"natural insulation products"

Natural Aggregate, Barley Beach, Christchurch, BH6 4LG. Following a 2013 review of Bournemouth’s care homes, to ensure they met the needs of the town’s growing elderly population, the decision was taken to close two existing homes and rebuild another in Tuckton, Southbourne.

A fully permeable lightly trafficked pavement in Italian Porphyry stone setts. By using Steintec's knowledge of permeable pavement construction the client was delighted to discover a natural stone alternative to the now commonplace SuDS permeable pavement in herringbone concrete block form.

A new prestige office development in Sandton, Johannesburg is using a combined smoke and natural ventilation system, involving automatic window vents in the building’s elliptical glazed central tower, which is actuated and controlled by an integrated solution from SE Controls Africa.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the iconic Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. It’s diverse collections brings together the arts with local, world and natural history. The institution attracts approximately 260, 000 visitors per year.

Shaped Fixed Skylights Were Added To Create A Truly Unique Dimension To A Residential Single Storey Extension.The ChallengeWith parking a premium in this suburban London home, the homeowner did not want to lose their ample parking and chose to add a single storey extension to the rear of the property. The homeowner knew that in order to maximise that amount natural sunlight for their single storey extension that the addition of rooflights would be an ideal solution, however they wanted something different.The SolutionOur clients had decided that they did not want dark corners in their extension, and we provided two bespoke rooflights, to fit the corners of the flat roof. Our bespoke shaped fixed skylights fitted the bill perfectly - one bespoke rooflight was a unique four sided non-standard rooflight, the other was a unique five sided non-standard rooflight. So now two of the extension’s four corners had natural light almost directly above them creating a greater feeling of space and light, combined with fully glazed floor to ceiling doors meant they were also able to enjoy to views and access to their garden space.Get in TouchWhether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Rawson Carpet Solutions have supplied their structured Riven carpet plank at The Alconbury Civic Hub. The new Civic Hub is designed to provide an innovative and contemporary workspace for Cambridgeshire County Council’s staff. Rawson Carpet Solution’s designer nylon carpet planks have been used to great effect. Over 3000 sqm of Riven in Slate and graphite colourway has been installed allowing for subtle and natural expression in this new exciting building built by RG Carter.The curved building is split into two wings, the Riven plank runs though the internal spaces allowing the natural light to capture its structured design in certain spaces and for the flowing aesthetic of this 2ply solution dyed nylon plank to be truly utilised. The light, open plan office space is designed to Cambridgeshire’s brief of accommodating fixed and flexible workstations. Natural colours along with the structured pattern of the Riven range installed by Northants Flooring help to lighten the modern and comfortable workspace and contribute to a pleasing aesthetic. The 750g yarn weights ensured that the carpet is quiet and comfortable underfoot. The new building has been constructed with as little impact as possible on the environment and is designed to promote more flexible and agile working among staff, linked to technological advances and transformed working practices, and aimed at reducing congestion in Cambridge. An inspired space designed by AHMM

This recent prestigious Rosewood La Guanahani Hotel St. Barthelemy hotel in the West Indies is a haven of style and luxury but it has also been very considered in the design to ensure that the buildings work as well as they look, delivering an outstanding acoustic design which elevated the building to another level both visually and aurally.This secluded tropical boutique resort was heavily damaged in 2017 by Hurricane Irma.The significant renovation includes an entire new beach experience with a new restaurant, lounge, boutique, and “feet in the sand” outdoor dining all clustered around an enlarged pool and deck.This fantastic hotel has a range of areas which really needed to think about how the rooms would work acoustically due to the use and levels of people using them while not compromising the architects’ initial plans and ideas.Washington based architects David M Schwarz worked with celebrated designer Sybille de Margerie, on the interiors to ensure the hotel embraces its chic Parisian pedigree while revelling in its relaxed Caribbean setting.French based ID Acoustique consultants were brought in to ensure that this truly stunning project also balanced the acoustic treatments with the decor and with little wall space in parts, acoustic treatments on the ceiling was paramount in many areas. Soundtect was approached to supply the acoustic solutions in many of the rooms, which focused on our Freestyle product. These highly effective acoustic panels were printed in several bespoke designed prints and colours to tie in with the different zones and areas, which worked perfectly with the overall design theme and slotted in nicely with the planned layout and overall feel of the building.Good design is not just about aesthetics, it’s how the building works and handles the spread of noise which often dictates how successful the project is, but acoustic treatments are crucial in any build. However, this project truly delivered a sumptuous finish that not only ensures a calm atmosphere even at the busiest times, but also leaves a lasting memorable impression at the same time.Freestyle® sheets are available in 10mm and 20mm depths as standard, and 24 colours, but Soundtect pioneering printing system also creates superior, natural looking wood effects such as the Timba range and can be printed in any design or finish as seen in this wonderful project. For sustainable effective acoustic noise control, which can be truly bespoke, visit www.soundtect.com where the Freestyle, along with the other two ranges Class and 3D can be found. All Soundtect products are low VOC, Class 0 fire, third-generation 70% recycled PET and are fully recyclable. Products used: Products. Freestyle

