"natural insulation products"

The Challenge The creation of a retail and leisure destination occupying a 16-acre site on a former chemical works in the heart of the historic market town of Beverley, East Yorkshire. The Solution The development needed to be designed and constructed as a natural extension to the traditional and original town centre. Forterra’s Oakthorpe Red Multi Stock brick was chosen to achieve the desired effect. The Benefits Alongside retail space, the scheme also encompasses restaurants, a multi-screen cinema, college campus, office accommodation, a hotel and 500-space carpark. Since its opening in November 2015, Flemingate has been credited with having a transformational impact on the local economy. 

FIRETITE Best Practice Case Study Cavity insulation installed at Goswell Road, Barbican, London.

The ChallengeA new development of 15 individually designed four and five-bedroomed homes set in over four acres of mature woodlands in Nottingham.Each home in this secluded development was to be built over three storeys and designed and styled with the latest contemporary finishes, both inside and out. With a gated entrance, the private development is set down into its own valley, but still has breath-taking views of the city.The SolutionForterra’s Mandarin Mixture and Yorkshire Red Blend Butterley Bricks were chosen to meet the development’s high specification requirements. The properties were economically designed with underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, and a high level of insulation to keep running costs down.The BenefitsIncluding the latest interior finishes, each home also offers something different, from cinema rooms to beautifully landscaped terraces.

PFC Corofil’s proven range of fire-stopping insulation systems form part of the façade system and will maintain fire compartmentation at a stylish new high-rise residential development in Manchester.

Built-in 1871 as a police station with four cells and accommodation for the constable and his family. This imposing Grade II Listed property has been renovated to combine the best of traditional materials and craftsmanship, with new technologies. Achieving the target U values without adding too much thickness so the period features could be retained. Caroline and Peter approached SuperFOIL to find solutions for their project and they chose SuperFOIL SF40 to bring the property up to the high thermal performance they required. SuperFOIL offered solutions to exceed the required u-values under building regulations. Caroline chose 2 layers of SF40 in the roof area to achieve 0.14 and a single layer of SF40 in the walls to achieve 0.23 keeping the structure thin enough to retain the period features that were so important to this historic building.

Using a combination of SF40, SFTV and PIR board to achieve a lower U-value of 0.17 for a new build extension project.

A new £1 million state-of-the-art rehabilitation center for people who have suffered catastrophic sporting injuries

A new secondary school situated right at the heart of one of the UK's most ambitious regeneration projects

A unique school and leisure campus delivers comfort and performance with offsite construction methods

With the business growing at a rapid rate, the firm has expanded its head office to a purpose-built facility which also incorporates a store, café, and an external garden centre.To make the most of its prominent location at the entrance to the new Seaton Hill development, the building was designed to showcase the brand’s iconic identity. The facade of the offices and warehouse are clad primarily in a palette of blacks and greys using Kingspan Dri-Design Flat Cassettes for the office element and QuadCore AWP Wall Panels for the large retail section. This neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for more colourful facade elements of royal blue and bright orange which ‘pop out’ from the envelope, both literally and visually. These elements include a ribbon style wrapping which recreates a heart-beat reading and symbolises the HQ’s position as the “heartbeat of Derriford”. This dramatic treatment also helps to break-up the massing of the site.  Selecting all these materials from a single supplier also help to simply logistics, minimise onsite waste and ensure complete compatibility between the elevations.

Pupils at Filton Avenue Primary School are enjoying the benefits of offsite construction in their warm, vibrant new dining hall, erected in a matter of weeks using the TEK Building System

GP practice staff in Aberdeen are enjoying a new and improved environment at their purpose-built facility, with the help of the OPTIM-R Roofing System

Located along a winding mountain road in Queenstown, New Zealand, the Kingspan panels installed on this project have provided state of the art facilities for skiers at The Remarkables skifield base. The new addition to the centre is comprised of a three level base building that is home to numerous activities, including gear rental, a snow sport school and a restaurant.Due to the local climate and surroundings, the panels installed needed to be resilient to adverse weather conditions. Trapezoidal Wall panels deliver excellent thermal efficiency, providing the correct level of thermal and structural performance required in this extreme environment.

