"mortars"

Limelite Heritage Lime Mortar, a lime based cement free mortar was chosen for renewal of iconic York Guildhall site. As well as matching the visual aesthetic, the flexibility of Limelite Heritage Lime Mortars allow for slight movement and thermal expansion throughout the life of the building and reduce the risk of cracking. They can also reduce the need for expansion joints to improve the final appearance and along with the ready-to use pre blended formula, reduce build time for the contractor. 

UltraCrete’s latest product innovation, Mortar Buoy®, has been used by AL Civils to reinstate a CW2 cover on a busy Shropshire road.BackgroundAL Civils, experienced utility contractors, have many years of experience reinstating and repairing access covers across the north west of England. As part of their routine repair works, AL Civils were required to reinstate a defected CW2 cover on a busy Shropshire road.The ChallengeIn order to provide the best possible results and minimise disruption to motorists, AL Civils were keen to try UltraCrete Mortar Buoy®, a ground-breaking access cover installation aid, to help increase speed, reduce costs and make the installation process less labour intensive.The SolutionAL Civils specified Saint Gobain’s Install Plus installation method, which was used alongside UltraCrete Mortar Buoy® and Envirobed® CD534 Flowable.UltraCrete Mortar Buoy® is an inflatable device that acts as a dam, allowing for a flowable mortar ironwork installation within seconds – revolutionising traditional methods.The Mortar Buoy® inflatable dam prevents any mortar seeping into the access chamber providing an efficient and seamless finish to the bedding around the chamber. This allows a single pour installation of Envirobed® CD534 Flowable, which encapsulates the flange of the access frame creating a solid bed and backfill in one.UltraCrete Mortar Buoy® is so easy to use, simply hold in place and inflate, and is guaranteed to save you time on-site as there is no waiting around for the dam to dry. Mortar Buoy® can be wiped clean and re-used on a number of installations and is available in 5 sizes to accommodate all ironwork and gully reinstatements.“Mortar Buoy® seems to be the future – no more messing around with damming mortar. Great products and innovations as always.” Michael Day, Area Manager at AL Civils.The reinstatement took place on a busy non-residential road on a mild, rainy November day in Malpas, Shropshire.The Results“Innovative products make our life so much easier. Mortar Buoy®, Envirobed® CD534 Flowable and QC10 F 100% makes life easier and saves money.” Michael Day, Area Manager at AL Civils.

Ultrascape's BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system has been used to deliver a modern and stylish forecourt outside Swindon railway station. The redevelopment has transformed what was previously a heavy traffic dominated area, into a prestigious pedestrian focused arrival space which features seating, planting, lighting and a millennium clock. Work was carried out by specialist civil engineering contractor, Britannia Construction and included the installation of 500 tonnes of high quality natural granite and Pennant Sandstone using Ultrascape's Pro-Bed HS fine bedding concrete, Flowpoint rapid setting grout and Pro-Prime slurry primer.

Outlining the supply of primary spracyed concrete to Bank Station in London

Editorial on dry fix roofing and the factors to consider when making a product choice.

Leading UK utility contractor, Telent, have used UltraCrete’s superb ironwork installation materials to repair and install a CW1 access cover in Sutton Coldfield.BackgroundAs part of their ongoing commitment to maintaining the UK’s national utility infrastructure, Telent have used UltraCrete’s latest product innovation Mortar Buoy® to repair a chamber and install a CW1 ironwork access cover in the West Midlands.The ChallengeLocated on a busy junction, it was crucial that the repair and installation of the CW1 cover was carried out quickly to minimise disruption to motorists. With a reputation drawing on decades of experience in the design, build, support and management of the UK’s critical infrastructure, it was imperative that Telent used reputable installation materials that had been tried, tested and proven to work in the road network.The SolutionUltraCrete’s independently tested and approved ironwork installation system was specified by BT Openreach to complete the project.The new CW1 cover was installed using the Install Plus method. To begin, Mortar Buoy® was inflated in the existing chamber to prevent debris falling into the cavity and causing potential damage to the network. Once inflated, the team were able to use Mortar Buoy® as internal shuttering and repair the damaged chamber using QC10 F rapid strength flowable concrete.QC10 F, part of UltraCrete’s range of high specification concretes, is rapid setting fibre modified concrete for backfilling around manhole frames and gullies and for surface repairs.To complete the installation, Mortar Buoy® was used as a dam and Envirobed® CD534 Flowable was poured around the edges of a chamber for a permanent installation.Specially formulated for utility reinstatements, Envirobed® CD534 Flowable high performance bedding mortar is BT LN550 and LN320 compliant and offers superior compressive, tensile and flexural strengths in just 3 hours.Mortar Buoy® is a ground-breaking, innovative, inflatable access frame that acts as a dam, allowing for a flowable mortar ironwork installation in seconds – revolutionising traditional methods.Enhance your specification and upgrade your reinstatement with UltraCrete Mortar Buoy®.ResultsThe project took place on a mild winter day in December 2021. The work was completed without delay and with minimal disruption. Using Mortar Buoy® instead of a traditional damming mortar increased the speed of the installation, reduced costs and made the install less labour intensive for the team.On the performance of Mortar Buoy®, John Doherty, Area Supervisor for Telent commented: “Mortar Buoy® makes life much easier versus traditional shuttering for both chamber repair and bedding the ironwork. It is also much faster.”

