"metal internal wall finishes"

Efficient and safe goods lifts optimize performance for a large online shopping retailer’s warehouseThe top online fashion retailer improves its productivity, efficiency and safety to meeting higher market demandsOnline orders for the fashion industry have significantly peaked over the last few years, making fashion retailers recognise the need to expand their warehouses. The international and rapidly growing fashion brand has opened a new warehouse in Litchfield to supply their multinational customers efficiently and on time. In 2021, Lödige Industries was contracted to design, manufacture, deliver and install one SHERPA and one ESCORTA goods lift for the new facility. Installation work of the goods lifts was accomplished in November 2021, while the rack system will be finished afterwards.Optimizing space and serving each mezzanine floor efficientlyDue to the increasing number of online orders, the international fashion retailer needed an efficient and space-saving lift solution. The client envisioned a multi-level storage solution, to fully utilise the available warehousing space.Lödige Industries in the UK decided to implement large goods lifts as a solution to access each floor. The free-standing SHERPA and ESCORTA goods lifts fully automate the transfer of goods across five and six floors and were easily integrated into the rack system. The two lifts have been configured specially to help the flow of goods in the building. They have been fitted to align with their vast increase in orders, facilitating their constant success globally. Overall, the cabin sizes of the goods lifts allow the customer to fit all their equipment in the shaft without any disturbances between different stops.Safety and security are key priorities for the customerSafety for employees in installation and operation of goods lifts is one of the key priorities for the fashion brand. Therefore, engineers from Lödige Industries installed the goods lifts in line with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It contains guidelines to minimise any injury to the user or people close to the machine. It specifies the maximum gap in a guard and directives regarding the lift such as lift speeds for different applications, alongside many other guidelines.For the ESCORTA, Lödige Industries fitted a bumper rail to protect the emergency stop button from being damaged. Additionally, rumble strips were installed to prevent the trolley from moving and maintaining the smooth running of the lift. As a result, this reduces downtime of the goods lifts, the amount of call outs and allows them to be more cost efficient.Consistent site coordination to apply the best lift solution for the customerThe biggest challenge for the customer was the limited space available for the goods lifts. Consequently, the customer required a lift solution to fit between the steel building columns and respecting all other work and storage areas. This made the sizing of the lifts become complex.In close collaboration with the customer, the efficiency of the building was maximised by optimising both, general goods flow and use of space within the goods lifts areas. The constant coordination and communication between the customer and Lödige Industries allowed a precise location for the lifts within the space available.SolutionIn order to save space and meeting the available space restrictions, free standing goods lifts were attached to the rack system.The applied safety measurements reduce downtimes of the goods lifts, the amount of call outs and allows the customer to operate more cost efficient.Close collaboration between the go-to fashion brand and Lödige Industries enabled the customer to optimise goods flow while respecting all site specifications.

Project: The Castings, Piccadilly EastLocation: Heyrod Street, ManchesterVCL membrane system supplier: ADA FastfixSystem used: illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer, illbruck TF448 High Performance Bonding Tape, ME322 Internal Tape 100illbruck, a part of CPG UK, have celebrated the successful installation of their new A2 fire classified vapour control layer within an exciting new residential development in the heart of Manchester.The projectThe Castings, Piccadilly East is on a 0.7-acre site in the Manchester Piccadilly regeneration area and includes four stepped building elements rising to 25-storeys high. The development will consist of 352 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments, including a mix of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bed units, alongside roof terrace gardens, retail and amenity space, and a public square. The project was designed with a focus on sustainability, to deliver low energy consumption with highly efficient building fabric.ADA Fastfix, a leading supplier into the construction industry, were approached to find an airtight vapour control membrane which would ensure high levels of thermal performance and energy efficiency in the building. As a ‘relevant building’ according to Building Regulations Approved Document B, the installed membrane needed to be a fire classified solution; an A2 fire classified solution was requested to provide enhanced fire safety for the building and its occupants.The solutionADA Fastfix selected illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer due to its enhanced reaction to fire classification of A2-s1, d0 to EN 13501-1, excellent product performance, and the accompanying technical support from the illbruck team. illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane uses advanced technology to combine reinforced glass fibre with an aluminium and laminated coating, providing long lasting strength and durability. The special coating also improves thermal performance by reflecting up to 95% of heat.  Its airtight and vapour-tight properties, which can be used to comply with Passivhaus, helps improve energy efficiency whilst protecting the building fabric from moisture vapour and condensation.The applicationOver 6,000m2 of illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer was attached to the Steel Frame Structure using TF448 50mm high performance tape. The lap joints and window details were then sealed with ME322 70mm tape. This system can be used on the internal structure of a timber frame or lightweight steel structure to manage air and moisture flow, as well as enhance the building’s thermal performance, energy efficiency, and fire safety. Alongside providing high performance products, the illbruck team also helped the client with detailed drawings, technical service and application guidance, and on-site support – to ensure a smooth installation process and great finished result.Project overviewScott Hurry, Area Sales Manager at CPG UK, said, “illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane was the ideal choice for this fabric first build due to its enhanced reaction to fire classification as well as helping to improve thermal performance in the building. This is the first major installation of our new ME060 A2 fire classified membrane - we’re delighted to work with ADA Fastfix to see our products installed in this development, where our membrane will be helping to protect the building and its residents for years to come.”

