"liquid fuel tanks"

In April 2016, the world-renowned London School of Economics announced that Grafton Architects were to design their next major project. The Marshall Building at 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, built by Mace Group, includes an extensive two-storey, mixed-use basement that will house plant areas, squash courts, changing facilities and a sports hall, covering a total of over 2,250m2 of floorspace and presenting quite the project for Newton Specialist Contractor Cast Contracting Ltd (CCL).Newton Specialist Contractor CCL were appointed to design, supply and install the waterproofing by principal contractor Mace Group in late 2019.To provide a completely dry, guaranteed solution on such a high profile project, CCL recommended the Newton CDM System.Otherwise known as Type C waterproofing, the CDM System is the safest and most reliable form of waterproofing.Prior to installation, CCL applied Newton 906 Lime Inhibitor to the new slab to prevent free lime from the concrete from affecting the drainage membranes. The Type A liquid waterproofing membrane Newton 103-S was also applied internally to many of the concrete surfaces as a barrier to water.With preparations complete, over 2,250m2 of Newton 520 eco membrane was installed to the floor and over 570m2 of Newton 508 membrane installed to the walls to create the Newton CDM System. A drainage system of Newton Basedrain channels also directs any water captured by the membranes to the point of discharge, and the whole system was sealed with Newton OverTape.Despite requiring dedicated delivery slots, and working to an extremely tight program of work, CCL were praised on the quality and speed of their installation, which was completed well within the time limit.The Newton recycling service was also a great success, recycling 115 kg of HDPE waste and therefore preventing over 132 kg of CO2 emissions.

11,500m2 of Optima TFC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium PPC Interpon D2525 YW206F, Y4312I, Y4317I has been used in the completion of Abbey Place in London.Sitting within walking distance of Cross Rail station, with excellent links to central London, the development comprises two energy efficient residential buildings, one standing at 22 storeys, and the other at 12 storeys.Optima TFC+, Sotech’s through fixed cassette rainscreen, was selected as the perfect solution for creating the three-sided vertical and horizontal column units, whilst maintaining optimum system performance.To validate system performance against the project specific loads and panel profiles, Sotech undertook many FEM studies to ensure the system performed in line with expectations. This also ensured that the correct number of stiffening members and the appropriate fixing requirements were dealt with prior to the project commencing, ensuring a smooth flow of information.The Interpon D2525 Stone Effect range was selected to provide GRC and Natural Concrete look-a-like finishes. Along with the metallic YW206F, all finishes are Qualicoat Class 2 approved and offer an A2-s1,d0 fire rating to the façade.Abbey Place is a development of 245 new homes across two buildings. Linked by a shared communal garden, the new homes provide quality housing, with connections to central London and beyond via the Elizabeth Line.Optima TFC+ has been fire tested to BS8414-2:2015, and classified to BR135 for high rise buildings. A full range of Euroclass A1 and A2 – s1,d0 panel materials from 2mm – 4mm are available. Click here to learn more about the materials and finishes available, and to explore 3D models of the system in Sotech’s virtual showroom.Aluminium PPC is a type of dry coating, rather than a conventional liquid paint, and is applied to metal rainscreen as a free flowing, dry powder. The powder is applied to rainscreen panels electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to form a ‘skin’. This electrostatic powder process means we can ensure complete coverage of the panels, even on more complex shapes.Powder coating can produce a much thicker coating than conventional liquid coating leaving PPC rainscreen cladding with a hard finish. This is much tougher than normal paint and its strong abrasion and corrosion resistance properties make it extremely durable and long lasting.TESTIMONIALS James Harris, Managing Director at OCL said: “Sotech are long-term supply chain partners of OCL. At Abbey Place Sotech once again provided a first class service from start to finish.The façade was originally specified as GRC, but with early engagement and a collaborative approach, our respective teams were able to come up with a look-a-like solution, using the Interpon D2525 Stone Effect range, which was both cost effective and aesthetically appealing.The completed scheme looks exceptional and is a testament to all involved” Craig Skidmore, Radan Programmer at Sotech, said:“Abbey place was a great job to work on, utilising both of our punch machines. For the complex parts we punched them on our Pullmax punch machine. On our Salvagnini S4 & P4 the standard TFC+ parts flew through our production line using parametric programming it was great to see the line work so efficiently on this job.” Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech, added:“Like the rest of the industry at the time, we were facing considerable cost increases across the board. It was therefore vital that we engaged a supply chain that could offer us cost certainty and could confidently meet the clients programme and keep up with demand throughout. The outcome is another amazing project delivered with OCL Facades. The quality of work from early stage design to installation was exceptional by the OCL team. A massive thank you to our supply chain for their continued support. The two buildings look fantastic!”

