"multimedia presentation systems"

In 1960 SieMatic presented the first handle-free kitchen the shape international kitchen design. Today, the minimalist aesthetic of the handle-free kitchen has become a central element of purist interior design style. Over the decades, SieMatic has reinterpreted the concept and kept it up to date and has now completely re-thought it all over again. The result is a concept that underscores the East Westphalian company’s decades-long leadership in international kitchen design. The new, timelessly elegant design, materials and functionality perfect the SieMatic PURE style collection and enrich its emotional qualities.

Brick manufacturer Vandersanden presents an enhanced series of seven engaging and informative CPD webinars including their newest CPD ‘Brick: circularity, sustainability and innovation’. The sessions are part of Vandersanden’s portfolio of learning and development tools, aimed at architects and specifiers, to help build their knowledge base and keep them updated on new techniques and innovations in brick manufacturing.Vandersanden’s informative CPD webinar series is designed to be concise yet packed with useful information to inspire architects to learn more about the creative design potential of bricks.Mathew Davies, National Specification Manager for Vandersanden comments:“Vandersanden is one of Europe’s most innovative producers of bricks and our CPD modules, many of which are RIBA approved, have already had great feedback from our partners at architectural practices. Following their response, we’ve extended our CPD programme, based on requests for more diverse and in-depth brick topics, and our new CPD on sustainability is proving particularly popular. We aim to make the sessions as interactive as possible, with plenty of time for live Q&A with team members during, and at the end of each session.”The webinar series consists of seven CPD sessions, which take place on the first Wednesday of every month. The CPD series includes the following:RIBA Certified CPD #1– Brick basicsThis CPD explores the origins and anatomy of brick, as well as covering the main brick types and commonly used configurations and bonding patterns. The CPD also discusses the influence of joints and mortar, accommodating building movement and important considerations when specifying brick.RIBA Certified CPD #2 – How to avoid brick stains and efflorescenceThis CPD explains about the discolouration issues commonly experienced with brickwork facades and the reasons behind the different types of staining that occur. The course then covers the preventative methods that can help avoid this efflorescence and the protective role that innovative coated bricks can play.CPD #3 The brick - From the fundamentals to inspired designAn introduction to the different types of clay brick and the range of sizes, colours, textures and finishes available to help create inspired building design. This CPD reveals some of the key technical considerations and will help attendees learn more about brick as a sustainable building product.CPD #4 The brick - Special techniques & innovationsThis CPD explores some of Vandersanden’s new brick innovations and how different manufacturing techniques are used to deliver their unique range of bricks. The webinar then looks at a number of project examples that demonstrate how these can be applied to create beautifully inspired building designs.RIBA Certified CPD #5 – Textured brickworkThis CPD demonstrates the texture effects that can be achieved when specifying and designing clay brick facades. The webinar explores how texture can be used to enhance building aesthetics and then looks at the main brick types, relevant bonding patterns and technical considerations.RIBA Certified CPD #6 – Movement in brickworkThis CPD shows how to accommodate movement in brickwork, and the possible causes and types of movement. It looks at where to position vertical and horizontal movement joints and discusses the technical considerations for cavity wall construction in relation to movement joints.RIBA Certified CPD #7 - Brick: circularity, sustainability and innovationThis CPD looks at how bricks are manufactured sustainably, the important role innovation plays in reducing the use of clay through the manufacture of thin bricks and manufactured brick slips, brick and the circular economy and innovations in brick sustainability including carbon negative bricks.Mathew Davies, National Specification Manager for Vandersanden concludes:“Vandersanden is committed to sharing our expertise and providing inspiration that supports our collaboration with architects and specifiers, this CPD series continues to help build our professional partnership community.”To register to attend and to find out more click on the 'View more' link

“We have used products from CMS Danskin Acoustics on a variety of projects and always found them a good company to work with and very helpful to deal with,” said Gerry Winter, Allied Acoustics.The Council’s room was designed for holding meetings, training sessions and information days; but the acoustics in the room were distracting and the internal reverberation meant that hearing people speaking was difficult. CMS Danskin Acoustics engaged with the architect at East Renfrewshire Council to agree on the best solution without compromising on aesthetics, and ensuring they could offer the best value.The SolutionFollowing an on-site consultation at the Council with an external acoustician, CMS Danskin Acoustics was brought on-board to supply 25 SuperPhon® Acoustic Rafts; which are specially designed to reduce reverberation times and to improve listening environments. In addition, the tiles are available in a range of attractive colours meaning that the aesthetics of an internal building are not lost, which was of high importance to the Council. “The SuperPhon® Acoustic Rafts were chosen because they fitted with the style of the building, the need to retain the exposed roof structure and the fact that the fabric colour choice provided a less commercial ‘office feel’ to the final installation,” said Andrew Eaddy, East Renfrewshire Council.The ResultsFollowing the installation, CMS Danskin Acoustics carried out some calculations to evaluate how successful the Acoustic Rafts were performing. The team found that they had managed to bring the reverberation time down from 1.8 seconds to 0.8 seconds, ensuring a much-improved sound quality to the room for its multi-purpose activities.“The client was very happy with the end product at Rouken Glen and there was a substantial sound reduction after the panels were installed,” continued Gerry. “Overall we were very pleased with the results and the chosen product. The ease and speed of the installation, thanks to the bespoke fitting, meant that it wasn’t long before we were able to use the communal room again. We’re really pleased with the finish too, it’s exactly what we had in mind for the space,” concluded Andrew.

