"minor buildings garages etc"

Industrial building case study using Colorcoat Prisma in Seren White

In 2019, Allan Corfield Architects approached us to create a contemporary kit for their client in Craobh Haven which they planned to exceed energy efficiency standards set out by building regulations.June 2023, we began erecting the kit on site. The build is split over 3 floors but is unique as it's built into a cliff with the main feature being an overhanging cantilevered middle storey. The clients could not have found a better plot with uninterrupted views over the Inner Hebrides.

Originally an anonymous, almost forbidding, seven-storey office block constructed in the 1980s, York House on Pentonville Road in Islington is being transformed into a contemporary, light-filled co-working space fit for 21st century use.The original building frontage was set back from the road, but the addition of a new five-story front extension introduces an attractive double-height entrance with offices above. Using similar engineering bricks to the main, original building, the new construction allows light to flood in through the use of structurally self-supporting perforated brick lattice, angled at 45 degrees to gain stiffness. A cross-laminated timber structure sits behind while openable windows allow fresh air to circulate.At roof level, a new, cross-laminated timber structure, clad in a perforated zig-zag aluminium screen, echoes the front extension while softening the building edge.The brick selected for the project was a Blue Brindle Smooth – a high quality smooth brick that closely matched the masonry of the original building. The complexity of the lattice work structure required special shapes of brick and perforation to allow visibility through the bricks at the right points. Working closely with the architect, it took the team nine months of developing and testing to get the strength of the product right. Three lengths of brick were produced and used in the construction of the extension: 215s were used in the building of the chevron parapet, 345s were used on the parapet and alongside the entrance, and 440s were used to create the latticework on the main entrance.We are proud to announce that York House was highly commended at the 2019 Brick Awards in the Innovation category and is a great example of a collaborative approach with our customers.

The Redmonds Building provides the university with a state-of-the-art home for the Faculty of Business and Law, the Liverpool Screen School and the university’s new Professional Centre. The work is taking places in phases over a two-year period and will replace the cladding on the outside of the building. The external works are scheduled to be completed in summer 2021. Fire protection is a main concern for this project and Effisus Breather FR, a fire-resistant breathable membrane, was the chosen membrane for protection of the new façade against moisture, driving rain and wind.

Uxbridge's largest ever luxury commercial space is a monumental 324,630 sq ft. Radii AG was approached by dn-a architecture and Bowmer and Kirkland with the task of designing and installing a five-story central atrium with additional fire-solutions. Radii AG offered a streamlined design to ensure a stunning appearance with a time-conscious installation. Linear 27 was used with 40dB Rw toughened laminated glass for the atrium.This helped create the 100-meter long 'street' that ran along the heart of the building. FireStop E30 single-glazed partitioning screens, with FireTec doorsets and automated sliding doors were also installed.

At a dizzying 160m (525ft) tall, London’s distinctive Walkie Talkie building required an exceptional roofing solution. Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and costing over £200 million, 20 Fenchurch Street is a 34-storey commercial skyscraper in London, known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building due to its top-heavy form. It is designed to have a BREEAM excellence rating. Sarnafil G410-12EL single ply provided the perfect solution to this design criteria, thanks to its excellent flexibility and weldabilty, while offering outstanding resistance to weathering, including permanent UV irradiation.

Yaasa Ltd. has established itself as a leading force in the online sale of ergonomically adjustable office furniture. With the expansion of its headquarters in Lannach, the company is creating not only space for innovation and product development but also new, accessible workplaces for up to 50 employees. The building, which was constructed in a strict economical manner, meets the European targets for a “Nearly Zero Emission Building". Thus, Yaasa demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and, with its own showroom, offers customers the opportunity to experience products firsthand. Lindner played a key role in the sustainable interior fit-out of the new company building: By using raised floors made from recycled wood panels, Lindner demonstrates how resource conservation and sustainability in the construction industry can also be put into practice. The wooden floors have the same physical and technical properties as a new flooring system – without compromising the special quality of the working environment. The texture of the wooden floor contributes to a pleasant atmosphere and completes the overall result of homely workspaces.