Installed were three various sized Topakustik Panels, the 9/2M, 12/4M and 14/2M. Primarily chosen for the aesthetics; these panels also created a better natural environment to combat the acoustic struggles of the modern day work place. We help combat higher reverberation levels, lower the sound pressure levels and diffused those annoying noise frequencies.

The high strength Isotec 200 loft ladder offers superb thermal insulation with a U-value of 0.17 W/m2K and a class 4 certified airtight seal. In addition, it offers 60 minutes fire and heat protection (tested according to EN 1634-1, EN1363-1, ÖNORM 3860). The Isotec 200 loft ladder is ideally suited for energy efficient, low-carbon buildings where fire protection is needed.

The Ecco concertina loft ladder features the very latest technology to achieve excellent thermal insulation and an airtight seal. The 4-point latching system ensures an airtight seal all the way around the hatch, while WDL tape provides an insulating seal between the hatch box and ceiling structure. Ideal for residential and light-duty commercial projects. The lightweight yet strong and durable aluminium loft ladder is easy to open and close. It is also suitable for smaller ceiling openings (as small as 800mm x 550mm).

The Quadro wooden loft ladder is the solution when ‘standard’ is simply not good enough. It is supplied as an easy to fit, made-to-measure unit. The 3-part folding wooden ladder is contained within, and attached to, a laminated wooden hatch box and an insulated trapdoor. The Quadro wooden loft ladder offers very good energy efficiency thanks to an insulated trapdoor with an airtight 4-point locking mechanism.

For a major new residential development in the Salford area of Greater Manchester, PFC Corofil has provided a proven range of fire-stopping insulation systems as part of the façade system and to maintain fire compartmentation of the buildings.

Devils Pit Farm is a detached farmhouse and is situated in the Blackdown Hills, an area of natural beauty near Taunton.The client had been experiencing problems with the existing uPVC gutter – it had begun to fail, and the joints had separated, which led to dampness creeping into the building, causing damage to the paintwork.The client was impressed after Mike from Simply Seamless Guttering (SSG) demonstrated the Mustang® Aluminium Seamless Gutter Machine.Mike from SSG visited the property to measure up and provide a quotation to replace the whole system, including aluminium downpipes. This was accepted, and shortly after, SSG installed the new rainwater system on-site.Mustang® Aluminium Seamless Guttering is a unique joint-less system and is the only seamless gutter system approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA).Mustang gutters are roll-formed on-site in lengths of up to 30 metres with no joints, meaning no leaks, creating a neat, maintenance-free product of the highest quality that adds extra visual appeal with the additional peace of mind a premium product has been fitted. Mustang® guttering is manufactured from 90% recycled Aluminium and can be recycled at the end of its useful life.Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Guttering teamed with Colonnade swaged aluminium downpipes is an ideal replacement for the existing uPVC gutters because it is lightweight, non-corrosive and cost-effective. Made from recycled aluminium, it is durable and long-lasting and has an expected life span of over 30 years.The homeowner was particularly keen on the benefits of having a low-maintenance and unique joint-less system.Mike Smith of SSG is a Mustang® approved contractor, meaning he has received training, and ARP has inspected his work to ensure it meets the highest standard. ARP are happy to recommend him on future contracts knowing he will use quality ARP products.For Mike, the ability to offer a BBA Accredited System gives his clients the peace of mind that a quality system has been installed and will last for at least 30 years with little maintenance. 

Located in the heart of Central London, Bloomberg L.P.’s stunning new European headquarters is now operational. Located in the heart of London between the Bank of England and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the building had to meet modern-day efficiency expectations while establishing itself as a notable visual icon within such constantly developing and advancing city.Radmat and Prater were contracted to supply and deliver the installation of the waterproofing and thermal insulation to parts of the building, most notably its green/biodiverse roof.