This museum is the native home of Enzo Ferrari, this is the house where he first opened his work shop. London architectural studio “Surface Design” were responsible for the creation of this futuristic exhibition gallery. The ceiling gallery comprises of 2700 m² of Barrisol sheet Blanc mat. The walls of the studio are covered with 270 m² of Barrisol sheets Lumiere and Lumiere color and have images, movies and historical documents projected in a multimedia as a permanent part of the exhibition. Architects: Jan Kaplicky (Future Systems) and Andrea Morgante (Shiro Studio).

The metal gutter to this gymnasium in Eastbourne was corroded and leaking. Liquasil's Gutterseal system was specified because it could easily cope with some unusual protrusions present in the gutter. Heaqvy rust was removed and the surfaces treated with SWT Primer - a marine quality corrosion treatment. Joints were sealed using Non-Sag Sealer, which has 1400% elasticity and then the entire gutter was coated with Liquasil One to provide a flexible, seamless and permanent gutter lining.

Sainsbury's Murrayfield is a new, busy superstore located in the heart of Edinburgh, catering for large numbers of customers and staff. For such a high traffic area, and where security is paramount, System M was specified to meet these needs and offer piece of mind. Its unique emergency release mechanism allows access within 30 seconds and a sturdy design is ideal to withstand the heavy usage. There was also the requirement for the washroom facilities to follow the corporate identity present throughout all Sainsbury's branches.

With the ability to power over 590,000 UK homes from a total capacity of 660 mw, Walney Extension is set to be the biggest offshore wind farm in the world when it is commissioned at the end of 2018.The project is 100% owned by Ørsted and required a new cable corridor to be installed to its Electrical Substation near Heysham.The BriefProtecting Critical National Infrastructure in the Utilities Industry presents a number of challenges that had to be overcome.External Perimeter to offer guaranteed delay against attackAll fencing to be earthed or offer non conductive featuresInternal Fencing to include multiple systems including Rigid Mesh and GRP in same fence lineExternal Perimeter and Physical Access Control to be compatible with power fencing (electric fencing) to meet security requirementsInternal Fencing to be base plated

The Porter Building presented a range of demanding challenges for the Aquarian team but now complete, this ?agship project has transformed a key development area in central Slough. Thanks to...

The Project Warehouse refurbishment to house trampoline centre.Jump Nation intend to open centres across all major towns and cities in the UK as popularity soars.The Challenge Propose a robust system suitable for heavy use environment. Changing Cubicles and matching WC Cubicles finished in the company’s vibrant colour scheme. Powder coat ironmongery to match companies branding.     The SolutionExcelsior T-Line range fitted the project brief perfectly for Jump Nation, offering a robust system with a modern and minimalist feel incorporating a powder coated extruded satin anodised aluminium pilaster and headrail presenting a sleek & slimline façade.Offering consistency, excellent service, quality products and strong working relations Excelsior look forward to supporting the team at Jump Nation with their planned progression to open trampoline parks across all major towns and cities in the UK.SpecificationProduct Range: T-Line 12mm Solid Grade LaminateDoors: P112 PrunePilaster: SAA RAL 5012Partition: P112 PruneIronmongery: SAA RAL 5012

The Britannia Leisure Centre, located in Hackney, North London, is a community-focused project spearheaded by Morgan Sindall.This visionary initiative presented an array of complex construction challenges, including the creation of two full-sized five-a-side football pitches and two full-sized tennis courts on the roof, requiring fencing and netting reaching a height of eight metres.The completion of the Britannia Rooftop MUGA project marks a significant milestone for CLD Systems and Perimeter Solutions. The project highlights their ability to overcome complex design and installation challenges, pushing the boundaries of physical security solutions.The Britannia Leisure Centre has received significant recognition and multiple award nominations, including the 2022 RICS Community Benefit award and Architect’s Journal: Community Impact of the Year Award.

