"mesh perforated sheet wires ropes rods"

There was a requirement to cut down directly incident sunlight, the idea came up to work with DucoSun Wing in front of the façade. These large, wing-shaped louvre blades were made of a black perforated sheet that was made in special non-standard sizes for this project. This system therefore works as solar shading on the one hand as well as fulfilling an architectural function on the other, which is a defining factor in the architectural appearance of the office building.

Earlier this year Troax UK Ltd. were approached by Swisslog and their client TJ Morris, who trade throughout the UK as Home Bargains to assist them in the implementation of a large scale automated Warehousing System in a new distribution centre at Amesbury. The materials handling equipment installation, Swisslog’s largest in the UK this year, included pallet and light goods systems (incorporating racking, cranes and conveyors), EMS monorail system, and Swisslog’s innovative CaddyPick semi-automatic case order-picking system, the first of its type in the UK.

Whether its' heavy duty entrance matting, or carpet tiles to make a statement area, Rawson's Carpet Solutions has the answer.

The refurbishment of the car park was one of the first steps in the regeneration of New Covent Garden Market; a project which is projected to take 10 years at a cost of £2 billion.Appropriately for a flower and fruit market, BDP designed a green wall facade. Lang+Fulton’s Stereo-3 panels were chosen to clad three elevations of the 7-storey car park, sections of which will become covered in ivy.The design incorporated an aluminium box section framework and feature panels as well as open spaces to create added interest. In total Lang+Fulton supplied 422 grating panels in various sizes up to 2510mm high to cover an area of 1296m2. The grating panels were framed at the top and bottom with bent over lugs for fixing to the aluminium uprights. 

Leading English National Premier League side Cannock Hockey Club were fed up with the high maintenance costs of replacing nets and wooden boards damaged by constant ball impacts.So they wanted lower maintenance perimeter fencing when they upgraded their pitches in 2009 – and ideally to limit the noise of the wooden boards under constant impact from 5.5oz balls travelling at speeds in excess of 80mph which was affecting the experience for players and spectators alike.The SolutionFounded in 1905, ‘The Nockers’ is one of the most successful National Premier League hockey clubs in the country, having won the title seven times since the league’s inception 25 seasons ago.But their traditional wooden perimeter boards were effectively sacrificial under hockey’s cannonball-like impacts. As they quickly broke and got worn out, the club was in a constant and expensive cycle of buying and installing new ones.The grounds committee turned to Zaun as a development partner to create a ground-breaking low-noise and -maintenance metal fence perimeter.It replaces nets and wooden boards with twin wire mesh fencing. Fixings every 200mm and rubber EPDM inserts at each fixing virtually eliminate rattle during play.The bottom 210mm – or up to 400mm behind the goals – uses twin horizontal 8mm wires in a close 25x50mm mesh pattern that reduces significantly the noise while withstanding a far greater number of ball impacts without damage.The system is then topped with Zaun’s Super Rebound, which gives better viewing, no risk of player or spectator injury from splinters or mid-rails and no solid surface for vandals to graffiti.

Neaco have supplied a major balustrades specification at Bradford Royal Infirmary’s new multi-million pound hospital wing. Stairwells, ramps, bridges and void areas feature Neaco’s Spectrum powder coated aluminium balustrade with a variety of infills appropriate to their location, including vertical rails, midrails, glass and perforated mesh. Neaco’s Spectrum range of handrails, balustrade, balconies and structural glass offers a choice of modular components with versatility to suit any design requirement. Available in powder coated aluminium or stainless steel, Spectrum is characterised by smooth, clean lines offering a high architectural aesthetic which is extremely durable and maintenance-free.

More than 3,500 square metres of façade panels protect travellers from wind and rain in a new car park at Milton Keynes Central Station. Round, laser-cut perforations let in light and ventilation to car park decks, while solid and mesh panels complete a design that is both practical and visually striking.“The façade definitely met the design (brief); maybe even more. The client was impressed and so were we,” said Goldbeck project manager Stanislav Stanchev. “But apart from the finished product, I was most impressed with the Maple teams onsite. Communication was good too; everything I needed was answered very quickly.”

