"lighting"

Based in Somerset, Taunton School was founded all the way back in 1847. While the building’s stunning exterior has been immaculately preserved in the years since, the interior has of course been routinely upgraded during that time in order to support the ever-evolving demands of educational environments – including the recent installation of our Type G100 movable wall system.Type G100 is a glazed partition system that provides effective protection again sound transfer when fully closed, achieving up to Rw 54dB. This particular system is comprised of 10 panels, with half being glass and the other half sporting a solid matte black finish – all housed within a sleek black painted aluminium frame.Thanks to the Type G100, the school’s cafeteria layout can changed within minutes, offering the choice between a large open plan space, or a pair of smaller rooms. A fully solid system would not allow for the transfer of natural light to the smaller of the two spaces created when the system is in use, however the glazed panels mean this is not an issue. A pass door also allows for access between the smaller spaces when the panels are being used.

Based in Somerset, Taunton School was founded all the way back in 1847. While the building’s stunning exterior has been immaculately preserved in the years since, the interior has of course been routinely upgraded during that time in order to support the ever-evolving demands of educational environments – including the recent installation of our Type G100 movable wall system.Type G100 is a glazed partition system that provides effective protection again sound transfer when fully closed, achieving up to Rw 54dB. This particular system is comprised of 10 panels, with half being glass and the other half sporting a solid matte black finish – all housed within a sleek black painted aluminium frame.Thanks to the Type G100, the school’s cafeteria layout can changed within minutes, offering the choice between a large open plan space, or a pair of smaller rooms. A fully solid system would not allow for the transfer of natural light to the smaller of the two spaces created when the system is in use, however the glazed panels mean this is not an issue. A pass door also allows for access between the smaller spaces when the panels are being used.

Installation of our MG500 flush glazed sliding folding door system to create an L shaped flexible space over looking London. Panel Profiles powder coated white to match the interior design for the client, with the panel profiles being able to be powder coated to any RAL finish this system is a great option to blend in to any office design. Particularly desirable for office spaces, our MG500 hinged sliding folding glazed wall partitions and glass movable walls offer multiple benefits to your workspace and for your employees. 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. Not only these, but they also offer exceptional sound reduction allowing for privacy to be had amongst clients or for important internal meetings. The hidden hinges allows us to create a smooth Wall, with no interferences. We worked to achieve a high aesthetic level and produce a architectural product for demanding spaces.

Located in Surrey, this detached Victorian property needed its top floor timber windows replaced due to rotting. Maintaining the windows was proving costly for the homeowners but they needed a solution that would still look authentic next to their ground floor timber sash windows. After researching their options, the homeowners came across Roseview’s traditional timber alternative sash windows. The possibility of maintenance-free sash windows that are indistinguishable from the original box sashes, but while providing modern thermal efficiency and enhanced security, made Ultimate Rose the obvious choice. Using modern technology, Ultimate Rose is completely seamless with traditional joinery style mechanical joints and the slimmest 35mm mid rail on the market. When installed adjacent to the homeowner’s original windows it was almost impossible to see a difference. The home was finished with a single vertical astragal bar to match the home’s existing sightlines and allow for maximum natural light. Additionally, run through horns and a wood grain texture was added for a fully authentic finish. The result is truly indistinguishable, and the homeowners now have traditional and modern performing sash windows that will last for years to come. The owners are now planning to replace the timber windows on the ground floor with Ultimate Rose as well.

Nearly forty years after the lights were switched off at Battersea Power Station, a decommissioned Grade II listed coal-fired power station, located on the south bank of the River Thames, this much loved London landmark recently re-opened to the public following a transformational eight-year restorationApple Inc. will be leasing approximately 500,000 sq ft. across 6 floors of the central Boiler House and plans to move all of its 1,400 London employees to the new venue. This will make Apple by far the largest tenant at Battersea Power Station.221m² of Stravifloor Channel, a resilient high-performance floating floor based on floor channels containing steel springs as resilient supports was installed to decouple the acoustically critical listening, screening and control room spaces at Battersea Power Station.The added insulation material between the channels contributes to the acoustic optimization of the spaces by preventing the so-called standing wave effect to take place within the air void.During the installation of the acoustic floating floor, careful attention was paid to the many service penetrations as improper installation would most certainly lead to rigid connection which in turn affect the system’s performance.