The £50m Business School for the University of the West of England, located in the proposed ‘Heart Zone’ of the Frenchay Campus masterplan, provides a new home for the Faculty of Business and Law. The vision behind the design was around transparency, visibility, and collaboration. The 17,000 square metre iconic building, which spans seven floors, includes large areas of collaborative space for students, visitors and staff to meet.Impressive AtriumCirculation around the Bristol Business School is obvious and highly visible from the main atrium where the Lusso 105 frameless double glazed system was installed. The system needed to be designed for imposed line load and potential wind load within the space. The glazed atrium, which is the heart of the building, incorporates a variety of social learning and flexible meeting spaces.Sleek DesignThe two wings of accommodation contrast to reflect the accommodation uses within and the orientation of the building on the site for environmental purposes. For these, the Lusso 105M double glazed framed system which complimented the other atria screens and enabled the slim ghost post mullion to incorporate the integral blind control mechanism.The multi award winning project was delivered to Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 maturity. The FIS, a representative body for the finishes and interiors sector, presented Lusso with the Silver Award in Partitioning for the Business School at their annual awards ceremony. These awards are held annually and are designed to ‘promote and encourage highs levels of craftsmanship’.  

The Fitzalan is a high-end student accommodation building located right in the heart of Cardiff city. As well as a variety of modern bedroom accommodation ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, the communal spaces include a cinema room, game rooms, luxury ‘snugs’ , an on-site gym, a common room and a communal kitchen.The present accommodation was created back in 2017 when a series of one- and two-storey vertical extensions were added to the existing buildings to increase the size of the accommodation to a total of 357 beds.The Fitzalan’s present owners McLaren Property, are in the process of selling the building. The new owner has requested a full upgrade of all electrical installations and fire safety measures prior to completion. As all accommodation has a fully kitted out kitchen with a combi microwave and hob, fire prevention in these areas was considered of particular importance. The buildings new owners specified that the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard be fitted as standard in all 313 apartments and studios in addition to the existing fire suppression system.

The Project £12m investment into a new facility at Dudley College will enable the college to specialise in training people working in construction using brand new/state of the art apprentice standards. On completion of the project, the college have pledged approx. half a million pounds sponsorship into Dudley Academies Trust which will benefit a number of local schools and enable the sharing of resources and expertise. The ChallengeDeliver a package that will inspire the students and present a true representation of the quality and standards expected in the construction industry. Install a full height, flush frontage cubicles system in a warehouse style space with ceiling heights exceeding four meters. Use local trades and services to the Black Country. Offer non-standard products to class-room areas. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles installed on 150mm leg with upgraded stainless steel fittings. Complementary Duct panelling installed to house cisterns and associated plumbing work.Manufacture and install Solid Grade Laminate workstations in the classrooms.

There are two options to compensate for the heat loss in hot water distribution pipes: using a temperature maintenance cable or a re-circulation pipe. Which option is more sensible from an energy point of view, when using a condensing boiler for hot water generation? A study by the Technical University in Dresden addresses the question of which option is more energy-efficient.The results presented show that a single pipe hot water system that compensates for heat losses with a self-regulating temperature maintenance cable is a better solution.

In April 2016, the world-renowned London School of Economics announced that Grafton Architects were to design their next major project. The Marshall Building at 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, built by Mace Group, includes an extensive two-storey, mixed-use basement that will house plant areas, squash courts, changing facilities and a sports hall, covering a total of over 2,250m2 of floorspace and presenting quite the project for Newton Specialist Contractor Cast Contracting Ltd (CCL).Newton Specialist Contractor CCL were appointed to design, supply and install the waterproofing by principal contractor Mace Group in late 2019.To provide a completely dry, guaranteed solution on such a high profile project, CCL recommended the Newton CDM System.Otherwise known as Type C waterproofing, the CDM System is the safest and most reliable form of waterproofing.Prior to installation, CCL applied Newton 906 Lime Inhibitor to the new slab to prevent free lime from the concrete from affecting the drainage membranes. The Type A liquid waterproofing membrane Newton 103-S was also applied internally to many of the concrete surfaces as a barrier to water.With preparations complete, over 2,250m2 of Newton 520 eco membrane was installed to the floor and over 570m2 of Newton 508 membrane installed to the walls to create the Newton CDM System. A drainage system of Newton Basedrain channels also directs any water captured by the membranes to the point of discharge, and the whole system was sealed with Newton OverTape.Despite requiring dedicated delivery slots, and working to an extremely tight program of work, CCL were praised on the quality and speed of their installation, which was completed well within the time limit.The Newton recycling service was also a great success, recycling 115 kg of HDPE waste and therefore preventing over 132 kg of CO2 emissions.

