"outdoor"

Style’s glazed folding wall system, the Stylefold 120, was recently installed at Clarksons Port Services’ new offices in Aberdeen, allowing a highly functional meeting room to be quickly created at one end of a large open-plan area. When not required, the wall can easily be folded back to merge the room seamlessly into the larger space.A leading expert in moveable wall systems, Style offers an extensive range of solutions for almost any location, including being the sole UK distributor for Dorma Hüppe, as well as for the revolutionary Skyfold vertical rising wall range.The Stylefold 120 folding wall installed at Clarksons is a simple, yet very effective solution for rapidly dividing space, with the glass panels maximising natural light whilst still delivering a 31dB acoustic rating for privacy. Clarksons Port Services is a division of Clarksons, the world’s leading integrated shipping services group. Having moved to larger premises at Aberdeen Harbour’s Matthew’s Quay, with a view to increasing efficiency and reducing carbon footprint, the integrated shipping and offshore services provider now has 1,600 sq metres of outdoor storage and 2,000 sq metres of customs bonded warehouse at this site.Style worked closely with architects, Philip Rodgers Design, and contractor, TransForm, to deliver a partitioning solution for the new offices that successfully combines functionality with exceptional aesthetics. Making minimal impact on the existing structure, the Stylefold 120 is easy to install wherever an economical retrofit solution is required. “The Stylefold 120 folding wall is smooth and effortless to manoeuvre, whilst the anthracite finish specified at the Aberdeen offices perfectly complements the contemporary interior design,” said David Louden, Style’s director for Scotland.“The addition of an integrated pass door means that it is entirely practical to leave the private meeting room in situ for long periods, if desired.”

This exciting project at Old Granada Studios, Manchester will the see the existing office building refurbished and fitted out into the new hotel, complete with a vertical extension to form an outdoor swimming pool and roof-top bar area on the eighth and ninth floors. An additional two-story extension to the side of the main building will form a new restaurant and additional rooms.Old Granada Studios is a true Manchester landmark; a building brimming with heritage and history. The re-invention of this famous building will create a place where people come together to work, stay and play. It will be a new cultural destination for the city. It will be a culture of cool places, a world-renowned hotel, studios, workspace, food and drink.The old Granada Studios is anchored by the internationally renowned Soho House Group with their stylish members’ club, restaurant, bar and the new concept Mollie’s Motel. The iconic studios have also been modernised and activated by Manchester Studios with the best production and broadcast facilities in Manchester, they are once again the city’s leading creativity complex for TV, film, music and digital content.Soundis supplied of an area approximately 7,000 sq meters, across 9 different levels which consisted of various flooring build ups.  Systems included, the Soundis Cradle & Batten Acoustic Flooring System to help improve both airborne and impact performance, this system is also compliant with Robust Details FFT2. Overlayed were the Soundis Dry Screed Panels; applied to level the structural deck to minimum of SR2 Standards. Another flooring system we supplied at this project was the Soundis CineSystem Ultra Floor offering many additional acoustic benefits. This system also offers the greatest strength, whilst the large dead load that the floated slab provides, ensures minimal movement under the addition of any live loading.

Wolverhampton market has recently undergone a major overhaul. The project involved closing all of the indoor stalls and moving them elsewhere; mainly into shipping containers which had been specially designed for the purpose.Project managers White Circle are at the forefront of the shipping container upcycling trend. While markets don’t traditionally tend to require much security at a stall level, relocating to permanent outdoor structures posed a new challenge. This was solved by installing a T55 security shutter on each of the 16 cabins. Openings measured from 1.6m to 2.9m wide, all at 2.3m high and with manual operation. An anthracite grey finish was chosen to complement the brightly coloured containers.T55 security shutters have 55mm slats, enabling a box size between 165mm and 250mm. The compact design makes them perfect for small openings where aesthetics are important.In Wolverhampton, stall owners were happy with their new accommodation. The Snack Bar café was based indoors for 19 years before the move. Co-owner Donna Walton said: “For us it’s been much busier outside. It’s been a big change but it’s for the best, and we love our new home now”.She continued: “At first I was worried whether the business would be more vulnerable being outside, but when the council told us we’d have roller shutters I felt relieved. They’re unobtrusive and really easy to open and close, too”.in addition we provided 9 of the Markilux 3300 patio awnings designed for widths of up to 5600mm and with a projection of 1500mm projection. These were manufactured with manual operation due to the reduced projection and gave stall holders ease of use depending on the conditions.The angular design was well suited to the shipping containers and the grey frame and fabric colour were chosen to keep a uniform look across all the different containers. 

