"natural insulation products"

This multi award-winning museum has taken form with a copper clad envelope featuring high quality rainscreen insulation and pitched roof insulation.

Clickfix sculpts the light in royal art & design studioBrett Martin supplied the polycarbonate panels used to glaze the striking northlights in the roof exhibition space in the new Battersea campus of the Royal College of Art, London which the college described as ‘the most significant campus development in their history’The architects brief was to bring together art, design, science and technology in one place and the building has been certified as BREEAM excellent.Marlon Clickfix pans across 2 vertical sections in the top floor of the 4-storey Studio Building dedicated to traditional art and design disciplines.The product was selected due to its ease of installation, thermal insulation and high levels of natural light which allows for large, glazed areas. The bright space and the sheer size of the glazing in this building illustrates the benefits of the product wonderfully and as stated by the guardian “The space beneath the big triangular skylights is glorious”. 

In the heart of Regent Street lies a hidden gem - Heddon Street, a vibrant hub bustling with fantastic bars and restaurants. Our latest installation of colourful planters has breathed new life into this thriving area, illuminating it with a burst of vibrant hues and the refreshing touch of nature. In collaboration with Landscape Architects Macgregor Smith and funded by the Crown Estate, this project has revitalised Heddon Street, creating an enchanting and captivating atmosphere for all to enjoy.FABRICATION AND DELIVERY OF CUSTOM PLANTERS The planters were fabricated, painted and filled with soil in our workshop in Sevenoaks. To minimise disruptions to the busy area, the planters were delivered to the site using a Hiab, a method chosen specifically for its efficiency and convenience. This careful logistical planning ensured a smooth installation process and minimised any disturbances to the street's vibrant atmosphere.PLANTING SELECTION AND SEASONAL VARIATIONSThe selection of plants was carefully curated to complement the vibrancy of the planters and create a captivating display throughout the seasons. Bright and blooming flowers were chosen to enhance the visual appeal during the summer months, infusing the street with an array of colours that delight the senses. Additionally, grasses were selected to provide visual interest and texture during the autumn and winter seasons, ensuring that Heddon Street remains captivating and engaging all year round.CREATING ENCHANTING OUTDOOR DINING AREAS THROUGH 'GREEN BOOTHS'The primary aim of this project was to create inviting and comfortable outdoor dining areas for the fantastic bars and restaurants that populate Heddon Street. To achieve this, the planters were strategically placed to create enclosed "green booths" where visitors can dine amidst the beauty of nature. These intimate and charming spaces offer a unique and immersive dining experience that sets Heddon Street apart from traditional outdoor dining settings. By harmoniously blending nature and culinary delights, visitors can enjoy their meals in a charming and refreshing atmosphere.THE POWER OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN ENHANCING URBAN SPACES WITH NATUREBiophilic design, which aims to integrate nature into our built environments, has been a key element in the revitalisation of Heddon Street. By integrating nature into the heart of the city, the colourful planters become a beacon of biophilic design, providing numerous benefits for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.BIOPHILIC DESIGN BENEFITS FOR BUSINESSESHere are a few key advantages:Enhanced Well-being and Productivity: Research shows that exposure to nature and natural elements can have a positive impact on people's well-being and productivity. Incorporating biophilic design in business spaces can reduce stress, boost mood, and increase overall job satisfaction among employees. Happier and healthier employees tend to be more productive and engaged, leading to improved business outcomes.Increased Customer Attraction and Retention: Biophilic design creates a welcoming and visually appealing atmosphere that can attract customers and keep them coming back. When businesses incorporate natural elements such as plants, water features, or natural lighting, it creates a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for customers. This positive experience can result in increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, higher revenues.Environmental Sustainability and Responsibility: Embracing biophilic design demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability and responsibility. By incorporating natural elements and practices such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling, and sustainable materials, businesses can showcase their dedication to eco-consciousness. This can resonate with environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders, enhancing the brand's reputation and attracting a broader customer base.Positive Brand Image and Differentiation: Businesses that adopt biophilic design can create a distinct and memorable brand image. By embracing the beauty and benefits of nature, companies can stand out in a crowded marketplace and differentiate themselves from competitors.

This consumer giant's office refurbishment, located under the Manchester Airport flight path is a calm and relaxed workspace. With employee wellbeing at the heart of the design brief, Milliken's biophilic inspired Northward Bound and Naturally Drawn cushion-backed modular carpet provides the perfect organic look with additional acoutics performance and underfoot comfort.

The design philosophy for this project was to create a highly-efficient and architecturally-stunning world class winery for Yealands Estate. Inspired by the landscape, the curved roof mirrors the shape of the nearby rolling hills, and the overall building is reminiscent of traditional family run countryside wineries.The building features a highly insulated envelope and is considered one of the most environmentally friendly wineries ever built.