Ashton Under Lyne - Town Centre Public Realm (2000m2)Project Description: Ashton Under Lyne’s town centre was transformed with £10.8m of levelling up funding. A transformational & bold project ensuring Ashton’s historic market square is future proofed and fit for modern market needs. New paving means the square is accessible and safe for all visitors and residents. Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is the preferred option for laying paving. Product Showcase: Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is a collection of high-performance mortars for the construction of pavements. The products are specifically formulated to exceed performance characteristics, as set out in BS 7533. Products used:            ·  FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete - Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units. ·  PS Eco Priming Slurry - Applied to the underside of all paving units to create an exceptional bond to FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete. ·  FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar - Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.               ·  EM Epoxy Mortar - A three-part pack solvent-free epoxy resin mortar - perfectly suited for areas where exceptional strength and bond are required. For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

Colour matched lime mortar for striking new build

St Pancras StationProject briefLimelite Heritage Mortars and Grouts to help restore St Pancras station buildings to their Victorian splendour.The ProjectMortars and Grouts from Tarmac Building Products, the leading manufacturer of blended cementitious products in the UK, have been extensively used in the historic conservation of St Pancras station.The major redevelopment of St Pancras includes the enlargement and refurbishment of the ticket hall, restoration of St Pancras Chambers as well as new passages to the existing Tube ticket Hall and Channel Tunnel Rail Link. PAYE Stonework and Restoration, a leading conservation specialist turned to Pozament for its expertise in pre-blended products formulated specifically for historic conservation work.A hydraulic lime-based combination of materials that offers sympathetic controlled strength was blended by the team to meet the specific requirements of PAYE Stonework and Restoration.Help from Tarmac Building Products – Limelite Heritage Mortars & GroutsAround eight tonnes of lime based, cement-free materials including Heritage Mortar 4 and Heritage Grout 7 were supplied to point the brickwork joints of passages to the existing tube ticket hall and Channel Tunnel Rail Link and to repair sofits in the Grade I listed St Pancras Chambers.Problems facedSt. Pancras Station is a Grade I listed building, meaning it is a building of exceptional interest and is one of the best Victorian buildings in central London. It has been voted one of London’s favourite landmarks and so great care had to be taken with the restoration work.OutcomesThe extensive redevelopment of St Pancras and Kings Cross Underground was completed by the end of 2007.  QuotesGary Hodges, project manager, PAYE Stonework and Restoration said, the range of pre-blended heritage grouts and mortars were ideal for this restoration project. Heritage Mortar 4 was highly suitable for the St Pancras Chambers repairs, reaching maximum strength within 7 days rather than the usual 90 days for other materials.Stuart Allerton, Quality & Technical Services Manager, Tarmac Building Products said, The Limelite Heritage range has specifically been designed to be sympathetic with historic buildings and caters for a number of applications. Our re-pointing mortars and free-flowing grouts are manufactured at our Swadlincote facility in Derbyshire to order, typically within five working days.·      Location: London·      Product: Limelite Heritage Mortars and Grouts·      Timescale: Completed in 2007

SMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration of the Donegal Parish Church.  Rainey Restoration Ltd selected our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar. The selective hydraulic strength development of NHL binders makes them particularly suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, and plastering on historical buildings and monuments. Rainey completed a full restoration program on the Donegal Parish spire and tower with all masonry joints being raked out and repointed with this hydraulic lime mortar. In addition, there were a number of stone indents, stone replacements, and stone repairs.NHL binders, available directly from SMET and nationwide online or in-store via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

SMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration works in Dechomet Cemetry, Moneyslane.  Rainey Restoration Ltd used our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar. The selective hydraulic strength development of NHL binders makes them particularly suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, and plastering on historical buildings and monuments.NHL binders, available directly from SMET and online or in-store via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This Restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

Project briefTarmac Building Products were asked to supply Queen Mary’s development (a historic London hospital converted into apartments) with Limelite Heritage Hydraulic Lime Mortars.The ProjectThe project ‘s aim is to convert Grade I Baroque stately home Roehampton House into residential use with a mix of old and modern construction materials. Roehampton House is a Grade I Baroque Stately Home built by Thomas Archer over the years 1710-12 and later enlarged by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1910. The house is being carefully restored, maintaining its original features both internally and externally, with Doric columns and wrought iron railings giving way to panelled walls, ornate painted ceilings and black and white marble.Help from Tarmac Building Products – Limelite Heritage Lime MortarsWe supplied Limelite Heritage Hydraulic Lime Mortars in mobile dry silos to the large-scale heritage site in Roehampton, south-west London. The product is predominantly a bedding masonry mortar but due to its versatility, can be used in other areas and is ideal for projects such as this one because it is a cement-free traditional product and so recreates an appearance in keeping with the history of the building. It is being supplied alongside natural and Y101 white mortar in dry silos.Our Heritage Hydraulic Lime Mortar is ideal for projects such as this one because it is a cement-free traditional product and so recreates an appearance, maintaining the history of the building.Problems facedThe former hospital developed into a stately home is a Grade I listed building, meaning that any new building work needs to blend in well with the existing building work. Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important; only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.The project site is located within Flood Zone 1 and so a Flood Risk Assessment is required as the site is over 1 hectare. OutcomesRoehampton House, its two gate houses and the remainder of the Roehampton Estate are being redeveloped to provide luxury new housing. The development is called Queen Mary’s Place. Of the original 30 acres, only 14 remained following the building of the new hospital, but the developer, St. James has preserved 30% of the land for pleasure gardens for the new residents.The Grade II listed sunken and rose gardens have also been lovingly restored to provide the perfect setting for the newly created 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and two 2 bedroom gate houses.·      Contractor: St James Development·      Location: Roehampton, London ·  Product: Limelite Heritage Lime Mortar

UltraScape Pro-Bed HS, Pro-Prime and Flowpoint ECO are being used to help make Bradford’s City Park a world class public park. Bradford Council, in conjunction with landscape architect Gillespies and consulting engineer Arup, have specified UltraScape’s Pro-Bed HS Bedding Mortar, Pro-Prime Slurry Primer, EP-R9 Epoxy Bedding Mortar and Flowpoint ECO flowable grout – in Natural and Charcoal – for use by the main contractor Birse Civils, to lay the setts, porphyry and sandstone in and around the Mirror Pool.

Utilising the same bricks as were being laid by the bricklayers to the masonry walls, FastClad supplied the cladding to the balconies so that there was a seamless match.Collecting bricks from site to ensure that they were from the same production run, the slips were cut and bonded to our profiled backing board at our Leicester factory.These boards were then returned to site for mechanical fix to the balcony structures and pointed in a lime mortar to match that of the cement mortar being used by the bricklayers at an off-site compound.The balconies were then craned into position and fixed to the structure.