Hotel Café Royal has just undergone a complete refurbishment and internal re-build. Part of the new complex is a state-of-the-art Spa and Gym which is located in the basement. Directly next to the hotel is Regent Street, below which runs the Bakerloo underground train line.Structure-borne noise levels from the trains were far too high to create the relaxing environment required for a top class Spa. The acoustic consultants therefore specified that all of the noise sensitive spaces must be isolated on a Stravifloor Deck concrete floating floor system.Café Royal’s 1,200 sqm Wellbeing Centre provides a personal and intimate holistic experience. It has a large lap pool and four different areas, corresponding to the four natural elements: spa/water, gym/fire, yoga/air and organic bar/earth.The spa offers a variety of Watsu hydro-experiences, a private and communal Hammam and signature Akasha treatments. Moods are enhanced by restorative music, aromas and gentle lighting. The gym has the most advanced fitness equipment, including Kinesis machines. There is a spacious aerobics studio and a private training room. Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates are offered in the calming area, with bespoke classes.

Providing 21 affordable homes in the first ‘carbon negative’ housing community of its kind in the UK. The initial concept began in 2009 with the aim of creating carbon negative housing. The project is ground breaking with a plan to lock away as much carbon as possible whilst generating excess energy from systems installed.Lewis Deck light weight steel/ screed composite floor system providing acoustic floors improving Building Regulations Part E standards by at least 8dB was installed in the apartments.This project achieved a Zero Carbon certification under the Code for Sustainable Homes and achieved Passiv Haus standards, but was not certified under this system. The performance was monitored by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) as well as how the social tenants found the experience of living there given the lifestyle adjustments that were needed.The Lewis Deck was used as it achieved the enhanced acoustic and fire performance required in this project, especially given that this was a timber frame development. The elements of the building also had to achieve an A+ Green Guide to Specification rating from the BRE, this was achieved by using a liquid screed on top of the deck that contained a high recycled content.The project won a number of awards and was marketed as the UK's 1st "Carbon Negative" social housing scheme.

A GEC Anderson stainless steel counter and splashbacks were recently deployed in the new meeting room and ancillary facilities at St Mary’s Church, Wivenhoe. The historic Parish Church of Wivenhoe is thought to be built on Roman foundations and is the oldest remaining building in this small riverside town in Essex. Against this historic background, the new space, designed by Inkpen Downie Architecture, provides a light and airy addition that includes a small kitchen and servery. Stainless steel was specified for the curved counter and for the splashbacks within the kitchen itself. The specified units were supplied and installed by GEC Anderson, under the supervision of local contractor, Bakers of Danbury.“This was a nice project to have been fortunate enough to be involved with and, in my opinion, is a great example of how well new can sit with old. Functionality goes hand in hand with the high quality, smart but informal appearance. The sense of space created by the extension to the main building is impressive and surely a great asset to the Church and its community.” Martin Tye, Managing Director of GEC Anderson.GEC Anderson specialise in made to measure stainless steel worktops, sinks, cabinets and shelving that have been successfully specified in a wide variety of projects and locations. A full measuring and installation service is also provided.

Armourcoat’s modular panel system ArmourFX has been specified to stunning effect at the new G-Shock store on London’s Carnaby Street by Double Retail. The new flagshop concept store was designed to physically interpret the core values of the brand and clearly segment G-Shock’s extensive product range.Through the careful use of lighting and materials, such as slate flooring, hot rolled steel surfaces and concrete wall panels from ArmourFX,the environment is an embodiment of G-Shock toughness.The store has elevated this premium offering and created a versatile future-proof space adaptable for specific collections and product launches.ArmourFX concrete effect panels are ideal for a deconstructed urban look for contemporary projects. The panels offer a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive industrial style including distressed effects or recessed ‘shutter’ markings. Off-site construction is fast becoming the method of choice for both contractors and their clients with projects under tight deadlines for completion, or where it is impractical to work with ‘wet’ plastering trades on site. ArmourFX modular solutions can be highly customized to suit the client, sent directly to site and installed in a few hours. Photography: © Max McClure

