"low voltage distribution systems"

Project descriptionDixons Academies Trust is a well-established multi-academy trust that aims to challenge educational and social disadvantage in Yorkshire and the North West.The trust transforms schools into safe and high-performing learning environments, enabling students from all backgrounds to realise their potential and maximise their opportunities after school.Alpha Roofing Systems was brought in to refurbish two roof areas at Dixons Croxteth Academy in Liverpool after the existing waterproofing failed.A number of complex challenges arose from the start; after stripping back the aged and failed single ply system, Alpha identified a water-saturated bituminous roof beneath, which also overlaid the original asphalt waterproofing.The excess weight imposed on the roof from the multiple, heavily saturated waterproofing systems led to cracking and depressions in the deck, as well as rusting of reinforcement within the structure.This meant that, before installation work could even begin, many hours of labour were required to remove the top two waterproofing layers to expose the original asphalt. What’s more, this work had to be undertaken both during term time and a period of heavy rainfall.Solution and installationAfter close consultation with their IKO business manager, Mark Taylor, the Alpha team selected the IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 waterproofing system for this project.To adhere to Department of Education requirements, a 35-year durability statement was necessary, so the long-lasting, durable finish offered by the IKO ULTRA Prevent system was ideal.Challenges continued to come thick and fast throughout the project; after stripping the roof back to the asphalt waterproofing, a large expansion joint was found near the clerestory window. Tapered designs were subsequently adjusted to accommodate.30 tonnes of waste material – primarily due to the uplift of the previous failed waterproofing systems – also had to be removed from the roof over the course of a week.Furthermore, complex design variables meant that Alpha could not fully determine the existing roof falls until the roof had been sufficiently exposed. Working closely with the IKO technical team, design information and solutions were identified to keep the project on track.To complicate matters further, Alpha was also required to carry out this extensive work during active teaching time. This presented not only additional health & safety considerations but also the need to minimise disruption.With a stringent construction phase plan and regular active monitoring, the project was completed with a zero incident/accident rate and excellent feedback from the client on Alpha’s approach to safety.Despite a number of hurdles and complexities to overcome, Alpha Roofing Systems delivered the project ahead of time and within budget, providing a low maintenance, long-lasting roof for Dixons Croxteth Academy and a satisfying outcome for all involved.

A Cupper Press was recently installed in a new can making factory in Europe, which was built near to commercial and office buildings in the surrounding area. Following recommendations from a consultancy specialising in vibration and structural dynamics, the Cupper Press was installed on top of an inertia block supported by spring elements and visco-dampers, offering a system natural frequency of 1.25 Hz. However, high movements were reported on the machines Spring Foundation during production and as a result the vibrations were emitting outwards to the neighboring buildings.The impact of this movement was premature wear on the machine and increased spoilage, reducing the overall productivity of the plant. The ChallengeFarrat were contacted to provide a replacement solution that would reduce the excessive movement of the Cupper Press and create a quieter environment for the neighbouring buildings. Cupper Presses are commonly used in can manufacturing to produce cylindrical cups from rolls of aluminium or metal. The primary action of this type of machine is to punch discs from sheets at high speeds. This action generates vertical excitations at frequencies determined by the speed of the machine, also known as ‘shocks’.  These heavy vibrations have damaging effects on the functionality of the machine installation, its systems and components, and the machines overall productivity. Shock induced vibrations can also damage the building by generating waves and noises that propagate out into the environment. It is therefore crucial to ensure that Cupper Presses are installed on suitable vibration control systems to mitigate against these effects. The primary element of this challenge was to stiffen the overall system, while preventing excessive vibrations being transmitted around. The SolutionFarrat’s application engineers considered several system criteria during the design phase, such as the mass, dimensions, and operating speed of the machine, as well as system stability and the isolation performance required to meet the clients challenging requirements.To resolve both of the clients issues, Farrat engineered a replacement vibration isolation system configured with bespoke bearings made of a steel base and 2 layers of Isomat isolators.Learn more about the material properties of Farrat Isomat here.Performance Results A vibration investigation was conducted by Farrat to measure the level of vibration emitted before and after replacement of the spring packs, to assess the efficiency of the Farrat Isomat System. The results of the survey are presented in the adjacent plot, showing the vertical accelerations measured before replacement with the blue curves, and after installation of the Farrat Isomat Bearing with the orange curves.Vibrations measured at the feet of the machine are shown on top, on the inertia block in the middle, and on the surrounding factory floor at the bottom. The results were observed at all measured operational machine speeds, between 110 and 170 RPM.  A significant vibration reduction can be seen in each part of the system, particularly at the operational speed of the Cupper Press at slightly below 2 Hz. This is the frequency where the machine is most likely to be moving & rocking, impacting the process quality. The pre-existing system of springs with visco-dampers has proven unsuitable because of its extremely low natural frequency, which is excessively close to the disturbing frequencies generated by the Cupper Press – increasing the risk of resonance issues. ConclusionThe client’s requirements have been met by the Farrat Isolated Foundation solution, which has significantly lowered the movements of the machine while maintaining a quiet environment for nearby buildings. This demonstrates the efficiency of Farrat Isomat systems for Cupper Press machine applications, where bespoke design solutions are needed to solve complex engineering challenges.#onamission

