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Identified as one of 13 national Infrastructure sectors by the UK Government, the water industry has invested heavily in recent years upgrading perimeter security systems with the aid of LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) and LPS1175 rated security fencing. The installation of 450 metres of fencing and various gates, including specially fabricated panels and bespoke fabrication work, was completed at an undisclosed water treatment works in the north of England as part of these upgrades. The project involved LPS1175 Issue 8: B3 (SR2) Combi™ SL2 Palisade security fencing, chosen by the Main contractors NMCN for its ease of installation, requiring no specialist tooling and the fact the system was designed to rake easily, solving issues raised with other security fencing solutions previously used.

Delamere is a residential like no other, raising the bar when it comes to care. Brining together the latest and best therapeutic, somatic and healing practices they insist on providing a welcoming, and nurturing environment and believe passionately that recovery can be fun. Wirquin were part of the project of building Delamere providing bathroom frames. The Initio was the obvious option for this build offering the perfect solution for compact spaces. The large front panel means there is easy access for maintenance, perfect for hospitality. The design and push plate offer a touch of class and luxury which the Delamere offers in bundles. There are number options of push plates to pair with the Initio making it even more versatile and enabling you to match to any decor. The Initio also boasts a durable metallic structure which is coated in a anti corrosion solution and tested up to 400kg. 

This mixed-use development is located on the former site of the Elizabeth Arden factory in North Acton, hence the fragrant name! In fact some elements of the Art Deco factory still remain.There are a number of new buildings on the site, however Renson were brought in by Ardmore to provide the ventilation louvres on the tower blocks, which were actually designed to mimic perfume bottles.Our 414 (50% Free Area) louvres were supplied with backing panels only, insulation to be installed on site. We can usually adapt and supply our louvres exactly how you want them, this is what the customer wanted, so that is what they got!Finally, our close relationships with glazing system suppliers means we can coordinate on projects such as this to ensure smooth installation and matching finish. 

Based in Bristol, Sun Life offers straightforward life cover, insurance and savings for the over 50s. Taking an old soap and vinegar warehouse, the company chose Interaction to both run and design this ambitious CAT B fit-out. Planet Partitioning were bought on-board to design, manufacture and install the internal partitioning needed to create the corridors, offices and meeting rooms. To stay true to the building’s industrial history, LOFT20 was used throughout.The partitioning was used to section a varied choice of spaces, for both working and downtime, for a flexible working environment, fit for a modern company.To create a unique feature, faceted glass panels where used to create the illusion of curved walls. This was the first time the LOFT20 system had been installed in this manner and the result, with the bands applied, was seamless.

Architect: Guy Hollaway Architects Main Contractor: Buxton Building Contractors Installer: Colorminium Stone: Jura Beige Guy Hollaway Architects designed the competition-winning scheme for the new concert hall at Benenden School near Cranbrook in Kent. The project, completed in 2021, delivered a new combined concert hall; school hall and music department. The new school hall has a capacity of 750. The Concert Hall includes a 150 seat recital hall and digital media suites. This development, the largest in the school’s history, achieves the combination of brick and natural stone, in the form of Aztec Rainscreen with stunning success. The honed Jura Limestone angled soffits give the windows a superiority as well as realising more light into the building. Areas of the large panel 1200x450mm rainscreen achieve a modern look on this prestigious development.

Port Glasgow Shared Campus SchoolArchitect: Ingenium Archial ArchitectsInstaller: MoorconProduct: Shiluvit by OranitOfficially opened Spring term 2014 the Port Glasgow Shared Campus School is the first project of its kind in Scotland.The new school building houses both Port Glasgow High School and St Stephens High, as well as sharing its ample resources with the Craigmarloch Additional Support Needs School.500m2 of ‘Shiluvit’ panels in Nordic Pine were used across the atrium and second floor corridors of the new shared campus in Glasgow.The product was chosen for both its excellent fire-retardant properties as well as the brilliant acoustic protection it provides against spaces like this which would otherwise be affected by high levels of sound reverberation.

Radii’s Pre-Construction Design Department worked closely with architects tp bennett to deliver a number of high-end bespoke solutions at this stunning location in St. James’, London.Working across 58 offices and meeting rooms, our elegant and slimline Parallel 50 and Parallel 84 systems (both Rw 45 dB) with Glide framed sliding doors were used on Level 4 with recessed head track detailing. Detailed manifestation finishes provided vision panels into the internal spaces.For 11 private spaces on Level 5, stunning smoked oak moulded timber doors were installed with PPC aluminium inlaid trim finished to match the glazing tracks. The timber portal door frames were designed to be as deep as the adjacent drywall nibs to create a flush and seamless finish.