The National College for High Speed Rail contains a variety of learning spaces inside a visually striking yet simple building shell formed from two intersecting blocks. The main entrance is defined by a simple yet striking cantilevered upper floor, providing a sheltered space in front of the building. To insulate this, Kingspan Kooltherm K110 Soffit Board was used. The boards were fixed directly to the soffits using thermally broken fasteners, making installation quick and simple. Kingspan Kooltherm K110 Soffit Board is a premium performance insulation board. It achieves a thermal conductivity of 0.018 W/m·K across all thicknesses.

The PROMAT ULTIMA® VIP range of ultra-thin vacuum insulated panels from Promat UK utilise next generation materials technology to deliver the highest levels of thermal insulation, without the bulkiness associated with traditional insulating products. With standard thicknesses of between just 10mm and 50mm, PROMAT ULTIMA® VIP panels are ideal for applications where space constraints pose a challenge to delivering on thermal goals. It is an effective insulation for a wide range of applications including structures, flat roofs and facades with the benefit of being manufactured by Promat in ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 14001:2015 factories for consistent quality assurance and traceability.

Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive.The house is a 190m² new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air.This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows.When asked, why Fakro roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying Fakro roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes.Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architect-owned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS).

The St Michael & All Angels church Birkenhead with a Natural Mill finish Aluminium designed by Richard O’Mahony of the F.X. Velarde Partnership opening in September 1965. Awarded RIBA Bronze Medal in 1967. Aluminium has changed very little over the decades remaining an established metal of choice. Extremely lightweight with a strength and durability liked by installers. The material structure makes it ideal for vertical cladding where a flat aspect is required. Bright Aluminium surfaces will adopt a Patina in favour of a matt grey tone.

Located in East London, on a water gateway between the River Thames and over 2,000 miles of navigable canals, the six-building Limehouse Basin development comprised of a white EPS insulation board that was fixed to horizontal PVC rails that created a drained cavity between the insulated façade system and the substrate.Due to strict regulations introduced in December 2018 following the Grenfell tragedy, which states any building exceeding 18 metres in height must have walls comprised of non-combustible materials, this building was deemed non-compliant, unsafe, and not fit-for-purpose.Development owners Beckford, supported by the Building Safety Fund (BSF), required an expert team to execute the removal of the existing EWI and replace it with an appropriate alternative, without disrupting the unique aesthetic of the building.The combination of K Systems and Retrofit UK, two companies renowned for their expertise, quality of service, and superiority in the market, was an obvious choice for Beckfords.We have a good portfolio of BSF projects to date, and Limehouse Basin is another great example of how our team along with one of our approved installers can help make a building fit for purpose, whilst overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Unrivalled expertise and professional delivery are apparent in every groove and corner of this refurbishment.Our ServiceTogether with Approved Installer Retrofit UK, K Systems continued works despite Covid restrictions (adhering to Government guidelines) to deliver the Limehouse Basin project within the agreed timeframe and with minimal disruption to residents as requested by the client.Removal of the existing EWI system took place in rotation with the installation of the new system, and a robust programme was put into place by the contractor to ensure the building was not exposed to the elements for long periods of time, ensuring the residents were kept as comfortable as possible especially during the winter months. Decanting of the residents did not take place, so we worked alongside all parties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents were prioritised during the works.Due to the nature of this project, technical monitoring from the K Systems team was increased, and weekly visits were planned along with a reactive approach to any on-site issues that arose from a technical perspective. Our technical teams actioned regular quality assessments and maintained open communication with all stakeholders.The result – an industry-leading insulated façade solution that fulfilled Beckfords’ criteria and delivered an outstanding architectural design and structure, fully compliant with fire regulations and boasting a better U-value which translates to better living conditions for the residents.Technical Project DetailsThe key objective for the Limehouse Basin project was to remove the non-compliant EWI system and replace it with a non-combustible system to meet current building regulations.Our team insist on being involved from the very concept of any BSF project to ensure an accurate specification could be developed and allow any initial underlying issues to be identified and rectified swiftly. Therefore, our Technical Team witnessed the removal of the existing system and inspected the substrate thoroughly.After extensive scoping, the K Systems M, mineral wool insulation, system with a silicone render finish was chosen as the preferred option, meeting the demands and needs of the client and current building regulations. This system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (an A2-s1, d0) bringing it in line with mandatory Government requirements for buildings over 18m tall.With superb acoustic qualities and excellent environmental properties, the M System didn’t just tick the fire resistance box. The thermal performance of the building was significantly enhanced, with a U-value of 0.30W/m².k being achieved.The shape of the buildings were complex, with numerous curved areas of various facades. This meant the finish required an expert eye and a skilled hand to deliver seamlessly. Both K Systems and Retrofit are renowned for their expertise and superiority in the market, and therefore such challenges were overcome, and high standards of workmanship delivered.Another very challenging aspect of the build was the replication of the rainscreen cladding to the front of the buildings. This detail was successfully created by using tape joints, stop beads, and black silicone mastic to create a shadow gap – further testament to the expert capabilities of our team. This particular finish not only delivered the desired aesthetic but delivered an additional benefit of cost savings for the client.We worked closely with Retrofit UK throughout the duration of the refurb and as a result the Limehouse Basin buildings have a contemporary finish and attractive aesthetic worthy of the projects postcode, and one we are confident existing residents welcomed and potential residents appreciated.

