"planning land"

PROJECT OVERVIEW Jaguar planned a £500m investment for their first in-house engine manufacturing facility. Opened by Her Majesty, it currently produces 400,000 Ingenium petrol and diesel engines a year. Norwood worked with Interserve to deliver this ground-breaking project to the highest standards. The overall project won the Regeneration award at the RICS Awards Grand Final.OUR SCOPE OF WORKThe main challenge was to provide a 120Min fire-rated demountable compartment wall at 11 meters high. Norwood teamed up with Interserve, developing our 200mm Mediline system, which was subjected to excessive laboratory testing to achieve the 120Min Fire Rated certification. In addition to solid partitions, Norwood supplied a 90Min fire-rated 9-meter high glazed partition wall which provided a viewing gallery from the grand reception onto the manufacturing floor.In addition to the fire-rated compartment walls, Norwood provided a self-supporting machine and QC enclosures. The enclosures had to give a clean environment to a GMP standard; therefore, they had their own mechanical equipment, which was all supported by the Norwood enclosure. This was delivered by designing and installing a bespoke PodSolve system which consisted of a hidden ceiling joist system that provided the structural support for the mechanical equipment.Norwood often returns to Jaguar Land Rover providing modifications without business interruption to the build as their product cycle changes.

Sertus supplied mechanical smoke ventilation products to this modern project.Project Name: Jaguar Land RoverLocation: LondonSector: CommercialClient: Jaguar Land RoverInitial BriefSertus were approached to provide a mechanical smoke ventilation products for a firefighters' core which was required due to the large floor space of the showroom.OutcomeSertus supplied Shaft Louvre Dampers and a Roof Mechanical Pod for this project. Take a look at the photos above, and you can find the products here.

More than 150 metres of UNIFOLD® was installed at HM Land Registry, Coventry.This installation utilized the UNIFOLD® patented clip-joint system designed to allow joints to be competently and successfully completed behind obstructions and where access is particularly difficult.The existing gutter systems installed on the roof of the building were manufactured from GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester).The GRP gutter joints had broken down due to thermal movement, for which this material is particularly prone.In order to ensure the integrity of the lining, system expansion joints were strategically introduced to induce Unifold to move in complete unison with the gutters beneath.This was the second HM Land Registry building to receive UNIFOLD®. The previous installation was in Leicester.

It is anticipated that when completed in the next ten years or so, the regeneration of Wembley Park, in North West London, will provide up to 7000 new homes. Schöck is supplying its Isokorb structural thermal break systems across a number of different sites on this vast scheme, but one of the largest is South West Lands. This private rented sector residential-led mixed-use neighbourhood will account for around 12% of the new homes on the entire Wembley Park development, up to 900 in total.South West Lands is spread across four separate blocks, which all share a communal basement car park.The reinforced concrete frame buildings, up to 18 storeys high, are finished using traditional brickwork and standing seam metal cladding. To create valuable amenity space at higher levels, as well as offering far-reaching views across London, there are communal roof terraces and a considerable number of private balconies throughout the development.Schöck Isokorb® T type SK products were used on two of the phases at South West Lands for thermally connecting the cantilevered steel balconies to the reinforced concrete slab. The Isokorb® T type SK units were positioned accurately using re-useable balcony width steel jigs.

At Jaguar Land Rover, the existing employee bike storage was outdated, oversubscribed and becoming a hassle to maintain. This site transformation is a great example of the differences made in ease of use & aesthetics by ensuring your cycle storage facilities are up to date and of a superior quality.

300sqm of innovative abstract design, Spacia Stellar Bronze was used to add subtle geometry to the idyllic Resort Land & Zee Hotel Warm Cherry / Pale Ash With modern hotels increasingly focusing on the attributes of design and aesthetics for interiors, Amtico flooring was the top choice when it came to the refurbishment of this beachside hotel in Noordwelle, Netherlands.