The ChallengeTo fund necessary improvements to the existing school and the build of a new junior school, a school in Saffron Walden decided to commission a development of 76 new homes on part of its site.The site needed to include a range of housing from one-bedroom flats up to five-bedroom detached houses, as well as flats and small houses specifically designed for the over-55 market.The SolutionForterra’s Hampton Rural Blend Ecostock Brick was used throughout the development, reflecting the neighbouring environment while enhancing the intrinsic qualities of the site.The BenefitsThe palette of materials within this development is traditional but the detailing is modern and confident. The development won a RIBA National Award in 2016.

ChallengeThe Building Centre, a central information point for all sectors of the construction industry, recently refurbished its London based headquarters. The second stage has seen Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll supplied to the Construction Products Association, the UK Green Building Council and Design for Homes offices located on the first floor.In order to maximise all potential space available to the offices, it was essential to select a product that would take up as little space as possible, while satisfying the environmental and acoustic criteria required to achieve the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.SolutionTo accomplish this, 50mm Acoustic Roll was specified as it is lightweight, flexible, non-combustible and provides a high level of sound absorption, furthermore, it has been specifically designed for friction fitting between members at 400mm and 600mm centres. Acoustic Roll significantly improves the sound insulation performance of partitions whilst at the same time delivering improved thermal and fire performance. Plus, thanks to ECOSE® Technology, offers outstanding environmental credentials.Knauf Insulation products with ECOSE® Technology are made with a formaldehyde free binder technology derived from rapidly renewable, bio-based materials, which reduces embodied energy and delivers superior environmental sustainability. The insulation doesn’t look or feel like any other insulation. It is naturally brown in colour as there are no artificial colours or dyes added and it produces a ‘super softer’, odourless and easier to handle insulation.Colin Henderson, CEO of the Building Centre comments on how specifying Knauf Insulation was an easy decision to make: "After looking at the requirements and from our existing knowledge of Knauf Insulation, we knew the company would be able to meet all our needs quickly and efficiently."Maria Morgan, Market Manager – Building, Non Residential at Knauf Insulation explains: “Our unique position in having a broad product range, coupled with our expertise within the industry, enabled us to fully advise and install the appropriate insulation solution for the Building Centre.”

The University of Nottingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Building used TECHNAL GEODE MX 52 Visible Grid Curtain Walling, SOLEAL FY 65 Windows and PY 55 Doors. Selected by architects Bond Bryan, the TECHNAL aluminium systems offered a cost-effective, thermally efficient solution that was backed by outstanding technical support both prior and during construction. The state-of-the-art training and research facility, located at the entrance to the Jubilee Campus, has enhanced the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering. The building features teaching facilities, laboratories and workshops, and houses the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Manufacturing Technology.

With an emphasis on attention to detail, a high quality specification and the objective to make the most of light and space, it is unsurprising that Eclisse pocket door systems were chosen for apartments in the Taper Building. This striking Taper Building in London SE1, comprises of 56 apartments 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. The apartment interiors have been planned by award winning interior designers Stiff + Trevillion. Development: 56 Apartments Product: 37 Single Classic Pocket Door Systems Developer: Shape Real Estate Architect: MCA Marchini Curran Associates. Interior designed by Stiff + Trevillion

The ChallengeThe redevelopment of Clyde Campus is part of the fifth stage of a larger programme initiated by Glasgow City Council to re-build and modernise its pre-12 and special education estate. At the heart of the project is the Council’s desire to create an effective educational environment which takes a holistic approach to the design process by combining social, economic and environmental goals, resulting in a sustainable architecture, culture and landscape.The SolutionThe architectural response to the site has a central assembly hall and four radiating wings. This radial plan divides the site and avoids large elevations to the street edge, which is surrounded by low-density, two-storey housing. The design aims to create a new, accessible, attractive, welcoming and sustainable campus with shared community amenities with clear public frontage to the building.The facades have been composed to reflect the differing functions in each wing through choice of material and scale.The majority of the building is clad in a bespoke blend of Forterra’s Dark Tame Valley and County Multi Dragfaced Blend bricks, which evokes a sense of solidity and robustness. Lightweight metal cladding breaks up the brick expanse, helping to identify the campus’s different functions.The BenefitsThe new campus has successfully brought together nursery and primary age schooling under one roof with a range of enhanced facilities for pupils and for the wider community. The choice of building materials is an integral part of defining the different areas on site, from gym halls, to Early Years and classroom blocks.