ASF produced the full gamut of variants for this project, all using the ASF 5006 mitred top post system to give continuity. 114mm diameter post uprights were used to offer a substantial framework for these barrier and handrail systems. Some areas needed only handrail so a single sided underslung system was provided, with wrap around end profiles offering a pleasing end point to individual sections.On the post and panel sections a 48mm diameter top rail was used in conjunction with stainless steel perforated panels. These meshed perfectly into the step units that swapped seamlessly from post mounted to wall mounted handrail.Curves, corners and steps were included on this project

Manchester Airport Group (MAG) is a leading UK airport group that owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports, together with a significant property business.In 2011 they began a project of upgrading their entire airport perimeter security fencing and gates to cope with an increase in passengers and estate traffic.The BriefSecurity was paramount when it came to the brief for a new perimeter fence line and physical access control. There are a number of features that have not been included in this case study for security reasons.The fence had to have the ability to be erected in a variety of ways, including on concrete, dug in, base plated and ground buriedSecurity Toppings were requiredStrong anti-cut wires on any meshAnti-climb properties to prevent scalingCost effective due to the size of the fence line

Tricky floor refurb? Our Smet Supported Partner, contractor, Ciaran McAteer uses a practical solution for the professional flooring contractor or tiler.  VS 582 is a self-levelling smoothing screed with excellent mouldability for laying to falls. A flexible, self-levelling, mouldable, rapid-set, cementitious, fibre-reinforced surface filler, with 2-in-1 formulation for simultaneous levelling and creation of falls. Excellent workability and mouldability because you also have the flexibility of adding water.It’s strong, with a compressive strength after 28 days: approx. 35 N/mm² (as levelling coat laid to falls), dries quickly and is pumpableBenefits of Sopro VS 582:3 – 70 mm coat thickness For floors, indoors and outdoors2-in-1 formulation: suitable as self-levelling filler and for laying to fallsCompressive strength after 28 days: approx. 35 N/mm² (as levelling coat laid to falls)Flexural tensile strength after 28 days: approx. 7 N/mm² (as levelling coat laid to falls)Self-levellingOutstanding mouldability when laid to fallsQuick-dryingFlexible, fibre-reinforcedPumpableSuitable for timber flooringSuitable for floor heating systemsLong working life: 30 – 40 minutesWalkable after 2 – 3 hoursNo client is too large or too small, SMET delivers another innovative, showcase flooring solution. Click here at other jobs using our Sopro levellers.SMET is renowned for its comprehensive range of professional CE marked, EPD certified products. The SMET flooring range includes; calcium sulphate-based screed binders, self-smoothing calcium sulphate-based screeds & compounds, cement-based screed binders, self-smoothing cement-based screeds, lightweight flowing screeds, professional tiling materials & tools, tanking and wet-room solutions, barrier coats, primers & bonding agents; for any domestic, commercial, industrial or design-flooring use.Suffice to say, the SMET product portfolio includes a German-made floor solution for any new or repair flooring requirement. Get in touch for your upcoming floor screed or tiling project.

Our 19mm solid brass turned stair rods were installed to complement the classic theme and give that subtle lift to the large, grand staircases.

Converting the former Olympic Stadium to the London Stadium when it became home to the West Ham football club was a significant civil engineering feat. The landmark structure on the capital’s skyline initially cost £486 million when built to house the 2012 London Olympics.A redevelopment between 2013 and 2016 to transform the Olympic monument into a football stadium for the Premier League club cost a further £323 million. The groundbreaking design included adding the most extensive cantilevered roof globally, powered by state-of-the-art technology typically used on North Sea oil rigs.Additionally, the group installed 21,000 new retractable seats to bring fans in the lower tiers closer to the action, while they also added new catering facilities, toilets and executive facilities. The former Olympic stadium was almost totally rebuilt to create a 54,000-seat dual-use arena that would still be suitable for athletics.Stadium fencing and gatesZaun was commissioned to supply security stadium fencing and gates for the London Stadium. This included our Duo8 SR1 fencing for the perimeter. This double wire welded mesh fencing system is suitable for applications that require Secured By Design accreditation. Tested and approved by BRE to LPS1175 SR1 (A1), this perimeter fencing system features the same benefits as our standard Duo8 perimeter fencing system but with additional security, such as tamper-resistant clamp bars and fixings. The Association of Chief Police Officers has approved it as meeting the Secured By Design accreditation.In addition, we also supplied our Super Rebound and Duo Sports Fencing for the sports pitch. It is a further development of the Duo Sports twin wire sport fencing solutions, designed for applications that have high usage for sports. It is ideal for use at sports pitches subject to high footballs, tennis balls, basketballs, hockey balls and more. It features a high density of double wires that will absorb the balls’ shock, so they are returned to play without delay. The Duo Sports double wire sports fencing system is developed from the Duo 6 and Duo 8 perimeter fencing systems. more...