Project DetailProject: Jaguar Land Rover – GaydonLocation: Gaydon, UKProduct: TS.9205 Architectural door closersProject DescriptionThe Test centre for Jaguar Land Rover at Gaydon offers the latest and greatest modern testing facilities for the renowned Jaguar, Land Rover and Austin Martin cars.Building 522 Vehicle testing underwent an extension and refurbishment to house new state of the art computerised equipment and test rigs (nothing more than £6m each!) for testing the brand new vehicles that they are manufacturing for the future. Non less than the new F-Pace Jaguar and the new soft top Range Rover (model not disclose able) were two of the elite products that were surrounded in high efficiency offices and door closers.The TS 9205 architectural door closer was chosen for their new office fit out with in the testing centre and warehouse facility. The TS 9205 door closers were chosen because:High efficiency and ease of operation which matched the ethos of the products that were on the testing platforms.35 year guaranteeAre quick and easy to installMatching the aesthetic finish and design of Jaguar Land Rover corporate image

State of the art office space, taking prominent place within the Dublin Landings masterplan on the docklands. Portland Stone Effect PPC was applied expertly to banding elements, helping to compliment the fin detailing.Finish: Y4312I Portland Stone

Showcasing two of the worlds most prestigious and admired car brands demands enormous attention to detail. Over a many number of years, Saint-Gobain Ecophon has created acoustic suspended ceilings within countless Jaguar Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK. The architect, SDA Design in Leeds, specifies Ecophon’s Focus Ds or Dg ceiling system for both its aesthetic and acoustic performance. The concealed grid systems help to achieve the clean, crisp style of the interior’s look and feel, reflecting both the sleek lines of the vehicles and the sophistication of the brand.

OverviewJaguar Land Rover (JLR) is the UK’s largest car manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports saloon and sports car marques.With the two brands being brought together & established as one company in 2008 by the Tata Group, the brand is not only known by consumers as a creator of luxury cars but they are also considered in the trade as a reborn company of thriving creativity and one who isn’t afraid to tear up the rule book.They were the first car manufacture to cut their third party costs by producing their own steel and in 2014 the Jaguar XR was the first vehicle in the world to use aluminium alloy grade RC5754, which contained up to 75% recycled aluminium. The much lighter body gives a far superior fuel economy and in turn reduces fuel emissions. PartnershipHaving successfully tendered for 4 new sites across the UK, HAG Ltd. specified various fire protection & security products, to not only meet the current fire & safety regulations but also to aesthetically enhance their surroundings.Several major UK construction firms were chosen to complete the new sites, however HAG Ltd. were one of a limited number of contractors that were specified on all sites.This is testament to the excellent reputation that HAG Ltd. has across the UK within the construction industry, being first choice to assist with the completion of these land mark buildings. The ProjectHAG Ltd. worked alongside market leading construction firms such as Midas Construction and MCS Group at new sites in Bristol, Northampton, Brighton & Guildford, fitting fire shutters, fire curtains & steel doors.HAG’s fire protection doors, shutters & fire curtains offer an exceptionally high standard of specification, performance and protection and are fire tested & compliant to the latest standard BS EN 16034:2014 & CE Marked to BS EN 13241-1:2003. HAG were one of the first UK companies to have their entire range tested & verified to these high standards, when the latest Government legislation changed in November 2019.JLR’s impressive new land mark buildings, often follow the Duel Arch concept, bringing together both brands, spacious showrooms, office space, significant outside & roof top parking. For example the new Guy Salmon facility in Bristol, which opened in January 2021, is vast at 72,000 sq-ft and boasts capacity for more than 400 vehicles. This development alone within the JLR brand, cost £12.3m, and it is therefore understandable that not only is it essential to meet all fire & security regulations, that also their significant investment & stock level needs the highest level of protection.The HAG steel door range includes external fire & security doors, which provide excellent fire protection & the highest level of security. These can be fitted to all external access points of the building and are used to ensure security is maintained. Our insurance certified steel doors have triple point sash locks with high security cylinders and are anti-protected to reduce risk of key copying. HAG can supply an alternative high security multi point panic hardware for fire escape situations. Our in house power coating finishes are available in a wide range of colours, which offered JLR complete control over their design and how our products were going to compliment their surroundings.‘As the Jaguar Land Rover range has evolved and grown since our Jaguar and Land Rover showrooms were established in Bristol, our sales and aftersales experience needed to evolve with them. What we’ve created with this new landmark building in Bristol is a luxurious space for our customers not just to use, but to enjoy. We now have the space and facilities to showcase the entire spectrum of the Jaguar Land Rover range, shining the brightest possible light on these great vehicles to our customers in Bristol and beyond.’Simon CraneHead of Business, Guy Salmon Bristol HAG Ltd. offer maintenance & service contracts, as well as a 24 hour repair service. Repair and service is an essential element of HAG’s portfolio, with the company offering a unique and bespoke maintenance and repair programme tailored for each individual client.