The ChallengeA former industrial area along the south bank of the Union Canal in Merchiston, Edinburgh required transformation with the expected outcome of becoming one of the places to live in the city centre. A housing development was to provide a stylish addition to the already thriving growing community.The development consists of 11 stylish, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The apartments feature high quality engineered flooring, bespoke kitchens, designer bathrooms and fitted wardrobes, and each has a terrace or balcony enjoying open views over the canal.It was important that the building materials used were sympathetic to the local sandstone buildings.The SolutionThe original intention had been to use extruded bricks for the project, however, it was decided instead to use Forterra’s buff, stock thrown, Belgravia Gault Blend from its Ecostock range. A total of 55,000 bricks were used in the construction of Horne Terrace.The BenefitsBelgravia Gault Blend complemented beautifully the sandstone aesthetic of the buildings in the locality, while at the same time delivering great technical specification of low water absorption and low embodied carbon.

The ChallengeA derelict area of West Timperley, Altrincham, which had been subject to numerous acts of vandalism and had become a local eyesore, was to be demolished and replaced by 62 new, residential dwellings comprising 33 family homes – 20 three-bed, 11 four-bed and two five-bed houses – and a further 12 one-bed and 17 two-bed apartments.The SolutionForterra’s Carsington Cream brick was selected to meet the requirements of the design and to add a sense of quality and solidity to the area.The BenefitsThe new development creates a high-quality environment, which builds on the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. It has proven a welcome addition to the area and has helped to attract further investment.

The Analog Devices Building at the University of Limerick was constructed as part of the ground-breaking Bernal Project and was since awarded the Irish Building Project of the Year at the Irish Building and Design Awards 2016 in Dublin. Irish architect, Brady Shipman Martin, was appointed to design the external landscape and Tobermore helped make their job easier with the provision of an attractive paving solution that complemented the distinctive new building whilst providing continuity with the other areas on campus.

‘Autobarn’ is an unusual build comprising an elegant five-bay garage and accompanying workshop sitting within the grounds of a Grade-II listed 18th-century home in Somerset.Designed by Bindloss Dawes Architects, the brief was to create a garage with an adjoining workshop to house the client’s classic car collection. The finished result is an aesthetically beautiful building with its deceptively simple wooden barn-themed styling using agricultural materials such as concrete and recycled wood under a zinc roof. With surfaces comprising steel, timber and polished concrete floor, the architects incorporated Troldtekt acoustic panels to clad both the walls and ceilings between the steel frames for sound absorption and to combat the issue of reverberating noise.The added advantage of having services hidden behind the white panelling means the final result is a stunning simplistic and minimalist design allowing the classic cars to be the focus of attention and transforming the space into more of a gallery than a traditional garage.Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and combine sound absorption with a tactile surface. With an expected life cycle of at least 50 years and resistance to humidity and impact, they are available in various sizes and four grades, from extreme fine to coarse. The panels can be left untreated or painted in almost any RAL colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively. Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept and having attained Gold certification, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC™ and FSC®C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB or LEED points. 