BBA approved Terrabound resin bound surfacing was specified for Liverpool Football Club's new flagship retail store at the Anfield ground. As part of the landscaped pedestrian area at the front of the new store, a robust, low maintenance, porous paving was required. Just under 4000m2 of Addagrip’s resin bound porous surfacing was selected in a range of colours to complement the design and to match the Terrabound Resin Bound surfacing previously installed at Liverpool Football Club’s newly expanded Main Stand in 2016.

Ash & Lacy supplied curved, expanded mesh Screen panels for a fantastic new office development to house some of the UK’s National Sports Governing Bodies, in Loughborough. Owned by Loughborough University and located on a gateway site to the University campus, SportPark plays host to various sporting organisations in 3 pavilions, over 4 storeys. The project was designed by David Morley Architects and the external envelope materials strike a balance between life span, low maintenance requirements and aesthetics.

A lot of DucoGrille Classic G50 High Performance louvre grilles can be found in the new Tottenham Hotspur FC Football stadium, North London. Energy Design Solutions fabricated, supplied and fitted this project. The DucoGrille Classic 50HP has been developed especially for intensive ventilation. The uniquely shaped ‘High Performance’ louvre blade with a low resistance factor ensures excellent airflow. All types are manufactured from extruded aluminium sections. Insect mesh is fitted as standard.

ASF Manufactured these stunning stainless steel pedestrian guardrails for the Princess Street area of Swansea.Posts manufactured from the ASF 5008 Bollard offer a 114mm diameter upright with a solid machined top. The upright has a satin finish whilst the top is left as machine finished which gives a bright polished look.Panels are from stainless steel tube and uprights from solid stainless steel bar, making this product look great but also be low maintenance, robust and long lasting.

LAMILUX designed and installed a shallow pitched glass roof for the central courtyard atrium of the student accommodation halls. The 60 equal glass panels formed the 7m X 29m rooflight featuring a sound reduction index of 38dB with double layered heat protection glass. Why LAMILUX were chosen ? LAMILUX could install with a surface inclination of just 3° ? The architect wanted to achieve a class 2 roof for safety of maintenance personnel whilst maintaining a low pitch