Raising the bar of commercial space in the city centre, the new 77,000 sq. ft. of prestigious office space required a premium washroom shower cubicle solution.Unity Full Height shower cubicles were specified in the basement shower area of Dublin Landings. With minimal floor and ceiling clearances and flush fronts, Unity Full Height ensures maximum privacy for end users.A sturdy, waterproof and easy to maintain material was required for the 19 new shower cubicles, so Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) was specified. Also impact, scratch and heat resistant, SGL is an ideal choice for busy washroom facilities such as these at Dublin Landings. To complement the modern décor of the room, our popular light grey laminate ‘Cloud’ was selected for the full height shower cubicles, creating a bright, fresh and calm environment.Unity’s stainless steel and satin anodised aluminium hardware is durable and corrosion resistant, ideal for commercial shower areas. Some of the cubicles' rise and fall butt hinges were set to fall open, allowing office staff to easily identify vacant shower cubicles.Read the full case study for more details.

McL Projects contacted us on behalf of Merlin Entertainment regarding their new ‘Cbeebies Land’ to be located within the Alton Towers resort.They required 4 shelters to be positioned in various locations within the new attraction. Impressive structures were required for parents with small children in buggies to be able to shelter from both sun and rain.The canopies also needed to be bright in colour and have branding printed onto them to be in keeping with the Cbeebies theme. After visiting the attraction we offered our Kite tensile canopies that have a stylish Hypar shape, and with only 1 column reduces any obstacles below the canopy.These colourful, vibrant canopies take price of place within this exciting new attraction.

Jaguar Land Rover's site in Solihull is a major operation for the global car manufacturer. The nature of the production and logistics centre means that there is constantly high flow of industrial and domestic vehicle traffic around the building, as well as pedestrians. Brandsafe designed, supplied and installed a range of safety systems to meet the needs of the client, both aesthetically and operationally. The new pedestrian walkway system is a key component of this, with safety barriers and gates, as well as highly visible HGV clatter bars to help protect against vehicle collisions.

White Cliff House, designed by RDMA, is built with steps and planter boxes arranged naturally as a hardscape stretched from the lowest to the highest point of the land. The height differences between facades emerged from the two roads attached. It was treated as the site power, which was brought up in the site planning as the major theme. Bringing in the outdoor qualities within the masses not only enriches the space experience inside but also enlarges the narrow width.On a sloppy narrow land measuring 6,5 x 25 meter, 3 programs were built within steps and planter boxes arranged naturally as a hardscape stretched from the lowest to the highest point of the land. They are 2 lofts serves as guest houses and a 2 storey house for the property owner at the top. The unfriendly 30 degree contour created more than 10 meter height differences between facades that emerged from the two roads attached at both ends of the stretch, and it was in-fact treated as the site power which brought up into the site planning as the major theme of how the building masses should perform and interact within each other. By applying terracing strategy, building masses were arranged in a way that each of the roof can also function as a balcony for the floor above. Every floor has their own private balcony.Selo provided the exceptional versatile doorset, Arriva. When positioned in front of the concealed flush side, the door gracefully swings open towards you, adding to its user-friendly and adaptable design.

At Mayfield Place in Winkfield, Bloor had planned and designed seven five-bedroomed luxury houses. Whitesales were asked to provide sleek, minimalist rooflights which would complement the homes’ design. em.glaze modular ridgelights are modular rooflights available in standard sizes from stock, with a choice of glazing and ventilation options. They exceed all regulations for impact-resistance, durability, environmental and thermal performance. Two rooflights were supplied and installed for each home; one in the deep open-plan dining areas and the other above the first-floor landing and stairwell, casting natural light through both floors.

