"planning land"

An architect designed, self-build house with annexe for a multi-generational family built to zero-carbon standards.The scheme’s design is influenced by the architectural vernacular of the area. The surrounding houses are a legacy of the Land Settlement Association scheme, with distinctive mansard roofs, steeply sloping gables and dormer windows, constructed in a simple red brick with terracotta plain tiles.The mansard is reflected in the new house with the roof extending down to form the walls. Instead of terracotta tiles, large format slate has been used to form a modern equivalent. The house is mainly slate tile; however, it was felt important to also reflect local brickwork. As such, brickwork was used for two huge brick-faced chimney stacks that rise through the gable.PROJECT INFOTo form a contrast with the very smooth grey of the slate, a textured red brick with slight colour variation was sought. White mortar lightens the brickwork while recessed mortar joints are used inside to provide shadow to each brick. Perforated brickwork surrounds the stone coping on both chimney stacks, adding visual interest to the building through both the materials and the shadows created by the brickwork perforations.The brick selected was stock thrown Hampton Rural Blend from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish resembling handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.The structure incorporated huge amounts of insulation, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system, and a solar photovoltaic array at the bottom of the garden, along with a ground-source heat pump. These installations will ensure that the house generates more electricity than it could ever use.

HLM Architects were asked by Wokingham Borough Council to create a community centred and modern building to replace the old and dated Activity Centre. HLM’s design is inspired by the centre’s beautiful and natural setting and supported the Council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.Celebrating the natural lakeside surroundings, the modern £2.4million scheme provides educational and leisure facilities for the local community in Dinton Pastures County Park for adventures on water and land. The new centre includes an activity hall, adults and children’s changing areas, dual-use teaching and conference spaces, and a coffee shop opening on to a spectator terrace overlooking the lake and park to cater for all the needs of the users and visitors.HLM worked with Reds10 to complete the structure offsite, with the facade applied later on-site. The designed is noted as it doesn’t look like the often maligned rectangular ‘shipping’ container shape which comes to mind when off-site production is mentioned. The size and presence of the two-storey building is specifically designed to be in harmony with the surrounding landscape and sits like a hidden oasis nestled between the treeline and shoreline. 75 per cent of the building was completed offsite; 16 modular frames were built and then transported to Dinton Pastures Country Park and then lifted into place. The facades were then added to the substructure on site. The modular approach significantly reduces the carbon emissions in the construction process.EQUITONE was used on the ground-level of the building. The high-density characteristic of EQUITONE worked well for the high footfall areas that will be getting a lot of contact, and where durability is crucial.The colour was considered a sympathetic complement to the FSC-certified Siberian larch chosen for the upper building, which is designed to weather overtime and blend in further with setting. Another important consideration was that EQUITONE is naturally resistant to many living organisms (fungi, bacteria, insects, vermin, etc.) and requires no harsh chemicals to clean.

ObjectiveSaving Graces Interiors, an interior design company based in Dundee, Scotland, offer a truly bespoke interior design service with a focus on creating beautiful spaces that reflect the personalities and lives of their clients.Working with Piperdam Golf & Leisure to refurbish 8 lodges for luxury getaways, Saving Graces Interior Designer, Antonia Burnett, chose the Bushboard Nuance range for the shower enclosure areas.Observation‘When I started working with Piperdam I needed to find a bathroom wall panel that was not only robust but also attractive. I spent a lot of time researching and when I landed on the Bushboard website I could see that the designs were miles ahead of the competition.’Nuance is a unique, 100% waterproof, extrusion-free panelling system that can installed in a matter of hours. Whether the project look is traditional or contemporary, the designs and textures have been carefully selected to include plain décor, as well as stunning marble and stone designs, and on trend woods.OutcomeAntonia decided to use Silver Travertine, a beautiful timeless design to suit any style of bathroom and work with a variety of paint colours. ‘As an interior designer I need a supplier that is reliable, affordable and who provides good quality products, Bushboard ticks all the boxes.’‘Rebecca Checketts, Business Specification Coordinator was extremely helpful in explaining the benefits of using Nuance and arranging next day samples.’‘Installation was quick and very straight forward and Bushboard have been on hand from start to finish. I am absolutely delighted with the end result and we will certainly specify Nuance again.’For more information about the Nuance range and other Bushboard products, to request a RIBA CPD, download an NBS specification or to order samples visit www.bushboard.co.uk

Hand Made Places were approached by Appleby Magna Parish Council to provide them with a wide range of playground equipment. The equipment was for an already established recreational ground in Appleby Magna, Derbyshire. The parish council acquired funding to expand their playground. This was done in order to encourage more children to get involved in outdoor activities. The funding was supplied by Tesco’s ‘Bags of Help Initiative’. This uses the money from carrier bag sales to enhance their surrounding communities. Working to the strict budget supplied by this great scheme Hand Made Places needed to provide a wide variety of equipment, which would be suitable for all age groups. The equipment not only had to be enjoyed as a collection of single units, but it also had to work well together. The equipment also had to integrate well with the pre-existing metal equipment which was already present on the piece of land.Our wide range of equipment which was installed created a fun and interesting trim trail. This surrounded both the pre-existing equipment as well as our Hawks Nest. The installed trim trail included: Swing Steps, Trapeze Rings, Duck ‘n’ Weave, Wobble Bridge, Rope Walk, Zig Zag, Balance Beam and Stepping Stones. These pieces of equipment fit the clients brief in providing a fun place for children to enjoy physical play. It also provided a wide range of equipment which will help to encourage children to develop certain important skills, including both coordination and balance. All of these products were positioned in such a way as to allow the playground to flow whilst not overshadowing the pre-existing metal equipment.Our equipment is both fun and safe for use by a wide range of children all of whom fall into different age groups. To further enhance safety however, grass matting was installed to provide an impact absorbent surface.

