"lights"

To deliver a light, non-yellowing natural surface to existing oak floors, a combination of Bona White primer and Bona Traffic Natural polyurethane lacquer was applied. Bona White primer is designed to ‘whiten’ the surface from - as in this one coat application - simply providing a subtle pale sheen that inhibits any yellowing over time, to a true whitewashed look when two or more coats are applied. Bona Traffic Natural was chosen as the top coat because it maintains the non-yellowing look and feel of pure, untreated wood and, at the same time, offers superior surface durability.

Project type: RestaurantLocation: Rutland Street, Ilkeston, DerbyshireProduct: Shadex 100 Brise Soleil Horizontal Support method: First Fix Brackets: Through CladdingFirst Fix Brackets: Curtain-walling MullionsFirst Fix Brackets: Blockwork, Before RenderFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 5012 Matt Light BlueFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Architect: Peart Bradley ArchitectsContractor: Coxmoor Projects LtdSub Contractor: R. & J. Projects Ltd

Joining Westpac in the International Towers, Swiss RE occupies Level 36 of Tower Two. After successful collaboration on the LendLease office fit-out in Tower Three, SAS International worked again with architects Hassell Studio Sydney. After providing drawing support, SAS330 was specified with a special 250mm knife-edge perimeter profile for homogeneous integration with the base build. SAS200 with central recessed lighting, and linear SAS740, has been installed in the lift lobbies, circulation areas and meeting rooms. The building was awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating, the highest rating attainable.

Sauna360 UK was commissioned to design and install this opulent steam room to complement our private client's impressive home gym complex.A full glass fascia was chosen to create a feeling of space and light whilst also showcasing the striking steam room interior. Finished in exquisite mother of pearl mosaics from Siminetti in "biscotti" to provide a wealth of colour and movement, an eye catching feature is created.The brief from our private client was to incorporate the existing WC and shower facility discreetly. A full wall of back painted glass was designed and installed to create beautifully clean lines and a seamless appearance.

SAS International delivered visually-striking, sustainable ceiling solutions in V&A Dundee. To complement the shape of the building SAS600 ceiling rafts were chosen. Presented with a unique mesh texture, SAS600 accentuated the open-plan layout of the light foyer. SAS730 was selected for its alternative aesthetic finish and ability to allow airflow in areas such as the exhibition space. Providing a more premium motif, SAS740 tapered baffle were specified to ensure easy maintenance without compromising the product’s geometric design. Working with the design team, SAS developed a bespoke extrusion shape for the linear ceilings to meet this requirement.

The Tarkett Floorcraft Design team was commissioned to create the customized dance floor, using artwork supplied by Allen International. At four meters in diameter, the intricate and highly-detailed design uses contrasting shades of the Luxury Vinyl Tile iD Inspiration 70 flooring in light oak and dark walnut. Instead of being printed, each piece of the design was individually cut using a precision sonic blade that oscillates at 20,000 cycles per second. The pieces were then assembled onto a solid vinyl core like a jigsaw puzzle, before having a thick layer of transparent PVC added onto the top.

Pura® NFC by Trespa brings Pure Delight to Major Shopping CentreWhen the largest factory outlet shopping centre in the North East of England was given a makeover, Pura® NFC by Trespa secured a prominent role in providing the 70-plus retail premises with a fresh, modern appeal to customers.The £3million refurbishment, that included paving, lighting, landscaping and furniture in addition to shop front treatment, was given the go-ahead in 2017. And, says centre manager Jerry Hatch, ‘the overall impact and impression made by Pura® NFC siding was the stand out part of the finished article.”

Our client designed and built a spectacular contemporary new home. He decided to include a sauna to complement his level deck central bathtub in the master bathroom. The brief was to create a light modern cabin with clean low iron glazing to the main facia. The space allocated was wide but shallow and the challenge was to achieve a cabin which appeared spacious and comfortable for the two occupants to enjoy together. We chose a free standing, multi- climate heater around which carefully designed bespoke benching was constructed in smooth blond Aspen to match the deep horizontal wall boards.

Designed by Chaplin Farrant The Nest is a new community sports facility funded by the charity partner of Norwich City football club, to help improve the health and well-being of local residents.The development includes an impressive refurbished clubhouse with changing rooms, physio room, event and conference spaces plus a café and IT suite. Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall and SPW600 aluminium windows have been used throughout the new building to give a light and airy feel. For inclusive access and security, a combination of SPW501 aluminium commercial doors and SD automatic sliding doors were installed.

Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre built in a Nature Reserve rich in wildlife, was designed to work with its surroundings and enhance the environment. This was achieved with a low-profile building to reduce the visual impact featuring a sleek and stylish façade sympathetic to its parkland location. Senior’s aluminium slim profile SF52 curtain wall, thermally-efficient SPW600e windows and SPW501 robust commercial doors give the centre a light and modern interior, whilst Senior’s bifolding Ali FOLD patio doors provide a comfortable viewing area plus easy access to the centre’s newly refurbished athletics track.

Ballyseede Castle located near Tralee, dates back to the 16th century but was transformed in the 1960s into one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels. As part of a new extension Brett Martin Daylight Systems was called upon to provide an aesthetically pleasing daylight solution for the orangery. Brett Martin supplied a comprehensive bespoke rooflights package helping to create a light, bright environment for guests and staff, whilst blending beautifully with the character of this stately, listed building. Our bespoke rooflight systems are precision-engineered and highly adaptable, providing specifiers with a versatile way to create architecturally stunning pitched skylights.

In 2017 BMDS supplied Multivault GRP rooflights to a new build, 180,000 sq ft ambient warehouse constructed as part of a growth and expansion redevelopment at the Henderson Group headquarters in Mallusk outside Belfast. The new 12.5million warehouse which incorporates cutting edge design, was designed to streamline logistics and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland. BMDS supplied Multivault GRP Barrel rooflights to cover just over 2,200m2 or approx. 13% of the roof area – 22 runs extending over 16 metres with a further 2 runs of 8 metres streaming natural light into the group warehouse.

With an emphasis on attention to detail, a high quality specification and the objective to make the most of light and space, it is unsurprising that Eclisse pocket door systems were chosen for apartments in the Taper Building. This striking Taper Building in London SE1, comprises of 56 apartments 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. The apartment interiors have been planned by award winning interior designers Stiff + Trevillion. Development: 56 Apartments Product: 37 Single Classic Pocket Door Systems Developer: Shape Real Estate Architect: MCA Marchini Curran Associates. Interior designed by Stiff + Trevillion

West Kirby railway station’s 1930s platform canopy was long overdue refurbishment. Whitesales were brought in by Briggs Amasco, Network Rail’s roofing contractor, to design, manufacture and install a series of non-fragile rooflights for the 900sq m replacement roof. After our initial roof survey, we specified bespoke polycarbonate Em-Vault continuous barrel vault rooflights. They’re compatible with the chosen Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system and have light transmission of up to 88%. The standard mill finish frame would keep costs low and blend with the canopy's concrete finish.

With its team of experts in the polycarbonate and roof glazing fields, Twinfix works on developing the best, newest and most cost effective roof glazing products. A family business, Twinfix has been involved in the polycarbonate roof glazing market for nearly 30 years. Its innovative Multi-Link-Panel has been used in many markets, such as in the replacement of broken glass or failed PVC in station canopies and depot roof lights, where its patented fixing method results in incredibly quick installation times, a real bonus when working with limited possession times.

Summer 2019 saw The Solid Wood Flooring Company work with Base Interior and other key suppliers to complete a refurbishment inspired by Scandi design in the affluent district of Kensington, London. Fitzhardinge House offers a crisp, clean and modern aesthetic, achieved by using our Light Brushed Fumed Raw Timber UV Cured Finish Flooring Suitable for underfloor heating, this 15mm thick flooring opened up the space to create a spacious area that would stand the test of time. This project demonstrated what can be achieved when trades and suppliers combine, creating a space that looks as impressive as it functions.

Popular shopping centre The Mall Maidstone recently underwent a £6 million refurbishment that was completed in 5 months and took place mostly during the night. Some of the work carried out included smarter strip lighting which changes according to the weather, white porcelain flooring, and enlarged shop fronts. CS provided them with GTP-300 HD expansion joint covers. This is a strong, recess mounted, and flush floor cover that is perfect for this type of application with persistent traffic over the joint. This durable joint cover will allow traffic in the shopping centre to move safely for years to come.