Job: Restoration of Norman CastleProduct: SMET NHL 5 BinderDescriptionSMET NHL 5 Binder was specially selected for the restoration works in this historic Norman Castle and Tower.  Rainey Restoration Ltd used our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar.SMET NHL 5 is a high-quality, pure, Natural Hydraulic Lime binder, produced under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems to EN 459-1. The eminent hydraulic strength development of SMET NHL 5 makes it suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, plastering base coats, and limecrete in extreme weather environments and exposed areas.  An eminently hydraulic lime binder for the production of mortars particularly suited for ecological new build, restoration, and preservation works in extreme weather environments and exposed areas. The product’s special composition allows the mortar product to breathe and also permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.NHL binders, available directly in-store and online via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.Our restoration and preservation NHL is available from Haldane Fisher online. Superior quality combined with exceptional technical support and aftercare, are the key drivers in the selection of SMET natural conservation products.ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 accredited Smet Building Products Ltd, demonstrating – once again – best practices in supporting Smet Supported Partners in Natural Hydraulic Lime products.

This project employed the BS 7533-101 Type A method of construction (rigid/bound paving over an unbound roadbase) with the use of Steintec's tuffflow permeable paving mortar as part of this SuDS scheme.The Steintec tuffflow system of permeable bedding and jointing mortars was used to construct a SuDS permeable, bound/rigid pavement. The system allows the designer to capitlize on the low maintenance, high durability of a BS structurally compliant bound/rigid public realm pavement, while avoiding the disadvantages of loose bedding and jointing aggregates used in conventional SuDS pavement construction.

An extensive hard landscape setting for the new Tottenham Hotspur Football Club stadium. The large 11,000 m2 paved area has been constructed in a combination of granite and concrete block paving units. Although the area is mainly pedestrian the brief required that the units be completely and permanently bonded into position. This was achieved using Steintec tuffbond in combination with tuffbed 2-pack Type 35 bedding mortar to achieve a minimum 2MPa adhesion between the paving units and the supporting layers. Steintec tufftop Type 40 jointing mortar was used to complete the installation.

Ultrascape's BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system has played a major role in helping to transform one of the UK's busiest train stations. The long awaited redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station has transformed what was previously a dark, overcrowded site into a prestigious gateway to the UK's second city. Work was carried out by MPB Structures Ltd. It included reinstating existing station platforms, installing new structures, hardscaping around the station perimeter and the creation of Birmingham's version of the 'Spanish Steps.' The paving was installed using Ultrascape's BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system.

UltraScape’s BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system has been used to install over 10,000 square meters of paving in Newport’s major new shopping and leisure scheme, Friars Walk.

Ronafix polymer admixture was used in two different applications during recent refurbishment work at the Barbican Centre. The admixture was used to create a high strength levelling screed and also a water resistant bedding mortar.

Job: Restoration of cottage dating from 1764 in Ardglass Golf ClubProduct: SMET NHL 3.5 BinderRelated DownloadsTDS SMET NHL 3.5SMET / Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureSMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration works internal restoration of an old 1764 cottage found on the 7th hole of historic Ardglass Golf Club. This will be an added attraction for members and the many overseas visitors alike when coming to play Ardglass.Our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 was used to produce a superior-quality lime mortar for repointing and internal restoration.  The selective hydraulic strength development of NHL binders makes them particularly suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, and plastering on historical buildings and monuments.NHL binders, available directly from SMET and online or in-store via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.This restoration is another wonderful showcase of sympathetic historic building restorations around the country, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

The prestigious EIB HQ in Luxembourg City never fails to impress visitors with its expansive paved setting. Laid nearly 15 years ago the condition of the natural granite sett paving is testimony to the performance and quality of Steintec high performance mortars and the longevity they bring to bound construction pavements.

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital Case StudyDemonstrating Products That Perform!Project Description:Nestled between Sandwell and West Birmingham, the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is poised to become the centre of acute and emergency care at our Trust when it opens in 2024.Midland Met is not just a hospital...situated within a designated regeneration zone, this new hospital build represents not just progress in healthcare but opportunity to revitalise the region. Product Showcase:Used in multiple locations across the project including Level 5 Winter Garden, Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is a collection of high-performance mortars for the construction of pavements. The preferred option for laying paving, the products are specifically formulated to exceed performance characteristics, as set out in BS 7533. Products used:         FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete • Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units.PS Eco Priming Slurry• Applied to the underside of all paving units to create an exceptional bond to FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete.FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar• Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.3 in 1 Seal Plus• A water-based acrylic hybrid dispersion paving sealer, sand stabiliser and protector suitable for most paving. For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