Client: Heron Tower, LondonLocation: Bishopgate, LondonSector: Mixed-Use FacilityYear: 2021Project Size: 500 m²System: vebrodeck IDHeron Tower, a mixed-use high-rise development in London, required a bright, welcoming and durable floor coating material for its bike and scooter storage area, an environment used by the residents and staff of businesses based in the building. Heron Tower, located at 110 Bishopgate in the heart of London, is a mixed-use facility providing over 440,000 sq ft of premium office and leisure space over 36 floors. Enhanced to achieve net zero carbon, the building features a façade of solar panels and has achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent. The impressive contemporary landmark, situated just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, was — at the time of its construction — the tallest high-rise in the capital, standing at 230m tall including its mast. Featuring a range of corporate office spaces, restaurants and leisure spaces, as well as Britain’s largest privately-owned aquarium in its impressive lobby, the development has been designed to impress, providing building users with a premium experience throughout. This has extended to its more functional areas, with the transformation of its bicycle storage area; a dedicated space where building users are able to securely store their pushbikes and scooters. Installed in a combination of RAL 5018 Turquoise Blue and RAL 7035 Light Grey, the installation of vebrodeck ID has created a welcoming space for the building's climate-conscious cyclists and scooters to safely store their vehicles. vebrodeck ID is a durable resin deck wearing system, designed for use on driveways and parking bays of internal or basement level decks of multi–storey parking structures. vebrodeck ID is a protective deck coating system offering excellent wear resistance. The system deadens noise from unpleasant tyre squeal, is available in a wide range of colours, protects against oils, fuels and de-icing salts and can be tailored to ensure an anti-slip finish. 

DescriptionLocal Smet Supported Partner, master builders NRS Group Construction, machine-applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.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 Irish 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.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and the Smet Supported Partner’s 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, who ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.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.

Community campaign group, ‘Climate Action Ilkley’, has expanded its e-cargo bike hire scheme with the addition of a new FalcoCargoBox, providing secure storage for its fleet of cargo bikes.This is now the second public Cargo Bike storage facility in the UK following the launch of the Beryl public cargo bike hire scheme in Hackney earlier this month and the FalcoCargoBox hangar has been fitted with a number of enhanced features including;Two internal electric sockets providing a charging facility for each e-cargo bike.A security lock to access the e-cargo bike hangar.A stylish powder coated finish.Distinctive branding graphics advertising the new facility to Ilkley residents.Located on Ilkley car park, on South Hawksworth Street, the new FalcoCargoBox has been commissioned on behalf of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and provides secure and sheltered cargo bike accommodation in a purpose-built design.Local residents and visitors are now able to register with the charity to become a member and hire a cargo bike of their choice for free (with a donation recommended to cover upkeep).The images attached here show the new FalcoCargoBox delivered and installed by Falco last week, on a sunny Autumn afternoon. The FalcoCargoBox is just one of four Cargo bike storage products produced by Falco with the full range as follows:FalcoPod-Cargo – standard bike hangar without the bike racks.FalcoCargoPod - as above with an extended back for longer cargo bikes.FalcoCargoBox – specifically designed for larger cargo bikes as per the Ilkley scheme.FalcoLok-Cargo – a walk in store with space for two large cargo bikes and additional equipment.The scheme here for Climate Action Ilkley is the second FalcoCargoBox installation in the UK, with the first launch taking place last month in Hackney offering the UK’s first public cargo bike hire scheme, operated by Beryl Bikes on behalf of the London Borough of Hackney.For more information about the FalcoCargoBox or how Falco can assist your cargo bike parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Architect/Designer: Urban meshLocation: LondonProject Overview: Part of a new terrace of contemporary residential houses.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & bespoke finishProject Details3v worked closely with the Urban mesh to provide a full hardware package for this unique project. We always strive to build a close and longstanding relationship with our architects, Oliver Lazarus from Urban Mesh describes below how we worked together to find the best solution for this project.‘During the last 15 years we’ve worked with 3v on over 100 projects across all sectors. 3v provide a fantastic service in terms of specification, scheduling and ensuring that the correct hardware gets to site. We are also big fans of the Vieler ironmongery range for which 3v are the sole UK agents. At Coate St we specified the 05.ER.DG.117.DR-44 . which is a great lever handle and very popular with clients for its clean lines, solidity and smooth action.There were also a number of challenging door and furniture conditions requiring expert input. Most notably the handed front locks to garage and front door grill needed to provide a secure deadlock, be integrated with a door entry system, operate during a power outage, provide ease of egress from inside to outside without the need for additional switches or door release buttons. 3v came up with a great solution that the occupant of the house still enthuses about! Internally 3v specified an excellent ‘Squash court style’ magnetic latch which enabled us to design and detail a double fold hidden door.No other supplier had come up with these solutions previously and this is a great example of where 3v enabled us, with access to their expertise, to push design elements confident in the knowledge that they would understand the design question and go the extra mile to achieve the solution.’For more information about this project visit http://www.urbanmesh.com/iindex.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151:coate-street-hackney-london&catid=24:projects&Itemid=132Photographs by Charles Hosea