Project BriefThe James Dyson Building and the Dyson Centre for Engineering Design at the University of Cambridge officially opened in May 2016.The technology hub was designed by Nicholas Hare Architects and funded in part by a £8m donation from the James Dyson Foundation, and will give some of the world's brightest young engineering students access to advanced laboratories.The Department’s priorities were for a low-energy building (targeting 100kWh/m2/annum total) that would showcase the state-of-the-art work of the Department and be sustainable.The ProjectThe James Dyson Building is located within the Cambridge Central Conservation Area and is also adjacent to the Grade II listed Royal Cambridge Hotel. Care was taken with both the scale and materiality of the building which was closely scrutinized by the Cambridge Design and Conservation Panel.The James Dyson Building provides flexible and highly energy-efficient research, seminar and meeting spaces for post-graduate students at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering.Linked by an atrium to the existing Department buildings, the new facility is located on a prominent and sensitive site within a conservation area and at a major gateway into Cambridge.Much of the concrete frame of the building is exposed internally to assist in maintaining thermal stability and natural ventilation is encouraged using a series of chimneys running through the building.Research groups worked with the contractor to incorporate active stress sensing of the concrete frame and low-carbon, magnesium blocks were also used in the build.A large proportion of the construction cost was met through a generous donation by The Dyson Foundation.Help from Tarmac - Limelite Heritage Lime MortarWe supplied Limelite Heritage Hydraulic Lime Mortar in bulk bags & 25kg bags to the new James Dyson Building in Cambridge. The product was a pure hydraulic lime bedding masonry mortar M2.5 but due to its versatility, durability and sustainability met all the requirements of the architects. This lime mortar is ideal for projects such as this one because it is a cement-free product and so recreates an appearance in keeping with the history of the adjacent buildings with a modern aspectOutcomesThe James Dyson Building for Engineering will support world leading research in areas including advanced materials, smart infrastructure and electric vehicles. Fibre-optic sensors in the foundation, piles, columns and floor feed back live data, about temperature and strain – providing a picture of how the building is behaving. The result is a building that’s more of a living creature than a passive block of material: we can ask the building how it’s feeling, and the building can reply.The Dyson Centre for Engineering Design will teach students about the design process – and provide space for over 1,200 undergraduate engineers to conduct their research."This new space for Britain’s best engineers at the University of Cambridge will catalyse great technological breakthroughs that transform how we live."Sir James DysonAWARDSRegional Finalist: Civic Trust AwardShortlisted: RIBA East AwardShortlisted: RICS Award - Design Through Innovation

First built in 1992, the ARK office building landmark in London was refurbished by Gensler and BW to align with the demands of today’s workforce who desire spaces, facilities, and amenities that are conducive to a healthy work-life balance.

Berry Systems completed works on behalf of our client, Bowmer & Kirkland, to deliver effective bespoke edge protection. We also installed rubber column protection and specialised bridge walkway pedestrian barrier to meet their specification requirements.The Porter Building houses 110, 625 square feet of office space for companies to utilise. It is conveniently situated in Slough with excellent transport links to key areas in London and the surrounding cities. The building itself has 100 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle parking spaces for employees and visitors to use. We were tasked with installing edge protection and vehicle restraint systems in the building to ensure both vehicle and pedestrian safety.The system installed was a perforated aluminium edge protection combined with buffer baseplates and mullion attached. This was designed in house by our design team to combine the two products delivering a compliant system meeting BS EN 1991-1-1 standards. Our team also designed the specialised bridge walkway pedestrian barrier to increase pedestrian safety on site. This particular project demonstrates our ability to design VRS solutions bespoke and being able to accommodate additional client requirements. In all of our projects, we work with our client to ensure that safety is the ultimate priority and the necessary industry standards are met.

Fixfast’s complete engineered rainscreen support system has been used to securely fix the decorative rainscreen façade for the new WorldPay offices.The rainscreen features decorative polyester powder-coated cassette panels in soft champagne, soft silver, and anodic ice, with Kingspan composite panels - complemented with anodised column casings adjacent to the main entrance.Thanks to Fixfast's easy to install rainscreen support system, building 270 boasts a high performance rainscreen façade with stunning aesthetics fit for a growing technology company."We were very impressed with the system itself. In all honesty, I'd say the Fixfast Rainscreen Support system is like using a Meccano set - you know you're going to get all the components you need, and they'll all fit together precisely as designed. It just works"Gary Webb - Director at TR Freeman

Owing to its congested built environment, almost any construction project in London requires working within tight physical constraints at the best of times, but the logistical restrictions at 9-11 Richmond Buildings in Soho, London, were exceptionally challenging.Situated immediately adjacent to The Soho Hotel in a district of Westminster, the tightly bounded site required the replacement of an existing building, the deepening of a basement and the creation of a new seven-storey, composite-framed building.