The benefits of natural daylight far outweigh those from artificial light. Natural daylight can have an effect on both your mental and physical health. We therefore outline below a few of the best ways to harness the benefits of this free resource, Natural Daylight, with your home or place of work.

Over 900 m² of Kooltherm and Therma products were installed as part of the restoration of a 19th century windmill, as featured on Channel 4’s Restoration Man series.

The size and poorly insulated design of the Avon Fire & Rescue Service's existing building makes it uneconomically expensive to maintain and run. To address this, the building is being demolished in stages with a new fire station being built on a much smaller footprint. The energy performance of the building envelope was a key consideration. A target U-value of 0.23 W/m²·K was set for the walls of the building. To help achieve this Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was specified. This has allowed the Service to not only save lives, but also energy and money.

The new £8.5m Allam Diabetes Centre at Hull Royal Infirmary plans to treat and care for patients with diabetes and metabolic bone diseases.It also includes a significant amount of clinical research facilities supporting not only diabetes and endocrinology, but also vascular surgery, neurology and other research departments. Its curved towers flank a glass entrance, which leads to a large waiting area and reception. Spread over three storeys are consulting rooms, specialist treatment rooms, office space and changing rooms as well as a roof terrace on the second floor. Designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’, the thermal performance of the insulation specified for the Allam Diabetes Centre’s flat roof was hugely important. Another crucial factor was fire safety. Although the application doesn’t fall under current fire regulations banning combustible insulation, the architect specified that only non-combustible materials should be used during construction.  Main contractors Zenith Developments appointed specialist contractors Fosters Roofing to install the roof. They in turn tasked DANOSA UK with supplying all the materials for the roof construction, including the insulation. “The build-up of the Allam Diabetes Centre was a single-ply warm roof with a tapered insulation scheme to provide the fall required for rainwater run-off,” explained Steve Downey, Commercial Director at DANOSA UK. “Tapered insulation schemes are always more difficult than traditional flat roofs, so we asked Knauf Insulation for technical advice on how to achieve the required U-value of 0.18 W/m2K.” The Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab. It is BBA certified for use on mechanically fixed flat roof build-ups and is suitable for all types of roof deck.  As well as excellent thermal performance, Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. It also provides excellent sound absorption so will help reduce the drumming effect of rainfall.  Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab contains a special water repellent additive and is manufactured using Knauf Insulation's Krimpact® Technology which provides high levels of compressive strength and durability. As the project was a tapered insulation scheme, Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab was manufactured to order to ensure the correct fall was created. The tapered insulation scheme wasn’t the only challenge with the Allam Diabetes Centre – it also features a curved façade, which added complexity for the installation team at Fosters Roofing.  Paul Foster, Managing Director at Fosters Roofing said: “Insulation needs to be carefully cut to the exact shape of the building otherwise heat can escape making it less energy efficient. Thankfully Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab was easy to cut and quick to install, so it wasn’t a problem.” Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab has also been designed to knit together during installation so there are no gaps that could affect thermal, fire or acoustic performance. By using Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab, Fosters Roofing and DANOSA UK were able to achieve the required specification for the tapered insulation scheme on the new Allam Diabetes Centre. This will contribute to the energy efficiency needed to achieve the BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. 

This case study takes the reader through the need and requirements for providing and implementing a combined smoke and natural ventilation system for the City Academy, Hackney .