Teesside-based logistics firm AV Dawson has built a new 130,000m3 warehouse specifically to store £15m-worth steel coils for a nearby international car manufacturer. With the steel at risk of ‘sweating’ and rusting in high humidity levels exceeding 65%, the company was tasked with ensuring a very specific climate for the warehouse (without which the steel would be rendered unusable), while also maintaining low energy costs.The SolutionHoward Tribick, director at local renewable energy specialist and NIBE Pro Installer HT Energy, specified, designed and fitted ten NIBE F1345 ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). Given the site is built on top of an active water table (the River Tees), Howard and the team were able to make the most of the surroundings as a natural energy source. The heat pumps collect heat from 70 bore holes, each 150m deep – a total of 10,500m of active bore hole depth. Each 60kW GSHP is paired with its own ventilating unit and 500L NIBE UKV buffer tank – producing a total output of 600kW. Solar panels on the roof provide an additional 220kW to help meet the warehouse’s electricity needs.ResultsWith the ten GSHPs now fully operational, the results have been even better than expected – with a seasonal performance factor (SPF) of 3.65 and average humidity levels of just 47%. Interconnected with 3km of header pipes, the GSHPs are spaced equidistantly along one side of the 264m-long building. The units are set up as separate systems, so they can work independently of each other or together as required. This provides an added level of security for the customer, ensuring the system can cope at all times and the steel is kept at optimum conditions.Customer Testimonial“This system made perfect commercial sense for us. While the initial outlay was greater than some of the other alternatives, GSHPs provided the most cost-effective solution by far in the long term. In fact, compared to natural gas, we will be making an impressive energy saving of 1.58 million kW/h each year. Our projected payback period is just ten years and we’re also benefiting from Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments for each unit of renewable energy we’re generating.”Gary Dawson, managing director, AV Dawson

Altro provides durable solution for seclusion room at psychiatric hospitalAltro Zodiac, Altro Aquarius, Altro Whiterock DigicladSpringfield University Hospital is a psychiatric hospital in Tooting, South London and also the headquarters of the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. Springfield University Hospital has been the primary location for mental health services in south west London for over 175 years. The Trust serves 1.1 million people across the London boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth and employ more than 2,000 staff who provide care and treatment to about 20,000 people from south west London and beyond at any given moment.The hospital has a seclusion room with ensuite bathroom facilities for service users. The room was already installed with Altro Zodiac smooth flooring in the room, and Altro Aquarius safety flooring in the bathroom. The Trust added Altro Whiterock Satins and Altro Whiterock Digiclad on the walls to create a fully tanked room with one part joints, making the room resilient and secure. Altro Whiterock was also thermoformed into all the window frame reveals for extra security.The Director of Nursing and Quality commented: “In creating a new seclusion space on the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), we wanted to create a secure but therapeutic environment for our service users. We were able to take advantage of the ability to print a large image across one complete wall. The result is that we have a fantastic soft- focus leaf image with warm autumnal colours, which helps create a sense of calm.”Altro Whiterock Digiclad is created by reproducing a photographic image or vector art onto Altro Whiterock wall sheets, with consistent, photographic quality. Hard-coat technology provides scratch-resistant properties for added surface protection, making Altro Whiterock Digiclad ideal for areas where durability is important. In the seclusion room a calming image of autumn leaves was used to brighten the room and create a visual focal point.Altro Aquarius is a specialist safety flooring developed for use in wet and dry environments, providing optimum slipresistance for shoe and bare foot use for the lifetime of the flooring, and a colour range ideal for creating home from home environments. Combined with Altro Whiterock Satins, it can create an impervious and easy to clean surface from floor to ceiling that meets strict hygiene standards.

Project detailsAfter 30 years of manufacturing, a tumbler room floor at Alinabal Inc.’s facility had begun to seriously deteriorate. The company uses a heavy duty soap to wash and deburr steel parts in their industrial tumblers, then pours the liquid out onto the flooring beneath and rinses it into a trough.Over time, harsh chemicals in the soap began to eat away at the floor. Even to the point that they had begun to expose the aggregate in the concrete! Worried about continued water leakage as well as further contamination to the floor, Alinabal Inc. began to look for a solution.Alinabal Inc. knew that this project would require a unique product, as they were looking for something that would achieve minimal downtime during the repair. They were also in need of a product that would be able to withstand wet conditions regularly, since this area was still to be used for washing and deburring steel parts in the future.In addition to these qualities, Alinabal Inc. wished to use a self-levelling product with minimal floor prep. Having used our products in the past, Alinabal Inc. again turned to our expert sales team for suggestions.Our solutionAlinabal Inc. asked our technical advisors what the best product for the job was. They were recommended and used Flowtop®.Flowtop® is ready for foot traffic in 6 hours. In this case, it drastically cut the downtime during repairs with its quick curing properties, and because it is 3 times stronger than standard concrete, it is also able to withstand the rinsing process that the floor would be subject to post repair.The self-levelling characteristics of Flowtop® were just what Alinabal Inc. was looking for, and as a bonus, it created a slip resistant finish for enhanced employee safety!Through the use of Flowtop®, Alinabal, Inc. was able to obtain a newly finished floor, and return to daily operations in a timely fashion. Employees could again efficiently squeegee water into the disposal trough, and the floor itself was no longer in danger of contamination from

TDS SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed Aftercare SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedEPD – LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedWe supplied our Smet Supported partner, Floor Screed Ireland with SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the Our Lady of Hope special school in Crumlin. The job was completed by Floor Screed Ireland on behalf of Vision Contracting for the Dept of Education. This lightweight screed is ideal for renovation projects where loading may be an issue. This is a high-quality pumpable, factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate. German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available. Made from specially selected aggregates - means it’s 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and can be laid in reduced thicknesses. The screed offers a high yield, 43kg per m2 @ 40mm.Innovative SMET LiteFlo® is absolutely ideal for application in high-rise buildings, over timber-suspended floors, timber-frame houses, and in new builds and renovations.LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Check out SMET lightweight screed, lightweight flooring systems, and aggregates (void fillers) suitable for any building project. We demonstrate best practice in construction partnerships - providing a superior level of customer service to our Smet Supported Partners during the installation process.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.