Gripsure decking has been used to complete a landmark health building. The £41 million Health Innovation One is the new home of Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research.The state-of-the-art building is also a regional hub, which brings together industry, research partners, health and care providers, the voluntary sector and local authorities. The focus is to help improve the health and well-being of the area.With such a variety of uses and needs, it was important to get Health Innovation One’s outside space just right.BAM Construction Ltd, the firm behind the project, came to Gripsure because they wanted a safe, non-slip decking area which blended with the style of the building and its natural surroundings. Gripsure Cumaru was the ideal choice. This hard-wearing, non-slip decking range comes with a 25+ year expected in-service life.Up to 3,500 linear metres of our Cumaru boards have been used outside Health Innovation One’s main entrance and for the flooring of an outdoor seating area.“The Cumaru product was offered as a value engineering option and offered a significant saving to the specified product as well as being a high-quality solution.” said Jonah Speaks, Assistant Project Surveyor at BAM Construction Ltd.As well as the quality and look of the product, Jonah said the construction team was impressed with Gripsure’s support and help at every stage.He said: “There was ongoing support from the technical team to propose the correct fixings and interfaces to ensure long term performance and robustness.”Work was completed last year on Health Innovation One, which features various meeting rooms and event spaces – including a dedicated Innovation Lab and Business Lounge and an on-site cafe.The building is part of the wider Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University. The site will allow external organisations to work with university experts when addressing health challenges in Lancashire, the North West and across the country.Gripsure is proud to have contributed to such an important project.

The initial phase of a large-scale regeneration project featuring community sports facilities, office accommodation and an Enterprise Hub in Irvine, North Ayrshire, has been constructed with the use of 50,000 Carsington Cream bricks produced by Forterra in Measham exclusively for Taylor Maxwell. The construction on Quarry Road, Irvine, houses the office headquarters of a local leisure company and work spaces for Business Gateway, who aim to support local entrepreneurs and business start-ups, encouraging local employment. It provides a gateway into the development that will include local indoor and outdoor sports facilities and multi-use community spaces. The building was designed to mark the development entrance, draw people into the site and set the construction standard for the phases to follow. Andrew Martin, Sales Executive at Taylor Maxwell, said: “We were tasked with finding a suitable facing brick for Irvine Community Hub. With a budget to adhere to and a remit to provide a buff/cream coloured brick with a traditional appearance, the Carsington Cream Facing Brick was ideal. “This brick type is part of a commitment to certain product lines manufactured in the UK and mainland Europe that Taylor Maxwell makes to provide a ‘Select’ range of brick types. This provided Clark Contracts with a commitment on price and availability for a soft mud manufactured brick with the technical qualities needed for the Scottish climate.” Steven Nicolson, Forterra’s Area Sales Manager for Scotland, said: “The Carsington Cream brick is a handmade, low water absorbency brick that was used here to combine with the modern aspect of the building and to complement the surrounding buildings.” Nick Shepherd, Architectural Assistant at Anderson Bell + Christie, said: “Forterra and Taylor Maxwell’s Carsington Cream brick was used to contrast with the residential context and establish the building as a landmark. The tone of the brick was selected to harmonise with the timber cladding, as well as the timber louvres within the window openings which accentuate the texture of the brick.” Forterra nominated the project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Public category. 