THE PROJECTFitzroy Place has been described as the most significant development in Fitzrovia for over 50 years. This area is fast becoming an important creative hub in the heart of the British capital, with a variety of designers, art galleries and advertising agencies being based in the area. Fitzrovia has the feel of a forgotten space in amongst the hectic London lifestyle, with lots of beautiful older buildings mixed with trendy new cafes, coffee shops and restaurants. The project’s award-winning architects, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and Sheppard Robson, worked together to produce the masterplan for Fitzroy Place, located on the site of the former Middlesex Hospital, that grows naturally from its surroundings.Centred around the first new square in London W1 for over 100 years, Fitzroy Place comprises of over 230 private residences and two new office addresses with complementary retail and restaurant offerings. With interiors designed by acclaimed interior architects Johnson Naylor, the apartments dovetail elegant simplicity and classical style with ultra efficient smart home technology.THE PRODUCTHere at The Safety Letterbox Company, we are delighted to have worked on such a prestigious project where multiple banks of mailboxes are interestingly located throughout the project within the lobby area and mail room, in both freestanding and wall recessed arrangements , creating a visually interesting statement to compliment colour, tone and materials used within the project. As with all aspects of this project, the design and creative element is paramount throughout with great attention to detail.The particular model mailboxes were chosen for their strength, aesthetics and ability to create bespoke sizes , providing a clean and minimalistic design style. The product has been customised to meet the specific space availability at the project and finished with a high end powder coating bronze finish.To combine with the clean design of the mailbox, laser cut lettering was produced by The Safety Letterbox Company using a bespoke font created specifically for the Fitzroy Place project. The lettering allows for easy identification of their individual mailbox to quickly retrieve their deposited mail. They are slightly recessed into the door but raised also to the front face to provide a 3 dimensional appearance.THE SAFETY LETTERBOX COMPANYAs always we are able to provide mailboxes for any site profile and budget, from bespoke high end solutions with unique features, through to affordable budget solutions, we have over 150 models in our standard range available to provide full flexibility as required.All products in the standard Safety Letterbox Company range are designed, manufactured, powder coated and finished in our South Wales factory. All Safety Letterbox products are completely designed, manufactured, powder coated and finished in our factory in South Wales, UK.

A moment of Introspection Before the Big RevealMorrow+Lorraine had a bold vision for the contemporary 123 Hub. The lobby was no different. Home to Google and ENI Trading, prestige and performance was imperative throughout the building.123 Hub has a modern and neutral design scheme, using stone, wood and natural fabrics, which the luxury Entrance Matting needed to complement and protect. It tirelessly maintains its classic look while enduring and cleaning the shoes of users of the 200,000 ft2 office space. INTRAsystems has worked with Morrow+Lorraine on a wide range of projects so the practice knew the design potential of our product range.With its clean lines, INTRAflex XT was the preferred choice for their chevron scheme. It offers flexible configurations for a wide range of designs, as well as quality performance and proven longevity.Fusing Form and Function for Architectural ImpactINTRAflex XT has a heavy-duty aluminium frame available in a standard silver finish, anodised bronze or black. Each option comes with a 10-year warranty so will stand the test of time. Made from 100% recycled aluminium and fully recyclable, it also represents a sustainable option, as verified by EPD.For added practicality, INTRAflex XT sections are removable to help maintenance and cleaning. There’s no need to wait for service visits or specialist tools. On-site teams can lift each section to remove any debris or excess moisture, minimising disruption.As one of our most specified products, you can find it used extensively in prestigious locations.Elite Performance, Smart Aesthetics, Luxury Entrance MattingMorrow+Lorraine opted for INTRAlux® Elite Grey 606 fibre inserts to add a subtle colour and textural change, while complementing the stone floor beyond and enhancing the overall neutral monochrome palette.The simple appearance belies the advanced features. The INTRAlux® Elite fibre has a mix of coarse and smooth fibres made from 100% Econyl regenerated nylon, offering excellent scraping and sound absorption. It has excellent UV-resistance, fire resistance, and slip rating.Precise and practical installationFrom the chevron design Morrow+Lorraine supplied, we created an intricate plan for the install team; clearly labelled each component and supplied in oversized lengths to allow for tolerances and anomalies on site.We also provided spares just in case, as the install team had to work around some immovable features.The flush, glass revolving doors would have been particularly tricky for a lesser product. With our detailed plans, an innovative product and skilled installers, the effect is unassuming perfection. Explore Tiling and Flooring did an incredible job.