The Cartcraigs high-rise project located in the heart of Southside Glasgow was a rewarding project to be involved with allowing real transformation and change in several key areas.The tower block was originally built in the 1960’s with a grey cladding finish but due to decades of inclement Scottish weather, the building was weather-beaten, tired and dated. With its stature and prominent location, the building should have been an attractive living option in Southside Glasgow but instead was unappealing to potential residents, and in desperate need of modernisation.Rising fuel prices and the current poor thermal performance of the tower block, meant it was extremely difficult and expensive for tenants to heat their flats – so much so that many occupants were considered in a state of fuel poverty.In collaboration with MAST Architects and our approved installer PWM, we designed a façade solution that not only significantly improved the thermal performance of the building, but transformed Cartcraigs aesthetically creating a modern, fit-for-purpose living space.A complete revamp which has given the building a new lease of life and delivered safe, modern and energy efficient homes for the residents.Our ServiceDue to the scale of this project, the congested location and small site footprint, we had to work closely with our approved installer, main contractor, and local authority to ensure minimum disruption to both the residents of Cartcraigs and residents of the surrounding area.Delivery routes and schedules were agreed to ensure consideration for local residents throughout the project.As part of our service commitment, our Site Application Specialists carried out regular site visits to ensure our system was installed to the highest standard and in line with our specification.They were available throughout the duration of the project to provide technical guidance, installation support and ensure the highest levels of quality. This allowed the K Systems Technical & Logistics Teams to support the schedule of the project with timely delivery of materials to site and ensuring there were no delays during the installation and inspection processes.“In conjunction with the Architects we approached K Systems to design a system to comply with fire regulations and offer a solution to make the look of the building more aesthetically pleasing along with making it a point of interest within the Southside area. Great site support was provided by Ally along with Technical/Service support from Jim and Martin. The team at PWM look forward to working on our next project with K Systems.”Kevin Fox, PWM Projects ManagerTechnical Project DetailsThe original façade incorporated a 25mm cavity with reinforced concrete inner leaf shaped panels, which could be seen beneath the then grey façade panelling. Wheatley Group, the client, had requested a clean, crisp, and smooth finish that would also comply with Scottish Fire Regulations.After numerous design meetings taking into consideration client requirements, budgets, and timeframes, we put forward our industry-proven K Systems M Silicone EWI system. The system was designed using 160mm non-combustible mineral wool insulation to meet the 0.18 (W/m2K) U-value requirement, making it the perfect choice for the refurbishment to combat the heating issues faced by residents and futureproof the building as a viable living space for years to come.Bespoke technical detailing and rigorous adherence to our high-rise policy ensured a high performing system with an A2 non-combustible fire rating, complying with all safety regulations for buildings over 11m in Scotland. The 160mm insulated grey and white façade delivered a really attractive high-rise that will now better withstand the Scottish elements.The finish used was our high-performance thin coat render, Silicone TC15. The contemporary colours of grey and white were chosen from our wide range of colours which visually transformed the 17-storey building. Our polymer rich Silicone TC15 allows ease of application, and its hydrophobic properties will provide a clean, crisp and low-maintenance finish for years to come.Our specification included bespoke detailing to provide solutions for Cartcraig’s individual retrofit design challenges. We also commissioned wind load calculations and fixing pull-out tests to determine optimum fixing patterns to anchor the EWI system to the different substrates. Ultimately, a safe, thermally efficient and visually appealing result was achieved.“K Systems provided a great overall package from the inception of this project with design advice, through the technical stages, with assistance through specification and then with the provision of weekly reports and checks once the project got on site. Cartcraigs, being a high-rise block needed monitoring and adherence to the project specification, and having the K Systems team providing regular on site checks gave the design team the assurance that all requirements were being met.”David Locke, Mast Architects

