"lights"

Split over basement, ground and three upper floors, the Charles Doll Building on Grape Street, London, offers a contemporary and functional specification in this stunning office refurbishment. The development mixes industrial elements with a crisp modern aesthetic by carefully combining characterful architectural features, including vaulted ceilings with exposed brick and steelwork.Named after its architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, the building is clad in decorative thé-au-lait (“tea with milk”) terracotta – Doll's use of grand façades is understood to have resulted in the expression, ‘all dolled up’. The first floor has been fitted out to a high standard with office furniture from Vitra, providing the perfect space for those who want to move in and get straight to work.The lobby mixes vibrate contemporary wall art with industrial light fittings and brickwork. Forza’s in-house CAD team planned the bespoke black oak Firescreen partition wall to match the architect's design. As a market leading passive fire product, this Firescreen provides both integrity from Smoke and Fire and insulation from heat. This is important because in a fire emergency heat has been shown to ignite secondary fires to items, such as curtains or carpets, that are near the other side of non-insulated partitions.Via the Thinking Space Design & Build, Forza Doors supplied twenty FD30 Fire Doors with stained frames and skirting boards to match throughout the five floors of The Charles Doll Building. Chosen to match the steelwork throughout the development, the dark satin finish of the doors was selected from Forza’s Creato range of dyed veneers. This ‘Illunis’ finish is one of twelve fashionable choices in the range. Dyed veneers are an increasingly popular choice with designers as they offer cost savings over stained veneers without compromising quality.The Doors with glass vision panels, required to allow light through to the stairwells, feature our flush and quirk bead. A minimalist design option where one side of the doors is completely flush right up to the glass vision panel and the other side has a very simple elegant bead detailing.

The Hising Bridge is to become the new landmark of Gothenburg. Spanning over the central part of Scandinavia’s most significant commercial harbour, The Hissing Bridge will replace the existing Göta River Bridge from 1939.Aesthetically, the Hising bridge will become ‘a street’ within the city, for people to walk on and below and, to enjoy spectacular views. The Hising bridge will bind the Göta River shores for cars, busses, trams, pedestrians, and bicycles.The Hising Bridge project involves many partners, entrepreneurs, and subcontractors. PcP was involved in the project to design and supply safety solutions for access walkways, platforms, stairs, and architectural ceilings. The new bridge is approximately 440 metres long.Project criteriaThe construction work for the Hising Bridge began in 2013 and will replace the old worn-out bridge from 1939. The project involves a range of highly experienced partners within construction and infrastructure: Trafikværket and Skanska, to name a few. The project prescribed stainless steel gratings to decorate the bridge with an architectural ceiling that would blend into the atmosphere and surroundings. The purpose is to give people an unforgettable experience of the architecture and the bridge lights during the day and on a “special” night.The criteria for the ceiling of stainless-steel gratings were prescribed in the project to fulfil an aesthetic design as a ceiling and at the same time provide a functional safety platform for maintenance workers.Additionally, the project had prescribed the need for safe access walkways, stairs, and service platforms to ensure maximum safety for workers on the entire bridge.SolutionThe project partners chose PcP to provide the complete solution: ceiling, stairs, walkways, and service platforms.The different applications involved close collaboration between the partners throughout design, development, test and delivery. The range of applications was a thorough process of designing, drawing and technical advice. The entire solution involved PcP products from OPTIMO, CUBE and Guardrail.CUBE® as architectural ceiling1000 m2 CUBE® gratings decorate the ceiling below the bridge with a multifunctional purpose combining design and functionality. The unique design is simplistic and efficient and provides excellent light penetration at night.

The ChallengeSituated in the Rye Lane conservation area in Peckham, South London, the four to seven storey mixed-use development in Rye Green – comprising 27 residential units laid out across six floors, with two retail units on the ground floor – would provide affordable housing for people in the community who are most in need.The scheme had to consider two elements, the first being the redevelopment of the frontage building (Rye Lane) with the retention of its façade, and the second being the six-storey (with set-back seven-storey) block to the rear, on the site of the existing fish warehouse.The SolutionThe architectural design of this residential development incorporates traditional and modern features with an existing brick façade.PROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILThe seven-storey block is rectangular in form and has been built with a striking yellow facingbrick with protruding red brick paneling. The contrast between red and yellow brickwork is exaggerated with the introduction of green glaze facing brickwork at street level. This change in texture and brick finish works well with the local vernacular.The new second and third floor additions are set back from the retained frontage.The design is simple and functional, and the specified fabric responds to the historic character of the conservation area.Three facing bricks from Butterley Brick were selected for the build. Arden Special Reserve, a red, light textured brick, and buff Village Harvest Multi – also light textured – were used as the facing material for the main body of the buildings. Wilncote Blue Smooth, a dark toned brick. was used to define the base of the buildings. The set-back top floor of the seven-storey block is clad in zinc shingles to reflect its roof-like character.The BenefitsThe high quality development, together with its associated external landscaping, has contributed positively to its place in Peckham.Butterley Brick offers a range of high quality facing bricks manufactured from locally sourced raw materials; the range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification. The bricks contribute to thermal mass and can be recycled at the end of their use.

