"natural plant based glues and adhesives"

Altro Wood adhesive-free sets a high standard at special schoolIssueAltro Wood adhesive-free safety flooring has been fitted in Kaimes Special School, in Edinburgh, setting a high standard for easy to fit, slip-resistant and homely surfaces for pupils and staff.The installation was part of a wider refurbishment of the school by the City of Edinburgh Council, and integral to their drive to reduce sensory overload in primary and secondary schools by using ‘natural’ neutral colours and textures.ApproachA spokesperson from the Interiors team at Edinburgh Council, says “We worked closely with Altro on Kaimes Special School, and they recommended their Altro Wood adhesive-free flooring for several reasons.“The biophilic design principles of bringing nature into schools have been proven to aid learning, promote calm and improve mood among pupils. Using a wood-effect flooring is a great way to create that atmosphere, and this is why we use Altro Wood adhesive-free – it’s a beautiful, homely and comfortable surface that also has very high slip resistance. It ticks all the boxes for us.”SolutionNick Burge, headmaster of Kaimes School, says: “The feedback from pupils, staff and visitors has been nothing but positive, and the flooring is proving practical too, easy to clean and it looks as good as it did when it was fitted six months ago.”The Edinburgh Council Interiors team also specified two other Altro surfaces for Kaimes Special School. Altro Wood Comfort was fitted in the primary school classrooms, where pupils have high levels of behavioural problems. This 2.85mm thick option gives comfort underfoot and offers 14dB impact sound reduction, and has matching colour and design options with Altro Wood adhesive-free. Altro XpressLay adhesive-free flooring was also fitted in some corridors and circulation areas.Altro Wood adhesive-free creates maximum impact with minimum downtime. Using Altro’s award-winning adhesive-free installation method, it can be welded and walked on the same day, and at the end of its life can be removed easily, allowing it to be reused or recycled. Altro Wood Comfort offers aesthetics combined with comfort and safety. It’s an ideal choice for areas that need to look good while helping to give comfort underfoot.With matching design and colour options across this range, both floors have 14dB impact sound reduction, a 10-year guarantee and Altro’s one in a million slip-resistance reassurance, the flooring offers high levels of comfort underfoot, providing a safe, durable and decorative solution for busy spaces."We use Altro XpressLay a great deal in our refurbishments and new builds. Like the Altro Wood adhesive-free it goes down so easily and quickly and can also be recycled, so it fits in with our principles too." Interiors team at Edinburgh Council"The new wood-effect flooring in the dining room and forum looks fantastic, and it’s playing an important part in creating a space that is now warm, homely, calm and inviting."  Nick Burge Headmaster of Kaimes School

Altro delivers a speedy upgrade to luxury care homeIssueAmana Living is a premium care service provider based in in Australia, who pride themselves on making the welfare of their residents a priority. When the community lounge at Amana Living’s Moline Village needed an upgrade, they knew they needed a speedy solution that would cause minimal disturbance to their residents and offer a superior quality finish.ApproachThe existing vinyl floor was in need of an update, and Amana Living needed a flooring product which would allow them to complete the renovation quickly, with minimal noise, dust, and unpleasant odours but would also look great, and perform even better.SolutionAmana Living chose Altro Wood adhesive-free for their refurbishment. The adhesive-free installation meant that not only were there no adhesive smells, but that the new flooring could be laid directly over the top of the old. This saved valuable time and significantly reduced the amount of dust involved in the project. The time savings that Amana Living made by using adhesive-free flooring meant that they were able to open up the lounge to their residents more quickly than originally planned. The benefits don’t end at the installation either: in their new community lounge, both staff and residents enjoy a relaxing environment with comfort underfoot and 14dB sound reduction. And with the inclusion of Altro Easyclean Technology, the lounge is also much easier to maintain.Altro Wood adhesive-free creates maximum impact with minimum downtime. With 12 colour choices, 14dB sound reduction, a 10-year guarantee and our Altro one in a million slip-resistance reassurance, Altro Wood adhesive-free offers high levels of comfort underfoot providing a safe, durable and decorative solution for busy spaces."The installation was completed in a very timely manner with no take-up of existing flooring, and no dust or adhesive odours causing discomfort to anyone in the facility, all being completed with minimal disruptions." Amana Living"Everyone is delighted with the completed flooring which now delivers great safety underfoot, ease of cleaning and a fantastic looking renovation completed in record time." Amana Living

