"lighting fittings luminaires"

The Cabin is a stunning residential project in West Wales.Featuring motorised roller blinds, motorised curtain tracks and specialist tensioned rooflight blinds, this project has a little bit of everything when it comes to shading.Being as this was one of the most aesthetically pleasing projects we have ever worked on, it was vital that the shading provided functionality and style simultaneously. Umbra's' wide range of hardware options and powder coating services meant that the blinds and curtains could fit both the interior design style and the stunning scenery flawlessly.Being a modern style, it was absolutely vital that the shading solutions were smart home compatible. Every blind that Umbra fitted was controllable via a smartphone app. This meant that the home owner had complete control over the blinds directly from their phone. With the ability to set scenes, create automatic schedules, and make use of various sensors, (including light, weather and presence detectors) to gain fully autonomous control over their shading.Another unique challenge that the project posed was that of temperature control. The project had the dual challenge of large glazed windows and a costal location, (meaning the weather has the capability to go from scorching heat to vicious gales at the drop of a hat). Specialist fabrics were selected from Umbra's very own fabric range to provide optimal heat gain and loss control.All of these factors came together in perfect harmony to create one of the most visually pleasing and functionally robust projects Umbra have completed to date.

INNOVATIVE OFFICE INSTALL CREATES STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE SPACE Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) range was specified by design and fit out company, Oktra, to transform an office building into a stylish and modern workspace. It was also installed adhesive free using IOBAC MagTabsÒ, to help achieve Akoya’s sustainability requirements.  Oktra were recruited by Akoya and Brunswick Property Partners, to repurpose an office building to create a vibrant and attractive space for young professionals and entrepreneurs to work in. Formally known as Knollys and Stephenson House, the building will be rebranded as Mosaic East, a comprehensive refurbishment of one of East Croydon’s most iconic office developments.  Typically, carpet tiles or exposed raised access flooring are the go-to solution in these scenarios, however with a premium design required, Oktra opted for something different, as Danielle La Porte, Designer at Oktra explains: “Akoya wanted to create a range of category A office suites that would be memorable to tenants, while also meeting sustainability requirements. With this brief in mind, we specified Forbo’s Allura Flex LVT, which is available in range of elegant colourways and wood effect designs – perfect for this project! “We wanted to add some brand identity within the category A suites, so we decorated some of them in a light pink colour with linear LED lighting, and other suites in a light sage green colour. To complement the colour palettes, we chose Allura Flex LVT in the Light Honey Oak shade. We then asked the flooring contractors, The Commercial Flooring Company, to install the planks in a beautiful herringbone pattern to really enhance the aesthetics of the space.” However, appearance wasn’t the only area of concern, with Akoya also conscious of the sustainability requirements. Danielle addressed this, saying: “The aesthetics of the flooring weren’t the only thing we had to keep in mind, we also had to ensure that whatever floor covering we specified would meet Akoya’s sustainability aims. It was for this reason that we specified Forbo’s Allura Flex, as it can be easily installed adhesive free, using IOBAC MagTabsÒ.” IOBAC’s innovative MagTabsÒ provide a two-dimensional hold, with one side being magnetic and the other a dry-tack adhesive. This means they can be easily magnetised onto metal raised access flooring, like those at Mosaic East, and the chosen flooring simply placed on top, negating the need for traditional adhesives. Ian Spreadborough, Founder and Director at IOBAC explains further: “Our MagTabsÒ essentially allow flooring contractors to quickly place floor coverings down onto raised access flooring, without damaging the substrate or the flooring itself. The phrase we use is ‘hard to shift, easy to lift’. The idea is that the flooring is securely fitted but can then be lifted back up to be reused elsewhere, or simply be replaced by another floor covering further down the line. “Oktra approached us as they had used our MagTabsÒ on a previous project and had been extremely impressed by their performance, so were keen to use the product again. Additionally, Forbo’s LVT and carpet tiles are approved for use with the MagTabsÒ, making it the logical choice. On top of this, Brunswick, who own the raised access flooring itself, were keen to maintain the condition of its asset, so, the tabs served a double purpose, protecting both a heavy carbon embodied asset, in the raised access flooring, and Forbo’s floor coverings.” Jon Cochrane, Director - Asset Management & Sustainability at Brunswick Property Partners, commented on the use of IOBAC’s MagTabsÒ, saying: “Cleaning adhesive residue off sub-floors in between leases is often messy, expensive and time-consuming. In some cases, the raised access floor panels are so badly contaminated that they must be completely replaced, something which isn’t sustainable, environmentally or financially.  However, using IOBAC MagTabsÒ to install floor coverings removes this issue completely. This means that our asset, in this case the raised access flooring, is protected and kept damage-free for longer-term usage.” It wasn’t just the sustainability benefits that drew Oktra towards MagTabsÒ, with the installation benefits of the tabs also a deciding factor. Daniel Hassan, Operations Manager at The Commercial Flooring Company, commented on this, saying: “Thanks to IOBAC’s MagTabsÒ, it took a team of three fitters around five days to install 900m2 of flooring in a herringbone pattern, which is challenging to install and would have taken much longer to do through traditional methods. This provided a great time saving and allowed the other trades to work around us whilst we fitted the flooring.” The time saved during the installation stage meant the project as a whole was able to be completed in just 10 weeks, a quick turnaround for such a large job. Danielle concluded: “We’re really happy with the finished project, as are Akoya; the flooring looks amazing and we’re delighted to have been able to get it fitted so quickly, as well as meet Akoya’s important sustainability aims.” To find out more about Forbo’s offering for office spaces, please visit: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices.To find out more about using IOBAC MagTabs, please visit: Adhesive-free Flooring Installation System - IOBAC MagTabs® | IOBAC | NBS Source (thenbs.com) 

