"mineral fibre glass fibre slabs solid surface"

Using INTRAform DM, this back-to-frame Grade A office refurbishment features three bold horizontal stripes of entrance matting to make a striking first impression on visitors. The double-width fibre inserts within the system provide superior dirt and moisture absorption and retention. While the use of the dark-coloured INTRAlux Linear anthracite fibre hides soiling and provides a strong visual contrast to the stone floor.

Klaudia and Michal purchased a brand-new property in Staffordshire in November 2021, built by David Wilson Homes. The couple’s chic, minimalistic design aesthetic soon gained a following on Instagram with clean lines, sleek finishes, and a focus on simplicity. @ThePolishedGosford has become a popular account with other new-build homeowners with similar proportions and layout.In their quest to enhance their interior design aesthetic, the couple sought out an artistic addition that would perfectly complement their existing décor. They received a recommendation from a friend suggesting KEIM Colourwash, and they eagerly embarked on a project to create captivating feature walls in both their kitchen and master bedroom.Klaudia and Michal desired to incorporate a concrete effect, a task that is often challenging and time-consuming when using conventional materials. Seeking advice, Amie Paxton, Creative Finishes Designer at KEIM, provided personalised colour choices combining KEIM Innostar & KEIM Colourwash to achieve the desired outcome.Available in over 200 colours, KEIM Innostar is an innovative interior paint, requiring just a single coat application to achieve full coverage and a luxuriously fully matt finish. Klaudia commented: “The paint was really easy to use, and the application was better than other brands we’d used in the past.”KEIM Colourwash offers a convenient and hassle-free solution for achieving a beautiful limewash effect. Unlike traditional limewash, which can be time-consuming and potentially hazardous, KEIM Colourwash provides a safe and easy alternative. When used in combination with KEIM Innostar, a trendy “perfectly imperfect” aesthetic can be applied to both bare and previously painted walls and ceilings.Using a KEIM Oval Brush, the couple applied KEIM Colourwash to their selected feature walls, transforming the plain surfaces in a remarkably short time frame of less than 20 minutes per wall. Michal commented: “We originally wanted a concrete effect on our kitchen wall, which seemed very complex to do, unlike using KEIM.”

Creating a Passivhaus home Balancing sustainability and style, Sort Trae is the culmination of a retired architect’s vision for a home and creative space that blends into a South Yorkshire hillside. HEM Architects helped the client to bring this dream to life, using Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation to achieve the incredibly high Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency. Low carbon and high comfort The client envisioned a sustainable build using Passivhaus, a voluntary standard for designing and building properties with very low energy consumption, that offer high levels of comfort for their occupants. To achieve this, the levels of air tightness and thermal performance far exceed those mandated by building regulations. FrameTherm® Slab 32 was friction-fitted within the 140mm thick timber frame walls on the first floor, while DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 was used to fill the stone-clad masonry cavity walls on the ground floor.  “We try to specify fully filled masonry cavity walls where possible, sometimes up to 200mm wide, to maximise the use of mineral wool insulation. It pays dividends for the client”, explained Liam Seaman, Architectural Technologist for HEM Architects. Thermal performance is critical to the Passivhaus approach. The FrameTherm® Slab 32 provided a calculated U-value of 0.137 W/m2K in combination with the black timber frame wall and cladding. For the masonry cavity wall on the ground floor, a fractionally higher U-value of 0.138 W/m2K was achieved using thermally broken wall ties and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32. This has contributed to Sort Trae’s exceptional thermal efficiency. Because glass mineral wool is flexible and fibrous, slabs knit together and adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate. This tight fit contributed to an overall air change of 0.54 ach (air change per hour), comfortably below the Passivhaus standard of 0.6 ach, meaning the property is air-tight while still providing good ventilation. Sustainable practices Liam explained his reasons for choosing Knauf Insulation, “The alternative products are often oil-based and the application of these is outweighed by the environmental impact of their production and lifecycle.” Both FrameTherm® Slab 32 and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 are manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. The binder is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation contains up to 80% recycled content, mostly glass bottles and jars. It is also compressed so more product can fit per pack or pallet, and less packaging is used. This means there’s more product per truck, resulting in fewer vehicles on the road, and less packaging per m2 of insulation. Achieving the Passivhaus standard In collaboration with HEM Architects and other suppliers, the client has created a stunning home and an inspiring set-up for her loom-weaving workshop. “It is general practice for us to specify Knauf Insulation as standard because we find the product information available to be really clear and useful”, Liam added. Knauf Insulation’s practical, detailed product information made it HEM Architects’ first choice to achieve the Passivhaus standard for thermal performance. 