Profile 6 was specified on the 'super' brick plant because it is a high strength fibre cement sheet that is unaffected by the humid and aggressive environments found in this type of plant.

A lightning-fast flooring solutionIssueYuuki, a commercial flooring installer in Japan, wanted to try the adhesive-free floor concept for themselves before recommending it to their customers. With the opening of a new office and store, and needing the opening to be completed quickly, installation of an adhesive-free floor posed a good option. Yuuki also wanted to demonstrate adhesive-free floors to customers, helping them to understand the concept and the benefits.ApproachPresident Oshima of Yuuki Flooring said: “When I first heard about adhesive-free floors I was surprised. This is a new concept in Japan to have flooring without adhesives. However, I was very curious to see how it would install, and what the outcome would be. The installation was very fast, and I thought this floor is an amazing solution for me and my customers. This floor is easy to install even in busy areas and has great potential. It’s been more than six months since the installation, and we have not experienced any problems with the floor.”SolutionYuuki flooring wanted to open their new flooring store as soon as possible, and without compromising on design. Yuuki decided to use Altro Wood adhesive-free due to the speed of installation, minimal downtime and the wide range of wood designs."The installation was very fast, and I thought this floor was an amazing solution for me and my customers. This floor is easy to install even in busy areas."  President Oshima Yuuki Office"It’s been more than six months since the installation, and we have not experienced any problems with the floor." President Oshima Yuuki Office

Installation of Eternit Profile 6 painted sheeting and ventilation systems was carried out in Gunmetal Grey on the top half of the nitric acid plant and Blue on the bottom half by FP Services UK Ltd and in Blue on the centrifuge building by Cape Industrial Services.

A new flooring solution was required as part of a large, high-specification selfbuild housing project on the stunning Archerfield estate in North Berwick. Underfloor heating had been specified for the ground floor of the house and it was important that the chosen floor solution would help to optimise heating efficiency. Given the scale of the project it was also important that the chosen screed solution could be installed quickly over a large area to fit within the build programme. Following initial discussions and a successful pump trial the customer decided to use Tarmac’s TOPFLOW Screed C cement based liquid screed.TOPFLOW Screed C is a free-flowing, cement based liquid screed that can be trafficked after just 24-48 hours and dries within 21-28 days. It can be pumped into place and allows large areas to be covered quickly with up to 120m2 laid in as little as 45 minutes. Fast drying times mean it can be laid later in the programme when the building is fully water-tight and still hit deadlines for installation of flooring. It is ideal for use with underfloor heating systems. As a self-compacting screed, it fully encapsulates heating pipes without leaving any voids and is also a more conductive medium than traditional sand and cement screeds, improving the thermal performance of the system. It is also compatible with most cement based adhesives meaning it can be used with a wide range of flooring types.The fast-drying times and early trafficking characteristics of TOPFLOW Screed C enabled other trades to follow on quickly, helping to provide continuity and efficiency within the client’s build programme. The contractor was delighted with the outcome, commenting on how good the material was to work with and on the excellent finish achieved.

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.

Contacted by the an army base with the request to prevent insects on site. We dual fitted every window with roller screens with insect mesh and black-out blinds.

When Base Architects wanted to re-develop their Shrewsbury office, they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply a mixture of their Gradus carpet products. The project would include Gradus Latour2 Howden and Dovedale, together with Gradus Emphasis Orange and the Gradus Boulevard 5000 range in colour Moorhen.