A MG500 flush glazed sliding folding system completed project in Coventry. Panel profiles finished in a bronzed aluminum to match the project design. Each panel applied with crittall bars and a reeded glass film, these panels make a statement. MondernGlide were involvement in the project via Planet and it’s been a pleasure working in helping with the design and construction works onsite. The redevelopment project was split into 2 different phases. Phase 1 was all about the sympathetic refurbishment of the main B1 auditorium and associated public spaces. It is about retaining and enhancing the historic nature of this space, whilst refurbishing many of the tired and worn finishes and fittings to completely refresh the space The benefit of the MG500 is that we require no structural support within the ceiling meaning this product can be installed anywhere. With the slim back painted border you have clear view visual lines allowing a superior light flow around the office, cost-effective installation, flexibility in the work environment as well as the simple fact that they look elegant and classy.

This work at Holborn’s Chancery House  — The Office Group’s largest location to date spanning 127,000 sq ft — focused on a design that accommodates multiple working zones and breakout spaces, enhances wellbeing and offers an abundance of natural light.Radii’s design department provided multiple bespoke solutions for this fit out, working on four of the building’s nine floors.For glazed fronts, our elegant Parallel 50 (Rw 45 dB) double glazed partitions in emulated satin stainless steel finish — a reference to the historic London Silver Vaults that are located at the base of Chancery House — were utilised along with wraparound framing and a custom blade detail to create an eye-catching visual effect.On the Ground floor, single glazed Linear 59 partitions (Rw 39 dB) with a bespoke pocket sliding door into drywall was installed for platform lift access.Finally, E30 fire rated double doors were placed on the Lower Ground Floor to provide fire route protection.

NORclad have been supplying the timber cladding on this project over the past couple of years, a mixture of Tongue and Groove boards, feature fins, and open rainscreen profile.Areas for accommodation and high footfall required to also receive EuroClass B fire treatment.A HomeGrown Larch was selected for this project, having a fair spread of knots and character to be in keeping with its surrounding, a great example of selecting a suitable timber species that fits. Potentially if a timber with a lower knot content, or less defined grain would not have worked as well as this, in these natural surroundings.With English Grown Larch only being classified as slightly/ moderately durable by TRADA, the decision was made to use a high pressure treatment on all of the timber supplied for this project. NORclad Lite preservative treatment was selected, which allows the timber to naturally weather down to the silver grey as you’d expect from timber after being exposed to UV light, the treatment also offers a 30 year warranty against rot & insect attack.

A large bespoke walk on rooflight from Glazing Vision, split into 20 sections, has enabled plenty of natural daylight into this newly built basement conversion, whilst maintaining their outdoor space.With a mantra of ‘don’t move, improve’ being ever present within the world of today, it is important for homeowners to understand how they can best improve their own home and add value to not only their property but also to their style of living.So, when this homeowner spoke to Goedehuizen Architects, they were keen to understand what could be done to create more space in their home and, in particular, how they could create a new lounge area for entertaining friends. With a lack of space above ground and without removing any garden space, it was decided the best option would be to create a basement extension.One of the common problems when creating a basement extension, is you may not be able to get enough light in and the new room may end up gloomy or always dependent on artificial light. Therefore, to avoid this becoming a problem, Goedehuizen Architects sought out a rooflight option which would enable ample light to enter the basement whilst not impacting on any of the outdoor space.Impressed with his discussions with Glazing Vision Europe, it was decided that the initial concept designed by Maikel Snels, architect at Goedehuizen Architects, could be achieved and would include 3 bespoke double glaze diamond shaped walk on Flushglaze rooflights and a large multi-part walk on rooflight, in a U shape and split into 20 sections.Glazing Vision Walk-on rooflights using Flushglaze technology are designed to be installed flush with external flooring – perfect for flat roof terraces. The multipart construction also allowed the construction beams to become camouflaged within the design.Due to its frameless design the U shaped walk on Flushglaze flat rooflight, measuring 1200mm (span) x 11700mm x 15500mm x 11700mm, was not only able to provide the required natural daylight into the basement, but also created an aesthetically pleasing design that fitted into the garden well and maximised the usable space by enabling the clients to walk on the product.This additional natural daylight has helped to bring new life into the property and showcase a remarkable extension project, which has provided the homeowners with the perfect lounge area for entertaining.“The finished result is really great, we get a lot of positive response on the rooflights. Because of the rooflight the basement is a very light space.” Maikel Snels, Goedehuizen Architects.

