"planning land"

Project DescriptionThe new £180M RHSC facility has 1,800 rooms over 50,000m² in a modern and high-quality setting at Little France, Edinburgh. The five-storey building, has a large atrium with a shop and cafe, a stunning skylight linking both hospital entrances, a helipad on the roof and a link building adjoining adult and paediatric emergency departments.Specific Project ChallengesThe single largest ever BIM project undertaken by HLM ArchitectsA roof of highest quality to ensure best environment for patientsThe first acute hospital facility to be procured under the Scottish Government’s Non Profit Distributing Model (NPD)Solutions OfferedThe standing seam system incorporated a series of tapered and straight sheets to ensure that the curved roof plan was achieved without the need for junctions, as well as providing the platform for a vast array of photovoltaics, and a permanent roof access walkway.Ash & Lacy also supplied support in the form of site inspections throughout the construction process, design for roof tapers and all perimeter and feature fabrications and fasteners.

Our client required a bespoke fit-out with significance placed on meeting environmental standards and adhering to building regulations.Project BreakdownEfficient installation was another important consideration. As this project was a refurb, all the doors and balustrades were already fitted, with as little as 45 mm build up height in some areas. This project required a versatile substructure solution and careful planning.The SolutionOverlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and benefiting from panoramic views of the London skyline, the curved aspect of the 10th floor terrace area presented an interesting challenge. The angled cuts create more deck board wastage than usual, but with support from EnviroBuild this was allowed for and calculated before the works started, helping to manage costs and ensuring no delays.Project DetailsSize: 168 m²Product: Stone Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: MESA Aluminium Joists, MESA Aluminium PedestalsClient: Collins Construction LimitedArchitect: BDS Architecture and Interior DesignSub-Contractor: BOA ContractorsLocation: London

With its ten cinemas and six restaurants, the East Square leisure complex in Basildon in Essex is part of an ambitious master plan to restore the town centre’s appeal by creating daytime and evening entertainment and dining opportunities. Partly inspired by the city’s artistic past, when Basildon was known for its 1960s ceramic murals, the building also evokes the modern edge of digital images. The set of multicoloured hexagonal cassettes designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards’ architects in London evokes the shape of coloured pixels in the digital images projected on the cinema’s screens. This combination of four surface coverings - AZENGAR®, ANTHRA-ZINC®, QUARTZ-ZINC®, GOLD lacquered zinc - and two types of installation - MOZAIK® cassettes and hexagonal shingles - on some 4,000 m2 of facades creates a playful and dynamic effect. A future image is coming into view. The irregularity of the facade’s upper edge is a good illustration of the city’s urban renewal project; it seems to show that the city’s future is still being constructed and rewritten in this very place. 

THE PROJECTThe Building a Safer Future Charter has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the safety of the built environment. It is about putting people’s safety first in how we plan for, design, build, maintain, and look after the safety of the buildings we live, work or play in and protect those that use them.THE PRODUCTSLB’s 2 hour Fire-rated mailboxes were used on this project at Cambridge Road, London for a large Housing Association and arranged on a radius, providing an interesting yet highly functional arrangement of 2-hour integrity only fully tested mailboxes. The Fire-rated range from SLB is tested at Exova Warrington and exceeds 2 hours in temperatures beyond that of molten lava without distortion, flame or deterioration. This system was polyester powder coated in a burnt orange RAL colour, powder used conforms to London Underground specifications.This arrangement is also comprised of manual parcelboxes positioned underneath with a manual locking option.

Significant remodelling benefits from Electric Access Hatch Rooflight, Pyramid Rooflight and & Lantern RooflightThe ChallengeThe homeowner wanted to undertake significant remodelling of their substantial London family home including partial demolition, conversion of garage into habitable space and other works to create a truly unique space.The solutionWorking closely with them we provided a range of product solutions including Electric Access Hatch Rooflight, Pyramid Rooflight and & Lantern Rooflight for their part single, part two-storey rear extension.At the end of the project our rooflights had helped provide a greater feeling of light and space with the Electric Access Hatch Rooflight providing easy access to their roof space.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home project; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Single storey extension with fixed rooflights and opening vent rooflightsThe ChallengeLocated on one of Cambridge's key arterial routes the homeowner wanted to improve the quality of the internal spaces in this early twentieth century townhouse, to help revitalise the property and give them a better family home.The solutionWorking with an innovative architect they proceeded to add an extensive single storey extension to the rear of the property as well as unique dormer extension to the second floor.We worked closely with them to create fixed rooflights for the single storey extension which added light and a feeling of greater space also we provided opening vent rooflights which as well as adding natural light also gave them natural ventilation.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home project; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Artform Urban were approached by Illman Young Landscape Design in 2018 to discuss a range of design led street furniture elements including seating and litter bins to a brand new service station located at junction 1 of the M6 in Rugby, planned to open in 2021. The seating product selected was the Multiplicity Bench, a popular product featuring a cast aluminium leg frame with hardwood seat.The Box Wood Litter Bin featuring a Triangular Ashtray fixture was also supplied. This incredibly popular and versatile waste disposal unit can be customised with 4 different variations of door style. The Rugby Moto services opted for the hardwood timber slats version which complements the surrounding architecture and street furniture.The new MOTO services opened its doors to motorists in April 2021, the build will create 120 jobs and cost investment of £40 million. It is the UK's flagship electric vehicle charging motorway services, offering 24 rapid-charging points.