Continuing its work at Wood Wharf development in Canary Wharf, Artform Urban supplied a range of bespoke Cumaru seating to Harbour Quay Gardens as finishing touches to complete an extensive phase of the project.Harbour Quay is a new development of residential blocks, office and retail buildings as well as extensive parks & green spaces located on the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is the first time residential properties have been built on the Canary Wharf site. This recent phase seamlessly connects to Artform's previous work at Wood Wharf opening up the waterside space with Cumaru benches and seats running in an impressive line alongside the edge of the docks. The benches and seats feature a traditional and minimal design with high consideration for quality and precision - Cumaru was selected for the benches to ensure consistency across the site, and to match with the boardwalk and existing street furniture. Additional security points were included in a number of seats at certain areas of the site to allow fixings for security barriers.As in the previous project, the seats are branded with laser etched cover plates that feature the Canary Wharf logo whilst also obscuring fixings. Alongside the Cumaru seating, Mooring Point units have been supplied with integrated timber seats on the top. These units securely house all the utility hookup points for boats mooring on the waterfront. The design process was incredibly prescriptive due to the close cooperation needed between the bespoke bench and all the specific utility connection points contained within - becoming one of the most complicated design and approval processes Artform Urban have ever been involved with. The bench consists of multiple internal compartments and individual access doors, some cleverly concealed within the timber cladding.As final additions to the project, Steely Can litter bins have been installed, a product that Artform have consistently supplied to Canary Wharf for over 10 years. The usual design, quality, and service provided by Artform Urban matched the expectations of the UK’s most prestigious developments by delivering high-quality street furniture to this vibrant and continually expanding new urban space.