With all-glass revolving doors and vast glazing panels, the INTRAform DM entrance matting at 338 Euston Road appears to flow seamlessly from inside to out. Encompassing the angled and recessed doorway, the external matwell continues the line of the interior mat to square. This interesting combination of internal and external matting creates a highly practical design feature. Zonal entrance matting system Using INTRAform DM with differing inserts in the internal and external zones, the architect has created a two-stage zonal system. In zone 1 external, the matting is inset with multidirectional rubber which scrapes away excess dirt and moisture from footwear and wheels. With the entrance on the corner of the building, the flexible rubber fins ensure performance, whichever the direction of approach. In the primary mat, (zone 2, internal), the profiles are inset with highly absorbent INTRAlux Elite polyamide fibre. These inserts remove and retain any remaining dirt and moisture to ensure a safe and slip-free entrance. With the revolving door sheltered within the recess, the matting here is also inset with fibre. Made from 100% Econyl regenerated nylon fibre and capable of absorbing 5.4l/m2, INTRAlux Elite is both a practical and sustainable choice. Minimal design, maximum impact The INTRAlux Elite fibre in Grey 606 matches tonally with the multidirectional rubber. The oversized entrance matting panels lessen the use of diving t-bars. While the positioning of the t-bars has been carefully planned to align with the threshold. Along with the glazed façade, these elements help maximise the impact of the architect’s design, to create a stunning entrance. Learn more To learn how to create a practical, sustainable, and beautiful specification for your next project come along to one of INTRAsystems’ entrance matting CPD webinars. Approved by both the RIBA and the BIID, the 45-minute sessions cover everything you need to know about entrance matting specification; from functions and applications to fire safety and sustainability. Register for free today: https://intrasystems.eventbrite.co.uk

1,500/M2 3mm Aluminium 1050 Grade H14 in Optima FC and Optima TFC systems has been used in the completion of the striking Onyx Building, Lancaster Circus in Birmingham. Optima FC was selected as the client required a hook-on cladding system with secret fixings for the main extent of the face. Optima TFC was then used in a mechanical fix for the slatted window cover panels due to barrier loading requirements.The building, which has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, comprises of two bold, angular towers with sharply defined ‘razor’ edges and a smooth, highly detailed, gloss black finish, rising 13 and 24 storeys respectively. The towers are anchored by a middle section rising to 10 storeys and finished with a traditional, matt brick with defined window reveals and texture.The Optima FC & Optima TFC systems were used with bespoke detailing where the main façade (Optima FC Hook On) met with a slatted window cover panel (Optima TFC).Sotech and Axalta Coatings created colour matches to Alucobond 887 & Alucobond 888 Metallics to allow this project to proceed via a powder coating route.Now available for students, the 1025 building occupies one of the most prominent sites in the heart of Birmingham City, positioned between Vesey Street, Lench Street and New Town Row.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Estimator:“It’s an eye catching building in a busy area of Birmingham. The mixture of Axalta 887 & Axalta 888 Metallic is almost alien against the traditional brick and terracotta buildings within its proximity.Phil Fisk, Axalta:“The striking, dark colours chosen for this project were bespoke metallic products bonded to gain the highest application stability. Manufactured using Axalta’s Super-durable Polyester resins incorporating higher grade pigments and stabilisers, the enhanced coating provides outstanding exterior durability as well as looking aesthetically impressive”.

3900m2 Optima TFC in PPC Aluminium and 1800sqm Optima FC in Axalta PPC Aluminium have been used in the completion of the 400+ room in Salfords student accommodation project. The Optima TFC system was proposed to create a ‘basket weave’ pattern to the façade including a mixture of both landscape and portrait lay orientation, visible in the project photos.The Optima FC included multi-depth panels to create a 3D effect along with secret fix assembled triangle segments to further emphasize the projection.When you stand back from the building, you can see the two separate towers seem to connect ‘through’ each other.The expert team at Sotech worked closely with Britplas Facades and their team of specialists to design the unique façade, ensuring it was both viable and achievable to the installation programme. As a team, we developed a method to secret fix the triangular sections onto standard panels at our fabrication facility, to reduce the quantity of parts the installer would have to handle.No additional testing was required for the project as Optima TFC and Optima FC have been extensively tested and are approved by CWCT and have been tested to BS8414-2 (compliant to BR135).Jamie Brown, Estimating Manager at Sotech said: “This is a truly unique, vibrant and striking building. It was a real pleasure to have been involved in this scheme from concept to completion working closely with our supply chain partner, Britplas Facades, to develop a solution that ticked all the boxes – cost, programme and exceptional quality.”Discovery Quays includes 404 student bedrooms over 10,325 sqft in two blocks. The finished building also provides a coffee shop, library, lounge, media wall, gaming area and a stunning double-story reception.To find out more about how the expert team at Sotech can assist in your next rainscreen cladding project, click here.