A £2.7million Environment Agency project to renovate an ageing river sluice facility on the River Medway in Kent, has required the technical attributes of webercem five star repair concrete and the high-build properties of webercem HB30 mortar. The structural sluice repairs are now complete with new gates and operating systems installed, bringing the sluice performance up to standard. Reflecting the substantial improvement in the river water quality over recent years, a new fish and elver pass has been created to enable fish to travel further upstream in the clean waters. This has enhanced the habitat in upper sections of the Medway, whilst allowing migratory and freshwater fish free passage. Constructed in 1937 the Allington Sluice lock gate is the last on the River Medway before it becomes tidal. Although the sluice is not listed, the Environment Agency took a keen interest in the repair of the structure due to its location adjacent to the Museum of Kent. Areas of failed surface concrete that had spalled, due to 70 years of weathering, were repaired sympathetically to match the existing finishes. These areas were cleaned back to sound material with all loose material removed. The major repair areas required shuttering before pouring in the flowing recasting concrete. webercem five star repair concrete is a pre-blended cementitious material that conforms with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R4 mortar and also with the Highways Agency specification BD 27/86. It contains non-reactive aggregates and low alkali content. This is a shrinkage-compensated, high-strength flowing repair concrete specifically designed for permanent structural repairs that delivers a compressive strength of 65N/mm² after 28 days.Additional smaller damaged areas of the sluice structure have been improved with webercem HB30 repair mortar which is ideal for façade repairs where high compressive strength is not required. webercem HB30 is an acrylic-polymer modified, high-build façade repair mortar that complies with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R3 mortar. Damaged areas were cut away and any steel re-enforcement was cleaned and coated with webercem keycoat prior to the application of the webercem HB30. This product has a unique shrinkage compensation system that ensures long-term dimensional stability. webercem HB30 is easy to apply with low permeability to water, carbon dioxide and chlorides.Main contractor Jackson Civil Engineering of Maidstone, Kent, carried out the sluice gate works while Structural Renovations Ltd of Slough, Berkshire, carried out the concrete repairs in the overall reconstruction, renovation and modification programme of the main structure. The project was designed by Atkins for the Environment Agency, who also undertook site supervision during the renovation procedure. In addition to the repairs and fish pass, a new wheelchair access has been formed allowing cross river access at this point on the Medway.

The renovation to the domes on the historic Harrods Repository was a fascinating project to have become involved in. Extensive concrete repairs were carried out using Koster corrosion protection and mortar repair materials followed by waterproofing systems installed internally and facade treatments externally on the tiled surfaces.These domes will dominate the London skyline for many years to come!

March 2021 saw the first installation of Gypsol Anhydrite screed in Perth, Western Australia!The project, a 150 square metre new build home, was supplied and installed by Metsel Mortars on Saturday, 6th March. This project is a culmination of months of collaboration between Metsel and LKAB Minerals to ensure Gypsol Binder was successfully exported and installed in the new market.