This scheme was based around a prestigious new commercial office development which included a public realm space. The goal was to create an attractive outdoor space that would provide a relaxing outdoor environment for workers and serve as a communal space that the general public could also utilise. By diligently selecting a range of design led external furniture items from Artform Urban Furniture, the completed project has resulted in a sophisticated and popular external space that enhances the local area and will be enjoyed by a wide variety of people for many years to come.The Box Litter Bin is a popular option from Artform due to its flexible design options. The main structure is manufactured from a robust 6mm thick sheet with various options for the door finish. From the most popular timber-clad versions to Steel rods, and solid or laser-cut steel plate. For Wellington Place, the solid steel door with integrated ashtray was chosen with the addition of customised decals that coordinate with the area's recognisable branding. The design is simple and robust making it perfect in a whole host of external spaces. 

One of the largest and busiest ports in Europe required a major upgrade to its perimeter security fencing. Due to an increase of migrants trying to cross the borders illegally, there was a need to improve the fencing around the port to ensure people who did not have the correct paperwork or permissions to travel across the border were kept safe and out of harm’s reach whether it’s those attempting illegal breaches into the port site or those responsible for preventing them from doing so.The fencing was designed to prevent migrants from trying to stow away on trucks; usually, this would happen as the truck slows or comes to a stop, and the migrants would run and get inside the trucks to hitch a ride across the border.A migrant camp nearby, which it is reported housed more than 10,000 people, ensured a constant threat of illegal migrants trying to cross the border. Many displaced migrants congregate here in an attempt to cross the borders by illegal and dangerous means. People smugglers were a constant problem, many promising migrants jobs and security once they had crossed the border.The SolutionZaun HiSec 358 Fencing was installed along both sides of the main road into the port, which aimed to prevent the migrants from getting onto the vehicles as they slowed or came to a halt. This anti-climb mesh fencing system features 12.7mm x 76.2mm tight mesh apertures, which prevents people from getting a foothold and scale the fencing to get over and prevents objects from being passed through the fabric. It also provides resistance to cutting by conventional hand tools and is employed extensively in higher security applications supported with detection and surveillance technologies.In addition to the anti-climb mesh, Zaun’s Flexible Security Topping (FST) was also installed to the top of the fencing to ensure that anyone who did somehow manage to scale the fencing could not get a grip over the top of the fencing. FST is designed in such as way what it moves as people try to climb it. Installed with concertina wire, this provides the port with a fence that works as a visual deterrent and a practical one.High-security temporary fencing and barrier systems, including SecureGuard, were also installed around the port, which provides high security, a movable border that can not only be easily converted into a PAS68 HVM perimeter but is also movable if the perimeter needs reducing or expanding for any reason. This movable barrier system also featuring FST and concertina wire as a topping for an additional deterrent.

The Pond Hall Building at Sellafield is 36mtrs high and 192mtrs long and houses two large water ponds for the reprocessing of spent uranium rods, which is now reclad in Trisomet insulated panel system.

In preparation for the 2012 Olympics, where over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries competed in London, Zaun developed a walkway system that would enable technicians to work safely at height to install fencing as well as attach CCTV and security enhancements to the highest parts of the fencing.Project ChallengesThe project required a range of unique and innovative solutions because of the varied challenges that were in play. The system needed to adhere to strict health and safety regulations, especially as working at heights has many potential dangers, and worker safety is a huge priority. We needed to create a cost-effective solution that installers could use in various venues and areas.We also needed to ensure that this walkway system did not damage the 358 mesh. The walkway also needed to facilitate the repair and installation of Perimeter Intrusion Detection (PID) and pulse-monitored electric fencing systems and razor wire. As such, it was essential that installers could easily and safely access materials, equipment and tools.Biggest Sporting Event In The WorldAs the Olympics is one of the biggest events in the world, global attention was on London and the various venues needed to be as secure as possible. From camera operators and athletes to volunteers and security personnel, the huge number of people involved in the Olympics meant that the security team needed to be able to see as much as possible at all times. To do this, it was best to put the security monitoring equipment along the fence line to survey the whole area and reduce the requirement for additional civils for CCTV cameras. Security measures during big events like the Olympics need to be incredibly stringent. The installation of these surveillance and security measures is of utmost importance to the security of the entire event.Innovative Walkway SystemZaun designed and manufactured a unique walkway system that allowed installers to work at heights safely without damaging the mesh fencing. Our innovative system was designed specifically to support the installation and maintenance of 358 security mesh fencing, CCTV cameras and electric fencing at the top of the fence line. We created an innovative walkway solution that easily attached to 358 mesh so technicians could check and access the security measures whilst safely working at height.