This project consisted of many Helmsman products, with lockers, cubicles, vanity units and IPS panels being supplied. Alongside the team at Mixbrow Construction and Ipswich Town FC, we designed, manufactured and installed 8 bespoke 1 compartment laminate lockers, 1775mm high x 400mm wide x 500mm deep on a cantilevered seat stand. The theme of the changing rooms was kept slick and professional, with See Group’s Biocarbon Laminate used in colour Gabbro. This fantastic carbon neutral laminate is strong, moisture resistant, easy to clean and has antibacterial protection, perfect for a changing room project. The locks chosen for the lockers were Lowe and Fletcher 2800 combination locks, also a great choice for the coaches’ changing rooms.Whilst we offer a wide range of cubicle options, we worked with the team at Mixbrow Construction to design a bespoke floor to ceiling cubicle to fit their needs. The changing room design featured 2 Bespoke Floor to Ceiling shower cubicles and 1 Bespoke Floor to Ceiling Toilet Cubicle. Also included in the project were 4 sets of IPS (Integrated Plumbing System) Panels and a Solid Grade Laminate Vanity unit, all in matching Solid Grade BioCarbon Laminate in colour Gabbro.

The developer of the new build flats was Jensco Holdings Ltd and the main contractor was Clegg Construction. The design, manufacture and installation of the windows on the project was undertaken by Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor Kingfisher Windows. As a member of the Approved Window Contractors Scheme, Kingfisher has demonstrated a wealth of experience in the management of large contract supply and installation and working proactively towards on-time and on-budget completion. The company’s track record was one of the factors that saw Kingfisher secure the window contract for Agard Court through competitive tender.

Granite Exchange offers serviced office space to businesses and individuals. Companies can lease meeting rooms, private offices, or shared desk areas to operate from. The ultra-modern design and high specification facilities in Granite Exchange are ideal for businesses who want to offset high property rates while maintaining a sleek and professional outlook.

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is a tourist attraction at Bournemouth Beach. The 18 hole course is part of Bournemouth’s famous seafront, which has over 7 million visitors per year. For safety purposes, it was necessary to fit Stair Nosings onto a fire exit staircase at the site.

Prestigious Bradley Hall Golf Club is located in over 60 acres of picturesque parkland in central Yorkshire. Golf was first played here in 1906 and considerable investment was spent converting the old house into an outstanding club house. Recently the golf club had a major building upgrade but still retained the quality that had been set up all those years ago. As part of this refurbishment the central entrance of the golf club required an impressive eye catching finish to their traditional style Victorian staircase with a unique large curved bottom step.

Zoo Animal Enclosure Heating SolutionIn partnership with HEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Powrmatic was approached to develop a heating solution for the White Rhino’s House at Whipsnade Zoo, which saw the installation of an overhead gas-fired (LPG) continuous radiant heating system, as the previous electric heating system inside their indoor habitat was not efficient enough and heat was escaping through the timber structureProject BackgroundThe White Rhino house at Whipsnade Zoo is the home to a herd (also known as a “crash”) of seven southern white rhinos, Sizzle being the only male – the six females are; Mikumi, Bertha, Tuli, Jaseera, Fahari, and Nandi. Sizzle and Tuli are the parents of the latest baby rhino Nandi born in August 2021.The heating inside their indoor habitat at Whipsnade was not efficient enough. Localised electric heaters were spread around the large space to create coverage, but the heat was escaping through the timber structure. It was decided to upgrade the structure by foam insulation to the internals of the asbestos roof and to provide a new continuous gas-fired overhead radiant heating system providing blanket heat coverage to the complete floor area of the house.  Project SolutionHEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, who undertake servicing of HVAC equipment at Whipsnade Zoo on behalf of Pareto FM for the end client ZSL (Zoological Society of London), approached Powrmatic to develop a heating solution for the rhino’s house. The brief was to provide an overhead gas-fired (LPG) radiant heating system to blanket cover the complete floor area of the rhino house, but also design it so that it could be zone controlled, should one of the herd have a need to be in an area of a higher or lower temperature.The LPG propane tanks for the heating system needed to be sunk into the earth at the edge of the rhino house to avoid having to remove any trees, thus maintaining the conservation ethos of ZSL. For a structure such as the rhino house, being the size of a large sports hall, a Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ continuous gas-fired radiant tube system comprising; 4 x 73kW burners was the proposed solution, arranged in 4 temperature zones, with the new MC400/C controller and just the one flue discharge to atmosphere.Project ResultThe installation of the new PCV+ continuous overhead radiant heating system was skilfully undertaken by HEVAC Services Ltd, with the contract programme being driven by the daily habits of the rhino herd! Whether they wanted to be in their house or out on the field. Thus, the logistics of undertaking the heating installation were unique compared to working in a standard commercial/industrial environment.The White Rhinos now have a refurbished home and a heating system that delivers radiant heat in exactly the same way that we (and the rhinos) receive energy in the form of heat from the sun. Radiant heating systems efficiently radiate infrared radiation, which is the transfer of energy in waveform from a hot surface to a relatively cooler surface without heating the medium between. Thus, the rhinos can bask under the radiant heat, whether indoors or outside under the sun.The ZSL Whipsnade Zoo White Rhino Enclosure now benefits from a highly energy-efficient Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ system, listed on the Carbon Trust Energy Technology List (ETL), endorsing the Seasonal Space Heating Energy Efficiency of; 92.1%, and thus delivering low; energy usage, fuel bills and carbon emissions minimising their impact on the environment.