The heat efficiency of a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in the historic city of Bath is set to be dramatically improved as a result of the introduction of Spacetherm® Multi insulation.The challenge of dealing with heating inefficiencies, major heat loss and high heating costs are a common problem with many listed buildings and solid wall dwellings.Property owner Mike Mower explains, “I obtained planning permission to insulate the top floor of my Grade II listed Georgian townhouse as it is single skin 6” Bath stone (Oolite) and very heat inefficient, all walls have the original lime render and skim and so they need to breathe. The property in Bath was built in 1818 and has been in my family for 101 years since 1919! I am the 3rd generation to live in it and it was last renovated in 1935 so it needs serious upgrading!“The architect originally specified another insulation but this would have required encroaching 100mm into the room and would necessitate moving door frames and rebuilding window reveals. After extensive research, I identified the Spacetherm Multi aerogel product from the A. Proctor Group.“The architect was so impressed by the thermal efficiency of the Spacetherm Multi. With a total thickness of 20mm when rendered, this will not encroach onto the floor space, and the door frames and windows will not need to be altered. Subsequently we included Spacetherm Multi on the planning application as an alternative to the traditional insulation originally specified, which was approved by the Conservation officer and building control.”In addition to the Spacetherm SLENTEX® A2 blanket, foil encased Spacetherm A2 (CBS) Cold Bridge Strip was also included at window and door junctions to address areas susceptible to cold bridging.Spacetherm Multi is a high-performance laminate specifically designed to be laid directly onto existing floors & walls. Spacetherm Multi consists of Spacetherm Aerogel insulation blanket bonded to a 6mm Magnesium Oxide Board.At just 16mm thick, the use of Spacetherm Multi has virtually no negative impact on floor space, making it ideal for refurbishment projects where space is at a premium.Typically, a solid wall will have a U value of around 2.1 W/m2K. Following the application of Spacetherm Multi, this can be reduced to around 0.8 W/m2K, dependent on the wall structure.Finally, Mike Mower commented “I think Spacetherm Multi is ideal for listed building insulation as it has a minimal effect on the infrastructure of the original building. It has the potential to be used extensively in old buildings such as we have in Bath where heat loss is at a maximum, the original walls need to be able to breathe when insulated and insulation has hitherto been impossible due to the visual impact encroaching on the listed building. I am also seeking planning permission to use the product to insulate the basement floor and walls.”

AWARD-WINNING DEVELOPER REAPS BENEFITS OF SPECIFYING MARSHALLS FACING BRICKS FOR WATERSIDE APARTMENTS The use of concrete bricks, supplied by Marshalls Bricks & Masonry, contributed to both cost and schedule control during the construction of a premium waterside apartment development in Birmingham as well as providing sustainability benefits too.Located on a former boat yard site adjacent to the famous Old Birmingham Canal, Ultima at Sherborne Wharf is a premium collection of 87 one and two-bedroom apartments in Birmingham city center.Developed and built by Crest Nicholson, the 10-storey new build was originally specified and approved at the planning stage as clay brick, but looking to meet budgetary and availability requirements, the design team approached Marshalls Bricks & Masonry to seek an alternative solution.With stringent planning guidelines to work to, Marshalls recommended a list of cost effective options closest to those already approved, together with physical sample boards for visual review.The design team selected two facing brick options from the Marshalls Sandstock range. This particular range has the appearance of a waterstruck stock brick but with the benefit of dimensional accuracy to ease construction.The preferred options were the Hampton Stock and Waddon Stock, which were submitted to planning and approved. Requiring a quick turnaround, from initial contact to delivery, 341,000 concrete bricks were delivered within just two months by Marshalls.Most of the apartment block features Hampton Stock, an almost buff red brick, created from using more muted tones of red and orange. This particular brick also features the occasional subtle black brick running sporadically throughout, which helps the brickwork tie-in to the building’s powder-coated balconies, windows and doors.Intermittently, between the storeys, the bricks are stacked vertically, adding subtle design detailing to the building.The scheme also benefits from a sustainability perspective. According to available Environmental Product Declarations, concrete bricks have a lower embodied carbon than clay bricks and are 100% recyclable. Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the extraction, manufacturing and transportation, installation, maintenance and ultimate disposal of materials. Reducing these emissions will be crucial to mitigate the industry’s impact on climate change.Commenting on Marshalls involvement, Julian Lee, Technical Director at Crest Nicholson said “We initially decided to go with facing bricks from the Marshalls Bricks & Masonry range as they enabled us to come within budget while still allowing us to get the colour we wanted for the site. After working with the concrete bricks, we found they worked really well with the added benefit of the sustainability access that comes with them. The Marshalls Bricks & Masonry team came to site to work with us, and the site bricklayers to overcome any questions or concerns. All in all, the building appearance with these bricks finishes well.”