We've met Nick & Vicky Architects at Holloway & Holloway, when they’d just finished their rear and side extension. As their family is now bigger, they decided to create a brand new loft extension.You’ve just finished remodelling your home. Congratulations! Tell us what was the timeline from buying the house to now?Well, it’s been quite the journey! We bought the house over 4 years ago now. We always bought it as a project, so we knew that it was going to be something that would take a number of years to complete.The house needed a lot of work from day 1. In fact, I have a photo, taken at 9 am the morning after we moved in with my wife sledgehammer in hand, knocking a wall down. I quit work shortly after we moved in and I spent the next few months working on the house, mostly getting the first floor fit for us to live in, but also fixing the kitchen and other areas.We basically took the first floor back to brick work and joists. We fitted new plumbing and electrics, installed a new bathroom, new floors and so on. I managed to get a new kitchen from free-cycle which so we could replace our one, which wasn’t really in a working state.Once that was done, we had a home that we could live in and work from and that was around the time that we started our practice, Holloway and Holloway.As we got busier with work, we started to get a bit more hands off with the actual building work and allow people who were more qualified than I was to start helping us out, and we focused more on the design work.The next stage was the side and rear extension which we did a couple of years later, finishing in early 2021. The idea being that we would have a nice entertaining space for us to spend time in with friends and family before we had children! A couple of weeks after we finished, Covid hit, and that dream didn’t become a reality. It was amazing to have a really lovely space for us to spend lockdown in though.The loft conversion was timed with us wanting to start a family. When Vicky fell pregnant, we started more serious arrangements to start this final stage of the works. It was finished (or mostly finished at least) the same week that our son was born, so we did manage to come home to a quiet house at least.Why did you choose to do the renovation in staged phases?It was mostly to do with money really. There were certain elements that we needed to do straight away to live comfortably in the property, but after we were settled, it was a question of saving up to be able to do the works. As we weren’t in need of extra bedrooms at the time, it seemed that we would get more immediate benefit out of the works to the ground floor so that is why we started there.Even if there wasn’t a need to save up we would likely have tried to do the work in phases so that we could stay in the house during the works. Moving out adds even more to the cost of the works, and as it was just us two in the house at the time, it was easy enough for us to adapt to moving around the house and living through the noise and dust of building works. It would have been a very different story with little ones to take care of as well.Why did you choose to add a loft extension to your home? And what are the most important things to keep in mind when designing a loft extension?For us we needed to build the loft extension to move our office space to the top of the house so that we had somewhere quiet to work. But regardless of our working situation, it is a great thing to do to maximise the space in your home.Converting a loft space or adding a dormer extension, is generally the most cost-effective way to add space to your home, especially in tight urban settings. For us, we were able to add two bedrooms and a bathroom to our home, which is vital for our growing family to expand into. By doing this work, it extends the life of our home for us, now we have a great sized family home, where otherwise we would likely have had to move in the future to get extra space as our family grows.We’ve designed and built lots of loft extensions as architects, so it was really interesting for us to try and take out what we thought were the most important lessons from the experiences we have had and put them all into our own project.Firstly, it is worth noting that our council will override planning policy in some circumstances, in favour of good design, so by using high quality materials, in our case the dark metal cladding, we were able to get permission for a larger extension than would have been allowable otherwise. So, though the cladding material was more expensive, we gained more space, and hence more saleable floor area.The next was insulation, this was a gamble for us as we know the theory about its benefits, but when you are having to balance costs on your building project it seems an easy place to cut back on and save money.Building regulations require a certain level of insulation, but you can go far beyond this, and more insulation means that your home will take on less heat in summer, keeping it cooler, and will let out less heat in winter, keeping it warmer. We decided to go well above the basic requirements, and we have found that just as the theory states, our loft is a much more comfortable space throughout the year than our neighbours, which we know gets uncomfortably hot in summer, to the extent that they struggle to work in the loft in mid-summer.The last lesson would be good ventilation. Though the additional insulation helps keep temperatures steady, when temperatures soar in the UK, it can still get very hot in your loft. This is compounded by the fact that all the warm air in your home will rise up to the top of the house. Adding an openable rooflight over the stairs is an incredible tool for thermally controlling your entire home. Opening it acts as a chimney letting all of the hot air out of the roof and pulling new fresh cooler air in at low level, creating a really nice through breeze in the home. The added benefit is that you also get loads of natural light over the stairs, which trickles down all the way to the ground floor.You’ve chosen to introduce both Vario by VELUX bespoke rooflights, regular VELUX windows, and VELUX curved glass rooflights. Why?There is method to the madness. Over the stairs, we wanted to have a rooflight that was sized to evenly fit the shape of the room, with an even offset from all the walls, so for that we needed the bespoke sizing of a Vario by VELUX flat rooflight.For the bedroom, we wanted to have some light come in from above, and although it would have been visually amazing to have a large rooflight here, we felt the VELUX Curved Glass roof window was more appropriate, as it had integrated blinds that would easily make the window blackout at the touch of a button, which Vario be VELUX will start offering as of December 2021.The VELUX windows are necessary to get light in from the front façade of the property via the pitched roof. These were the only way we could get light into the bathroom, and for our office, it enables the room to be dual aspect, which gives constant direct daylight and also fantastic through ventilation.We love the new studio roof window that VELUX has launched recently, but I just love the way the top hung light open, I think it looks so impressive. Also, as I’m fairly tall, the Top hung windows are great as I can walk underneath them when they are open easily. What impact do the rooflights and roof windows have on your everyday life at home and especially in relation to the thing you do at home?To be honest, we worked from home pre-pandemic, and so we spent a lot of time in our home even before the lockdowns came along and working practices began to change. We are firm believers that you need to make your home work for you rather than be set up for others and that really came to the forefront over the pandemic to a lot of our client’s minds, as they were suddenly not hosting people as much or at all and they had less spaces in the wider world they were able to visit. So, they started to think more about how their home could meet all of their needs.In practice, this could be as simple as putting a sofa bed into the spare room instead of a fixed bed that limits the space and is only used infrequently. This then allows you to turn the rest of the space into an arts and crafts room, or a cinema room for family movie nights. It's about trying to get the most use out of the space that you have.As far as the rooflights go, I’ve already mentioned the practical benefits of ventilation and natural light, but in many ways, I suppose the biggest impact they have is how they change spaces from what could be quite standard spaces into light, bright, modern spaces, they make you feel like you’re living in some sort of architectural magazine, and it is a lovely feeling that doesn’t really dampen over time.  