“We are building a structure for the future, not just a team of all-stars” announced Sheikh Mansour in 2008 with reference to Manchester City Football Club.Six years and £200m later, Mansour’s vision has been realised in the Etihad Training Complex; an 80-acre site where over 450 players train each week. The site, home to 17 football pitches and a 7,000-seat stadium for reserve matches, is an epitome of innovation and state-of-the-art design that CLD is proud to have contributed to.The BriefCreating a world class training complex presents a number of key requirements when it comes to the external, internal fencing systems and physical access control.An external perimeter to LPS 1775 SR1Swing gates with guaranteed delay of at least 3 minutes against attackFast operation cycle main gates to prevent tailgatingPitch separation that allows clear viewAbility to stop balls leaving the training area up to 6m in heightMust compliment the Manchester City brandMUGA fencing that can withstand impact from Professional PlayersFull Operation and Maintanence Schedules ProducedCAD Design and ‘as-built drawings’ of all systems used on the project

Heavy rainfall on the Orkney Islands meant that the basement room of Kirkwall Air Traffic Control Tower suffered from frequent flooding, with water levels reaching 1.2m at their highest point. Newton Waterproofing and Specialist Contractor Wise Basement Systems were called in to remove the existing water and then waterproof the structure to protect it from future flooding, all in just one week.Kirkwall airport is located on the main island of the Orkneys, 10-miles off the North coast of Scotland. Presented with a logistically challenging location and a tight project timescale of just 1 week, Newton had no hesitation in recommending the expertise of Wise Basement Systems as the specialist contractor to Building Surveyor Pick Everard.Getting involved at the very start of the project, Wise were immediately able to design, advise on and install a system to remedy the 2 inches of water in the existing basement of the Air Traffic Control tower.Cavity Drain Waterproofing, or ‘Type C’ waterproofing as it is defined by BS 8102:2009 is often the most effective means of achieving a completely dry ‘Grade 3’ environment in an existing structure below ground. It was therefore no surprise that Wise Basement Systems designed a Newton CDM System for this existing basement area.To begin, Wise installed 120m2 of Newton 508 on the walls and 80m2 of the recycled Newton 520 eco to the floor, above the closed-cell Fibran XPS 500-C insulation. The drainage membranes were supplemented with a perimeter channel of Newton Basedrain, directed to a Titan-Pro sump chamber containing two NP400 Pumps to remove the water.Finally, to ensure that the system will continue to work in all eventualities, even in a complete power outage, Wise installed a backup system with dual Northstar batteries and a Victron Power Inverter.Even with a project located 10 miles from the mainland, and 1 week to waterproof a basement with only a 600mm wide access hatch, Wise Basement Systems delivered a completely dry space for the client that was also compliant with BS 8102:2009 and backed by their guarantee.

The striking angular design of the £16 Million, five-storey headquarters for safety equipment specialists Arco, forms part of the regeneration of the historic waterfront Fruit Market area in Hull. To the front elevation, the stunning façade created using Senior’s thermally efficient SF52 curtain wall makes a tremendous first impression, whilst SPW501 PAS24 certified commercial doors and Secured By Design Certified SPW600 windows ensure safety and security.With its glass fronted atrium, open plan work spaces, social meeting areas and auditorium for presentations, Arco now has the facilities to meet future needs as the company continues to grow. 

Newton System 500 fulfils all Listed Building requirements in this Georgian Manor House. Newton Pumping Systems installed to manage waste water, including two Newton Titan pumps and battery backup systems.

Architect: Allan Murray AssociatesMain Contractor: Cruden Home (East) Ltd.Installer: MetalTech Roofing and Cladding limitedAllan Murray Architects were the master planners and principal architects for the £150 million transformation of the former Caltongate area in the Old Town in Edinburgh. The site links Waverley Station with the historic Royal Mile, Covering approximately 7 acres this new urban centre mixes open spaces with retailers, restaurants, hotels and new homes and offices in this important area of the Edinburgh. Peakmoor was the stone of choice as it has a long history in the City.The project presents a major new Aztec rainscreen facade in the Peakmoor sandstone with balconies and a fully glazed iconic feature tower. A truly wonderful building with flexibility; lightweight, A1 non-combustible Aztec Natural Stone Cladding.