The Allsop family started planning their kitchen renovation project in September 2021 and wanted to create an inviting room featuring special touches such as glass work surfaces alongside the latest in energy-saving technology. As they had already installed underfloor heating in their home before, they knew that an electric floor heater would be the ideal heating solution due to its ease of use, sustainable technology, and low running costs. The DCM-PRO was chosen as the most efficient solution, offering rapid installation times and increased and huge savings on energy bills due to its efficiency, further enhanced after being paired with our 6iE Thermostat. This system was perfect for use with the Allsop’s new Karndean vinyl floors and is also ideal for kitchens with stone or ceramic floor tiles as its decoupling technology helps protect tiled floors from damage. The low-profile design of the DCM-PRO is also perfect for all types of refurbishment projects in rooms with fixed ceiling heights as it will have a negligible impact on floor levels.

Handley Street is a small, residential development located within the central conservation area in the Lincolnshire market town of Sleaford.Originally an old, derelict office block, the site now provides six new, much-needed starter homes for the town. Each of the high-specification homes offers two bedrooms, underfloor heating, bi-fold doors to a private garden, and off-road parking, all within a few short steps to the town’s high street.Planning restrictions associated with the conservation area required the use of traditional materials, including timber, sliding sash windows, slate roofs, chimney stacks and brickwork that would match Handley Street’s older buildings, which are built in a vibrant orange brick featuring textural deviation and which was excavated locally.For the new properties, Forterra’s Butterley Breckland Multi Reserve was selected as a good match to the older brick. Varying bonds, that show stretchers as well as headers, have been introduced in the main facing brickwork, complementing the older properties nearby.

When Uppsala Municipality was planning for Lina Sandells Park, they made sure to include input from the children in the area. Now, this park has become a playground paradise - offering a wide range of play options that are sure to spark the imaginations of young and old alike!Outdoor attractions for all agesOne highlight of this unique park is the Wall-Holla play equipment – a modular, space-saving playset. This flexible play structure consists of multiple climbing elements, slides, swings, ladders, and other interactive elements that provide a challenging and fun experience for all ages. It gives children an opportunity to explore their physical boundaries while also helping them develop motor skills, balance, and coordination.The upgraded facility also features an Interactive DJ table Fono, Chillout park benches with USB ports, and tables with chessboards to further stimulate its visitors. With such diverse attractions, visitors can guarantee that Lina Sandells Park will bring them unforgettable memories no matter their age!

The University launched ambitious new plans for a £40 million state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) to facilitate the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.Our work for the project included the supply of approximately 684m2 of Soundis Absorb-R timber wall panels. The client opted for a combination of 8/3m Absorb-R WoodTec Grooved and Soundis Absorb-R WooTec Perforated 2/2/0.5 Perforated panels. This combination of the two styles creates a stylish yet elegant finish.Black panels were chosen for the walls and white panels for the railing areas, the contrast of the colours further promoting that modern style for the university.The old choice between Engineering-led functionality, and beautiful design not longer applies. Cutting-edge new technologies allow solid wood panels and multi-layer panels to be micro perforated to serve as highly effective sound absorbing cladding. Panel textures can also be tailored to serve project requirements.

Travelodge have recently started a £100million nationwide modernisation programme as well as an increase of their Hotel brand sites. Travelodge Oxford is a New Build Development on Abingdon Road, built to help with the growing demand for affordable hotel accommodation in Oxford, mainly due to the increase in tourism as well as families visiting students in the city.The new Travelodge on Abingdon Road has 83 rooms, to supplement the demand in the area. The existing Travelodge in Oxford which was built in 1999, also has plans to be upgraded and refurbished with a new entrance, conservatory and a revamped restaurant.Soundis supplied the acoustic flooring at this Travelodge project for the Main Contractor Hinton Design & Build. The Travelodge specification for a high quality acoustic flooring system included 22mm T&G Chipboard and 19mm Plasterboard Plank, over a 30mm high density Rockfloor insulation floor slab with acoustic flanking edging band around the perimeter to separate and isolate all abutments. The whole project required over 1,200 sq metres of acoustic flooring.