The Rhondda Heritage Park is a renowned tourist destination in South Wales, offering a glimpse into the coal mining community that thrived in the area for over 130 years until the early 1980s. Every year, thousands of visitors take a guided tour led by former colliery workers to experience the life of coal miners.The Heritage Park takes great pride in its appearance and the local heritage it represents. However, the aging asphalt roof terraces that covered the old mine shafts had been leaking constantly, damaging the visual appeal of the visitor site.The ChallengeThe Polyroof technical team was called in to help with the waterproofing and refurbishment of the two roof terraces, measuring over 1100m², that protected the underground mining attraction. After conducting a thorough survey of the roof terrace areas, a customized specification was prepared. This specification included a comprehensive set of recommendations for addressing the issues that had caused the aged and worn condition of the terrace areas over the years. To support the proposal, additional information was provided to the client to demonstrate how a liquid system could seamlessly encase and waterproof the terraces while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing solution that was true to the authenticity of the site.Satisfied that the solution proposed would provide the long-term peace of mind they were looking for, the Heritage Park awarded the contract to RM Polymers Ltd.Before starting the work, any areas affected by fungal growth or moss were treated with Polykill Anti-Fungal Wash to eliminate all spores. Any holes in the asphalt were smoothed out or removed, and levelled using Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. All large cracks and voids were cleaned and repaired using the same mortar.PVC protrusions were removed and surfaces were cleaned with acetone. Any damaged, loose, or unsound concrete or brickwork was removed and repaired using Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. All repairs were allowed to cure and dry before priming.The SolutionOne of the main features of the tourist attraction is the mining carts that were used to transport coal around the mine tunnels during its operation. Similar to train tracks, the mining cart tracks are fixed into the ground using metal bolts and fixings which over time had become a weak point for water ingress. Concrete and sandstone had been used as a “quick fix” to prevent rainwater entering the mine shaft below but a long-term solution was now needed. The cement and sandstone was carefully chiselled from the rails, exposing the original metal tracks which were then lifted and abraded back to their original condition. Whilst lifted, the underlying surface was made good before the application of the Protec System. Railway sleepers were then laid on a sacrificial layer on top of the waterproof membrane, upon which the tracks and mining carts were re-instated.As the terraces are constantly trafficked by the general public, the client was clear that an anti-slip finish would be required on any walkway areas.Following the application of the Protec System, Polyfinish and Quartz Sand Anti-Slip was applied to all walkway areas, to provide slip resistance and surface protection. A 50mm margin around the perimeters of the terrace was masked off to provide a neat termination of the anti-slip finish. Ensure masking tape was removed whilst resin was still wet. Then a third coat of Protec Resin was applied at a minimum coverage rate of 0.5Litres/m² (2.0m²/Litre) and whilst wet, clean dried quartz sand (0.7 – 12mm) was broadcast at an approximate coverage rate of 4.0kg/m². Once cured, the loose sand was removed.WorkmanshipThe engine houses along the tour experience featured vast amounts of intricate details and unique items and structures, such as “Bertie and Trefor” – the names given by the mine owner to the mine head stock wheels. This presented an exceptional challenge, particularly in regards to the difficulty of working on the intricate details of the degraded mastic asphalt upstands and decking.As a result of many years of weathering and gravity, the vertical sections of asphalt on the raised terraced roof had slumped and rippled, leading to stress cracks and ultimately water ingress. To overcome this ugly problem, the asphalt was stripped from these vertical sections back to the concrete and removed from site in accordance with the Health and Safety policies in place. The contractor then installed new 18mm OSB3 to these areas to create a flat substrate for the Protec System. The incorporation of Polyroof pre-formed GRP Drip trims at the bottom of the OSB3 ensured the timber would not be exposed to any rain water in the future as well as provide a neat, edge detail.To keep the overall aesthetic feel of the site, the application of the liquid waterproofing system at wall abutments was critical. This, combined with the undulating nature of the stone and brickwork meant that the contractor would not be able to install a cover flashing or termination bar. Instead, the contractor carefully dressed the system onto the wall to the standard minimum 150mm upstand height and into a chase.The edging was then finished with a mortar to provide a neat and clean weatherproof finish, in-keeping with the traditional methods of the site at the time of its construction.The roof terraces that cover the old mining areas also act as the main walkways to the Heritage Centre’s tour routes. Therefore, one of the main challenges of the project was the complex planning of the works to ensure that the site continued to operate so not to financially impact the heritage park. It was imperative that works were complete within an 8-week period with 17,500 visitors booked in for their annual Santa’s Grotto Experience Tour beginning in early December.The application speed of the catalyst cured Protec System, combined with communication between the contractor and the site to ensure unobtrusive installation, meant the centre stayed open and the tours running with minimum disruption.The benefits of using a fast-curing liquid waterproofing solution were also vital due to the ever-changing micro-climate in the Welsh valleys. On any single day, the weather would serve up anything from bright sunshine to windy, rainy conditions. Therefore, the fast-curing Protec System, combined with the flexibility of the installation team, who gave up weekends when required, ensured the project was finished on schedule. The works were completed to an extremely high standard with full encapsulation of the roof terrace areas and without a single detail being left exposed to the elements.ConclusionThe unique aspects of this project certainly kept the team on their toes. But they were determined to complete the project on time.The team worked tirelessly, even giving up their weekends to ensure that the project was completed on schedule. Despite the harsh Welsh weather, they pushed on and were determined to make sure that Santa could visit the children of the Welsh Valleys. It was a challenging project but the team’s hard work and dedication paid off.Finally, the project was completed and the results were astounding. The roof terraces are now fully waterproofed and refurbished, and the visual appearance of the visitor site was greatly improved. It was a project that was both memorable and rewarding to all those involved.

DescriptionSmet Supported Partner, B Team Shopfitters machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render and as Finish Coat; Mineral Finish Coat K.  As Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render with the addition of Bauprotec SLP for plinths.The Internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas, and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET. SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.Related DownloadsTDS CASEA Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec RHS – Multi-Purpose RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec SLP Tanking and Plinth RenderTDS CASEA Mineral Finish Coat – KSMET Render and Plaster Product Selector

Located in Earls Court, London, the Lillie Square development will eventually stretch from Chelsea football ground to Kensington Olympia, and comprises of over 800 multi-million pound luxury dwellings. The development will also contain London’s largest private residents’ club, which boasts a lounge, library, private dining room, cinema, gym, spa facilities and 20 metre swimming pool with jacuzzi.Lillie Square Phase 1 required the formation of a watertight basement to house the luxury private residents club serving the entire property development. A large portion of this luxury clubhouse, including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym and function room, is below ground. The project therefore required robust waterproofing to protect the internal environment.Newton Specialist Contractor Stonehosue were consulted at an early stage to be part of the design team and provide a guaranteed waterproofing solution that would comply with the requirements of both BS 8102:2009 and any third-party warranty providers.The long-term partnership between Newton Waterproofing Systems and experienced Specialist Contractor Stonehouse has seen both companies partner on a vast portfolio of properties across the UK, and Stonehouse brought this experience to the table at Lillie Square.In order to provide the maximum level of protection, Stonehouse combined two Types of waterproofing in order to achieve a completely dry ‘Grade 3’ internal environment as per the recommendations of BS 8102:2009.The first of these products was the Type A, cementitious, liquid-applied waterproofing membrane Newton 107F, which was particularly suitable to this large-scale project due to the fact that it could be quickly spray-applied over large areas.The 107F was supported by the Type C Newton CDM System cavity drain waterproofing, installed throughout the basement area of the clubhouse, with four Titan-Pro sump chambers containing dual NP400 pumps, as well as Newton High Water Alarms, Inverters and Battery Back-Up protection creating a truly failsafe system.By working with Sir Robert McAlpine at the design stage it was possible to consider the lifetime performance of the structure as well as the cost in order to design and install thorough waterproofing protection.