Altro kitchen system provides a perfect fitAltro Whiterock White, Altro Stronghold 30“We chose Altro Whiterock because it provides an easy to maintain, hygienic surface that is ideal for kitchens and have up to date fire certification.”Ben Rodgers,Cladpro LtdIssueBannold are one of the UKs largest independent family run suppliers of natural hard landscaping materials. Based in Cambridgeshire, Bannold wanted to refurbish 1920 railway carriages to create a tea room for customers.The Carriage Tea Room had a dated wooden substrate that needed to be replaced with a modern hygienic clinical finish for the kitchen facilities. The walls were not a square flat surface and needed a flexible product that could be fitted into the space. Floors and walls had to be easy to clean and maintain and fit into an environment without a straight line.ApproachCladpro are leading Altro Whiterock Premier installers specialising in hygienic wall finishes, floor coverings and ceilings. They suggested the Altro kitchen solution for the kitchen carriage. All the walls were thermoformed and wrapped to fit the unusual shape of the carriage.SolutionAltro Stronghold 30 keeps staff safe, with Altro’s highest slip-resistant rating of (PTV 55, R12) even with common kitchen contaminants such as grease, oil and flour. With 3mm comfort underfoot and 10dB impact sound insulation, it makes busy and noisy kitchen environments more comfortable for staff. Combined with Altro Whiterock it creates a full sealed solution to maintain the highest levels of safety and hygiene.

Chartek 7 was specified for this project, as an epoxy intumescent coating with an outstanding track record of protection against hydrocarbon fires dating back to 1995. The PFP system had to be able withstand explosion loads in excess for 4bar while maintaining its integrity, and Chartek 7 easily met these requirements. Using Chartek also provided productivity benefits, due to its high build and simple meshing system, along with a low weight per unit area, helping to reduce transportation costs for pre-fabricated units.Pre-fabrication played an important role in this project, due to the harsh environmental conditions and remoteness of the site. Steel components were constructed at locations across Europe, with the emphasis on minimizing installation and delivery costs. The ability of AkzoNobel to provide standardized global products and a high level of technical support helped to streamline and add value to this process, complementing the productivity benefits of Chartek.

Acoustic Products has launched a new semi-automatic electric movable wall system. Each panel within the system has a microprocessor based circuit board controlling automatic operation of the panel seals making the system extremely easy to use and re-locate. Available in sound reduction ratings up to Rw 57 dB, a wide range of panel finishes and with simple or more complex remote stacking arrangements. Please contact the techical sales department at Acoustic Products for more information. Tel +44 (0)1227 281140 Fax +44 (0)1227 281141 www.acoustic-products.co.uk enquiries@acoustic-products.co.uk.

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Dundee’s dramatic new attraction, the V&A museum, is set to become a world class destination, as work connecting Scotland’s fourth largest city to its Waterfront, continues. Hardscape were privileged to supply the natural stone, both outside the building and inside including the beautiful Carlow Blue limestone flooring and steps leading up to the galleries.