The University of the West of Scotland’s launched ambitious plans to relocate to a new £110m campus in Lanarkshire, 2 miles away from the current Victorian building.Modern new build environment.The relocation of the campus was tasked to achieve a modern new build environment, “to develop a truly inspirational and world-class University campus fit for existing and future students.” – Prof Craig Mahoney, Principal.Soundis Absorb-R WoodTec Wall Slats was specified for its acoustical performance of Class A NRC and robust material.The WoodTec Wall Slats are based on a fibre gypsum board which has excellent properties regarding both fire safety and acoustics. The slats are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which results in 100% straight aligned slats over their full lifetime.A work of art...Soundis installed the WoodTec Wall Slats to the main wall within the foyer. In addition to the purely functional benefits and its sound quality, this particular area of installation was described by the client as ‘a work of art in its own right’.

To create a Blob... CHALLENGE For the design of a Texaco service station on the highway near Antwerp the architect decided he wanted to create a Blob (Binary large objects) architectural design. The service station consists of three functional lobes that together look like an oil stain. The actual gas stations are covered with 4 lobe-shaped canopies. To accentuate this futuristic design the architect wanted to create liquid formed shapes in a metallic look. As the walls of the main building were planned using a polurea metallic finishing coating the architect sought a suitable compatible material to finish the rest of his Blob roof surfaces. SOLUTION Synthetic roofing membranes are the most flexible materials on the market and are suited to waterproof almost all possible roof shapes. For this particular project the silver coloured RENOLIT ALKORPLAN membrane was the best solution. This silver membrane is produced with a protective coating creating a roofing membrane that is easy to clean. The RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Metallic membranes combine excellent durability with added aesthetical appearance.

St Pauls’ Way is an award-winning 1, 5, 6, & 7 story building with 23 units consisting of one, two and three bedroom flats over a ground floor community space. This scheme was designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating of 72.7%, awarding it winner of 6 national housing awards, including Evening Standard New Homes Award 2019’s ‘Best Regeneration Project'. Constructed of light gauge steel frame and faced with a buff brick, this scheme will contribute to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Community Plan.HiDECK Overlay 18 was specified by Architecture PLB in this project as the overlay flooring solution. It’s ideal for flooring applications incorporating an underflooring heating system due to its high thermal conductivity which provides rapid reaction times, saving on running costs. In addition, its high density makes it perfect for a variety of acoustic applications.Stack London was awarded this 6,300m² contract for this development in Tower Hamlets.

When Jason and Nikki bought a 19th century clapboard house overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Essex countryside, the property came with planning permission to knock it down and build a new home.But keen to preserve a piece of history, the couple opted to restore the house instead, choosing Cedral facades to recreate the original clapboard look while benefiting from Cedral’s modern features.“We wanted the same look as before, to restore the house to how it had looked originally,” says Jason. “We also wanted a property that was as maintenance free as possible.”Which is why Cedral facades fitted the bill perfectly. Crafted for durability and long life with no need for regular repainting or maintenance, it has a minimum life expectancy of 50 years.Using Cedral Lap in elegant C01 White, the finished look is a beautiful New England style home that sits at the top of the hill. Finding the right shade of white was important to the couple and here again, Cedral met the requirements perfectly.“We went for Cedral C01 White because it’s more of a warmer shade, other options we looked at were too bright and cold. It’s a large area of cladding and we didn’t want it to be too blinding when the sun was on it. We also preferred the fact that Cedral offered a thicker board, it had more substance than the others we considered.”The fact that their builder said he preferred working with Cedral because of its high quality sealed the deal. “He did an amazing job on the installation,” says Jason. “It was all quite painless and everyone who visits comments on the workmanship.”The renovation is still ongoing and next they plan to build a garden office also using Cedral facades.“We would definitely recommend Cedral,” the couple say. “So many people say to us they can’t believe it’s not real wood. Because we’ve cleared back a lot of the overgrowth on the property, the house is now very visible from the road and we didn’t want anything that looked fake. We wanted to have that original wood finish that suits the style of the house and its original design, and yet be as low maintenance as possible.”And with Cedral that’s what they got. “Unless we used wood itself, we couldn’t have got any closer to the original style,” says Nikki. “Now everyone says it’s the prettiest house on the road.”