This project in North London was created with the intention of enhancing the housing stock of the location and providing a positive contribution to the texture, grain and building types within the conservation area. To achieve this appearance, Wienerberger's Marziale brick was used. Additionally, a carefully selected mortar, using white cement, lime and washed river sand and a subtle manipulation of the surface, was applied to enhance the quality of the brickwork.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the greatest horticultural event. It is known all around the world for its fabulous floral displays, thought provoking and beautifully landscaped show gardens and for nurturing gardening trends and talent.Held in the most beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is guaranteed to inspire and wow everyone who visits.One such garden is the RBC Brewin Dolphin Garden designed by one of House & Gardens Top 50 Garden Designers of 2023, Paul Hervey-Brookes. This stunning Silver-Gilt show garden ‘draws creative inspiration from the way knowledge is passed down from generation to generation and interpreted for the modern world.’To assist with the longevity and sustainable features of this garden, landscaping expert and garden consultant, G K Wilson Landscapes, opted to use UltraScape eco-bed environmentally friendly bedding mortar and slipbond brick slip adhesive to install the beautiful Lunar Sand pavers and Dover Taupe porcelain wall tiles. For the finishing flourish, the paving was grouted using UltraTile ProGrout Flexible in Bahama Beige and Grey.In a Chelsea Flower Show first, garden designer and RHS ambassador for inclusivity and diversity, Manoj Malde married his partner in his own magnificently designed RHS and Eastern Eye Garden of Unity feature garden. This powerful and vibrant garden is inspired by Manoj’s Indian heritage and has inclusivity and sustainability at its heart. Alongside peat-free planting, the garden also embraced the use of reclaimed materials to create the limestone path and used UltraScape eco-bed environmentally friendly bedding mortar to install the limestone paving.Two further award-winning gardens to benefit from Instarmac’s expertise are Darren Hawkes’ Silver-Gilt Samaritan’s Listening Garden and Emma Tipping’s Gold Medal St George ‘Alight Gere’ Balcony Garden.UltraScape were honoured to have supported, and sponsored, each of these beautiful gardens.UltraScape has been manufacturing and providing the industry with high quality, specialist paving installation materials for over 25 years. Their proven and trusted range includes BS 7533 complaint bedding mortars, primers, jointing solutions and brick slip adhesive. UltraScape’s premium products are specified by contractors, architects, consultants and engineers for an ever-expanding portfolio of major schemes across the UK.Choose UltraScape’s proven and certified BS 7533 Mortar Paving System for the performance and assurance that comes with a UKAS seal of approval – you can’t afford not to!To find out more about UltraScape’s range of paving installation materials, please email ultrascape@instarmac.co.uk, visit ultrascape.co.uk or call their team of experts by ringing +44 (0) 1827 254402.

The Westminster Fire Station restoration and regeneration was all about creating an experience for those that live there, with sustainable and natural materials,” says Jennifer Benningfield, experienced architect and founding principal of Openstudio Architects.v “We needed to find a reliable supplier of sustainable and natural materials, which were suitable to tie in with the heritage structure. “The challenge was sourcing the right materials that were compatible with the fabric of the existing buildings. Working with Lime Green, we managed to develop a solution that matched the original building’s beautiful aesthetic and historic character. “As a key supplier of lime-based products, their flexibility and reliability helped to make our job easier – and we received a lot of praise for the high-quality and beautiful new courtyard building. The lime mortar is an integral part of the brickwork and proves that it is appropriate for contemporary, as well as historical, structures,” praises Jennifer. About the project Using a team of specialists, Openstudio Architects supported the site team in using old and traditional construction techniques to refurbish and develop buildings in a contemporary way, with beautiful results. “There were two phases to the Westminster Fire Station project,” explains Jennifer. “The first involved refurbishing the existing building, the Grade II Listed Edwardian Fire Station built in 1906 and decommissioned in 2014, to create a restaurant and bespoke housing. “The second involved developing the site further by adding a new residential building to the rear of the site surrounding a garden courtyard, which is where we used Lime Green’s mortar.” Supporting the local community “The project was situated on a very constrained and challenging site,” continues Jennifer. “With its central location, the construction works undoubtedly had an impact on those living and working in the local area, which is why we wanted to ensure the community were completely happy with the project. “As we wanted to make sure the new build tied in with the older fire station, there were inevitably challenges that we didn’t anticipate along the way. However, most importantly, we needed to ensure we sourced the right materials, which were compatible with the existing building, both in terms of performance and appearance. Selecting the right materials “We wanted to work with natural materials, which would age well and ensure robust construction that has longevity and sustainability,” says Jennifer. “We chose specific products, including handmade Danish bricks and handmade glazed bricks to give depth and texture to the new building. We wanted to ensure use mortar that had a texture and a grain to it, so it would work with the nuances of the bricks, as well as being a colour match. “Finding the right colour mortar to match the pale Danish bricks was key. These bricks were handmade, so we needed the mortar that integrated with the historic Edwardian building to create a seamless whole. “When planning the project, we recognised the importance of lime products, because of the material’s sturdiness and robustness. This means it doesn’t wear with structural movements and changes in the seasons. “That’s why Lime Green was the perfect fit for the project. With an extensive colour range, the team was able to colour-match the mortar with the materials of the new building perfectly. The consistency between the samples Lime Green gave us and the final product delivered was incredible, which was important given the scrutiny by Westminster City Council over the project and the appearance of the new building. “The flexibility of the products also helped us to minimise the amount of movement joints, as it accommodated movement in a much more forgiving way than other products, such as modern cement mortars. “We really enjoyed working with the Lime Green team – they were easy to work with, responsive and very supportive of the project. As we couldn’t store a huge amount of supplies on site, Lime Green was very accommodating in delivering exactly what we needed, at the right time. “The best part was that we were able to develop a solution with Lime Green that supported the original building’s beautiful aesthetic and historic character, with a new building that pays similar attention to detail.” A sustainable, natural and beautiful finish “People love the building, and neighbours even call it ‘the golden citadel’. It’s widely recognised in the local community for its high-quality, beautiful finish,” continues Jennifer. “One of the Fire Station’s previous residents – who had moved out during construction – has moved back after the restoration works and loves the development. That was the icing on the cake for us, it really felt as though our vision had materialised – enhancing people’s experience of new buildings made with sustainable and natural materials that stand the test of time. “The Westminster Fire Station development truly looks beautiful, and the quality of the natural and sustainable products used has a huge role to play in that. Lime Green’s product quality and customer service is outstanding. We’re already working with Lime Green on another project, and we can’t wait to see the finished result,” concludes Jennifer. “It was a pleasure to see our Hydraulic Lime Mortar used on this new development project. We’ve loved working with Openstudio Architects on Westminster Fire Station, and we’re glad to be working with them on their next project,” comments Simon Ayres, co-founder and managing director, Lime Green Products. For more information about the Westminster Fire Station project and the products used, visit Lime Green or call 01952 728 611.