The Pride development is a £60 million investment which includes a new 122 bed hospital being built on the former Ryhope Hospital site in Sunderland. Laing O’Rourke, the main contractors of this project, specified Polyroof waterproofing systems for the flat roof areas.Barclay Roofing Ltd carried out the works, having previously worked with Laing O’Rourke on the 2013 Roofing Award Winning Durham Gateway Project.The SolutionThe roofs were of a complex nature and involved many details such as vents, level changes, handrail abutments, plant supports, protrusions, stanchion blocks, and parapet walls. It was essential that these details could be waterproofed in the most effective and rapid way possible. Protec, being liquid-applied, was dressed onto the upstands of the details without the need for lengthy and complicated ‘patching’ work, creating a totally seamless interface between the details and the flat roof membrane.The client required designated, permanent walkways for maintenance purposes. Quartz Sand & Polyfinish was used to create a durable and hard-wearing anti-slip finish, without the need for costly ancillary walkway systems. The system is capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and is impact resistant meaning the client had peace of mind that the walkways can be used without the risk of damaging the waterproofing integrity. Some of the roof areas are to be covered with a green roof system. The waterproofing membrane that was used therefore had to be highly durable, lightweight, fully root resistant and maintenance-free. The Protec System meets all the criteria for use with green roofs and was specified as the ideal solution for the green roof areas.It was essential that health & safety and hazard risks were kept to an absolute minimum during works. Being cold applied and low in VOC content, Protec was able to satisfy the stringent requirements of this aspect of the project.Due to the size of the roof areas, structural expansion and contraction movements had to be considered. Ideally the client wanted a waterproofing system that could accommodate these movements without the need for any additional and potentially costly modifications such as expansion joints. Protec is specially formulated to be highly flexible whilst also maintain its durability and hard-wearing properties.

As a company passionate about UK manufacturing, Aston Martin’s choice to work with Polyroof - the only independent UK manufacturer of cold-applied liquid systems - was a natural one.The new roofing system had to be cold-applied to eliminate the risk of accidental fire during installation. New insulation was also desirable to further improve the thermal performance of the roof. It was essential to reduce disruption to the operations of the facility, meaning any new system must be rapid to install with the existing roof predominantly being kept in place.After leaks were reported, The findings of Polyroof’s survey were presented to Aston Martin in the form of a bespoke specification, where the Protec Warm Roof System was the recommended solution. Core tests taken during the inspection had revealed that despite the leaking through the existing PVC single-ply membrane, the existing build-up of 60mm PIR insulation was found to be dry and in sound enough condition to be retained as the base for the new roofing system, saving the client time on the project.It was also identified that the current insulated roof configuration was missing a Vapour Control Layer, meaning the roof was at risk of condensation issues. This problem was designed out by the installation of 120mm Polyroof RES Insulation above the existing single-ply membrane, which was made good to form an effective vapour control layer.By creating a “hybrid” roof with double the insulation above the vapour barrier than below, the risk of condensation was eliminated and this was demonstrated by analysis conducted on the proposed build-up.To eliminate the standing water issues, sumps were placed around the existing outlets, greatly improving their drainage capacity, and offering a highly cost-effective solution when compared to the need to alter the falls of the roof.Polyroof Technical Services visited site regularly to advise and assist architects, specifiers and contractors in all aspects of the project.The finished roof provided a seamless and extra-tough waterproof membrane that was supported by the trusted Polyroof Accredited System Guarantee, with a separate insurance-backing scheme provided at no cost to the client. Aston Martin Lagonda now have the peace of mind that the roof above this landmark facility will be leak-free for decades to come. 

A popular brewery brand recently expanded its headquarters to support the increase in demand of its craft beer range. John Lord Flooring were approached to specify the resin flooring and Aspen Stainless steel products were utilised for the drainage system. The Uragard-HT62W antimicrobial resin flooring was an ideal solution for the project due to its durability, chemical resistance and anti-slip properties. The floors and drains worked hand in hand to distribute waste water into the central drainage channel within the processing area.Aspen Stainless Davos Plus drain channels were installed to cope with the high level of waste demand within the brewery. The channel profile was carefully designed to provide an easy to clean surface with a self-draining slope feature. The strictest level of hygiene standards are required within food and drink facilities due to the build-up of bacteria and possible cross contamination of liquids.   It's essential the drainage is perfectly compatible with the flooring to ensure a seamless connection and high performance. This partnership with John Lord supports optimum performance compatibility by preventing the elevation of floor plates that can compromise hygienic performance.The drain channels are designed in compliance with EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) to support safe hygienic engineering in food manufacture. The EHEDG states ‘product contact surfaces must be easy to clean, non-absorbent and not present a toxicological hazard by leaching of substances and foodstuffs’ the cleanability of the drainage is also an important hygiene requirement as stated in the EHEDG ‘Improperly or insufficiently cleaned equipment cannot be effectively disinfected’ A perfectly fitted drainage system will have a positive impact on boosting the hygienic performance of the entire facility. This includes employee health & safety, operational costs as well as consumer safety. The dedicated project managers worked closely with the contractor during the installation process to ensure the highest standards for drainage and protection were achieved. If you have any questions regarding our drainage solutions, please email aspen@canalengineering.co.uk or visit our site and speak to one of our technical advisors for more information. 