Background & BuildingA brand new headquarters for the Aston Martin Racing Formula 1 team, based at Silverstone Race Track. A state of the art building solely designed to build, run and service Aston Martin’s Formula 1 racing vehicles. Built by the side of the historic Silverstone Grand Prix racing track in Northamptonshire.The Brief in BriefThe project requirements demanded good DB ratings, full height doors, privacy for Mission Control with Smart Glass and privacy to Exec area with blinds. An Atrium to flood light into the ‘street’ below. Plus offices, meeting rooms, a Mission Control racing hub, a large Atrium screen over indoor areas, open plan design offices, breakout and communal areas.Komfort’s SolutionPrior to the start of the project we had numerous pre-start meetings with the design team and H&S visits with our external advisors to ensure the project would run smoothly from the start.To achieve a system and design the client desired, Komfort built mock-up sample office onsite during the design stage to highlight the design elements such as acoustic double glazed glass in Polar 100 and our deflection head system. We also supplied samples of our blinds, with the system in situ to demonstrate the operating fixtures and fittings. All samples were supplied in the clients choice of colour including matt black blinds to match the trackwork.The double glazed full length Atrium required teams working on both sides of the glass, installation from the office side and safety (fall arrest) from the street side. The atrium glazing over the machine shop area required glass lifting equipment, to ensure the fire rated glass could be sealed properly from both sides.The client made numerous changes to the design during installation, which had to be accommodated. The final project involved 800 sqm of glass and 50+ Sonik doors throughout the building site. It was a challenge and one that Komfort rose to admirably.The end resultModern open plan offices with a selection of meeting rooms. Large executive offices with blinds/locks for privacy. A large full length atrium from the offices above to the workshops and indoor street below. All areas of the racing team on 1 floor (design office, HR, Exec offices, Mission Control, finance etc).

Architect: Henning Larson - CopenhagenContractor: SKANSKA - SwedenThe ProjectESS / European Spallation Source, located in Lund, Sweden, is a joint European research facility to which 13 member countries contribute technical equipment, expertise and funding. Researchers worldwide will be able to study materials in detail allowing them to investigate solutions for some of the world’s most complex challenges in material research, renewable energy, biomedicine and pharmaceutical pursuits. The facility is expected to open for research in 2023.Not only will ESS become a world-leading research facility, it will also be one of the most sustainable and energy smart research infrastructures.The ESS energy concept is based on three pillars: the facility will be very energy efficient and will use as little energy as possible, all energy will come from renewable energy sources and the waste heat will be recycled.Inpro® Products UsedFireline® 140 Fire BarrierSeries 114 Drywall Wall and Ceiling Interior SystemSeries 651 Surface Mount Exterior SystemSeries 672 Bellows Roof Exterior SystemSeries 995 Fire-rated FoamWhy did Skanska decide to work with Inpro?The project started 2 years ago with a single request for information from Henning Larsen Architects – Copenhagen. In 2019 Inpro were asked by Skanska to tender for an expansion joint product line addressing the exterior cladding of this unique facility. At that time, several other manufacturing companies were being considered for the wide ranging scope of movement joints required. However after in depth interviews, only Inpro was able to offer all the complex joint solutions required in one primary supplier.Detailed Sustainability product information was submitted and verified by third parties.Complicated Shop Drawings and take-offs of the massive 6-building involved depicting multiple complicated transitions between varying substrates, differing products and a range of geometries for the custom-made solutions.Demonstrated our ability to overcome complex technical and field-related problems.Were involved with hours of online meetings with the main stakeholders- Skanska technical teams, the Architectural team and the Installing Contractor in a collaborative approach to implement best practice and minimize risk.This was an Inpro team project including Senior Product Management, Sustainability team, estimation and commercial management who all played an important part to land this iconic development with SKANSKA.

Our coatings look after the world’s most iconic and acclaimed buildings. Among them is the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Since its redevelopment in 2011, the principal public gallery in Auckland, New Zealand has won 23 awards and counting, including the prestigious World Architecture Festival's 2013 World Building of the Year. The redevelopment plan aimed at restoring and preserving heritage elements and sensitively combining them with 21st-century design. This included earthquake-proofing and heritage restoration of the 1887 and 1916 components of the main building and the addition of new, contemporary elements that increased display space by 50 per cent. One of the most distinctive features of the new building is its roof design, which forms a series of fine ‘tree-like’ canopies that define and cover the forecourt, atrium and gallery areas.Our coatings complemented this architectural challenge of blending old with new. A coatings system comprising of Interzinc 42, Intergard 251 and Interthane 990 was used to protect structural steel, while Interchar 963 was used to provide essential protection from the effects of fire.