Volksbank Kleverland’s new customer centre is an eye-catching architectural masterpiece. The interior of the bank office consisted of curved and tapering shapes. This required bendable railings and a flexible solution for alignment of the glass infills. A combination of Q-railing’s Easy Glass Slim and Easy Glass Pro glass balustrade systems was the perfect fit. Easy Glass Slim had previously been installed with a bend radius of less than 500 mm, which is unique in the market. In total, more than 130 metres of glass railing was installed on the upper floors and stairways.

As part of a £44m project to build a major new police operational command centre, surfacing was required for the large parking area and access roads. The parking area would be used by more than 1,200 officers and support staff and a wide range of vehicles from police cars to heavy goods vehicles. Originally an AC 10 close graded surface course material had been specified. However, after early engagement with the surfacing and main contractor, it was clear that a more robust and durable solution was required that could withstand the high volumes of traffic using the site.Tarmac’s ULTIDRIVE asphalt was chosen as the solution. Designed to resist the long term effects of daily vehicle movement, ULTIDRIVE is a high performance asphalt with a smooth and highly durable finish. An advanced modified binder enhances the toughness of the surface, provides improved resistance to scuffing and abrasion from power-assisted turning and reduces softening in hot weather. It also gives enhanced resistance to temporary fuel and oil spills compared to conventional asphalt surfacing.

Looking as though it were poised to take flight, the Blackburn Wing is a multi-award-winning venue. Glass balustrades on the balconies and runways – created by Q-railing – together with floor-to-ceiling curtain walls allow for stunning unobstructed views of the surrounding woodland. In total, 140 metres of stand-off balustrade were installed, with Easy Glass MOD 0763 glass adapters and stainless steel cap rails.

CHALLENGEWestfield, the world’s largest listed retail property company, is set to change the face of retail in the United Kingdom with the opening of its new flagship development – “Westfield London” – at White City, London.Beneath a spectacular, undulating glass roof, the £1.6 billion Westfield London destination combines over 150,000m2 of retail, restaurants, cafes, bars and leisure facilities to create the ultimate shopping and leisure destination.Westfield London will act as a catalyst for the redevelopment and regeneration of the wider White City area with a further £1billion investment expected in the immediate vicinity over the next 10 years.SOLUTIONKnauf Insulation supplied Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as part of the rainscreen cladding system to the external stone clad façades of the development and internal stone clad stairwell and elevator areas. The specification of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab provided both performance and installation benefits to both client and specialist installing contractor.Rock Mineral Wool has a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification to BS EN ISO 13501- 1, the highest classification available. With rainscreen cladding incorporated into building design fire performance is particularly important and, as such, a non-combustible component such as Rock Mineral Wool provides the ideal prevention against the spread of fire. The non-combustible nature of rock mineral wool ensures that it will not burn, will not give off toxic smoke and will not suddenly ignite in a fire due to ‘flashover’.Another key specification element related to the speed and ease of installation. The required thermal performance of the building was dependent on the correct installation of the specified insulation product. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slabs are easy to install down to their superior workability ensuring installation stayed within the tight time constraints. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is treated with a water repellent additive to ensure the building structure is protected against rain penetration and it can also be installed with either face adjacent to the sub structure.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab provides an additional benefit for the installing contractor as it is designed to adapt to minor imperfections in the building’s substructure. The rock mineral wool product ‘knits’ together, ensuring intimate contact between slabs ensuring all joints are closed and thermal efficiency is maximised.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent acoustic properties, which contributed towards the acoustic performance of the structure in order to comply with both sound insulation and sound absorption requirements.What’s more, individual packs of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slabs are compression packed together in Knauf Insulation’s innovative packaging method, Supakube. The advanced compression technology and strong packaging materials ensure the product is easy to transport and store, reducing environmental impact and causing minimal disruption on site and the surrounding area.