Client: NHS HighlandLocation: Inverness, Scotland, UKYear: 2023Project size: 400 m²Vebro systems: vebrobound StoneAn attractive, slip-resistant alternative to tarmac was required for the outdoor areas surrounding an elective care centre in the heart of Inverness Campus.NHS Highland, one of the fourteen regions of NHS Scotland, provides physical and mental health services across the Highland and Argyll and Bute Council areas, covering an area of 32,500 km² and serving a population of 320,000 people.NHS Highland has opened a new elective care facility at Inverness Campus, a hub for world-class research and development in the life-sciences sector.The National Treatment Centre, based at the Inverness Campus, comprises an ophthalmology outpatient department, ophthalmology and orthopaedic theatres, inpatient wards, an imaging and diagnostics suite, as well as collaborative spaces, educational facilities, and office spaces.Not only does the centre cater to local needs, but it also goes beyond by fostering innovation and research, enhancing the scope and impact of clinical services provided.Vebro Polymers has supplied vebrobound Stone, a fully permeable, SUDs compliant resin-bound aggregate system that is ideally suited for use in public-facing external applications like hospitals and healthcare facilities. The permeable, seamless polyurethane resin bound aggregate system is designed for installation directly onto tarmac or concrete on terraces and external areas of commercial and institutional venues and delivers a stylish and low maintenance alternative to loose gravel, block paving or concrete.Available in a range of attractive aggregate blends, vebrobound Stone can complement existing structures to deliver a stunning welcome to institutional facilities such as this.Hendersons, established over 40 years ago and based in Moray in Scotland, provide first class resin flooring installation throughout Scotland.The company, who also offer a range of other services including painting, decorating and industrial cleaning, deployed their dedicated resin flooring team to transform Glenturret Distillery. Hendersons prides itself on the continual training of existing staff and development of trainees across its business, ensuring it continues to offer an unsurpassable service.