Residential New Build apartment and spa area, consisting of 141 apartments.21 loft apartments required a design lead shower solution for which waterproof XPS round shaped floor shower elements, bathboards for tileable cladding of baths and XPS building boards were supplied in 12.5mm thickness for walls and 10mm thickness for floors.120 Apartments had XPS floor level shower elements featuring a drainage channel right next to the wall, a completely continuous slope right to the channel and more flexible adjustment for the channel. 12.5 & 10mm XPS building boards were used on walls and floors.This was the first installation that we know of in the UK where the boards in the shower area were fixed to the studwork solely by a versatile single component adhesive sealant (wedi 610), ensuring no penetrations through the boards. The special formulation is especially suited to waterproof butt joints of building boards, and has outstanding resistance to the elements; and to chemicals; and is also free of solvents, silicon and PCP.As an abP-approved system, the use of the adhesive sealant and XPS building boards reduces installation time by up to 50% because no further sealing is required, even in areas of high humidity.

Hush Acoustics provided an acoustic control solution for the main exhibit at the SS Great Britain visitor attraction called ‘Brunel’s Mind’, in which visitors enter inside the head of Isambard Kingdom Brunel to see the world through his eyes.Working with Electrosonic, the technology experts ho were tasked with supplying and fitting most of the audio-visual equipment for the project, Hush Acoustics ensured any concerns around the reverberation times in this area could be effectively addressed. The solution came with Hush Wall Covering, a highly versatile product which is formed of unique non-woven high-density polyester to target mid-range frequency sound i.e. speech etc. Its used ensured that the audio presentation within this visitor feature would sound as it should.The Hush Wall Covering product used at the SS Great Britain is just 10mm thick so it utilises little space, which was perfect for the room. The product was developed as a direct result of extensive consultation with influential members of the education sector.Chris Hurst from Electrosonic was very pleased with the results of the wall covering and for our quick turnaround time, saying the product does “exactly what it says on the tin”.

Celebrating 50 years trading this year, as part of their celebrations and charitable activities, Harrison Thompson were pleased to offer their services to their local hospice.The Sue Ryder Wheatfields at Headingley Leeds is a charity run 18-bed hospice, offering the very highest care and services to patients with life-limiting conditions and their families, free of charge.“For our 50th anniversary, we wanted to focus our charity efforts on local organisations.” Explained Harrison Thompson Director, Graeme Brumwell.“Serious illness has touched a number of lives within the company and Wheatfields Hospice has been a facility close to our hearts helping families on these difficult occasions.“It seemed only fitting that we should offer something back for the care that Wheatfield has provided over the years.” Concluded Graeme.Yeoman Shield – the wall and door protection division of Harrison Thompson – got in contact with the Hospice to offer free material and installation for wall and door protection products to be fitted in an area of their choice which was gratefully accepted.2.0mm thick wall protection panels in Cream were fitted to the bedroom walls at the head of beds protecting from marking and damage which can occur from the movement of both the bed and medical equipment.In the corridors, Yeoman Shield’s Fire Rated Door Edge Protectors were fitted to the meeting edge of doors helping to protect from damage and helping to prolong the life of expensive to replace fire doors.The installation of Yeoman Shield will help Wheatfields to keep looking smart and inviting for all those who use the facilities whilst importantly helping to reduce their repair and redecoration cost over the years to come.Sue Waddington, Service Improvement Matron commented “I cannot commend high enough the service that we have received from Yeoman Shield’s contract department.“Due to the nature of our provision of specialist care and services, we had to call on Yeoman Shield at short notice to carry out the work when rooms were available. The installation was undertaken with great empathy and regard for the surroundings.“Now completed the Wall & Door protection looks great and dovetails into our existing décor lovely and gets the hospice well on the way to our forthcoming refurbishment plans for the inpatient unit” Concluded Sue.