Working with Main Contractor Stone Edge and Architects Brownhill Hayward Brown, Selectaglaze installed 47 secondary glazing units to several large gothic arched stained-glass windows in Grade II Listed St Philips Church, Wolverhampton for the purpose of noise insulation and thermal insulation. Selectaglaze installed 34 units to 11 openings, a combination of 11 Series 10 slimline horizontal sliding units and 23 Series 46 slimline fixed light units. Fixed light secondary glazing can be coupled together with other products units as over lights or side lights - ideal for arched windows as they can be shaped or curved to a full circle.

The owners wanted to add some lighting to the roof top terrace/barbecue area. They searched for a long time to find appropriate lighting but could not find anything suitable until they found Vision skirting. To enhance the Barbecue area the owners chose the MultiFix system. This allowed them to light exactly where it was needed. RezTred was installed for its long lasting anti-slip properties and to highlight the edge of each step, therefore, virtually eliminating the risk of a fall on the staircase.

Roof terrace for more space to enjoy with family and friends The ChallengeThe homeowner wanted to make sympathetic improvements to the existing components of their London townhouse without losing the essence that made it a home. This included partial conversion of main roof into terrace with access, the addition of roof light and the enlargement of an existing roof light. But with such a stunning property, standard and ordinary just would not do.The SolutionThere were three components were we provided expert advise and unique glazing solutions. Firstly, they wanted to bring more light to an existing bathroom which was achieved with an opening electric vent rooflight, that allowed both light and additional ventilation to the space.Secondly was enlargement of the roof light to a single storey extension at lower ground floor level. Thirdly was the design and installation of a Sliding over fixed rooflight above the third floor staircase that provided access to a new flat roof terrace which replaced the original butterfly roof.This now meant our client could maximise their property, create more space, and make a feature of their roof terrace where they could enjoy this vista with family and friends, capitalising on the views they and let light flood into the space below. Get in touchWhether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Originally an anonymous, almost forbidding, seven-storey office block constructed in the 1980s, York House on Pentonville Road in Islington is being transformed into a contemporary, light-filled co-working space fit for 21st century use.The original building frontage was set back from the road, but the addition of a new five-story front extension introduces an attractive double-height entrance with offices above. Using similar engineering bricks to the main, original building, the new construction allows light to flood in through the use of structurally self-supporting perforated brick lattice, angled at 45 degrees to gain stiffness. A cross-laminated timber structure sits behind while openable windows allow fresh air to circulate.At roof level, a new, cross-laminated timber structure, clad in a perforated zig-zag aluminium screen, echoes the front extension while softening the building edge.The brick selected for the project was a Blue Brindle Smooth – a high quality smooth brick that closely matched the masonry of the original building. The complexity of the lattice work structure required special shapes of brick and perforation to allow visibility through the bricks at the right points. Working closely with the architect, it took the team nine months of developing and testing to get the strength of the product right. Three lengths of brick were produced and used in the construction of the extension: 215s were used in the building of the chevron parapet, 345s were used on the parapet and alongside the entrance, and 440s were used to create the latticework on the main entrance.We are proud to announce that York House was highly commended at the 2019 Brick Awards in the Innovation category and is a great example of a collaborative approach with our customers.

The Chocolate Works is an award winning £50.0m housing project on a strategic site bounded by York Racecourse Conversation Area and the listed Terry’s of York chocolate manufacturers building, both intrinsic to the city’s rich history. The development by David Wilson Homes, provides 320 homes including apartments and family houses. IG’s standard lintels, corner lintels and windposts provide the necessary structural support for bright and stylish open-plan spaces across multiple floors.Challenge:Since the closure of the factory, the unused industrial site had been bought and sold on several occasions. A viable scheme could not be agreed and developed to respond to the local surroundings, complementing and referencing the adjacent Grade II listed chocolate factory.Solution:David Wilson Homes used community involvement at the initial design workshop which gave local people and key stakeholders a voice in the scheme’s design. The layouts of the homes achieved are simple and clear and focus on the demands of the residents for modern and contemporary style living with high ceilings and large windows providing ample natural light.IG’s technical team designed wide inner leaf corner lintels accommodating a range of sizes for ‘The Leetham’ house type for both kitchen and study areas. IG’s corner lintels allowed for flexible open-plan spaces to be suffused with natural light through a clean and minimalistic design approach. All the lintels were supplied with customised steel support posts for each mitred corner and tailored to include factory fitted spigots located in the cavity to ensure that no steelwork was visible, with the post being encased at the corner to achieve the architectural design feature.