Burton Green Primary School is located in the historic city of York, an outstanding school at the heart of a local community this primary school strives for excellence. The challenging and nurturing learning environment allows children to learn and grow, while achieving the highest potential possible in all areas of the 21st century curriculum.When the roof began showing signs of ageing, it was clear that a long-term solution was required. Working with Project Managers Charles Garth and Principal Contractor Castle Special Projects, Polyroof would work towards providing the best solution to refurbish the ageing roof.The work required and condition of the roof needed to be established first, to do this a survey was scheduled to take place. The survey was conducted on roofing area and it was determined that there were 6 flat roofs that required refurbishment. Areas 1 to 2 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm PUR insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm woodwood slab deck with timber joists. Areas 3 to 5 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm Jablite insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm wood wool slab deck with timber joists. Roof area 6 was made up of built-up felt with mineral cap, plywood and timber joist. The original build-up of roofs 1 to 5 needed to be stripped back to the asphalt due to the aged condition of the built-up felt, numerous leak reports were reported. Roof 6 and its original waterproofing was to be retained and made good, later this surface would act as the substrate for the new waterproofing system.Once the survey was completed, a bespoke specification was written and it was recommended that the roofing areas would all benefit from a high-performance waterproofing system. In addition to this it was specified that the roof would be thermally upgraded to reduce the risk of condensation and provide lower fuel bills and energy consumption for Primary School further adding benefits to making improvements to the roof.Liquid Roofing Limited an experienced roofing contractor and Polyroof Approved Contractor was chosen to undertake the work to this project. The proposed system for this project would be Polyroof Protec Warm Roof System. Protec’s liquid roof membrane has a unique flexible hybrid polymer formulation and can be applied to virtually all common roof surfaces.The areas that were required for installation firstly needed to be stripped and removed back to the asphalt, areas 1 to 5 required this. Area 6 was then repaired of any defects and made good where necessary. All roofs required a deep clean, removing any dirt or debris that remained from the first stage. Once this preparation was completed an Air & Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) was then installed to roof areas 1 to 5 making sure that all surfaces are smooth and without voids.Using a Polyroof Twin Pack Insulation Adhesive the Polyroof RES insulation (T&G) boards were bonded and laid to each of the 6 roof areas completing the second stage of the warm roof upgrade. Before the last stage of the installation could begin all joints in the insulation were sealed using taping matt and Polyroof Protec Resin. Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced.During the project there were some challenging aspects that required care and attention. The project featured a large array of different details ranging from installation of new substrates and trims for parapet walls to the removal of and preservation of tiles/cladding so that the Protec system could be applied correctly. These features required delicate work so that the original tiles/cladding could be reinstated after the application of the system was completed. During the project the rooflight that was originally in place was removed and replaced with a new, before this could happen the Protec system was taken up the upstands and then sealed under flange.Once the project was completed within the relevant time frame of the client and within the budget specified, the Polyroof Technical Services team conducted a detailed inspection showing a high level of workmanship which lead to the client gaining the trusted Polyroof Accredited System Guarantee.

We delve into Anna's inspiring rooflight replacement journey in her Hertfordshire home with a Vario by VELUX custom-made roof window. This stunning addition has wholly transformed her living space.At Vario by VELUX, we understand the importance of custom-made solutions to suit your unique needs, and our bespoke flat roof windows are designed to do just that. Anna's story is a testament to how our Vario by VELUX Rooflights can create a space filled with daylight, enhancing ambience and interior design.Custom Made Roof Window CollaborationAnna, who hails from South Africa and relocated to the UK almost 40 years ago, recognises the importance of natural light and how it can significantly impact your well-being. Having lived in her Hertfordshire home for many years, she knew it was time to replace her existing lantern rooflight due to a leak and a desire for a more modern design.When she reached out to her architect for guidance, he recommended Vario by VELUX, a decision that proved to be a game-changer for her home. Our team worked closely with Anna, making the bespoke flat roof window fit around the structural beam and seamlessly integrated with her living space. The result was nothing short of beautiful, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship, professionalism and flexibility Vario by VELUX is known for.What improvements have you seen between the old rooflight and the new one?“The design of the extension is better now than when we had the previous rooflight. The lantern that stood up always bothered my eye and now this flat roof is unobtrusive. When I look out of my windows upstairs I don't see anything, I just see the garden, it’s just opened up another dimension.Another thing is the rain, the sound is different - it’s softer and I like the pool of water you can see lying on it - the different little patterns. It’s a wonderful sound and view so I really recommend it.”The Impact of Unlimited Daylight on Your HomeWith the Vario Unlimited Rooflight installed, Anna's living space now basks in abundant natural light. This daylight not only brightens up the room but also enhances the overall interior design. Even on cloudy days, the room remains well-illuminated, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The difference is undeniable, and Anna couldn't be happier with the transformation, stating, “I had such a good experience, everything was done so professionally… the end product is beautiful.”Advantages of Flat Roof Windows Over Lantern Roof DesignsWhen considering the choice between a flat roof window, like Vario Roof lights, and a lantern roof design, it's essential to highlight the benefits that make the former stand out:Unobstructed Views: Unlike traditional lantern-style skylights, flat roof windows can offer a more discreet and clean design that blends seamlessly with the roof. This design allows unrestricted views of surroundings, creating a more open and expansive feeling within a space. Lanterns can provide a beautiful and artistic effect by breaking up the daylight with the lantern intersections.Balancing Cost and Style in Skylights: Choosing between flat glass rooflights and lantern skylights isn't just about style but also cost. Flat glass rooflights are a bit friendlier on your wallet and can even help lower your heating bills, thanks to their excellent insulation. But don't let that sway you if your heart is set on a lantern skylight! They might require more time and expertise to install, but the result could be well worth it. Ultimately, the choice is yours - both options bring daylight and elegance.Ventilation: Vario flat rooflights are designed to maximise airflow thanks to our upstand, contributing to a well-ventilated and fresh interior space. Lantern roof lights, on the other hand, excel in aesthetics, adding a distinct charm to any room. However, their ventilation efficiency may not be as high as that of flat roof windows. Both options present a blend of form and functionality to consider.Insulation Differences: Lantern skylights and flat roof windows both provide insulation but to varying degrees. Lanterns with multiple glazing pane joints tend to have poorer insulation, leading to more heat loss. Conversely, flat roof windows, with fewer connections, generally offer superior insulation.There are certainly pros and cons to both types of rooflight design. What matters most is that you are considering adding more daylight into your your designs!Experience the ‘Wow Factor’ With a Bespoke Roof WindowAnna's advice when considering a renovation is crystal clear: "I really don’t think you can do an extension without a rooflight." She believes it's essential for well-being and making your space more enjoyable. A rooflight adds the "wow factor" that can genuinely make your life better.Incorporating a Vario skylight into your project can be a game-changer, just as it was for Anna.

