"planting"

Over 320m2 of Terrabound resin bound surfacing was specified for the pathways of the Cool Garden designed by multi-award-winning designer Jo Thompson. The design has a strong focus on water, embracing the challenge of the high levels of rainfall experienced in the region. With water flow in mind, BBA certified Terrabound resin bound porous surfacing was chosen for the curving pathways that follow the rills and form organic shaped planting beds, helping to reduce surface water runoff. A 6mm Hazelnut natural aggregate blend was selected, providing seamless, low maintenance, decorative pathways for this stunning new garden.

The Green Roofs Consultancy report looked to the provision of Green Bio diverse roof to address the need to encourage additional species. The ABG Green Bio diverse Roof System includes a mixture of plug planted sedum, cuttings and seeded annual and perennial wildflowers. ABG Roofdrain was used as a reservoir and drainage base layer to optimise water retention and prevent ponding. Special provisions were made to create hibernicula for local endangered species. The roof will benefit the building by providing additional insulation and reducing noise pollution.The roofs substrate filters out dust and pollutants helping improve the environment nearby

The San Siro playing field was designed to be heated using an under-soil system featuring single-head, in-line electronic pumps. In the wider facility areas, a heating substation was installed, incorporating wet-rotor circulators and in-line electronic pumps for the climate conditioning systems. Additionally, co-generation systems with both single-head and twin-head in-line electronic pumps were implemented for auxiliary plants dedicated to heating energy production.Despite the initial investment in inverter technology for the pumps, the operational optimization results in a lower running cost, showcasing a great example of an energy efficient installation.

Orbis OS200 Vertical Bar Infill Side FixOrbis OS221 Midrail Infill Top Fix120 metres of balustrades installed on the £5m Queensmead School project in Ruislip. The co-educational secondary school with academy status, included the construction of a two-storey technology block and plant room, adding 18 classrooms and associated facilities.Awarded to Morgan Sindall by the Department for Education under its priority schools building project, it was vital for the internal Orbis balustrades with vertical bar infills to be designed at the extra height of 1250mm to comply with the recent changes to DfE guidance.

Sika Liquid Plastics has specified and supplied a roof upgrade solution for West Suffolk Hospital to renew the waterproofing membrane on multiple areas of the hospital campus and create a gradual pitch to aid drainage while enhancing the building’s thermal performance. Delivered by specialist contractor, Allard Construction, the phase four programme included seven sections of the building in a 20 week programme. The seven areas that needed work were all under heavy coverage of mechanical plant and pipework, and consequently there were large areas of restricted access, these issues made Sika Liquid Plastics the perfect choice for the project

Project: Surespan custom-designed a hatch to provide access to a Biomass storage plant at the new Criminal Justice Centre, Northampton.Product: The double leaf hatch – measuring 2750mm x 2900mm – is electrically operated by a key switch and has synchronised leaf operation with a safety grid. Rated to FACTA Class A pedestrian loading, it was designed with a chequer plate lid to match the surround and incorporates a rain skirt apron and Sureguard handrail system on both sides. A secondary 1000mm x 1000mm gas spring-operated floor hatch was installed with a retractable hand hold and ladder for safe and easy access.

Products: Flexi heavy & Flexi access– Heavy Duty Frames & QUAD’s. Services: Plantroom, Generator, Air-handling units and bespoke access solutions. Roof build-up: Warm roof design – Mastic Asphalt. Pump House designed individual frameworks for each item of plant, paying particular attention to correct load management through our frameworks down to the roof finish. Pump House met the contractor on-site during the assembly of frameworks to ensure a trouble free installation. We also prepared ahead of the installation AutoCAD drawings depicting the correct support of each unit, as well as pressure and roof loading calculations.

Furnitubes' designers were set the challenge of devising a 3-part seating arrangement for Mark Street Gardens in Hackney. The seating would fit between existing lines of granite setts and alongside retained planting. The benches combine galvanised steel plate ends and sub frame, which sit well within this urban environment, and oiled iroko hardwood slats. Armrests have been carefully positioned to allow maximum usage of the seating area but also to deter rough sleeping which has been an issue at the gardens in the past. We wish Hackney well in their upcoming Green Flag application for Mark Street Gardens.