Linear gap sealing for modular build environment. Particular concerns about firestopping before modules are placed on site and the movement capability required. Solution was partly fixed at factory for the modular build and on site retrospectively.

The 8,500m2 Biosciences building is clad in silver anodised ACM panels generally 1.3m high and up to 6.4m long that work together to wrap around the complex elevations. Each individual panel purpose-made and pre-curved at Ash & Lacy’s West Bromwich site, to fit around and match the windows on the building. The protruding raked capping details were also manufactured in the same material, in order to provide a fully cohesive design. Original concept architects, Llewelyn Davies Yeang, specified 3,500m2 Ash & Lacy Facade for the extensive new build, to give the building an innovative and hi-tech finish, reflecting the standards of the department itself.The design of the seven-storey building responds to the constraints of a steeply sloping site divided by a service road creating staggered floor levels, interesting external spaces and a flowing façade. The science block also features a sedum green roof fitted with solar panels for the heating of domestic water contributing to the very good BREEAM rating it has secured.

The ChallengeSituated in the Rye Lane conservation area in Peckham, South London, the four to seven storey mixed-use development in Rye Green – comprising 27 residential units laid out across six floors, with two retail units on the ground floor – would provide affordable housing for people in the community who are most in need.The scheme had to consider two elements, the first being the redevelopment of the frontage building (Rye Lane) with the retention of its façade, and the second being the six-storey (with set-back seven-storey) block to the rear, on the site of the existing fish warehouse.The SolutionThe architectural design of this residential development incorporates traditional and modern features with an existing brick façade.PROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILThe seven-storey block is rectangular in form and has been built with a striking yellow facingbrick with protruding red brick paneling. The contrast between red and yellow brickwork is exaggerated with the introduction of green glaze facing brickwork at street level. This change in texture and brick finish works well with the local vernacular.The new second and third floor additions are set back from the retained frontage.The design is simple and functional, and the specified fabric responds to the historic character of the conservation area.Three facing bricks from Butterley Brick were selected for the build. Arden Special Reserve, a red, light textured brick, and buff Village Harvest Multi – also light textured – were used as the facing material for the main body of the buildings. Wilncote Blue Smooth, a dark toned brick. was used to define the base of the buildings. The set-back top floor of the seven-storey block is clad in zinc shingles to reflect its roof-like character.The BenefitsThe high quality development, together with its associated external landscaping, has contributed positively to its place in Peckham.Butterley Brick offers a range of high quality facing bricks manufactured from locally sourced raw materials; the range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification. The bricks contribute to thermal mass and can be recycled at the end of their use.

As part of the BBC One series, DIY SOS: The Big Build, ROCKWOOL® and Rockpanel® were pleased to have played a part in the transformation of a community space in Fegg Hayes.The DIY SOS: The Big Build project was designed to productively use green space to encourage community engagement, it  involved converting an unused piece of land into a multi-functional area for Fegg Hayes local residents. ROCKWOOL Flexi® and Rockpanel Chameleon were two products that were donated to DIY SOS: The Big Build.

Bringing natural, simple and light aesthetics to busy campusIssueThe Aarhus University campus is easily recognisable with its long yellow brick buildings rising between trees, mature plants, lakes and paths in a park close to the city centre. The architecture of The Skou Building, which was named after Nobel Prize winner Jens-Christian Skou and is home to the Institute of Biomedicine, needed to be retained, while modernised.ApproachArchitect company CUBO Arkitekter designed the space, which was opened in 2018 and won the City Architects Award in 2019, with a focus on reinterpreting the campus architecture. The building is designed as two staggered lengths that meet in a central atrium. Glass slits have been inserted vertically throughout the building, affording wonderful views of the external spaces and the local cathedral.Inside there has been an emphasis on reducing the number of different materials used, to create a simple, bright and natural look throughout. At the same time, some of the organic, natural shapes in the green spaces outside are drawn into the building, promoting the biophilic design.SolutionThe first two levels of The Skou Building now feature white walls, oak interiors and large glass sections, continuing the biophilic feel. To provide safety throughout the 9000 m2 of corridors and laboratories on the top six floors, Altro Walkway 20 in Cloud has been used, reducing the risk of slipping to one in a million. In addition, 750 m2 of Altro Walkway 20 SD static dissipative flooring in Fog has been used in laboratories which had specific safety requirements. To complete the biophilic design, works of art have been used throughout the building to bring the outside in.