The Dordrechts museum showcases gallery the prints of mainly Dutch painters and craftsmanship from the 17th century to today. A soft and filtered light was necessary which was achieved by combining specific lighting with Silent Gliss roller blinds systems.

Majunga Tower is a reinvention of an office block. The facades are articulated thanks to 3 bands, over 39 storeys reaching 195 meters high. This singular building has a double-skin envelop. It is made out of glass and aluminum, to allow natural light into the offices while keeping the views and a visual connection to its context. Our motorized BSO with C50 blades are integrated into this facade for complete adaptability of light and shades throughout the day. This efficient system cut lighting and air-conditioning energy consumption.

What a fantastic example of EB24 steel windows and doors as the main feature for a recent new build project! With character leaded lights used for the front of the property and clear glass at the back to maximise light and views over the landscaped garden.

THE PROJECT: Recticel supplied the high-performance thermal solution to transform a 100-year-old property in Moseley, Birmingham. Divided into nine apartments, in which two were refurbished to create one, two-storey home, the project caught the attention of the producers of Channel Four's Old House to New Home. Connecting a ground floor property to a flat above led to the creation of a modern and stylish home trimmed with decorative reminders of its structural origins.THE SOLUTION: Eurothane® GP, a high-performance rigid PIR foam board, was selected for the new home's pitched roof, framed wall and floor. Eurothane PL, Recticel's insulation and plasterboard solution was fitted to the property's existing, cavity-less, nine-inch exterior brick walls. The well-sized board ensures minimal thermal bridging during construction.Coupled with Eurothane® GP's 0.022W/mK low thermal conductivity, these products were crucial to attaining a good U-value rating. In total, 130m2 of Eurothane® GP and Eurothane® PL panels were installed.The homeowner, Paul explained:"As we were carrying-out most of the building work ourselves we wanted the best possible insulation for the project. Research revealed Recticel's solutions fitted the bill. Excellent thermal performance and simple to-fit, they were a far superior alternative to other insulants we considered. The panels have done so much to create a welcoming and comfortable interior environment."Used products:Eurothane® GP:Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installers.Eurothane® PL:Suitable for mechanical fixing or dot and dab fixing, this insulated board is consistently sized with extremely tight tolerances, ensuring thermal bridging is minimised. Factory bonded, the plasterboard provides optimum board dimensions and optimum adhesion between layers.

24no off-grid zonal lights powered by wind and solar energy with no mains back up required, installed in three London railway depots to provide consistent high quality night time security lighting with minimal installation works.

Working in close co-operation with the building envelope and façade contractor Colorminium, Metalline have produced a range of bespoke 3D twisted fins that will when complete take centre stage on the exterior of the redeveloped Minories Hotel in the City of London. This stunning feature was the brainchild of ACME architects who in collaboration with The Murphy Façade studio have designed a series of full storey aluminium fins that clad the existing precast frame and create a bridge between that and the unitised glazing. Fabricated offsite at Metalline’s state of the art manufacturing facility in Cannock, these 42 metre height fins were produced in 3.5 metre lengths with a depth of over 800mm. Manufactured in 2 parts, each element was assembled using a combination of aluminium stud welding and bonding techniques developed by Metalline. The fins were then fitted to the glazed panels using an aluminium bracket support system to ensure structural integrity. Finished in dark and light bronze PPC to mimic an anodised effect, the fins will create shading for the hotel’s occupants as well as an iconic architectural vista for this stand out landmark project.

Now reimagined as The Edinburgh Grand, the formerA-listed RBS head office built between 1938 and 1942 is animpressive building situated on St Andrew Square. With manypieces of Victorian antique brass and pewter ironmongeryand hundreds of original period doors throughout, theironmongery solution had to accommodate the traditionalaesthetic and be fit for the many demands of a modern hotel.Allgood was commissioned by the project’s architect andinterior designer, both long term partners of Allgood; KarenBrown of Chris Stewart Group and Eirini Christodoulou ofMorgan McDonnell. With such a striking, but unusual finish,finding coordinated hardware was a challenge. Severaloptions were assessed before settling on a brass finishapplied to the Allgood door closers, cylinders and joinerysubcontractor’s hinges.A collection of classic Frank Allart handles was chosen for allapartment front doors, which also integrated with the hotel’saccess control system. To match the patina of the agedhandles, a satin nickel-plated surface was given a light bronzefinish to produce an aged nickel silver appearance. Thisunlacquered, ‘living’ finish, will oxidize and patinate naturallyover time.