Twelve years ago leaders in the East Belfast community, principle among them Sammy Douglas, then Chair of East Belfast Partnership, had a vision of a walking/cycle/nature way that would link some of the public parks of East Belfast by following the watercourse of the Connswater and Loop Rivers from the Cregagh Glen down to the Connswater’s entry to Belfast Lough.

URSA storey’s high with new Whitechapel development Global insulation manufacturer, URSA, has seen some 25,000 m2 of its specialist insulation materials specified and installed at one of the capital’s largest residential development projects in recent years. Ian Claydon, Technical Manager for URSA UK, describes the specification through to installation journey: “The Silk District is a new development located close to Whitechapel Station and within walking distance to the City of London. The Whitechapel based scheme compromises three residential blocks set around a piazza with private landscaped gardens. New commercial space on the ground floor of The Silk District will welcome many new and exciting restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. The Borough is considered an important area of regeneration for London and will meet the aspirations of neighbouring Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and Bethnal Green all of which are less than a 10-minute walk from the development.  “Our work with the London based property development company leading the scheme, Mount Anvil, began in November 2018. We provided advice and guidance on making the correct choice of materials, achieving compliance with Building Regulations (thermal performance, fire resistance requirements and resistance to rain penetration) and compliance with the NHBC Standards. We also provided numerous thermal models, U-value calculations and associated condensation risk analysis. The Mount Anvil team were undoubtedly impressed with the speed and quality of URSA Technical Services. “We were involved with external wall construction as well as the design of a brick clad rainscreen system and continued to work extensively on the scheme throughout 2019 as the design developed further. Work was delayed at the beginning of 2020 due to Covid and re-started in July 2020. Ian explained: “Collaborating with the client in these very early phases ensured that they were able to select a product that is entirely right for each and every one of their primary and secondary needs. Planning was critical within the design and roll out and meticulous attention to detail was applied during these initial phases and throughout. Key products installed included URSA’s Cavity Batt 32 & Walltec 32 – 12,000m2 and URSA Acoustic Roll - 13,000m2.   URSA Walltec 32 is a lightweight, non-combustible, semi-rigid glass mineral wool slab treated with silicon based water repellent. It is faced with a black glass tissue on one side and are ideal for use behind rainscreen cladding systems in both new build and refurbishment projects.URSA Cavity Batt is a lightweight, semi rigid glass mineral wool slab treated with silicon based water repellent. It is suitable for use in both fully and partially filled masonry cavity walls up to 25m high.Mark Guest, Regional Sales Manager for URSA UK continued: “URSA Walltec proved to be the ideal choice due to its outstanding fire performance qualities, with a Euroclass rating of ‘A1’ making it totally non-combustible and the ultimate in safety specification for behind cladding systems. URSA glass mineral wool is manufactured from an abundant, sustainable resource and utilises at least 50% glass waste. From an installation perspective, the black glass fleece tissue facing means that the product could be used behind open joint cladding without being seen.“The Cavity Batt is available in a wide range of thicknesses, ensuring the client was able to meet all appropriate Building Regulations and standards. Our new generation URSA TERRA mineral wool has a ‘soft touch’ feel making it easier to handle and install whilst still maintaining its excellent mechanical properties.“There were several other over-arching factors to consider within this scheme and those included the sheer size and scale of the site and its location in a packed city centre. The lightweight nature of both products meant that they could be compressed therefore saving time and money on transport, effectively halving the number of journeys needed. This meant that more products could be delivered to site and stored in an area where space was at a premium. “Work is now once again very much underway with an anticipated completion date of early in 2021. The property market is thriving once again and Whitechapel is becoming recognised as a hotspot for investment and is now being considered the destination of choice for many new businesses. Our distributor partner, Encon Insulation in Dagenham, worked closely alongside us during the project” Ian concluded: “It’s fantastic to see two of our core product specified at this major residential development. We have enjoyed a collaborative, partnering approach with the client throughout. The client has been keen to specify the safest, most durable, sustainable and quality product available on the market today and we’ve been pleased to support them in their design journey through to installation.”

The extremely specific design of the wall panels in the Design Museum, specified so the panels work to absorb sounds and reduce the refection so and to increase the calming effect of the area. The Topakustik micro perforated panels have been bespoke manufactured with an eye to detail in the Oak veneer, the veneering layout and the panel widths so as to blend the natural veneer grains, colours and panel sizes.