Products: Flexi light, Flexi heavy & Flexi access. Services: Plantroom, Generator, Air-handling units, VRF condensers and bespoke access solutions. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design. The mechanical services contractor on the project, had a number of different heavy building services that required supporting. This included a 6000kg plantroom, 6000kg generator, two 4500kg air-handling units and a 1150kg air-handling unit. Utilising our Flexi-Heavy Duty range of supports, we designed and calculated individual frameworks for each item of plant, paying particular attention to ensuring that the correct load management through our frames.

The Northwood Hills project received £1.3 million investment from the GLA and £461,000 match funding from Hillingdon Council. The scheme included a series of improvements to roads and transportation arrangements. Joel Street has been resurfaced and the parking bays redesigned to allow safer entry and exit onto the high street. A new central boulevard has been introduced which allows for safer crossing and it has been planted with 35 carpinus betulus frans fontain trees to provide an attractive feature. GBU were pleased to provide a package to include StrataCells 30, Arborvents, RootDirectors, Geonet, Deadman AnchorSystems, & Precast Arboresin.

Last week saw our first Delivery of Gypsol Complete binder to Notts Contractors in Yelland Barnstaple in the South West of England.John Andrews, Plant manager at Notts Contractors commented, ‘We are pleased to have overseen our first successful delivery of Complete without any complications. As we were unloading Gypsol Complete into the silo, the material was being produced for delivery to the site, ensuring a much faster batching process and increasing our ability to deliver in short lead times.’ The batches of Gypsol Complete were then delivered to AJ Wilson in North Devon, UK, at two sites in Lifton and Buckland Brewer.

The National Trust visitor centre at Tarn Hows in the Lake District is set in a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). EPDM was specified for the roof because of its environmentally friendly credentials which have the backing of Greenpeace. Hertalan roofing products were chosen because of ISO9001/14001 and BBA certification. The membranes were a combination of factory vulcanised sheets and easy weld rolls which were installed in accordance with strict FLL/GRO guidelines. The specification for the green roof insisted on local species of sedum and had over 2000 plug plants installed into 150mm deep recycled growing substrate.

Crown’s earthbalance scheme sets out the company’s commitment to being more sustainable and less wasteful as well as helping customers and staff make responsible decisions. The earthbalance scheme covers all aspects of Crown’s business and applies to all staff and operations at Crown’s two UK manufacturing plants and network of Crown Decorating Centres. Crown has reduced its overall electricity consumption by 15 per cent, reduced packaging waste by approximately 15 per cent, recycled more than 800 tonnes of paint cans and donated 112 benches made using recycled paint cans through social enterprise NIMTECH.

Ultrascape's BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system has been used to deliver a modern and stylish forecourt outside Swindon railway station. The redevelopment has transformed what was previously a heavy traffic dominated area, into a prestigious pedestrian focused arrival space which features seating, planting, lighting and a millennium clock. Work was carried out by specialist civil engineering contractor, Britannia Construction and included the installation of 500 tonnes of high quality natural granite and Pennant Sandstone using Ultrascape's Pro-Bed HS fine bedding concrete, Flowpoint rapid setting grout and Pro-Prime slurry primer.