JT Atkinson, a family owned independent builders' merchant in the North of England, needed a lightweight yet robust drainage solution for their new branch in Stokesley. They required a reliable and durable solution which would be installed quickly, to ensure their 30th branch opened on time.  The branch yard would be a highly trafficked area, so the JT Atkinson team were seeking a drainage solution that could withstand large loads and constant heavy traffic of forklift trucks and articulated lorries.Technodrain is an advanced, linear drainage channel, providing versatility whilst being economic, light and quick to install. Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), it delivers long life with low whole-life cost. Having used Clark-Drain products at their other branch sites, the JT Atkinson team knew first-hand the quality of Clark-Drain’s products and customer service.Designed for surface water management, the versatility of Technodrain enables it to be used across all construction environments as a light, robust, solution for run-off surface design. Technodrain’s size-to-weight ratio maximises its savings in transport and installation costs, and this installation was within the limits set by the HSE manual handling guidelines for a one person lift.Chris Gilbertson, Project Manager for JT Atkinson, says: “We were looking for a quality drainage product which would be easy to install, able to withstand F900 loads, and be long lasting. Technodrain from Clark-Drain is the ideal solution and doesn’t disappoint. Not only does it provide us with the drainage we need at a competitive price, the installation was extremely easy thanks to its lightweight nature.”Technodrain was installed at the Stokesley branch of JT Atkinson in October 2019.WHY THIS PRODUCT WAS CHOSEN Hard wearing – Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), Technodrain delivers long life with low whole-life cost.Easy to install – Tongue and groove joints allow for ease of installation and the connection of multiple channels. Preformed lateral and vertical channel outlets also provide quick and easy connection to discharge pipes.Cost effective – whilst providing a safe environment and a highly efficient system for surface water clearance. BS EN1433:2002 – Load handling performance is rated at 90 tonnes, making it durable with strength to spare in an area used by a range of vehicles from forklift trucks to artic lorries.Hydraulic performance – With maximum through-flow of 8.25 litres per second and a water way area of 372cm2, it has more than enough capacity for JT Atkinson.Bolted locking system – Technodrain features a bolted locking system, with 4 bolts in every 500mm to avoid grating movement.

Stoneworld provide an extensive range of beautiful natural stone flooring, perfect for any home or setting. This client chose our popular La Roche acid-etched limestone interior flooring for their home, including their kitchen, conservatory, utility room and dining room.

Electricity House, Crest Nicholson Homes’ stylish city centre apartment development in Bristol is using an advanced smoke ventilation system from leading smoke and natural ventilation specialist, SE Controls, to help keep residents safe if a fire should occur.

New Era cradles were used to lay a level decking system on a roof terrace that had natural sloped drainage. We used UC4 treated external swedish softwood battens and composite decking to ensure long lasting and maintenance free-use.

Stone: LUNDHS Blue® - silk surface.Situated on a small island outside the coast of southern Norway, the owners of this lovely summerhouse have moved the kitchen outside. The well planned combination of wood and Lundhs Blue stone is in total harmony with the natural surroundings.

 Across Europe there has been a surge in the swimming pool sector. With many more people staying at home and foreign travel restricted both domestic and commercial pool manufacturers have seen a rise in new builds and renovation of existing pools. Trends indicate that 2021 will see a further rise in local markets as more people cocoon and less people travel abroad. Commercial pool operators are also seeing a rise in popularity and are taking the opportunity of enforced closures to update and renew existing infrastructure. In the UK it is expected that now Brexit has been finalised, investors in UK hotels, Spas and High-end residences will drive the wet leisure market further. In a new feature on their website, leading acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt summarises the knowledge, trends and examples which will help influence the design of swimming centres today and in the future.  The feature includes 16 trends compiled by the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities. These cover everything from economics and digital features to new uses and products which influence the architecture of pools and their construction. Pools can be used for different purposes and by quite different groups of people. This places demand on designers and developers to provide perfect layout and solutions to create the best atmosphere.  One interesting aspect is how modern swimming centres need to satisfy many expectations from different types of user. For example one pool needs to accommodate the needs of elite swimmers with those people wanting to exercise, young families and wellness enthusiasts. Each group is looking for a different type of experience and unless planned, there is a risk of friction between them. Architects such as GPP Arkitekter and Bay Arch have succeeded in this balancing act as shown in the newly built Frederikssund Swimming Centre.  One of the most important aspects and one universally agreed across all types of user is the control of noise. For example, absorption of the loud sounds from splashing, shouting and playing is essential. This is why Troldtekt’s acoustic wood wool panels are often specified because of their durability, appearance and are natural breathable meaning they will absorb and release moisture making them perfect for wet area installations. Manufactured from certified wood, a 100% natural material, and cement extracted from Danish mineral resources, they achieve high levels of technical and acoustical performance and can be disposed of harmlessly, breaking down in the soil.  Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, the natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. The theme is available at https://www.troldtekt.com/news/themes/swimming-centres/ or https://bit.ly/2LJJiGU while samples, case studies and technical guidance is available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk. 

For the new office of one of the UK’s leading healthcare specialists, workplace interior design specialists, ID:SR – Sheppard Robson, specified the natural beauty of Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Flex Wood Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) to help ‘bring the outside in’.  Occupying the first and second floor of a new seven-storey Grade A office building in Leeds, the healthcare specialist has brought over 250 staff together into one co-located environment. Expertly designed by ID:SR, the 25,000 sq ft space comprises a variety of agile work and social settings to support a range of activities, a dedicated client reception, meeting suite and lounge.   “To support employee wellbeing, the office also engages with the principles of biophilic design, so we incorporated natural looking materials where possible to emphasise the connection between people and nature. The beautiful and realistic wood effect of Forbo’s Allura Flex Wood LVT supported this idea of bringing the outside in. Offering convincing, authentic visuals and excellent functional performance, we used the finish in prominent positions of the office as we felt the flooring supported the overall concept of the scheme.”  Allura Flex Wood in the Weathered Oak colourway was fitted in a herringbone pattern with bursts of Seaweed Solid Oak, Charcoal Solid Oak and Smoke Solid Oak in the main reception and staff breakout areas. Thanks to its tackified installation, the high quality, dimensionally stable Allura Flex tiles provides answers to key issues such as limiting valuable downtime, the re-use of floors and minimising environmental impact, perfect for busy office spaces.  What’s more, Surestep Material in Cool Concrete was specified in the kitchenette of the staff breakout area, where there is an increased risk of slip. The safety flooring combines outstanding slip resistant properties with differentiated design and through the use of Step Crystals, the natural colourway offers a clean, fresh look and improved cleaning and maintenance properties. The PUR Pearl finish ensures that it is stain and chemical resistant.  