Challenge Paving and flagstone products from the Netherlands were specified in the project plans for this regeneration of Dublin City University’s outdoor, communal areas and footpaths.Additional transport costs and CO2 emissions were involved in the project as the products were being shipped from the Netherlands.Solution - AG explained to the Landscape architect, it could produce bespoke paving and flagstone products with a similar finish to those already specified, and the products would be durable, available in various colours and sizes, and produced sustainability.AG created a display sample using Plaza paving and TerraPave® flagstones. The architect was satisfied with the finish and changed the specification – choosing AG’s products.By using a local supplier, like AG, the client received a greener and cost-effective solution as transport costs and CO2 emissions were reduced.AG supplied 6,500m2 of bespoke Plaza paving and 1,000m2 of TerraPave® flagstones during phase one of this project. In phase two an additional 1,000m2 of Plaza paving was supplied.AG’s Plaza paving is available in 11 colour blends and in a variety of colour intensities, depths and formats. Its surface is formed from natural granite aggregates giving it is durability. Its production uses several recycled materials, 90% of harvested rain and 100% renewable energy. It also has an excellent slip resistance rating and is a colour-fast product.TerraPave® is an aesthetically attractive and durable flagstone that uses the finest granite and quartz aggregates from around Europe to create its top layer. In both ground and textured finishes, TerraPave® is available in ten colours that complement AG’s Plaza paving – each produced with natural aggregates to ensure long-term colourfastness. With its range of depths and sizes and slip resistance quality – it’s a cost effective and a practical alternative to traditional stone paving.This project commenced in November 2018 and was completed in November 2019. The order value to AG was approximately €260,000 and AG was able to supply the products within the budget and timeline specified in the plan.

Artform Urban and the Bailey Street Furniture Group continue their ongoing partnership with contractors Renaker who have, over recent years, single-handedly transformed the Manchester City Centre Skyline. Following their collaboration with furnishing the roof terraces at the now-iconic Deansgate Square and Crown Street buildings, Artform has provided an array of high-quality external furniture for the Canalside terrace at Castle Wharf.Castle Wharf is the epitome of boutique waterside living.Castle Wharf is a modern and contemporary development of 188 apartments and penthouses in the heart of the Castlefield Conservations in Manchester's city center.The Building is designed by OMI Architects and reflects the area’s industrial heritage. Inside features high-end amenities; a gymnasium, spa, and lounge spaces.The exterior terrace has been designed by TPM Landscape and features sandstone to mimic the sandstone outcrops that are visible in the Castlefield Basin. To coordinate with this distinct colour pallet and style, Artform has provided a package of complementary street furniture elements. Large aged oak beams mounted on steel frames, as well as inset into the sandstone planter walls, create a plethora of seating options for dining and socialising. Bar stools, benches, and tables - as seen at Deansgate Square and Crown Street have been selected here. The range combines a minimal aluminium frame and hardwood clad toppers to create durable, stylish and lightweight products that offer ease of manoeuvrability and longevity.Finally, the popular Spencer litter bin clad in premium quality hardwood timbers have been placed around the terrace as well as the entrance to the building. The Spencer litter bin is a versatile design available in a variety of materials sizes and shapes - here the quality timbers harmonise alongside the sandstone. The Spencer bin has been used on all 3 projects that Artform has completed to date with Renaker.Artform’s world-leading products combined with their knowledge and experience within this sector has resulted in a unique and inviting outdoor social space for residents and guests.

More than 5,000 m² in porcelain stoneware for Germany’s largest leisure pool – Villeroy & Boch tiles in the Stegermatt Swimming Pool in OffenburgSport, wellness and leisure spanning more than 10,000 m² – the largest leisure pool in Germany, Stegermatt Swimming Pool in Offenburg, opened in late July 2017. Along with an outdoor area with 50-metre swimming pool, wave slide and adventure pool, indoor visitors can look forward to a fitness courses pool, a teaching pool, a diving pool with two diving platforms and a 25-metre competition pool. The sauna landscape comprises a variety of saunas, a steam bath and a cold-water area with adventure showers and a plunge pool. The developers for the project were the City and Technical Operations of Offenburg. 4a Architekten of Stuttgart were the architects in charge of planning for the project. The tiling work, with a volume of EUR 2.5 million, was performed by the Freiburg subsidiary of Fliesen Röhlich GmbH; with a staff of around 300 professional layers of tile and natural stone, the company is considered the largest tile specialist in Germany. For an entire year, this major project in Offenburg had 15 employees working constantly, increasing to 25 in peak periods. As a result, in spite of at times difficult weather conditions, the work was completed on time.  With the exception of the swimming pools themselves, the entire bathing level, including the changing rooms in the interior of the facility, was designed in the X-PLANE range of vilbostone porcelain stoneware by Villeroy & Boch Tiles. The range features a trendy concrete look with fine colour gradations. Spanning an area of 5,000 m², cream-coloured tiles in the two modular formats of 30 x 60 cm and 15 x 60 cm were laid in a brickwork-effect pattern, creating a space with a harmonious and at the same time vibrant look. Another approx. 600 m² of matching mosaic tiles were also used. With the special 5 x 5 cm format and a slip-resistance class of R10 they are suitable for use in shower areas.