Student Loans Company (SLC) are a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to students in colleges and universities in the UK. Since 2008, one of SLC’s main offices has been located in the North Eastern town of Darlington at The Memphis Building.What was once part of a wool factory is now a leading open plan workspace for hundreds of staff. Over the last fifteen years, the interior has undergone a number of major changes to accommodate the SLC team’s ever changing needs – including the design, manufacture and installation of multiple Glide moving panel systems we delivered in 2021.SLC wanted to implement a solution that would allow them to re-configure the large, open plan and create smaller more private areas for staff when required. All panels are top-hung, meaning there is no obtrusive floor track. Despite this, each individual panel can be locked in to position thanks a foot-operated compression bolt.Half of the panels are equipped with a drywipe surface which allows for extra writing space during team meetings, presentations, brainstorming sessions and more.The other half of the panels feature PET polyester, which incorporates custom cut-out shapes in a variety of colours. In addition to providing a uniquely textured finish, the PET panels offer protection from noise distraction thanks to the material being sound absorbent.The aluminium panel frames – which have been painted to match the PET finishes on show – ensure durability, increasing the system’s lifespan.

Take a look at the various systems on display at our showroom based in Clerkenwell, London - including a range of both solid and glass partitions.

Newton System 500 provides a complete waterproofing solution for a boathouse situated on the River Thames, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor Stonehouse. Newton Waterproofing Systems were contacted to provide a solution for a delightful boat house on the River Thames.The property originally had a wet dock but this had been back filled and capped with a concrete floor. The client wished to use the ground floor as a bedroom, but during a recent flood the water level had reached 500mm internally.Newton System 500 provided the ideal solution, as it works by redirecting the water, rather than trying to hold water back – which would be impossible under such pressurised conditions. Newton 508 Mesh was chosen for the walls, Newton 520 to the floor with a Newton Basedrain ring around the perimeter. Two Newton Titan Pro pump systems were used, which included a battery back up system.Newton System 500 was installed to this property by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor Stonehouse BasementsRather than holding water pressure back, therefore, it was accepted that the river would penetrate the structure and would be pumped out. The system is designed so that ingressing water is depressurised by the Basedrain and then moved around the Basedrain ring to the two Titan sump chambers. The chambers each had 40mm discharge lines exiting the structure. Both pump systems had non-return valves so if the river rose over the level of the pipe the pumps would still be effective.The full waterproofing system was installed in a little over a week. The major test came when the River Thames rose against the property to a depth of over one metre! The Newton System 500 waterproofing system coped with the water ingress as designed. At the height of the flooding, all three pumps in each sump chamber were operational. The system proved to be fully successful.

The National Flooring Company, a Degafloor Ltd approved installer, have received another complimentary review following a kitchen refurbishment on the 23rd floor at a popular 4-star hotel in Manchester. Making the most of the quieter, New Year period, the hotel decided to upgrade their kitchen floor. Having worked at other locations for the popular hotel chain, The National Flooring Company were contacted to provide advice and following a successful proposal, were asked to complete the refurbishment. The kitchen, which is situated on the 23rd floor, required meticulous planning to ensure that works could be completed with minimal disruption to the hotel’s guests. The existing vinyl floor within the kitchen had become worn and brittle and sections were beginning to lift, causing a potential trip hazard. The vinyl floor was removed to expose the tiled finish underneath. Any loose tiles that had debonded from the floor were also removed and infilled with Degafloor Deep Fill, quick curing repair mortar.The National Flooring Company laid a scrape coat, embedded with a promesh reinforcing membrane, prior to the installation of the Degafloor Full Broadcast System (FB). The Degafloor FB system is broadcast with rounded aggregate to provide an anti-slip finish and retains this feature even in wet conditions to ensure employee safety is always maintained. As with all Degafloor systems, they are seamless and impervious, ensuring the floor will not lift, as previously experienced with the existing vinyl floor finish. Degafloor MMA resin flooring systems are fully cured within 2 hours of installation, allowing the hotel to resume normal kitchen operating procedures shortly after completion. MMA resins have a distinctive odour, but with the correct management, installations can progress with very little disruption. The National Flooring Company used the kitchen extraction system and sealed all doorways to contain and manage the odour.The project was completed to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer, Hilton MCR, who commented on how good the floor looked. “The restaurant being on the 23rd floor presented a logistical challenge.  However, after careful planning and consideration of our hotel operations, The National Flooring Company completed the installation efficiently and to a high standard.  We were impressed with the service from start to finish.”

We have been selected by architects IBI Group and construction group, Tilbury Douglas, to manufacture and install healthcare furniture for a project improving the obstetric and neonatal facilities at Glangwili General Hospital, Carmarthen. The furniture contract is for the value of £100,000.The contract win follows the Welsh Government’s £25.2 million investment into the obstetric and neonatal facilities at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Glangwili Hospital as part of its Design For Life Framework. The project is divided into 4 phases: Phase 1 of the project has already been completed, Phase 2 is underway at present and the entire project should be completed by early 2023.David Bailey has a strong presence in Wales and we had recently carried out some successful, substantial contracts there, as part of notable projects in the area, that had come to the attention of Interserve. 