Making an ImpactOne Great Cumberland Place is 5,511m2 of high-grade office and retail space, over 8 floors behind an Art Deco façade. Each of the three entrances receives hundreds of pounding feet every day. The design ambitions here were to maintain and enhance the historic elements; the curved draft lobby, original hardwood, brass details, and marble floors.Water and dirt collection was the major challenge for all entrances. But, in particular, a dedicated entrance leading to 121 bicycle lockers housed in the basement!We’ve worked with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) on several projects, so they knew INTRAsystems’ premium Entrance Matting products would be up to the task.Combination inserts deliver with efficiencyIn a busy location with so much coming and going, performance, serviceability and longevity were key. AHMM opted for alternating inserts of INTRAlux® Ultimate 907 Anthracite fibres and Ribbed Rubber.This premium Entrance Mattting combination can withstand heavy wear from tyres, and remove more debris than fibre alone while the INTRAlux® Ultimate inserts offer market-leading moisture absorbency.The Unbeatable Duo of Durability and Luxury in Entrance MattingThe innovative composition of our Ultimate fibre draws off three times more moisture than traditional fibres. And the 900g/m2 density enables faster moisture evaporation, even in busy areas.INTRAflex XT is a popular design choice for outstanding performance, consistency, and adaptability. This open construction variant easily draws off debris and water brought in from the busy London streets while the tough aluminium frame comes with a 10-year warranty and a choice of three finishes. The black anodised finish chosen here is stylish and inconspicuous.Hidden Depths in the Challenging Cycle CorridorThe cycle entrance corridor is 7m x 2.2m, especially designed to welcome heavy bicycle traffic heading down to the subterranean lockers.Wall to wall Entrance Matting runs along the stretch with our unique INTRAmatting Waterlogic drainable system mounted underneath. This 80mm deep tray sits on a screed base and holds up to 75 litres of water per m², perfect to collect water run-off or direct water contact.Its a great hack for this location, since the doors are open to the elements for longer to allow riders to enter and exit the building. The engineered gradient helps to collect dirt and contain or divert water into an optional drainage outlet.Easy Entrance Matting MaintenanceDesigned for extreme performance and built to withstand pretty much anything. We’re so confident in Waterlogic’s durability, we provide a 15-year warranty. What’s above the tray is equally industrious. The heavy-duty INTRAflex XT system is removable to aid maintenance. Facilities teams can clear debris without special tools or training, saving time and money for a busy property.A sensitive and Robust OutcomeAHMM maintained key architectural features of the Art Deco façade in their design scheme. Features like the curved draft lobby, wooden detailing, brass thresholds, and marble floors and motifs.INTRAsystems’ products enabled the installers, LW Flooring, to sensitively and precisely work around them. The entrances contain engineering secrets that deliver exceptional performance to perfectly complement this beautiful building.

Powder coatings from Sherwin-Williams helpeddefine Sunderland’s exclusive Echo 24 development– built on the site of the historic Sunderland Echonewspaper building.With the goal to create one of the most prestigiousresidential addresses in the North East, the £38million Echo 24 project demanded a powder coatingsolution with unrivalled durability and a finish thatwas second to none. Following its impressive trackrecord on other high-profile jobs, the metalworkfabricator on the project handpicked the SherwinWilliams approved-applicator, Architectural PowderCoatings, to deliver the perfect finish. 

Sherwin-Williams has solutions for automotive workshops where surfaces are required that are chemical and impact resistant as well as being easy to clean and maintain. Where aesthetic appearance is of the utmost importance and oil spillages need to be wiped quickly the smooth finish provided with the Sherwins range of systems provides a first class seamless appearance. For very heavy duty finishes required in environments such as washing and valet areas where aggressive cleaning is in daily operation the Fastop range of systems provide proven solutions which can withstand steam cleaning and constant wet traffic.

THE PROJECTThe mailboxes used in The Court House, London were manufactured by The Safety Letterbox Company Ltd. and were developed to meet the strict guidelines set out by the project architects based around the design style and dimensional characteristics of the products.Each individual mailbox is engraved with unique numbering identification and infilled with long-lasting gold colouring. The gold infilled engraving matches well with the bespoke brass lock to give the product a high quality finish.Other high quality mailbox lock finishes are available such as matt black, antique brass and polished chrome.

Vtec’s MAXIBEAM is specified in the renovation designs of this popular hotel chain, across many sites in the UK and Europe. This recent installation project features MAXIBEAM in a Warm Oak Supalami finish. Ceiling rafts and vertical beams combine to create a fantastic flow throughout the space whilst maintaining effective zoning. The project showcases shaped ceiling rafts and different suspension methods within a very technical design. The design involved hundreds of bespoke, angled ends - all individually cut to size and factory-finished to fit around central supports and existing features and fixtures.