Altro help transform spaces for mental wellbeingIssueThe old unit was originally a hospital ward which had been de-canted and empty since the COVID-19 pandemic. This included bedrooms, shower rooms, and kitchens in an old-fashioned community hospital building.ApproachThe building was stripped out and architects Hypostyle were enlisted to re-design all spaces as part of the major refurbishment programme. These spaces included a reception and waiting area, treatment office, corridors, and therapeutic rooms. The local Altro specification consultant provided guidance on suitable products when considering infection control, hygiene requirements, and NHS standards, and local children and young people were consulted on the colour scheme. A natural, calming atmosphere was required, one that reflected the hospital gardens and nearby woods, and Hypostyle provided the internal design specification.SolutionTo create a welcoming, biophilic theme, Altro Suprema in a natural tone and Altro Wood adhesive-free were specified for the reception, corridors, waiting area and treatment rooms.Helping to reduce noise transference, Altro Orchestra with 15dB impact sound reduction, was specified for the offices. For hygiene and safety, Altro Whiterock White and Altro Suprema were specified for the bathrooms.“It takes a lot of courage for young people to attend CAMHs – it can be an anxious time for them and for one of them to say ‘This place is wonderful, it has made me feel better already’ has confirmed that we have achieved our overall goal to create a welcoming, calm and comfortable environment. This is now the standard we will be aiming for in all future projects.”Altro Whiterock White hygienic wall cladding is a proven, high performance alternative to ceramic tiles.Altro Wood adhesive-free creates maximum impact with minimum downtime providing a safe, durable and decorative solution for busy spaces.Altro Suprema is a non-sparkle, low-gloss safety flooring with superior stain, abrasion and scratch resistance suitable for very heavy commercial use, foot and wheeled traffic.Altro Orchestra provides 15dB sound reduction and comfort underfoot in a wide choice of colours and five designs.

Milliken's Arctic Survey, Isotherm design was specified for this modern and sophisticated workplace. This textural plank carpet, with Comfort Plus cushion backing was chosen in the cool, calming greys of Antarctic and Snow caves to work perfectly with the natural woods and green planting in this inspirational design scheme.

Luke Arthur Wells, British interior designer and DIY expert, has created a stunning bathroom setup with pieces in charcoal from the Qtoo and Knud Holscher collection. The result is understated, yet impactful, balancing soft shapes, natural materials and graphic contrasts to the interior.

Data centres and server halls present unique challenges that demand a distinct approach to architectural design and infrastructure. These facilities require a delicate balance: efficient ventilation to combat heat accumulation while ensuring robust protection against intrusion and unauthorized access.Challenges faced by Data CentresHeat AccumulationThe relentless heat generated within data centres necessitates effective ventilation systems to manage and disperse this thermal load efficiently.Security and PrivacySimultaneously, the need to shield sensitive information from prying eyes and potential intruders underscores the crucial requirement for stringent security measures without compromising on airflow or functionality. Solutions to Address Data Centre Challenges 1. Natural and Intensive Ventilation To meet the specific needs of each data centre project, our range of ventilation solutions is tailored to ensure optimal airflow. By combining DUCO ventilation products, such as weather-resistant screening and louvres (DucoWall), Nightcooling (NightVent), dampers (DucoGrille Close), transfer grilles, roof turrets for discreet air vent concealment, and sound-absorbing, self-regulating window ventilation, we create bespoke high airflow systems suited to your project's requirements.Explore our high-performance products2. Acoustic Noise ControlNoise pollution management is paramount in data centres. Our DucoWall acoustic louvre walls and sound-absorbing window vents are specifically designed to minimize sound while maximizing airflow to equipment. The louvre blades are filled with non-flammable mineral wool, ensuring effective noise control.Discover our noise control solutions3. High Security LevelEnhancing security and reducing the visibility of machinery is critical. Our DUCO louvre wall screening and structural solar shading act as visible screens, maintaining natural airflow while deterring intruders. The DucoDoor seamlessly integrates with the louvred walls or screening, providing access to server halls and technical areas without drawing attention. Our patented intrusion-resistant solution increases security while shielding open plant equipment from view.Explore our security solutions4. Architectural Solar ShadingPreventing heat penetration through windows or entrances is vital in data centres. Our solar shading solutions reduce heat ingress, minimizing the need for excessive ventilation to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.Find out more about our shading solutionsResults and Impact Implementing these tailored solutions across diverse data centre projects has brought remarkable outcomes:Optimized EfficiencyBespoke ventilation systems have significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining precise airflow control, ensuring an efficient data centre environment.Enhanced PerformanceAcoustic noise control measures have fostered a quieter and more productive workspace, maximizing equipment performance and staff focus.Improved SecurityIntegrated high-security solutions have fortified data centres against intrusions while maintaining essential airflow and functionality.Sustainability AdvancementsArchitectural solar shading has contributed to sustainability goals by minimizing heat ingress, reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems. These solutions collectively exemplify our commitment to revolutionizing data centre ventilation and solar shading solutions, ensuring optimal performance, security, and sustainability.