The Body in White Facility is an extension (60,000sqm) at the Castle Bromwich site of Jaguar Land Rover. This new facility utilises an interesting blend of Trisomet and Trimapanel roof and wall cladding and also benefits from the Colorcoat Renew transpired solar collector system.

A private client secured planning permission for a 1.5 storey bungalow on their family’s land, in the village where their ancestors had lived for generations. Mac Eye Projects designed and constructed the two-bedroom, two-bathroom timber-frame property according to ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency goals, using SOPREMA’s ISOLAIR to ensure the necessary thermal and acoustic performance levels. This woodfibre board from the PAVATEX range was delivered in June 2020 and the external rendering of the Paddock’s walls was completed in October 2020.

As part of their flood prevention strategy Bassetlaw District Council required the distribution centre to be fully SuDS compliant . Logistics and warehousing company DB Symmetry requested that the hard-landscaping for their car park must be a permeable solution, so a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) was designed. Permeable paving was chosen as a key part of the overall surface water drainage strategy as this achieved all of the requirements of the planning team, while maximising the use of the land available for the project for the client. To view the whole case study please click the link below.

In July 2021, construction began on 242 new homes on land to the east of Coldean Lane, Brighton, bringing new affordable options to the area.A mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats in six blocks of five to seven storeys were detailed as part of the plans and made best use of the sloping 3.3-hectare site in which the development was to be situated.PMC Construction were contracted to undertake the works and through the project’s architects, HGP Architects, Sika was called upon to provide a waterproofing solution for the flats.

The ChallengeAs part of this strategy, the decision was taken to replace a fully-glazed non-fire-rated internal atrium with a new, high-performance fire-rated solution to ensure the highest levels of fire protection.Spanning five storeys, the atrium would create a functional yet architecturally stunning light-filled centrepiece within the modern office space.Forming part of the broader regeneration of Dublin Landings, bringing this aspect of the project in on time would be critical.As a result, Walls to Workstations were tasked with removing and replacing the five-floor atrium in just six weeks to see the project through to completion.The SolutionWorking closely with W2W, Pyroguard supplied more than 500 square metres of toughened EI30 fire safety glass to the project. Equipping fabricators with the flexibility to deliver on ambitious architectural projects which require large expanses of glazing, Pyroguard toughened glass provides protection against flames, smoke and radiant heat and delivers impact classification of 1B1 to EN12600.Complementing modern architectural ambitions, the inclusion of large areas of toughened glazing within projects helps to safely incorporate natural light into buildings, something which is critical in renovation projects where buildings are being transformed from their original purpose.In practice, this sees spaces flooded with natural light, elevating levels of light transmission throughout a building and having a positive impact on occupants’ wellbeing – crucial in delivering functional and inspiring workspaces.

Thriving family run garden centre upgrades their automatic sliding door entranceLocated in Ayrshire, the long established Hayes Garden Land Symington replaced their existing entrance with a new solution.Project Year:  2022Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 Frame 4 Panel Bi-parting door. Project Background: As a returning customer, Hayes Garden Land approached us with a brief to replace their tired sliding door system with a modern solution which also tied in with the existing building fabric and internal decoration. With energy prices soaring, it was also important to come up with an efficient solution which maximised heat retention within the building.Solution: We successfully designed, manufactured and installed a 4 panel bi-parting SL500 fully framed system in matching Terra Brown finish, resulting in a seamless integration within the building. To mitigate operational issues & improve safety features - due to close proximity of internal swing doors - we supplied and installed clear glazed barriers and removed several potential risk factors during the design process. The end product is a modern, compliant system which has also added energy efficiencies due to the double glazing and upgraded aluminium profile system.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