Located in the historic district of Islington in North London, Ferntower Road is close to the popular green space, Newington Green. A dull and empty public space lies at the end of the road, nestled between local shops and cafes that passersby wander through.Islington Council wanted to improve the quality of air on streets and neighbourhoods, by introducing a green corridor which would make the space more inviting and encourage the locals to sit and relax.Working with local Landscape Architects, the plan was to help improve the public space by taking an inclusive approach. By using our AKRI 600 retaining planters, large scale planting beds were designed as part of a scheme, driving biodiversity and reducing air pollution in the area.A total of four AKRI planter shapes were crafted and manufactured in corten (a naturally corrosion resistant material). The AKRI system includes a timber seating module with cladding (which complements the AKRI unit) that was added to further bring people closer to nature. In the community, the planters and seating are well received as a new addition to the once unused public space.

One Crown Place is the latest high rise addition to London’s skyline. Home to 246 luxury apartments, high-quality office space, a boutique hotel and members’ club, it is located between the City of London and Shoreditch. Designed by internationally renowned architects Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF), the development features two prismatic towers of 28 and 33 storeys.For the apartments, interior designers, Bowler James Brindley specified custom designed kitchens by Italian company Arclinea featuring a dark lacquered finish with engineered stone worktops and glass fronted cabinets.The Fire regulations which apply to high-rise living accommodation meant that the open plan kitchens in each apartment would require a fire suppression unit complete with sprinklers to be fitted. These units need to be installed and maintained by a specialist engineer and can also cause damage within a property should they be activated due to a fire.  Therefore, the team of architects, designers and builders were open to the idea of an alternative, unobtrusive design-led fire prevention solution, such as the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard.

The Project Warehouse refurbishment to house trampoline centre.Jump Nation intend to open centres across all major towns and cities in the UK as popularity soars.The Challenge Propose a robust system suitable for heavy use environment. Changing Cubicles and matching WC Cubicles finished in the company’s vibrant colour scheme. Powder coat ironmongery to match companies branding.     The SolutionExcelsior T-Line range fitted the project brief perfectly for Jump Nation, offering a robust system with a modern and minimalist feel incorporating a powder coated extruded satin anodised aluminium pilaster and headrail presenting a sleek & slimline façade.Offering consistency, excellent service, quality products and strong working relations Excelsior look forward to supporting the team at Jump Nation with their planned progression to open trampoline parks across all major towns and cities in the UK.SpecificationProduct Range: T-Line 12mm Solid Grade LaminateDoors: P112 PrunePilaster: SAA RAL 5012Partition: P112 PruneIronmongery: SAA RAL 5012

2500M2 OPTIMA TFC IN 4MM ALUCOBOND A2 ACM SILVER METALLIC 500 HAS BEEN USED IN THE COMPLETION OF PROJECT MEDIUS IN LEICESTER.Part of a wider £50m project on the site of the former Great Central Railway Station, the 35,000 square foot, five-storey office building provides a striking finish in the heart of Leicester city centre.As visible in the photos, some extremely complex panel shapes and geometry – some 5,500mm in length – was required to achieve the finished look. To make this possible, the expert team at Sotech used state of the art 3D development software to ensure accuracy during manufacture.Alucobond A2 ACM, a limited combustible aluminium composite panel, was selected to accommodate the 5,500mm long panels due to its superior strength and flatness properties. In addition, Alucobond A2 ACM is fully recyclable and can be finished in a variety of ways.TESTIMONIALSMohamadreza Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech said: “This has been a very challenging and complex façade that required close planning and collaboration between all parties involved. We are thrilled with the final look!”

An existing Mews dating back to the 1860’s in close proximity to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The highly sensitive nature of this site required NLA to work closely throughout the planning and construction phases with LBKC to make sure the ambitious yet sympathetic design, bespoke to the client’s requirements was realised. In addition to a full refurbishment, complete with new basement, reworked layout and contemporary interior design, a double height atrium was introduced at the heart of the dwelling allowing natural daylight to permeate throughout each individual level whilst providing a secluded garden sanctuary away from the bustling streets of London.For this refurbishment, our Una was used which are the solution for timber leaf risers. Una utilises a timber door leaf with a concealed metal frame. Made to suit custom sizes, provided as a flat-packed kit prepared for all ironmongery. The wood door leaf comes with hinge cut-outs and can be primed for on-site finishing or pre-finished in our factory. Choose from non-fire rated or fire rated to E30 or E60.