This is the new sleek and inconspicuous cycle hub recently designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco at Hackney Central Overground Station.Greeting commuters to the west of the station, the 10m cycle hub has been fitted with a combination of both reinforced safety glass and sustainable hardwood cladding.A series of 48 spaces of the FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle rack have been installed along with a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, LED lighting, CCTV security, branding graphics, a green sedum roof and secure mobile app access. Falco also installed five separate TfL London cycle stands located outside of the cycle hub.The green sedum roof, an increasingly popular feature for Falco shelters, supports the operators sustainable development plan by providing the many advantages associated with green roof systems as well as insulation for both heat and noise. A sedum roof both reduces water discharge as well as compensating for CO2 emissions.The FalcoSmart mobile app access system uses Bluetooth technology to provide Hackney commuters with secure access to the cycle hub using their own smartphone or tablet, removing the need for physical keys and fobs. Commuters are able to apply for access to the hub via Falco and having downloaded the ‘App’ are given access rights to the cycle hub for a period of time depending on their subscription.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, installed to the west of the station, on Graham Road.Hackney Central is a railway station located on the North London Line within Greater London, serving 4.3m annual passengers.   Falco cycle hubs can also incorporate a world of features including; smart LED lighting, green sedum roofs, CCTV and Help Point facilities as well as numerous other cost-effective features for the cyclist such as lock holders, helmet lockers, seating and bike repair facilities.For more information about the FalcoHub cycle store, a demonstration of the FalcoSmart app-based lock, the FalcoPod bike hangar or any other Falco product, then please speak to one of our friendly customer service staff on 01538 380080.

Due to proven technology and a proven track record, AkzoNobel was chosen to supply fire and corrosion protection coatings for the Akpo FPSO.The vessel is 310 meters in length with facilities for 240 crew members and storage for two million barrels of oil. With two processing trains for the separation of oil and water, and an average production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, the Akpo FPSO is a high-value installation. The risk of catastrophic hydrocarbon fires was a significant concern during construction, as was the risk of metal corrosion in the harsh offshore conditions.With outstanding technical knowledge and a long, successful track record in the new-build FPSO market, AkzoNobel was selected as the protective coatings supplier for the project. Chosen from the market-leading Chartek range of fire protection products, Chartek 7 is a light-weight epoxy intumescent ideal for providing PFP (Passive Fire Protection) in offshore installations, due to its excellent water and chemical resistance.

Walton Court Gardens by BroadwayMalyan and Gillespies for Crest Nicholson is a substantial project offering 375 new homes in Walton-on-Thames on the site of the former Birds Eye headquarters. Walton Court pays homage to the site’s original building by echoing the prior site half hexagonal aluminium facade in its full-height angled facade, evoking the original pattern. The central “jewel” building is sat amongst the surrounding buildings clad in Freshfield Lane’s Danehill Yellows. Sunlight bounces from the centre building offering an ever-changing facade through shadow and light. Streets built for the project will be planted alongside new and existing trees to create harmony between the landscape and architectural vernacular. The project draws on influences from the Birds Eye master plan and retains its strong sense of geometry while ensuring that the site is pedestrian friendly and easy to navigate for its new residential community.

The Hive is a new creativity & innovation hub, built alongside the existing structures of Headington School and designed to ensure that creative thinking is established as the heart of a Headington Students education.Designed by LSH Architects, the 23,000 sq. ft building consists of sculpture studios, kiln room, photographic facilities, textile studios and 3 artist studios, with media editing suites and a Cinemax screening room also being included. Other facilities specifically suited to a range of creative outputs have been carefully and cleverly built into the project. To enable a sense of openness, high ceilings are used throughout the buildings and the gallery space is further enhanced to allow vast columns of light to permeate the area.Michelmersh’s Hampshire Red Stock Multi ATR was supplied via EH Smith and helped settle the building into the verdant, green backdrop and give the building a warm, comforting feel, as well as allowing the building to fit snugly within the landscape created by the surrounding buildings.

