"natural plant based glues and adhesives"

A Manchester based passive fire protection specialist has utilised products from the range of FIREFLY – including the versatile Phoenix Smoke & Flame barriers – to achieve the compartmentation of concealed spaces within the new Macclesfield manufacturing facility of a world-leading pharmaceutical giant.Firetech UK Ltd. is a key sub-contractor to DES for the construction of the extensive new laboratories and production plant for AstraZeneca, part of the FTSE 100 company’s continuing investment at its East Cheshire site for the distribution of drugs to markets around the world. Firetech was established more than 25 years ago and makes extensive use of FIREFLY  flexible fire barriers for its work on both commercial and domestic contracts. In the case of the Macclesfield project, Firetech purchased the FIREFLY  products via national distributor, Encon.  The Contracts Manager for Firetech UK on the Macclesfield Project, Josh Dodds comments: “We work nationwide though predominantly in the North-West of the country and have been using FIREFLY  products for the past five years, including here on this very large new plant.  Early on in the contract we installed a large quantity of Titan Lite™ 120:60 fire barriers in the ‘Amenities Area’ of the building and then when we were tasked with installing a series of smoke and flame barriers in the ceiling voids over the laboratories, we proposed the Phoenix product as being the most cost-effective solution. The work consumed approximately 540 square metres of the Phoenix to create a series of vertical barriers valued at some £50K.  Although we were able to employ standard details for the installation of the Phoenix barriers  and the Collaroll which wraps some of the beams and other features, FIREFLY has been involved from the earliest stages, providing general guidance and carrying out inspections.  The project has gone very well.”FIREFLY Phoenix is a lightweight smoke and flame barrier which facilitates compartmentation within buildings to provide up to 120 minutes’ integrity under BS476 Parts 20 & 22.  Certified by IFCC, the flexible and straightforward to install material is suitable for both new-build and retrofit situations.  Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios. The flexible barriers are easy to install horizontally or vertically using a full selection of ancillary products.  Used mainly in the construction industry across the UK and Europe, FIREFLY fire barriers help to contain fire, giving building occupants extra time to evacuate and the fire service to enter safely.Images shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

The Darwin Centre cocoon creates a new architectural icon for the capital, ground-breaking in scale and breath-taking in its originality and creative brilliance.The design features a vast free-standing structure taking the form of an enormous cocoon within a glass atrium. The eight storey high cocoon houses a unique collection of 17 million insects and 3 million plants collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. The building completes the Museum’s life science complex, the Darwin Centre, following the first phase opened in 2002.Design TeamThe response of the architectural design team at C.F. Møller, lead by partner Anna Maria Indrio, was to create an engaging image reminiscent of an essentially organic form. The surface and texture also needed to reflect this, so the subtle sheen of the ivory coloured Armourcoat plaster was chosen. With an intersecting network of ‘silk threads’ that criss-cross the cocoon, the surface allows for movement and provides a visual framework for openings and niches. Armourcoat was specified to devise a unique creative solution combining both the insulation and the final decorative layers. The cocoon performs a genuinely protective job providing thermal mass to inhibit any fluctuations to the internal temperature – essential for the museum’s treasured specimens. The structure also houses state-of-the-art laboratories for 250 international scientists and an interactive visitor exhibition.ConstructionA sixty-five metre long skeletal structure was built by sprayed concrete specialist Shotcrete – the first above ground sprayed concrete structural element in the world. Expanded metal mesh was fitted to the steel re-bar framework and a 250mm thick layer of concrete was spray applied to create a 3,500 m2 raw concrete surface. Armourcoat then applied a resin modified render to the structure to minimize localized variations to the surface, before the polystyrene insulation layer was fixed. Using Dryvit Genesis adhesive and over 16,000 Hilti insulation fasteners, a 50mm polystyrene layer was fitted to the entire surface of the cocoon then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh bedded into Dryvit Genesis basecoat. To create the silk threads wrapping the structure, a special cutting machine was devised which could cut an accurate slot and create the individual 340 panels which make up the cocoon surface. A total of 5.6km of edge bead was then fitted before Armourcoat’s unique AntiCrack substrate preparation system was applied. AntiCrack is a polymer and fibre modified gypsum skim-coat plaster which creates a first class substrate, keeping the Armourcoat plaster layer in peak condition. Two layers of Armourcoat keycoat were applied prior to the application of the final finish. The finished effect of a giant silk cocoon was achieved using ivory coloured Armourcoat Armuralia polished plaster - an exquisite, smooth finish with subtle tonal variations.The cocoon is a milestone achievement, a unique design and technical solution befitting the historic and social reference of the Natural History Museum. This also is a stunning example of the type of commercial projects now undertaken by Armourcoat, celebrating twenty-five years of creative excellence in 2009.Client: Natural History MuseumArchitect: C. F. MøllerMain Contractor: HBG Construction