The ChallengeThis prestigious three storey new build property in the village of Bilton was designed following close liaison with the local planning authority, in order to be sympathetic to other nearby homes.The SolutionCareful selection of the brick type was critical to this process, as the property needed a soft aesthetic to its front elevation, addressing the local authority’s concerns about the impact of the finished project while still meeting the client’s personal requirements.With this in mind the client selected Forterra’s Autumn Glow facing brick. This not only met all the criteria set by the local planning authority, but its enhanced durability designation allowed the brick to be used to create a seamless brick façade.Tom Holland, Managing Director of Holland Build, said, “We put forward several brick types to the planning authority as part of this two storey project, and a unanimous decision was reached that the Autumn Glow best fitted the design of the property, and was most in keeping with the local area.“I was already familiar with the Autumn Glow, having used it extensively on the construction of a luxury apartment building on a previous job, and never had any issue with them. They’re a good, solid facing brick, and extremely durable, and I’d recommend using them as a reliable stock brick.”The BenefitsGareth Rouse, Architectural Technologist for Forterra, said, “The Autumn Glow is a stock facing brick more tailored to the self-build market, due to its relatively soft aesthetic and higher-grade durability. It also contains recycled content and is the most sustainable stock brick available on the UK market.“It suited this project particularly well, complementing the timber frames used in the windows and doors and also proving ideal for the construction of the arch above the main entrance.”Although the main brickwork was intentionally kept simple, the client required a grand entrance that would draw visitors to the front door. Owing to the easily moulded nature of this particular clay type, special shaped bullnose bricks were utilised on the jambs of the main entrance, which then continued as tapered voussouirs into the semi-circular arch above. Simple, but effective herringbone panels were also introduced to draw the eye, breaking the appearance of mass stretcher bond brickwork.Forterra nominated the finished project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Individual Housing Development category.

Re-form Landscape Architecture were tasked with sourcing sustainable hard landscaping for The Sarah Swift Building, University of Lincoln.The public realm setting of the building links Brayford Wharf through to the historic Wigford Yard. Ultimately the space extends through to Lincolns’ High Street – thus uniting the University campus with the city centre. As such, a paving solution was required that would adequately define the areas and complement the modern facade of the University building.Tobermore’s Fusion block paving in Silver and Graphite was chosen as the hard landscaping of choice, complemented by the addition of Fusion Kerb.

The ChallengeBowthorpe is a high-quality development of 174 new homes together with landscaped open space, community gardens and a children’s play area on an area of undeveloped land in Norwich.The development was inspired by nearby Bowthorpe Hall and explored the idea of an historic walled garden with homes built within its boundary.As part of the site’s high environmental standards, it was critical that existing features, such as important tree belts and hedges were retained while also accommodating a proposed network of cycle and walking routes.The SolutionForterra’s Breckland Reserve – a red, tumbled, wirecut brick – was used alongside flint on the ground floor of some of the homes to create detailed wall work that echoed Bowthorpe Hall.Traditional red tiled roof pitches sit above the wall and reference Bowthorpe Cottages. On top of the wall sit cedar shingle clad upper floors.Traditional terraces form most of the new homes, with flats provided alongside unique mews-style housing.The BenefitsThe building form, the materials selected, and the use of pattern and decoration, helped to create a visual connection to the local area.