Upper Longcross is a development project by Crest Nicholson. The project involved the construction of new homes in Surrey. The development was designed to provide a mix of affordable and luxury housing, with a focus on sustainability and green spaces.Crest Nicholson’s commitment to sustainability was evident in the design of the Upper Longcross development. The homes were built to a high standard of energy efficiency, with features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The development also featured extensive green spaces, including a central park and a network of footpaths and cycle routes. The Upper Longcross development has been widely praised for its innovative approach to sustainability and for providing high-quality homes in desirable locations.Michelmersh’s Hampshire Stock Dark and Light Multi bricks are instantly recognisable and assist the houses to stand out from their leafy scenery and help harmonise modern and more traditional facades. Freshfield Lane Lindfield Yellow bricks are also seen within the development.

The Stratosphere building in London, designed by Allies and Morrison, is a sleek and contemporary addition to the capital’s skyline. Its location in the Stratford area of London makes it a part of the vibrant cultural and business hub of East London.The building’s striking design is characterized by its distinctive saw-tooth facade, which is made up of a series of alternating angled and flat planes. The facade was inspired by the industrial heritage of the surrounding area, which was once home to factories and warehouses. The saw-tooth design also serves a practical purpose, allowing for maximum natural light to enter the building while minimizing solar gain and glare. The building’s interior spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable, making them suitable for a range of uses from office spaces to residential apartments.The Stratosphere building uses Floren.be’s Sirius clay bricks. The deep browns help set it apart from its contemporary counterpart and also speak to the industrial heritage of the area.

This Freedom Day, as people are able to gather once again in large spaces, such as cinemas, galleries, theatres and offices, this case study we explore the challenges of designing acoustics for public spaces, with our expert guests of Episode 25 - FREEDOM DAY SPECIAL - Acoustics in large public spaces - Richard King - Sandy Brown and Martin Rawlins - BASWA acoustic.  Sandy Brown is the largest independent acoustic consultancy in the UK. Since 1969, they have been at the forefront of building acoustics and are recognised experts in the acoustic design of studios, auditoria and performance spaces. Projects include MediaCity UK, BAFTA - 195 Piccadilly, Leeds Playhouse and Apple Store Marina Bay Sands.  For BASWA, the Swiss pioneers of modern seamless acoustic ceilings, good acoustics are essential to wellbeing - just like natural light. BASWA projects include, The Sala Beckett theater, Barcelona, The V&A Museum Members Bar, London, The Louvre, Paris and Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg. 

A bespoke side sliding sectional garage door by Rundum Meir provides a blend of aesthetics and modern functionality in a Victorian house renovation project. The 19 ft x 12 ft garage has been transformed into a quality working space equipped and finished exquisitely, allowing for use as a utility area or office as well as a vehicular. A clear 2900mm span is provided by a sliding sectional garage door. Hand crafted using knot-free Spruce, this bespoke timber door in RAL 6021 Pale Green is fully automated with insulation between the five solid double skinned timber panels.With one third obscure glazing, the door allows for plenty of natural light to enter the garage. The design of the garage door panels and the cross styles in the window were the customer’s wish to satisfy the local conservation area requirements. It is the perfect example of the role a Rundum Meir garage door can play in transforming a garage to give it new purpose and flexibility.

Wick Lane is a scheme composed of six distinct buildings, including light industrial units, retail, and workspace areas, and 175 homes. It has been built in an existing vibrant neighbourhood, characterised by Victorian warehouse buildings with a mixture of industrial, creative, and residential spaces. These six buildings work together to form a new community that is an authentic piece of Hackney Wick. These apartments consist of a selection of one, two, and three bedroom homes. A variety of employment spaces activate and enliven the main street whilst freestanding double-height industrial units are combined with a variety of one, two or three-storey commercial units.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD5 was specified by dRMM due to its excellent acoustic properties specifically designed to reduce impact noise through the concrete floors with a floating screed. It is a lightweight, easy to install non-crosslinked polyethylene foam.Taylor Wimpey was awarded this 15,000m² contract to construct this development.

Lewis Deck was chosen, on this particular project in London, for a number of the key benefits the system brings. These being the strength of the system with only needing a thin concrete screed on top, the acoustic qualities & vibration control properties and the speed an ease of installation. This project even requested much longer sheets than standard in an effort to speed up the installation process. In fact you can see from the main photo above that some of the sheets were extremely long. The longest being just over 6.5m.This project was the installation of a new suspended, loadbearing concrete floor above an existing floor below. The space being used as a plant room for the hospital. The Lewis Deck was installed over a suspended steel grid of Light Gauge Steel C-section joists. A thin concrete was then installed over the top.This was a quick installation with the Lewis Deck being installed and then used as a safe working deck ahead of the screed being pumped in.