This stunning transformation to a modern industrial space has been designed with Milliken's Facet modular carpet in a range of greys and bright colours. In the vast open office area, Facet's asymmetric lines echo those of the building and delineate key functional zones. Hand Sketched from Milliken's Naturally Drawn design collection is installed throughout Seco's various meeting rooms delivering comfort and style.

  ​​​​​​​The FasTop RS69 polyurethane cement system was used for this ongoing Bangladesh food production plant project to deliver a heavy duty hygienic floor. Sherwin-Williams FasTop Multi RS69 product used in this system delivered a thickness of 6 mm overall and 9 mm in selected areas under machines where the floor would be subjected to boiling water. The initial area totalled 3500 sqm, and then further areas were done as the applicator worked through the factory. The project was the first time Quality Floors Bangladesh Ltd. team had taken advantage of the FasTop technology which featured extreme application conditions, including temperatures of 34-36oC, day and night, and also air humidity up to 100%.

The Natural History Museum in London is a museum that exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. It is one of three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, the others being the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Natural History Museum's main frontage, however, is on Cromwell Road. The Natural History Museum in London stands as a revered institution, renowned for its priceless collections and historical significance. Ensuring the protection of both its artifacts and the safety of its visitors is of paramount importance. This case study highlights the successful collaboration between the Natural History Museum project and Rapid Access Ltd, a trusted supplier of Riser Doors equipped with Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and advanced 3-Way Locking Systems, bolstering fire safety and security.Challenges:1. Fire Safety and Security: Preserving the museum's invaluable collections and ensuring the safety of its visitors demanded robust fire safety measures and enhanced security.2. Architectural Sensitivity: The project necessitated access solutions that respected the museum's architectural and historical significance, ensuring minimal disruption to its aesthetics.3. Advanced Locking Systems: The museum sought advanced security measures to protect against unauthorized access and potential threats.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, known for their expertise in access solutions, was selected to address the specific requirements of the Natural History Museum project. The solution included the installation of Riser Doors featuring Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and advanced 3-Way Locking Systems, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. Riser Doors: Rapid Access Ltd provided riser doors that seamlessly integrated with the museum's architecture while offering secure access to utility areas.2. Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs: Prominent signage was installed to ensure that fire doors remained locked shut when not in use, promoting fire safety awareness within the museum.3. 3-Way Locking Systems: Advanced locking systems were incorporated to provide an extra layer of security, protecting against unauthorized access and potential security threats.Implementation:The installation of Riser Doors with Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and 3-Way Locking Systems by Rapid Access Ltd was carried out meticulously, ensuring that the security measures were seamlessly integrated into the museum's architectural framework.Conclusion:The collaboration between the Natural History Museum project and Rapid Access Ltd exemplified the successful integration of fire safety and security measures into a historically significant and culturally important institution. The installation of Riser Doors with Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and 3-Way Locking Systems not only met the museum's fire safety and security needs but also preserved its architectural integrity. This case study underscores the importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for projects that require a sensitive and integrated approach to safety and security in a historical setting.

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

Bicester Village, one of the UK’s major outlet shopping villages, has recently undergone a major extension. The work has added additional shopping space and car parking, and Cembrit PB has been used as a render-backer on the exterior facades of the extension. Stockford, the contractor, installed 800m² of Cembrit PB to the steel frame structure and encapsulated it with the stunning MonoTherm TXF system manufactured and supplied by Monocouche Render Systems Ltd to achieve the decorative weather proof finish you see today at the premises.

The world is focused on social distancing, safety and health; this latest project brings nature a little closer to help improve on all counts with socially distanced greenery. Leicester City Council’s urban environmental goals called upon the flexibility and experience of a rapid taskforce of installers from Hedera Screens to bring green elements across the City during lockdown and beyond.