Derbigum + BluRoof = Sustainable Drainage Solutions Mitigate your risks with Alumasc BluRoofs Think Stormwater Management - Derbigum BluRoof SolutionsA 5-minute hop from Cardiff Queen Street and you’ll find the first blue roof in Wales. Upon what was formerly 1960’s office accommodation the Cromwell House site has been transformed into an 8 storey, 120-bedroom easyHotel with a rooftop stormwater management system. OUR DESIGN PROCESSOur clients at Carter Lauren Construction were interested in learning about the benefits of a blue roof to meet planning conditions. ” Working in a compact city centre environment where ground attenuation was not possible, it made sense to install a blue roof. The Alumasc team demonstrated how their BluRoof System attenuates stormwater via controlled discharge over a 24-hour period at roof level.” Kevin Jenkins, Surveying Director, Carter Lauren Construction. CLIENT BRIEF AND DESIGNWorking closely with the appointed consulting engineer and architect, our team of technical experts designed a solution for stormwater attenuation to comply with planning and meet all other project objectives. Alumasc’s Matt Davies, Area Technical Manager - Mid, West & South Wales commented, “Given the urban location, the Alumasc BluRoof system was the perfect fit in providing a fully warranted single-source waterproofing and sustainable drainage solution.”The Alumasc technical team provided a full specification service and specialist drainage design using key data from the project brief. By incorporating our BBA Accredited Derbigum APP polymer modified bituminous waterproofing system the longevity of the total solution is assured with a proven track record since 1967. Other key components comprise of a BluRoof geotextile filter fabric, BluRoof interlocking void former, flow control outlets, and overflow system.ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSSED SOLUTIONExtreme weather events are now the new normal, says the World Meteorological Organisation. Our rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable, and we must plan accordingly to adapt the built environment to help alleviate flood risk. PARTNERSHIPWorking with the contractor to construct the first blue roof in Wales. Kevin Jenkins, Surveying Director, Carter Lauren Construction, “Matt and the Alumasc team were available throughout the design and installation process. We knew that installing the BluRoof by Alumasc was the right decision for the future of the easyHotel and the benefit to reduce pressure off the drains.” SAFETY PERFORMANCEThe easyHotel has a 35-year warranty for the works and life expectancy of up to 50 years.ABOUTEasy Hotel Cromwell House, Cardiff - Wales’s first blue roof. Completion: Spring 2021 Main Contractor: Carter Lauren Construction Architect: Axiom Architects 

Project detailsBurnley’s new development of a 73,000 m2 area with a brand-new dedicated training centre, brings first class facilities for the first team, development squad and youth team players under one roof for the first time.Project overview This new indoor all-weather area with a small spectator gallery, to meet the requirements of the Elite Player Performance Plan. GDL were appointed to manufacture and install the natural ventilation turrets.Benefits of using GDL Products on the project ·     GDL Natural Ventilation turrets are manufactured to any size or ventilation requirements ·     Bespoke products manufactured at our Glossop and Sheffield facilities ·     We offer full turnkey packages from design and manufacture to delivery and install.

Modular buildings are becoming a more popular solution as they demonstrate cost savings, shorter construction time and sustainability benefits. Go Modular Technologies (UK) Ltd manufactured ten flats constructed by nine large modules on three levels over the concrete commercial ground floor for this project in Poole. We were able to offer an affordable A2 fire rated solution to finish the building envelope which resulted in the facade being completed in Hardie® Architectural Panel. The planning approval was originally for render and buff brick so we were able to provide a similar look with our Smooth Sand texture which was chosen in three of our core colours to give this coastal location a modern and contemporary look.

Kroll (previously Duff & Phelps) operate within the risk and financial advisory sector, with UK offices based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter for which we had the pleasure of providing a Type G200 folding partition system during a recent refurbishment. The operable wall allows the space to be transformed from a large open plan area into two separate rooms as and when required.The Type G200 system offers impressive acoustic, achieving up to Rw 47dB when fully closed – minimising noise transfer between the two spaces, without compromising on light transfer. In this instance, a fully glazed, full height pass door allows for easy access between the two smaller rooms when the system is in use.

Kroll (previously Duff & Phelps) operate within the risk and financial advisory sector, with UK offices based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter for which we had the pleasure of providing a Type G200 folding partition system during a recent refurbishment. The operable wall allows the space to be transformed from a large open plan area into two separate rooms as and when required.The Type G200 system offers impressive acoustic, achieving up to Rw 47dB when fully closed – minimising noise transfer between the two spaces, without compromising on light transfer. In this instance, a fully glazed, full height pass door allows for easy access between the two smaller rooms when the system is in use.

Kindred House is a 25-storey block made up of 128 one to three bedroom residential apartments overlooking the Croydon Flyover. Of these homes, 60 are affordable, and includes above flexible office and retail space, and 1000m² of flexible commercial space adjacent to the road. These all act as a buffer for the affordable apartments on the opposite side of the plan. The building has been stabilised with RC lift cores and RC shear walls and supported on reinforced concrete piled foundations.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD5 was specified by Pitman Tozer Architects on this project for its excellent high impact sound deadening properties ideal for a block of flats. It is a lightweight, easy to install non-crosslinked polyethylene foam.Henry Construction was awarded the 10,000m² contract to construct these modern apartments.