In this case study, we take a look at the amazing project undertaken by Allium Landscapes, as they were tasked by their clients with converting a garden into a haven of safe play for their young children. The objective was clear: create a secure play area that encourages imaginative play without compromising on safety.To achieve this goal, Allium began researching to identify the most suitable safety surfacing option to install beneath a wooden climbing frame and slide. After detailed research and discussions with their clients, they arrived at the decision that a wet pour rubber surface would be the most suitable solution, blending safety and aesthetics seamlessly. They opted for this superb rubber surfacing solution to ensure;Reduced risk of injuries: The top priority was to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries and wet pour rubber safety surfacing was deemed the ideal choice for this purpose.Low maintenance: Allium wanted a solution that would stand the test of time and the unpredictable British weather. Wet pour rubber is highly resistant to weather elements including rain, wind and UV rays, ensuring year-round usage without the hassles of regular maintenance.Stability and non-slip: Allium understood the importance of providing a stable, non-slip surface conducive to running, jumping and all other kinds of play.The Wet Pour Rubber Installation ProcessThe journey to achieve a safe and visually appealing play space began with the excavation of the existing grass and soil surface. In its place, a strong sub-base was prepared to provide a solid foundation for the rubber surfacing. This crucial step helps to ensure the stability and longevity of the play area.Next, SBR rubber was mixed with our rubber resin binder in a forced action mixer. This mixture was then laid and trowelled onto the prepared sub-base. The thickness of the SBR base determines the critical fall height rating of the rubber surface, so it is highly recommended that you plan carefully to ensure your new surface provides a suitable CFH rating for the play equipment it is under.Following this, the Reseda Green wet pour rubber was mixed together with our specialist rubber crumb resin binder in a forced action mixer. The skilled team then hand-trowelled this attractive 15mm top layer onto the SBR base, creating a seamless and resilient surface beneath the climbing frame and slide. The unique green colour adds an inviting touch to the garden.With the safety surface in place and fully cured, the installation of the climbing frame and slide followed. The team followed the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that all components were securely fastened and the frame was level, stable and firmly anchored to the floor using anchors in the rubber surface. These additional safety measures provided complete peace of mind to the clients, knowing that their children were not only protected by the rubber safety surface but also by a sturdy and securely anchored climbing frame.Project OutcomeThe transformation achieved in the client's garden is nothing short of astonishing. Their children now have a safe, durable and visually appealing play surface beneath a new wooden climbing frame and slide. With the wet pour rubber surface in place, the family can now enjoy the outdoors without worry, knowing that their children are shielded during their outdoor adventures. Allium Landscapes went above and beyond to deliver the garden that the clients had requested.We would like to thank Allium Landscapes for selecting us as their supplier for the wet pour rubber surface and for sharing the photos of this exceptional installation allowing us to produce this case study.Should you have any questions regarding wet pour rubber surfacing or any of our other product offerings, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're here to assist you every step of the way.

Rising 143 metres in the London skyline, this 42-storey tower located in Stratford near to the former Olympic park, consists of 248 luxury residential lofts and a 145-bedroom hotel.Designed by high-rise specialist architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, over 17,000m2 of ipasol Light Grey 60/33 glazing was chosen for the facade thanks to its aesthetic of a light grey tint when viewed from outside but highly transparent and neutral when viewed from interior spaces.As the facade includes full height glazing, a combination of solar control and thermal insulation coated glass was needed to allow the facade to achieve its energy efficiency targets. Some glazing types also utilise acoustic laminated glass to maximise the sound reduction properties of double glazing units.

Welcome to 120 Moorgate, a grade A office in the City of London. 3,000m2 of AGC ipasol Neutral 70/37 solar control double-glazing units and matching spandrel glazing was chosen for the facade of this extensive refurbishment project completed in 2020.In order to meet the demands of today's contemporary workspaces, a new facade was needed in order to improve the energy and acoustic comfort for occupants. With seven floors of full-height glazing, the ipasol Neutral 70/37 double glazing specification allows for the highest level of daylight and connection with the outside environment whilst protecting against overheating thanks to its solar gain reduction properties (g-value of 0.37). The fastest growing use of energy in buildings is for cooling, so harnessing existing technologies such as solar control glass can contribute to a sustainable building strategy.A low U-value of 1.0W/m².K was also a given, in view of the facade's thermal insulation requirements. Laminated glass was also incorporated in the specification of the double-glazing units as an acoustic enhancement to help protect against nuisance noise and also as a safety measure since the full-height glazing is accessible from interior spaces.Design work by Darling Associates and installation undertaken by specialist facade contractor Anglian Architectural.120 Moorgate is rated BREEAM Very Good.