Berry System supplied and installed vehicle safety barriers for new multi-storey car park at Dundee Leisure Centre. Our innovative Brisafe Wire Rope safety barrier has been installed at the new, 500 space East Marketgait car park in Dundee.The multi-storey car park serves the new leisure centre which is part of Dundee City Council’s multi-million pound redevelopment of the city’s waterfront area. The car park, incorporating a retail unit, is linked to the leisure centre by a unit central foyer and the complete facility boasts a competition sized swimming pool, health suite, café and flumes.Our safety barriers were specified throughout the car park including their column  mounted Brisafe perimeter barrier which meets BS EN 1991-1-1 standards. With a zero footprint in the parking bay, Brisafe allows architects to maximise the parking space available, while providing a flexible system that ‘gives’ on impact to minimise damage to vehicles and the barrier itself. It creates a visually attractive barrier that combines an independently tested safety performance with architectural flexibility to enhance the appearance of the whole structure.Whilst most of the car park perimeter was protected by Brisafe barriers, areas that did not provide convenient structural columns were protected by Berry Beam barriers that are floor mounted on RB1 Spring Steel Buffers.

This 6,500m² metal roof at Axcess 10 Business Park, Walsall was soiled, delaminating and affected by spot corrosion in numerous areas, which would have eventually spread and perforated the sheets if a treatment was not applied.Bosworth Cladding Services Ltd ensured that the roof was cleaned and the peeling factory finish was removed with a 4000 psi pressure washer. The laps were ground back and primed as necessary.The whole roof area was then coated with Liquasil's single-coat BBA Certified Metalseal 20 system to provide a 20 year product guarantee upon completion.The completed installation left a metal roof on its way to failure looking brand new, with a protective silicone coating that will last 20 years.For more information, or to make an enquiry, contact Liquasil on 0121 709 5352.

Cornwall County Council was responsible for upgrading and renovating an existing stairway to Blue Buoy Beach at Porthleven. A specification and sample were given to the Council, who approached three different fabricators/installers, all of whom came to PcP for an engineered safety solution on treads/landings.Insteel Industries is one of the largest architectural fabricators in the county of Cornwall. Insteel successfully won the contract to supply and install, In looking for the right partner who could offer loading criteria and technical information that complied with the relevant standards.Project criteriaThe Blue Buoy stairway project specification initially requested stainless steel and open-mesh with an alternative for a “Heel-proof version with a 20mm gap and a durbar plate for a slip-resistant surface.The SolutionPcP proposed a galvanised alternative instead of stainless steel but 140 microns and anti-slip nosing for a slip-resistant surface. The proposed solution was cost-effective, safe, durable and matching budget criteria.PcP proposed the 05m nosing as it has a much better slip-resistant on the front edge. In addition, PcP suggested a 33/8 mm pattern would be more suitable for heels than a 20mm gap.Insteel Industry forwarded a drawing/specification sheet to Cornwall Council, who then accepted the 33/8 mm pattern. However, there were concerns that we couldn’t offer 140 microns with our 2/3mm bars.PcP provided a sample that was Shotblast before galvanising with six localised readings of coating thicknesses. Insteel Industries presented the product sample to the council architect for final approval.The resultThe stairways are suitable for access with all types of footwear and pets also to access the beach. The 05m nosing on the treads comply with the slip-resistance recommendations of Bs7976 which are a superior alternative to the durbar plate initially specified. Shotblasting offered an increase in the thickness of galvanizing treatment and enhanced corrosion resistance, providing a more durable product. Perforated rear riser allows water to pass through when storms and high waves hit the staircase.

Golpla-Recycled Reinforced Grass & Gravel Grass Paver Case StudiesDesigned to retain gravel and reinforce grass for a wide range of applications which include:Footpaths.Cycle paths.Access roads.Car parks.Caravan and campsites.Sports facilities.Emergency access.Wheelchair access.Inclusion in applications where high infiltration is necessary as part of SUDS (sustainable urban drainage system) schemes.