Privacy glass on a balcony is becoming a more frequent request. This installation by AC Fabrications in Cornwall on a domestic property perfectly displays how a glass privacy screen can be used. The partially frosted glass increases privacy for those on the balcony, people at ground level will not be able to see them. The non-frosted section allows the residents to enjoy their view from the privacy of their balcony. Taller glass on one side extends the privacy even more, and also will act as a windbreak. Frameless glass balustrade is often used as a windbreak on balconies, the solid pane of glass protecting those on the balcony. The installer has used POSIglaze base fit Silver brushed channel. Designed to provide the greatest possible adjustment opportunities, this system enables each panel to be perfectly aligned during, or even after, installation. POSIglaze is the perfect choice for residential to light commercial installations where up to 1.5kN frameless glass balustrade is required. This innovative patented and market leading screw-clamp technology locks glass panels into position effortlessly, with four immobilising fasteners per meter of channel. 

CABI, the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, have moved into their brand new bespoke global headquarters for the organisation in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Sitting in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this unique office development by architects, Scott Brownrigg, has been built with a low impact design and a strong emphasis on low carbon. The complete development incorporates energy-saving measures above current Building Regulations standards.  Whilst the outside of the building has been designed to be unobtrusive, allowing it to blend into its environment, internally the design has certainly been given the wow factor.  Rooflights allow natural light into the building, which continues to flow throughout by clever use of Lusso Atria glazing and Lusso 25 single frameless glazing. The glazed atrium has been installed with stunning affect and glazed partitions provide a 2,500sqm of workspace which incorporates a café restaurant, meeting rooms, and conference room/auditorium. This state-of-the-art headquarters is certainly fitting for an international organisation which will be visited by both guests and staff from around the world.     

Ikoyi is in a class of its own, not just in the culinary arts but also in interior design. Danish designer David Thulstrup uses Baltic architectural mesh from GKD for the expressive spaces of this 2-Michelin-starred London restaurant.The visionary founders of Michelin-starred restaurant Ikoyi, head chef Jeremy Chan and businessman Iré Hassan-Odukale, moved into the concrete complex “180 The Strand” close to Covent Garden at the end of 2022. The two partners succeeded in getting the renowned Studio David Thulstrup from Copenhagen on board for interior design. Thulstrup’s works include the design of Noma in Copenhagen, which has been crowned the best restaurant in the world no less than five times.For Ikoyi, Thulstrup created rooms that fully live up to the reputation of the landmarked, brutalist architectural character of this former office complex. With its rare combination of warmth and minimalism, the restaurant’s interior acts as a continuation of the food creations by Jeremy Chan.It should be noted here that in Chan’s kitchen, he not only pays attention to top-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. His cuisine also builds on spices that originate from West Africa. This is not inconsequential in the context of the architecture, as the interior designer wanted to pick up on the character of the cuisine in the dining room of Ikoyi without limiting the design to a specific culture.Copper, stone, stainless steel meshThe result shines in clear and strong architectural forms, while the material palette is refined to copper, stone, stainless steel mesh, leather and oak. The walls are clad in copper panels. Sometimes angular and solid, sometimes rounded and open, the walls shape the character of the room. The stone floor is elegant and cooler, its gentle irregular shimmer evoking images of the tamped earth floors of traditional old buildings. The ceiling covering, which is fully fitted with stainless steel mesh from GKD, creates a similar effect. It harmonizes perfectly with the architectural idea that Thulstrup describes as an interplay of opposites:“A room full of drama and peace. A room that remains true to the place and yet is not anchored in a particular culture.”Curved ceiling characterizes architectureThe character comes through most strongly in the dining room. Fabric panels spanning the room curve down on one side to meet the backs of the benches. The architectural mesh is a striking element in the design of the room. It underpins the intimate and protected atmosphere, while appearing light and flexible. Thulstrup also uses the weave structure to create subdued lighting effects.The ceiling is divided into 13 panels of GKD Baltic mesh, each approximately one meter wide. The length of the panels varies between 6 and 11 meters depending on whether they also serve as a vertical curtain down to the seats or end where they meet the vertical wall cladding. “The fabric diffuses the light as though it were another culinary ingredient,” says Marc Alonso, Architect and Market Manager for Northern Europe and UK at GKD. “Because our stainless steel mesh is completely recyclable, it also fits with the head chef’s sustainable ethos. This is a project in which our fabric is perfectly integrated into the whole by creating harmony and contrasts in juxtaposition with the other materials,” explains Alonso. That’s what the jury of the Wallpaper* Design Award 2023 think too: they awarded Ikoyi best restaurant of the year.