St Clements Apartment on Bow Road was converted from a hospital into housing in 2014. The former hospital was built in the mid-1800s and underwent tribulations in the first half of the twentieth century. In 1935, a fire destroyed the main building and west wing of the building. It also suffered from bomb damage during World War Two. KEIM Restauro Grund was used for deep repairs within the external render, followed by building up layers and a skim coat of KEIM Universal Render. KEIM Soldalit was then applied over the new and existing surfaces. KEIM Ecosil-ME was specified for the internal walls as it is very resistant against scrubbing and abrasion, disinfectant resistant and reduces harmful gases and neutralising odours. 

Germany’s first synthetic turf baseball field with Green Technology at the Paderborn Ahorn BallparkPILOT PROJECT LEADS BY EXAMPLEIn the direct vicinity of the Ahorn Sportpark in Paderborn is the Ahorn Ballpark, where we installed Germany’s first synthetic turf baseball field – a pioneering project in many respects, of which we are especially proud.The Ahorn Ballpark is one of Germany’s first baseball fields and is home to the Untouchables Paderborner Baseball Club e. V., also known as the Paderborn U’s. The reason for its particular location is not least due to computer pioneer Heinz Nixdorf, who not only initiated the construction of the Paderborn sports facility and provided land from the company grounds for it, but also brought his enthusiasm for baseball to Paderborn from his time in the USA. The first men’s team of the club, founded in 1990, has played in the Bundesliga since 1996 – and very successfully too, with a total of six championship titles. Heinz Nixdorf’s love for the American ball game has been passed down the generations: today, his son Martin Nixdorf is the second chairman of the U’s, and his grandson Lasse Nixdorf plays on the U18 team. As well as the successful men’s team, the club also runs a youth and softball division.The Untouchables play their home games at the Ahorn Ballpark, which was built in 1997 and, by all accounts, is the best baseball field in Germany of its time. The facility has three playing fields, and the stadium itself has space for around 1,200 spectators. One of the three playing fields has now been converted from a natural grass and gravel pitch to a purely synthetic turf pitch. The pitch is used as a multifunctional playing field for youth softball and baseball, both for training and matches. The chosen surface was our LigaTurf Cross, which combines straight and textured filaments. The benefits of both turf types come together in an ideal turf surface for various kinds of ball sports. According to the division of a baseball field, one part of the surface is coloured red, while the other features a BiColour design in lime green and field green. Incorporated in the turf is the logo of the Untouchables, which is also used by the women’s softball team.The users of our LigaTurf Cross benefits from the use of straight filaments, which look and feel almost like real turf and have already been used successfully worldwide. What’s more, the textured filaments of the LigaGrass Pro CP provide low and easy maintenance, greater infill stability and increased turf volume: characteristics that benefit both youth and adult players in Paderborn.The PolyBase GT ET base layer provides the ideal, i.e. elastic, substrate. A synthetic turf system typically consists of the artificial turf surface, infill granules – such as the mineral filler (sand) used in this project – and an elastic base layer or elastic layer. In the right combination, they guarantee the desired playing characteristics, toughness and durability. The elasticising layers in particular help protect players, dissipate force and maintain the playing characteristics. The elastic layer not only ensures the athletic functionality of the pitch, but also guarantees consistent, reliable drainage – as the water-permeability of the system helps to prevent surface sealing.The PolyBase GT ET in our Green Technology product range combines the well-known functional benefits of the in-situ, prefabricated Rubber Mat with the ecological benefits of a recycled product and a revolutionary new technology for the climate-friendly utilisation of carbon dioxide. This allows us to further improve the already outstanding environmental footprint of our elasticising layers. In this regard, switching to a purely synthetic turf pitch is not just a pilot project for baseball in Paderborn, but for the green future of sport in general.In Germany, baseball is inarguably still a niche sport – unlike in the United States or Canada, where baseball is immensely popular and attracts millions of fans from gigantic stadiums or on screen. With the first synthetic turf baseball field in Germany, we want to help rapidly boost its popularity here in our home country too. This not only means providing suitable training opportunities, but also intensive, well-organised youth work. In this sense too, Paderborn is ahead of the curve, as since 2013, the U’s have drawn from their own youth talent pool, instead of bringing in professional players from other baseball-playing countries. Since 2011, the U’s have also managed a baseball department at the Sportinternat Paderborn, a boarding school that specialises in sport. For its dedicated youth work, the club has twice been awarded the “Green Ribbon for Commendable Talent Promotion in Sports Clubs” by the Commerzbank and the German Sports Association (DSB).