The Old Saltings has been created on the middle floor of a nineteenth century saltings, situated right on the beach at Porthmeor in St Ives, Cornwall. What was once a place where pilchards would have been packed and salted, has now been dramatically transformed into a stunning contemporary apartment sleeping up to 8 guests.The spacious kitchen has been designed to make the most of the sea views as well as top of the range appliances and fittings. The brushed-satin stainless steel sinktop from GEC Anderson further enhances the light and contemporary living space. Practical, twin sink bowls are seamlessly integrated within the continuous stainless steel worktop-run that also includes an integrated hob. The back upstand provides water safe and hygienic detailing that is typically demanded by discerning and knowledgeable specifiers.Architect Cany Ash of Ash Sakula said, “The GEC Anderson stainless steel worktop provided edge detailing and a finish which was better than the usual alternatives normally associated with catering applications. We especially like the jointless, continuous nature of the surface area. The other benefit of stainless steel is that it is hard wearing, which is very important in a holiday apartment where it will get significant use.

The design of this bathroom needed to reflect the client’s colourful, modern and eclectic aesthetic, whilst still allowing for a tranquil, restorative space in which to batheHandmade Moroccan concrete tiles by Popham Design in a soft green shade feel serene and natural, but also inject a pop of colour. Elsewhere in the room, design is kept minimal, modern and almost industrial in its simplicity, with a neutral colour palette and brushed nickel tapware. To visually expand the space, the layout of this bathroom was re-designed to make the room feel elongated, and draw the eye in. To complement this, the Moroccan tiles line the floor and furthest wall behind the wet room and back-to-wall Eldon bath.Of the design, designer and stylist Edwina Boase said: “The Eldon bath was perfect for this bathroom; its elegant, modern shape was echoed in the patterned tiles, lighting and tapware. The Eldon design is impactful yet economic with regards to the floor space required, which is preciously what was required for this project!”This house in its entirety was recently unveiled on Channel 4’s home renovation series ‘Ugly House to Lovely House with George Clarke’.Photography: Amazing Productions / Daniela ExleyArchitecture: Chris Dyson ArchitectsDesign: Edwina Boase

THE PROJECTCapstan House and the public realm at Republic, East India Dock underwent a major refurbishment to transform the 1990’s post-modern office complex. As part of the project they required retractable awnings which mounted to the ground level facade. This was designed to open up the outdoor terraces for offices, retail units, bars and cafes.THE CHALLENGEThe client was looking for high quality awnings to provide shade for the ground floor reception areas while still allowing natural light in. The design of the awnings needed to match the modern appearance of the offices and encourage socialising through the use of pedestrianised outdoor space.THE SOLUTIONOriginally the Markilux 3300 full cassette awnings was chosen due to it’s angular design. There was however a requirement for a larger projection than width on certain awnings which wasn’t achievable on this awning type. Roché instead advised on using the Markilux 1600 Stretch and Markilux 1600 semi-cassette awnings which would achieve these dimensions and keep a consistent ground floor appearance. This meant that some reception areas were able to achieve projections of up to 400cm from awnings of only 250cm in width.Custom spreader brackets were also required for fixing to a beam through an aluminium curtain.

The Links ELC – CoventryCoventry ELC is a Pupil Referral Unit for Key Stage 3 & 4 pupils who have struggled to access mainstream school education due to Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) issues.They have recently increased security around the whole facility. Heightened door and window security was delivered thanks to our E37 electric shutters.THE CHALLENGEThe client was looking for increased security for their facility, to cover windows and doors.We worked with their contractor the Darwin Group to work out the best solution and completed the installation of 31 E37 shutters of varying sizes to the external doors and windows.THE SOLUTIONThe E37 is made from an strong extruded double skinned aluminium slat which can be powder coated any RAL colour. With a narrow 37mm slat it is capable of rolling tightly with a 2m high shutter capable of rolling into a 180mm box. It is widely used for domestic and light commercial applications for securing windows and doors up to 4m wide. It is very popular with schools, offices and modular building companies.The E37 comes with numerous control options including manual, key switch or remote control, including group control options.