The design briefTo sensitively transform two former workshops buildings into a modern, light and airy family home, in this hidden location.ChallengeTo achieve beautiful design, to sustain health and well-being through superior craftsmanship, quality materials and intelligent use of glass.Solution3m x 2m internal walk on glass floor with glass beams seamlessly appearing out from the walls, elegantly modern design introducing light and the illusion of space. 19mm thick monolithic glass balustrade sections connect each room achieving a spacious, sharp and minimal look. The multi-panel skylight engineered to fit existing timber trusses creates a sense of large expanse and allows the flow of daylight to pass down to the lower levels, lightening up the beautiful design within.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home project; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

The design brief Our brief was to design, supply & install a gridshell rooflight that was like a ‘slice of the side of a rugby ball’. The perimeter structure would be provided, but we were to work with the project structural engineer in terms of providing thrust forces etc. The ChallengeTo create a visually impressive source of natural light in the new office extension for this global, research-driven pharmaceutical company embracing many cultures and diverse societies.The SolutionThis beautiful 12m x 6m fully self-supporting fixed glazing. Modelled using the glazing company’s 3D design software. The supporting members are a combination of 80mm x 120mm and 80mm x 80mm steel sections. The rooflight was fully fabricated off site and lifted into place as a single unit.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your commercial office space; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Whitethorn Village is an attractive residential scheme positioned adjacent to the centre of Naas. The contemporary development led by Cairn Homes PLC includes a mix of spacious family homes and two apartment buildings. These comfortable, sustainable residences offer the very best in terms of quality and energy efficiency.Developer Cairn Homes collaborated with Horizon Offsite to deliver the impressive 5-storey residential blocks in Whitethorn Village, benefiting from off-site fabrication, accuracy, and rapid completion within a tightly controlled cost plan.The apartments were constructed using an offsite fabricated light gauge steel (LGS) structural system. The external LGS wall panels and floor decking used in this system incorporated a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions. This included the advanced fire rated components EXOPERM MONO DURO 200 breather membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR airtight and windtight tape, the multi-purpose adhesive VERBOND, and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and VARA SEAL smart airtight tape.

REQUIREMENT: The planned site improvements included relocating the loading bay and installing compliant access steps to the post room.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: CAD and technical drawings were designed in-house and based on site measurements taken.END RESULT:We installed the modular access steps within a few hours. Once the installation was complete, the system was instantly usable. This allowed the post room to open within a quick turnaround time.The access steps are fully compliant with documents M & K of the building regulations.FEATURES INCLUDED: Infill Handrail - this product prevents users from climbing or falling through gaps.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of each step. Additionally, it helps users distinguish any level changes.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.

Long house is a modern interpretation of a Derbyshire Dales longhouse and houses three generations of their respective families. It was built to Passivhaus standards and to have minimal visual impact on its rural surroundings and featured in a September episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. On the ground floor, a combination of floor-to-ceiling windows and a completely open-plan layout fills the house with sunlight and creates a feeling of space and tranquillity. A shared sitting room for Sarah and Mike’s mothers is known as the ‘lady chapel’ and its oversized windows provide spectacular views across the valley.Energy efficiency, thermal performance and sustainability are all key when building to Passivhaus standards. The couple were also keen to meet the Royal Institute of British Architects 2030 Challenge targets for operational energy use, water usage and embodied carbon. Durability and security were also priorities.‘The windows are the stars of the show. The whole house feels full of light and life. The views are spectacular and in every room we feel part of the landscape, but without having to put a jumper on!’

The Glass Yard is a prestigious mixed office and retail development in Chesterfield, on the site of what was the once the largest manufacturer of domestic glassware in the UK. It has been designed sustainably and ergonomically by developer Blue Deer Ltd. for an open plan, daylight filled environment. The client approached Tarmac’s representatives looking for a safe, practical, durable and visually distinctive finish for the main external walkways and first-floor balconies that would complement the modern design and sustainable ethos of the building. After providing advice and number of samples, the client chose TOPTINT Glow a unique, glow in the dark decorative concrete that uses light sensitive chippings to help illuminate areas such as footpaths, cycleways and pedestrian areas. The glowing aggregate provided a passive and energy efficient form of demarcation to help guide clients along the balconies and walkways at night-time and in low ambient light conditions. This fitted with the building’s sustainable design ethos. The gentle glow provided by the light emitting chippings also provided an ambience that was sure to be a talking point for customers and would help put the new development on the map.