Triton Systems supplied waterproofing systems specified by waterproofing design specialists, Ink Technical Services, for the upgrade to a below ground car park in North London. BS 8102 (2009) recommends the involvement of a waterproofing specialist at the design stage of any below ground waterproofing project. Involving an expert at this stage also minimises the risk of system failure in the future.

The Bishop Auckland refurbishment project, is a stellar example of K Systems ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Durham Homes commissioned K Systems to refurbish its residential development of 120 terraced houses. The primary aim of this project was to improve the thermal performance rating of each home. The challenge for K Systems was to provide a suitable EWI solution whilst retaining the character of the homes by replicating the existing brick and stone walls.Due to this unique mix of required finishes, we were presented with an extremely complex project that required careful attention of several aesthetic and design considerations.Having a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver clients’ visions, we worked in collaboration with our approved installer Westdale Group, to scope out the project and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.These poorly insulated brick and stone terraced houses were given a thermal upgrade to enhance occupier comfort. An attractive brick render finish was used over insulation to provide an aesthetic finish that is in keeping with the current street scene.This satisfied the client’s requirements whilst providing a total revamp for the properties, which has resulted in energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing homes for the client and residents.Our ServiceWe worked in collaboration with Durham Homes and approved installer Westdale Group to upgrade these poorly insulated brick and stone terraced houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Our Application Specialists visited the site regularly throughout the project working in collaboration with the approved contractor to ensure correct installation and detailing.As a result, we delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Durham Homes, and the residents of the newly improved homes.Joe Rogers at Westdale Group, said:“To deliver such a large project (120 houses), it requires multiple teams to work seamlessly together and have absolute trust in the other’s skill, vision, and judgement. That’s exactly what we had with K Systems on this Bishop Auckland project. The team’s innate understanding of pairing systems with finishes for optimal performance is second to none and together we delivered a best-in-class refurbishment which was an absolute pleasure.”Technical Project DetailsEffective demand planning and technical detailing ensured that the Durham Homes project was completed on time in March 2022.Having comprehensively assessed the project requirements, taking into consideration thermal u-value target, aesthetics and cost, our K Systems E BrickRend EWI system was specified. This high-performing system is lightweight utilising expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels that are enhanced with graphite to further enhance thermal performance.The E BrickRend system has a fire performance rating of B2-s1,d0. It’s low moisture absorption and resistance to mould growth ensures a high level of durability.The system was specifically tailored to meet the thermal performance criteria of the project. Utilising 90mm EPS panels, the target U-value of 0.30W/m2K was achieved, delivering the benefits of improved thermal comfort and lower heating costs for residents, whilst helping the local authority achieve it’s environmental carbon reduction targets.Several finish options were considered to meet the client’s requirement of replicating the existing brick/stone appearance of the properties whilst remaining within the project budget.K Systems specified BrickRend, a bespoke, specially formulated polymer render which was colour-matched to the existing masonry. It was then down to the skill of our approved installer to apply pigments to tint and shade the render surface and simulate the appearance of real stonework. The surface is then sealed to provide a long-term durability. A dash render finish was applied to the rear of the Bishop Auckland properties.This particular finish didn’t just ‘fit the bill’ at the time of delivery, but is an economic, durable, lightweight solution, easily applied, with an increased bond strength compared to sand and cement, which will protect the insulation and structural fabric of the homes from environmental deterioration in years to come.This customised finish and attention to detail is a perfect example of how K Systems works with all clients to fulfil any specific design criteria and go above and beyond the standard requirements to deliver superior quality.