Mapei products for the installation of wood flooring were specified to install floor coverings including over 63,000m2 of Domus wood flooring throughout all of the residential and penthouse apartments at Battersea Power Station, London. The construction of over 850 apartments at this iconic site has been completed during the first phase of building. With Mapei’s adhesive Ultrabond Eco S955 1K to furnish every apartment in the prestigious development. Ultrabond S955 can be used with all types and sizes of engineered and solid wood flooring, hence it’s suitability for the installation at Battersea Power Station.

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

This global technology company's office space is carpeted in, large scale pattern of Time Piece, from the iconic Clerkenwell modular carpet collection, created with Milliken's proprietary Millitron® digital design technology. The design has been installed to define the corridors and collaboration zones while Watercolour Lesson from the Naturally Drawn collection adds a sense of calm and comfort to formal work spaces.

Project: Ball Corporation – New Bottling Plant Year: 2020 Project Architect: CastleOwen Assembly:Roof – APL 65ZS aluminium standing seam twin-skin built-up system Walls – APL StrongBak™ with external vertical APL profiled cladding Size: • Approx 10,000 m² of roof & wall systems over 2 phases Special Features: • Building 14m high with limited site space • FM (Factory Mutual) approved non-combustible construction • 60/240 fire rating required plus special acoustic requirements Building Location: • Wakefield, Yorkshire

Job:Wilton House BelfastSmet Supported Partner:Kelly Bros Contracting for Poplar Investments LtdProducts:bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coatbauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/PlasterRelated DownloadsTDS CASEA bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim CoatTDS CASEA bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime Based Render/PlasterEPD – CASEA bauprocalc 830SMET and Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureCLEAN WALL® BrochureDescriptionbauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coat and bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/Plaster was selected for the internal plastering and external render in the renovation of this important historical building in Belfast. Principal building contractor, Kelly Bros. on behalf of Poplar Investments Ltd was tasked with this mammoth renovation project which comprised 15 Luxury Apartments, in-situ concrete frame, brick and render & Zinc standing seam Facade, completed with a flat roof.WHY USE LIME-BASED RENDER AND PLASTER?SMET’s bauprocalc products are CE-marked, factory-produced hydraulic hardening skim coat plasters and render based on lime, specially designed for hand and machine application produced to DIN EN 998-1. bauprocalc KG and bauprocalc 830 contribute to a healthy internal atmosphere. They are an excellent alternative to plaster and renders containing gypsum or patent cement that have less vapour permeable qualities.They are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where high humidity levels are expected. bauprocalc KG produces a mortar that is softer than cement mortar. After the initial set, stability and strength gradually build up over time, allowing enough flexibility to cope with minor settlement or movement in the building during this period, thereby reducing the risk of cracking.bauprocalc 830 has unique properties, making it suitable for application on low, medium and high-density substrates, especially suited for the renovation of old /listed buildings and ecological new builds. Good vapour permeability performance allows an unhindered transference of excess internal moisture through the building to the outside, thereby contributing significantly to a balanced and healthy internal atmosphere.SMET is delighted to have supplied its bauprocalc plaster and render for the lime rendering and plastering of Wilton House, helping Poplar Investments Ltd & Kelly Bros transform the 19th-century Belfast city centre building into unique, hotel-like, serviced apartments. Michael Brannigan from Poplar Investments said, “Historical features are preserved not only in the appearance of the building but also in the actual buildup, which was exemplified by the use of lime plaster as it was done 200 years ago to ensure wall breathability” (Source: NB 32-4).Check out SMET’s range of lime and lime-based products available from Smet Building Products Ltd.

Premier Loft Ladders has helped Horizon Construction provide a safe and convenient access solution to a 1st floor plant room within a premium car showroom. What made this project particularly challenging was the 1.8m deep ceiling void. In addition, the access point was also in a prominent location outside the showroom offices. The solution was a bespoke Supreme heavy duty loft ladder. It offered a safe, discrete and easy-to-use solution for access to the car dealership plant room.Read the full case study...

OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places a strong emphasis on energy-efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places strong emphasis on energy efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.Project BackgroundAir Design Systems Ltd provided a full design and build package for the client. This included installation of local control panels and electrical wiring, as well as micro-switches to allow a positive signal that each ventilator is fully open prior to the pressurisation system starting up. Air Design Systems Ltd also supplied and installed numerous continuous louvres to the plant wells that rise through the building and terminate at roof level.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied a large office building ventilation solution with a combination of single and double flap Skyvent ventilators to provide natural and smoke ventilation at the BP2 building in Canary Wharf, East London. Each of the 13 BS-EN 12101 ventilators was installed by Air Design Systems Ltdonto existing upstands with insulated lids and bodies and polyester powdered coated to RAL 9007 matt.Project ResultSkyvent ventilators are designed for both smoke and natural ventilation and are available in single and twin flap versions to suit the needs of each project. They can be installed on upstands, roof sheeting and into glazing systems. They feature very low air leakage when closed, and are weatherproof when closed, as tested to BS Parts 1 & 2. Insulated options can achieve U-values as low as 0.17W/m2/K.Skyvent ventilators are available with optional aluminium (single skin and insulated), polycarbonate or glazed lids in polyester powder paint finishes to any standard BS or RAL colour. A full range of accessories is available including bird guards, security guards and insect mesh.

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

750 metres deep inside a Welsh mountain lies the biggest stored power plant in Europe. With its remote location and harsh operating environment, Engie First Hydro contacted the Latchways team at MSA Safety to provide the complete solution for all its operational and maintenance fall protection needs. 7 million cubic meters of water are pumped through the giant turbines to generate power and then reversed as pumps to return the water to the reservoir. This tough working environment presents unique safety challenges for the electrical & mechanical operational and maintenance teams when working at height.

Lang+Fulton were asked to supply louvred screening to provide shelter and a visual barrier for the café and outdoor pool areas at the Portavadie Marina Resort. A 2.5m high screen of Italia-100 panels was installed to provide 100% visual screening. The louvres have a free area of 29%, which helps to reduce wind loading, but, in order to cope with potential storm force conditions, the RHS posts were specially designed in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-4. A store area for bins and a secure compound for service plant fored an additional part of the contract. The steel louvres were polyester powder coated in a muted grey (RAL 7015) to a marine grade standard of finish to blend with the surroundings and withstand the harsh coastal climate.

CUPACLAD 101 Logic was specified as part of the construction of a new Aldi store in Truro, Cornwall. The natural slate cladding product was chosen for an aesthetic that was entirely in-keeping with the surrounding Cornish town, as well as its impressive fire-resistant properties. Aldi tasked construction consultancy company Kendall Kingscott with designing and overseeing the creation of a new store in Garras Wharf, Truro. Kendall Kingscott became aware of CUPA PIZARRAS and its products after the slate provider presented a CPD to the team in their Bristol office. Keen to utilise the company’s natural slate products, Kendall Kingscott contacted its Technical Sales Manager for the South West, Stuart Black. “The team at Kendall Kingscott wanted to use natural slate for two reasons,” said Stuart. “Firstly, hanging slate cladding is very popular in the local area so specifying this material would allow the store to blend in with some of the surrounding buildings. Secondly, natural slate scores highly when it comes to fire resistance.” Consequently, Stuart recommended CUPACLAD Logic 101, which utilises natural slate. At 7.65mm thick, it is a robust slate product and is ideal for locations that regularly experience high winds and heavy rain. Furthermore, natural slate is classed as A1 non-combustible in accordance with the European standard EN 13501-1 – the highest possible fire rating.  Once the 150m2 of natural slate was delivered to site – it was installed by Spectrum Building Envelope & Facades. As is required for CUPACLAD Logic 101, the slates were fixed horizontally using self-drilling screws that have been specially designed to optimise installation. Post-application the screws are invisible, to ensure they do not detract from the natural slate’s appealing aesthetic.  Architect James Stanfield from Kendall Kingscott commented: “CUPA PIZARRAS worked closely with our design team to produce a bespoke solution that provides a sharp and contemporary public facing façade. “The slate provides texture and uniformity to the building frontage, which ties it into the local context. We were very pleased with the finish provided by CUPACLAD Logic 101 and how CUPA PIZARRAS helped to deliver the project and fulfil the brief.”  What’s more, thanks to its natural resistance and durability, slate does not lose its colour over time and it continues to perform. As such, it is maintenance free and guaranteed to last up to 100 years. 