We worked closely with Brown and Carroll, The Architects Make and Lend Lease the main contractor to create a competitively priced high-quality floor. There are two palette colours a “Latte” light board and an “Expresso” dark board. These were prime oak, fumed and then finished with a colour oil for maintenance and repair to create a uniform natural floor. We are supplying a 190mm wide board and a 260mm wide board in a very select clean grade 20mm thick engineered flooring. We also altered the tannins in the top layer to create a unique brushed finish.

Riverlight is the first building to be completed in the Nine Elms area of Battersea by the power station site. Comprising 813 apartments across six glass towers, the project commands an enviable location on the side of the Thames. Seeking high quality flooring for this development, St James chose The Solid Wood Flooring Company to supply Oak and Walnut. With a growing reputation for high dimensional quality and a high standard of durable finish, The Solid Wood Flooring Company manufactured two new products to add to their range of FSC certificated flooring and these complemented the overall finished apartments.

A straightforward hardwearing concrete seal was required at the entrance which would withstand heavy footfall and provide a safe finish. Resuseal WB Clear is a water-based epoxy applied at around 40 microns per coat. This is formulated to penetrate and case harden a concrete surface giving it a much harder wearing surface which is less likely to crumble or degrade. As a clear coat the finish is a semi industrial type look which is often used in retail outlets and commercial buildings. This product is used throughout industry where the principal requirement is to dustproof a surface.

Architect: Adam Knibb Architects. Renovating and remodelling this 1950s farm workers cottage in rural Hampshire was the task for Adam Knibb Architects and their challenge was more than just the design, they had a series of very restrictive planning restraints to deal with because of the countryside location. The finished project is a testament to innovative design and thinking. The ground floor is now almost completely open-plan, finished off with a large 11m wide, 5-panel set of IDSystems supplied and installed Grand Slider II doors that offer a stunning view over the garden and the woodlands beyond.

When London Green Developments wanted the latest trend in facade cladding for a new development of town houses in Essex, they didn’t look much further than Hardie® Plank cladding to provide a durable and visually impactful finish. Being that ‘The Beach Houses’ were situated at a popular beachfront location, a selection of colourful cladding finishes were chosen to complement the seaside location and the unique style of the development. Hardie® Plank cladding not only met the aesthetic criteria but as the houses are in close proximity to the sea, it will also provide excellent protection from the harsh elements.’

Project: Design and manufacture of 2 reception desks and browser in GRC cast and sprayed concrete with brass finishes for ROMO GROUP. Materials used: Hand cast and sprayed GRFC concrete in Silk Mist finished with brass detailing. For Romo’s flagship store in London’s Chelsea Design Centre, the Living Concrete team were faced with the challenge of converting complicated geometrical designs into two precast reception desks and a browser. The single casts were made offsite, with each being over four meters long. They were treated and sealed to make them stain proof.

Neaco’s glass balustrade and aluminium grille systems are once again proving their value in contemporary design schemes following a specification at Fawcetts Yard, a development of luxury homes in Harrogate. Designed by Bramhall Blenkharn and built by HACS Construction, the select development comprises four stylish three-storey homes alongside a workshop/studio. The balconies on each home feature Neaco’s Techdek decking as well as their Elan semi-structural balustrade system with aluminium stanchions and handrails in a grey powder coated finish. The result is an attractively minimalist aesthetic in keeping with the development’s modern design and finish.

The new business center of Novo Nordisk in "Bagsværd" houses the senior management of the company and hundreds of administrative employees. 2250m2 of fabric finishes barrisol "Reves satines" colors "Blanc Wight" were installed. To achieve this the impeccable design, the system MINISTAR® Barrisol was used. The system Barrisol MINISTAR®, like all Barrisol system is dismantled and reassembled for easy access to the plenum. The night lighting is indirect lighting LED RGB (color change) that thanks to the reflection rate of the white finishes 89% offers exceptional color rendering. Architect : Henning Larsen

The extensive use of wood cladding & decking were key elements of LSI architects’ design. However, given that ‘The Haven’ is in a flood zone, surrounded on three sides by water & constantly exposed to a high moisture content in the air, LSI needed to find a wood that they could be confident would deliver durability, dimensional stability & aesthetics. The glue laminated Accoya wood for the curved rear screen was manufactured by Newnham & Abel Ltd & hand finished with a protective merbau-coloured coating from WoodGuard by Guard Industrie. The same finish was factory applied to the cladding.

Loft ladders do not come any bolder than this stunning Elite concertina loft ladder from Premier Loft Ladders. It has been finished in 'Sulphur Yellow' powder coat. Two identical ladders were ordered by US steel fabrication and installation specialists Alloy Construction Service. For safety purposes, the loft ladders needed a bright yellow powder coat finish and had to be fitted with two telescopic handrails. Visit Premier Loft Ladders web site to learn more about the Elite and read the full case study.