Designers and specialist flooring contractors were tasked with specifying a system for this facility to provide a long term decorative flooring solution. Challenges on the project included the existing substrate requiring to be levelled as it was out of specification and no longer suitable for the intended pharmaceutical production processes. It was recommended that initially a pumped industrial sub base be applied prior to the surface finishes. A protein free flowable cementitous compound was used to level existing concrete substrates or make up to required levels and create a suitable profile. Typically laid from 7 - 50mm in one application, this provides a fast and economic way of refurbishing and levelling substrates.Once the surface had be regulated using the sub screed the surface was mechanically prepared by diamond grinding to provide a mechanical key, the surface was then primed using Resuprime MVT, which is a moisture tolerant liquid damp proof membrane.After priming the substrate with Resuprime MVT the main screed product Resuflor Q Screed was applied by a steel float and trowel at 5mm. Coloured quartz granules which are bound in a clear epoxy resin provide an aesthetically pleasing and decorative finish whilst providing high levels or durability and impact resistance.Hygienic coving was also required for this project. One of the benefits of Resuflor Q Screed is that it can be applied to form in situ coving detail which is seamless from floor to wall. This would enable the areas to be sterilised and easy to clean and ensure the high levels of cleanliness and hygiene required in this type of facility can be achieved.Once the Resuflor Q Screed is installed the surface is then grouted using Resuprime GC clear resin sealer. Finally a coat of Resupen WB Matt Clear was applied to give a contemporary matt finish. Resupen WB Matt also enhances the level of scratch and abrasion resistance to ensure that the system keeps attractive for longer.Resuflor Q Screed was applied to the main production areas, testing and laboratory facility and all the connecting corridor areas.The result was a hygienic and decorative surface installed with superb detail, enhancing the performance and aesthetics of this facility.

Smet Supported Partners, Capel (CS) Ltd, completed the floor screed application of SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed within the improvement works at Harold Wood Station.  A number of improvements were delivered at Harold Wood station in preparation for the new Elizabeth line service, including:A new footbridge over the tracks with new staircasesThree new lifts to provide step-free access to every platformPlatform extensions to accommodate the new, 200m long Elizabeth line trainsNew platform lightingNew station signage, help points, customer information screens, and CCTV.SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is a high-quality pumpable, factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate.German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available. Made from specially selected aggregates - means it’s 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and can be laid in reduced thicknesses. The screed offers a high yield, 43kg per m2 @ 40mm.German-made LiteFlo® is unique, in that it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed. Made from specially selected aggregates, makes it 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and therefore 70% lighter than traditional sand & cement – ultimately this means less is required per m2. Another plus is that that screed made from Calcium Sulphate has naturally substantially lower embodied carbon emissions than a sand and cement screed. LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

Overview A collaborative project with our long-lasting customers Jet Environmental Systems resulted in the successful installation of three HEM-SLx 525kW heat exchange modules, aimed at providing warehouse heating for a prominent automotive component warehouse in Ellesmere Port. The project involved a bespoke-designed air handling unit (AHU) expertly manufactured by Linton Services Ltd and delivered as a comprehensive turnkey heating solutionBackgroundThe warehouse had a substantial floor area of 39,000m2 and a volume of 760,000m3. The main requirement was to maintain an internal temperature of 16C degrees, even during outdoor temperatures as low as -4C degrees. To ensure efficient heating and uniform distribution throughout the space, a HEM-SL heating solution with a capacity of 525kW and an airflow of 37.5m3/s was needed. The client preferred natural gas as the heating fuel, which Jet Environmental incorporated into their custom-designed air handling unit (AHU) manufactured by Linton Services Ltd in Presteigne.SolutionThe warehouse layout and heating load necessitated the use of three air-handling units. To ensure a reliable and robust heating system, Jet Environmental selected Powrmatic as the heating supplier. Jet Environmental, Linton Services, and Powrmatic have a longstanding relationship and extensive knowledge of each other’s businesses. This familiarity ensures seamless integration of their products and expertise.Each custom-designed HEM unit was manufactured in the UK at Powrmatic’s manufacturing in Ilminster, Somerset. By choosing British-built products, customers can have confidence in the reliability, durability, and adherence to strict industry standards. Each HEMx unit is custom made with a wide range of kW and size configurations and has been adapted to suit the needs of the OEM and AHU industry by the provision of its slot-in casing arrangement.ResultThe collaborative efforts of Jet Environmental Systems, Linton Services, and Powrmatic resulted in the successful implementation of an efficient heating solution for the automotive component warehouse. The customized AHUs, designed by Jet Environmental and manufactured by Linton Services, effectively delivered the required heating capacity to maintain a consistent internal temperature of 16C degrees. Powrmatic’s reliable heating equipment ensured optimal performance and met the client’s expectations.The client was impressed with the comprehensive turnkey solution provided by Jet Environmental Systems. They were particularly satisfied with the partnership between Jet Environmental, Linton Services, and Powrmatic, which demonstrated a deep understanding of their businesses and the ability to deliver a reliable and efficient heating system.Overall, the successful completion of this project showcases the expertise that Powrmatic has in providing effective warehouse heating solutions for industrial applications.