CMS DANSKIN ACOUSTICS recommended a bespoke combination of industrial acoustic materials to ensure noise at work compliance at ExxonMobil Oil Refinery. The ChallengeFawley Oil Refinery is the largest oil refinery in the UK. When ExxonMobil found that the noise output from two industrial fans at the refinery exceeded the levels specified by The Control of Noise at Work Regulations, it consulted CMS Danskin Acoustics for advice. To ensure the most cost effective and high performing materials were specified, CMS Danskin Acoustics evaluated the noise reduction required on-site. Evaluation of the acoustic data revealed that noise levels in excess of 118dB at 125Hz were being emitted by the fans. Based on these criteria, the technical team at CMS Danskin Acoustics recommended the use of a combination of specialist materials from its industrial acoustic range. The SolutionTo control the low frequency-biased sound, CMS Danskin Acoustics recommended and supplied the SuperLag Quietslab Laminate with Acoustic Barrier Type WB10 combination for the fan casings and associated ductwork. Creating a multi-layered, high performance system, two layers of SuperLag Quietslab Laminate, totalling 250mm thickness, with a core of 5mm Acoustic Barrier Type WB10, were bonded onto the fan casings and ductwork. A direct coupled lagging system, SuperLag Quietslab Laminate comprises long-stranded mineral fibres thermo-set with resins for the absorption of sound at the surface, as well as a high mass inner acoustic barrier core to reduce the transmission of sound through the material. Manufactured from a weight-enhanced, high-density material, Acoustic Barrier Type WB10 provides a flexible and cost effective treatment for chemical and refinery applications. In total, 1,000m2 of the SuperLag Quietslab Laminate/Acoustic Barrier Type WB10 materials were installed around the fans and ductwork to achieve the high levels of sound reduction required.ResultsThe high performance bespoke system specified by CMS Danskin Acoustics, significantly reduced the noise generated by the fans. This enabled ExxonMobil to comply with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations by bringing noise levels under the 85dB compliance level.

Originally erected quickly by Canadian troops in 1945, in support of the liberation of the Netherlands, the structure is still sound today. It represents a landmark erection for the Dutch galvanizing industry. Most importantly, on a recent visit to inspect the structure, it was noted that the steel itself had not been affected anywhere, despite a higher level of sulphurous pollution in earlier years. Today, the low sulphur dioxide content of the local atmosphere means that predictions on anticipated lifespan can be extended several times over what was initially foreseen upon installation.

Ancon TeploTie, the innovative low thermal conductivity Wall Tie, has been used in the UK’s first retrofit to achieve zero-carbon Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. TeploTie wall ties are ideal for retrofit projects as they can be resin-fixed into existing walls. The project involved the refurbishment of a semi-detached home, built in the 1840s with solid brick walls. The front elevation is internally insulated to preserve the original brickwork. The U-value of the walls is now 0.11W/mK2, 16 times better than before.

Architect: Waugh Thistleton Architects. Maximising the location and view in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was key to this redevelopment and new-build on the North Norfolk coast. The site contained a 1950s houses and outbuildings that were out of keeping with the area, and so in its place the owners were granted permission to build a sustainable, low-energy new-build family home, clad in locally sourced timber and stone, and including IDSystems' theEDGE2.0 ultra-slim sliding doors to make the most of the stunning view over the salt marshes and estuary.

Primark has become a household name providing amazing value for money for shoppers around the globe. According to an article about Primark in The Economist, “For many shoppers, Primark has an irresistible offer: amazing trendy clothes at amazingly low prices. Using the INTRAform to offer excellent performance and longevity in high traffic areas and the INTRAform DM to offer excellent moisture absorption with extra wide fibre inserts in high traffic areas we helped maintain safety and keep internal floor finishes looking great!

The high traffic HQ for Interserve required a lift in an awkward stairwell space, to match the contemporary style of the building. A Gartec 7000 passenger platform lift was installed in just 3 days with no building works, with a fully glass shaft. Gartec worked around the glass stairwell, removing panels where required. The small footprint, low cost and simple maintenance made the lift ideal for the location. Sheena, the Office Manager, commented "the install team worked quickly and efficiently... now completed it looks like it has always been there".

A self-detached home in Brighton that once blended in with its' neighbours is now arguably the street's most striking resident. The homeowners were passionate about creating a contemporary two-toned look, using materials that are durable and low maintenance.The exterior walls are clad with Hardie® VL Plank fibre cement board, showcasing a mix of a vertical installation on the top half and horizontal installation on the bottom half. The clean, modern lines of the interlock V groove help to accentuate the building's shape, enhancing a sense of spaciousnous.