A light lift is a self-contained winch used to raise and lower chandeliers and other types of luminaire or sculptures, providing easy access for cleaning and maintenance. More than a simple rope, a light lift is designed with safety in mind, adhering to stringent UK safety regulations, contributing to a safe working environment for employees.

For secure mental health units, the safeguarding of both their patients and the general public is paramount. Therefore, it is imperative that patients cannot leave the hospital grounds to ensure that they cannot threaten anyone or themselves. Therefore, secure, sturdy and reliable fencing is a necessity. However, to promote relaxation and recovery for anxious and agitated patients, it is necessary to maximise the capability of this fencing to ensure that it is restful rather than solely restrictive.So, how is it possible to ensure that high-security fencing can also be calming to patients?Secure Mental Health UnitsSecure mental health units in the UK require a high level of security because they often house people who have been previously incarcerated or those who have been admitted to the hospital after committing a crime. In addition, they deliver care to patients who may pose a risk to the general public and try to help their patients recover by offering accommodation, treatment and support.Patients in secure hospitals are not allowed to leave and cannot escape if they pose a danger to themselves or others. Therefore, the security is always extremely stringent inside and outside each unit.What are the Requirments of Secure Units?Security and safety of patients is a priority for NHS mental health units. A mental health unit is not a prison; it is a hospital where patients are cared for and nursed back to recovery with treatment and support. Patients mustn’t feel like they have been locked up, and the environment needs to be calming so that patients can enjoy the restful environment conducive to their recovery.However, it is also essential that patients not come and go because the unit delivers high-level security on a secure mental health unit. Therefore, any perimeter fencing must be extremely secure to keep the patients from leaving the hospital, and patients must also not be able to break down or scale the fencing.Therefore a duality must be created where a prison-like environment exists without the hospital being perceived as a prison by the patients on the unit.The SolutionZaun HiSec Prison fencing is used as a solution to all the requirements of secure mental health units. Every panel of the HiSec 358 close mesh fencing is specifically designed to ensure the safety and security of patients within the unit.In addition to the 358 mesh, the fencing features 1.5mm solid steel sheets, pre-galvanised, powder coated and printed with an image. This provides privacy to the patients inside while maintaining a high-security level. These sheets are then fixed to the fencing with a clamp bar on the post and clamped with an additional clamp bar mid bar to maximise their durability and sturdiness. To achieve tailored and bespoke results, sheets are pre-cut to size before arriving on-site, ready for installation.One of the most important facets of the fencing is the printed image on the front of the sheets. These images, often created by local artists, are created to calm the patients on the mental health unit, making them feel less anxious and improving their positivity. Therefore, they tend to depict calming imagery, such as lush flowers or relaxing scenery.This printed fencing has the dual outcome of keeping patients safe and secure inside the secure mental health unit and giving them restful images to views, such as vibrant yellow sunflowers and the glint of sunlight through woodland. In addition, viewing nature scenes has the benefit of positively improving mental health.

In order to protect budding hikers, climbers and visitors to the area, Coniston Mountain Rescue has been patrolling the territory for over 70 years. Pivotal to their job is the ability to store lifesaving equipment, such as stretchers, warm clothes and ropes, in the mountainous region, which is why they have constructed their iconic blue boxes throughout the region,with MEDITE® TRICOYA® EXTREME.

SubFloor flooring was used in a conversion of an industrial premise for youth gaming activities. This allowed insulation to separate the cold floor from the main area and for wiring installations under the floor.This simple and elegant solution raised and levelled the floor to allow for installations and insulation. The joist and screw system allows for quick and easy assembly so that the floor can reach the desired height.95 mm Rigid insulation was positioned on the insulation bearers and a 22 mm chipboard was placed on top.Products:Wooden Joist 45x45x3600 mmSubFloor Screw 200 mmSubFloor Screw FootInsulation Bearer 95 mmHeight Variation: 105 - 236 mmJoist separation: c/c 600 mmSystem Weight - c/c 600 mm: 2.82 kg/m²Materials:Pine T0-C24Fibre-reinforced polypropylenePolyamideCold Galvanised Sheet SteelPoint Load Limit (50 x 50 mm):Load next to screw over joist edge - 9.72 kNLoad between screws over joist edge - 15.85 kN

OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places a strong emphasis on energy-efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places strong emphasis on energy efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.Project BackgroundAir Design Systems Ltd provided a full design and build package for the client. This included installation of local control panels and electrical wiring, as well as micro-switches to allow a positive signal that each ventilator is fully open prior to the pressurisation system starting up. Air Design Systems Ltd also supplied and installed numerous continuous louvres to the plant wells that rise through the building and terminate at roof level.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied a large office building ventilation solution with a combination of single and double flap Skyvent ventilators to provide natural and smoke ventilation at the BP2 building in Canary Wharf, East London. Each of the 13 BS-EN 12101 ventilators was installed by Air Design Systems Ltdonto existing upstands with insulated lids and bodies and polyester powdered coated to RAL 9007 matt.Project ResultSkyvent ventilators are designed for both smoke and natural ventilation and are available in single and twin flap versions to suit the needs of each project. They can be installed on upstands, roof sheeting and into glazing systems. They feature very low air leakage when closed, and are weatherproof when closed, as tested to BS Parts 1 & 2. Insulated options can achieve U-values as low as 0.17W/m2/K.Skyvent ventilators are available with optional aluminium (single skin and insulated), polycarbonate or glazed lids in polyester powder paint finishes to any standard BS or RAL colour. A full range of accessories is available including bird guards, security guards and insect mesh.

Total Traffic Exopave (TTE®) is a distinctively designed permeable paving system which combines strength with versatility. Made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the interlocking pavers can be filled with either grass or gravel providing a SuDs compliant solution. TTE® is a particularly suitable heavy duty paver for permanent and overspill coach or HGV parking applications. TTE® has both high compressive strength and high shear strength, enabling it to withstand much higher loading, accelerating, braking and turning forces than standard heavy duty pavers.Features and benefits:Withstand weight of up to 40 tonnes.Filled with either grass or gravel infill. SuDS compliant.Easy to install and maintain.Designed for HGV traffic.Reduced sub base depths required.High shear strength reduces limitations whilst accelerating, braking and turning.Textured surface for improved grip, and as a result improves user safety.Wheelchair regulations compliant.High water permeability.Alternative to concrete and tarmac surfaces.Sympathetic to the natural environment.

Orbis OS241 Tension Wire Infill Top FixAt the heart of the North London Hendon Campus, the Ritterman Building is a state-of-the-art teaching facility for Middlesex University, providing five storeys of innovative teaching space.Providing a modern engaging appearance, the Orbis balustrades with tension wire infill was chosen for internal core stairs. Used only by students and staff, and not open to public use, meant that the wire infill could be utilised and for the main contractor this design provided a balustrade solution that was entirely manufactured offsite, and very quick to install.With only three internal stairs but reaching five storeys high, a quick install was a huge benefit on site as individual stair cores were not closed for extended periods of time.

This wonderful playground is located at the foot of the former St. Petri church in Nordhausen, Thuringia. While the giant slide tower was completed as the first construction phase as early as 2018, the playground has since been expanded with climbing towers, bridges, crawling tunnels, swings and balancing ropes. We wish the children in Nordhausen lots of fun with a wild climbing adventure. The executive planner for this project was our sales representative playconcept Tino Blumer.