The revamp of this regional flagship shopping centre was a time-critical project. During construction, the existing retail businesses and visitor access needed to be kept to a minimum. Steintec's tuffset G was used in the preparation of the bedding, priming and jointing mortars to achieve earliest trafficking wherever possible. The proven capability of tuffset G to achieve this in ONLY 3 HOURS was used to great effect minimising disruption and inconvenience for the duration of the project.

866,000 tiles were fixed in the London Aquatics Centre, which formed the gateway to the Olympic Park. Products used: ARDEX WPC Waterproof Protection System, ARDEX S 7 Flexible Waterproof Coating for Floors and Walls, ARDEX S 21 Rapid Hardening Floor Tile Bedding Mortar, ARDEX X 77 MICROTEC Flexible Wall & Floor Tile Adhesive, ARDEX-FLEX FL Rapid Setting Flexible Tile Grout for Wide Joints.

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

MJ Quinn and subcontractors, HT Installations Limited, have used UltraCrete’s market-leading Flowable Installation System to repair a faulty carriageway frame and cover on the B4299 in Carmarthen.BackgroundA large section of a rural road in Carmarthen was severely damaged. The area in question is located at the bottom of a hill and over time, the relentless force in which cars and tractors have hit the road surface has severely deformed the surface.The consequence of this damage also caused structural damage to a nearby carriageway frame and cover.The ChallengeLocated on the B4299, this rural road is the main thoroughfare for the village, with tractors and cars using the road daily. The repair needed to be carried out quickly to minimise disruption, and most importantly, it needed to be a first time permanent repair to prevent any further disruption and damage to the surrounding road surface.In this instance, HT Installations Limited, the subcontractor working on behalf of MJ Quinn, the main contractor for Wales for Openreach, were only responsible for repairing the frame, cover and trim back area. However, in order to prevent further deterioration caused by the deformed road surface, HT Installations went above and beyond and replaced the heavily deteriorating asphalt on the CW2 frame and covers leading edge. This would ensure a longer life expectancy for the new carriageway frame and cover installation and avoid costly return visits.The SolutionHT Installations Limited utilised UltraCrete QC10 F flowable fibre modified concrete to repair the brickwork chamber and their Envirobed® Flowable Installation System to install the replacement CW2 frame and cover – a process used by Openreach for all their carriageway repairs.To begin, the entire area was excavated and spoil removed. The contractors assessed the chamber and utilised the Mortar Buoy® installation aid within the chamber as an alternative to formwork/shuttering. They proceeded to mix and pour UltraCrete QC10 F, rapid set flowable concrete, to repair the damaged concrete chamber. Utilising Mortar Buoy® significantly speeds up the repair process, helping to save you time and money.QC10 F sets in less than 20 minutes, so a very short time after being poured, Mortar Buoy® was re-inflated inside the chamber and the CW2 frame dropped into position ready for levelling with the existing road surface. A sand bund was then formed 50mm beyond the flange edge, as opposed to shuttering, to retain the flowable mortar.UltraCrete Envirobed® CD534 Flowable Red was mixed and applied to fully encapsulate the frame flange up to 20mm above and 50mm beyond the frame edge. Envirobed® CD534 sets within 20 minutes, allowing the sand bund to be swept clear and site prepared for hot asphalt application, really quickly.ResultsThanks to the rapid high strength gain and setting superior performance qualities of UltraCrete’s Flowable Installation System, HT Installations were able to carry out their repairs quickly, safely and permanently, much to the delight of MJ Quinn, Openreach and the local residents.