We met digital content creator and charity ambassador Sally, in her gorgeous detached house in the English countryside in Surrey. Sally, her husband Gav, their three sons, dog and cat live in a beautiful cottage with lots of outdoor space for football, dens and four chickens (all named Barbara). They’re an active, outdoorsy family who love embracing nature, from scuba diving to surfing Cornwall’s finest beaches.Over the years they have built two extensions to their house. In the most recent extension project, Sally chose to illuminate the end of her gorgeous country kitchen/diner with a Vario by VELUX bespoke rectangular rooflight, so we went to visit her for a cuppa and a lovely chat about her impressions and experience on the importance of daylight. Sally, what a bright and stunning space you have in here. Could you please tell us more about your extension project?"We love this house; it has plenty of space and we absolutely love the country lifestyle. We bought a house 12 years ago and that time it was much smaller. The first big extension we did was 9 years ago, but we didn't quite get what we wanted as the building restrictions at the time were very strict.The key thing for us was to bring the light in. A wall of glass made perfect sense, but as the extension has a flat roof, we also started to think about what was above. In a room like this, I think the roof should be seen as the fifth wall.”Your original plan was to put a glass lantern in the extension. What made you change your mind and choose a flat glass rooflight instead?“Initially we thought we would put a glass lantern in like everybody else and it didn’t even occur to me that I could have anything else until I was invited to a rooflight launch event by Vario by VELUX. At the event, I completely fell in love with the idea of having a rooflight in my house. I got all the information and, after I realised that even a modern flat rooflight comes with an upstand and you also get the height of the roof built in, which would also give the room the height we wanted, and that the cost would be less than having a lantern of the same size and with no breaks in the glass, choosing a flat glass rooflight was a no-brainer! What do you love most about owning a bespoke rooflight?“It’s so cool and yet functional. Rooflights brings so much more light in than you would get from a normal side window and the fact is that daylight does make you feel better, especially in winter. On top of that, the customer service was excellent, there is always a backup call from Vario by VELUX to make sure you are ordering the right window, they hold your hand through the whole thing and the whole process of designing and ordering was made fun and easy. They helped me with things like setting the window at a slight angle, so the rain just runs off and we don’t end up with a swimming pool situation on the roof! It’s a really hands on, personal service from a small team, but backed by a big name like VELUX so you know you can really trust them. It’s like the gold standard of roof windows.”How did you perceive the installation process of the rooflight?“The process was really simple, easy and quick. Our constructor was provided with all the information they needed to know, in order to put the rooflight in. Our bespoke rooflight was delivered in 6 weeks and we rented a small crane for a day to lift it in. The crane was literally tiny, it fitted through our side gate. Then it was simply a matter of dropping it into the opening and letting the builders do their thing to seal it in. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous on the installation day as the dog insisted on sitting under the opening and it was very windy, but it all went very well. That moment when the hardboard comes off and you get your first glimpse of the sky above, it’s just magic.”Do you think changing your house has improved your everyday life?“Extending the house, and how we use it, has changed the way we live, the way we work and the way we relax. Having an extension, an extra room, the flow and the light we wanted has definitely increased the value of the house but also the saleability of the house. How many older properties have flat roof extensions and haven’t put in a rooflight? There must be loads and they’re definitely missing a trick. We wanted to build personality and I believe that with the extension and bespoke rooflight we got exactly what we wanted. With more daylight and space, I feel more active, I feel more awake, I feel fresher, I get things done. It has definitely changed the way we live.”