BackgroundOccupying a prominent position on the Kingsway, The Curve development is a portfolio of 27 apartments. The key requirement for Cube Homes was to offer residents high quality, low carbon, affordable and sustainable apartments.After extensive planning, K Systems specified a direct fix system with mineral wool insulation and a silicone render finish. Our Direct Fix system for steel frame structures is KIWA BDA certified and provided the ideal solution for these newly constructed mid-rise apartments.Our team designed a façade solution that delivered modern, thermally efficient and aesthetically pleasing homes, meeting the client’s requirements.Our ServiceDue to the number of fixings and the curvature of the property, this was a technical project which required bespoke detailing.In collaboration with Bowker Sadler Architects and our approved installer Profac, we designed a comprehensive specification and were on-site when required, offering Profac technical and installation support throughout the build.The Direct Fix system specified is a cost-efficient solution for steel frame structures, with fewer components for a simpler and faster install. Direct Fix generates exceptional insulation and with a silicone render finish provides high levels of fire rating (A2,s1-d0), allowing Cube Homes to deliver safe and thermally efficient homes.Technical Project DetailsThe EWI needed to be line and level with the ground floor brickwork. To achieve this specific requirement, 300mm mineral wool (which is deeper than available mineral wool) was specified for the project. This meant 110mm and 190mm boards were combined to achieve the required 300mm.This thicker mineral wool meant that the curved elevation on the building was difficult to achieve. The insulation was facetted around the curve and carefully installed by Profac to create a seamless façade. The 300mm mineral wool resulted in a low U-value of circa 0.10 W/m²K, meaning heating costs for the apartments will be minimal and carbon usage will be reduced to a minimum standard.For the finish, silicone render (TC 15) was specified to create a striking curved elevation. Silicone TC incorporates the benefits of silicone technology to provide a water repellent finish with a fresh and modern appearance. The silicone allows water vapour to pass freely through the render whilst allowing the finish to remain weather resistant, making it the ideal solution for a low maintenance, long-term finish.

As residents have a varied degree of mobility, care was taken to ensure a level threshold on all doors to external spaces. To achieve this, whilst keeping the area well insulated, the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was specified. 40 mm Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was installed on the terrace below Kingspan Thermaroof TR27 LPC/FM. Kingspan OPTIM-R panels were also installed on the balconies, with matching thicknesses of flex infill strips laid around the edges. A further layer of Kingspan Thermataper TT47 LPC/FM was installed above this, providing a fall to the gutter.

A fine cooperation from our clients - the floor screed specialists at B Doherty Screeding Ltd | Mobile Screed Factory along with baseTherm® Ltd Liquid Floor InsulationProjectDCU Polaris Building | School of Health & Human PerformanceMain ContractorWalls & McKeown Joint Venture Floor Screed PackageB. Doherty Screeding & baseTherm® Joint VentureVoid Former500 m³ baseTherm® 200, supplied and installed by baseTherm®Floor Screed3,500 m² Rapidur® EB5 Floor Screed by ourselves B. Doherty Screeding LtdContact your professional baseTherm® team for efficient, fuss-free, floor insulation results: 🔥📞Philip +353 (0) 87 333 0683📞Eddie +353 (0) 87 223 2456📩 sales@basetherm.comFor stunning floor screed results give B Doherty Floor Screed a call:📞 +353 (0)74 9383654📱 +353 (0)86 6031230📧 info@bdohertyscreeding.com

Achieve better U-values whilst maintaining traditional cavity widths.Developer Mentmore Homes has built two five-bedroom houses in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, which are valued at £2.5million each. The walls required an insulation panel that achieved better U-values whilst maintaining traditional cavity widths. Eurowall +, manufactured by Recticel Insulation proved the ideal solution.Nicholas Peck from Mentmore Homes explained:"We wanted to make the properties as energy-efficient as possible. To make this happen, the best place to start is the insulation. Specifying Eurowall + meant we didn’t have to increase the size of the wall cavity and lose space inside the properties. The panel’s interlocking feature was another reason for its specification because it slots together so easily and will remain solid and airtight. We required a high quality product for this extremely high-profile project - Eurowall + didn’t disappoint."About Eurowall® +:Eurowall® + is a premium, high performance full fill insulation board with precision cut tongue and groove joints on all four sides. This ensures that the boards lock tightly together minimising heat loss through thermal bridging. This unique joint offers increased protection against wind driven rain as well as improved windtightness. Eurowall® + is also designed with a 10mm cavity requirement in mind, so that space can be left for conventional bricklaying techniques.