Museum of London - Visionary RoofSynopsisThe Museum of London opened in 1976 on the historic London Wall and is a few minutes’ walk from St Paul’s Cathedral. A visionary approach to roofing had been adopted on a building that, will not only green as much of the exposed roofs as possible, but also provide a strong research aspect for future green roof projects. As with many buildings, the original roofs needed to be upgraded or replaced, at the same time as being brought up to date using environmental and sustainable solutions.Through the recommendation of waterproofing and green roof manufacturer Bauder Ltd, the Museum invited Dusty Gedge, one of the UK’s leading independent green roof consultants, to work directly with them to design 3500m² of varying habitats that encompassed the museum’s sustainable vision. and help in the provision of environments that would attract a range of wildlife, as well as being able to help the city adapt to climate change.Bauder Building BoardProject:Visionary roof, Muesum of LondonLocation:LondonProject type:RefurbishmentRoof size:9512m²Specifier:Museum of LondonRoofing contractor:Russell Trew LtdThe specificationAn independent consultant had previously carried out an energy model on the Museum of London buildings. When the museum inputted the green roof specification, it showed a potential energy saving of 10% per year, as well as a reduction on the future replacement costs of the heating and cooling plant. Some of the green roofs were funded through Drain London, a partnership project led by the Greater London Authority and funded by Defra. The project aims to better understand surface water flood risk across London, with a view to promote interventions (such as green roofs) to reduce surface water flooding. The museum has used the Bauder green roof system and worked closely with Dan Costen of Bauder and the roofing contractor Russell Trew Ltd, to deliver the various green roof spaces.These include:The refurbishment of the lower garden in the central courtyard with hard landscapingThe installation of Bauder’s new wildflower blanket to the upper garden in the central courtyard (funded through Drain London)Plug planting the roofs of the recently completed garden and terrace rooms that provide high quality corporate hire (matching the colour scheme chosen for the rotunda garden refurbishment and integrated with the new rainwater harvesting system funded by Renaissance London)An integrated sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS)Plug planting in other individual small roof areas including outside the boardroom and committee roomsTwo different planting schemes on an area of the main museum roof where the Drain London Project aims to carry out water attenuation researchThe resultRetrofitting green roofs will help to realise the Mayor of London’s ambition, to increase green cover in central London by 5% by 2030. The Museum of London is one of the largest retrofit green roof projects in the City and is certainly to be commended for allowing its roofs to be used for research purposes. Not only will it provide a benchmark for best practice, but it also demonstrates that retrofitting green roofs onto existing buildings is both environmentally and economically viable and is the way forward in helping London adapt to climate change.System installedBauderflex Green 1 BauderPLANT E 42A torch applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet. This product features chemically treated bitumen to deliver superior root resistance which has been tested and approved by the FLL2 BauderTEC Sprint DUOA self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen underlayer with DUO lap technology. This product has a glass fleece reinforcement feature for stability and strength.3 BauderPIR FA-TEFlatboard insulation boards containing rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR).4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.XF 301 Sedum System1 BauderGREEN XF 301Sedum vegetation blanket instantly providing at least 90% coverage on an extensive green roof. Integrated water retention and filter layer.2 BauderGREEN AL 4040mm high perforated edge/drainage trim frames and retains the Bauder XF 301 sedum system.3 BauderGREEN SDFMulti-functional drainage and filtration layer which prevents the roots of sedum plants from becoming waterlogged.4 BauderPLANT ETorch-on root-resistant capping sheet green.AdvocacyGavin McCourt MRICS, Project Manager for The Museum of London said:“In producing the business case for installing green roofs, reference was made to the extensive published documents on the benefits of green roofs. In this case as the museum building had already been energy modelled by outside consultants, it was decided to input the green roof specification into the model. The results showed a potential energy saving of 10% per year, as well as a reduction in future replacement costs for heating and cooling plant. These factors, combined with the longer life cycle replacement of green roofs compared with normal felt roofing systems, enabled me to produce a robust business case for green roofs. With increasing energy prices the economic benefits of installing green roofs can only become more viable”Dusty Gedge added:“One of the major issues that London faces is flash floods during the summer, when sudden rainfall levels overwhelm the current drainage network. With the support of Drain London we will be researching the rainwater run-off for different green roofs. This will help us validate the kind of roofs and depth of substrates that will negate the costly effects that the sudden rainfall has on the infrastructure of the City.”