This reimagined building in Fitzrovia, which puts people, wellness, and sustainability first, is another project we are particularly proud of and here’s why.The Met Building is 12 storeys high and one of a few such examples in London’s West End. Its design was inspired by one of New York’s landmark buildings, Lever House, one of Manhattan’s leading examples, which inspired decades of US corporate architecture.While the building’s interiors are crafted to appeal to corporates and creatives, the Tower has been designed to put people first, offering breathtaking views across London, and focusing on efficiency and productivity.The whole roof terrace of the Met Building’s Podium was built over the top of the existing roof and on a huge network of steels that are designed to direct the load away from the roof below.The system used on the roof terrace is our TerraSmart® Rail Paving System finished in our Porcelain Paving Range. This system features super-strong, 100% recyclable aluminium joists, overlapping to create a lattice framework that delivers maximum support for the porcelain paving above. In addition to complementing the overall aesthetics of the entire project, the system is fully non-combustible (Class A1 fire-rated) and, as such, in perfect harmony with the focus on the wellness and safety of all the building’s occupants. The porcelain pavers were inspired by nature and feature the performance of high-quality ceramics and environmentally conscious manufacturing that aligns with the project’s focus on sustainability.And to top it all, the entire solution installed is backed by our RYNO® IGNO® 30-year system warranty and 60-year design life.In total, the RYNO® TerraSmart® Rail Paving System was installed on 3 terraces at the Met Building, all built on the existing steel frame, and the planters that add to the outdoor experience have been integrated into the design and placed directly on top of the RYNO paving system.We are proud to have collaborated very closely with Vert Projects (the Main Contractor) and The Landscape Partnership (the Landscape Architect) in delivering this great design.

The Challenge Modern paving was required for community-based retail developmentSuperValu invested €12m in a 15,200 square foot store in Dunboyne, Co Meath. The location of the retail development has great significance to the local community, having previously served as the local GAA grounds.  Extending its current product offering, the new scheme also aims to become a local community hub. The design champions a community ethos with the inclusion of a large open outdoor space. The open plan space offers flexibility for market stalls or event structures. The new development has incorporated four adjacent units, office accommodation and a café. The new state-of-the-art retail hub required high quality paving that would complement the grey brick and granite cladding of the building. The main entrance and pedestrian walkways needed to fulfil the hard landscape design aspirations.  The Solution Tobermore’s Fusion and Manhattan perfectly complement the retail hub  Tobermore presented hard landscaping options to complement the new state-of-the-art retail development. Fusion and Manhattan block paving were the perfect choice to blend with the grey brick and granite cladding building.  Laid in alternating bands, the striking granite aggregate finish of the paving responds to the staggered elevations of the building. Linear paver Manhattan was used for areas of the main walkways in mixed sizes with smaller units of Fusion laid either side. The three-colour mix of grey tones in a stretcher bond laying pattern adds character and visual appeal to the central plaza.  The grey tones do not follow a particular sequence and the linear bands do not adhere to fixed widths. The intention was to achieve a certain randomness that feels natural and softens contrast. The range of unit sizes and colours of Fusion and Manhattan helped create this vision.  Tobermore’s Fusion kerb added the finishing touch to the project with its striking granite aesthetic as a border surrounding the soft landscaping in the central plaza.   