CUPACLAD 101 Logic was recently installed as part of a striking new-build project, located in Aberystwyth, Wales. The natural slate cladding was chosen because it could complement the coastal surroundings as well as provide outstanding resistance to the harsh weather conditions. The site was purchased by homeowners, David and Shirley Harries who looked to extend the pre-existing bungalow but after finding significant issues with its structure, opted instead to erect a new build on the same plot. “We really wanted a home that utilised a range of materials to create a modern look as opposed to building a glass palace that could look too ostentatious in the rugged seafront location,” said David. The couple approached Arwyn George from George + Tomos Architects who put together a design, which included CUPA PIZARRAS’ natural slate cladding system, CUPACLAD 101. “The CUPACLAD system allowed the new home to blend into the surrounding cliffs beautifully,” said Arwyn. “In addition, I had to consider the high winds that the project would be exposed to and select something that would have the appropriate durability.” High quality natural slate is a very resistant material – its deterioration is unnoticeable to the human eye, meaning its colour does not change across its 100 year lifespan, even in the coldest environments. Natural slate also has a permanent sheen, unlike other roofing materials which can decrease up to eight times superior.  “We really loved the proposal,” the couple commented. “The slate would blend seamlessly with the local landscape – both the cliffs behind the property as well as some of the other houses in the area, which also utilise natural slate. What’s more, the material is sympathetic to its environment.” CUPACLAD is constructed using specially selected slates, which are dark in colour, creating a bold and dramatic look, particularly when utilised alongside lighter materials such as glass, timber and render. CUPACLAD 101 Logic is made up of 40x20cm slates installed horizontally using fixing systems that are completely invisible once installed to avoid impacting the design. As with the rest of the CUPACLAD 101 series, it is BBA certified, verifying that it has an incredibly low level of water absorption, test results show a value between 0.16 and 0.17%. This ensures that the material is not susceptible to frosting or hypothermal ageing. Furthermore, the BBA certificate demonstrates the slate is very resistant to high winds, fire and impacts. Rhys Ben Wright from RBW Carpentry was then selected to install the slate system. A process made easier, thanks to the quality of the slate, with pre-drilled holes and self-drilling fixings. What’s more, natural slate has a number of environmental benefits. According to research carried out by the University of Glasgow, it produces a limited amount of atmospheric carbon (1KgCO2/metre2 over its lifetime) and has a low water and energy consumption rate. Furthermore, by sourcing natural slate from CUPA PIZARRAS, a carbon neutral company, David and Shirley’s cladding solution is verifiably sustainable. Once the project was completed, David and Shirley were over the moon with their new home: “The cladding fits the landscape seamlessly, which is due to the properties of the slate, as well as Arwyn’s design. He was able to shape the building in such a way that it really fits with the outlines of the hilly surroundings. “We were concerned that some of the slates would be lost in recent strong winds; however, the cladding remained completely intact. We would definitely recommend CUPACLAD.” CUPA PIZARRAS’ slate is exclusively distributed by Taylor Maxwell to the UK market. To find out more, about CUPACLAD, please visit: https://www.cupapizarras.com/uk/rainscreen-cladding/

The StoTherm Classic M external wall insulation system was specified for the new Day Hospice building at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

This office redesign for a client in the healthy living space incorporated a variety of natural finishes and details for the right look and feel. Vtec’s texture range met the natural requirement with ease and STONE WALL PANELS in STRATA WHITE were used as a design statement in the reception area, reflecting the client’s wellbeing brand and setting the tone for visitors. The panels were an ideal backdrop for company signage to be added. Throughout the design, the execution is impeccable with high quality fixtures and colourful details bringing the office to life.

Project BackgroundDesigned by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid in 2004, before London won the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the London Aquatics Centre is an indoor facility with two 50-metre (160-foot) swimming pools and a 25-metre (82-foot) diving pool. Its iconic wave-like roof sweeps up from the ground and was inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion, creating spaces and a surrounding environment in sympathy with the river landscape of the Olympic Park.Project SolutionPowrmatic Wall Opensky louvred ventilators were at the heart of the smoke and natural ventilation system at the London Aquatic centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. The ventilation systems were designed and installed by Air Design Systems Ltd.The wall mounted Opensky louvred ventilators are used to provide a high-free area at the back of the stands for heat exhaust and smoke extract. The units were double-stacked and provided with a white polyester powder-coated finish.Air Design Systems Ltd also made provision for the control system that included local control panels, electrical wiring, override switches and full commissioning and demonstration of the system.Project ResultTested for use as smoke ventilators to BS EN 12101-2, Powrmatic’s Opensky ventilators can be roof or wall mounted for exhaust or inlet and can be supplied with a hinged base for use as an access hatch. They have been specifically designed for both smoke and heat exhaust and natural ventilation applications and combine an attractive style with a discreet, low profile.

Sto Ltd provided a comprehensive insulation solution for this ground-breaking healthcare project built in Northumberland. Innovative offsite construction techniques were used to create the £15m extension to the Northumbria Emergency Hospital in Cramlington, with a combination of StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system and Sto render finishes being specified to help achieve a striking appearance for the building.

Sto has supplied the StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system with StoLotusan render for the new Day Case and Eye Unit building at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. Specified by Gilling Dod architects of Chorley, who worked closely with the main contractor Tilbury Douglas, the StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with excellent fire protection characteristics. With an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, the non-combustible mineral fibre insulation is fully bonded to the substrate and therefore no additional firebreaks are required. Ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects, its efficient single-leaf construction also means that interior space within the building is not reduced.  For this project, the system’s mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the lightweight steel frame and sheathing board substrate with mechanical fixings and StoLevell Uni adhesive and levelling mortar. A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards, with StoLotusan and StoSilco renders used for the final finish on different sections of the building, using light colours from Sto’s architectural colour range.  StoLotusan is the only render available that uses Sto’s patented Lotus-Effect® technology which delivers impressive water and dirt repellence. It forms a unique surface texture, similar to that of the lotus leaf, that causes the rainwater to run off the render quickly and easily, removing any dirt or dust as it goes. Providing outstanding resistance to the growth of algae and fungus, the building will retain its looks for many years to come.  The new Day Case and Eye Unit is the result of a major £17.5 million investment in developing enhanced ophthalmology and day case services. The new Day Case and Eye Unit now offers an extensive range of diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients with medical eye conditions.