of the Church at Abbey Lane reaches right back to theemergence of Non-Conformity and the Free Church tradition in Britain.John Bradford, one of the first protestant martyrs to suffer in QueenMary’s reign (he was burnt at the stake at Smithfield in 1555),preached in Saffron Walden a number of times. Doubtless his life andthe manner of his death had a great influence on the people of SaffronWalden, causing many to leave the Established Church. These earlydissenters remained faithful to their belief through many years and itwas largely their descendants who were responsible for the founding ofthe church at Abbey Lane. This is traditionally regarded as having beenfounded in 1665, making 2015 the 350th anniversary of the church.The Toleration Act of 1689 enabled nonconformiststo spring into action, withthe erection of a meeting house atAbbey Lane being completed in 1694.Key events in the subsequent history of the Church include:The opening of the current church building in 1811The election of five members of Abbey Lane Church as Town Councillors in 1835 after therepeal of the Test and Corporation Actwhich had barred non-conformists frompublic service. These included AldermanJohn Player J.P., the first mayor of theBorough after the passing of theMunicipal Corporation Act and theBorough’s first Justice of the PeaceThe construction of the schoolroom andclassrooms in 1861 to celebrate theJubilee of the Church buildingAt the beginning of the 20th century, Abbey Lane was a flourishingchurch, attended mostly by trades people of the town. The church hada large choir and a good Sunday School which met twice on Sunday aswell as attending the morning service. On special occasions such asHarvest Festivals extra chairs had to be placed in the aisles.Of late unfortunatly a leaking roof caused significant damage,eventually leading to the ceiling collapse with cornice and panelmoulding falling.A C PLASTERING pulled down the remaining loose ceiling &decorative mouldings, stabilised the existing. Then re-lathed andplastered with Limecote supplied by Best Of Lime.A new cornice and panel mould was run to replace the damagedareas.

Although sustainable building is on the rise, large quantities of the harmful substances in some building materials still manage to slip through into new and refurbished buildings. In a new online theme from Troldtekt A/S, experts present their views on material health and indoor climate – and possible solutions to the challenges.   This problem exists because material health does not always have the same concern as, for example, acoustics, ventilation or daylighting. In an interview with Martha Lewis, head of materials at Henning Larsen Architects, the theme focuses on the health of building materials and their influence on indoor climate.  The theme also features inspiration from some European buildings which excel at being verifiably healthy and have Troldtekt acoustic solutions incorporated into their architecture. For example, it features the newly opened C2C lab in Berlin where all the materials meet the Cradle to Cradle Design criteria. These are valuable and much more detailed calculations than are available elsewhere.   Troldtekt, a leading developer and manufacturer of acoustic ceiling and wall solutions which contains no deleterious materials, wants to be specified for buildings that are healthy for their occupants. This is why the company is working strategically to support the third UN Sustainable Development Goal – ‘Good Health and Well-being.’ In practice is because their products contain no deleterious materials. This theme also explains how the recognised DGNB Certifications focuses on the health and comfort of building users. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme  to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from www.troldtekt.co.uk (tel 01978 664255) while information on Troldtekt’s building health theme can be found at https://bit.ly/2X50oS6Photo: Copyright: ©Kirstine Mengel.

The BriefMorgan Sindall were tendering for an £18.8 million refurbishment of Lexden Springs School in Colchester, Essex which cares for children with special educational needs. The refurbishment included relocating the school to a new site with a brand-new building which would enable the school to create an additional x80 places, almost doubling the number of pupils they can support and offering an additional x30 boarding places for pupils.The Senior Quantity Surveyor from Morgan Sindall first contacted Able Canopies in December 2017 with the canopy designs that were produced by Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture. He asked us to submit our proposals for the canopy structures which included a number of free-standing canopies spread around various locations within the new school grounds.The SolutionAfter various conversations between Able Canopies and Morgan Sindall, plus a change in the original canopy requirements to ensure the very best solutions were found, we were able to cultivate a number of designs that suited the requirements of Morgan Sindall, the architect and the school staff.To achieve this, we utilised the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy to its full potential for many of the designs by incorporating rear posts, transforming it into a free-standing canopy and fixing two canopies back to back to create an apex roof design and a much bigger span. Not only did this ensure all canopies had similarities to create a uniform yet contrasting appearance, it also meant we could keep costs down and all the requirements from the architect were met.We installed a total of five canopies that feature timber end panels. The panels we use on our canopies are often clear polycarbonate however, it was an important requirement that the outside area featured a range of colours and textures to enhance the sensory experience for the children whilst playing. We are also able to source splinter proof timber to make it a much safer environment for them.

The world’s premier destination for design and decoration excellence. Home to 120 showrooms and over 600 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, it is the largest of its kind in Europe.Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned construction and interior fit-out specialist with the ambition to create a huge and lasting positive impact on society, the main contractor who hired us to meet their client’s project specifications. The product selected for the project was the Soundis Absorb-R GypLine αw (also commonly known as a Seamless Monolithic Acoustic Spray Plaster System) which is an extremely flexible seamless sound absorption system. It is a non-perforated, monolithic system consisting of a mineral fibre panel with a layer of micro-porous plaster. Excellent Sound Absorption was required at this project and therefore our task was to ensure class A sound absorption within the large atrium. The Absorb-R GypLine αw was used as a seamless high performing sound-absorbing system, a system with excellent eco-credentials. The GypLine αw insulation board also benefits the energy performance of any building by enhancing the insulation of the building envelope.We were challenged with working almost 20 meters above the floor which adds difficulties to any installation but nothing we haven’t overcome before in previous projects. Absorb-R GypLine αw was selected as the finish offers unrivalled levels of sound absorption but also ensures walls and ceilings are clear of panels and visible acoustic solutions, providing a virtually seamless monolithic surface for walls and ceilings in a choice of RAL colours. This seamless and complete solution can be adapted to a wide range of rooms, from home use, office space to conference halls, auditoria, theatres, recreational sports and educational areas. The Absorb-R GypLine αw acoustic system is environment-friendly, fully recyclable and has natural components that offer optimal sound absorption with extensive resistance to fire.