University Arms Hotel, the oldest hotel in Cambridge, dates from the 1840s when it first opened as a coaching inn. Extensions followed in the 1930s an 1960s; but in 2013 John Simpson Architects began returning cohesion and grandeur to the building. The aim was 190 bedrooms boasting 5-star luxury. We were proud to be awarded the 14-month contract to design, supply and install 300 timber box sash windows, 50 balcony French doors, and 28 curved-on-plan sash windows. We also produced large bespoke entrance screens, and undertook the restoration of leaded light glass.

The BROEN-LAB Polyester Based Surface Treatment is our standard coating. The treatment provides the best protection against most chemicals, UV fading and heat, we have come across. All our taps, valves and regulators are light grey, while handles can be delivered in a wide range of colours, according to the European and the U.S. standards. Do you like the look of steel? When the industrial look is preferred, we recommend our Satin Chrome surface. It gives the taps, valves and regulators an elegant metallic finish and has excellent chemical resistance properties.

The bulk of the project, spread over seven large blocks, used DucoWall Basic to provide plant screening. One element, where higher level glazing needs privacy screening from the walkways below, DucoWall Classic W 50Z is installed inverted so that the areas gain maximum light without sacrificing privacy. Another challenge was to incorporate louvre doors into the plant screening areas without interrupting the aesthetic appearance. Here again a standard DucoDoor solution provided exactly what was required. The DucoDoor can use the full range of DucoWall blades to provide a beautiful and uniform result.

Swansea University’s £32m Computational Foundry is a world-class academic facility at the University’s Bay Campus. The Computational Foundry will be home to the Computer Science and Mathematics departments, to enable and encourage cross discipline research. It has been also been designed to increase collaboration between industry and academia and will transform Swansea and the nation as a global destination for computational scientists. Architects, AHR, designed the building so that the entrance leads into a central atrium which houses lecture theatres and specialist laboratories. Over a further four floors, there are a further three atriums with interconnecting bridges which allow natural light to flow through creating impressive visual connections across the building.  With natural break out areas within the building, this inviting space allows for collaborative gatherings or spontaneous moments for students, staff and visitors to meet.Lusso worked in collaboration with the design team and Willmott Dixon to create this fantastic space. The Lusso Atria Glazing System was used to make the most of the natural light and to maintain a high level of connectivity through the different levels of the building. The Lusso 25 Single Glazed Frameless System was used for its minimalistic profile. These were installed throughout the building to create laboratories, teaching laboratories and to create individual offices which complements the overall design.The Computational Foundary is an inspiring place in which students, staff, industry partners and academics from all disciplines can now collaborate and work on new ideas. It is an excellent addition to Swansea University’s waterfront campus and builds upon the university’s existing achievements. 

Project Overview: Re-imagination of a first-generation Canary Wharf building. ServiceFull hardware scheduling service. Project Details This clever redesign of YY London by Architects Buckley Gray Yeoman (BGY) centres around the wellbeing of its occupants created by maximising natural light, reducing overall energy demand and choosing materials that support health and well being. The space was reimagined to incorporate a new triple height lobby with feature staircase, floor to ceiling glazing throughout to maximise natural light and the addition of outside terraces on most floors.3v worked in partnership with BGY to develop the perfect Ironmongery scheme to enhance their design aspirations. Scheduled in the aftermath of Covid, the scheme included a full hardware scheduling service incorporating the use of a biocote anti bacterial finish in high traffic areas on all tangible stainless steel products such as pull handles and push plates. ‘Chris and the 3v team were a pleasure to work with and proactive in helping us adapt the ironmongery package in response to the pandemic. We’re really pleased how seamlessly the ironmongery has been integrated into the joinery finishes and look forward to continuing our collaboration on future projects.’Adam Whitlock Wood, BGYOur ironmongery is often the first physical product visitors interact with in their journey through a space, it is important that it looks good, feels right and functions correctly to fulfil the user experience and the architects design intent. Our simple 250 and 234 pull handles add an elegant finishing touch to this inspiring and vibrant space.An outstanding project to be involved with.Photography: Neil Kenyon