The Olympic stadium had a capacity of 80,000 during the Olympics and Paralympics. It will be reduced in capacity to 25,000 for the future and will become West Ham United F.C's new permanent home. Designed by Populous Architects and contracted to McAlpine, it took over three years to build. Along with 10,700 tonnes of steel and thousands of cubic metres of low-carbondioxide concrete, there are many Naylor Concrete Hi-Spec, Fair Faced and Fire Resistant Lintels in the building, supplied through Civils and Lintels to Essex based Brickwork Contractor, Galostar.

Lockerpods bike locker offer safety and security for your bike. Manufactured from recyclable, low density polyethylene, the LDPE is UV treated and will not deteriorate or dis-colour over time. The door hasps are made of protected Stainless steel tabs, drilled to accept padlocks. Internally it is designed so that a ground anchor can be installed to accept a D Lock or chain for additional security. Lockerpods are weatherproof so your bike is kept clean and dry and there’s space to store your helmet and other bike kit safely with your bike.

Accoya was chosen as the project required a striking facade which complimented the existing traditional stone Temple Bank House. Accoya was also selected due to the fact it is low maintenance & provides warmth & natural textures. 15 mm planks were chosen for the cladding to ensure minimum wastage in the manufacturing making it as cost effective as possible. The client was very impressed with how well the cladding cloaks, shields and invites, addressing the road facing elevations and drawing the occupants around the building to its entrance which sits in relief.

Accoya was selected as the ideal material to clad the new Performing Arts Centre for Pipers Corner School, High Wycombe. Over 1200 m2 of Accoya cladding, soffits and trims were used throughout the project for phase 1 of the build. Designed by Nichols Brown Webber Architects and Landscape Planners, Accoya was chosen due to its Class 1 durability and low maintenance upkeep. Accoya was also used due to its sustainability credentials as the building has been targeted to achieve a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.

Spitbank Fort was originally built in 1878 and was part of a group of forts designed to defend the mouth of the Solent. This project created challenging circumstances for wood flooring because the structure is metal and is over 130 years old. Surrounded by sea creating high, fluctuating humidity and the structure was round so most of the boards had to be re-manufactured to fit. There were height restrictions because there were numerous arches creating low points and all the services had to be laid on the existing substrate thus raising the finished floor level to accommodate them

Situated in the heart of Coventry and clad in Traditional Textures precoated aluminium using an angled standing seam. The colour Blue Zinc Patina captures the colour, tone and textures of real pigmented zinc at a fraction of the cost. The range of pre-coated Aluminium come in a wide variety of surface finishes with a warranty of up to 20 years. Aluminium is lightweight, offers a flat surface aesthetic. Ease of handling and excellent formability even in low temperature conditions make it an installers favourite. Commissioned on this project as a Value Engineered solution

The Klimatec 160 is a high performance solution for passive and low carbon buildings. Not only does it offer superb thermal insulation and an airtight seal, but it also benefits from 30-minute fire protection. The Klimatec 160 is the latest product in the Premier Loft Ladders range to be certified by the Passivhaus Institut (PHI) for use in passive buildings. It offers very high thermal insulation, achieving a U-value of just 0.34 W/m2K. It also features a class 4 certified airtight seal. As such, it is extremely effective at keeping the warmth in the building.

The Burry Port Community School is the first Passivhaus School in Walesa in a design collaboration between Carmarthenshire County Council and Architype architects. A major contribution to the pleasant environment was the choice of Troldtekt acoustic ceiling panels, especially in the classrooms and potentially noisy open spaces. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of the 100% natural wood fibres panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at silver level.