The ChallengeCalder Gardens is a mixed development of 37 units that includes terraced housing and three storey blocks designed around a central courtyard with clearly defined public and private spaces and integrated parking. It is part of Edinburgh City Council’s 21st Century Homes Small Sites Programme to deliver 40,000 affordable and mid-market houses across the city, on constrained plots within established communitiesIt was fundamental that the proposed development would integrate with, and have a positive impact on, the character of the local neighbourhood.The SolutionThe architectural style is stripped-back and uses a restricted, predominantly brick, palette of materials. The brick selected for the project was Village Harvest Multi, a high quality, light-textured, buff brick.The BenefitsBuilt on a brownfield site within the heart of a well-established community, the choice of materials used in the construction of Calder Gardens has ensured the development has quickly and beautifully integrated with its surrounding environment.

Ascent Rooflight Covers were specified by Eurosafe Solutions as part of a Safe Access strategy to allow maintenance personnel to frequently access the roof areas to undertake Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) works at an office / warehousing premises in Orgreave, Sheffield. The Ascent Rooflight covers are a freestanding unit that sits above the potential fall hazard of the glazed rooflight. Formed from an angular aluminium framework with mesh infill the rooflight covers do not overly restrict light penetrating the rooflight. The Rooflight covers are supported on small spreader plates which provide a non-penetrative support solution on the flat felt roof. The Ascent Rooflight covers are testing in accordance with ACR(M) 001:2014 Test for Non-fragility of Large Element Roofing Assemblies (fifth element) and manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures allowing CE/UKCA marking as required with all Safety critical components as per the Construction Product regulations 2022  

In 2020, Paul Dow Joinery approached us to create the kits for a two 5 bed house luxury development he was undertaking in Burntisland. The client wished to create energy efficient, large open-plan house's with wrap around balconies and large glass expanses to allow lots of solar gain but also draw attention to the amazing view of the River Forth right across to Edinburgh.Fast forward to July 2023 and we've only been on site for 4 days and look at the headway that has been made on the first property. The ground and first level are almost complete and ready for the roof. The client has opted for a large glazed roof panel to allow light through the mezzanine level down to the ground level.The houses will promote various renewable's including an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, solar panels and triple glazing to compliment the high level of air tightness provided by the SIPS system.

THE PROJECTThe Bushey Heath building is the eighth development created by the Jewish Blind Association and consists of 15 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments. The project cost £6.7 million and has multiple communal areas including a large roof terrace which is available to tenants. This was identified as an area which would require shading and shelter for tenants.THE CHALLENGEThe charity needed a shading solution which could be left out in heavy rain and still provide a suitable amount of shade.THE SOLUTIONTo achieve the desired 10000mm width and 5000mm projection we used the Weinor Pergotex II aluminium roof cover to protect the roof terrace area. This was designed to give residents of the Bushey Heath flats shelter from sun and rain due to the product’s unique PVC fabric panels. The addition of LED roof lighting helped residents use the area later in the evenings with spaced seating provided.

Ward Firth 9 at The Northern General Hospital underwent a complete refurbishment as part of an essential maintenance project recently which included redecoration and new flooring as well as the installation of Yeoman Shield Wall Protection Panels and Guardian Handrail.After the work was completed the ward lookedsmart and refreshed which left the originalNurses Station lack lustre, as pictured to the left.Yeoman Shield were able to offer a solution to theworn work-unit with the application, to the sidesof the desk, of 2.0mm thick FalmouthEx protectionpanels in light grey to match the surrounding décor.The tops of the work stations were covered withYeoman Shield Satin Pastel Smooth panels in thecolour Clay.Not only did the covering of the nurse’s stationwith Yeoman Shield products reflect the newsmart décor of the wards but also gave them anextra lease of life with a durable impact resistantand easy to clean hygienic finish.

ModernGlide were over the moon too be involved with this project with a top London Interior Company at St Katharine Docks London. Installation of over 66 meters of sliding movable wall panels to help create a sleek and flexible studying environment. Featured in the video is the MG600 flush glazed movable wall that when closed creates a central room with the panels meeting at right angles and the addition of 2 access door panels. Particularly desirable for office spaces, our MG600 glazed office partitions and glass movable walls offer multiple benefits to your workspace and for your employees. The benefits of having glazed acoustic walls include 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.