Hadfield Carkwell Davidson specified Tobermore for the 376,737sq ft job at the IKEA retail store in Sheffield.The large-scale scheme, which has created nearly 500 jobs, involved construction and fit-out of the two-storey superstore, providing a sales floor, warehouse, staff facilities, café, and children’s play area, as well as underground and external car parking. The project has received a BREEAM excellence accreditation due to its application of sustainable technologies like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle charging points on-site.The ChallengeBlock paving was required to meet both SuDs requirements and aesthetic aspiration.The IKEA store was constructed adjacent to the famous Tinsley Viaduct on the outskirts of Sheffield, bringing the popular retail destination to the area near the Meadowhill Shopping Centre.A crucial part of the £60M project was that the hard landscaping design would satisfy SUDs requirements but maintain a high-end aesthetic appeal that would reflect the IKEA brand.The SolutionTobermore Hydropave products provided suitable drainage for the project.The hard landscaping solution created an outdoor area that effectively promoted the IKEA brand. By utilising high-end block paving product Fusion in the cool tones of silver, mid grey, and graphite, the elevated finish was beautifully realised. Permeable paving was employed in certain areas to support drainage that would meet SuDs requirements for the site, exemplifying the project’s green credentials. This in turn made it one of IKEA’s most sustainable stores.Tobermore’s Granite Step Units with Contrasting Nosing allow for the uneven terrain to be navigated elegantly with appealing steps that augment the customer experience at the IKEA store. Hazard Warning flags also ensure that the site fully meets modern accessibility standards for people with impaired vision.Laying patterns and delineation enhanced the area to meet customer expectations, creating spacious parking bays and attractive pedestrianised walkways. Hydropave Pedesta and Fusion paving combined to realise a project that radiates a unique, high-quality feel.

DCM Surfaces recently completed work on one of Europe’s most significant construction projects – the redevelopment of Prospect Park Playground at the legendary Battersea Power Station.Prospect Park took inspiration from the power station’s iconic chimneys and brickwork patterns and was designed to be a vision of colour. The playground features areas suitable for all ages, allowing children to discover fun new climbable elements as they age.Careys Construction was the successful bidder for the contract. Following a rigorous selection process based on quality, cost and Health and Safety, DCM Surfaces were selected to install the synthetic surfacing for the playground.As part of the redevelopment scheme, DCM installed over 500m2 of Wetpour at various depths and colours. DCM worked closely with the contractor and architect to ensure that the ground was correctly prepared before installation and that suitable Wetpour RAL colours were used to blend in with the surrounding architecture.Wetpour provided a soft, impact-absorbing layer and achieved the maximum 3m Critical Fall Height required around the timber play equipment. Eight colours of Wetpour were used with an aliphatic binder to create colourful surfaces around the play equipment area and ensure no discolouration of the play area over time.One of the critical challenges DCM faced working on the largest construction site in Europe was related to logistics. All haulage vehicles entering the area were required to be FORS Gold, and a ticketing system for the entry of deliveries often resulted in materials being held for long periods in the queuing system.Regardless of the delays in material deliveries, the installation took place within the tight time frame allocated.The Mayor of Wandsworth, who officially opened the new children’s playground, said:“I would like to congratulate all those involved in delivering this exciting outdoor space, which is a great addition to the new riverside neighbourhood created at Battersea Power Station. I’m sure many families and children from the local community will enjoy hours of fun here.”

No less than eight different solid wood floors from Junckers were used as part of the spectacular design for US company Slack’s new headquarters in San Francisco. Installed as both flooring and wall panelling, various timbers, colours and finishes were used to tell the interior story. A floor-by-floor tour takes you on a nature trail. Taking inspiration from the company CEO’s passion for the outdoors, architects Studio O+A used the Pacific Crest Trail as the basis for their design. All ten floors convey a different terrain found on the wilderness trail, from desert landscapes to mountain peaks. For a design centred around nature itself, the architects specified Junckers’ wooden floors for their natural beauty and functionality. The beauty of the grain pattern found in real wood can never be replicated, and a solid wood floor is a durable, sustainable choice for a busy office space. The project has received numerous design accolades and awards, including a place on the “2019 World’s 10 Most Beautiful Offices’ list. A floor by floor guide to Slack HQ:1st floor – Basecamp featuring Junckers Nordic Oak Classic + Black Oak on walls and seating pods2nd floor – Rocky desert featuring Junckers Oak Harmony plank flooring4th floor – Mountains featuring Junckers Oak Harmony plank flooring5th floor – Mountain lakes featuring Junckers Nordic Oak Harmony + Oak Harmony Driftwood Grey plank flooring6th floor – Waterfalls & streams featuring Junckers Nordic Oak Harmony plank flooring7th floor – Forest featuring Junckers Oak Variation Wild Hazel two-strip flooring8th floor – Volcano crater featuring Junckers Black Oak Harmony plank flooring + Textured Black Oak Variation as wall panelling9th floor – Glacier featuring Junckers Nordic Oak + Nordic Oak Harmony White Plus plank flooring10th floor – Summit featuring Junckers Oak Harmony Golden Pearl plank flooring