A Glimpse into 17th-century CharmIn Leeds, the venerable Land End Farm, a testament to 17th-century architectural splendour, underwent a transformative window upgrade. Keith and Carolynn Squires, custodians of this historic property, embarked on a journey to bid farewell to draughts and enhance their farmhouse's efficiency while preserving its heritage.Preserving the Past: The Window DilemmaOld and listed properties demand meticulous attention during upgrades, and the Squires faced the challenge of replacing degraded original windows without compromising the farmhouse's historic charm. The solution came in the form of Gowercroft's Heritage range fitted with LandVac Heritage vacuum glazing, specifically the Richmond flush casement windows, known for preserving the authenticity of listed properties.Richmond Casements with Vacuum Glazing: A Historic UpgradeThe Squires opted for Richmond casement windows, crafted from sustainable Accoya® timber. What set these windows apart was the ultra-thin high-performance vacuum glazing — a vital component delivering energy efficiency without compromising the authentic single-glazed look. The slimness and performance of the vacuum glazing impressed Keith, and Gowercroft's extensive warranty added significant value.LandVac Heritage Glazing: Efficiency RedefinedTo enhance Land End Farm's historic windows, Gowercroft introduced LandVac Heritage Glazing—an ultra-thin, high-performance glazing unit designed to preserve the authentic single-glazed look while boosting energy efficiency.LandVac Heritage Glazing transcends conservation requirements, eliminating the 'double reflection' associated with conventional double glazing. With a remarkable U value of 0.4 W/m²K, it not only meets but surpasses standards, making Land End Farm a blend of historical charm and contemporary sustainability.Conservation Approval: A Collaborative ProcessNavigating conservation approval seamlessly, a Gowercroft team member attended site meetings, presenting a sample window that showcased the slimness of vacuum glazing. Detailed fenestration drawings provided assurance, aligning with stringent conservation requirements.Transformation Unveiled: The ResultsLand End Farm witnessed a remarkable transformation. The new windows not only rejuvenated the farmhouse's external aesthetics but also ushered in comfort, bidding farewell to draughts and enhancing thermal insulation. The vacuum glazing also played a pivotal role in reducing external noise, creating a serene living space.Conclusion: Tradition and Innovation UnitedLand End Farm's journey epitomises the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Gowercroft's Richmond casement windows, complemented by vacuum glazing, demonstrate the power of preserving heritage while embracing modern efficiency. The farmhouse now stands as a comfortable, energy-efficient haven, seamlessly blending the best of both worlds.

FR120MBH letterboxes installed in Depford. With print on the doors.

The Stress Research Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, conducted a study with Ecophon in a real-life office environment to examine how sound affects people in open-plan offices. During the study the sound environment went from poor to good and back to poor again.

Jaguar Land Rover established a new luxury show room in Watford earlier last year to accommodate the growing business needs of the local area. The new site, located in the Colne Valley Retail Park, facilitates an 18-car showroom and external display area as well as an MOT bay and valeting facilities. With around 50 fulltime employees, frequent visitors and a vast number of high value motor vehicles, it was imperative that the site was secured with adequate perimeter security and access control to ensure the safety of site personnel and protect commercial assets.

Several disciplines are going to be joining forces under one roof in the future university centre for dentistry (UZB) in Basel. A centre of dentistry competence ranging from basic care to research and teaching is being built. Every year, dentists, dental and preventive care assistants and dental hygienists will be administering more than 80,000 treatments in the 5-storey building.The staircases were a key area of focus on this project, both for architectural reasons and in light of the strict sound insulation requirements. All staircases and landings have a bare architectural concrete finish. Compliance with the requirement of an impact sound level delta ΔLn,w* of 28 dB was mandatory in order to protect the quiet areas (e.g. treatment rooms, lecture halls, library, etc.) from distracting noise.Products from the Schöck Tronsole® range have been implemented for acoustic insulation. These impact sound insulation products enable a structural connection of the staircases and landings with no acoustic bridges whatsoever. Correct planning and installation of Schöck Tronsole® in a system results in a blue line visible at the treated areas. It is the mark of quality for reliable impact sound insulation and acoustic bridge-free installation.

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

Assured passive fire protection for a spectacular central atrium in Dublin city centre’s largest and most prestigious new commercial development has been provided by over 300m2 of Promat SYSTEMGLAS® Ferro. The system was selected thanks to its 360 degree ‘wheel of assurance’, which ensures all the fire resistant glazing screens are checked for compliance at every stage from design and specification, through manufacture and installation. The proven butt-jointed, steel framed fire resistant glazing system has been used to create all the glass screens which encapsulate the atrium at the heart of No. 1 Dublin Landings.