TASIGO Hotels group have used Technowood, to the extreme, in the centre of woodlands; an area of environmental importance and also one where special attention to existing tree positions was an insistence of the permission for this build.The real timber balustrade, handrails, cladding and partitions are all part of the package supplied by Technowood. The consistency, colour and texture of real timber were matched quite easily because it was real timber. With a 2mm thickness of FSC certified timber wrapped over extruded aluminium and sealed with an A2 FR certified chemical… unmatched in other products anywhere in the world.TASIGO Hotels & resorts have, at its centre, a beautiful Spa and Wellness Center surrounded by luxury hotel accommodation. This total structure is presented across a total area of 41 thousand square meters; furthermore, the facility has been designed as a modern sculpture which has adopted the traditions of Architecture and historical consideration of the region.The 3,500 m2 Spa and Wellness Centre, was planned in-ground. This would make full use of the geothermal characteristic of the land; enables natural daylight penetration through the domes placed on top of the terrace.The hotel, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, consists of 164 rooms. The facility also includes a 1.400 m2 convention area and multifunctional halls, as well as a 975 m2 pillar-free ballroom, swimming pools, children’s club, bar & restaurants and indoor & outdoor parking areas.Technowood products are innovative and specified around the world because of their adaptability, quality and fire rating of Euroclass A2.Come and see us or we can visit youIf you’d like to see Technowood up close we have a showroom in Amersham at The Sky House Design Centre. We are also more than happy to send our Technical Director to come and give you a CPD. They will bring a full set of samples for you to keep too.

The development of a new emergency care centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead was an investment of £32m. The project provided state-of- the-art healthcare services to people across the region. The centre now provides a smoother service to its patients and a more efficient way of treating people.Artform Urban Furniture were asked to provide seating and litter bins to the main entrance of the hospital's drop in centre, as well as the car park and the taxi drop off / pick up point. The products had to complement the soft landscaping whilst also being durable enough to cope with the extensive usage. The Artform team proposed items from the Multiplicity range, with their cast anodised aluminium frames, offering superb longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.The overall project was constructed within a tight budget and the street furniture supplied by Artform needed to be of a very high standard, ergonomically designed for comfort and all delivered within the economic constraints.The products also had to be on site and installed within a short time frame, due to the fast track nature of the project. The Artform team provided full technical drawings and specification information to ensure that the client’s facilities team were supported fully and the installation process was seamless.OutcomeThe completed emergency care centre is now a busy hub for all types of emergency healthcare services and the entrance provides a clean and welcoming first impression to all those using the centre. The landscaped outdoor areas including the entrance, the car park and the busy taxi point, offer an engaging space, for use by staff, patients and visitors alike, with the thoughtful distribution of attractive seating and clean, modern litter bins.Ian Renwick, chief executive of QE Gateshead commented: "This is a unique hospital building and the environment for patients and visitors is really something special."

One of the largest self-supporting display greenhouses in the world Following the renovation of the Grand Pavilion (das Große Tropenhaus, first built in 1906) at Berlin’s Botanical Garden, daylight enters through hundreds of small, heat-insulating yet highly light-permeable glass panes onto one of the world’s most significant collections of rare and endangered tropical plants. The inner panels used in the double-glazing for the overhead sections of the pavilion are made of laminated safety glass using stiff and strong SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers. For the first time in Germany – following its “special approval” – a special “UV-transmissible” grade of SentryGlas® is used for this application, thereby sustaining the active growth of the plants and safeguarding their preservation

Cardiff City Football Club has expanded into the new east Stand extension at Cardiff City Stadium. The expansion added a further 5000 seats to the stadium’s capacity followed by the addition of another 2,500 to 3,000 seats at each of the ends, raising capacity to a total of 38,000 seats, it also includes new corporate hospitality facilities. The stand is said to include plans for a concourse area on either side with a plush corporate area and catering facilities incorporated in the centre.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XFLOOR 500 has been specified by Arup due to its high compressive strength insulation boards that were used under a concrete slab to comply with part L Building regulations.Lang O'Rourke was awarded this 350m² contract to construct this expansion.

“From the materials used throughout the build process to how it’s powered, along with creating new areas of natural habitat to enhance the biodiversity of the site and local area, we’re bringing together skills and expertise from across McDonald’s and the partners we work with. From 2023 furniture and construction materials in new and refurbished restaurants will be made with recycled or certified materials and designed to be recycled or reused at end of life ”Construction Director, McDonald’s UK & Ireland The Absorb-R ToughSound acoustic-panels are environment friendly, fully recyclable natural components that offer optimal sound absorption and extensive resistance to fire. Surface applications include ceiling and wall mounting.Absorb-R ToughSound is a high performing high impact sound absorbing wood wool system, concept with excellent eco credentials which store heat from the ambient air.