A Shading Revamp for ICC WalesThis was a project in which both functionality and aesthetics played a large role. It was important that the shading system installed not only provided a professional aesthetic, but also could boast robust performance.This particular project shows Umbra's top of the range automation systems at their best, the ability to power a whole room of blinds at the press of a button is one that suits large office spaces perfectly.Besides the automation aspect, the KuroLok blackout blinds themselves suited the professional and stylish nature of the project with ease. Self-Zipping edges mean that the blind itself never falls out of the side channels, thus eliminating unwanted light leaks, and the high quality, full blackout fabric provided the privacy and security the project needed.The slim side channels of KuroLok and Umbra's in house powder coating services meant that the blinds matched the style of the room flawlessly providing a professional look.

Lionweld Kennedy designed, supplied, fabricated and installed extensions to existing platforms in order to accommodate longer trains and add a new emergency end of platform staircase . The platforms we worked on was Shepherds Bush, Imperial Wharf, West Brompton and Clapham Stations.We provided GRP deck, below deck screens, mesh litter screens, end of platform steps, fencing and lockable gates as well as associated handrails, plinths, fixtures and fittings.The GRP deck panel’s increased strength allows spans of 4000mm clear span with a 5kn/m² pedestrian loading.This meets all network rail load requirements and is fully approved and in use.Additional strengthening to the deck was required to accommodate the lighting/CCTV columns shown above.We added white and yellow edge lines and safety lines as well as the tactile pavers moulded to the deck.The gritted anti-slip surface is also ideal for this application where safety is paramount.

Turning a roofscape into a power station just got better. The combination of GreenCoat PLX with integrated, almost invisible solar functions to deliver green energy and good looks. The solar modules are bonded directly onto the metal roof within the controls of a factory environment at Metal Solutions Ltd, Bolton. Lightweight and maintenance free with no access requirements for cleaning the solution is a real game changer. Each module is 358mm wide and sits between the Snaplock® standing seam profile. In harmony with GreenCoat Mountain Grey the solar modules are virtually invisible from the street. A traditional Glass Crystalline module would add substantial weight, wind sheer load on the standing seam fixings and require access for bi-annual cleaning with the then risk of damage during that process.The thin, flexible solar modules do not detract from the design of the house and offer an excellent yield even in low light conditions.

During the core renovation of the Frankfurt office tower, the Lindner Group was entrusted with the complete basic fit-out and one of the tenant fit-outs. In addition tocarrying out various drywall works, high quality raised floors and energy-efficient heated and chilled ceilings were installed in combination with lighting systems fromLindner. High-quality wooden doors from Lindner’s own production, related joinery work, as well as flexible system glass partitions complete the construction package. Lindner also carried out plastering and painting work as well as tile, coating and flooring work, and additional installation services.Despite numerous challenges such as (heritage-protected) construction in existing buildings and the high logistical effort involved, the vision of a modern office tower wassuccessfully realized. Thanks to sustainable construction systems and building services combined with effective thermal insulation measures, the Global Tower is set tobe awarded with the DGNB Platinum certification.

Architect: AtkinsInstaller: Vitec Ceilings and PartitionsProduct: Gustafs Linear RibA small but perfectly executed project at 75m2, the new Bracknell Forest Council chambers at the Times Square building in Berkshire is clad with Gustafs Linear Ribs to the ceiling and feature wall.The plain white ceiling ribs are organised into multiple square rafts across the space installed in alternating directions and interspersed with traditional ceiling tiles, lighting, and vents.The split feature wall which stands either side of the speakers’ podium and main panel desks is made up of a mixture of natural Oak and Bamboo veneer and painted ribs installed with irregularly positioned 45° angled joints.The ribs were delivered oversized and cut to size on site, the mitre joints were also cut on site by Vitec and joined using extra-long installation clips to keep the joint inline and give the illusion of a dip-dyed rib.

The Quadrangle building in the historic heart of Cheltenham, once a 1970s landmark, has been completely transformed into a contemporary mixed-use commercial development featuring exclusively AluK window, door and curtain walling systems.Designed by AWW Architects from their Bristol studio and completed by Beard Construction, it now features an inner courtyard, ground floor retail space, four storeys of open plan workspace and the town’s first rooftop restaurant.The fenestration package was absolutely key to retaining the design language of the original building within a more contemporary aesthetic, whilst also meeting the requirement for improved thermal efficiency, more natural light and better natural ventilation.Having been impressed with the design and quality of AluK products on previous projects, AWW specified a comprehensive mix of AluK systems at the Quadrangle – the SG52 capless curtain walling system to give a frameless appearance to the retail façade, the more conventional SL52 capped curtain walling system for the courtyard area and rooftop restaurant, the GT55 system for the entrance doors, and the tried and trusted 58BW window system for the 400+ windows fitted into the existing openings around the façade.The entire fenestration programme was carried out by AluK fabricator Aluminium Sashes, which used its extensive experience in the repair and replace sector to overcome the challenges inherent in surveying, fabricating and fitting windows into openings which, in many cases, were irregular in shape and form and not aligned with the concrete slab finish.Aluminium Sashes worked closely with AluK at planning and detailed design stage to achieve the contemporary look for the façade that the client and architect wanted. For example, where the original windows had a transom and modesty spandrel panel below, the slimmer sightline replacements replicated the line of the transom but with fritted glass below to provide a similar level of privacy with more natural light. They also designed a solution for fixing the anthracite grey windows to the metallic bronze louvre sections specified to break up the uniformity of the façade, give users the option of manual ventilation and to provide fresh air and exhaust points for the AHUs. The reinforcing bar in the windows has effectively become the carrier bar for the louvres and gives the impression that there are two colours in one window panel.