Scandia Hus, the largest designer and supplier of Swedish energy saving timber framed homes in the UK, is using ACTIS Hybrid insulation on many of its projects.

This was a large roof terrace on a private domestic project. The area was flooded and had needed to be re-laid with waterproofing and a significant fall constructed into the deck to allow the often considerable amounts of rainwater to escape the roof deck. The contractor asked Wallbarn for a suitable but cost effective solution so we recommended Wallbarn 9mm rubber supports along with levelling shims. The area was re-waterproofed in the inverted waterproofing method, the membrane being covered with rigid insulation boards and a loose laid geotextile fabric to act as a separation layer .

A new state-of-the-art business incubation building in Dorset has been completed with the use of an integrated package of Sto thermal insulation and external render and paint products. The company’s StoTherm Vario and StoTherm Classic insulation systems were specified for the new Innovation Studio at the Arts University Bournemouth, along with StoSilco exterior render and StoColor Dryonic façade paint.

Easy to handle, even for this incredibly large project.The Costco store in Wembley occupies a site close to the national football stadium. For the building’s flat roof, architects, Broadway Malyan, in conjunction with main contractors, JF Finnegan, required insulation comprising superb thermal performance and easy-handling ability - Recticel’s Eurothane Eurodeck more than fitted the bill.Ian Catterall from BC Contractors explained:"Eurothane® Eurodeck is a superb quality board. It’s really easy to install and presented no issues for what was an incredibly large project - the largest single-value project we have undertaken. It was an immense job, which required the highest-quality PIR. Eurothane® Eurodeck was just perfect.”About Eurothane® Eurodeck:Eurothane® Eurodeck is compatible with mechanically fixed single-ply systems, benefiting from high compressive strength and excellent dimensional stability that ensures the flat surface finish required for optimum performance in new build and refurbishment projects. It is faced on both sides with a multi-layer coated aluminum foil.

ACE solution for the decoupling of production machines ensures calm in chocolate production by reducing low-frequency vibrations to a minimumAt a renowned Belgian chocolatier, part of the production process led to vibration and oscillation in an adjacent house. Despite numerous tests, the manufacturer was unable to find a solution that could isolate vibrations below 20 Hz, until they came across ACE products. The PLM pneumatic levelling elements from the ACEolator range from ACE offer significant insulation from a frequency of 5 Hz and up. Now 14 PLM-3’s installed in the facility are reducing vibrations by 80 percent. Any remaining vibration can only be detected with measuring devices.

Situated in the heart of London, The Natural History Museum is a beacon of knowledge and cultural heritage, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its vast collection spans centuries, offering captivating exhibits ranging from dinosaur skeletons to geological wonders.Astor Bannerman is thrilled to collaborate with the esteemed Natural History Museum in London, making strides in accessibility within this iconic venue. Components of the Changing Places FacilityLet’s dive into the details of the Changing Places facility at The Natural History Museum, designed to cater to diverse needs while enhancing the visitor experience.ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash Basin:Adjustable height for user convenienceWall-mounted design for space efficiencyOT200 Overhead Ceiling Track Hoist:Smooth and safe transfers for individuals with mobility challengesDiscreet design and quiet operation for minimal disruptionAstor CTX2-CP Height Adjustable Changing Table:Comfortable assistance for caregivers during personal care tasksSturdy construction and ergonomic design prioritise safety and comfortKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy Screen:Versatile screen for privacy on demandSleek design complements the modern aesthetic of the facilityThe Impact The installation of the Changing Places facility reflects the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. It ensures that all visitors, regardless of physical abilities, can explore and enjoy the museum’s offerings without limitations.In summary, Astor Bannerman is honoured to partner with another prestigious landmark tourist attraction. With a proven track record spanning from Windsor Castle to the Sydney Opera House, our specialisation lies in enhancing accessibility for heritage sites and buildings of unique significance.As the leading provider worldwide for Changing Places Toilet installations, we are dedicated to fostering inclusivity in all venues. If your establishment is considering accessibility enhancements, consider Astor Bannerman for reliable expertise and solutions that prioritise accessibility for all visitors.