The new Ardley EfW Plant, including a 12m basement built over an Artesian Well, presented a host of construction challenges. Due to the extreme water pressure created by the Artesian Well, as well as ammonium salts in the ground, Fosroc worked closely with Tata Projects specifying a solution using Proofex Engage to provide a watertight, chemically resistant barrier, with Supercast SW20 in the construction joints to reinforce the floor to wall joint. Fosroc provided a ‘total solution’ package to ensure Tata Projects could feel confident with the proposed specification, from basement waterproofing, to grouting crane bases, flooring and sealants.

Our E130 Elite has been certified by the LPCB to security rating SR5/E10 and is approved for use in national infrastructure and national security situations.Research conducted by NPSA has demonstrated roller shutters have the potential to provide a significant delay to forced entry by marauding attackers using bladed weapons, firearms or placing explosive devices in contact with the roller shutter.This E130 Elite was installed outside the entrance revolving doors to offer immediate and high security protection for this base.

Players at Macclesfield FC enjoyed a speedy win thanks to the help of Styccobond F58 PLUS. The ‘no time to wait’ adhesive made quick work of the installation of LVTs and rubber floorcoverings as part of the creation of a new state-of-the-art gym at the Leasing.com stadium.  Flooring contractors began the project with a subfloor moisture test, which indicated high Relative Humidity (RH) levels in the subfloor, necessitating a moisture management solution to prevent excess subfloor moisture attacking floorcoverings and adhesives, potentially causing floor failure. Having removed surface laitance and old paint from the concrete subfloor on the lower floor, the contractors carried out surface repairs using Stopgap 460 Exterior Repair fast-setting rapid repair mortar. A single coat of Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane created a barrier against the excess subfloor moisture. Once the waterproof surface membrane had cured, the surface was primed using Stopgap P141 primer for non-absorbent surfaces before the company’s Red Bag self-levelling compound was applied at a thickness of 3mm to provide a perfectly smooth base for floorcoverings.   Styccobond F58 PLUS was used to affix charcoal-grey, wood-effect Kährs Calder Herringbone LVTs to create a bold statement in the main weights, cardio and boxing rooms, and changing areas.  Throughout the gym, rubber floorcoverings were also installed at fitness stations, using the adhesive in its wet state, to provide a soft cushion underfoot for customers using the equipment.  Upstairs, contractors made necessary repairs, including filling day joints, before priming the subfloor, this time opting for Stopgap P131 general purpose primer. Due to high RH readings contractors applied Stopgap F78 waterproof surface membrane. Once cured, Stopgap Red Bag self-levelling compound was again used to create a base for subsequently installed LVTs, completing a premier workout area for strength and resistance and cardio machines.

The Natural History Museum is protected by a network of cutting edge MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced.Established in 1881 and renowned for its collections of life and earth specimens, London’s Natural History Museum is widely recognised as the pre-eminent centre for natural history and related research. The Museum is the third most popular in the United Kingdom and its irreplaceable 80 million strong collection is of global importance and includes numerous specimens collected by Charles Darwin.At the heart of the active fire protection for the Museum is a network of 24 MxPro 5, intelligent, multiprotocol panels, plus remote control terminals, BMS interface and a bespoke PC based graphical user interface. The network was designed, configured and commissioned by Pacific Security Systems, a long-time partner of Advanced.

Located at Manchester Science Park, Base is Manchester’s newest tech and advanced materials green hub, purpose built for businesses working in Industry 4.0 and for those looking to develop the future talent of the science and tech sector.Taylor Maxwell worked closely with main contractors Caddick Construction, to specify and supply the Corium brick cladding used across the facade. The BBA certified cladding system, manufactured by Wienerberger, was installed directly onto Rainspan composite panels which helped to reduce installation time on site.