Project: Kingsgate Primary SchoolProduct: Shiluvit by Oranit in White Washed Nordic PineArchitect: Maccreanor LavingtonInstaller: Lacunar LtdKingsgate Primary School, London (2018) Photos by Michael Whitestone PhotographySpecification:
Shiluvit 7-501White Washed Nordic Pine
20 x 45mm Blades with 40mm Gaps
Quantity:
1300m2LSA Projects Ltd are delighted to share with you a new award winning Oranit installation at Kingsgate Primary School in London.The £18 million, 5000m2 school has created over 420 new primary school places at the purpose built facility which is comprised of two connected two storey teaching blocks with generous picture windows throughout for an abundance of natural light.The site also has ample external space including running tracks, a science garden, and covered playing spaces in addition to being part of a community development project linking the site to a neighbouring park developed from unused green space in the area.The saw-toothed roof and external appearance of school was designed to reflect its industrial past and the cool tone light brickwork and generous windows bring the design up-to-date with current trends and the requirements of a modern building.Inside the school there is a consistent airy and neutral palette with white walls and ceiling interspersed with pale wood feature walls and stairways in addition to the white washed Nordic Pine Shiluvit panels.Oranit Shiluvit panels were chosen in part for the ceilings of the spaces due to their impressive acoustic power; the configuration chosen which included LSA Black High Density Acoustic mineral wool achieves an overall rating of Class A for acoustic absorption making it perfect for ensuring minimal reverberation across the spaces helping to keep a calm atmosphere.Nordic Pine timber was chosen for its depth of texture as well as its PEFC Certification, the timber was then white washed for a clean and bright appearance.

Birmingham’s Grade II listed Municipal Bank, a significant historical site, had sat unoccupied since 2006 before being purchased by The University of Birmingham which planned to convert it to a civic space that could benefit all.Built in the 1930s by T. Cecil Howitt, a refurbishment and extension of the building was planned to provide the University with a brand new city-centre based campus. The bank’s redevelopment has since created a learning space for students as well as exhibition and event spaces, meeting rooms and public areas, including a café.Architect, Glancy Nicholls designed the extension and refurbishment. The build was complex, having to accommodate and preserve many heritage features. Main contractor, Galliford Try chose to specify Knauf for a number of internal elements, including Knauf Shaftwall and Knauf plasterboards, due to their experiences of using Knauf products. Drywall Contracts were responsible for the installation of Knauf products, which proved highly compatible with the build’s heritage elements. Honouring the Bank’s historical architectural standing was at the core of the project’s design and construction. “Working around historic architecture, there were a lot of bespoke elements to this project. It was key that modernisation didn’t take away from any historic features and working with Knauf products helped achieve the project with that mindset,” said Jon Jacznik, Director of Drywall Contracts.  For example, a technique called Ashlar plastering was used to create a tile affect that mimicked heritage designs on Knauf boards and partitions. Freddy Maxwell-Heart, Site Manager at Galliford Try, noted that “Knauf successfully worked with heritage plasterers to achieve this effect consistently.”Another integral aspect of the build was the need to bring the 100-year-old building up to modern specifications so that it could meet today’s building regulations. Several Knauf high performance boards were used on this project, their characteristics lending themselves to the practical and regulatory requirements of the build.Knauf Impact Panel, for example, was chosen for use in areas of The Exchange which are open to the general public due to its impact resistance and robust qualities.Being a mixed-use space with offices and events spaces, thorough sound proofing was needed in places. For this, Knauf Sound Panel and Shield Plus was used to ensure a suitable and comfortable environment throughout the building.Knauf Fire Panel also featured heavily in this project. This helped ensure the building’s fire standards met stringent regulations, especially given its Grade II listed status.Construction of The Exchange took place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 during a nationwide lockdown. This was a challenging time for the industry, but Jon remarked that “Knauf continued to supply systems to ensure client requirements were met with as little disruption as possible.”Similarly happy with the level of support Knauf offered, Freddy observed that “Knauf were very helpful throughout and, Project Technical Manager, Tom Chamberlain was particularly helpful in addressing technical issues.”Jon agreed, adding that “Tom worked closely with the contract manager to overcome all the nuances and oddities the building threw at us. There was a lot of coordination between parties and frequent changes to the plans which Knauf responded to promptly.”Opened in September 2021, the re-developed Exchange offers a significant contribution to the heart of Birmingham and the city’s wider Arena Central masterplan.

MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT proved to be a winning combination for the first oak frame Passivhaus to be built in the heart of Wiltshire, South West England.Built by award-winning construction company Erigo Developments, Seldom Seen, a private detached residence, was at the time of completion the first house in Wiltshire to meet the Passivhaus standard. It still ranks as only the eighth certified Passivhaus in the South West of England.Designed around a traditional oak frame and finished in oak cladding, the house was strategically sympathetic to its rural Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) setting.The combination of MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT helped to achieve its Passivhaus status.Rebecca Thursby, Director of Erigo Developments commented: “At the time, there was nothing else on the market that fulfilled its role in this location. We used an oak frame to create the external envelope and then choose both MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT to achieve the level of airtightness required to meet the Passivhaus standard. We managed to get the air tightness down to 0.38 ACH @ 50 Pascals, which is very good.”To reach Passivhaus standard, a building must achieve an airtightness level of 0.6ACH (Air Change per Hour) at 50 Pascals or less. In other words, the volume of uncontrolled air leakages in 1 hour must be less than 0.6 times the overall building volume when the difference in air pressure between the indoors and outdoors is 50 Pascals. Named after French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal, ‘Pascals’ is the unit by which pressure is measured. In this case, it indicates the air pressure difference between inside the building and outside the building for the airtightness test. Reaching an airtightness level of 0.38 can be considered a remarkable achievement.Perfect for use in low energy buildings, MEDITE VENT is a high performance, breathable sheathing panel, suitable for use in timber frame structures. It boasts high racking strength in excess of Category 1 requirements, and high vapour permeability alongside weather resistance. Its extremely low vapour diffusion factor helps to prevent condensation and because it is manufactured with no added formaldehyde, it contributes to both a healthier working environment for installing contractors and a healthier living environment for building occupants.This intelligently formulated panel is teamed with SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, an airtight structural OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control properties, used as structural sheathing in timber frame buildings. These features eliminate the need for additional Air and Vapour Control layer (AVCL) membranes. Its coating also provides a durable, smooth surface perfect for the use of airtight tape at the panel joints. SMARTPLY’s in-house speciality surfacing technology provides this integrated vapour barrier, which delivers high and constant vapour resistance across the whole surface.For this project, the timber frame was in-filled with Icyenene sprayfoam insulation, with SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT lining the interior, alongside plasterboard facing the room. MEDITE VENT was installed on the exterior of the spray foam, which was then topped with Tyvek wrap and finished with the timber cladding.MEDITE SMARTPLY’s entire product range, including MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, is manufactured with FSC® certified Irish timber, from their own sustainably managed forests, demonstrating a clear supply chain and manufacturing process.Being conscious of how this industry impacts the environment is also something that Erigo Developments takes very seriously. Erigo is an award-winning construction company that puts an exceptionally strong focus on being environmentally responsible. The company demonstrates this by selecting carbon responsible materials and always aiming to achieve zero non-hazardous waste to landfill in all of their projects.“We've made a commitment that we're only going to build to a Passivhaus standard going forward, and to build with carbon responsible materials,” continued Rebecca. “I think everyone needs to do their bit to combat climate change.”“I think that building regulations need to go further in terms of power requirements and what's needed from houses now to achieve energy efficiency. That way, everyone knows what they can do in order to reduce their energy demands. There also needs to be more incentives in place to make people choose carbon responsible materials.”The use of MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT provides a winning formula for sustainable building.