NV Buildings is one of the most prestigious and iconic residential sites in Greater Manchester.The distinctive sail-shaped buildings are a major landmark in Salford Quays. The blocks have a curved main elevation providing a unique aesthetic on the skyline and are one of the most popular developments in the area.With a prominent location in Salford Quays, adjacent to the Lowry Theatre and Media City TV headquarters, the apartment blocks feature in many iconic photos of the area.The project itself was funded by the Building Safety Fund, the Government’s £4.5 billion fund to remove unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential and mixed-use properties that are 18 metres and over and do not meet building safety regulations.Our Approved Installer QFF Facades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering which upgraded the fire performance of the cladding, ensuring the safety of both the building and residents.Three 15 storey blocks were refurbished, with a safe and thermally efficient façade solution.Our ServiceWe worked in close partnership with QFF Facades throughout the duration of the project.Deliveries and install were strictly monitored and a very systematic approach was followed. A planned install programme was agreed to ensure minimal disruption to the residents of N V Buildings, who remained in their homes while the work was carried out on this prestigious site.We produced a bespoke specification which included various detailing such as soffits, balconies, and full height panels.A partnership approach was vital, as we worked with QFF Facades, Thomasons Consulting engineering, and the fire officer to agree upon and deliver specific detailing at abutments, openings, and for the drained cavity of the façade system.Particular attention to detail was afforded to the drained cavity fire-stops, including fire-stop details between floors, at party walls for each apartment and around openings.As part of our service commitment, our technical team were available to provide hands-on-guidance, offer support, technical guidance and ensure high levels of quality.Technical Project DetailsAfter testing, the existing cladding had been deemed a fire safety risk by experts and therefore needed to be removed and replaced with anon-combustible alternative.The project was a strip-and-refit of a drained cavity external wall insulation system, which included an expanded polystyrene insulation system.Our Approved Installer QFF Facades installed a K Systems Exicco M, Drained Cavity External Wall Insulation System for steel frame buildings, utilising Mineral Wool insulation. This high performing system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility.The fire classification of the façade for N V Buildings was upgraded to A2-s1, d0 and therefore complies with the latest building regulations, ensuring the safety of its residents.For the finish, high-performance thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Our Silicone TC render has a number of fantastic advantages including ease of application, and its hydrophobic properties make the render low maintenance. Available in a wide range of colours the topcoat finish used on NV Buildings is a light grey to match the original façade, meaning aesthetically the iconic buildings maintained their distinctive design.

Cranbrook Primary SchoolBauder Total Roof System (BTRS) with Tapered insulation schemeSynopsisCranbrook Primary School in Ilford, London, was experiencing some major water ingress due to the advanced deterioration of the existing roof system. A roof survey was conducted by Stuart Parratt, Bauder area technical manager, where core test samples were taken to identify the existing roof construction to deck level and to provide an indication of the roof condition. The survey revealed that the existing waterproofing was in extremely poor condition, with extensive evidence of water ingress.  Bauder Building BoardProject:Cranbrook Primary School Location:LondonProject Type:RefurbishmentRoof Area:440m² Client:London Borough of Redbridge Council Approved Contractor:Thameside Roofing Ltd The specificationThe original waterproofing had been poorly overlaid with EPDM which had subsequently debonded. Before the installers could begin laying the new system, they had to strip the substrate back to the original asphalt. The client required a robust system that would deliver durability, value and longevity. 390m² of bitumen waterproofing, Bauder Total Roof System (BTRS), was specified for the main roof areas and 50m² of our cold applied liquid waterproofing, LiquiTEC, for an area that had limited upstands due to clerestory windows that could not be repositioned. Products appliedBauderPIR tapered insulation  A lightweight and cost effective alternative method of providing falls to a roof, whilst also providing thermal insulation. The client opted for this scheme at Cranbrook to minimise standing water on the roof. Bauder Total Roof SystemA two-layer bituminous waterproofing system robust enough to withstand foot traffic and most permanently sited plant. For use within warm and cold roof scenarios, as well as overlaying existing roofing materials. BTRS meets current UK Building Regulations Part B for external fire protection and features torch-free and safe to torch installation on combustible details. LiquiTEC Cold Applied liquid waterproofing Utilising Bauder’s PMMA cold applied liquid waterproofing on one of the roof areas ensured a fully watertight solution around rooflights and below upstands that could not be raised.  Project challengesAlthough the deck appeared to be in a reasonable condition for reuse as part of the refurbishment, there were large deflections to some areas and the existing waterproofing that overlaid the original system had been poorly installed and had pulled away from the asphalt below and so needed stripping prior to works commencing. The existing insulation was inadequate and left the building falling short of the current requirements. A thermal upgrade was incorporated into the works using a tapered insulation scheme which helped to solve the deflection issues by creating falls on the roof. To meet the minimum upstand requirements, the existing extractor vents needed to be removed to allow for the increase in the kerb height. Large continuous structural rooflights providing natural light to the building below were deemed thermally inefficient. The rooflights were upgraded during the refurbishment to meet current standards.  The resultBauder systems are only installed by Bauder approved contractors to ensure quality. The installation on this project was expertly carried out by Thameside Roofing Ltd, overseen by Dave Gregory and John White. After sign-off from Bauder site technician, Paul Osbourne, this system was awarded a comprehensive guarantee.  Systems installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS) with Tapered insulation1 Bauder K5KHeavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet featuring a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture, and a mineral finish to provide protection against UV degradation.2 BauderTEC KSA DUO Technically advanced self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen underlayer with “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures. 3 BauderPIR FA G16Tapered PIR Insulation board manufactured in accordance with BS EN 13165 with no facings. It is lightweight with a high compressive strength and has zero Ozone depletion potential. The product provided effective drainage as well as efficient thermal insulation.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA technically advanced, self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish on the upper surface to allow easy bonding of insulation using the specified Bauder Insulation Adhesive.