The integration of an aluminium flat glass rooflight with solar control glass in this residential project successfully achieves the objective of maximizing natural light while mitigating excessive heat gain. The careful selection of glazing materials, orientation, and frame design creates an energy-efficient and visually appealing architectural feature. The homeowners can enjoy the benefits of ample natural light, enhanced thermal comfort, and reduced energy consumption, ultimately creating a sustainable and comfortable living space.

With all-glass revolving doors and vast glazing panels, the INTRAform DM entrance matting at 338 Euston Road appears to flow seamlessly from inside to out. Encompassing the angled and recessed doorway, the external matwell continues the line of the interior mat to square. This interesting combination of internal and external matting creates a highly practical design feature. Zonal entrance matting system Using INTRAform DM with differing inserts in the internal and external zones, the architect has created a two-stage zonal system. In zone 1 external, the matting is inset with multidirectional rubber which scrapes away excess dirt and moisture from footwear and wheels. With the entrance on the corner of the building, the flexible rubber fins ensure performance, whichever the direction of approach. In the primary mat, (zone 2, internal), the profiles are inset with highly absorbent INTRAlux Elite polyamide fibre. These inserts remove and retain any remaining dirt and moisture to ensure a safe and slip-free entrance. With the revolving door sheltered within the recess, the matting here is also inset with fibre. Made from 100% Econyl regenerated nylon fibre and capable of absorbing 5.4l/m2, INTRAlux Elite is both a practical and sustainable choice. Minimal design, maximum impact The INTRAlux Elite fibre in Grey 606 matches tonally with the multidirectional rubber. The oversized entrance matting panels lessen the use of diving t-bars. While the positioning of the t-bars has been carefully planned to align with the threshold. Along with the glazed façade, these elements help maximise the impact of the architect’s design, to create a stunning entrance. Learn more To learn how to create a practical, sustainable, and beautiful specification for your next project come along to one of INTRAsystems’ entrance matting CPD webinars. Approved by both the RIBA and the BIID, the 45-minute sessions cover everything you need to know about entrance matting specification; from functions and applications to fire safety and sustainability. Register for free today: https://intrasystems.eventbrite.co.uk

Located just off New York Street in Manchester city centre, Manhattan is a seven-storey development comprising 42 one and two-bedroom apartments. In a New York loft style, each property features floor to ceiling windows and private terraces set into a multi-level garden wall. On the seventh floor, there are duplex penthouses offering views over King Street and across the city. The ground floor also offers 2,000 sq ft of retail space.During several site visits, the original red brick was examined, and the requirements for a blue/black finish was discussed. Using KEIM’s Brick Colour Range, Nicola Young, KEIM’s Senior Colourist, conducted trial applications of KEIM Restauro Lasur, using different opacity ratios, to ensure colour consistency.Once the colour required had been achieved a specification was produced for a four coat KEIM Restauro Lasur system, comprising of two coats of diluted bespoke black base colour in a fairly opaque finish, followed by two further coats of a combination of two differing colours, more heavily diluted.The original red brick front façade of this five storey building was retained and enhanced to reference a more industrial feel. To fulfil the design brief, the client wanted to change in colour of the bricks to blue/black, without the bricks appearing painted.KEIM Restauro Lasur, a low pigmentation silicate colour wash, which acts as a stain that penetrates the surface of the brick, was used to change the colour of the façade, retaining the look and feel of the original bricks. KEIM Restauro Lasur is a breathable, colourfast system, which retains the original brick appearance and increases light reflectivity, whilst retaining a natural looking finish. The beauty of the KEIM Restauro Lasur system is that it can be used to achieve almost any effect without the surface appearing painted.

DCM Surfaces were delighted to install Wetpour onto the Rooftop Terrace at Burdett Road in Canary Wharf.The affordable housing project, which rises from 7 to 11 stories, included the development of 56 residential units, amenity space, cycle parking, and a play area on the roof terrace.Four colours of Wetpour was used to create a variety of graphics at various depths around the play equipment area.