The JG Graves Woodland Discovery Centre is being constructed in the Ecclesall Woods Sawmill as part of the Sheffield Woodlands Environment Enhancement Project.The centre runs craft courses all through the year from cider making to wood work skills. Public events in the autumn and spring celebrate Sheffield’s rich woodland heritage and demonstrates the unique facilities of the centre, as well as providing activities such as story telling, discovering nature and traditional uses of wood in the home and garden.The SolutionThe project entailed designing a center that harmoniously blended with the enchanting surrounding woodlands. The main building featured a grand ‘ski slope’ style roof, initially planned to be waterproofed using metal sheets. However, the client quickly realised that this approach would be prohibitively expensive.To meet the client’s requirements for a cost-effective alternative that maintained the intended appearance, they turned to Charlesworth Contractors—a Polyroof approved contractor with a proven track record of excellence. Recognizing the need for a swift and efficient waterproofing solution, we recommended the BBA Approved Polyroof 185 System with Lead Roll Effect trims.The first step involved fixing high-quality plywood boards onto the roof’s support beams to create the ski-slope shape. This foundation was then enhanced with GRP trims meticulously applied to replicate the appearance of traditional lead rolls. Finally, our renowned Polyroof 185 System was expertly installed, swiftly forming a seamless and highly durable waterproofing membrane.The implemented solution not only met the project’s time constraints but also exceeded expectations in terms of performance and aesthetics. With a 20-year insurance-backed guarantee, our Polyroof 185 system provided the client with peace of mind, assuring long-lasting protection for the roof. Furthermore, not only did our solution prove to be an attractive alternative to metal sheets, but it also offered significant cost savings.The successful collaboration between Polyroof, Charlesworth Contractors, and the client resulted in a waterproofing solution that seamlessly blended into the natural surroundings of the woodlands. Our advanced liquid roofing system, coupled with expert craftsmanship, delivered an outcome that was both visually appealing and economically viable. With the Polyroof 185 System, we demonstrated once again our ability to provide efficient, durable, and cost-effective solutions for even the most challenging roofing projects.

Raithwaite Hall is a 5 star, 45 bed boutique hotel set in 85 acres of wooded valleys within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. The hotel offers terraced views of the landscape and across the Whitby coastline. A new extension was designed that is built against the hillside with stepped landscaped areas around the new building and an intensive green roof terrace to help blend the structure in with the surrounding gardens.The intensive green roof terrace is installed directly above a new function and dining room and required a specialised design to accommodate the additional loading and provide the necessary drainage for the turf lawn.     By utilising a multi-purpose geocomposite roof drainage board, the green roof system could be achieved to meet the project specific requirements. The ABG Deckdrain 2540S-NW20XUV product offers a lightweight option that delivers the equivalent drainage capacity of 300mm of drainage stone in a 25mm layer that weighs over a 100 times less per square metre. The lightweight drainage layer is supplied in rolls and is fast to install and move into position. The Deckdrain layer includes an integrated filter geotextile bonded to the top of the cuspated core. This prevents the growing media layer from intruding into the drainage void and filters the soil to prevent clogging. The Deckdrain is made from a high strength HDPE core that supports the 200mm deep layer of growing media required for the intensive green roof installation with deeper root systems. The underside of the product is impermeable and provides additional protection to the liquid waterproofing membrane. A green roof surface finish further helps to prolong the lifespan of the waterproofing layer and prevent UV degradation. The large grassed area on the podium also reduces surface water run-off and the grass is protected against waterlogging via the efficient drainage board layer. The shallow drainage build-up required also reduces the height of the steps onto the terrace and the associated cost of stone flags. The completed installation encompasses a 20mm Roofdrain drainage & reservoir board to support a secondary smaller sedum roof area, as well as Deckdrain layers installed for structural drainage to the surfaces around the patio slab and retaining wall areas.ABG provided a full green roof project design, installation and maintenance service for the project.