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

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

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

THE PROJECTRecticel’s Eurothane® GP and Eurowall® Cavity provided the quality PIR solution for two city-based social housing developments. Melody Gardens and Corporation Road in Salford, Manchester were built on behalf of Places for People and For Housing. Watson Homes carried out the work on both developments. For Melody Gardens, it involved the building of a four-storey block compromising 48 apartments; nine two-storey houses, and a bungalow. The properties were built on a 0.4-hectare site once occupied by a Catholic church.THE SOLUTIONEurothane® GP, a low-thermal conductivity panel, provided Melody Gardens’ groundfloor insulation. In conjunction with Eurowall® Cavity, it was also installed at Corporation Road which comprises 18 one-bed and 15 two-bed apartments. The products’ durable thermal performance ensured both developments become a valued addition to Salford’s social housing portfolio.Mike Watson, Construction Director at Watson Homes explained:"Recticel’s high-quality products were essential to ensuring the fabric of both developments was fitted with insulation that will fulfil the occupants’ long-term domestic needs. In terms of installation, the panels’ easy-fit properties made quicker and lighter work of a potentially challenging project."Used products:Eurothane GP: Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installersEurowall® Cavity:Eurowall® Cavity is a specialist high performance solution for cavity walls, with precision-cut straight edges to ensure gaps between boards are kept to a minimum. It has a low emissivity facing which delivers improved thermal resistance within the clear cavity.  

Bucking the trend for dairy brick, Brooklyn Brewery opted for close to 8,000 sq. ft. of urethane cement for major upgrade works to its manufacturing facility located at the former matzo plant where it has operated since 1996.

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

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

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

Following the brief outlined by the water treatment plant the proposal adopted for implementation was for the creation of secure access control. Bi-Folding Speed Gates topped with razor wire were supplied to each of the main entry and exit points to the site. These were supported by PAS 68 rising bollards and rising arm barriers with synchronised operation and traffic light signalling. The gates and barriers were flanked by runs of Jacksons Securi-Mesh® fencing to provide a separate pedestrian entrance to the facility, while static PAS 68 rated bollards were additionally deployed to manage traffic within the site.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s custom-built facility brings together the operational and charity teams together under one roof for the first time, which will not only improve the vital service they offer but ensure the stability of their future. As a charity Wiltshire Air Ambulance have a set of core values which they abide by, one of which is the planet; They are a responsible charity and make a difference by using local companies and where possible sourcing recycled and sustainable materials. They looked to danfloor to supply their Eco Weave Tile for the development.

The Down to Earth Training Centre, built almost exclusively with natural and locally sourced materials required an anti–root roofing system, ready for the install of a green roof.

SieMatic kitchen Awaiting details

The «Plus-Energie-Haus» constructed by the Technische Universität Darmstadt is a Solar Decathlon winner. The competition has been held each year since 2002 by the US Ministry for Energy. The task is to design and build a residential house to suit life that is self-sufficient with regard to energy. The houses must cover their entire energy requirements through self-produced solar power. Between two layers is a protected external area with sliding windows and folding slat shutters that can be opened and closed as needed. The folding sliding shutters are equipped with HAWA Variofold 80 H.

Trowbridge County Hall.

The Lodge Trust, Market Overton.

250 Houston Street is a luxurious 13 story residential building in the vibrant Lower East Side of Houston, New York. The building is home to a number of one, two and three-bedroom residences where the occupants can enjoy a full suite of amenities including a serenity garden, fitness centre, and rooftop terrace which includes the iconic Tibor Kalman clock and offers beautiful New York views.The client was looking to inject some much needed natural daylight into their new fitness centre, and so Architects, Stephen B Jacobs Group PC, and Glazing Vision worked closely together to make sure the best rooflights were chosen to meet the brief.Considered an architectural feature as well as a rooflight, and an evolution of the traditional roof lantern, three of our Double Glazed Bespoke Fixed Asymmetrical Pyramid Rooflights were specified to help inject as much natural daylight into the fitness centre as possible. This was important to the client as natural daylight has been proven to help our bodies produce Vitamin D, improve our sleep, and help us focus.“For, Stephen B Jacobs, the inspiration for the pyramid shaped rooflights and the surrounding gravel court yard came from the Louvre in Paris.” Thorsten Foerster, Architect, Stephen B Jacobs ArchitectsThe rooflights were constructed of 4 panes with glass-to-glass silicone joints, minimising framework and therefore offering excellent light transmission. Our pyramid rooflights are straightforward to fit, and only require a raised upstand on your roof built to our standard specification. The units are supplied with high specification heat soak tested low e safety glass for optimum thermal performance and durability. The product is also robust and long-lasting, boasting excellent thermal performance and air tightness.

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