Capstone Farm Country Park covers 114 hectares of former farmland set on the North Downs. There is a variety of habitats within the park, including ancient woodlands, old orchards, a freshwater lake, meadows and hedgerows.DCM worked on the project with HAGS, installing Rubber Mulch to the playground. Natural colours were chosen for the playground, blending in with the surrounding scenery and play equipment. Leaf graphics were created using both Rubber Mulch and Wetpour, bringing life and depth to the park.The Head of Regeneration at Medway Council commented:“Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway’s seven Green Flag parks. Thousands of people visit the park each year and we are delighted to have installed new play equipment and surfacing graphics for children to enjoy. I would like to thank our contractors for all their hard work.”

Equestrian stable constructed of Eternit FarmTec fibre cement profiled sheeting and fittings in Natural Grey.

Cereal shed constructed of Eternit's FarmTec fibre cement profiled sheeting and fittings in Natural Grey.

Dairy shed constructed of Eternit FarmTec fibre cement profiled sheeting and fittings in colour Black.

Eternit’s fibre cement profiled sheeting in colour Black was specified for this self-build on the Isle of Skye. 

Skyfold has launched a pioneering, fully automatic, moveable wall solution into the UK.The Skyfold Prisma, which is exclusively available from leading moveable wall specialists, Style, is a new and streamlined glass vertical partition which not only allows light to shine in but does so without the use of any wall or floor tracks, rendering it completely invisible when stored in the ceiling.“This is a real breakthrough in moveable wall technology from our global manufacturing partners, Skyfold,” said Style’s group managing director, Julian Sargent.“As a fully automated, acoustic glazed moveable wall that stacks into a ceiling cavity, its slim metal frame, clean lines, and sleek design will add elegance and an abundance of light to a wide range of rooms. We see demand being very strong in the corporate, hospitality, education, healthcare, religious and public sectors.”Skyfold Prisma's glass panels combine with a minimalist frame to allow light penetration into otherwise dark rooms and corridors, creating an open plan feel to any area, positively impacting both mood and productivity.With an impressive 52 Rw dB acoustic rating, Prisma also delivers privacy between divided spaces, allowing confidential meetings, classes, and collaborations to occur simultaneously. With space always at a premium, the panels of this innovative new partitioning wall cleverly ‘taper’ down into position, making it suitable for restricted areas or where there is potential for obstructions. Further maximising space, when not required, the partition can be quickly retracted into the ceiling cavity where it is neatly stored, completely out of sight. Skyfold has announced that Prisma is available in a variety of materials including glass, frosted glass and solid panels, with almost any combination being possible. Solid elements can be finished in fabric, vinyl, paint, laminate or even marker-board, allowing a true showcase feature to be created that is both superbly aesthetic as well as highly functional.

Eternit fibre cement profiled sheeting in colour Black was specified for the roof of St Bartholomew’s School, Swindon.

Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund is the largest stadium in Germany and home to Borussia Dortmund football club. Its shop was replaced by a spectacular new FanWorld, from where not only merchandise and tickets are sold, but also events are hosted and the BVB brand is experienced. The architectural design contributes to the brand experience without overpowering it. Transparency and safety are key. Q-railing’s Easy Glass Slim and Easy Glass 3kN glass balustrades were a solution for both the interior and exterior stairways and balustrades, including curved base shoes, glass and cap rails.

DCM Surfaces worked on the school project with HAGS. Colourful, playful and an environment where children were safe to run around and explore, were the requirements from the school. As the children ranged in age from 5 to 11 years, the space also had to be accessible for all ages.Eight colours of wetpour and two colours of rubber mulch was used to create a variety of graphics over four areas, including a roadway with markings, leaf designs and intricate patterns around the play equipment area.The Managing Director at HAGS commented:“We have been using DCM Surfaces for many years now and always find the team to be very knowledgeable, professional and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the job is completed to a very high standard within the set time.”

The Flat Glass Skylight allows you to enjoy natural daylight. The skylight will provide you with a clean appearance in the external roof scope, the toughened outer glass pane has a ceramic edge coating giving you an immaculate and stylish finish. The range comes complete a 160mm high vertical insulated PVC kerb/ upstand. The slim aluminium frame has a internal thermal break allowing it to be energy efficient whilst also reducing the risk of internal condensation. The skylight comes complete with fixing screws which once installed are fully concealed beneath a flush cover creating a sleek and tidy external appearance.

Cedral Thrutone Textured fibre cement slates was chosen as the perfect answer for a new build on Barnoldby Road in Grimsby.