Commissioned by 30 member states of the European Union, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) monitors the climate and weather. In light of climate change, the data it collects using complex satellite systems is becoming increasingly important. The growth of the organization associated with this is reflected in the continuous expansion of its HQ in Darmstadt. The construction of a new six-floor office building also includes a canteen for all employees working at the location. This canteen gets its unmistakable face from a lamella-style suspended ceiling made of golden PC-ALU 6010 aluminum mesh from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG.Modern weather forecasts today have little in common with traditional country weather lore. Satellites make it possible to monitor the climate and weather on a global scale. The data collected is then used to keep authorities, citizens and companies up-to-date with the latest developments at all times. In Europe, EUMETSAT monitors the atmosphere, oceans and earth’s surface around the clock and then transmits the data to the participating EU member states. Established in 1986, the organization opened its headquarters in Darmstadt in 1991. However, ever increasing requirements and staff numbers meant that the operation quickly outgrew its original space. A six-floor office building with 160 workplaces represents the final phase of a whole range of extensions and new buildings. Following a construction period of just 18 months, around 100 employees were able to move out of their temporary container offices and into the new building costing around €10 million, while a further 60 new employees are set to follow. The shape of the new building, designed by Pielok Marquardt Architects from Offenbach, is a mirror image of an existing building. Beside excellent energy efficiency and multifunctionality, the new building is characterized by transparency and modern design. Four office levels offer versatile space with transparent partition walls for any desired arrangement – whether open space, combination offices or classic cubicles.Functional division – exceptional aestheticsThe ground level comprises two separate functional units that can be accessed via separate entrances. Beside a control center for a new satellite program, this is also home to the campus kitchen with connected canteen for the workforce at the location, which has now grown to include around 600 employees. The kitchen has been designed to provide 410 meals a day and the canteen offers 250 seats. The mullion-transom facade also ensures that the room is flooded with light. Carefully chosen furnishings divide its area into various acoustically optimized zones. The white of the desks and chairs is picked up by strips in the glossy flooring and the cladding of the food counter, pillars and supports. In the central zone, bright red benches with high, sound-absorbing backrests offer a vibrant contrast. The color scheme is rounded off by the warm brown of the stone floor and the wooden acoustic cladding. However, the striking element in the room is the suspended ceiling, made from 400 square meters of golden aluminum mesh. Its 120 elements with a blade-type design mimic the appearance of sunshine in the canteen with their discreet shimmer. LED lighting strips further underline this impression. At the same time, the mesh conceals the ventilation technology with incoming air outlets on the element frames. As a result, the accessibility of the woven ceiling elements was among the key requirements for GKD. The planners opted for a particularly open mesh design in the form of the PC-ALU 6010 mesh with various warp and weft wire thicknesses. The function and aesthetics of the ceiling mesh thereby provide the desired high level of comfort in the canteen, while also making the room a unique feast for the eyes.

We reglazed the porte cochere at Victoria Station using our aluminium-framed Multi-Link-Panel fitted with our Georgian wired polycarbonate glazing. This virtually unbreakable glazing mimics the traditional Georgian wired glass that would have been fitted to the three roofing areas when it was first built, but it has all the many benefits of polycarbonate, as well as Heritage approval for use at this prestigious and busy London station.

Architect: Austin-Smith:LordInstaller: Lacunar LtdProduct: Gustafs Panel SystemOver 400m2 of Gustafs Panel System was installed to the walls of the Birmingham Royal Ballet during their £2.7m refurbishment in 2015. Acoustic panels were installed to two ballet rehearsal studios as well as the new informal performance space.In addition to the visual refurbishment of the space; the regeneration project aimed to improve the facility by upgrading the lighting, heating and ventilation, and accessibility, as well as improving administration and welfare areas.A mix of of SM5 and SM8 mini slotted acoustic perforations as well as nano acoustic perforations were used on the Birch, Oak, and White laminate faced panels. Slotted perforation styles give an elegant and dramatic finish to the panels whilst Nano perforations are almost invisible on the face of the panel, all three options provide up to Class B acoustic performance.

Working in partnership with The Expanded Metal Company we were delighted to secure the first project where we could utilise our CWCT tested Vantage EMSA Site assembled expanded mesh system. The expanded mesh system featured Athens expanded mesh, our Vantage® EMSA support system and was used to shroud four Chimney stacks on the SCCC development in Llanfrechfa Grange, just outside Cwmbran.

The Quartermile development is a cosmopolitan mix of luxury apartments, cafes and businesses in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. The masterplan for the new area is designed by Foster + Partners and enjoys views of some of Edinburgh’s greatest landmarks. The access to the new building (adjacent to the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site) is elevated from the North Meadow Walk pedestrian walkway and cycle route. The pathways and landscaped areas in front of the development needed a structural drainage solution and reinforced turf area that would be suitable for trafficking by maintenance and emergency vehicles when required.ABG’s high strength Roofdrain 60S+RX geocomposite was specified to provide sub-surface drainage across the base of the podium deck. The drainage board provides a high flow capacity void to channel water pressure to the surrounding perimeter drains. By utilising a 60mm drainage layer the need for much deeper and harder to install drainage stone layers can be minimised. The carbon footprint for the product is just 3.3 kgCO2e per m2 which is an approximate 50% saving compared to the embodied carbon of quarrying, transportation and installation of the equivalent thickness of drainage aggregates. Once installed the Roofdrain core is filled with pea gravel to provide a rigid sub-base beneath a bedding layer and resin bound gravel pathways. The drainage core features regular perforations to allow surface water to percolate and drain to the underside of the board. Adjoining rolls can be easily overlapped with the cups designed to slot  into one another. The Roofdrain was overlaid with a Terrex NW9 geotextile to prevent fines entering the drainage core. The Roofdrain can be stepped to cascade into lower sections to suit the landscaping layout. The main green area to the front of the building was cultivated using the Advanced Turf reinforced grass system. The Netlon Advanced Turf System (Netlon ATS) is a high performance, mesh-element reinforced natural grass rootzone system that provides a SuDS compliant free-draining grassed surface. It consists of a high quality, sandy soil rootzone into which thousands of playing card sized polypropylene Netlon plastic mesh elements are pre-blended. The composite mesh reinforced rootzone and selected turf are then delivered to site as a system. ATS was specified for this development to support loading by occasional MEWP vehicles such as cherry pickers, and in the event emergency vehicles need to traffic onto the grass.