Client: NHS HighlandLocation: Inverness, Scotland, UKYear: 2023Project size: 400 m²Vebro systems: vebrobound StoneAn attractive, slip-resistant alternative to tarmac was required for the outdoor areas surrounding an elective care centre in the heart of Inverness Campus.NHS Highland, one of the fourteen regions of NHS Scotland, provides physical and mental health services across the Highland and Argyll and Bute Council areas, covering an area of 32,500 km² and serving a population of 320,000 people.NHS Highland has opened a new elective care facility at Inverness Campus, a hub for world-class research and development in the life-sciences sector.The National Treatment Centre, based at the Inverness Campus, comprises an ophthalmology outpatient department, ophthalmology and orthopaedic theatres, inpatient wards, an imaging and diagnostics suite, as well as collaborative spaces, educational facilities, and office spaces.Not only does the centre cater to local needs, but it also goes beyond by fostering innovation and research, enhancing the scope and impact of clinical services provided.Vebro Polymers has supplied vebrobound Stone, a fully permeable, SUDs compliant resin-bound aggregate system that is ideally suited for use in public-facing external applications like hospitals and healthcare facilities. The permeable, seamless polyurethane resin bound aggregate system is designed for installation directly onto tarmac or concrete on terraces and external areas of commercial and institutional venues and delivers a stylish and low maintenance alternative to loose gravel, block paving or concrete.Available in a range of attractive aggregate blends, vebrobound Stone can complement existing structures to deliver a stunning welcome to institutional facilities such as this.Hendersons, established over 40 years ago and based in Moray in Scotland, provide first class resin flooring installation throughout Scotland.The company, who also offer a range of other services including painting, decorating and industrial cleaning, deployed their dedicated resin flooring team to transform Glenturret Distillery. Hendersons prides itself on the continual training of existing staff and development of trainees across its business, ensuring it continues to offer an unsurpassable service.

This year, the playgrounds in Kazincbarcika are being beautified again. The refurbishment across the city's 22 playgrounds began this spring with the replacement of rubber coatings and the refurbishment of sandboxes, followed by the necessary repairs to equipment and structural elements. The work is expected to be completed by autumn.With the arrival of spring weather, many are eager to spend time outdoors, and families with young children enjoy spending time on playgrounds. Among the city residents we surveyed, many consider the area around the Boating Lake a prime destination due to its proximity to nature and the presence of a playground nearby.It is important that children can play in the safest, well-maintained environment possible. Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd. is responsible for the operation of 22 playgrounds, which include 220 play equipment. The company's staff continuously repair any detected faults and deficiencies, and they annually review the condition of the playground equipment. Some of the equipment is repaired on-site, while others are taken to their workshop for repairs after transportation.Parents can also assist the professionals with their observations through the city's official mobile app, KolorApp. Thanks to these reports, it was discovered that the rubber coatings on the playgrounds were worn and damaged, prompting the company to replace all of them for the safety of the children. Additionally, they regularly rake the sand surfaces, disinfect and refill the sandboxes, and refurbish or install new playground equipment, as communicated by Márton Rosza, the construction group leader at Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd."The major replacements and repairs, for example, are taking place at the Barátság Square playground, the Völgy Street playground, the Instrument Technician Street playground, and in the Völgy Park. Currently, the replacement of spring toys, balance swings, and swinging swings is underway. We strive to show the residents potential innovations," stated the expert.Márton Rosza added: His colleagues also take care of emptying waste containers, managing green areas, caring for vegetation, and cleaning sandboxes, shock absorbers, and coatings. Safety is also ensured by a regulation that mandates a triennial review of the playgrounds, which is always performed by an expert company. Thus, everything necessary for uninterrupted and high-quality relaxation is available in Kazincbarcika. However, during the maintenance work, they ask for the patience and cooperation of the children and their parents.