2mm Reynolux Pre-coat Ral: 6021 material has been used for Roden Court, London.The client selected the precoated finish to replicate a Patina Copper effect in a solid flat colour. The Reynolux material was perfect for the application and system.Roden Court, which was a series of 1960s buildings, has been designed to preserve the mature landscape whilst combining new homes for existing tenants with apartments for sale and an extra-care home. The scheme provides a total of 136 new homes and includes 44 flats sold on the open market.It has been a pleasure working with the team at Stanmore. The entire job was scheduled prior to the material landing at Sotech’s manufacturing plant in Peterlee, making the onward planning of deliveries much more efficient.

Arranged around several courtyards and atria, Jaguar Land Rover’s new Advanced Product Creation Centre by Bennetts Associates is a series of inspirational, creative spaces designed to foster interaction and collaboration. As part of a refined materials palette, over 5,000m2 of Junckers solid Nordic Oak Classic flooring has been installed to define zones and provide a warm, natural surface. High levels of natural light fill new offices, restaurant and a 400-seat multipurpose hall, all linked by generous internal streets. The company’s latest vehicle models are proudly displayed on the ground floor, where the flooring had to be able to accommodate both the cars and a Stringo, a specialist vehicle moving truck. Working with AC Flooring Ltd, Junckers provided a solid hardwood floor able to take the weight of a five-tonne load. Richard Aylen, Junckers’ Technical Manager worked with AC Flooring and the architects to find the best solution for the floor to withstand heavy loads: “The wooden floor at Jaguar Land Rover’s new Advanced Production Creation Centre was glued to the subfloor using our Parkett Adhesive. Given a suitable subfloor, this is usually the method that will bear the highest loads. Worryingly, there is a trend towards substituting proprietary adhesive products for cheaper brands. A cheaper adhesive generally contains more filler, which will bulk out the product but do nothing for its adhesive properties. The high amount of filler in in the cheaper adhesives has reduced the bonding ability and projects where such products have been used are beginning to fail with large claims being fought in parts of Europe. This is an issue many flooring contractors may be unaware of. By choosing Junckers Parkett Adhesive the client can be confident that they have the best long-term result.” 

The land owners of Seadune contacted us as they were having planning using regarding the foundation design on their new house that they were looking to build. The site in question was very close to the coast and they were effectively building on the beach. As such the planners required the building to have foundations that would allow the building to be dismantled and moved away from the sea in the event of major coastal erosion.As FastSlab is constructed using galvanised steel screw piles it is perfect to be used in coastal areas. Each section is also bolted together and as such can be unbolted. This allowed us to build into the design a way of unhooking all the elements and to be able to re-position them further away from the initial location should the need arise.Seadunes ground floor area of this project is 120m2 and the whole system was installed in just 5 days.

This jaw dropping project featured Lazenby Light Natural polished concrete floors and cast in situ stairs. The concrete flows from the entrance hallways throughout the ground floor and up the feature staircase to the first floor landing.This 4 week phased project saw the polished concrete floor installed first. The formwork and reinforcement for the staircase was then fixed and built off the floor. Once the stairs had been cast the brass balustrades and handrails were retrofitted to the concrete.This self-supporting concrete architectural feature staircase involved discussions with external engineers who then designed the reinforcement. The complex angles, joins to other structural elements and the sleek elegance was meticulously planned and executed. The polished concrete floor joints carefully designed to enhance the creative charm of this project.Photography by David Butler