Project: Creative Centre, York St John UniversityClient: Tate+Co ArchitectsScope of project: Design and supply 24 bespoke-sized rooflights for the roof of a triple-height atrium to fit within apertures in a glulam timber grid.Products: 24 bespoke sized em.glaze rooflights, some with concealed actuator smoke ventsThe ChallengeThe roof of the striking 14m, triple-height atrium, which forms the centrepiece of the newly opened Creative Centre at York St John University, features a glulam timber roof grid. Architects Tate+Co wanted to punctuate that grid with bespoke sized rooflights to bring even more light into a space which is used as an exhibition, teaching and theatre space, as well as somewhere for students to mix and relax. The rooflights had to have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, in line with the overall design intent of the atrium and, because almost all the services in the atrium are hidden, needed to be available with matching concealed actuator smoke vents.The SolutionWhitesales designed and supplied 24 bespoke-sized em.glaze rooflights which suited the specification perfectly. The flush-glazed glass-to-edge design of the em.glaze units with flat sealed glass units fitted within a fully welded, thermally broken aluminium frame achieved the lean, crisp look the architects were looking for. The fact that they were also available with fully concealed actuators in the smoke vents supplied by our affiliate business Sertus was an added bonus. All the rooflights were supplied for the project complete with preformed 300mm PVC splayed upstands, which enabled them to be fitted directly into the glulam grid, saving the contractors time on site. They were also fitted with specially coated glazing which allowed for a degree of solar gain and contributing to the low energy requirements of the BREEAM Excellent rated building.‍The BenefitsAs well as the meeting the design specification, Whitesales’ technical team helped to ensure that the em.glaze rooflights could be installed quickly and efficiently by the main contractors Kier Construction. We estimate that our recommendation to supply the units with preformed 300mm PVC splayed upstands saved the roofing team at least two weeks on site because they didn’t have to construct the upstands themselves and the integrated splay made waterproofing the roof a lot easier. Tate+Co Director Andy Baker-Falkner is delighted with the em.glaze units: “We liked the lean, crisp design of the Whitesales em.glaze units, particularly with the clean white reveal and option for fully concealed vent actuators.”

As part of the palace refurbishment project, the lighting winch division of multi-award winning UK manufacturer, Penny Hydraulics Ltd, were contacted in 2016 to design, manufacture and install a specialist lighting winch system to lift and lower the special chandelier for cleaning and general maintenance.

The purpose of this project was to create a new, clean, contemporary space full of light. Particular attention was paid to the ceilings. The Barrisol® stretch ceiling hugs geometry curves designed by architects. Light is provided by inserts adorning the curved structure and guide passers-by with paths of light. The entire project is synonymous with a welcoming, bright and friendly environment. With their experience, skill and attention to detail for a job well done, the Décor Acoustique specialists have been chosen to build the new look of Place Quebec. (Barrisol ceilings painted reflections) Architect : Atelier 21

Bespoke curved rooflights and low-profile rafter supports maximised retail spaceThe challengeLocated on London’s famous Museum Street near the entrance of the British Museum, this business needed to capitalise on the limited room they had but bring a sense of light and space.The solutionDue to the nature of the construction and limitations historic building we had to design bespoke curved fixed multi-panel rooflights and in order to allow the maximum light we used low-profile rafter supports which had less obstruction to light than traditional rafters.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your commercial office space; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Innovative rooflight glazing in a single storey rear extensionThe ChallengeThe homeowner wanted to maximise the space and light available to them in their family home in London. As this property was a terraced property with only a small front garden facing onto the street, the solutions had to be focussed to the rear of the property.The SolutionThe homeowner also wanted to make the most of the natural sunlight that the garden benefitted from, so they had chosen to erect and single storey extension with fully glazed floor to ceiling doors across the rear of the extension. However, they also wanted to allow a greater abundance of light into the single storey extension, we supplied two fixed rooflights but to create even more unobstructed light with supplied a multi-panel rooflight (three panels) supported by transparent glass beams. This solution ensured that the maximisation the space and light they originally desired was fulfilled with a stylish and functional solution.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