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Seddon Construction to provide external furniture to a state-of-the-art new Veterinary School in Staffordshire. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is a joint venture with Harper Adams University and is located on Keele University’s campus. The building is a modern take on the traditional surrounding redbrick architecture. Located in North Staffordshire, the rural campus location consists of extensive woods and lakes, an ideal location for the country’s future vets.To complement the building's distinctive raw umber colour the client opted for a range of corten street furniture. Corten Steel is sandblasted before proceeding with the oxidation process, designed to limit water consumption and achieve a more consistent finish. Pre-Weathering reduces the level of washout onto surrounding surfaces, units can be fully sealed with anti washout or wax protection treatment to eliminate leakage altogether.The street furniture package was to be positioned around the building's entrances and main thoroughfares. The selection of pre-weathered Corten Steel products includes Spencer T Litter Bins which have a modern tapered design, Cube bollards that can also be used as seating, and Vision Bollards that have an in-built LED light that provides a subtle ambient light for the walkways and entrance. Removable Stainless Steel Bollards were also supplied to provide restricted access for authorised vehicles to particular areas of the campus. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is now a site that provides excellent teaching to aspiring vets, and has a safe and harmonious outdoor space for respite from the heavy workload. 

The challengeQueen Elizabeth University Hospital were looking for a ceiling manufacturer that could provide a ceiling solution that offered excellent cleanability, resistance to disinfectants and offered a balance of sound absorption and attenuation to help improve patient wellbeing.This is one of the largest retrofitting projects to implement Zentia’s mineral fibre tiles and ceiling systems. Zentia provide a range of solutions for healthcare applications that improve patient outcomes by improving light reflectance, cleanability and helping to reduce noise in the hospital environment.The solutionThe tiles selected where over 110,000 m² of Zentia’s Biobloc Acoustic Board 600 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm with its antimicrobial performance and enhanced water repellency is an ideal solution for healthcare environments with average or severe risk of infection. These where installed on a Prelude 24mm and Prelude 24mm corrosive resistant grid which has a patented design for improved strength and stability that is also easier to cut than standard grid types.30,000m² of Zentia’s lifetime-guaranteed Aruba Max Tegular24 mineral tiles was selected to provide the perfect balance of sound absorption and attenuation for patients wellbeing in general circulation areasA variety of Zentia suspension systems were used on the project including 10,000 linear metres of Axiom Transitions profiles (which help with ceiling level changes, floating ceiling construction and lighting integration) and over 40,000 accessories including connecting brackets, clips and hanging brackets.Zentia also provided a recycling service as part of the retrofitting process for the older ceiling tiles, helping to reduce the environmental impact of this large-scale project.

The charming Kong Arthur Hotel in Copenhagen’s Nansensgade Quarter has undergone a complete renovation with 64 new rooms and a new breakfast restaurant featuring Junckers’ Herringbone floors. The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere with elegant interiors, housed in a beautiful, late 19th Century building near Copenhagen’s historic lakes. The interior design compliments the period building with its many original features, in a style inspired by grand, turn of the century Danish apartments. Junckers’ Herringbone floors in solid oak complete the look, adding a warm, elegant backdrop.  Breakfast restaurantJunckers installed Oak Herringbone in the hotel’s light and airy new breakfast restaurant. The large rooms are flooded with natural light and have an industrial feel with fixtures, fittings and furniture in natural colours and materials. Junckers’ Oak Herringbone grounds the space perfectly with its warm tones and natural grain pattern of the timber. New hotel roomsThe 64 new hotel rooms were inspired by the classical style of a city centre Copenhagen apartment, all of them fitted with Junckers’ new Twin Herringbone flooring on solid oak. Pre-finished with a hard wearing ultra matt lacquer, Twin Herringbone is ready to walk on as soon as it is installed without the need for sanding or on-site finishing treatments. The quick and straightforward installation process saved the Hotel both time and money – installing a Twin Herringbone floor costs less than half of the installation cost of an unfinished parquet floor.

Nissan Sunderland is one of the largest, most efficient car plants in Europe. On average, the plant has built a Nissan car every two minutes since production started.Project/doors:10 Speedor Cleanrooms (Over 200 doors supplied to the plant)The challengeFollowing the manufacture of a new paint plant where Hart have a number of doors including several ATEX, Nissan identified a requirement for new repair lines to enable them to carry out both light and heavy repairs and not have to completely repaint the vehicles. This is fast moving environment with the need for a reliable and dust reducing solution.The solutionUsing a tried and tested solution, Hart installed these “hybrid” Speedor Cleanrooms with ATEX operators within the repair zone. We worked closely with site engineers to give them the solution they require, rather than a door to fit an opening. The Speedor Cleanroom maintains strict air leakage requirements over specified pressure differentials and a non-touch safety light curtain which ensures maximum protection to personnel. The successHart is a trusted supplier to Nissan and its subcontractors. Having worked on the site since it’s inception, Nissan approached Hart to supply the doors. Following this Hart were approached by an OEM who provided a full spray booth, after Nissan insisted Hart Doors were specified due to the success of the earlier installations.The review“Speedor is a tried and tested product that is why we keep using them.” Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd

Linework Architects imaginative use of architectural glass rooflights was key to transforming this period north London property. Lineworks director, Robert Haworth collaborated with Glazing Vision with the objective of delivering natural daylight and a touch of glamour to some tricky spaces whilst maintaining privacy where needed.The design brief for the project called for an ultra-minimalist final finish, so it was important that all of the glazing featured minimal framework and a clean integration with the building fabric itself.Glazing Visions philosophy of minimum framework, maximum daylight was the preferred solution and met all of the design requirements, providing enough flexibility to tackle the various challenges that the scheme presented. The property comprises of three stories with a mixture of extensions added to increase usable living space, the problem with this is that some of these areas can be starved of natural daylight, making them gloomy and uninviting, in order to combat this, several types of rooflight needed to be specified to tackle each of the areas.Beginning on the ground floor, a wrap around extension has been created featuring a modern and contemporary kitchen dining area leading on to the garden. A large set of sliding glass doors provides natural daylight and access to the outdoor space, but their effectiveness at delivering enough daylight is limited as you go deeper into the building where it would begin to feel darker and more claustrophobic.To address this, a Glazing Vision modular rooflight system measuring over six metres in length runs along the entire length of the extension, this unit is fixed structurally to the original wall of the building creating the feeling of a ‘glass roof’ when transitioning from the original building to the new. Manufacturing the unit in three sections allowed it to be successfully maneuvered on site without the use for an expensive crane and the structural silicone joints between the sections maintained the frameless appearance needed to compliment the minimalist interior.“All three rooflights were quite tricky to install because the property was a terraced house and there was no ability to use a crane. Somehow the team got them in!” Robert Haworth, Director, Linework Architects.The creation of a second storey extension was essential to provide a large family bathroom space, but this meant that the stairwell leading to it was another area potentially starved of natural daylight. Installing a rooflight overhead was a logical solution, but this was complicated by the position of the stairwell being located beneath two opposing pitched roofs. An off the shelf solution would not be acceptable as any rooflight installed above would need to be designed to accommodate this tricky detail.As rooflight specialists, Glazing Vision were able to design and manufacture a custom shaped fixed Flushglaze unit specifically for this part of the building.Therefore maximising the amount of overhead glazing and thus lighting the stairwell sufficiently so that it can be used safely without the need for artificial lighting. Perhaps one of the most quirky and inventive parts of this renovation is the use of glazing in the bathroom, the client had specified a large walk-in shower area which was easily achievable given the space available but would have resulted in the shower being located in a dark corner of the room necessitating the use of artificial lighting. Natural daylight is critical when attempting to achieve a minimalist scheme, so Linework Architects wanted to ensure that this element was carried through to all corners of the building.“We were trying to make a really exceptional bathroom space, so we decided to use the Eaves Rooflight, and play with the glass transparencies.” Robert Haworth, Director, Linework Architects.The resulting installation delivers a floor to ceiling vertical glass window section which transitions into the roof seamlessly with no additional framework, this creative solution provides a unique design element to the bathroom and the much-needed daylight to open up the space. Being a bathroom, privacy also had to be addressed, particularly in the shower area! Glazing Vision recommended the use of opaque satin etched glass which provides enough translucency to allow light to permeate, but also presents a frosted glass finish sparing the blushes of anyone using the shower.Taking around five months to complete, this was not a straightforward scheme to deliver, however the end result can be considered transformative. Linework Architects uncompromising and inventive use of glass rooflights has proved incredibly successful in this project and contributed greatly to the feeling of light, air, and space in this minimalist haven.