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

A portfolio of Rockfon acoustic systems feature throughout the former British Gas Engineering Research Station (ERS) where iconic 1960s modernism meets 21st Century needs following sensitive and innovative refurbishment on a grand scale.The former ERS building at Killingworth has a very strong architectural pedigree. The 50,000sq.ft. Grade II* listed structure sits within a ten acre site and was the brainchild of pioneering architectural partnership Ryder and Yates. Built in 1967, the starkly beautiful, uncompromising construction was influenced by such luminaries of modernism as Le Corbusier and Lubetkin.Collaboration delivers heritage sensitive solutions Rockfon were very pleased to have been selected for the project and to have worked with RIBA Chartered Architects, Ainsworth Spark Associates on the specification of acoustic ceiling and wall systems for such an important and sensitive undertaking on behalf of property owner and main contractor North Tyneside Council. The building is now a fit for the future, multi-use resource which includes public access areas, open plan work spaces, smaller offices and meeting rooms. A primary eco-drive for the project was to bring the building back into use rather than wastefully demolish it only to build a new facility elsewhere. Recognition and respect for the building’s listed status were at the forefront of the architects’ plans. The development offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate a portfolio of acoustic systems to match the particular demands of each space throughout the building.Rachel Charlesworth of Ainsworth Spark Associates talked about the project, “We needed to expose the history of the building and respect its architectural heritage whilst delivering a positive, modern working environment. An example of this was to painstakingly remove original service grid, thoroughly clean all components, down to each nut and bolt, and reinstall to help tell the historical story visible above the Eclipse Islands. The Rockfon team worked closely with us, providing solutions, particularly for the 1st floor concourse. Rockfon Blanka® X with a concealed grid and bespoke edge trim delivered the smooth, seamless appearance we were looking for to fantastic effect. The new ceiling systems clearly define the refurbishment and were a crucial part of the build.”Rockfon Blanka® offers a wide choice of options for installation and usage. Its smooth high white surface is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money. The range embodies Class A sound absorption, 26dB – 46dB room to room sound Insulation, 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion. Blanka B was also used as wall panels. All Rockfon acoustic systems are made from naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stone wool, are non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Rockfon also contributes to a more sustainable future. They are recyclable and have a high recycled content, supporting the closed-loop circular economy, and are certified to leave a positive impact on people and the planet as the firm’s latest Cradle to Cradle certification confirms. Architectural legacy meets modernityThe building’s interiors use a pared back palette of greys and light wood to great effect with occasional elements picked out in blue. Original floor to ceiling strip windows and new, glazed screens, allow light to filter through.In the vast, open plan work spaces around 600 square format Rockfon Eclipse® Islands have been used to control sound and diffuse the visual impact of the exposed mechanical and electrical services above. These elegant, frameless acoustic islands are suspended in a linear formation by wires affixed to the three metre high plenum but they can also be installed using a suspended grid or fixed directly to the soffit. They absorb sound on both sides, helping to reduce reverberation time and improve ambient sound levels. Their smooth, deep matt, super white surface has anti-static properties which extend product life. Elsewhere in smaller spaces, Rockfon® Koral™ and Rockfon® Tropic™ tiles were used. Dimensionally stable, each has an attractive moisture resistant surface. Installed with semi-concealed or visible grid options they both offer Class A sound absorption and Class A1 fire safety.Rockfon expertise and support always availableKD Building Solutions were responsible for the ceiling systems installation. The firm’s John Duffy, “We wanted to develop our expertise in ceiling installation and this project certainly gave us the opportunity to do that. We faced challenges due to the need to protect the listed interiors and the re-use of original materials but Rockfon’s Jim Lundy was always available to offer support and advice. Thanks also to Minster, Newcastle for ensuring Rockfon materials were there on time. The completed installations look and perform brilliantly.”