Powdertech Wood Finish (Roughwood R047) is being used for a prestigious sustainable logistics development in Milton Keynes, built by Glencar Construction for client Baytree Logistics, a pan-European company. BREEAM has specified the development scheme as “Excellent”. It is also “WELL” ready – the WELL Building Standard is the world’s first building standard focused exclusively on sustainability, human health and wellbeing. The building, on a 10.4-acre site at Fenny Lock, will feature the latest in technology-enabled sustainable design features providing an environment beneficial to the health and wellbeing of the building users. Wherever possible, “Cradle to Cradle” (circular economy) principles have been adopted meaning that materials used can be repurposed in the future, being returned into the construction cycle for re-manufacture with no detriment to quality.The Benefits of Powdertech Wood FinishWood Finish on aluminium fits this approach perfectly. Aluminium itself is endlessly recyclable and our powder coatings do not affect the process. The finish can be removed, and the metal returned to its original bare state. Powder coatings are also free of VOCs, halogens and heavy metals – all compounds which are damaging to health. We are very pleased that the sustainability of Wood Finish on aluminium, and the ‘clean’ qualities of the product have been recognised as such. It is also the case that the use of Wood Finish on external features is in harmony with the aesthetics of the building design.Wellbeing for people and planetRoof garden terraces, and onsite water attenuation form part of a sustainable drainage system which includes harvesting of rainwater for re-use on site. Wood Finish in Roughwood shade R047 has been used to coat eleven enormous aluminium drainpipes which form part of this scheme; they stand 13m high with a 600mm x 600mm top section tapering to 150mm square at the ground. The scheme also includes outdoor gyms and training areas, edible vegetation and reclaimed timber seating. Internally, sensors constantly monitor air and water quality.Baytree intend that this should be one of the most sustainable logistics developments ever built in the UK and we are very excited to be a part of this ambition.

The ProjectDobbies, the UK’s largest garden centre retailer, has officially opened its store at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim.The 110,000ft flagship store is Dobbies’ second venture in Northern Ireland. This is the largest store in Dobbies’ UK portfolio with outdoor and indoor plant areas, pet, gift, and toy departments, as well as a cook shop and home décor area, a food hall, a children’s soft play area and new restaurant and coffee shop.Tobermore’s Sienna block paving in Silver was used in the flagship store to create a sleek, contemporary look. The striking aggregate finish to the paving perfectly compliments the modern exterior of the building. For the area around the new bowling green. Due to the level of expected footfall, it was important to consider hard-wearing but aesthetically pleasing paving options. The ChallengeModern paving was required for the retail development. Situated in The Junction Retail development in Antrim, and with a massive £10m invested, the 110,000ft2 store is the largest in Dobbies UK portfolio. To complement the modern aesthetics of the retail store, Dobbies sought hard landscaping to amplify the fresh contemporary feel. The store is expected to attract a footfall of around one million visitors per year. With that in mind, ensuring high quality, durable paving was used throughout the project was imperative. In addition to aesthetic and performance desires for the project and with sustainability in mind, Dobbies decided they wanted to source products locally to reduce their carbon footprint.The SolutionTobermore’s Sienna block paving in silver created a sleek, contemporary look. With a wide array of products all locally sourced, Tobermore was the chosen manufacturer to supply Dobbies with a hard landscaping solution which surpassed both aesthetic and performance expectations. Sienna block paving in Silver was used for the 3960m2 area in the retail store. Both areas, interior and exterior were paved with the striking aggregate finished product. Gerard Boyle, Senior Architect at Gray Design said “We chose Tobermore Sienna block paving due to it being produced locally, thus reducing its carbon footprint. We also wanted to support the local economy and Tobermore had a great selection of colours and products to choose from.”