Cornwall Buildings brings warmth and texture to their space, by using the golden tones of French Oak, laid in a stylish Herringbone pattern. French Oak is from the Amtico Signature Acoustic Collection. A collection that provides a sound reduction of up to 18dB, extra comfort underfoot and 20-year commercial warranty.  Images: © The Commercial Flooring Company

The Summit Building at Hafod Eryri (Mount Snowdon) is located at 3,560ft (1,085 metres) above sea level - the highest point in the British Isles outside Scotland. The building, which was officially opened in June 2009, attracts half a million visitors per year and includes a visitors centre and cafe.

The ChallengeCumbria County Council decided to invest in new, future-proof headquarters rather than invest a similar amount of money into refurbishing and maintaining its multiple existing sites.The project would allow the Council to downsize its office portfolio from 22 locations in and around the city to just two.Housing 700 staff, the new £10.4 million development would reflect a major rejuvenation of the area, designed to be a major gateway into Carlisle city centre.The SolutionThe new building is laid out to house two functions. The first, a two-storey elevation, houses public, customer-facing activity, while the second contains private, open-plan work areas for 450 people, along with ‘hot desks’ for visitors.The building makes use of a range of sustainable technologies, such as photovoltaic solar panels, to improve the building’s efficiency.Forterra’s County Multi Smooth brick from its Butterley range complements the natural stone and glass also used in the building’s design.The BenefitsAs well as saving Cumbria County Council money, Cumbria House brings a wide range of benefits, including improved working conditions for staff. Chief Executive, Diane Wood, commented “The new offices will provide a fantastic working environment for staff. It will support our ‘one team’ ethos with everybody working together in one building. Cumbria House is a much more environmentally-friendly building and, importantly, it’s better for our customers in Carlisle because they can now access all our services from one place”.

Built on a largely derelict gap site, The Works is a development of 34 two-bedroomed apartments in the popular Yorkhill / Finnieston area of Glasgow, offering panoramic views over the city and the River Clyde. To accommodate the site’s slope, the development comprises a four-storey north side and a six-story south side.The development had to overcome a number of issues, including planning issues around daylighting and massing, and the challenge of building immediately adjacent to the Yorkhill railway tunnel.PROJECT INFOThe Works provides residents with off-street parking and use of a large communal garden, with ground floor properties having private rear gardens. Design emphasis is on open-plan layouts and generous room sizes. To take advantage of the views, the apartments feature south-facing and Juliet-style balconies.Ecostock Belgravia Gault Blend was selected to meet the requirements of both the client and planning for a high quality, light buff brick with grey tones that would match the surrounding buff sandstone tenements. The sustainability credentials and technical performance of Ecostock, with its low water absorption suiting the wet weather typical of the west of Scotland’s, also contributed to the selection decision.

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As part of a £5.5m city-wide investment to transform its branch network, ‘Warwickshire Shopping Park’ is the first new premises in 16 years for Coventry Building Society.Tasked with creating a modern and customer-friendly environment that could also cope with high levels of footfall expected from a retail space, pHp Architects took Allen International's design forward and implemented it throughout the branch network.

The new Engineering Building for The University of the West of England (UWE) is located at the main Frenchay Campus. Designed by multi award-winning architects, AHR, the iconic building will enable the university to deliver its vision for 21st Century engineering and inspire engineers of the future. It has been designed and operated to BIM Level two and aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. The building will accommodate up to 1,600 students as well as 100 academic and technical staff. The design brief was to create a space which would encourage multi-disciplinary collaborative learning. The outcome is an ideal environment for students to explore, create, and test ideas to change the world for the better.A large central atrium provides a generous space across multiple stepping floor plates which leads to social learning spaces, manufacturing workshops, wind tunnels, laboratories, computer rooms, and computer-aided design (CAD) suites. At the heart of the building there is also a hub for group study which will encourage students and academics to meet and exchange ideas.Lusso atria glazing was installed within the space to allow natural light into the core of the building and visual connection between different areas .  A combination of Lusso 105 framed glazed partitioning and Lusso 25 frameless glazed partitioning has been used for different specification requirements within the space and combine well with the wood and black coated steel beams to achieve an industrial look.