panels again on future projects.’For more information about the Bushboard products, request a RIBA CPD,

Pupils at Tittensor First School love their new PE equipment.The school has invested in a Children’s Activ8 Outdoor Multi Gym, providing a total of eight fitness stations so pupils can enjoy a workout together.The Activ8 puts social inclusion at the heart of school outdoor fitness, attracting even the most reluctant pupils and helping everyone to understand that staying active is important for a long and healthy life.The Activ8 features a range of fun and easy to use outdoor gym equipment.At the centre is the Double Health Walker, which is a bit like an outdoor treadmill. Users march on the spot with their feet in the footboards and their hands on the handrail. This engages the core and gets the legs and lower body moving in a brisk aerobic workout to keep the heart, lungs and circulatory system healthy.Slalom Skiers, which encourage the body to move side to side for good stability and balance, are at either end of the Activ8 multi gym in an arrangement which enables pupils to encourage and motivate each other.The multi gym is completed with a double Waist Twister, wheelchair accessible Tai Chi Discs and a wheelchair accessible arm bike.The Waist Twister, as the name suggests, mobilises the waist and lower body which is complemented by the Tai Chi Discs and Arm Bike for the upper body.As part of our high quality installation service, our teams arranged for the disposal of old equipment and embedded grass mats around the new outdoor multi gym to protect the ground from heavy use.

Trent is a village and civil parish in northwest Dorset, in the beautiful Yeo Valley. The Trent Conservation Area was designated in February 1970. Many of its structures are listed due to their historical and architectural significance, including Medieval and Tudor buildings.  From 1835 to 1875, Reverend Turner and his wife occupied the village rectory. Together, they built a great number of the buildings that are still in the village today, including the Alms Houses. In 1862, the Turners constructed the National School which was to be for girls and infants. Throughout the years, the National School has seen many changes, including the introduction of boys and the expansion of the buildings. Unsurprisingly, the original metal windows at the school were not fit for purpose and the time came to replace them. This required sensitivity, as it was imperative the new windows looked similar to the originals. The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and they could be fixed directly to stone. The 16mm krypton filled units offer the much-improved thermal performance required and, like all Clement windows, the frames could be fitted with restrictors, essential for safety.Ros Baker, the Deputy Headteacher said: “We are so pleased with the finished result! The transformation the windows have made to our school and local area is fantastic. Many local residents have also commented positively on the ‘new look’ windows. They have been sympathetically upgraded, in keeping with the original school building, and have had a positive impact on our school environment. Furthermore, there was no impact on the staff or the children during the refurbishment.”

Expanding care options with fit-for-purpose solutionsAltro Wood, Altro Serenade, Altro Aquarius, Altro Stronghold 30IssueFounded in 1995, The Glen is part of the Willow Valley Communities network that offers ageing residents a mind, body and spirit approach to wellness. The Glen provides a range of support services including shortterm rehabilitation from surgery or illness, as well as specialised memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. The facility needed updating to allow residents to continue to enjoy the comforts of home while promoting their physical and mental wellbeing.ApproachTo continue its mission of designing programmes and places fit to people, Willow Valley enlisted CCS Building Group to manage The Glen expansion project, which began in 2018. CCS collaborated with their Altro representative, knowing Willow Valley’s history of using Altro products during previous renovations with proven success.SolutionThroughout its completion, The Glen project utilised multiple Altro floors. For resident rooms accommodating those receiving skilled care, CCS chose Altro Wood for its warm, domestic aesthetic. In the facility’s communal areas, Altro Serenade provides 19dB sound reduction to reduce excess noise. Altro Stronghold 30 was used in the facility’s kitchens for its superb slip resistance and comfort underfoot for busy staff. For residents’ bathrooms and shower areas, CCS selected Altro Aquarius specialist safety flooring for its high slip resistance value both in shoes or barefoot.

We worked with Squire Sanders, the global law firm, and their architect Jacobs Webber, to design their contemporary headquarters. Based in Central London at 7 Devonshire Square, their space needed to be professional, functional and fit with the aesthetic of the rest of their offices located in various countries around the world.In their building, we fitted secondary doors – for cupboards and storage spaces – that were full-height and designed to discreetly hide the casing of sliding folding walls to create a smooth and sleek interior. They worked perfectly with the architect’s plans so that the company had to make no compromises on the design they wanted within the space that they had.We also spent time drawing up a completely bespoke design for their fire extinguisher cupboards, factoring in aesthetics, function, and safety. The end result consisted of cupboards with a concealed frame, a stainless steel wrapped door, and a vision panel to see within the unit from the exterior.In terms of the doors themselves, we worked with the architect and the law firm to select the Arriva, Innova, models and bespoke SS-Faced Arriva models. These choices allowed us to create designs that worked perfectly for their use and allow the design to flow throughout their headquarters.The end result is effortlessly modern, and the design is consistent with their global branding. The functionality is improved for both employees and clients or guests, and the interior has a timeless professionalism that suits the ethos of the company.Browse the images to see exactly what we did or, if you think your commercial space needs some expert help with contemporary, functional doors, get in touch with our team at Selo, and lets get chatting.