Cardiff City Football Club has expanded into the new east Stand extension at Cardiff City Stadium. The expansion added a further 5000 seats to the stadium’s capacity followed by the addition of another 2,500 to 3,000 seats at each of the ends, raising capacity to a total of 38,000 seats, it also includes new corporate hospitality facilities. The stand is said to include plans for a concourse area on either side with a plush corporate area and catering facilities incorporated in the centre.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XFLOOR 500 has been specified by Arup due to its high compressive strength insulation boards that were used under a concrete slab to comply with part L Building regulations.Lang O'Rourke was awarded this 350m² contract to construct this expansion.

This £48M project provided a new copper and Portland Stone cladding canopy fronting Piccadilly provides shelter for the lift entrance and a new staircase that runs from Piccadilly.The planning approval process involved collaboration with artist John Maine RA whose work is featured in relief on the Portland Stone cladding and granite paving to the Piccadilly area of the project. The work focuses on the geology of the Portland Stone cladding and setting of the station in the natural environment of Green Park.Art on the Underground commissioned artist John Maine RA to create a new artwork which forms part of the station structure for passengers to enjoy.Albion Stone provided stones from the full range of Portland Stone beds available creating a stunning contrast between the stones

This large car dealership in Dorset required a new car park surface for the external paved areas. Planning requirements meant that a porous system was required to enable sustainable drainage and avoid large scale run-off into the surrounding catchment. Using Tarmac's ULTISuDS porous asphalt sustainable drainage systems met the needs of the local planners by managing surface water and reducing direct surface water run-off, but also met the client’s requirement for a safe, accessible all-weather surface for their customers. By eliminating surface water, it also eliminates the problem ice patches that can occur in cold weather conditions. It would also be durable enough to cope with daily vehicle movement and static loading from cars that were on display. 

The Wickes Farnbrough DIY store is one in the latest Wickes stores to have been developed by Travis Perkins as part of its ongoing plan to double its UK store network to 400 by 2020.The project used Trimapanel® micro-rib 90mm on the front elevations and Trisomet® 80mm for the rear wall elevations; Trisomet® 120mm was used for the roof; and parapet gutters lined with a Colorcoat Aquatite® PVC membrane. (HR50) site assembled built-up system, which is being used as a feature on a number of the Wickes Stores, ran across the top of the Trimapanel® on the front elevation acting as a separator between the two units. LP1000 liner panels were also used internally.

Heritage colours and kerb-side appeal were among the factors that persuaded local planning authorities that Modus PVC-U windows were the appropriate alternative to timber on a prime, exposed location near the UNESCO World Heritage Site.Consisting of 136 upmarket homes selling at up to £1 million apiece, the Ensleigh Estate was being developed by Bloor Homes, along with another major housebuilder, on a former MoD site dating from WW2 that overlooks the Georgian city and is near to its race and golf course.The planners originally wanted timber windows but that didn't work for the developer who wanted matching fascias and soffits. As the site is exposed at the top of a steep hill they wouldn’t look great for very long.

The new six storey HSBC building at No.1 Charter Square in Sheffield utilises ABG’s blueroof system to meet the National Planning Policy Framework and the site's Flood Risk Management Policy. Attenuation for the building is provided at roof and street level, comprising void formers constructed within the roof and streel level structures to temporarily attenuate storm water, before gradually releasing it over a number of hours via the ABG restrictor chambers.At street level the system was installed underneath the surrounding walkways and access routes to restrict discharge rates at ground level, including a large landscaped podium deck area above a service yard where heavy duty void formers were used in the event emergency vehicle access is required.

Recognising the growing demand for electric vehicle charging facilities, Mullingar Golf Club partnered with Wattif EV and Rolec EV to install and manage EV chargers for their staff, members and visitors.Wattif EV implemented a multi-year plan, starting with four charging bays equipped with Rolec EV Quantum 22kW dual pedestals, selected for their quality, performance and aesthetics. This solution includes load management services, user helpline, and maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience for members and guests. By entrusting EV charging operations to Wattif EV, Mullingar Golf Club can focus on delivering exceptional golfing experiences while meeting the evolving needs of its clientele.Click "view more" to read the full case study.

Blue Is the ColourChelsea Football Club stadium’s refurbished Westview Hospitality Area represents the biggest single investment in years and is hailed a triumph by enthusiastic club supporters.To dramatically improve the match day experience of fans by providing new state-of-the-art hospitality facilities at Chelsea’s landmark stadium in London.Merging two small hospitality restaurants with an upper Guest Area concourse area into one single wide open plan space represented a technical and design challenge.Now on offer: a new welcoming open and flexible concourse, two panoramic bars offering views of the stadium interior and west London, with ample room to take a seat, new comfortable padded seats in the stands and three additional video screens.