Starboard Hotels and Maith Architects invited Licata Building Systems and Licata contracting partner Build-Therm Services Limited to assist with the redevelopment of the previous Park Royal bar to provide a 162-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel. The original building, lying vacant and in a state of disrepair, has a listed Art Deco façade, which has been retained and refurbished to its former glory, with the new hotel being built in behind and wrapped over with new, substantially glazed floors and Licata FireSafe Brick Slip system. Completed in 2018, the system comprised of 160mm high density mineral fibre, comfortably achieving the target U Value of 0.04W/mK. The brick slips were selected and cut from handformed clay to match the original building.

Architect- AWW BristolInstaller- W.M. Ironwork Ltd.System- Easy Glass Max, 60x30Metres- 250m Max, 75m 60x30The new home of the Bristol Pit Bulls ice hockey team is now fitted with our Easy Glass Max system. When Planet Ice, a multi-use ice rink, contacted us, we knew that the Green Guide needed to be adhered to, so our knowledge was key when deciding on the correct system to be used. And when Planet Ice asked us to recommend a reputable installer, we had no doubt in suggesting one of our long-time partners, W.M Ironwork Ltd.

A dated conservatory area is transformed by Breezefree with a retractable glass roof and polycarbonate curtain walling. Nagan Johnson Architects approached Breezefree to refurbish a dated conservatory area as part of the fit-out of the Cuban restaurant group’s second site in London’s Smithfield district. The brief required a modern retractable glass roof, to replace the old lean-to rooflight, and translucent curtain walling, to replace the dilapidated brick walls and windows...

Natural sunlight and space were two of the key objectives for this extension located in South London. The client, an artist, writer, and former fine arts lecturer, had recently moved to London from Oxfordshire to be closer to her family, and was looking to produce a peaceful, tranquil space to help improve creativity when at work.“I had no fixed ideas about what I wanted, but I wanted more space because it was very small, very dark and I just needed to breathe” Client via Evening Standard.Looking to update this Victorian house into a future proof property, Atelier Baulier Architects worked with the client to achieve the radical vision of a virtually half opened roof through the use of a rooflight. Our Multi-Part Flushglaze rooflight was specified at just short of 8 metres which immerses the entire extension in daylight making the 21 sq. m. space feel much larger, hoping to improve the client’s productivity and focus. The art studio is located under the doubleheight volume, enjoying even light levels throughout the day. The writing room takes the vantage point of the mezzanine above the bathroom and is accessed from the first floor level through an opening made in the gable.Keen to retain discreet detailing to ensure the rooflight framing wasn’t distracting from the design, the Multi Part Rooflight was specified with silicone joints, as opposed to aluminium balustrades, making the product much sleeker. To help daylight flood the room even further, the unit was specified with three Wall Abutments on the high left and right side. The Wall Abutments are not visible from the internal view, this helped to enhance the desired discreet detailing.As stated, the rooflight was supplied in three sections with the frameless silicone joints segmenting each section; the three sections were sized to achieve an equal split when viewed from underneath. This meant that the end sections had to be larger to account for the upstand width.“We aimed to maximise the potential of this unusual site. Rather than subdividing the space the programme is housed within one continuous volume, allowing the daylight to flow through.” Aurore Baulier, Director, Atelier Baulier ArchitectsWith the house being located in a conservation area, the extension naturally blends in with its outstanding surroundings. Brickwork is a major part of this Victorian cottage and its extension. The new volume is a wood-fibre insulated timber construction overclad with bricks slips, resulting in a much lower carbon footprint than a traditional masonry wall. On the interior, brick slips dress the walls continuing the pattern created by the whitewashed brickwork of the existing gable.Atelier Baulier Architects worked brilliantly to maintain the nostalgic look of the building whilst also transforming it into a contemporary home, with the use of a glass rooflight proving to be successful in adding a vast amount of light and space to the originally dark and gloomy Victorian house.