The VELUX Daylight Visualizer enlightens a new-build school academyA new school building project was commissioned with a clear design vision—deliver an exceptional learning facility to best serve pupils and the community.The school design is a steel-framed superblock with a compacted floorplate and accommodating spaces spread over four floors. In the main building, classrooms benefit from daylight provided through vertical glazing. Larger communal spaces such as the main hall, internal corridors, a dining room, and drama studio can be found in the heart of the building. Daylight in these communal spaces is provided through the roof.  Activity spaces such as the sports hall, a gym and library required specific daylight levels to comply with the Department for Education (DfE) output specification requirements. Deep-plan, central locations also required a calculated daylight design, prompting Pozzoni Architects to invite VELUX Commercial to collaborate on the project and assist with the evaluation of daylight provision.To read more about this case study and how understanding daylight analysis simplifies complex design goals, visit our website.

The ChallengeParmiter’s School needed five of their washroom blocks refurbished and work was initially planned to take place during term time for two of the quieter rooms and Summer for the other ones.The main objective for the school was to increase the amount of cubicles in all the washrooms to accommodate their increased student numbers.The SolutionBrookhouse, having created a strict methodology for term-time work, was able to refurbish both the Sixth Form Washroom and Gym toilets during term time with minimal disruption.The washrooms were designed utilising the spaces effectively to obtain the maximum amount of full-height enclosed cubicles which increased capacity by over 30% for each room.Superbly stylish, practical and highly durable, these solid grade laminate cubicles were the exact finish that Parmiter’s School were hoping for. We Provided:Full Height Washroom Cubicles and IPSSolid Grade Laminate (SGL)Contrasting Colour Doors and PanelsAutomatic Infrared Taps & Soap DispensersHygienic Hand-DryersModern Solid Surface TroughStructural SteelDrainage Groundworks

Waddesdon School, a secondary school in Buckinghamshire, had issues with poor behaviour from students in their toilets and there was a shortage of girls toilets causing further problems to the schools. They approached Brookhouse for a solution.Our SolutionAfter visiting the school, our designers determined that the best solution was to create a open unisex washroom. By turning the washrooms into one washroom and creating an opening to the corridor meant that supervision and visibility into the area reduced the behaviour issues. This along with our unique school floor to ceiling cubicle system made in solid grade laminate and bolt through hardware, we were able achieve the durability required. By making the washrooms Unisex also spread out the demand and unutilised all the cubicles.We ProvidedWashroom DesignSpace Planning/3D VisualsProject ManagementDividing Wall Removed & Corridor Opening CreatedNew Waste ServicesFloor to Ceiling Solid Grade Cubicle IPS SytemDecoration & Hygiene Wall CladdingSuspended CeilingsVinyl FlooringElectrics and LightingIndividual Vent to each cubicle

A moment of Introspection Before the Big RevealMorrow+Lorraine had a bold vision for the contemporary 123 Hub. The lobby was no different. Home to Google and ENI Trading, prestige and performance was imperative throughout the building.123 Hub has a modern and neutral design scheme, using stone, wood and natural fabrics, which the luxury Entrance Matting needed to complement and protect. It tirelessly maintains its classic look while enduring and cleaning the shoes of users of the 200,000 ft2 office space. INTRAsystems has worked with Morrow+Lorraine on a wide range of projects so the practice knew the design potential of our product range.With its clean lines, INTRAflex XT was the preferred choice for their chevron scheme. It offers flexible configurations for a wide range of designs, as well as quality performance and proven longevity.Fusing Form and Function for Architectural ImpactINTRAflex XT has a heavy-duty aluminium frame available in a standard silver finish, anodised bronze or black. Each option comes with a 10-year warranty so will stand the test of time. Made from 100% recycled aluminium and fully recyclable, it also represents a sustainable option, as verified by EPD.For added practicality, INTRAflex XT sections are removable to help maintenance and cleaning. There’s no need to wait for service visits or specialist tools. On-site teams can lift each section to remove any debris or excess moisture, minimising disruption.As one of our most specified products, you can find it used extensively in prestigious locations.Elite Performance, Smart Aesthetics, Luxury Entrance MattingMorrow+Lorraine opted for INTRAlux® Elite Grey 606 fibre inserts to add a subtle colour and textural change, while complementing the stone floor beyond and enhancing the overall neutral monochrome palette.The simple appearance belies the advanced features. The INTRAlux® Elite fibre has a mix of coarse and smooth fibres made from 100% Econyl regenerated nylon, offering excellent scraping and sound absorption. It has excellent UV-resistance, fire resistance, and slip rating.Precise and practical installationFrom the chevron design Morrow+Lorraine supplied, we created an intricate plan for the install team; clearly labelled each component and supplied in oversized lengths to allow for tolerances and anomalies on site.We also provided spares just in case, as the install team had to work around some immovable features.The flush, glass revolving doors would have been particularly tricky for a lesser product. With our detailed plans, an innovative product and skilled installers, the effect is unassuming perfection. Explore Tiling and Flooring did an incredible job.