Designed by Grafton Architects, Town House is a mixed-use teaching facility at Kingston University. The interior is arranged around a series of interlocking, open plan spaces, where Junckers’ solid hardwood flooring features as part of limited materials palette. Junckers’ 140mm Textured Nordic Oak Classic flooring clads the treads and risers of the imposing staircase in the triple height courtyard, as well as providing a hard-wearing floor surface for seating areas. Junckers’ oak flooring promotes a healthy indoor climate. All-natural, solid hardwood is free of chemical substances which adversely affect indoor air quality. Junckers has completed EPDs for all its floors to aid specification for sustainable and net zero carbon projects. 

Transforming Small Spaces with Rooflights.In the heart of the English countryside, you’ll find lots of quintessential cottages, often with thatched roofs, just like something you’d find on a postcard. Whilst these cottages are beautiful on the outside, they often lack light and space on the inside.This was the issue a homeowner in Salisbury, Wiltshire ran into when it came to renovating an ensuite shower room in a cottage. The space runs the length of the adjoining bedroom but due to the size of the property, it’s only a few feet wide. The other problem was, it was incredibly dark, with no existing windows or the wall space to install them. The homeowner would need to put their thinking cap on, because this challenge would be the focus of their renovation. Natural light was a top priority to create the bright and airy ensuite space the homeowner imagined for their renovation.With the room not having the wall space to install vertical windows, and because it was in the eaves of the building, there were no floors above it. Thinking creatively, the homeowner opted to use the ceiling space and install rooflights to allow an abundance of natural light to flood into the small space. However, this wasn’t as straightforward as you may think because of the very nature of the homeowner’s quintessential cottage nestled in the English countryside. Being a Grade 2 listed building, planning permission is strict and so the homeowner needed to find the right rooflights that would be in keeping with the property and not upset its overall aesthetic.The Planning Officers themselves were able to help the homeowner with their renovation, pointing them in the direction of the Rooflight Company’s Conservation Rooflight, the Victorian-style rooflight, engineered to modern specification.With their advice, two CR10-2 rooflights were installed to the ensuite bathroom. The finished result is the beautifully light and airy ensuite bathroom that the homeowner had envisioned from the inside, and a period Salisbury cottage still quintessential from the outside.

With a focus on the needs of the local community, the newly constructed St Philip’s Church Centre near Birmingham, has been designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, from regular worship to choir practice, toddler groups and Pilates.Adding flexibility to the open-plan, 350 seat Worship Space, partitioning expert Style worked with Kier Construction and architects, Robothams, to install a Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable wall, dividing the area into two separate rooms, as required.Allowing light into both areas, the partition includes two Variflex glass panels as well as vision panels within the double door. With an impressive 52db acoustic rating, the moveable wall allows a noisy event to be hosted alongside say, a prayer group, without causing disturbance.St Philip's Church in Dorridge, Birmingham, reopened following a project to demolish the old buildings and replace them with a single, modern building with large open plan, flexible areas for worship and other community events. “This is an ideal solution for St Philip’s Church,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“The moveable wall is so light and smooth to operate it can be opened and closed very easily, and its high acoustic rating means that different events can take place throughout the day without sound seeping through to the other side.“The double pass door means the moveable wall can be left in situ for extended periods, however thanks to its ease of manoeuvre, the Variflex can be opened up effortlessly when the entire space is required.”Style is the UK’s multi-award-winning market leading moveable wall specialist, and the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG. It offers a complete range of moveable, folding and partitioning walls for all requirements and budgets across multiple market sectors.

Pure luxury in the newly constructed building between the terminals  The 5-star Hilton Munich Airport hotel is situated like an oasis of tranquillity between terminal 1 and 2 at Munich Airport.The hotel enjoys a high occupancy rate and had an annex constructed to increase the number of exclusive rooms. Completed in 2016, only the finest of materials and finishes were used in the new building, to establish a very special atmosphere. With the abstract silhouette of the Alps and the wooden furniture, for example, the charm of the state capital of Bavaria is reflected in the premium interior furnishings. Select designer creations can be found in the sleeping areas, and naturally also the bathrooms. The interior architects JOI-Design, with proprietors Peter Joehnk and Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk, were responsible for the concept design for the hotel rooms. Entering the bathrooms, the brilliant chrome finishes of the KEUCO accessories and the iLook_move cosmetic mirror immediately catch the eye. Gleaming luxuriously, the KEUCO products jump out at you from among the more unobtrusive colour schemes of the tiles and interiors. Designed by the renowned Tesseraux+Partner design agency in Potsdam, the iLook_move cosmetic mirror shines particularly with its extraordinarily clever and durable hinge design.The mirror can be arranged optimally vertically, horizontally and in angle of inclination. The rugged wall mounting and the premium quality and workmanship will make it an indispensable companion in the hotel bathroom for many years to come.Individually adapted PLAN grab bars from KEUCO grace the glass doors of the shower partition and the drawer of the washbasin cabinet and can also be used as a towel holder. Another PLAN grab bar in the shower provides guests with a sense of security. With its strong design, KEUCO's EDITION 11 shower basket hangs beside it in harmonious combination. Its striking yet discreet language of form lends the shower basket a unique aesthetic.