THE PROJECTOswestry Golf Club is an award winning golf club situated on the picturesque North Shropshire/North Wales border. Home to a James Braid designed golf course, state of the art clubhouse, and two former Ryder Cup heroes.They have recently increased security for their dedicated Greenkeepers compound. Heightened security included newly installed perimeter fencing, lighting and an insulated T77 double skinned aluminium roller shutter, with electric motor and safety brake.THE CHALLENGEThe client was looking for increased security for their main shed, with the added need for insulation to improve working conditions for ongoing maintenance work through the winter months.THE SOLUTIONThe T77 is a versatile aluminium roller shutter which is suitable for a wide range of domestic, commercial and retail applications. Its 77mm insulated slat rolls into a box as small as 250mm, and a maximum area of 16m² makes this shutter suitable for windows, doors and many other openings. ‘The aim was to give us increased peace of mind for our newest equipment and also a more usable space for the team throughout the year. The install was carried out in a timely and professional manner, and I am delighted with the finished project.’ Gary Barnfield – Head Greenkeeper

In the heart of Rome, thanks to stone-look outdoor porcelain tiles a private villa is coloured with the appeal and practicality of Atlas Concorde products.A welcoming atmosphere and innovative design take shape in an exclusive residence thanks to Atlas Concorde outdoor tiles that give the indoor and outdoor environments an extremely contemporary look. Employed in the outdoor areas, stone-look tiles on both the floor and on the walls translate nature into a material suitable for designing spaces with an enveloping, suggestive atmosphere. The pool area and the surrounding environment are flooded with intense colours and textures, porcelain tiles for the outdoors being used in different sizes and contrasting colours: light tones and bold hues guarantee a pure creativity able to offer superior technical qualities and the aesthetic versatility that distinguishes the original materials. The refined beauty of the stone look in a Grip finish, with the excellent technical performance of porcelain tiles for outdoors, is the perfect choice for the design of outdoor spaces and environments that require the highest standards of durability and safety. Stylish refinement and attention to detail can also be found in some interior spaces of the building where concrete-look porcelain tiles and wood-look porcelain tiles become the protagonists of a modern, sophisticated style of furnishing.

With a proven track record of providing a robust and compliant solution to the education sector, our PURe® aluminium windows have been extensively used for this new build school in Leicester.The new Avanti Fields School has been designed by architects Maber and provides a full range of facilities for nursery, primary and secondary education. Part of the Avanti Fields School Trust, the new school is one of 14 Avanti schools across the UK. The ethos of the Hindu faith school is one that promotes both spiritual and educational growth, and is open to children of all faiths and none. The inclusive nature of the school is also reflected in the design of the building, with an integrated sports hall and a light, bright interior.The school has been built by BAM Construction, with our PURe® aluminium windows installed by supply chain partner Red Systems. The use of our PURe® aluminium windows has not only ensured compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations but has provided the school with a low maintenance solution for preventing heat loss and reducing energy bills.The safe and secure style of the PURe® aluminium windows makes them ideally suited for use in the education sector, boosting daylighting and creating a comfortable learning environment.

Background Infomation:Wright Lab: Exploring the Invisible UniverseSurespan designed and manufactured a flush floor hatch for the Yale University Wright Laboratory, home to Yale’s iconic particle accelerator, the 100-foot-long atom smasher. In 1987 it was the most powerful particle accelerator in the world and led the research in astrophysics. The Atom Smasher was shut down in 2011 and disassembled in 2014.The projectAs part of a comprehensive renovation, Christopher Williams Architects LLC transformed the concrete bunker-like structure into a series of day-lit workspaces. The central building was opened to become a place where scientists, students and experts could interact. This space also hosts events and researchers from around the world. The design brings natural light into the building and emphasizes collaboration through transparency.Products:Surespan designed and manufactured a 2.7m x 4.5m (9ftx15ft) stainless steel flush floor hatch. The floor door has been reinforced to support a live slow-moving wheel load of 17 tons. (FACTA Class E)Due to the weight of the floor door, the hatch is operated via a hydraulic cylinder and an electrically driven power pack. The finished cover uses Sure-Grip anti-slip surface coating.