The ChallengeFounded in 1432, Sevenoaks boarding school is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country with some of the buildings dating from the 17th Century. The client requested an easy-to-use, energy-efficient underfloor heating solution in rooms of different uses across the school that would have a negligible impact on floor heights. The installation of the system would also have to be considerate of the historic nature of the building.The SolutionDue to the need for a low floor build-up and with a project featuring a mix of floor finishes, our Foil Heater was the ideal choice for an easy-to-use and quick to install underfloor heating system. The Foil Heater is perfect for use with the school’s carpeted and wooden floor finishes and was installed in conjunction the Dual Overlay System when fitted with the carpeted flooring for a stable subfloor solution that can handle heavier load areas. Warmup’s StickyMat System was installed throughout the school’s bathrooms, which can be fitted directly within the layer of tile adhesive or levelling compound, therefore having little-to-no effect on floor heights. Our Tempo Thermostat was installed for accurate floor heat control alongside overall control by a Building Management System.The ResultThe beautiful and historic Sevenoaks Boarding School has now been given a 21st Century update with a responsive Warmup heating solution that didn’t substantially raise floor heights. The staff and pupils can now enjoy radiant warmth throughout the year, leading to better comfort levels and therefore a happier space in which to study and work.

Unity Place, the new six floor state-of-the-art Swindon offices of Zurich Insurance, represents a £36m investment by the Swiss-owned global brand. Rockfon is delighted to have played its part in this innovative project where a core design remit of the 9300m2 project was to aim for BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Award winning Alec French Architects were design principals for the scheme. Architect Mercedes Mortalla Cebrian of the practice, “Rockfon were able to supply product in the required dimensions and within budget. Acoustics were very important – calculations were made, with their products providing the solutions which complied to the relevant regulations The Rockfon team were incredibly helpful, providing great technical support and very quick to answer any queries.”The innovative interiors at Unity Place utilise a limited colour palette to great effect in creating a chic paired back, industrial aesthetic which also manages to offer visual warmth and a sense of quality and light with full height window walls featured throughout.Zurich Project Manager Ian White, “When we were looking for a contractor to deliver this new building for us, it was important that they understood our environmental policy and how sustainability is at the heart of this new building. …we are delighted with our new building.”Skanska was appointed as main contractor. They stated, ‘Skanska used a low carbon site set-up approach to realise Zurich’s aim of providing a sustainable environment for employees, through a climate-smart building. It’s targeting BREEAM Excellent – which will put it in the top ten per cent of non-residential buildings in the UK in terms of sustainability.’Skanska Operations Director Charlie Norris added, “We’re proud that this development has delivered the first new office space in the heart of Swindon in a generation and it’s in a state-of-the-art, sustainable building. “Ultimately, the aim was building a sustainable workplace that enhances peoples’ wellbeing.”The varied work of installing the acoustic solutions throughout the building was the responsibility of Bristol-based Topfix Interiors, which delivers specialised interior solutions to all sectors of the construction industry. Topfix Site Manager Scott Dunn spoke about the work, “This was an interesting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding project. We had to research a new system using parallel suspension rails on the north side of the development and the crane necessary to carry out high level installations within the multi-storey atrium also tested the team’s skill and fortitude.”A specialist range for every spaceRockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “This stunning development offered us the great opportunity to feature around 3800m2 of our specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of the spaces which make up this great project. They include: Eclipse Islands in square, rectangular and circular formats; Universal Baffles; Medicare, Color-all and two variants of our Blanka range.Rockfon Blanka® offers a wide choice of options for installation and usage and is in evidence in two variants at Unity Place. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Its easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money. The high light reflectance of the ceiling systems at the Swindon offices optimise natural light, helping provide healthy interiors whilst minimising energy costs. Superior acoustic performance is demonstrated across all Rockfon ranges. It’s a key reason why it is preferred by so many specifiers. Independent research shows improved acoustics can reduce stress levels by 27% and increase focus by 48%, aiding wellbeing while optimising productivity. Rockfon Eclipse® – elegance and performanceAcoustic Eclipse islands are installed in various formats and dimensions throughout the building. These frameless, lightweight ceiling islands can be specified in an almost unlimited range of shapes and can also be custom colour matched. They are often used to subtly and elegantly camouflage necessary services and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Quick and easy to install, Eclipse islands are also perfect for thermal mass installations with their rear surface providing excellent heat and light reflection. All Rockfon ranges are made from non-combustible stone wool, which is impervious to most environmental pressures, embodies very high humidity resistance and guards against the incidence of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.Rockfon Color-all® is available in a standard range of 34 exclusive colours and can be supplied in almost any colour. It was installed in the Charcoal option using secret fixings, under stairways where visual impact and sound control were important considerations. Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. Encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, they feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. They are available in white and in a selection of colours.Rockfon Medicare® for when bacterial control is key HTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was also installed to offer outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1), simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 5) mark it out as a first choice for areas where increased cleanliness is required.Contemporary company headquarters and offices are increasingly required to offer a wide spectrum of spaces under one roof. From lobbies and atria, to offices, break-out areas, auditoria and cafes – each with its own specific needs in terms of acoustics and other characteristics. Rockfon has the products, expertise and experience to deliver solutions to offer outstanding performance that also looks beautiful.