Concrete foundations of a wind energy plant: Due to the influences of the weather over the years, the following damages were noticed: •Cracks due to movement •Moisture into the structure •Spalling of the concrete •Corrosion of the reinforcement •Flaking paint The first step in the restoration of the foundation was pressure injecting the cracks - through which an elastic closure of the cracks was realized. The total surface was strengthened with a unique sillicate liquid. A waterproof sloped layer was installed; finally, the moving joint between the foundations and the steel tower of the wind energy plant was sealed elastically.

The BROEN-LAB Polyester Based Surface Treatment is our standard coating. The treatment provides the best protection against most chemicals, UV fading and heat, we have come across. All our taps, valves and regulators are light grey, while handles can be delivered in a wide range of colours, according to the European and the U.S. standards. Do you like the look of steel? When the industrial look is preferred, we recommend our Satin Chrome surface. It gives the taps, valves and regulators an elegant metallic finish and has excellent chemical resistance properties.

Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS vinyl adhesive has been used to install a luxury vinyl tile floor finish at the Pavilion Bar on Norfolk’s Cromer Pier ahead of BBC television programme ‘Antiques Roadshow’ shooting an episode from the pier. Contractors took up worn carpet tiles and securely screwed down plywood sheets over the boardwalk subfloor, prior to installing Altro Wood Safety LVT’s. Styccobond F49 was applied prior to the installation of LVTs. Unlike other water-based adhesives, Styccobond F49 is resistant to water, making it the ideal choice for an installation such as this situated directly above the sea.

With use of the company’s primers, floor smoothing compounds and adhesives, a floorcovering installation at the new Christ Church School in Frome proved to be a master class from F. Ball and Co. Ltd. The subfloors were prepared by applying Stopgap P131 primer, followed by Stopgap Green Bag fast setting smoothing underlayment. Heckmondwike Hippo carpeting was then installed in the entrance area using Styccobond F3 Flooring Adhesive. Flotex carpet was laid in classrooms, secured by Styccobond F44 Acrylic Flooring Adhesive, which was also used to install Altro Walkway vinyl floorcovering in community areas and toilets...

Green Park Station provides access to the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria Lines. The £60 million refurbishment to achieve step-free access included a copper canopy, a Portland stone entrance and a ramp from the ticket hall into the Park featuring green wall screening. Lang+Fulton designed and supplied 300sqm of panels to clad the raked inner facade of both retaining walls and the tapered wall-heads, which would support the green wall planting. The panels were made to custom sizes from Terra-34 grating and fixed with varying lengths of bracket to accommodate the stepped areas in the walls.

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro is the biggest hospital in Cornwall. The corridor needed updating quickly and required a durable solution to withstand high footfall and wheeled traffic in the area. Altro Cantata adhesive-free flooring was combined with Altro Fortis Titanium wall protection.

Another great example of the LivePanel natural living wall at Liverpool waterfront apartments. Modern building designs often create clean, crisp lines and an urban streetscape of hard landscaping and walkways. Adding a natural element might be considered a challenge as space, access and amenity compete, leaving little leeway for extensive planting. There is, however, the most beautiful of options available: the living wall. A solution that can allow a vibrant living expanse of planted material on a vertical plane. That is what has been achieved with this Mobilane LivePanel installation alongside this prestigious new residential development on Liverpool’s waterfront.

Styccobond F73 PLUS adhesive has been used for a rinkside flooring refurbishment at Slough Ice Arena. The flooring area surrounding the ice rink had already been prepared by removing old loose lay rubber floorcoverings, and the subfloor cleared of contaminants, including old adhesive residues. Once a suitably smooth surface was complete, the installation of rubber floor tiles commenced, using Styccobond F73 PLUS. With high initial grab and resistance to oil, grease, and water, once cured, Styccobond F73 PLUS was the perfect choice for use adjacent to an ice rink, where water deposited by skaters leaving the rink will be common.