This Edge Grove School has used the Laudescher2.4.3 system that will not only work as an absorbing surface but also works at diffusing the sound. Along with the great acoustic properties the Linea range also adds to the natural aesthetics.

In the construction industry, contractors move at lightning speed to source the best products at the right price for their projects, all with the goal of ensuring client satisfaction and meeting tight deadlines. Renowned for our leading sealing, bonding, and insulation solutions, a selection of illbruck products were chosen through our extensive distribution network for the New Avenue project in Oakwood, London.The ProjectErected in an affluent neighbourhood within the London Borough of Enfield, New Avenue is an idyllic development boasting the peace and tranquillity of suburban life, whilst being only a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Central London.Due to consist of over 400 mixed-type homes, ranging from apartments, maisonettes, as well as houses, this eight-year development will also include a community and energy centre, in addition to a new nursery. The SolutionDuring phase two of the new housing scheme, illbruck’s expertise were called upon to provide a vapour control layer for the Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame element of the project. This was to restrict warm, moist air from the interior of the finished structure from entering the fabric of the building. For the 11-storey block of flats, Central Essex Interiors required a solution at a competitive rate from a manufacturer with a good supply chain, due to the extensive size of the project.As a brand of CPG UK, illbruck has been recognised for over 70 years across the UK, Europe, and around the globe for supplying high performing solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the construction industry. Catering to a wide range of installation environments for both interiors and exteriors, from major building schemes to home improvements, our solutions can be tailormade to you or your client’s specification.The ApplicationProcured through one of our distribution partners, AC Fixings Ltd, illbruck ME003 Vapour Barrier was stapled into the party walls of the construction to achieve adequate vapour control. 500 rolls of this innovative 3-ply solution were required to protect the fabric of the building and its insulation, by providing a vapour and airtight seal. This in effect will help to improve the overall energy efficiency of the New Avenue apartment block, due to the product’s high-grade granules, which means that the SD value (resistance to vapour diffusion) is not lowered. The flexible and tear-resistant nature of this product boasts ease of application due to its lightweight properties, and is compatible with a number of illbruck’s intelligent window membranes and adhesives.Following the installation of ME003, illbruck’s ME315 Total Protection Tape was used to provide a high performance air and weather tight seal. This special tape is suitable for a wide variety of applications, and achieves a permanent bond to all illbruck indoor and outdoor building protection membranes. This fully compatible solution is highly UV and moisture resistant, quick and easy to install, and can be used within partially open facades. ME315 is also certified to EMICODE EC1 due to its low emission production, contributing to the energy efficient properties of ME003 to provide a total green solution for New Avenue.Scott Hurry, Area Sales Manager for illbruck, commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with our valued customer, AC Fixings, who in turn have supplied Central Essex Interiors with two of our leading products from our sealing and vapour control range.“illbruck was chosen due to being a highly recognised name within the marketplace, and we have been able to work with the Client to supply the products at a competitive rate and turn the project around quickly. The installation is due to span over a course of seven months with completion scheduled for late 2023.“When working with illbruck, however, you will receive more than just products. Behind our brand is a team of experts beholding a wealth of knowledge and industry experience, all of whom are well versed in applying the technique of illbruck’s innovative, high-quality products into the complexities of today’s construction environments. “As a customer of illbruck, you will receive technical support as and when is required, in addition to our suite of training, which encompasses everything from CPD seminars for architects, application tutorials for contractors and installers, as well as trade mornings for distributors.”