BackgroundWith stunning southerly views across to the Isle of Wight and also westerley along the Solent to Hayling Island, Portsmouth and the Millenium Tower, Marineside, a development of three-storey properties at Bracklesham Bay, is a dream location for anyone to live.However, whilst a prominent beachfront location comes with spectacular sunsets and unrivalled tranquillity, it does leave buildings highly exposed and prone to weather damage.This was the case with the Marineside development which showed signs of high coastal corrosion and were in severe need of regeneration both aesthetically and internally to address thermal underperformance.K Systems teamed with CBG, Envirorend SE, and Harrington Design to complete the low-rise refurbishment project, with three main objectives:- Remediate problematic substrate- Improve thermal performance for the benefit of residents- Revitalise a tired and unattractive exteriorAs with all projects, K Systems began a detailed scope and specification process with full involvement from all parties, including deploying digital technology to provide an inspirational viewpoint for the client to understand what the refurbishment would look like at completion.Our ServiceFollowing extensive planning, K Systems brought the client’s vision to life and created a beautiful collection of revitalised waterside homes on the banks of Bracklesham Bay.The refurbishment of Marineside wasn’t a straightforward project and required comprehensive scoping to ensure optimal delivery and 100% satisfaction levels amongst current residents.Therefore, it is a notable triumph for K Systems to have delivered a successful project, within budget, without delay or compromise on quality, that not only met but exceeded the requirements and expectations of the client.Each structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing dwelling boasted excellent thermal performance properties, achieving a U-value of 0.30W/m²K, allowing residents to benefit from more thermally efficient homes and experience a reduction in energy consumption.K Systems in collaboration with CBG, Envirorend SE and Harrington Design delivered beautiful, clean, crisp, aesthetically attractive properties, each with a protective exterior finish which will provide resistance to the elements for years to come.Technical Project DetailsOnce the existing façade was removed it was clear that the block substrate had high level corrosion due to the harsh coastal environment it had endured since being built in the 1940s.Multiple areas of the three buildings had to be completely removed and replaced using a medium density block that achieved superior pull-out test results. This was a recommendation by K Systems which enforced confidence with not just the client but the homeowners too as the best way to ensure longevity of the buildings.The removal also revealed that the substrate was uneven and unsafe. K Systems identified that extensive dubbing out was also needed with these buildings. Dubbing out meant the insulation boards were installed line and level giving a crisp and professional finish.The Marineside buildings were solid block construction making them extremely inefficient and presented an expense to the homeowners during winter months due to insufficient thermal performance.Utilising its years of unparalleled expertise, K Systems specified the industry-proven Mineral Wool insulation system for the project to address the aged façade and significantly boost the thermal performance of the building.K Systems Mineral Wool insulation (a mat of rock fibres which prevents the movement of air) has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the Marineside refurbishment as it would combat the heating issues faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems 110mm Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- its level of fire resistance and non-combustibility, ensuring the building met all safety regulations required for residential buildings in England- its excellent acoustic properties, ensuring coastal noise absorption further enhancing the peaceful and tranquillity of the area- its environmentally friendly composition as it is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)Due to the coastal location and exposure to the elements, it was vital that this refurbishment guaranteed total water tightness. K Systems worked closely with the roof installers ensuring that the parapet details were correctly detailed making the system as a whole watertight.The exterior finish was just as important as the internal construction and detailing. The Bracklesham Bay area has a level of prestige and the aesthetics needed to reflect that. K Systems finished the Marineside complexes with a silicone thin coat render, which is extremely breathable and resistant to the elements, in shades Limestone White and Granite. This completely transformed the aesthetic of the residential blocks making them much more appealing to potential dwellers.Envirorend SE commented:“ We secured the refurbishment works at Marineside , for a good client and works started in January 2022. The scope of works was to make the 3 blocks more energy efficient. Situated directly on the beach, the location made the install very challenging as the weather was not very forgiving at that time of year. The existing substrate was all over the place so a lot of effort was put in to get the walls looking line and level while staying within the remit of the specification. Works were completed in July 2022 and to a very high standard for all to see. “

Berry Systems helped our client Wates become car park compliant by designing, manufacturing and installing our vehicle restraint systems. A combination of our RB1, Barrier Rail profile and a Bespoke Rectangular Hollow Section system was utilised to fulfil the client’s requirements and exceed their expectations.Redrock is a new leisure facility located in the centre of Stockport which has a 360 space multi-storey car park.Popular restaurants and a cinema now feature in the location to help provide localswith a safe, secure and modern leisure facility where they can relax. Berry Systems were keen to get involved in such a project and help contribute to the development ongoing in the area. Using our expertise of the car parking industry, we designed, manufactured and installed a system that met their requirements exactly.The RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) System we specified on the project was made bespoke and suited more to their aesthetic needs. We combined the vehicle restraint systems with handrail and mesh to provide additional pedestrian protection. Cladding rails were also created and supplied to support the exterior cladding that was specified on the project. Throughout this project, our client took advantage of our consultancy services to work together to create a solution that was compliant, safe, stylish and  satisfied both parties.

From two of the world’s biggest and busiest transportation hubs at London Heathrow and London Gatwick to other international airports at Bristol, Liverpool and Dublin, specialist products from Schlüter-Systems are ensuring that each is able to cope with the millions of pairs of feet and the millions of trolley and suitcase wheels that pass through their doors each year with flying colours.