Energy Efficient Heritage Windows for a Victorian RetrofitThe retrofit of Mews House, a low-energy Victorian listed mews property in West London, showcases how heritage windows can be utilised in a retrofit project to enhance energy efficiency while preserving the building's character and historical features.A Conservation Area GemBuilt in 1878 as a traditional carriage house with stable doors, Mews House was later converted into a residential property. However, over time, it suffered from poor layout, inadequate heating, and tired exterior facades. Architects Prewett Bizley undertook the challenge of transforming the interior into a light-filled open-plan living space, improving the property's external appearance while adhering to the local conservation area guidelines, and significantly reducing its carbon footprint.The Role of Winston Sliding Sash WindowsReplacing the existing single-glazed windows with Gowercroft's Winston Sliding Sash windows played a vital role in achieving the project's sustainability and conservation objectives. The architect required windows with higher performance levels, including superior thermal efficiency and a traditional timber aesthetic that matched the original "multi-pane" windows, which was crucial for securing planning permission. A total of 16 Winston Sliding Sash windows of various sizes were installed, featuring traditional joinery elements such as glazing bars, fitch fasteners, pulleys, and concealed gaskets, creating an authentic appearance.Energy Efficiency and AchievementsThe use of vacuum glazing in the windows provided excellent energy efficiency, achieving an overall U-value of 1.5 W/m²K, with the potential to reach even lower values in future iterations. The air tightness of the frames, coupled with Gowercroft's sealing system, contributed to an impressive air tightness rating of close to 1 m³/m²hr at 50Pa, surpassing expectations for a property of this kind.The retrofit of Mews House resulted in an astounding 82% reduction in overall energy consumption, bringing it below the 2025 RIBA targets for new build houses. The replacement sash windows played a pivotal role in achieving this energy reduction, both through their U-value and by minimising air infiltration.Bob Prewett from Prewett Bizley expressed his satisfaction, stating, "What's amazing when people visit is that they are totally convinced the windows are original and single glazed."The successful integration of energy-efficient heritage windows in the Mews House retrofit sets a new benchmark for heritage preservation combined with sustainable design and demonstrates the potential for revitalising older properties to meet the energy standards of new builds.

When Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace planned a London venue for its roller-skating experience, it needed a durable, sprung hardwood floor that could withstand the heavy traffic of a busy roller-skating rink. The choice fell on Junckers SylvaSport beech flooring, a trusted floor system suitable for a multitude of activities. Working closely with the designers 93ft, the experienced team at Junckers’ approved flooring contractor Hutchison Flooring devised the optimal layout and choice of flooring system for the best roller-skating performance possible. A meticulous installation plan which encompassed working alongside all trades on site was formulated and consequently followed to the letter in order to bring the project in on time and budget. The building for the new venue is a Grade II listed former power station, which meant there were restrictions on fixing to the original fabric of the building. The brief was that no alterations to the substrate were allowed, nor could the floor be fixed down, the entire flooring system had to be floating. The existing surface to build the floor from was a concrete substrate that was not completely level. To overcome the problem, Hutchison Flooring used a low-level New Era cradle and batten system from Junckers, which provided a laser-perfect level floor surface. Hutchison Flooring lay a polythene membrane with a 150mm overlap and taped joints to ensure sufficient vapour barrier followed by the cradle which involved carefully packing to the exact tolerances for every sprung cradle to ensure a perfectly level and flat floor for the skating ring. 22mm battens where laid in the cradles, brick bond staggered to create a perfect and reliable bond to the floor when nailed onto the battens. Junckers SylvaSport beech flooring was laid using a compression nailer on every batten on every row and 0.4mm spacers were included on every row to allow the correct expansion within the floor. Inspiration for the interior came from the original Flipper’s venue run by Ian Ross in the late Seventies and early Eighties. The client brief was for an immersive roller-skating experience with world-class sound and lighting. Central to the state-of- the-art indoor rink was a jet-black floor, an element the client insisted on. The black surface amplifies the atmosphere by maximising the reflection of the overhead lights, LED screens and mirrored panels on the sides. Junckers black-stained beech SylvaSport flooring has the desired jet-black, matt finish to provide the perfect backdrop to Flipper’s logo which is placed in the centre of the rink. Specialist court marking company MJ Courtmarkers custom made CNC laser cut vinyl templates of the logo which was painted with Junckers’ HP Sportsline line marking paint before being overcoated with HP Sports lacquer.