Forming an important part of a £200m redevelopment, the flagship three building Llys Cadwyn (Chain Court) mixed-use riverside development encompasses office and retail units alongside a state-of-the-art library, café, leisure fitness and community facilities in the heart of Pontypridd. Owner client, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, awarded the design of this eye-catching project to Darnton B3 Architects, who have worked with Willmott Dixon since 2018, to bring the innovative, ambitious £38m scheme to fruition. Around 9500m2 of Rockfon acoustic ceiling and wall systems are installed throughout the three building scheme to add a wow factor and help create healthy interiors where people can work, visit, study, socialise and relax. Architecture that looks and feels good The facades of two of the buildings are glazed, with those facing the riverside designed with sun-deflecting vertical fins in a mix of warm primary colours from yellow through to orange and red – adding a positive, contemporary accent. The third building sits in contrast to the others with its organic, aardvark curved outer shell clad completely in shimmering zinc tiles, reminiscent of the futuristic Bullring in Birmingham and the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The twin buildings required high levels of sound absorption due to the predominantly open-plan office interiors on their upper floors. Independent research shows that stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics in these environments. The high light reflectance offered by our ceiling systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Ensuring the desired Shhh In the Library, sound control was an obvious specification requirement. Happily, Rockfon ranges - including Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles - offer acoustic performance which deliver the desired Shh. Elsewhere in the café, gym and community spaces, our products are tough enough to deal with the impact of heavy use. Darnton B3 Project Architect, Martin Hurley, “I met with our client to discuss the acoustics in a large atria which sits between the children’s, and general reference libraries. We agreed to create a feature art wall using a selection of colours influenced by the council’s own corporate identity. The completed design works really well, delivering the visual impact and sound control we desired. Rockfon Eclipse® wall panels were used to create the stylish art wall, featuring dark greys, purples, turquoise, teal, lime and orange which were NCS-matched. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, the fixing kit allows panels to be set at varying distances from the wall to enhance creative possibilities. Delivering the dream Tonypandy-based M&P Group, were responsible for the installation. The firm’s Andrew Pearce commented, “Co-ordinating the process of installation across three buildings within a tight, riverside, city-centre site presented particular challenges. It was vital the supply line remained on schedule, with deliveries on-time and in good order – something the Rockfon team helped ensure. In fact, the project came together well and everyone is very pleased with the completed job.” Nevill Long Area Sales Manager, Mike Parkin, “This was a technically and aesthetically interesting project to be involved with. It was a pleasure to work with Rockfon to ensure the correct materials were delivered on time and in full.” Great performance and fabulous looks Rockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “It was really beneficial to be part of the design specification process for this landmark build from an early stage. A guiding requirement was to achieve the least visible grid, using a selection of Rockfon ranges to create aesthetically pleasing results with high levels of sound absorption. In addition to the Eclipse feature wall, versatile, technologically advanced Rockfon Blanka® was installed throughout the three buildings, with specialised Blanka Bas utilised in meeting rooms to promote speech intelligibility. Rockfon® Koral™ was used exclusively within washrooms and lobbies.” The Rockfon Blanka range offers a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, which speeds up installation, saving time and money. Within the futuristic building, an arrangement of elegant, circular, Rockfon Eclipse islands, in white, are hung from ceiling wires, creating the illusion they are floating in mid-air. In common with other Rockfon ranges, Rockfon Koral offers excellent sound absorption and the highest fire safety characteristics. It is easy to clean with a vacuum or a damp cloth and is available in semi-concealed and visible grid options.

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) 

Conversion of listed Cotswold coach houseDesign Storey architects are thrilled with the transformation of this curtilage-listed coach house located in a walled garden within a conservation area in a small Cotswold town. The task was to extend the ground floor of the property to create a new boot room and dining room, increase the amount of light into the property and improve connection of the house with the garden. The project proved particularly tricky due to the listed and conservation status which made selection of materials especially sensitive. Having specified Lindab guttering for these reasons and for its longevity and minimal appearance, the architect was assisted with samples so that the client could choose their colour palette on site. They opted for Anthracite Metallic coated finish gutters and downpipes and square hoppers which the architect said, “contributed to the overall quality of the build and visual appearance of the final building”. Following this, Design Storey are using Lindab guttering on a number of further projects including a school extension and a family home, stating that Lindab, “provide a quality range of products to suit a number of solutions.”