Bespoke curved rooflights and low-profile rafter supports maximised retail spaceThe challengeLocated on London’s famous Museum Street near the entrance of the British Museum, this business needed to capitalise on the limited room they had but bring a sense of light and space.The solutionDue to the nature of the construction and limitations historic building we had to design bespoke curved fixed multi-panel rooflights and in order to allow the maximum light we used low-profile rafter supports which had less obstruction to light than traditional rafters.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your commercial office space; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Alma-nac's "House-within-a-house" is a fantastic example of a building retrofitted to adapt to new challenges. Sitting in a row of typical 1950's houses, the project gave an existing home a contemporary facelift while complimenting the surrounding buildings traditional London brick.12,670 Michelmersh bricks were used in the project to provide an economical and thermally efficient shell to the original building, which is nestled inside the outer structure. Elements of the project that may have ended up in landfill were reused where possible and the combination of reused concrete and the brick skin means an increase of thermal efficiency that could save 4 tonnes of Carbon a year.House-within-a-House recently won the "Individual Housing Development" in the 2021 Brick Awards, judges praised it's complementary nature to the area without "trying to mimic the naturally aged material".

Sugar House Island's Cooperage Yard is part of a transformative project just south of Olympic Park intending to create a distinctive urban environment that has been carefully designed to create a balance between work, life and leisure.Set next to the Islands creative quarter, Cooperage Yard covers 8000ft2 over of the area. Its immediately recognisable sawtooth-shaped roof overlooks the river and courtyard. Natural light floods both floors of the building and a south-facing roof terrace offers further space for its inhabitants.Freshfield Lane's Danehill Yellow bricks are immediately recognisable and offer a positive contrast to the tones of other nearby brick buildings. The tones are further complimented by shafts of natural light that penetrate the pathways between buildings. When combined, the colour language and open space create a sense of optimism between the structures.

Project brief:A monumental restoration project for the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral spanning 15 years and costing £40 million. It was the first comprehensive restoration project that the Cathedral has gone through and this extensive cleaning, repair and renovation programme was one of the largest of its kind ever in the UK.The Project:It doesn’t get much more high profile than this when it comes to historic building restoration. As part of the London skyline for over 300 years, the requirement was for materials that perfectly balanced the strength and performance to do the job with the delicate nature of working with such a fragile and weathered structure. The sheer scale of the project also dictated the need for an extremely consistent product.Help from Tarmac Building Products – St. Pauls Grout Mix:Pozament, from Tarmac Building Products Ltd, boasts the heritage range of Limelite Grouts and Mortars specifically designed for such tasks. Yet in a project of such epic proportions and with the stakes so high our technicians instead produced an all new low strength blend of PFA, lime and special additives, that was capable of penetrating the fine voids and fissures in the Cathedral’s structure, whilst remaining sympathetic to the existing materials.The new grout, now named St. Paul’s Grout Mix, is easily mixed and in addition can be placed using gravity feed techniques, which are often used to ensure low pressures that are needed to avoid damage to delicate structures, such as in the case of St. Paul’s Cathedral.St. Paul’s Grout was designed to achieve a low strength of approximately 2.0 N/mm2 at 28 days, which was sufficient to strengthen and fill voids in the heartening of the masonry walls at St. Pauls Cathedral. The mix also contains a special plasticiser/wetting aid, so that when used at a water solids ratio of 0.4, a very fluid mix capable of penetrating fine voids and fissures is produced.Outcomes:The St. Paul’s Restoration project was finally finished in June 2011. To this day Tarmac continue to produce the St. Paul’s Grout when required and since then, it has been used successfully on many similar restoration projects including York City Wall, Winchester Cathedral and other English Heritage projects.

Trespa® Meteon® NW02 Elegant Oak is chosen for the Berkeley House project in Wothorpe. A new departure for a traditional builder who wanted a crisp modern appearance yet using materials with a traditional nature. The use of Wood decors gives a warm elegance to the façade.

This project was part of LSE's £12M refurbishment of the Lower Ground Floor library. Colour Compositions in a range of natural green tones was specified and installed in this fast turnaround project to stunning effect. The sound absorbing properties of the modular carpet's cushion backing was significant impact on the acoustics of the space.

Arstiderne architects, a division of architectural and engineering consultancy Sweco, has transformed a large industrial building into a stunning open plan office to house the 180 Sweco employees at a location near Aarhus in Denmark.  The clever design retains much of the heritage of the old building, including its curved sawtooth roof and skylights, while insulating it to high standards and transforming the interior to meet the key objective of fulfilling UN Sustainable Development goals. The architects are particularly proud of the way the old building has responded to conversion into an employee and client-friendly showplace with a unique energising ambiance. While the majority of staff work in large open plan spaces they benefit from several smaller self-contained rooms in the centre of the building. These box-like structures, bathed in daylight from the skylights and facade windows, are used for a variety of purposes from a quiet workspace to meetings and socialising. Their design on the original concrete floor contrasts well with the precise finish on their walls. These are clad with Troldtekt acoustic panels in an ultrafine finish creating a high performance and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The ceilings and some walls are clad with standard acoustic panels, while specific areas have been decorated with Troldtekt® line which forms part of the award-winning design solutions collection. The lengthwise surface grooves form a continuous pattern across the partitions and reception areas adding interesting texture and depth. Troldtekt was specified across the scheme for its sustainable characteristics coupled with superior acoustics to provide a comfortable working environment. Thus the overall redesign of the interior strikes an impressive balance been the original industrial construction on one hand and human scale on the other, with the textured surfaces creating a sense of companionship.  Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk

The recently built front extension creates a new threshold for the church, encompassing a large multipart Flushglaze fixed rooflight from Glazing Vision. The rooflight works to fill the entrance lobby with natural daylight and helps to create a lofty, open space with character.Utilising frameless rooflights to accentuate this highly contemporary home, CDC Studio have adopted the perfect balance of imagination and persistence. Designed as a ‘forever home’ for their retired clients, this house is accessible, highly contemporary, low energy, sustainable and secure.Having approached CDC Studio, to create a home which was not too big for two, but big enough to accommodate village parties and wider family coming to stay.CDC Studio replicated the thatched barn and knitted into the local community, encapsulation the character of the village through local crafts and materials of flint, red brick, timber shutters and estate fencing complimenting this with the use of zinc to echo the agricultural aesthetic of the original land use.Adopting a thoroughly modern approach, the kitchen, dining and living spaces are open plan to allow for social gatherings and to provide a smooth flow throughout the home. With three Glazing Vision secure by design flat rooflights along the roofline, natural daylight is allowed to fill the property and create an open space for the homeowners to enjoy.The kitchen sits under a column-free, steel rod hung mezzanine with acoustic damping which was rigorously engineered to avoid the reverberating noise. This creates a sense of enclosure to the kitchen whilst allowing CDC to achieve the fully flexible family / party space requested beyond.Two Glazing Vision electric Visionvents have been included to deliver a continual air flow running through the property and providing a constant temperature and source of natural daylight into the entertainment area of the home.To compliment the contemporary style of this house, a Glazing Vision Sliding over Roof rooflight has been installed, whereby the entire section of glazing retracts out onto the roof space, leaving open, unimpeded views of the sky above. When closed, the amount of glass is maximised to maintain an almost frameless appearance.“CDC Studio have been specifying Glazing Vision for a number of years and our clients have always been very pleased with the results. A combination of standard products and the option to deliver a bespoke solution means that Glazing Vision cater for all types of projects and affordability whilst products are well made and come with the addition of guarantees.” Delphine Dryer, Associate Director CDC Studio.The character of the thatched barn is emphasized by embracing its full height to the ridge, offering modest but usable guest rooms wrapped in painted timber boarding. These were identified for immediate family use, the height helping to overcome their narrow nature on plan, integrated wardrobes, back panels and pegs for hanging make them hard working spaces. A separate master suite spreads into the new volumes providing dressing, bathroom and a private patio area which offers the clients a place for quiet retreat when guests are staying.The house boasts its own private ‘Gin and Tonic’ balcony. The mezzanine space creates a private second sitting area with a concealed timber stair nestled between concrete sheer walls to provide access. It is quiet yet connected to the main space, and commands views to the west with a fully opening sliding over roof rooflight to let the outdoors in. A separate guest suite and shower room afford privacy to occupants and visitors alike.The extended roofline and orientation provide solar shading to the solar controlled west facing glazing with the careful positioning of rooflights to prevent overheating in the height of summer, plus water runoff is directed to a salvaged historical water trough which the clients will use to water the garden. The linear design is extended into the immediate landscape with water rills extending out like fingers into the wider area which over time the clients will begin to accentuate with their planting.This project showed the right combination of imagination and persistence, creating a home which not only fits in with the local village heritage but also manages to stand out and create a ‘wow factor’ for those which bask in its glory.“We have recently been impressed with their ability to comply with the secure by design requirements which not all companies seem aware of. We have used the fixed and venting rooflights on our Stacked house and Y house and a massive bespoke sliding rooflight on our Parkhouse which the clients adore.” Delphine Dryer, Associate Director CDC Studio.

Fully compatible products from the range of TBA FIREFLY™ have been chosen to compartmentalise roof voids between apartments and communal lobbies of a large apartment building in the London Borough of Lewisham, providing 120 minutes fire integrity protection as part of a wide ranging refurbishment programme carried out earlier this year.The contract on Lewisham Homes’ Commodore Court in Albyn Road has been led by the sector specialist construction company, Mulalley & Co. with London/Sevenoaks based CLM Fireproofing carrying out the installation of the TITAN Lite™ 120:60 barrier system, in combination with Collaroll and the use of ancillary products from the FIREFLY™ range.CLM Fireproofing was founded 30 years ago by Clive Miles and has established a reputation as a leader in the fields of both passive fire protection and fire-stopping; working in a variety of sectors on projects right across the UK. A regular user of the FIREFLY™ range, many of its operatives have attended courses at the company’s premises in Rochdale to become trained FIREFLY™ installers.The Site Agent for CLM, Virginijus Pasvenskas, commented: “There was initially an intention to use a mineral wool flexible fire barrier, but the product was not tested for the scenario installed around the services such as a downpipe and it was upgraded to the use of the FIREFLY™ system by the client/project team. The installation of the TITAN Lite™ and the Collaroll to wrap the trusses and the services went very well and, as well as supplying specific details for the work, FIREFLY's technical team came to site to inspect the works. We completed our contract on schedule back in the summer.”TITAN Lite™ 120:60 has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering 120 minutes integrity and 60 minutes insulation and is able to be sealed around penetrations. It is widely specified to form fire barriers within roof voids and floor voids in many different property types, including tower blocks and other HMOs.The flexible woven material is easy to cut and fix, and is chemically treated to improve its cooling properties and therefore prevent temperatures rising in adjoining areas. The system has been fully tested to BS 476 Parts 20 & 22 and is third party certified by IFC. The six metre long rolls of TITAN Lite™ 120:60 have a minimum thickness of 6mm and are installed using special staples as well as high temperature adhesive.Employed as part of the FIREFLY™ System and also to wrap the services which penetrate barriers such as PHOENIX, ZEUS Lite™ and APOLLO Lite™, Collaroll comes in a roll which unwraps to 10m long x 300mm wide with a sewn in concertinaed skirt. The skirt can be moulded to shape to seal it neatly to the upright barrier, which is usually at 90 degrees to the Collaroll and fixed into place using the FIREFLY™ high temperature adhesive. The R31 Staple Gun and Staples are used to staple the Collaroll to itself tightly around the penetration.