With limited vertical wall space for windows, Denizen Works utilised Glazing Visions’ fixed Flushglaze rooflights to flood the living spaces with light in their recently built housing scheme, Haddo Yard.The project, on the site of a former bungalow, is located in Whitstable, Kent and takes its name from Oliver Haddo, a character in former resident Somerset Maugham’s novel, ‘The Magician’. Haddo Yard forms part of a series of projects initiated by developer Arrant Land, that seek to explore how a town with a distinct visual identity can be enhanced by adventurous but contextual contemporary design.Having been approached directly by developers Arrant Land, Denizen Works undertook an initial design review exercise resulting in an extensive overhaul of the scheme. Despite the detailed design, problems emerged, with the ground floor living spaces extending into a single story volume to the rear of the site creating deep plans and on the second floor, apartments occupied roof space so vertical walls for windows was limited.Denizen Works contacted Glazing Vision, who they had worked with previously, with the aim to utilise rooflights over these spaces which brought light in to the deepest parts of the plan and to create living spaces on the second floor which could be flooded with light, even with a lack of vertical wall space.“Glazing Vision always provide good technical support which makes specifying and detailing their products very easy”, explains Andrew Ingham, the architect working on the project.One of the most important factors for Denizen Works when they sourced the rooflights were the frameless appearance of the Glazing Vision Flushglaze rooflights. Three fixed rooflights were used, measuring 2000x1000mm, as means of providing natural daylight and helping to maintain the clean, contemporary and minimal detailing that had been employed throughout the project.The resultant scheme comprises of 6no. two bed flats and 1no. 1 bed flat spread over three floors, each enjoying dual aspect and south-facing living spaces overlooking the gardens. The ambition for Haddo Yard was to create a distinctive and contemporary expression of local identity. The finished building asserts a bold and confident presence within its context.Haddo Yard is the first completed building by Denizen Works and Arrant Land, helping to present a unique addition to Whitstable’s built environment. Andrew Ingham concludes “We’re very proud of Haddo Yard and we have heard first hand just how much the current residents enjoy the light, contemporary spaces we’ve designed.”

Award winning PassivhausAs organic farmers Trevor and Judith Gospel owned a plot of land where they dreamt of building a comfortable home that could accommodate them in their old age and minimise their impact upon the environment. Steel Farm is located in the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). Built using traditional construction technology it is the first Certified Passivhaus in Northumberland. Specialist Passivhaus architects LEAP selected Lindab steel guttering for the project which satisfied the strict environmental restrictions and budget which was tight due to significant costs of the planning process which strongly influencing the design. To celebrate winning the UK Passivhaus Award for the small projects category architect Mark Siddall has prepared an in-depth 3-part case study "How to Successfully Design and Build Your Own Home ...Without Breaking The Bank". Learn more and get free instant access at PassivhausSecrets.co.uk 

Motorline Renault car showroom in Maidstone had an access issue during building, with customer showrooms and a meeting room spread between 2 floors. To open the showroom to everyone, a lift was required in the customer lounge. Gartec suggested an Aritco 7000 as a simple, low cost option which ticked all the boxes. Our team worked around their building schedule and the lift blends perfectly with the high end showroom. “Whilst we don’t use it very often, the lift is a perfect addition to make our entire showroom accessible to everyone” (Lin, Showroom Administrator)

Clarendon is a project undertaken by Berkeley Group in North London, as part of a regeneration scheme that will provide over 1,700 homes and 125,000 sq ft of commercial space.This project aims to make the best use of brownfield land and also highlight the benefit of master planning which helped the scheme win “the best 2022 planning award”.Sayfa Group supplied the Clarendon project through a partner contractor, responsible for the height safety and façade access systems throughout the project. There were various base types and styles required for a variety of locations such as balconies, terraces, and rooftops. However, of all the varieties there is no greater example of planning ahead than the Cast-In Davit Base.Why Davit cast-in bases?Davit systems are an essential solution for cleaning and maintenance strategies. They provide easy and safe access for rope abseil teams to access a building's façade.Cast-in Davit bases are the most cost-effective type of base for both initial and life cycle price basis. The Davits bases are set out to specific datums and are generally tied into the rebar instead of the traditional process of drilling concrete and resin fixing. The process for which is often time consuming, highly weather dependent, and prone to human error. The method of casting in bases accelerates the programme by removing interfaces and potential delays between the trade activities of installing the posts and insulating/weathering the surface. Beyond installation the ongoing maintenance price or 'lifetime cost' of 6 monthly LOLER inspections is significantly reduced. Non-cast in Davit Bases require a thorough examination of the fixings which may include torque testing if required. Visit our LOLER Testing and Inspection Guidance for more information.To learn more about our EdgeSeil range visit our Products Page or get in contact with the Sayfa Group Team.