Glazing Vision rooflights were used in the re-construction of this mews house situated in the prime real estate and conservation area of Mayfair, London. The building is an exceptional example of stunning architecture and elegant, contemporary interiors. Whilst adding a majestic character to the mews itself with its dark brick façade and impactful balcony, the outer appearance belies the vast size of the residence internally. After the demolition of the former mews house and after 2 years of construction, which had even necessitated underpinning the neighbouring houses, this property now accommodates a basement with indoor pool, lower ground floor with cinema room, open plan living and dining space, 2 floors of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional terraced balconies.Keeping the interiors bright and airy throughout was key to the design concept – floor to ceiling windows and Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights from Glazing Vision were installed to maximise the daylight where it would have been otherwise compromised on the ground and second floors. In addition, a Glazing Vision 3 Wall Box Rooflight provides unimpeded access from an internal staircase to the impressive roof terrace, which is recessed down 1 1/2metres between 2 pitched roofs and which offers a vast outdoor space for entertaining, dining and relaxing.Two Flushglaze Walk On rooflights were specified by the architect to negate the risk of potential dark spots appearing in the dining zone and living area on the ground floor. Engineered by Glazing Vision to bespoke sizes and to meet the future projected foot traffic upon them, they were seamlessly integrated into the balconied terrace on the second floor, thus shedding light through to the bench seating in the kitchen and lounge.Their minimal internal framework was in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of the interior, and both rooflights augment the quality and quantity of light entering this open plan area, even extending out towards the central stairwell and landing.Two further custom-sized Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights installed on the roof terrace add an intricate design detail but also create a wow factor. Perfect for flat roof terraces, these rooflights lie flush with the wooden decking. Again tested to allow for regular foot traffic and to bear the weight of terrace furniture, the rooflights offer complete safety and watertight integrity. On the second floor below, the two windowless bathrooms are flooded with the light coming through these rooflights – indeed such is the brightness of these rooms that privacy blinds have been installed for occasional use.Seeking to optimise the very large roof space that had been created (4m x 8m) the architect specified Glazing Vision’s 3 Wall Box Rooflight, which would offer easy access all year round to the roof terrace and also provide a contemporary glass feature. For the accommodation of the 3 wall mounted box rooflight a timber box frame had to be built which abutted the exposed brick wall behind.The property’s imposing central staircase provides access to the box rooflight, which in turn maximises the light falling down the stairwell to the bottom of the house. At a touch of a button from an access keypad, the sliding roof retracts to give a 50% clear opening with no “bowing of the head” necessary. The operation is quiet and safe, and the provision of a rain sensor ensures closure from inclement weather.

Part of the Wembley Park masterplan, this mixed-use development designed by GRID Architects delivers 396 Build to Rent dwellings for Quintain Living, together with a large health centre and retail along two streets. The specification of Vandersanden’s Majestic and Luna Taranis bricks responds to the setting of the development and helps visually separate the buildings.Repton Gardens is the next generation of Build to Rent developments at Wembley. The form is two long buildings on either side of a large amenity courtyard, with a smaller block between. The two main buildings are split into two, the southern half is 11 storeys high and the northern half steps up to 21 storeys. These brick-clad forms present a strong architectural statement within the huge regeneration of the area that is seen on arrival at Wembley Park station. From the first drawing, the facade material for the development was conceived as being brickwork. The architecture is simple and elegant but there was the desire to visually separate the elements of the two stepped buildings. To achieve this it was decided to use contrasting bricks with a light, but warm brick for the taller elevations and a dark - but again warm - brick for the lower areas. With this in mind, Vandersanden’s Majestic brick, which is a light grey with a hint of buff, was selected for the upper part while the darker Luna Taranis brick was chosen for the lower. The colour and texture of these bricks also contrast with the greyer, smoother brick of the existing, neighbouring buildings. “The brick choice was crucial,” explains Colin Veitch, director at GRID Architects. “We didn’t want the appearance of a normal mixed brick. The colour variation and texture that the Vandersanden product offers are an essential part of the richness of the overall design; they feel more natural and less engineered.”  GRID Architects had previously used Vandersanden products on Emerald Gardens, part of the same Wembley masterplan. “The bricks have a texture and almost handmade quality that you don’t get with many other brick types. When selecting the bricks for Repton Gardens we were looking at the colour first and foremost but, within that colour, the variation and the mix of slightly different colours within a batch. Another key consideration was the brick’s texture and the variation within that. We were very pleased with all these qualities and how they work together,” notes Veitch. The bricks were laid with a stretcher bond using a mortar as close as possible to the brick colour. Although slightly recessed, the joints are as flush as practicable so it feels like a homogeneous material across the wall. On the courtyard facades of the buildings, panels of corbeling were introduced to provide patterning - where the building cores meet there were no windows. To achieve this, every other course stands out by 20mm, creating light and shade to the facade. Appreciating the colour and texture of the buildings, both from afar and close up was an essential part of the vision. On arrival at Wembley Park station, the visitor looks towards Wembley stadium and sees the light coloured ends of these buildings at a distance and they appear to be smooth. Getting closer, the buildings reveal themselves differently as the texture, colour variations and tactility of the surfaces are perceived. Another goal was to tie together the external and internal visions. ‘Botanical living’ was the concept for both the inside and outside of the development. There is greenery, planting and colour in the corridors; it is about bringing nature inside. With this in mind, it felt right to have a natural feeling material on the outside; rather than a smooth and engineered product. Colin is enthusiastic about the resulting aesthetic. “The bricks have exceeded expectations and everybody is very pleased with the look of the project. Working with Vandersanden has been an incredibly positive experience!”