The Rowe is a new architecturally designed office space in Whitechapel London, where tradition meets innovation. With outside space on every level, the building sets a sustainable benchmark for new office space in central London. The new elements mimics the horizontal banding of the 1960s concrete building as well as contrasting with a steel structure and dark metal palette.The architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, had used KEIM previously. They contacted KEIM as they wanted a sustainable product in keeping with their core values. Samples were carried out, as shown in the photo below, to determine the most suitable colour.First off, KEIM Concrete Repair Mortar (KEIM Concretal-MR 2.0) was used for large repairs within the concrete. KEIM Fine Finishing Mortar (KEIM Concretal-FSP 0.2) was then used for levelling repairs as it is a much finer aggregate mix.KEIM Soldalit CL018, a light grey colour, was chosen to compliment the steel structure and due to its characteristics, was applied onto the previously painted surface without the need for a primer. It is fire resistant – A2-s1, d0 classified and Cradle to Cradle certified.The Rowe has been shortlisted for an AJ Retrofit Award 2023 in the Workspace (£10m and over) category. It was also awarded BREEAM ‘Excellent’, WELL ‘Platinum’ and received SmartScore certification.

Union Court is located in the Clapham area of South West London. It is made up of bright and varied workspaces to rent.Anton Boekhoudt of KEIM Mineral Paints was contacted by GPAD Architects as they were looking to update and change the façade of the building from a plain stock yellow brick colour. The architect wanted to use a breathable coating as a way of changing the appearance. Changes were also to be made to the window details and signage for the building along with new cladding areas. From their conversation an initial site unseen specification was produced.Following a site visit with the architect and Anton, sample trials commenced. Anton initially produced seven samples using KEIM Soldalit and KEIM Restauro Lasur in a selection of colours. Once GPAD Architects reviewed the samples, two further samples were applied on a larger scale. One sample with the mortar joints painted using KEIM Restauro Lasur and the other without. The preferred option was the brick faces painted only.KEIM Restauro Fixativ was applied to all brick faces and mortar joints. A 1:1 ratio mix of KEIM Restauro Lasur, in colour RB001, and KEIM Restauro Fixativ was then applied to the brick faces only. Two decorating companies worked on this project – Restore & Preserve and Chameleon Brickwork, who both used different techniques. Restore & Preserve used a spray technique after masking up all mortar joints, whereas Chameleon Brickwork hand painted each brick face. Both techniques have worked brilliantly, and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.Graeme Winestone of GPAD Architects commented “We are delighted with the service that KEIM offered, including plenty of colour choices and on-site samples that allowed us and the client to make an informed colour choice for the finish of the brickwork.The existing building was given a new lease of life by the use of KEIM Paints, creating a uniform brick colour which complemented the new façade alterations.Frequent site visits provided by KEIM gave us peace of mind with regards to surface preparation and application of the KEIM products producing a very satisfactory end results.”

Premcrete assisted BAM Nuttall on the Heathrow Tunnel project to undertake refurbishment work on the main and cargo access tunnels to the airport.The Challenge:Heathrow Airport has awarded BAM Nuttall a contract valued at more than £85m to undertake refurbishment work on the main and cargo access tunnels to the airport.Part of the refurbishment works was to carry out concrete repairs to the spalled concrete using an R4 Structural Mortar in accordance with BS EN1504.The Solution:Premcrete supplied BAM Nuttall with Teknocem S which met the performance specification.