The Proteus Waterproofing roof survey carried out found the existing flat roof system to be saturated. The existing roof build-up needed to be stripped back to the roof deck, with the main challenge of the roof refurbishment being the low up-stand heights available to the penthouses.The project required a flat roof system manufacturer involved at the initial roof survey and specification design stage, followed by the manufacturers technical back-up to assist with unforeseen and unexpected situations to ensure a successful installation of the new roof systems.High Performance WaterproofingThe terrace roofs above hated spaces demanded a waterproofing system with BBA certification. The fully bonded and seamless Pro- System® Plus was selected for its high performance and low odour, in conjunction with Proteus Pro-Therm Insulation to improve the roofs thermal performance and reduce the existing condensation risk.The flat roofs that were not above heated spaces required Proteus Pro-System® Plus low odour, seamless waterproofing overlay. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Client and the Proteus Approved Contractor, which also acted as the Main Contractor, to ensure the installation complied with the specification design.Health & SafetySafety on construction sites is always of the utmost importance, as well as keeping disruptions to other trades to a minimum. Proteus Pro-System® Plus was selected for its high performance, low odour, phased cold installation and seamless waterproofing.Long Term Performance​Proteus Pro-System® Plus creates an elastomeric, seamless, cold applied waterproofing membrane. The Proteus Pro-System® Plus system can include warm roof insulation. The membrane does not become brittle with age, is BBA Certified with a durability statement of at least 30 years.

The Spa at South Lodge, in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, is the picture-perfect, luxury destination for those seeking ultimate relaxation in complete comfort, far away from the pressures and strains of modern life. Designed by Hove-based architectural firm, Felce and Guy, this prestigious 44,000 sq. ft building sits harmoniously in its beautiful, natural setting with external facing bricks from Vandersanden selected to provide regular form, nuanced colours and natural texture for the project. Located in Lower Beeding, near Horsham, The Spa at South Lodge is a purpose-built spa within the grounds of an award winning 5-star hotel. It features a state-of-the-art gym and spin studio, indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool and wild swimming pool, a thermal suite and treatment rooms for members, hotel residents and spa day guests. In addition, The Spa at South Lodge includes the Ridgeview Beauty Bar and Botanica, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Felce and Guy were commissioned to provide a full architectural design, then appointed as lead consultant and contract administrator to oversee the build carried out by main contractor, Beard Construction. The firm’s design balances the specific needs of the hotel and The Spa at South Lodge’s facilities with a sensitivity to the context of the countryside setting and close proximity to the main hotel. The resultant architecture sympathetically responds to these surroundings with the building deep-set into the landscape, minimising its scale, yet taking full advantage of the extensive views available to guests over the South Downs. As the landscape falls away, leading to natural water forms, so too does the new building with external terracing leading out to a vitality pool and down to an external swim pond. After reviewing and testing different samples in advance, Felce and Guy selected Vandersanden’s Lithium brick in a 50mm size for the project. This attractive, hand-formed facing brick comprises a sanded-coated and grained structure in a muted base grey colour with accompanying shades of buff and black to match the stonework colours of the main building at South Lodge Hotel. Over 100,000 bricks were sourced and supplied for the project by specialist brick distributor, N R Taylor of Lingfield, with the thinness of the brick helping to further reduce the visual scale of the Spa building. The horizontal lines of the brickwork act as a softening counterpoint to the vertical natural green oak cladding and large glass panelling that also feature as key elements in The Spa at South Lodge design. Elsewhere, the Lithium brick has been used in the copings, landscaping and dividing walls which create external contours and help to separate the terraces outside of the building. “The Vandersanden brick works with the other materials in the design to present a very organic aesthetic for The Spa at South Lodge,” says John Chapman of Felce and Guy. “It perfectly complements both the dark sandstone used in the original hotel and its mix of greys and brown as well as the natural surroundings. The straight, clean-lines and regular shape of the Vandersanden brick, together with the raked joint we’ve used, has helped emphasise the horizontality of the building and works especially well with the textured finish of the timber panels. As a practice, we set very high expectations which the Vandersanden bricks have undoubtedly satisfied.” In addition to a curving, meadow-grass roof, which helps to attenuate rainwater flow, the Spa at South Lodge benefits from other sustainable technologies and finishes. A biomass boiler system has been installed, and all drainage is contained on site, using reed bed technology. The existing ponds within the hotel grounds have been modified and extended to benefit the local ecology. Vandersanden itself is building a sustainable future for its business, having already invested in renewable solar and wind energy technologies at its major European production plants and committed to a pathway which will see the manufacture of CO2-neutral bricks by 2050. Underlining the significance of the project to the hotel and its management, every member of staff laid one brick as part of their contribution to The Spa at South Lodge. To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link