Completed in November 2014, the Four Seasons Dubaisits beside Jumeirah Beach, just ten minutes fromDubai’s famous commercial district.California based architect WATG worked alongsideinterior designer BAMO to create a resort heavilyinfluenced by mediterranean architecture and the hotel’sseaside location. For example, the lobby sits underneathan octagonal dome finished with gold leaf that enhancesthe natural light coming through the windows.Each of the 237 guestrooms come with a balcony,offering panoramic views of the sea or the city’sextravagant skyline, punctuated by the world’s tallestbuilding, the Burj Khalifa.The luxury hotel required a tailored package toensure it’s aesthetic flair was complemented bythe door furniture.The intricate detail on the Royal Suite doors wasmatched by custom made lattice pull handles in a pewterfinish (far right image), whilst the rest of the suite andpublic areas were supplied with pull and knob handles ina co-ordinated bronze finish.In contrast, the hotel opted for a polished finish in thepresidential suite, with nickel and stainless steel thepreferred materials. A full spectrum of door furniture wasapplied including lever handles, lock cases and doorclosers, all supplied in the desired polished finish.

Built in 1986, Dukes Court was viewed as a symbol of Woking’s economic growth, offering 220,000 sq. ft. of premium office accommodation. These works will ensure Dukes Court continues to play an important role in the town’s future.The front of Dukes Court underwent an extensive remodelling, creating a landscaped pedestrianised public plaza and restaurant with outdoor seating. The building features an impressive full height living ‘green’ wall, which is one of the tallest in Europe. The building is arranged over five blocks which are accessed via three separate reception areas, leading to the flexible floor plates which all benefit from excellent natural light.Other features include:A larger than life statue of composer and suffragette Dame Ethel Smyth will proudly conduct passers-by in the centre of the pedestrianised plaza.New signage and pedestrian routes which will enhance the visitor experience.Relocation of main vehicle entrance from Dukes Street to Stanley RoadMaybury Road, Stanley Road and The Broadway junctions improvements.Granite from around the world (mainly the far east) included BBS Steel (mid grey) granite, Haze (silver grey) granite, Barzan (black) basalt, and Peppercorn (pink) granite.

In a small town just outside Stirling in Scotland is this beautiful, traditional property built from Scottish sandstone. The new owners have extended and completely refurbished the house, originally built in 1870. Although modernised and featuring some contemporary features the original charm has been kept.In order to maximize natural light, a total of 10 Clement Conservation Rooflights were installed. These not only look beautiful in the traditional Welsh slate roof but also improve thermal efficiency and are low maintenance.The homeowner said: “We are delighted with our Clement Conservation Rooflights. We have now fitted ten into our period house renovation and they look great.“Quality wise they are solid and well built, no problems with manual winders, and the double glazing, sound proofing and heat retention is brilliant. We searched around and Clement seemed a good price for the quality. Dealing with them as a company has been a pleasure, always helpful with sound advice and never a delay in delivery dates.“We have been lucky enough to work with very talented and courteous craftsmen and suppliers - like Clement, who went the extra mile to make sure that we fully understood the options available and helped us create the perfect home.”