The Sash Window Workshop were contacted to replace the windows and doors in a property in the Cotswolds, as part of a large renovation project of the property.The majority of the existing windows were 2 over 2 sash windows, but these didn’t suit the style of the property home so they wanted to get an idea what other styles of sash windows would look like to restore the property to be more period appropriate.After discussing with the customer, a quote was sent across for replacement 6 over 6 sash windows, new casement windows and new doors.When proceeding with the work, they decided to split the work required across several separate orders between October 2020 and July 2021.As the property was in a conservation area and the windows were not being replaced like-for-like, they obtained planning permission for the new windows. After the order was placed with us, we sent across detailed drawings to accompany their planning permission request.The door and windows were then made to their exact requirements in our workshops in Berkshire. They were manufactured in Accoya, which comes with a 50 year anti-rot guarantee, and were finished in a bespoke semi-gloss paint.After the windows and door were manufactured, they were installed by our skilled fitters. In total, across all the orders, 1 complete new window and 2 complete new French doors were manufactured and installed, along with 24 sets of windows having new sashes manufactured and installed into the existing window frames.Since completing the work, the customer has commented that the product and service was excellent and noted that they would recommend us to others. They have also since placed another order for additional work.To obtain a quote for your project, call us on 01344 868 668.

A clear first BREEAM certified public management structure where the building interior design demanded sharp attention to detail; Technowood was a clear choice. The saving on solid timber was a driving force in the decision process. Certified FSC and A2 FR were also important considerations when compared to sold timber. Happy New Service Building was designed by the Architectural Bureau.The Municipality new service building has been designed with a creative understanding which explores an interior that maximises the room use. Therefore, the space has an uplifting positivity to the vertical design.Project RequirementsThe building planning consent required ‘green building’ credentials. Furthermore, BREEAM-BESPOKE criteria were used in this project and BRE-GLOBAL prepared tailor-made criteria directly to the specific building type.Turkey’s first BREEAM certified building will be public; this project is expected to bring a lot of innovation including environmental sensitivity. Thus, it is foreseen that similar criteria will be applied in the future construction in the development region.Further, the main features of this project are a passive air conditioning system and natural lighting, double wall and gallery, economical water usage, recyclability of the material where possible. The enviro-friendly green roof and environment considerate plant preferences.Technowood satisfied all build requirements, the planning was especially happy with the aesthetics of such a diverse material. Invisibly fixed vertical columns solved the solution of the curved nature of the design; as well as the speed of installation which made the use of this wood finished product even more cost effective.Technowood is environmentally friendly, efficient to fit, FSC, A2 FR. By using Technowood this project has a timber consumption by 98%.Credits and Further informationInterior design     The Architectural BureauLocation                     TurkeyProject                        GOVERNMENT MUNICIPALITY COUNCIL CHAMBERMaterial                     Alu-Click Technowood Beams

Systems in UseWilotekt®-PlusForce®Force Dalle®Aquamodul®OverviewBerkeley Homes initially contacted Axter in early 2017 about their project to create 844 apartments (including 175 affordable units), plus 8 shops, a restaurant, and a public plaza. The development, located in Edgware Road, will bring prosperity and jobs as well as housing, to a part of London in need of regeneration.The development involves 11 apartment blocks and is divided into 4 phases. Axter were involved in design prior to works starting, and were subsequently awarded the contract for Phase 1, later expanded to include Phase 2 and the current Phase 3.This is an update to a project we initially wrote about in its first phase. As noted there, Phase 1 was complicated by the fact that the Government amended the Building Regulations in 2018, after design work was completed and approved, imposing stricter requirements in relation to combustible materials in high-rise buildings. Timing meant that the developer was permitted to proceed under the old regime, but elected to apply stricter safety standards including a voluntary change to the system used on the balconies that was both tested to BRoof(t4) and included non-combustible insulation. The Axter team had to work quickly to amend designs but were able to modify the approved solution so that work could continue as scheduled.Phil Saunders, Regional Sales Director at Axter, has been our lead throughout the work. “This is one of the most challenging projects I have worked on,” he notes, “but also one of the most rewarding. Unique solutions were required to solve more than one problem, but it has been great to work on a development involving many technically elegant and aesthetically pleasing aspects, with a range of roofing systems and finishes, including Blue, Brown and Green Roof elements.”Additional challengesWestminster Council’s planning requirements included specific stormwater attenuation targets. With limited space onsite, Kevin Leahy, Technical Director at Berkeley Homes, was considering a Blue Roof solution, something the developer had not implemented before, so support from a technical manufacturer was especially important from the outset.Numerous other difficulties have had to be overcome during this project. Work was disrupted by Covid lockdowns not long after roofing commenced in 2019. Phases 2 and 3, which were very similar, also required us to support our partner through complex change: Phase 1 involved an inverted roof, a solution assumed to carry forward. However, assessment of weight restrictions and outlet positions meant that design would need to switch to a warm roof with tapered insulation.Additionally, work has continued throughout the period of the Ukraine conflict, where prices and supply of materials have been difficult to navigate.SolutionsTo achieve planning permission, Axter worked with Kevin and Berkeley Homes between 2017 and 2019, presenting the resultant roofing design for approval. We were able to demonstrate that the plans met sustainable drainage obligations. The London Plan for sustainable design and construction also imposed requirements, which were met by a mix of living roof solutions including Green Roof and Brown Roof finishes.“We’re happy to present Westminster Council to support the planning application,” continues Phil. “We have worked with Berkeley Homes many times and continue to do so on several projects. Nothing matters more to us than building and maintaining ongoing relationships with partners who know they can trust us to take weight from their shoulders.”Construction continued throughout the lockdown period, with Axter working hard to ensure uninterrupted supply. Materials continued to be delivered in a safe manner, and QA reviews were held virtually until we could resume our usual regular site visits.A switch in roofing approach generally changes the sequencing of work such as integration of roofing and door thresholds. “We were able to come up with an innovative solution involving multiple systems, including cold-applied liquid waterproofing, that permitted the original sequencing to remain,” says Phil. Change was also required in relation to upstand penetration details and movement joints.Throughout the project, Axter has been able to provide partners with full designs involving bespoke details, plus rainwater and u-value calculations, to ensure compliance at every stage.“We worked hard to find the smartest, most cost-effective solutions,” adds Phil. “We also appreciated that this was not the time to be too rigid in pricing. Some pain all round might be unavoidable in this difficult period, but we aimed to share the impact. We were also able to offer partners a guarantee of price stability for a set period of time, so they could proceed with certainty.”Axter manufactures its own systems and works carefully to plan ahead and liaise with long-standing supply partners. This allows us to stay ahead of shortages and offer accurate delivery timelines. Company-wide, we have been able to supply all systems as pledged.All of Axter’s approved installers must complete training specific to the systems involved, but in this case so many bespoke design elements were involved that we organised training specific to the project for all operatives. This training was also extended to the Berkeley Homes construction team, to ensure they were supported in how the roofing would integrate with other areas of construction.“This has been an exceptionally successful project”, comments Phil. “Hurdles have arisen, but with communication and hard work we have supported our client through rapid transitions and financial challenges. We have been very flexible on pricing, but we were not necessarily the cheapest initial bid. We were chosen anyway, because I think Berkeley Homes understands we add value that makes us the cost-effective option for the building’s future lifetime.”Phase 3 designs were approved early this year, with work just starting. Axter is now busy with design for Phase 4, with the project expected to continue through to 2025.