BH2 is a £30m development creating a newly-constructed leisure complex in Bournemouth  •  Originally a two acre NCP car park and bus station, main contractors Vinci has built a new 10 screen Odeon Multiplex cinema, café, casino, restaurant and retail complex.  •  Structura was appointed to design and supply Kalwall translucent facades to enclose the external fire escape routes around the perimeter of the building.  •  Structura installed multiple Kalwall translucent elevations, totalling over 1000m2, providing natural daylight to internal areas by day and a soft ethereal glow which brings the area to life at night.The SolutionPanter Hudspith Architects replaced the original curtain wall and specified Kalwall® for the front elevation. Unusually, this unique translucent cladding is fitted with a tight 150mm wide grid, known as Verti-Kal™, which not only serves to emphasise height but is the first of its type in the UK. On this scheme the Kalwall panels also insulate to 0.78 w/m2 making the building eye-catching and sustainable.Unlike conventional glazing, Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is bathed with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced.Kalwall is increasingly being used in the UK for new buildings and also for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. One of the main attractions of specifying Kalwall is its unique effect on both the interior and exterior. Although translucent, it offers the big advantage of privacy while the elevations appear crisp and simple. When illuminated at night they emit an inviting ethereal glow.The CommentsArchitect James Jeremiah comments, “This is the first time we’ve specified Kalwall and it fulfils our vision of retaining the modernist characteristics of the building. One of our original concepts for the building was of a zoetrope (one of the earliest forms of moving image) and there’s a strong history of using transparency in films with people moving behind the shadows. We felt the Kalwall system was a very good fit for what we wanted to achieve”.Amanda Birch, Technical Editor Building Design writes, “To appreciate fully the building’s transformation, it is best viewed from the street. The concrete structure has been retained along with its striking line of concrete columns, which are now a strong feature of the front elevation. The original coloured insulated glass panelled system has been replaced at first and second floor levels with Kalwall’s 75mm thick insulated cladding system creating a dynamic façade that is particularly effective at night.

Specification / scenario -Traditional Church building requiring discrete but effective access control and partition without spoiling the ambiance of the Church interior. A glass partition was needed to limit access at certain times of the day whilst not blocking out light. Maintaining the light intensity was a key factor in design brief.

Modular skylights improving office and warehouse conditions using natural lightThe VELUX Modular Skylight system was installed as part of a new combined office and warehousing space for third generation fabric design company, ROMO Fabrics. The use of natural light proved essential to the project and so 348 modules of the VELUX Modular Skylight system were specified and installed across the building. This included a VELUX Ridgelight solution to accentuate the entrances of the atrium and offer a glimpse of the internal space, as well as a VELUX Northlight solution within the office and design studios to provide soft, reflective lighting and a natural feel to the workspace.

An important refinement for a single story extensionThe ChallengeThe homeowner knew that in order to maximise that amount natural sunlight for their single storey extension that the addition of rooflights would be an ideal solution, but with an important refinement.The solutionIn order to provide the maximum amount of light we designed a bespoke low-profile pyramid rooflight with blue tinted glass this ensured that the Rooflight gave another dimension to their single storey extension.They now enjoy natural light which gives a greater feeling of space and light, combined with fully glazed floor to ceiling doors meant they were also able to enjoy to views and access to their garden space. Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home project; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Bespoke structural glazing solutions deliver natural light and ventilation to the cutting-edge design of the University of Cambridge Primary School.350 square meters of structural glazing from VELUX Commercial was installed to bring natural light and ventilation to the University of Cambridge Primary School – part of a much larger expansion project

After almost 30 years, Bellway Homes has relocated to a new purpose-built headquarter office building. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the company have settled into the newly formed energy- efficient Airview Park adjacent to Newcastle Airport.  The company were previously based in a small, listed property with cellular offices that were no longer fit for purpose. With light and spacious open-plan office space, the move was the perfect opportunity to support the company’s growth.  The facility houses 100 staff members and include high-spec welfare facilities including a gym, breakout room and a roof terrace. The state-of-the-art office space also features a new training hub providing educational facilities for Bellway Academy. Benefitting from a rich landscape setting, the overall design concept was to create a ‘Pavilion in a Park’. With this in mind, the external design was equally as important as the building itself. Various Tobermore block paving and permeable paving products were used. The hard landscaping featured Tobermore’s award winning paving product Braemar. The premium product fulfilled both aesthetic and design aspirations. 