Emmett Russell Architects has designed social housing on several infill sites on the Northern fringes of Bristol to Passivhaus standard, achieving thermal comfort solely by post-heating or post-cooling of the fresh air mass. The projects address the demand for smaller housing units.The key architectural challenge was to make efficient use of tight site limitations without overlooking neighbouring properties. The metal screened balconies allow light into the first floor flats whilst minimising views into adjacent gardens. The balcony screens step down at the sides to open up and allow longer oblique views.DeltaWing-70 was chosen to fulfil this requirement. The louvred panels were inverted to provide a privacy screen which combined the maximum screening effect in a downwards direction with minimum restriction of natural daylight.Lang+Fulton also supplied panels of PL-66×11/30×2 to form a heel-proof decking for the balconies.In addition, DeltaWing-100 was used to create secure, visually obscured storage for two bikes at each property which was integrated within the entrance canopies. Some of the properties had 2000mm wide stores with double doors, others were 900mm wide with single swing doors for vertically hung bikes.

The Leicester FC state-of-the-art £100m elite sports training facility occupies a 185-acre site in Seagrave, Leicestershire. Designed by KSS Architects, a world-leading specialist in the design of major sports venues and training centres, the project was a core aspiration of the club’s Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who tragically died in 2018.The training centre is regarded as one of the most advanced in Europe in terms of its quality, scale and sustainability ambitions. KSS specified Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic – a seamless acoustic ceiling – for key areas throughout the site. Son of Khun Vichai and current Leicester City Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, “A new training ground has been a dream many years in the making, so it is with great pride that we have been able to deliver this. Seagrave will be a pivotal part of the club’s operation for generations to come.”Rockfon Mono Acoustic – the perfect matchAround 430m2 of Rockfon Mono Acoustic ceilings are installed to ensure optimum sound control while delivering a seamless, smooth, aesthetic. Among others, these spaces include the hydrotherapy pool area, the 1st Team changing room and the Owners Suite.KSS Associate Director Lorenzo Pierini, commented, “Rockfon Mono Acoustic was the clear choice for use throughout these spaces as it gave us the contemporary, minimalist look we wanted, while meeting the demanding acoustic control required.”The ultimate alternative There are several acoustic ceiling options available but for the ultimate in looks and sound control, an acoustic render provides the perfect solution. With Rockfon Mono Acoustic, the ceiling tile substrate is installed and then finished with a specialist acoustic render to create a seamless surface. Mono can be used for ceilings, walls, or to create bespoke islands. Its versatility means it can be used to form curves, easily transitioned into plasterboard or integrated into existing mouldings. Outstanding performance Mono achieves Class A sound absorption and Class A2 fire protection whilst delivering 87% light reflection and greater than 99% light diffusion. Thanks to its core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, it provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. It is Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can also contribute valuably to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards.Installation courtesy of Pacy & Wheatley. Pacy & Wheatley Director Craig Wheatley, “The scale and ambition of this project is truly epic. As with the majority of modern developments, large windows, stone, structural steel and other resonant architectural elements can generate unwanted sound. That’s where Mono Acoustic really scores as it does not necessitate a compromise between style and sound control – a win win – if you will. Its flexibility meant we could seamlessly integrate linear and spot lighting at Leicester and neatly incorporate hatches for easy access to the services above. In the pool area the system also enabled us to elegantly transition into plasterboard perimeter upstand abutments.”The wider masterplan The training ground masterplan includes the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Building, which houses the primary training, medical and administrative hub. There are twelve full-size pitches, a show pitch with a 499-seat stand to allow academy teams to play in a match environment, The King Power Centre – the site’s central point, housing a full size indoor pitch and media centre that moulds into the landscape, an integrated training centre for first-team and academy squads including fitness and hydrotherapy suites, tactics, media, dining facilities and a nine-hole recreational golf course. McLaren were appointed Main Contractor at Seagrave and were responsible for leading the project. Senior Project Manager at the firm, Simon Ruddick, “The unrelenting progress of this project from day one was a testament to our continued ethos of partnering with key customers, and working to overcome delivery challenges... We have overcome some of the most challenging weather in recorded history too, and of course restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”McLaren Managing Director, South, Jay Newman, “It has been an honour to partner with Leicester City to deliver their new training facility, set to shape the players of today and tomorrow. Building on our considerable experience in sports and leisure, Seagrave has become one of the most modern training facilities in Europe.