The Northern School of Art’s new Middlesborough campus is a development of regional importance, a major focal point for innovation and creativity in the Tees Valley.Located on a town centre site, the £14.5m iconic scheme comprises over 5,000m2 set over three floors, providing a range of studios for fine art, textiles, fashion, digital media, photography and 3D product design. Its concrete structure with exposed thermal mass, moderates the internal temperatures.Seven Architecture were responsible for the concept and master plan at the new school. Seven Director Simon Parker said, “To ensure a distinct and striking design for this gateway scheme we have introduced glazed terracotta panels to envelope the building which reference the long tradition of ceramics courses provided by the School. They also allow for glimpses into the building via long vertical windows which provide great levels of daylight within the art studios.“Once inside, internal finishes will provide the perfect backdrop for creativity; an exposed concrete frame and polished concrete flooring, coupled with splashes of colour throughout, will create a simple and robust yet flexible space for the students. The design strategy has been carefully established through extensive user consultation and the collaborative nature of this design has created a true flagship building.” Design, build and installation working hand-in-handBAM Construction were design lead and main contractor for the Project. Bill Mordue Interiors carried out the installation of the acoustic systems at the school. Jon Day of the firm, “We were very pleased to be involved with this prestigeous and innovative development. The work progressed smoothly with support from the Rockfon team as and when required. It offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate how versatile their ranges are and how successfully they could control sound within this busy multifaceted setting.”In addition to the various studios and offices housed within the building, Rockfon acoustic systems really earn their place in the workshops, canteen, library, lecture rooms, busy thoroughfares and entrance hall where the pressures of controlling and containing sound in each space offer their own unique challenges. Challenges Rockfon is happy to meet, as independent research shows stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics.Performance, versatilty and beautyRockfon’s Jim Lundy, “Across all three floors throughout the school a mixture of Rockfon Universal Baffles, Rockfon® System Eclipse Islands™ and Chicago Metallic™ Infinity® Islands were installed in a variety of larger rectangular formats, sometimes alongside slimmer shapes, to work with the services already installed around and above them. In some instance, lighting and air conditioning are fixed within the panels, demonstrating their versatility. Rockfon Blanka® Activity B wall panels were also used within certain spaces to further control sound and help create the perfect environment for students to study, create, collaborate and socialise productively.”Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. They have a smooth, easy clean fleece surface encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, and feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. Delivering up to 77% light reflectance and diffusion, they are available in white or a selection of colours.The benefits of acoustic systems – seen and unseenThe high light reflectance offered across all our systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Vitally they all also demonstrate superior reaction to fire due in large part to the inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which forms their core. This stone wool also means Rockfon systems offer no sustenance to organisms which can lead to the growth of bacteria seen in some other ceiling systems.Rockfon Eclipse can be used as ceiling islands and as wall panels. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and almost unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, ceiling islands can be suspended by elegant wires, rods or fixed directly to the soffit.Seven Architecture Associate Architect Dean Murphy, “We felt Rockfon had a clean robust minimalistic design approach for both the suspended baffles & islands which clearly complemented the simplicity of our building design. Rockfon product ranges worked seamlessly alongside our design ideals for this building and worked well with our budget restraints.”The Rockfon Blanka range is available with semi-concealed and visible grid options for use as a suspended ceiling or as wall panels, offering a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation 26dB-46dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money.Dr Martin Raby, The Northern School of Art’s Principal, “The increased visibility and accessibility of the School will generate benefits for the region and town, attracting more students and footfall. In turn, this will bring significant economic benefit for the area and help to redefine the image of the Tees Valley for inward investors, students, and visitors.”

Project: Manufacture and installation of concrete worktops at the office canteenClient: Everybody’s Music ManagementMaterials used:  Bespoke BTX GRC 2500 x 65 x 30 mm precast and hand polished concrete worktops in Silk Mist finish.Three large concrete panels; each 2500 mm long and 650 mm wide with side returns; were installed by the Living Concrete team in the communal office space at Everybody’s Music Management offices in North London.The worktops were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The worktops were cut to fit various kitchen appliances and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof. Concrete worktops are extremely strong and durable and designed to withstand high level of use.

Following the acquisition of planning permission, the Hollinwood Business Park, a former brown field site, will see seven new office buildings constructed, all in the style of cotton mills built in the 1800s.The first of these buildings, Block G, has now been constructed and is benefitting from the installation of renewable solar PV technology to ensure the new business park can have a sustainable future in the decades ahead.The project has seen the installation of 114 Marley SolarTile® panels on to the roof of a large building that forms part of the all-new Hollinwood Business Park in Oldham.Marley’s SolarTile® solution was specified to provide access to a sustainable energy source that will help power the newly constructed site, helping to control energy costs and provide an additional attractive incentive to companies looking to relocate to the business park.

Here at Helmsman, our team manufactured and installed 25 three-compartment Laminate Lockers, in our wet spec which helps the material not to rust, peel, or crack under humidity. The specifications of the laminate lockers were 1800mm high, 278mm wide, and 450mm deep. The body of the lockers was powder coated in the shade of ice’ whereas the laminate doors and end panels were in the beautiful ‘English Oak’ by BioCarbon Laminates. BioCarbon is a company that provides laminates that focus on reducing carbon. Laminate lockers are an excellent choice when it comes to commercial office lockers as they allow employees to store personal belongings in a secure area.The Solid-grade Laminate lockers were completed with vinyl numbers above the locks which were the Diamond Hasp locks, for users to use their own padlocks. It is a great choice as the users will be assured that their personal belongings are safe within the locker.

PROJECT OVERVIEW We were awarded the prestigious project to provide our cleanroom system for a new Compound Semiconductor Innovation Centre which will provide a collaborative environment for innovation, testing and research. The world-leading Catapult Innovation Centre will drive advances in compound semiconductor technology and applications, enabling the UK to spearhead future technologies, including autonomous vehicles, 5G mobile networks, renewable energy and the Internet of Things (IoT).SCOPE OF WORKOur scope of work encompassed design and installation of our Mediline partitioning solid and glazed systems to create an IS07-classified cleanroom along with a number of laboratory environments, including a photonics lab, a power electronics lab, an advanced packaging suite, an evaluation lab, a radio frequency lab and a high-power lab. We also provided pedestrian doors, our Metal Pan Ceiling and fire rated vision panels.