Vicky and Nick, the owners of Holloway and Holloway, a London based architecture studio, share their story on living and working under the same roof, in a stunning recently extended house where they added an Unlimited Rooflight. Questions to Vicky and Nick:What was the decision-making trigger in choosing daylight from above?To be honest there was no choice here. In a London mid-terraced property, even a semi-detached one, when you do a side infill to increase the rear of the property by filling in the gap between the properties, it creates a dark space in the centre of the property where there is no natural light.So, you generally counter this by adding roof lights in the ceiling over the new extension, and make sure that they are placed fairly close to the back of the room so that you can flood that space with natural light.Vertical windows tend to allow a good level of natural light to penetrate around 6 meters into a building. Not only do roof lights allow a lot more light in a space than a vertical window, but as you can place these in more central areas in the room, they are nearly the only way to get daylight into the centre of your house.We have our office in the central room of the property, so for us, we had to have good natural light levels in this area as we spend the most amount of time here in the whole house.You added a rather large rooflight to your extension - The Unlimited Rooflight. What impact does it have on the space?It is amazing how bright the space is. We get so much light from above that the space always has a wonderful vibrance to it during the daytime.But I think that possibly what’s even more striking than the amount of light itself is the size of the glass, its 5m² total, split into 2 pieces. It makes it feel as though there is more glass than there is solid roof up there, it really is the wow feature of the whole space.Whilst we had expected that when we designed it as it was always meant to be the feature in the room, what we hadn’t realized was how much it would make the space feel bigger. With extensions on a mid-terrace property, you are often limited as to how high you can build so your ceiling height can be capped at a certain level, but having this huge opening in the middle of the room makes the whole space feel like you’ve got this really grand ceiling height, it has such an effect on how the space feels. Tell us what was the timeline from inspiration to finished interiors? I'm sure it's a question you get very often.Indeed. Well we actually only found out about Vario by VELUX as we were on site, they were just about to start the roof construction as we found out about them, so we didn’t have a huge amount of time and had to get things organized very quickly! From finding the products to getting them on site it was only a matter of weeks, once we had chosen a size for the roof lights all we had to do was confirm the opening dimensions to our contractors, and double check with the structural engineer that the roof structure was ok to support the new roof light. Once that was all sorted all we had to do was wait, it was a very easy process. The project took around 4 months on site in total, but the roof lights go in fairly near the end of the project, so once they’re in it’s all very exciting, as you are close to completion.  

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon has undergone an ambitious and exciting £112m project to install a brand new auditorium inside the skeleton of the art-deco original. The internal refit created some interesting acoustical challenges. One of the most important aspects of the project was to ensure that theatre performances were not disturbed by noise from other parts of the building. In particular, the gantry – from where scenery changes and lighting are managed – was identified as requiring a specialised acoustic solution, to stop the noise of people working behind the scenes from carrying through to the audience. This is where CMS Danskin stepped in.The SolutionAs soft flooring subcontractors on the project, Loughton Contracts installed CMS High Impact Mat in the gantry. Composed of reclaimed rubber, EPDM granulate and PUR binder, CMS High Impact Mat is a durable, environmentally friendly type of floor covering that reduces excess sound, prevents unwanted noise and has excellent impact reduction. CMS High Impact Mat is available in a variety of thicknesses and colours. Simple to install, LoughtonContracts fitted 573m² of blue, 10mm thick CMS High Impact Mat onto wooden, concrete and screeded floor areas in the theatre gantry. As a non-reflective, slip and tear resistant material that meets the highest safety standards, it provides a safe surface for an area of the theatre where there is constant movement of scenery, people and heavy lighting.CMS High Impact Mat also has other qualities which made it the preferred specification for this refurbishment. As well as providing high acoustic performance, it offers an aesthetic, ‘final floor finish’ which is warm underfoot and has anti-fatigue properties. It creates an attractive, comfortable and quiet working environment in the gantry, as well as contributing to the quality finish that runs throughout the theatre.

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 Pyramids Centre in Portsmouth has had a new lease of life with a £2.5m makeover. The ageing facility is now a modern leisure complex offering a fun attraction to the local families. The new facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, trampoline, and soft play park.Helmsman was sub-contracted to supply the lockers and cubicles package providing a turnkey solution to create a modern and sharp changing room area with a comfortable feel.For the Pyramids Centre leisure project we manufactured, delivered, and installed modern laminate lockers of 3 and 5 doors. They are heavy duty and suitable for a wet environment. A row of three-compartment lockers have an integrated cantilever seat stand matching the Abet Walnut (616) laminate lockers and cubicles. The integrated seat stand on these lockers is a great space-saving solution and is perfect for this area.The front line cubicle range fitted the requirements for the toilet and shower cubicles, installed alongside the lockers. The Walnut laminate runs throughout these changing rooms as one of the dominant colours. The cubicle partitions are in Abet Light Grey (478) to separate each cubicle and bring light into the space to complement the rest of the interior.The vanity units and timber integrated plumbing system (IPS) panels are also manufactured from the matching laminate. The IPS in the toilet cubicles are the same colour as the partitions, giving a natural flow throughout. The wall to floor benches and free-standing benches are in Walnut laminate colour as laminate slats are perfect and protected in the wet areas.Most importantly Helmsman has a dedicated and experienced in-house design team supported by its on-site factory. From the outset, we bring a combination of skills and creativity to influence our clients’ decision-making to ensure that concepts turn into reality. From start to finish, we are committed to providing high standards and exceeding customer expectations.