Hart Door Systems has worked with a number of UK water companies to improve site security and efficiency. In particular the need to secure remote and often unstaffed but vitally important sites. Water sites have particular needs which require reliable and secure doors and the engineering expertise that Hart offer.The challenge This Yorkshire Water had 3 existing un-secure horizontal doors. These manual operation doors had fallen into disrepair and presented a security risk. Automatic doors were required to provide efficiency and security. The solution The Hart solution was to install its roller shutters, fitted in a customised way to suit the environment and to ensure security, ease of installation and minimum disruption. One of the things Hart has significant experience in is fitting doors that add security features but without the need for additional structural works. Disruption was further minimised by working in collaboration with the main construction contractor, scheduling the work to fit in with not only the day to day operations, but other work happening concurrently.Because of Hart’s experience on sites such, existing vital operations were worked around – which continued during the removal of the old doors and installation of the new. The success Several more SR rated doors are planned at the same site, so that the company can replicate the success and the improved security that has been provided.Hart has gained invaluable experience working with various water companies installing high specification SR rated security shutters. These doors meet an established set of standards to prevent unauthorised access and have been tested and shown to minimise the threat of certain intruder attacks.For those sites that need constant access by people and / or traffic, the Speedor brand of doors can provide additional high speed operation. Speedor and SR doors can be used in combination to give complete flexibility and the best of both worlds.

Supply and installed Wire Rope vehicle restraint system for our client Morgan Sindall on behalf of Associated British Ports in Southampton. Brisafe Wire Rope solution was installed that is affixed to the structural columns of the car park to assemble the unique system with zero footprint, maximising the car park space.

Triton approved contractors, Advance Property Preservation, installed a Type C (BS 8102 2009) structural waterproofing system in the construction of a luxury domestic basement. The property is a late Victorian, six-bedroomed detached home in Notting Hill, London.

Vaults are a common feature of 18th and 19th century buildings in Bath. Originally built to support the cobbled streets above and were a constructional response to the precipitous topography that surrounds Bath, in order to provide a level site. Many of the vaults within historic Bath suffer with water ingress and damp related problems. Incorporating best practice guidance - Type C Waterproofing Systems (BS 8102: 2009) a Type C System was used to keep this historic vault watertight and dry.

Client: Basra Sports City, Iraq Project Design: 360-Architecture Structural Engineering: Thornton Tomasetti Main Products Used: EMSEAL SJS SystemThis spectacular 65,000-seat, combined FIFA and Olympic event compliant stadium in the City of Basra, Southern Iraq, is built on geology that dictated the need for substantial seismic stadium expansion joints up to 400mm wide. The Project Design team had good experience on major projects with EMSEAL jointing systems for use in demanding situations such as stadium concourses, so they specified the EMSEAL SJS-Seismic Joint System. Each custom assembly was produced in our Toronto facility to the measured field dimensions for installation according to a detailed plan, with training at EMSEAL’s Boston, USA Training Centre, with a full-size mock-up of a tread-riser-tread assembly to match those in Basra. The EMSEAL SJS System ensures continuity of a watertight seal through changes in plane and direction, whilst accommodating the potentially high movement within the joints and without transferring any tensile stress to the structure. The system is free of any additional hard, noisy anchors or connections and does not present any slip or trip hazards. It also safely accommodates the high point loads of small-wheeled fork lifts and stacker trucks for facility maintenance crews and of course, the food and drink wagons and millions of footfalls per game from the fans. 

Pavillion Point is a Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development on London Road in the centre of Brighton in East Sussex, close to the University of Brighton's main campus. Managed by student accommodation specialist Fresh, the building provides 232 student rooms, dedicated social and study areas, a gym, cafe, multimedia space and landscaped courtyard as well as retail units on the ground floor. The five storey development, designed by Corstorphine & Wright, targeted BREEAM Excellent standards as well as high levels of acoustic performance.In addition to the TECHNAL windows, curtain walling, doors and sliding systems chosen, the external facade features a clay brick slip system for the ground to third floors with a grey rainscreen cladding on the set-back fourth floor. The use of TECHNAL's aluminum systems contributed to creating an A1 rated non-combustible facade, a client requirement given the increased focus on fire safety.To ensure high levels of natural light in the student room, the design features large floor to ceiling windows. The aluminium tilt before turn windows were installed above a fixed glazing panel to create this feature. The TBT windows were selected as the inward tilt opening provides suitable ventilation whilst ensure the safety of the residents. The aim of achieving BREEAM Excellent certification as well as the building’s location on a busy road meant that the door, window and curtain walling systems had to also meet a number of specific performance requirements, not least a high level of acoustic performance. This was a challenge due to the size of some of the panels included in the design. TECHNAL system allowed a 41dB sound reduction to be achieved while optimising the weight of the glazed units.