On this fast turnaround project we worked closely with Clarke Penman Architecture to manufacture and install polished concrete kitchen worktops and splash-backs.Concrete worktops are extremely strong and durable and designed to withstand busy family use. These were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The worktops were cut to fit various kitchen appliances and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof.Spanning over 6 metres, separate large BTX concrete panels were carefully assembled on site and fitted with brass sink and taps by our experienced team. The finished effect is a modern, industrial look that complements client’s design style and blends perfectly with the raw plastered walls and concrete floors, which together create a truly unique and highly functional kitchen.

Having outgrown their previous offices, Smoove – a company operating in the property sector (formerly ULS) – took the decision to take on three floors at Masters Court; a fully refurbished office building in the quaint town of Thame, Oxfordshire. They swiftly appointed HNB and Leap Architects to deliver an overhaul of the dated interior that would better suit the Smoove team.We were approached to deliver a glass moving wall capable of separating the ground floor kitchen and main open plan space when required. Our Type G200 system was chosen, which provides transfer of natural light when partition is closed while simultaneously stopping the transfer of noise.The minimalist manifestations applied to the glazed panels along with their black painted frames have been designed to match a number of fixed glass partitions within the space, offering a consistent design throughout.

The Pavilions comprise of seven residential buildings alongside the railway, providing a mix of 156 one, two and three bedroom sustainable homes with 35% affordable housing. As a site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), this 'Development of the Year’ maximises the residential capacity without compromising the nature conservation designation. This is achieved by incorporating an educational nature trail and bird hide, with generous open spaces planted with trees, green roofs to encourage biodiversity, and solar panels. Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 20 was specified by Jestico + Whiles as it is a dry light weight Robust Detail solution compatible with Metec System LGS system, and the ideal overlay floorboard for acoustic application incorporating underfloor heating applications due to its high thermal conductivity. This enables the system to run more efficiently, saving on running costs and improving reaction times.Telford Homes was awarded this 14,350m² contract for this development at Caledonian Road in Islington.

Alexandra House, a former health clinic, delivers 16 affordable, high-quality homes meeting low energy and dependable living standards. Comprising of 9 two bedroom flats which front the main junction of Northern Parade and Doyle Avenue, adjacent are 4 three bedroom houses and 3 Dependable living houses. This development is Portsmouth City Council’s most energy efficient scheme, utilising an all-electric set up, sourced from a number of PV Panels within the development.Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 28 was specified by HGP Architects due to it being suitable for all floor types and is frequently viewed as the solution of choice for new build and refurbishment developments. Its interlocking edges for installation convenience, high density, and unique resilient layer provides unrivalled acoustic performance.PMC Construction were supplied 482m² of Cellecta products for this development in Hilsea, Portsmouth.

Products from F. Ball have been used to create a hygienic flooring finish as part of a refurbishment at The Doctors Laboratory, in Salford, Manchester.Flooring contractors used Stopgap Fill and Prime 700 Superflex flexible levelling compound to prepare 1500m² of metal raised access panels before installing vinyl sheet floorcoverings and coving. Once the primer had cured, Stopgap 700 Superflex flexible levelling compound was applied to create a perfectly smooth finish for the receipt of floorcoverings. With the subfloor preparation complete, the flooring contractors could install Tarkett IQ Granit Acoustic Vinyl sheet throughout the entire area using Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive which possesses a high initial tack, making it ideal for the installing of floorcoverings over larger areas. Finally, the contractors used Styccobond F66 contact adhesive to install PVC coving. 

Project: The Renaissance Date: 2022 Background:·        APL’s strong supply-chain relationships enabled the correct specification of aluminium and paint coating for a marine environment to be secured at a time of severe material shortages·        APL’s design team worked closely with the installer, helping to detail the challenging interfaces between different cladding types·        APL provided all structural calculations Systems:·        1,000m² of APL SnapLoc™ traditional standing seam system on marine-grade aluminium with a PvF2 coating in RAL 9002 and RAL 9006·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing to SFS and concrete substructure for APL SnapLoc™ areas·        100m² of APL Custom Bespoke Newton-range castellated profile in aluminium·        PPC aluminium infill panels and copings·        Complex bespoke feature flashings in PPC aluminium ·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Hove

The ETB building is dedicated to research, development and demonstration (RD&D) in sustainable energy technologies. It incorporates energy efficient materials and is designed to minimise its demands for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation. It actually produces more energy than it requires, heating the neighbouring Institute of Mental Health Building.Approximately 1000m2 of Ash & Lacy Façade was specified on the building’s two main elevations in the VariAL CF1 configuration. VariAL CF1 is a concealed-fix, baffle-jointed cassette rainscreen with a fully adjustable support system, primarily used for horizontal application on walls and for soffits. Designed to fit in with the high-tech building design and to appear to exude their own energy, the panels were manufactured in Alucobond Spectra Sacura ACM finish. This provides a quite stunning two-tone iridescent effect that shows ever changing hues of pink and silver that constantly vary as the angle of view or illumination changes.