Location: Cotgrave Retail Units, Candleby Lane, Nottinghamshire, NG12 3LG Project Type: RetailProduct: Shadex 260 Elliptical Blades: Vertical Stack Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7032 Matt Pebble Grey Product: Fascia Soffit & Secondary SupportFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Matt Anthracite GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018) Client: A & S Enterprises Limited Architect: Allan Joyce Architects Main Contractor: A & S Enterprises Limited

Finish: Interpon D2525 Steel Bronze 1 Y2206F Parts coated: Cladding Panels, Balcony Surrounds Architect: Child Graddon Lewis

Year: 2012Location: Varese, ItalyProduct: CladdingFinish: RustikArchitectural solutions: Architectural panels, SidingProject type: Residential

Our Premium Stair Nosings, in a black anodised finish, can be seen at Bond Street Tube Station as part of the Elizabeth Line refurbishment.

Finish: Interpon D2525 Portland Stone Y4312I and Steel Bronze 1 Y2206F Parts Coated: Cladding panels, Balconies Fabricator: Sapphire

Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments. The largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighborhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers. The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea, in the city centre, and modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable city for pedestrians and cyclists with green spaces and open spaces. In the north of the city is Ann Court, a large development located next to a large municipal park built on the site of a former car park that has been demolished. Being developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex. To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency. As part of the specification, 2,400 square meters of 220mm URSA Walltec Black 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office. URSA Walltec Black 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex. Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create cavity that ensures the properties of the system. This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.  Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls.  “During the early stages of the project, we were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall(a commendably low 0.18 W/m2K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification.” 

This unique house was built in Thorpeness, in Suffolk. The whole ground floor walls are made out of glass. This gave Silent Gliss an unique opportunity to help design the new building with its quality blinds and curtain tracks.

Refurbishment of two former WWII barrage balloon hangars in Pucklechurch, South Gloucestershire into striking new industrial facilities has been completed with the help of Tata Steel’s Trisomet® insulated roof and wall panels.

PROJECT CONTRACTOR: Electra-B.S.T Registered Partnership/HAGIVAY.H. LTD PROJECT MANAGER: Electra-B.S.T: Silvivan ChachmoPROJECT ENGINEER: Electra-B.S. T: Offer Luzon / HAGIVA Y.H.: Priel LewMARKET/ENVIRONMENT: InfrastructureSUBSTRATE: Steel/ConcretePRODUCTS USED: Five Star® Fluid Grout 100 and Five Star® GroutPROJECT SIZE: Five Star Fluid Grout 100: 30,000 Kg / Five Star® Grout: 55,000 KgTHE CHALLENGETo construct an environmentally friendly, covered, 30,000-seat stadium in Israel's largest city of Haifa for the convenience of spectators, players, and judges. As such, two of the country's predominant construction entities were selected. A partnership was formed between Electra BST Registered Partnership and constructor Yossi Shiran, the largest engineering company in Israel, to complete this 80-million-dollar stadium over the course of five years.THE SOLUTIONFive Star® Fluid Grout 100 and Five Star Grout enabled contractors to create a unique stadium that is both meticulous and intentional in catering to the convenience of its visitors and players. Five Star's industry-leading cement-based, non-metallic, non-shrink Fluid Grout 100 and Five Star Grout were integral to the stadium's construction.

111 The Strand, is an eight storey landmark office and retail building in central London. The property occupies a corner position on the Strand with a return frontage to Savoy Place. The majority of the 30,549 ft² office space is let to CVC Capital Partners.The iconic building is well-known for its contemporary appearance. The limestone façade with metal frames with curved bays of stone and glass, and a stone relief depicting the surrounding area truly stands out.With the recent acquisition of the long leasehold office building, the private equity firm CVC Advisors Ltd found it time for a complete refurbishment. The existing reception area and office floor 1 to 6 were stripped and upgraded to Category-B Standard. This is inclusive of new MEPH installations and a commercial kitchen fit out to service the meeting room suites and dining areas.Stravifloor Channel, a floating floor system using isolated steel channels with proprietary elastomeric pads, four layers of plywood, and a special damping layer was installed in the catering kitchen on the 5th floor of this fit-out project. The isolated steel batten system with enhanced stiffness was designed to minimise the transfer of impact noise to the office floors below.During the installation, an elastic Perimeter Strip was applied around the floors’ perimeter, to completely decouple it from the building structure.