Closomat is an experienced installer of Changing Places toilets at roadside and motorway service areas. The company has completed multiple projects for leading operators, including Extra, Roadchef, Moto, Westmorland and Cornwall Services.All installs are high-specification and meet full British Standards, or above. Moto, Southwaite and Toddington, include the addition of a Closomat wash and dry toilet, for those who may lack the ability to wipe themselves – allowing the facilities to support a wider range of users. Many of these projects are a direct result of a central government Changing Places fund (for which Closomat is a preferred supplier), distributed to successful bidders for improving inclusive toilet provision on England’s major road network.Closomat provides a range of services to these clients, including design and commissioning, through to project management, supply and installation, as well as maintenance and repair.Changing Places by Closomat can be found at the following service areas:Moto – Rugby, Southwaite and Toddington. Roadchef – Annandale Water, Clacket Lane M25 Eastbound, Norton Cranes M6, Strensham (Northbound), M5, Strensham (Southbound), M5, Tibshelf (Northbound), M1, Tibshelf, (Southbound), M1, Northampton (Northbound), M1, Northampton (Southbound), M1, Clacket Lane (Westbound), M25, Chester, M56, Sedgemoor, M5, Taunton Deane (Northbound), M5, Rownhams (Southbound), M27, Maidstone, M20, Durham, A1MExtra -  Beaconsfield, Baldock, Cobham, Leeds Skelton, CambridgeWestmorland – Gloucester and Tebay servicesCornwall Services – A30 near Bodmin.

The JV40Bis office building, located between Calle Josefa Valcárcel and Calle Telémaco in Madrid, features more than 8,700m² distributed across seven floors. Thanks to its architecture comprised of classic lines, this building by the architect Francisco Mangado provides a striking contrast to the glass facades of the adjacent office buildings.The main architectural goal was to create a healthy work environment, prioritizing the well-being of workers in terms of visual, thermal and acoustic comfort. This aim was achieved and the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. This certification classifies the project as a sustainable, energy-efficient construction with reduced emissions and a satisfactory indoor environment; in this case, this leads to comfortable workspaces.All this is, in part, thanks to the more than 700 Bandalux Premium Plus shades that guarantee optimal solar management given their minimum gap (space between the fabric and bracket). These technical shades integrate well with the restrained, timeless aesthetics of a large, diaphanous space that encompasses work zones, relaxation areas and leisure spaces in which the user adapts solar incidence to the requirements of any given moment.The Polyscreen® 550 fabric in White Linen can block up to 96% of sunlight and it provides the visual and thermal comfort necessary in the workspace. Its high energy performance leads to savings in terms of heating and air conditioning. It is fully recyclable, free from substances that are harmful to health, and it preserves the indoor air quality, having been awarded the Greenguard Gold certification.

In November 2020, we were contacted to schedule a meeting regarding the renovation of the former registry office at 8 Wind Street, Neath.For the radiator specifications, we decided on our Compacts and LST Ultra radiators in our standard white (RAL 9016) for the extension room facilities, whilst our traditional Windsor Column radiators and associated feet were all customised to a rough textured anthracite colour (RAL 7016) for the main offices, corridors, and conference rooms. These choices were in line with the building’s style. We also provided the necessary white and anthracite Angled TRV & Lockshields, as well as the LST ACVK3 Direct TRV Valve Packs to complement the radiators. The local authority accepted our proposal, and with that in December 2020, we supplied our initial quotation for the project.In March 2021, after the construction work inside the building was completed. A site survey was then conducted to ensure that the chosen radiators would fit properly in their designated positions. Following the site survey, a direct purchase order was placed.The installation commenced in May 2021. To assist, we ordered a sample of a White Windsor Column and Associated Feet to serve as a template for the pipework levels.By late May 2021, the specially ordered Windsor Columns and Associated Feet arrived at our Southam Distribution Centre. This allowed Allied Mechanical Engineering to proceed with their installation plan.Between June and July 2021, three batches of radiators were delivered to 8 Wind Street, Neath, and the installations on each floor were completed.

FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab)Design Architects: Renzo Piano Building WorkshopExecutive Architects: Adamson Associates, LondonMain Contractor: Mace; Roofing Contractor AC PLCConstruction: 2012Application: Warm Roof - FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab )Finish: Bitumen membranesFOAMGLAS® provided the ultimate solution for the roof maintenance platform of The Shard at level 75.Its light-weight and high compressive strength enable regular maintenance to be carried out without risk of surface damage.At 310 m, Shard Tower is one of Western Europe’s tallest buildings; exposed to extremes of temperature & the revolutionary structure sways up to 50 cm in high winds.The building maintenance platform on level 75 islocated directly above the viewing galleries, and essentially forms the Shard’s roof. To shed water, the flat metal platform required an insulation with a tapered top surface.In this extremely exposed location, and with significantloads upon the platform, a truly reliable solution was needed. FOAMGLAS® insulation combines compressive strength, long-term insulation performance.Using their "in house" CAD systems, FOAMGLAS® designed a bespoke Tapered Insulation system. Taking full advantage of its low coefficient of expansion, and to eliminate thermal bridging, FOAMGLAS® and its membranes were adhesive bonded onto the metal structure. The unique ability of FOAMGLAS® to withstand high compressive loads ensures regular maintenance work can be safely carried out without damage to the insulation or the membranes.Adamson Architects commented on this project: "FOAMGLAS® has proved itself to be the ultimate solution for the difficult loadbearing areas of the Shard. Specifying cellular glass insulation ensured complete integrity and performance in key areas of the Shard Tower".

Project brief:A monumental restoration project for the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral spanning 15 years and costing £40 million. It was the first comprehensive restoration project that the Cathedral has gone through and this extensive cleaning, repair and renovation programme was one of the largest of its kind ever in the UK.The Project:It doesn’t get much more high profile than this when it comes to historic building restoration. As part of the London skyline for over 300 years, the requirement was for materials that perfectly balanced the strength and performance to do the job with the delicate nature of working with such a fragile and weathered structure. The sheer scale of the project also dictated the need for an extremely consistent product.Help from Tarmac Building Products – St. Pauls Grout Mix:Pozament, from Tarmac Building Products Ltd, boasts the heritage range of Limelite Grouts and Mortars specifically designed for such tasks. Yet in a project of such epic proportions and with the stakes so high our technicians instead produced an all new low strength blend of PFA, lime and special additives, that was capable of penetrating the fine voids and fissures in the Cathedral’s structure, whilst remaining sympathetic to the existing materials.The new grout, now named St. Paul’s Grout Mix, is easily mixed and in addition can be placed using gravity feed techniques, which are often used to ensure low pressures that are needed to avoid damage to delicate structures, such as in the case of St. Paul’s Cathedral.St. Paul’s Grout was designed to achieve a low strength of approximately 2.0 N/mm2 at 28 days, which was sufficient to strengthen and fill voids in the heartening of the masonry walls at St. Pauls Cathedral. The mix also contains a special plasticiser/wetting aid, so that when used at a water solids ratio of 0.4, a very fluid mix capable of penetrating fine voids and fissures is produced.Outcomes:The St. Paul’s Restoration project was finally finished in June 2011. To this day Tarmac continue to produce the St. Paul’s Grout when required and since then, it has been used successfully on many similar restoration projects including York City Wall, Winchester Cathedral and other English Heritage projects.

A range of premium and high performance products from Kingspan Insulation has been installed on a stunning new beachfront home on the Isle of Wight, featured on Grand Designs. This includes Kingspan Kooltherm K8 Cavity Board, which was used to insulate the majority of the walls throughout the property, and Kingspan Kooltherm K7 Pitched Roof Board, which was were applied to the ground floor overhang. With thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m.K, the products delivered the required thermal performance with a slim build-up, helping to maximise space within the rooms.

Overlooking the River Mersey, the iconic Royal Liver Building is the most prominent structure in Liverpool’s famous skyline. Classic on the outside yet modern, light and chic on the inside, the recent programme of investment aimed to reposition the building offering, with a new reception area, large open plan grade A office suites, gym and café. A first-class offering is key to attracting and retaining tenants – and Intraform Low Profile entrance barrier matting protects the flooring to maintain the interior aesthetic and create the right first impression. Read the full case study to learn more...