When you are renovating a home, you want the result to be exactly as you pictured it. Abigail and her husband Mark were able to do just that! They had plans to extend their home and renovate their kitchen & dining area with loads of natural light, curious what their experience was like? Be sure to keep reading! Natural daylight is a key component of Abigail’s homeNatural daylight is an essential part of the look and feel of a house. When Abigail and her husband were planning on renovating their home, which they started in 2019, they understood the importance of this concept. The couple told us: “We were always planning to have a rooflight to let in as much light as possible”. Their home was built in the 1930’s, so the small windows from the original build weren’t able to provide them with enough light.The family introduced as many windows as they could. The Vario Skylight was the perfect addition to their vision. It has really made sure that they can enjoy nature to the fullest every single day. “Without the rooflight, the space just wouldn’t be the same” is what the couple had told us.Bespoke rooflights; custom made to fit your needsThere’s a world full of skylights in many shapes and sizes, but not all of them will fit your wants and needs. Vario by VELUX acts as a bridge, linking your creative ideas with the perfect rooflight for your space. Abigail agreed with us and said “The importance of bespoke meant that we could get exactly the size that we wanted.” She and her husband opted with a single rectangular skylight in one piece, instead of it being dissected into different parts. This allowed the space to be in touch with nature and filled with daylight without casting shadows. While most custom designs can only be visualized after they’ve been installed, we offer a design tool in which you can plan out your vision and get an idea of what you can expect. Abigail actually used the configurator on our website and even called it ‘best practice’.Transform the feel of a home with a Vario rooflightVario by Velux wants you to also be in touch with the energy of a space. This vision matched with what Abigail was looking for. She told us that VELUX helped them create the feeling that they wanted, which was as much light as possible and the rooflight does that immensely. Since they had been renovating their home for quite some time, the couple felt loads of relief and excitement when the roof window was finally installed adding: “We had been staring at an open hole for weeks, and when it actually dropped in it was amazing.”A holiday feel with light and natureMark and Abigail have always had a dream to live in Ibiza, but aren’t able to do so now that they have three kids. That’s why they wanted to spice up their home with a holiday atmosphere as if they brought a little Ibiza with them. Their south facing property helps them do that as they can enjoy the sunlight from the early hours of the morning. Add in a big rooflight and some lovely plants, and they were able to create that holiday feeling in the comfort of their own home.Vario by VELUX as a trusted partner in custom skylightsA roof window isn’t a product you decide to buy on a whim. Having a reliable manufacturer by your side every step of the way is crucial, which is why we understand this need. Vario by VELUX will aid you every step of the way, from design to placement. Abigail was glad that our daylight experts were there to offer expertise and advice. She told us “We got a lot of help from VELUX and they were so helpful. There was always somebody on hand to help guide us through the process.”Invite the daylight by getting a bespoke roof windowWhether you're renovating an existing home or building a new one, our custom rooflights are an excellent addition that will bring natural light into a home, creating a brighter and more comfortable living environment. Trust our daylight experts to help you choose the right rooflight for your space, and see the difference that natural light can make in your home with Vario by VELUX.