In this case study, we delve into a PermaBound driveway installed by GR Groundworks who were tasked with replacing their customer's worn-out driveway with a beautiful resin bound gravel surface. Continue reading to discover the entire process of creating a magnificent driveway.After carefully browsing the bespoke PermaBound sample case and inspecting each blend, the customer confidently chose Rivieria as the primary blend and Steel Blue for the border and pathways alongside their house. These beautiful selections were made carefully to ensure they complemented each other whilst enhancing the property's overall aesthetic.The GR Groundworks team started the project by excavating and removing the existing, visibly deteriorating driveway.Once the old surface was cleared, a strong hardcore foundation was established. Block paving edges were then laid to form a step at the front door. On to the hardcore, a concrete sub-base was then laid, offering a solid surface for installing their PermaBound surface. To accommodate the installation of two resin bound gravel blends side-by-side, a durable aluminium edging trim was fixed to the concrete surface, creating a crisp yet discreet separation between the two colours.With the thorough groundwork completed to a high standard, the installation of the PermaBound surface could commence.The team prepared the PermaBound installation perfectly, stacking up each separate mix: four bags of specialist stone, a high-quality PermaBound resin binder and a bag of sand.One member of the GR team managed the mixing process using their SoRoTo forced action mixer. For each mix, they added BoundFast Catalyst to the resin binder to accelerate resin curing times in colder weather. They combined the gravel, catalysed resin binder and KLCP sand in the SoRoTo mixer, ensuring each batch was mixed for precisely the same duration.The mixed PermaBound material was then carefully transferred to a wheelbarrow by another team member, transported to the designated installation area and roughly spread out.The third team member then took the lead, hand-troweling using The Resin Bull's 500LT double-handled trowel to craft a well-compacted and level PermaBound driveway. They began by first laying the Steel Blue border and paths before troweling the main Glacier driveway area.Years of experience combined with the invaluable insights gained through attending the PermaBound training course equipped the GR Groundworks team with the skills to produce this flawless PermaBound surface.The combination of premium resin-bound materials and exceptional craftsmanship resulted in a stunning, durable and functional PermaBound driveway that has truly transformed the customer's home!If you're considering a PermaBound surface, our team can turn your ideas into a reality.Please contact us by calling 01246 418144 or LiveChat with us during office hours. Outside of these times, feel free to leave us a message.

Dairy shed in Chaumont La Ville constructed using Eternit FarmTec fibre cement profiled sheeting and fittings in Dark Green.

Neaco’s structural glass balconies are adding beautiful minimalist looks in keeping with the impressive contemporary design of Oakapple Group’s mixed-use development in the centre of Clapham. Designed by Harris Architects, the scheme comprises 10,000 sq ft of grade A commercial space and 40 luxury apartments with communal external terraces on upper floors. With a choice of glass-fronted designs, Neaco’s Clearview balcony range is renowned for its superior visual appeal and the free-standing structural glass option offers the ultimate in contemporary style with no supporting stanchions required.

Vienna Central station is a new, state-of-the-art railway station. The key architectural idea: Vienna should be open and free of barriers. Open halls, wide stairways and ceiling apertures create a sense of space and freedom. Simplicity and lightness are balanced by the use of high-grade materials such as natural stone and glass. About 1,100 metres of Q-railing’s oval-shaped, stainless steel Easy Glass cap rail on staircases throughout the station is a perfect example of this preference for quality. It also responded to the project’s demanding safety and accessibility requirements.

More than 20,000m² of Sto’s external wall insulation system has been specified for two residential schemes at Cherrywood, Ireland’s largest urban development driven forward by real estate group Hines and its joint venture partners, APG Asset Management over the past seven years.Located on a 360-hectare site to the south of Dublin, Cherrywood is expected to serve a population of 25,000 people, offering more than 7,700 new homes, six schools, three parks and leisure facilities.Henry J Lyons Architects selected the StoTherm Mineral insulation system for apartment blocks forming part of the first and second phase of the residential construction. Now complete, the first scheme comprises 431 homes divided into two equally-sized blocks. The second consists of 520 units spread across three blocks and is due to be completed in Summer 2023. Sto installation work was carried out by applicators Platt Reilly.Consisting of mineral fibre insulation boards, the StoTherm Mineral system provides a high level of thermal performance and fire protection. It has been installed onto lightweight steel frames using Sto-Rotofix Plus. Thanks to a unique spiral design, these fixings help to create a seamless façade across all the blocks as well as a cavity behind the insulation board allowing any excess moisture to drain. Using the Sto-Rotofix-Plus, any unevenness in the substrate can be easily rectified by adjusting the insulation boards after they have been installed. This means there is no need for unsightly expansion joints and a smooth surface can be created ready for applying the render.All the apartment blocks will be finished with the StoSilco silicone resin render to provide high levels of water repellence and resistance to algae and fungus growth.