With views overlooking central Manchester from several floors up, the designers for this workspace have utilised glazed partitions throughout to maximise the transfer of light and make the most of the stunning backdrop offered by the city skyline.London Wall was approached to provide a glass moving wall system that could seamlessly integrate in to the overall design of the space by matching the proposed glass partitions, while offering space flexibility.Our Type G200 system was the perfect choice, with a crittal effect indention to the static panels on show elsewhere within the space. The glazed panels can quickly and easily be stacked, allowing staff the choice between a single, large open plan space or two smaller spaces.When the panels are in use, the two spaces both remain easily accessible thanks to a lockable pass door. Type G200’s impressive acoustic performance ensures that sound transfer between the two spaces is kept to a minimum, therefore reducing noise distraction and increasing privacy.

With views overlooking central Manchester from several floors up, the designers for this workspace have utilised glazed partitions throughout to maximise the transfer of light and make the most of the stunning backdrop offered by the city skyline.London Wall was approached to provide a glass moving wall system that could seamlessly integrate in to the overall design of the space by matching the proposed glass partitions, while offering space flexibility.Our Type G200 system was the perfect choice, with a crittal effect indention to the static panels on show elsewhere within the space. The glazed panels can quickly and easily be stacked, allowing staff the choice between a single, large open plan space or two smaller spaces.When the panels are in use, the two spaces both remain easily accessible thanks to a lockable pass door. Type G200’s impressive acoustic performance ensures that sound transfer between the two spaces is kept to a minimum, therefore reducing noise distraction and increasing privacy.

Residents of a community on the hillside by Loch Craignish, one of Scotland's most beautiful sea lochs, have a new and unique village hall with a roof that is sympathetic to the surroundings, thanks to Eternit's fibre cement profiled sheeting.The old village hall at Ardfern in Argyll and Bute had been built traditionally with most recently, a corrugated metal roof which had corroded and leaked. Architect Tom McCardel was tasked with giving the villagers a community facility capable of handling a vast range of activities and he specified Eternit's fibre cement profiled sheeting for Craignish Village Hall for several reasons.Its light weight meant the main spaces of the building did not have to be taken up with supporting framework, its green painted finish blends more into the landscape than traditional gloss paint, and its roof had to be resistant to the corrosive atmosphere of the sea coast."I specified the Eternit sheeting because of its lightweight qualities, cost effectiveness, ease of detailing and appearance" he said.

Bermondsey Spa is a transformation of a neglected corner of south London into one with well designed homes, streets, spaces, and places for the local community. Located in Southwark, close to Tower Bridge and Bermondsey Underground station. 2,000 new homes, 40% of which are affordable housing, have been created. 16 GP surgeries in two new health centres, a NHS dental practice, pharmacy, youth, and play facilities, 2.5 hectares of re-landscaped open space, bicycle parks, council offices and a One Stop Shop, shops, including a food retail store, and offices for the Southwark Primary Care Trust have been constructed.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by Levitt Bernstein for this development for its acclaimed resilient layer which isolates floating screed from the structural concrete floor. YELOfon HD10+ has superior impact sound deadening properties, is light weight and is easy to handle and install.Hyde Group was awarded this 25,000m² contract to construct this development in one of the most vibrant places to live in London.

St Pauls’ Way is an award-winning 1, 5, 6, & 7 story building with 23 units consisting of one, two and three bedroom flats over a ground floor community space. This scheme was designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating of 72.7%, awarding it winner of 6 national housing awards, including Evening Standard New Homes Award 2019’s ‘Best Regeneration Project'. Constructed of light gauge steel frame and faced with a buff brick, this scheme will contribute to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Community Plan.HiDECK Overlay 18 was specified by Architecture PLB in this project as the overlay flooring solution. It’s ideal for flooring applications incorporating an underflooring heating system due to its high thermal conductivity which provides rapid reaction times, saving on running costs. In addition, its high density makes it perfect for a variety of acoustic applications.Stack London was awarded this 6,300m² contract for this development in Tower Hamlets.

AG supplied its well-established Plaza Lineal paving in Salt, Pepper and Birkes to provide a beautiful and robust hard landscaping solution for external surroundings at the highly esteemed Exeter School. Creating a pedestrianised area at the centre of the site, making it safer and a more aesthetic and pleasant environment for pupils and staff. The striking colour blends creates an eye-catchingly beautiful contrast with the 1633 building, adding vibrancy to the school.The Plaza Lineal 120mm paving was laid to allow a one-way system through the site. Plaza Lineal paving was the perfect choice for Clifton Emery Design as the paving has a technical loading capability of 3.5 tonnes on flexible construction, making it ideal for lightly trafficked and pedestrian areas that require access for cleaning and light vehicles. The ultra-linear formats and mixed sizes have been designed to deliver maximum performance and versatility – offering almost limitless design possibilities for architects.The recent refurbishment is part of Exeter School’s long-term strategic planning programme.