DAYLIGHT FOR SHOWCASING STUDENT SUCCESSWe have always recognised that daylighting is both an art and a science, which makes it an appropriate focal point for Mahwah High School’s new STEAM Lab. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) approach to education takes an important step in recognising the importance of and integrating the arts into a science-and-technology-geared curriculum. The arts foster creativity and ingenuity that allows for the successful application of other skills.The 9,000-square-foot facility—designed by Tokarski Millemann Architects and fondly nicknamed the “Thunderbird Think Tank” in honour of Mahwah High School’s logo—houses classrooms, indoor and outdoor labs and a gallery to showcase student projects.Tokarski Millemann was looking for the perfect material to use for the art gallery component of the facility. According to principal architect, Michael Millemann, “The vision was to create a ‘cube’ shaped space for the display of the students’ creative works which were previously tucked in a hallway. The material needed to create a beautiful glow from the exterior along with permitting only serene, diffused light to the interior.”Kalwall’s museum-quality daylighting™ delivers full-spectrum, diffuse natural light to allow for high visual acuity and accurate colour rendition within the gallery space. This creates a comfortable, welcoming environment for viewing artwork and other projects or hosting gatherings.A custom blue face sheet was developed to match the school’s logo. The blue is not a coating, but rather full-colour thickness through the entire exterior face, utilising Kalwall’s super-weathering technology. Due to the panel’s power of diffusion, the blue exterior does not affect the quality of light within the space, but it allows for a beautiful, soft glow at night that acts as a marquis for the school. During the day, Kalwall’s best-in-industry solar heat gain control prevents the cube from becoming a hot box and superior thermal performance ensures a comfortable environment all year long while lowering HVAC loads. Combined with daylighting’s ability to reduce reliance on electricity, Kalwall plays a major role in the project’s overall energy efficiency.Cost efficiency is another benefit Kalwall provided. Panels are low maintenance with a self-cleaning surface, meaning normal rainfall helps to keep the exterior free of sediment while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process. The lightweight panel system minimised the need for additional internal structure for a very clean design, while rapid installation kept the project on schedule and on budget.“The Kalwall translucent panels exceeded our vision,” said Millemann. “We worked with Kalwall’s Steve Del Guercio and their team to develop a daylighting and structural strategy, and the custom panel colour. The Kalwall cube anchors the addition to the existing building and is a visual beacon located on axis with the entrance to the campus. Along with the client, we could not be happier with the final product.”The Mahwah High School STEAM lab will be an environment in which students can thrive for generations to come.Photos: Courtesy of Tokarski Millemann Architects

Client: South Western RailwayLocation: Clapham, Farnham, Fratton & Bournemouth, UKYear: 2023Project size: 25000 m²Vebro systems: vebrodeck ID, vebrodeck MMA EDFour of South Western Railway (SWR)’s major traincare depots, required over 25,000 square metres of liquid-applied seamless resin flooring, linemarking and hatching.SWR manages 187 stations alongside 10 traincare depots and stabling sidings located across London and south west England.Train depots are large facilities or yards where trains are stabled adjacent to the main lines. Trains are parked at depots overnight, where routine cleaning and maintenance takes place at what are often 24-hour operational facilities.Having had a previously poor experience with seamless resin coatings, which due to insufficient advice at specification stage had resulted in spectacular failure of the coating across many of the traincare depots, a diligent and open approach was required for the client to regain confidence in the material, application methods and resulting finish.At the time of approaching Vebro, there was no specification in mind, just the urgent need to refurbish the facilities by replacing the existing coatings.Several Vebro Polymers solutions were used across the four SWR sites, all of which were determined through a detailed site survey and evaluation process, in which the specific use of the area in question, service criteria, level of traffic and realistic life expectancy requirements of the floor within the parameters of budget were all consulted.All covered walkways, or ‘roads’ as they are referred to by depot staff that run between tracks, as well as the sunken floors located in inspection pits were specified with the vebrodeck ID system in RAL 7037 Dusty Grey.Inspection pit walls were twice coated with a water-based, gloss-finish, epoxy sealer in RAL 9010 Pure White.Semi-exposed ramps, which are located at the end of each of the sheds, were specified with the vebrodeck MMA ED system to provide additional safeguards against the elements and enhanced UV resistance as well as ensuring the material can be installed within tight weather windows.All linemarking, cross-hatching and demarcation was meticulously completed using the vebro EP Universal LM product – a solvent-free epoxy line-marking paint incorporating a thickening agent to prevent seepage under stencils and tape.

About My Prime DentalMy Prime Dental is a cosmetic and general dental practice based in Hampstead Garden Suburb in north London. It has a team of 17 dentists, hygienists and dental nurses with a range of specialisms. The goal of the practice is to offer each and every patient an experience that exceeds his or her expectations – combining excellent clinical skills and outstanding customer service in an atmosphere that is warm, friendly and relaxed. The atmosphere, look and quality of the treatment rooms is therefore paramount. With that in mind, My Prime Dental has installed miscea taps in three of the treatment rooms in its London dental practice. The taps offer both staff and patients the most convenient and hygienic way of cleaning their hands, both pre and post treatment.Why did My Prime Dental install miscea taps?Maintaining strict standards of hygiene is of upmost importance for all dental practices. The miscea Classic’s touch-free functionality makes this easy. The miscea CLASSIC is not just an award-winning hand hygiene system, but also an effective solution for professionals who require the highest possible standards in hygiene.The miscea CLASSIC wall model was installed by Anglian Dental, the leading dental equipment specialist who have more than two decades experience of designing, developing and installing exceptional dental surgeries. Anglian Dental worked in partnership with My Prime Dental. My Prime Dental had researched the equipment market extensively and found that the miscea CLASSIC tap fitted his vision for the development of a specialist referral practice."We installed the miscea taps to provide an ergonomic and efficient clinic dispensing system for soap and alcohol. We have been very pleased with their performance and with Ecoprod’s after sales support."Principal Dental SurgeonTouch-free dispensing of both water and soapThe miscea CLASSIC is ideal for dentists and other medical professionals because it is much more than just a tap – it’s an advanced hand hygiene system, using advanced sensor technology to enable touch-free dispensing of water and a combination of two other liquid products. Its attractive award-winning design means the miscea CLASSIC is also a stylish addition to any surgery or practice.An additional benefit is that miscea taps can reduce water use by up to 60%. This is because miscea taps ensure that water flows only when you really need it and automatically shut off the flow when you don’t. Special aerators integrated into miscea taps also help to reduce water consumption by enriching the water with air, resulting in a luxurious stream of bubbly water that is soft to the touch and splash-free whilst using even less water.