With our unique CAD design and cutting capabilities, you can incorporate exciting ideas into your playground flooring. Road design, which, whilst providing a road for toy cars to whizz around, can also be used for road safety training. We can incorporate zebra crossings, traffic lights, or any other road feature to provide a fun play area with a second use of teaching children the important facts and dangers of roads. On the fun side of things, we can incorporate hopscotches, number snakes, or mazes, which again, whilst providing outdoor flooring, also brings learning to the playground.

With our unique CAD design and cutting capabilities, you can incorporate exciting ideas into your playground flooring. Road design, which, whilst providing a road for toy cars to whizz around, can also be used for road safety training. We can incorporate zebra crossings, traffic lights, or any other road feature to provide a fun play area with a second use of teaching children the important facts and dangers of roads. On the fun side of things, we can incorporate hopscotches, number snakes, or mazes, which again, whilst providing outdoor flooring, also brings learning to the playground.

Products: Flexi light, Flexi heavy & Flexi access. Services: Plantroom, Generator, Air-handling units, VRF condensers and bespoke access solutions. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design. The mechanical services contractor on the project, had a number of different heavy building services that required supporting. This included a 6000kg plantroom, 6000kg generator, two 4500kg air-handling units and a 1150kg air-handling unit. Utilising our Flexi-Heavy Duty range of supports, we designed and calculated individual frameworks for each item of plant, paying particular attention to ensuring that the correct load management through our frames.

Products: Flexi Everyday – H Frame Kits and Flexi-Feet, Flexi Light – Base & Extender frames, Flexi heavy – Modular Frameworks & Custom Frame Services: Cable trays, Ducts, A/C Splits & Air-handling units. Roof build-up: Warm roof design – PIR/PUR insulation with PVC/TPO field membrane. An assortment of products was required to support various services such as cable trays, ductwork, condensers and air-handling units. In addition, due to one of the air-handling units being extremely wider than usual, we also had to manufacture a bespoke custom framework for this item.

By using a pair of Howe Green Access Cover Skates you will make light work of moving heavy access covers! Health and safety is a major consideration for all building owners, facilities managers and contractors. The Howe Green Access Cover Skate removes the need for operatives to manually move heavy manhole covers and access covers when accessing concealed services. By reducing the requirement to handle heavy objects the risk of injury is greatly diminished. With up to a 300-kilo lift from each Howe Green Access Cover Skate you will benefit from a powerful floor access cover lifter.

Leeds Arts University completed a 5-year £22m building expansion with HERADESIGN® Sonic Element and Baffle Element, installed throughout the main entrance, library and the new group spaces to minimise noise disturbance.The design for the project meant all the mechanical services had to be exposed and the lighting integrated into the hanging canopies.Paul King of DLA Design Group said, "We chose HERADESIGN® because, aside of the acoustic performance, we liked the natural, raw wood wool. It’s a striking and versatile material and we were really impressed with how the individual panels could be matched to the chosen colour scheme.”

To meet the client’s requirements of wanting sliding doorsets rather than pivoting doors on the meeting rooms, Komfort’s Sonik Slide doors were installed. This project gave us the opportunity to use Sonik Slide as our new acoustic pocket double glazed sliding door, which can be specified as a single or double door set within its own unique frameless glass. On this project, Sonik Slide double door sets were specified and installed. Sonik Slide has been designed to focus on ease of installation and to allow light to flood through the workplace whilst ensuring high acoustic performance is maintained.