Mono M311 Glass Infill Top FixThrough the early design stages of this impressive project, Delta Balustrades worked closely with the Liverpool based architects to develop the specification, design and technical details of the balustrade system.As one of the main features of the building, the Mono balustrade system to stairs, atriums, and external terraces with its minimalistic and subtle appearance, transformed the architect’s vision into reality.To meet requirements for buildings designed for children a lower handrail at 600mm above pitch line was required to the stair balustrades and the glass infill panels were required to extend to 1500mm above FFL and stair pitch line.On site close cooperation with the main contractor was necessary to conceal the baluster fixings below the finished floor level in line with the architect’s specification. Externally, this required an early fix of the balustrades without the glass infills, to enable the contractor to complete the waterproofing in view of subsequent trades progressing.

The international tech giant set out to modernise their offices and employee facilities, creating a healthy and inspiring workplace. This saw a requirement for an update to their existing washroom facilities, with a need for stylish yet hardwearing washroom systems.Award toilet cubicles were specified in High Pressure Laminate (HPL) in our popular Noir finish, for a timeless look. Thanks to its scratch and heatproof properties, HPL is a well suited material for busy washrooms such as those at Microsoft Campus. HPL’s smooth surface also meant surfaces would be easy to keep clean, so that sanitary levels are kept high.Our made to measure metal framed washroom panelling system, Frameduct our durable K4 profile HPL vanity units were also specified for their washroom renovation project.Read the case study for full details.

THE PROJECTThe Burj Khalifa, Dubai, still holds the world record as the tallest building in the world. This skyscraper is a world-class destination and the magnificent centrepiece of Downtown Dubai, Dubai’s urban masterpiece.The world’s most-prestigious address is home to a select few. With 900 residences including studios, one, two, three and four bedroom suites, The Residences at Burj Khalifa are designed for the connoisseur.The Safety Letterbox Company Ltd manufactured and installed a completely bespoke mailbox system that is recessed behind luxurious oak panelling in the towers guest services marae. This enables all mail for residents to be sorted and allocated into individual secure mailboxes, providing them with a unique mailing address.Our team worked closely with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill architects and Emaar properties, to produce a visually impressive and secure bespoke arrangement of 28 banks of 50 mailboxes for three purpose designed mailrooms in the impressive skyscraper.

A functional, child-friendly washroom design featuring Genesis toilet cubicles was created for Rainbow Nurser. The nursery opted for Venesta’s Genesis toilet cubicles, a popular choice for early education settings due to it's versatility and many customisable features including low-level doors and curved partitions. The toilet cubicles were specified in High Pressure Laminate (HPL) making them ideal for nursery usage, allowing for easy cleaning and simple maintenance, meaning they really will stand the test of time.For cost savings and reduced installation times, our Vepps pre-plumbed panelling system was specified. In addition, low level vanity units were installed featuring semi-recessed basins. A favourite for our youngest customers as they don’t get the water from the basin on their clothes when washing hands. Read the full case study for more details.

A recent project of the Berkeley Group, the Kingston Gas Works with 240 apartments called for a special solution due to the maximum construction height available for the shower being only 100mm including tray and drainage. All showers were constructed with XPS integrated shower elements (wedi Fundo Integro), which are only 90mm thick including the integrated DN50 drainage. Despite the low construction height, the specified solution offers no compromise on the flow rate of the drainage. Complete waterproof bathrooms - walk-in shower with a niche, building boards on walls & floors with sound insulation. Products:wedi Fundo Integro shower element with integrated drainage (1800x900x90mm) wedi building boards 10mm & 12.5mm - for walls and floorswedi prefabricated niche wall element wedi Non-step sound insulation composite panel (reduction by 16db)

Aluminium curtain walling was used for the impressive glass extensions on the pre-existing Great Sankey Leisure Centre building in Warrington. As a part of a multiple-phase, £16 million development, the project transformed the site into a state-of-the-art leisure, health and culture facility.The transformational two-storey glass facade extension was built with 4300m2 of TECHNAL Visible Grid and Vertical Trame curtain walling at double height, incorporating glass and spandrel panels. Now known as the Great Sankey Neighborhood Hub, the centre plays host to a wealth of facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts, a sports hall, 3G football pitch, dance studios, cafe, spa, library and even a GP surgery. The entire site has been designed to be dementia friendly and over 700 locals were consulted over the plans to ensure that everyone's needs were met.

.THE PROJECTA mixture of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments, the apartments come in all shapes and sizes: with courtyard or city views, private balconies or terraces.Stofix utilised mast climbers instead of traditional scaffolding which meant less manpower was required to keep project costs down.PROJECT CHALLENGESThe site is in the city centre, therefore, space was limited. Due to the fact Stofix was manufactured off-site meant that the limited space was not an issue for us. Our pre-fabricated brick slip cladding panels meant we could ensure product quality and consistency as well as making sure the project ran to schedule.Covid-19 caused numerous issues, from the availability of building materials to labour shortages. There were also issues with high winds as the building site was closely situated to the Bristol Channel.Find out more about the benefits of brick slip cladding.