Stone: LUNDHS Royal® - silk/leather surface.The beautiful combination of natural stone, blue cabinets and oak details makes this one of our all-time favorite kitchens.

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.

Nissan Sunderland is one of the largest, most efficient car plants in Europe. On average, the plant has built a Nissan car every two minutes since production started.Project/doors:10 Speedor Cleanrooms (Over 200 doors supplied to the plant)The challengeFollowing the manufacture of a new paint plant where Hart have a number of doors including several ATEX, Nissan identified a requirement for new repair lines to enable them to carry out both light and heavy repairs and not have to completely repaint the vehicles. This is fast moving environment with the need for a reliable and dust reducing solution.The solutionUsing a tried and tested solution, Hart installed these “hybrid” Speedor Cleanrooms with ATEX operators within the repair zone. We worked closely with site engineers to give them the solution they require, rather than a door to fit an opening. The Speedor Cleanroom maintains strict air leakage requirements over specified pressure differentials and a non-touch safety light curtain which ensures maximum protection to personnel. The successHart is a trusted supplier to Nissan and its subcontractors. Having worked on the site since it’s inception, Nissan approached Hart to supply the doors. Following this Hart were approached by an OEM who provided a full spray booth, after Nissan insisted Hart Doors were specified due to the success of the earlier installations.The review“Speedor is a tried and tested product that is why we keep using them.” Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd

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

VDG Property Development has recently joined forces with their own construction company Unibouw to develop the new VDG Warehouse Schiphol II. The new building is equipped with a total of 636.5 square meters of vertical greenery divided into two green walls with the MobiPanel system.In addition to the sustainability requirements, BREEAM-NL certification ‘Excellent’, this also enables the building to meet the high-quality requirements in the areas of nature inclusiveness, biodiversity, ecology and living environment. The green appearance of the buildings is the ‘new normal’ at the business park. Schiphol Trade Park aims to be the most sustainable and innovative business park in Europe.‘The area developer and the ambitions of the Schiphol Trade Park area set high requirements in the area of nature inclusiveness. For example, 95% of the end walls of the building had to be green upon completion. The green facades give the building a fantastic appearance. Nature inclusiveness is becoming increasingly important in project development and this is also the future. It will make the Netherlands look all the better,’ says Richard van Campen – project manager at Unibouw B.V.Nature-inclusive buildingFor the development of VDG Warehouse Schiphol II, design choices were made that enhance the ecological value for the surrounding area. For example, the warehouse not only facilitates an efficient logistic process but also creates space for more greenery and biodiversity.Diversity in plant speciesFor each façade, the climatic conditions have been examined and the choice of plants has been adjusted accordingly. The green façade oriented to the North-West contains the plant species; Campanula Stella, Alchemilla Molis, Vinca Minor, Lonicera Maigrun, Geranium Rozanne, Carex Oshimensis ‘Evergreen’, and Bergenia Bressingham White. In the green façade oriented to the southeast are the plant species; Alchemilla mollis, Dryopteris Erythrosora, Bergnia Bressingham White, Lonicera Maigrun, Riarella cordifolia, Carex Oshimensis ‘Evergreen’, Asplenium scolopendrium and Geranium Spessart. In total, there are approximately 23,400 plants in both green walls.VDG Warehouse Schiphol IIVDG Warehouse Schiphol II comprises 9,636 m2 of modern logistics space and consists of two units. With green facades and panels on both sides, VDG Warehouse Schiphol II presents itself as an extremely sustainable distribution centre. With its ecological elements, the development is not only connected to the surrounding nature, but also to the adjacent distribution centre where a MobiPanel green facade has also been installed.Client: UnibouwArchitect: VDG Real EstateConstruction period: 2022Installation: Mobicare

F. Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS vinyl adhesive, a revolutionary development in temperature tolerant adhesives, has been used to install luxury vinyl tiles in a shopping park food court that is subject to temperature change and heavy footfall. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract over time, leading to tenting and gapping. The innovative formulation of Styccobond F49 limits any movement and holds the floorcovering firmly in place.  Importantly, the adhesive also delivers the instant grab associated with pressure sensitive adhesives, which, until now, hasn’t been available for temperature tolerant adhesives.