Star architect Christoph Ingenhoven’s company provides an extraordinary lifestyle concept in Singapore’s urban space with their smart idea for Marina One. The AXIS planning office implemented the notion of a feel-good indoor climate in the building’s living areas with Villeroy & Boch. Construction time/completion: 2011 - 2017 / 15th January 2018. Area: Gross floor space: 400,000 m². Office space, usable space: 175,000 m². Apartments: 1,042 units (2-4 rooms). Client: M+S Pte. Ltd., Singapore. Architects: Ingenhoven Architects, Düsseldorf. Landscape architecture: Gustafson Porter + Bowman, London. Awards: Green Building: LEED Platinum, Green Mark Platinum (Selection). Interior designer: Axis ID Pte Ltd, Singapore.

Many years ago, on a site in Misterbianco, Catania, where the ancient, very active during the first two decades of the twentieth century, Monaco furnace used to stand, there now stands a modern multi-purpose centre created to bring a moment in time back to local residents.Designed by the Mimesi 62 studio of Florence, the new building offers large spaces lit up by light that passes through large glass windows and enhanced by the use of porcelain stoneware surfaces that are all different but that all match and perfectly harmonise with the destination of use: the 5,000 m² of the outdoor areas have been clad with the Plan collection, with a natural effect, in Black 30x60, while the discreet elegance of Format Black 45x45 has been used indoors.Photographs by Alfio Scigliano.

Located just to the east of Worksop Town Centre, The Canch is an award-winning park that is owned and managed by Bassetlaw District Council.As part of Bassetlaw District Council’s commitment to continually improve the overall facilities at its Green Flag award-winning park, plans for a new building were put in place in 2021 to include a refreshments kiosk, a Changing Places toilet, a disabled toilet, a baby change and parent WC in addition to four unisex toilets.To improve their visitor experience and make their park accessible for all, Bassetlaw District Council got in touch with Innova Care Concepts to supply and install a new Changing Places facility.Take a look to fine out how Innova helped ensure The Canch had accessible toilet facilities for all visitors to their park .....

Based in North East Lincolnshire, St Andrew’s Hospice provides palliative and end of life care for adults and children. The hospice delivers a wide range of services including counselling, complementary therapies, lymphoedema clinics, physiotherapy and bereavement support.In order to enhance the quality and variety of care they provide for younger patients, plans were put forward for St Andrew’s Hospice to refurbish their Andy’s Children Unit.Needing specialist support with the design, installation and sourcing of equipment, St Andrew's got in touch with Innova for their expertise in loose furniture and bespoke hoisting solutions.Innova supported the project with a number of different hoisting options, including AirGlide 360 tracking with a AirRise 200 hoist unit, to facilitate an H-frame (X-Y) below hung overhead ceiling track hoisting system in one of their bathrooms.

Britannia Wharf is a structure consisting of 52 stunning canal-side apartments. This development consisted of the demolition of a 5 storey office building and the construction of an all-wooden private high-end luxury apartments constructed on a large expanse of greenery. With the inclusion of four penthouse apartments on the fourth floor, the entire structure of the building was designed with timber frame overlooking the remarkable wildlife corridor of the reclaimed historic Basingstoke Canal.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by ADN Planning as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Consero London was awarded this 6,000m² contract to construct this development in the centre of Woking, London.

The challenge was to construct a roof top extension on top of the luxury hotel NOBU in Shoreditch. The plan was to add an additional 1 storey of hotel rooms, suites, dining areas and open terraces that would replace the existing planted roof. The chosen solution was Tarmac Toplight C lightweight structural concrete in a pump mix with the addition of steel fibres, ensuring maximum weight loss of 35% with no compromise on structural concrete performance.By adding steel fibres into the lightweight mix the composite metal deck system could be installed without the need for traditional expensive and slow steel reinforcement across the deck. The use of lightweight concrete, furthermore, reduced the load by 35% which meant the existing structure did not need to be reinforced or under pinned. The construction programme time was also reduced considerably.

In early 2020, Birmingham City Council granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium, ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be held in 2022. As part of this large-scale redevelopment, the client needed a footway surfacing material that would combine visual and aesthetic appeal with a long-lasting finish, tough enough to withstand use by the thousands of visitors expected for the Commonwealth Games.  The new coloured asphalt footways around the stadium track matched the grandeur of the new stadium development and provided the visual impact and visitor appeal that the client was looking for. It also helped provide clear demarcation for spectators to identify pedestrian footways and segregate vehicular traffic from foot traffic. The proven durability of ULTICOLOUR asphalts will ensure that the new surface should be maintenance free for many years.

Despite the challenges posed by completing construction and opening during the first lockdown, the new Skelton Lake Motorway Services project opened in March 2020 as planned, providing essential services to hauliers and key workers travelling during the start of the pandemic. The project incorporates an extensive green roof build-up to minimise the visual and physical impacts of the development on the surrounding country park and to enhance the biodiversity of the project.The wildflower green roof design provides multiple environmental benefits; including provision of a new habitat for local insect and bird life, helping to lower the site’s carbon emissions by absorbing heat emitted from the building into the cooler roof surface - reducing the air conditioning demand in the summer months. The green roof build-up also provides a level of insulation against heat loss in winter.