The Multi-Link-Panel system glazed with Georgian wired polycarbonate from pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix was specified by Network Rail for the entrance canopy element of a £1 million refurbishment of historic Wigan Wallgate station in Lancashire. The glazing panels, each comprising fast-track “fix and link” aluminium structural bars glazed with 6mm solid Georgian wired polycarbonate, were pre-assembled at Twinfix’s factory in Warrington, Cheshire, for delivery to site for installation by specialist contractor Everlast Rail.

The ProjectLoughborough College provides a range of courses in further education, along with apprenticeships and professional qualifications. It is based on one of the largest student campuses in Europe, sharing the area with Loughborough University. Over 2000 students attend the college, with some living in adjacent halls of residence.The college staircases needed to be refurbished. The flooring was previously terrazzo, and this was to be changed to a rubber flooring. This was suitable in terms of durability and slip resistance for the large amount of people on the campus. To complement the flooring, the stair nosings had to be equally hard-wearing and safe.The stair nosings needed to adhere to all Building Regulations guidelines, along with BS8300:2-2018 and the Equality Act. This meant that they needed to have great slip resistant properties, and stand out from the black flooring to create a ladder effect on the staircases. This would help people to navigate the stairways, especially those with visual impairments.There was a special request from the college which would help to attain this noticeable difference between the stair nosings and the steps: “Hot Rod Pink” tread material, to match Loughborough College colours.The ApproachMidlands Flooring was hired as the flooring contractor for the refurb. As Hot Rod Pink is not a standard stair nosing colour, Dave Wilson from Midlands Flooring got in touch with a number of manufacturers to see if anyone could rise to the challenge.Within 24 hours, Quantum Flooring returned its proposal for manufacturing bespoke Hot Rod Pink tread material specifically for Loughborough College. The unique stair nosing tread would be made from the same material as Quantum’s normal tread, meaning it would be slip resistant and suitable for the frequent foot traffic.Quantum’s SR125R stair nosings were chosen to fit the tread material into. These profiles have a ramped back, to ensure that there would be no trip hazard on the staircases. They are raked back on the riser, to ensure a perfect fit on the steps. Plus, Quantum’s UTA aluminium stair edging trims were fitted, providing a safe and aesthetically pleasing finish to the side of the steps on the open string stairs.The OutcomeQuantum ensured a fast turnaround on the stair nosings, using the QSMS free measuring service. A Quantum representative electronically measured all of the steps to their precise lengths, and sent the results to the distributor Carpet & Flooring in Birmingham for the stair nosings to be cut and drilled.Midlands Flooring fixed the stair nosings with Q-Fix contact adhesive, ensuring a strong bond to the steps. Secret-fix was used to drill the profiles, meaning the tread material could be fitted on site, and there was no need for unsightly plugs to hide the screws in the tread. Quantum’s SR125R stair nosings with Hot Rod Pink tread material look fantastic in Loughborough College. The college was delighted with the results.Loughborough College has a unique, on-brand stair nosing tread for its refurbished stairways. Midlands Flooring did a fantastic job on the project, and Quantum backed them up with innovation and expedience.

Architect: Artillery Architecture Installer: Stortford Interiors Product: Gustafs Panel System LSA supplied almost 200m2 of custom perforated Gustafs ceiling panels to the feature catwalk ceiling which spans the full length of the Catlin Insurance offices in London.This was our first project working with Gustafs to use custom perforation patterns, the chosen style is a backlit semi bespoke geometric pattern designed to be rotated to give the illusion of random perforations along the 60m long stretch whist giving excellent acoustic control. This design was previously used by Gustafs in the Swedish Embassy in Washington DC and we are very proud to have this project in our portfolio.