The Margam Green Energy Plant is a long-term, multi-million pound investment into the Welsh economy to help meet the country’s renewable energy targets whilst also strengthening the country’s energy security. A durable concrete was required for the storage silo that housed wood chip to feed the plant.For this project Tarmac suggested their TOPROC SY be used as an overlay on the finished concrete slab as a protective high strength screed. TOPROC SY comprises a micro-silica mix with steel and macro fibres designed to give high levels of abrasive and impact resistance. This product is highly suited to heavy industrial areas such as container handling, metal recycling, waste, loading bays and any other aggressive environments. The main benefit is extended length of time the product will perform compared with traditional concrete therefore saving cost on continual replacement.

As showcased on a recent episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, CUPA 12 natural slate has been specified for a spectacular new build project in Chichester. Selected to enhance the property’s modern aesthetic, the slate roof also complements the rural surroundings, which include a wildlife pond along with a variety of plant life. Property owners Daniel and Nina Rowland both work professionally within the construction sector; Daniel heads up architectural firm Studio Fuse, while Nina is an interior designer. Combining their skills, they decided the time was right to embark on a new adventure; leaving London to design and build their own home on the South Coast of England. They purchased a period property that happened to back onto a stagnant pond, which consisted of local drainage overflow. Daniel and Nina put together a design that would see the old house demolished and a new building constructed. Likewise, the pond was to be transformed into a crystal-clear natural swimming pond – a highly ambitious undertaking. Ideally, this would attract local wildlife, such as frogs, newts and sparrows, resulting in a beautiful waterside home. In terms of the design of the new-build property, the couple wanted the house to be eco-friendly and have a contemporary, spacious and natural aesthetic. It was to be built from structural insulated panels (SIPs) clad in Siberian larch and flint, with large glass windows. Timber decking would then connect the house to the natural swimming pond. When it came to the roofing, Daniel commented: “We considered using a standard seam metal roof but we went with slate to compliment the natural material palette we have used throughout the rest of the house.”Darren Stigant, Director at NJS Roofing, the roofing contractor on the project made the product recommendation: “Although this project looks quite simplistic, the different roof pitches added a certain amount of difficulty to aligning the mitred hips. Having sourced products from CUPA PIZARRAS many times in the past, I suggested the company’s CUPA 12 slate which was available in 400 x 250mm palettes. Utilising this smaller size, as opposed to the usual 500mm x 250mm, helped us to achieve the finish we required on the mitred hips.“I really like the way CUPA 12 lays, and it requires minimal sorting and grading, which simplifies the process significantly. What’s more, it’s very good value for money, providing a really impressive finish.”CUPA 12 is a non-carbonated slate that is formed by tectonic compression, giving the product a smooth, matt surface. The dark grey colour provided an effective contrast with the timber and glass. The CUPA 12 natural slate is also high performing with outstanding weather resistance, as it has been tested to achieve a water absorption rate of 0.11% and a rating of T1 in thermal cycle tests. Thus, making it a long-lasting product with a functional life expectancy of 100 years. What’s more, not only is CUPA PIZARRAS officially a carbon neutral company, but CUPA 12 has also been assessed and certified by BRE Global, solidifying itself as a sustainable choice and bolstering the environmental credentials of Daniel and Nina’s new home.  Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs commented: “This design joins together nature and architecture – in every sense it’s beautiful.”Daniel and Nina were delighted with the house and the CUPA PIZARRAS roof, “The slate is consistent in its appearance, which compliments a more modern build, but it still has a soft natural aesthetic. We are very happy with the finished roof and would highly recommend CUPA PIZARRAS slate to others. It is great quality, and our roofer loved working with it.”

Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS vinyl adhesive has helped to take the floors up a gear in the West Bromwich showroom of Evans Halshaw. Styccobond F49’s temperature-tolerant properties made it the perfect choice of adhesive. It was applied by flooring contractors for the installation of the LVTs. Stopgap P141, an acrylic primer for non-absorbent subfloors, was applied over the original ceramic tiles, to help promote the adhesion of the levelling compound to the subfloor. Once the primer had dried, Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound was then applied to the entire area, before the installation of new LVT flooring.

Jaguar Land Rover’s new £500 million engine manufacturing facility at the i54 business park is situated close to the M54 motorway outside Wolverhampton.The new plant, which is the size of 14 football pitches, is JLR’s largest investment for in-house engine design and manufacturing in a generation. As it was impractical to install a perimeter fence to provide adequate screening from the motorway, Lang+Fulton supplied 5 separate compounds with double and single leaf gates made from 400 linear metres of Italia-100 louvres:Waste Compound (2.4m high)Chiller Plant Compound (4m high)Data Centre Compound (3m high)Filter Mist Compound (4m high)Smoking Shelter (2m high)Finish: hot-dip galvanized & ppc RAL7016

Our client, the world’s second largest producer of bottled water, was looking for industrial floor paints to renovate and maintain indoor walkways and create seamless traffic flows in its factories. And that’s no mean feat as the area to paint was over 2500 m2!"The objective of the refurbishment was to improve the visibility of the walkways in the production area to enhance employees’ safety."As the factory hadn’t been renovated for some years, floor markings were no longer visible and cracks were appearing throughout thus increasing the risk of trips and falls.In a food processing plant, there are strict environmental and safety regulations to comply with. It was therefore important that the paints and coatings used in the refurbishment conform to those regulations, but also have a rapid curing times to minimise downtime.Our client’s organisation relies heavily upon the dynamism of its teams. It was therefore only natural that employees themselves – from the accounting department to the technical teams - rolled up their sleeves and got on with the refurbishment project. The idea was to raise awareness of safety issues in the factory. For us, it meant we needed to supply user-friendly paints and coatings that could be applied easily by staff. Our solutionOur client researched various solutions and suppliers for their refurbishment project. Watco products, which are long lasting and user-friendly, stood out from the competition. Three products were applied: Safety Grip: A heavy duty anti slip, two pack epoxy resin coating designed for dangerous areas. Epoxyline: A heavy duty, fast drying, line marking paint. Epoxy Gloss Coat: An extremely tough floor coating that is virtually solvent free, and therefore ideal for a food processing plant.

BAE Systems recommended Jacksons Fencing, one of the UK’s leading designers, manufacturers and installers of security fencing and access control systems, for high security solutions at Portsmouth Naval Base, England. Princess Royal Jetty is the berth for HMS Queen Elizabeth, the the largest ever surface warship built for the Royal Navy. Jacksons successfully completed the works in time for the vessel to set sail from her new home for the first time in October 2017.

Troldtekt 100% wood wool acoustic panels have been used to dramatic effect at London’s famous Open Air Theatre in Regents Park. A newly-constructed rehearsal building, designed by architects Reed Watt, comprises a stunning double-height dance and rehearsal studio in its centre encircled by offices, kitchen and green room. Troldtekt wood wall panelling in natural grey also complement the natural setting while helping to dampen and keep reverberated sound to a minimum. The rehearsal studio has been acoustically rated so that the maximum noise level that can happen in the studio before being audible outside is 100dB.

A contemporary office environment demands a number of important considerations; functionality, aesthetics, space, accessibility and wellbeing.  Ticking all of these boxes are the multiple LivePicture installations at the headquarters of Ultraleap, a technology company in Bristol. A framed piece of artwork with living plants, LivePicture has brought foliage, freshness and visual impact to the offices, thanks to installers Inleaf.