Broughton & Yeamans House are high rise apartment blocks in Bristol, Avon, under the management of Bristol City Council. The roof areas, totalling over 3,500m2, had originally been waterproofed with asphalt and then later treated with a coating repair.Unfortunately, water ingress continued to be a problem with leaking occurring at numerous locations. Not wanting to cause further disruption to the residents and to avoid costly damage to the interior of the buildings, the council contacted Polyroof and a survey of the roof was arranged.The survey by Polyroof’s Technical Services highlighted the extent of the issues within the roof, including identifying water ingress through the many vertical sections present on the roofs, including parapet walls and the lift house building. After performing core tests on the roof, it was shown that the existing roof build, which contained insulation as part of a warm roof design, was in a suitable condition to be retained and overlaid – avoiding costly disruption for the client and residents.A bespoke specification was drawn up by the Polyroof Technical Team that provided a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure the apartment blocks were fully protected from the elements.To make sure the roof could be left in a totally weatherproof condition, it was necessary to treat not only the flat roof sections but the vertical areas too. The client was keen to improve the thermal performance of the buildings by adding additional insulation, but it was imperative that disruption was kept to a minimum – not only would stripping works impact on the buildings’ residents, but hauling waste materials from such a great height would be costly and logistically challenging.With BBA approval, top-rated fire performance and Polyroof’s trusted 20 Year Accredited System Guarantee, the client has total peace of mind that the apartment block could not be better protected for decades to come.

An enormous 10 story balloon made by the worlds leading balloon manufacturer, Cameron Balloons, is made using SFTV. Our Reflective Thermal VCL was used in thousands of homes and building projects all over the UK and EU, it was chosen for this successful round the world record attempt for its incredible strength and reflective properties. In fact, this strength was essential to withstand the extreme temperatures, altitudes and wind speed in excess of 200 kph the balloon was subjected to.

As part of Soundis’ ongoing work supplying high-quality acoustic flooring at various Premier Inn’s around the UK, we were brought on to provide acoustic flooring to their Penrith site, one of Premier Inn’s many new sites across the UK.Due to it’s service and close proximity to the Lake District, this hotel has become extremely popular in just a short period of time.Just like a number of our other Premier Inn projects, we supplied an acoustic flooring system to the 1st and 2nd floors. This superb system provides excellent levels of soundproofing while being used in a shallow floor build up.We also supplied XPS Insulation on the ground floor with a 22mm T&G chipboard overlay, maximising durability for the increased footfall.The system we supplied reduced the overall noise within the hotel, allowing Premier Inn to fulfill it’s promise of a good night’s sleep. This installation carried out by UK Acoustic Systems proved to be a great success, reducing the noise levels within the building and helped ensure the most comfortable stay possible for guests.