Made-to-measure satin-brushed stainless steel worktops and sinks from GEC Anderson have been used to enhance the light and contemporary spaces they are situated in at Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston, Lancashire.The nature reserve was formed over 10 years out of a former gravel quarry, with a range of habitats added to existing woodlands and water, carefully crafted to attract different species of birds, animals, fish and plant life. The project is the winner of 2 Civic Trust Awards and has achieved the new and highest rating of sustainability, BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ for interim design stage.Owned by the National Wildlife Trust, Brockholes combines a visitor centre with a 67-hectare nature reserve funded by the North West Regional Development Agency. Brockholes is one of the best sites in the UK for many species of birds and different habitats have been created throughout the area to encourage them and other wildlife to visit the siteThe buildings and open spaces form a village-like cluster, floating on a large pontoon and include various facilities such as a café, gift shop and information area. The kitchenette is situated in the conference centre, which is available for hire by companies and individuals for private functions. The small kitchen space is used for general washing up tasks as well as for the storage of crockery and cutlery, includes two GEC Anderson made-to-measure brushed-satin stainless steel sinktops. Designed to fit the compact space available, the stainless steel worktops combine robust functionality with their professional and attractive appearance.The Education Classroom is situated in the Visitor Village and accommodates up to 60 people. It is used for school and adult education activities during term time and family activities during school holidays. A single piece, 3.5 metre, GEC Anderson made-to-measure brushed-satin stainless steel sinktop is located within this area, that includes a special 2.2 metre trough sink to a 180mm depth. This special trough sink is used for general wet activities and for cleaning of art and craft equipment. Kath Knight, Manager at Brockholes said, “Stainless steel provides clean lines and good looks in a modern classroom environment and compliments the surrounding building materials, which are mainly timber.”For the architect, it was also the obvious choice for this busy educational space, as it is hard wearing, hygienic, maintenance free and retains its original appearance over time. GEC Anderson was also chosen for their ability to provide the sinktop configurations to meet the design requirements.Managing Director of GEC Anderson, Martin Tye, comments: “This is a situation where practical requirements must be satisfied but where design and use of natural, balanced, honest materials are, equally, of importance. Stainless steel worktops tend to blend-in so well precisely because of their neutral appearance.”

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.

As a company passionate about UK manufacturing, Aston Martin’s choice to work with Polyroof - the only independent UK manufacturer of cold-applied liquid systems - was a natural one.The new roofing system had to be cold-applied to eliminate the risk of accidental fire during installation. New insulation was also desirable to further improve the thermal performance of the roof. It was essential to reduce disruption to the operations of the facility, meaning any new system must be rapid to install with the existing roof predominantly being kept in place.After leaks were reported, The findings of Polyroof’s survey were presented to Aston Martin in the form of a bespoke specification, where the Protec Warm Roof System was the recommended solution. Core tests taken during the inspection had revealed that despite the leaking through the existing PVC single-ply membrane, the existing build-up of 60mm PIR insulation was found to be dry and in sound enough condition to be retained as the base for the new roofing system, saving the client time on the project.It was also identified that the current insulated roof configuration was missing a Vapour Control Layer, meaning the roof was at risk of condensation issues. This problem was designed out by the installation of 120mm Polyroof RES Insulation above the existing single-ply membrane, which was made good to form an effective vapour control layer.By creating a “hybrid” roof with double the insulation above the vapour barrier than below, the risk of condensation was eliminated and this was demonstrated by analysis conducted on the proposed build-up.To eliminate the standing water issues, sumps were placed around the existing outlets, greatly improving their drainage capacity, and offering a highly cost-effective solution when compared to the need to alter the falls of the roof.Polyroof Technical Services visited site regularly to advise and assist architects, specifiers and contractors in all aspects of the project.The finished roof provided a seamless and extra-tough waterproof membrane that was supported by the trusted Polyroof Accredited System Guarantee, with a separate insurance-backing scheme provided at no cost to the client. Aston Martin Lagonda now have the peace of mind that the roof above this landmark facility will be leak-free for decades to come.