Products: Flexi light – flexi frames. Flexi heavy – flexi modular frames & QUAD frames. Application: Air-handling units & Chillers. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design – (upside down roof). Diversitech recently supplied a number of their flat roof plant support frames to the REEC School development in Twickenham. The mechanical contractor on the project, chose Flexi Support Systems to support their rooftop air-handling units and packaged chillers. All flexi frames are fully adjustable, due to their M24 adjustable leg assemblies supplied as standard. Pump House carry out full load management reviews of all services being supported on their frameworks.

Products: Flexi light – flexi frames. Flexi heavy – flexi modular frames. Application: Smaller Air-handling units. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design. Diversitech supplied a number of their flat roof plant support frames to the University of Wales new SA1 development, Trinity St. David’s in Swansea. The mechanical contractor chose Flexi Support Systems to support a number of air-handling units, where our flexi light and heavy duty modular frames were required. The flexible nature of our systems combined with even load distribution through our non-penetrative feet, provides the simplest and most cost effective method of support.

BMW Hollenstein in Aesch near Basel fully utilizes innovative technology. Completed in 2012, the operations centre uses only pioneering, sustainable infrastructure. The fully electric powered BMW models i3 and i8 are recharged at a special station prominently situated by the entrance. The electricity comes from a powerful solar energy plant located on the top of the roof. Any surplus electricity is fed back into the grid.Little wonder, then, that only doors of usual design and construction were suitable for a building such as this. Again, innovation has found its way here too, enabling us to build one of Switzerland’s first record THERMCORD systems into the entrance porch.www.hollensteinag.com/rundgang

Premier Loft Ladders has released technical data and a BIM object on NBS Source for the Supreme Vertical loft ladder. This heavy-duty retractable ladder offers safe and easy access to loft spaces and plant rooms that can only be accessed via an elevated wall hatch. As such, it is easier for architects and designers to find and specify a solution for this otherwise challenging access requirement.The heavy-duty concertina ladder offers a load rating of 200 kg per tread, making it suitable for both residential and commercial projects. It also benefits from being very easy to operate.The product data can be found within section L30 (clause 41 and clause 421).

The project gives a new life to a building with structural problems . It follows the values of its owner, putting the comfort and the safety of its patients first . DFG has designed the spaces focusing on users' well -being to allow meetings, relaxation, recreation and waiting . Our OMEGA Venetian blinds play a strategic part in enabling this close relationship while defining a calming atmosphere thanks to warm light and subtle shadows . This system offers an timeless elegance while giving an optimal sunlight management . Also, the slat white color fits perfectly with the interior’s aesthetics, full of plants and highly charged in anthropologic aspects . Photos: Marcello Bochieri, Ragusa, courtesy of DFG Architetti .

Crimple is a family owned business in North Yorkshire, offering various indulgences. From artisan produce in the Food Hall, locally-sourced meals in the Bar & Kitchen, plants and shrubs in the Garden Centre, to a present in their gift shop, Crimple has it all.  In early 2021, Wirquin assisted in a refurbishment providing our Initio frames.The large front panel means there is easy access for maintenance should any repairs need to be made. This feature mmakes it perfect for hospitality as there is very little disruption and repairs can be carried out easily and quickly. The Initio also boasts a durable metallic structure which is coated in a anti corrosion solution and tested up to 400kg. 

2020 General Binding RulesFor decades, millions of septic tanks have been installed throughout the UK in rural and urban areas. Septic tanks are known to be ineffective at processing sewage to modern environmental standards, causing long-term damage to the country’s natural water infrastructure and wildlife.It was therefore inevitable that new rules and a code of conduct would be introduced to prevent the effects of wastewater pollution once and for all; The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2014 came into force on 1 January 2015 creating the General Binding Rules (GBRs) for septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants for domestic use. These rules are designed to reduce the level of pollution from sewage in the nation’s watercourses.The rules state that any existing septic tank discharging to surface water, ie, to a water ditch, stream or river, etc, must have been upgraded or replaced with a new package sewage treatment plant by 1st January 2020.  Failure to comply can incur significant fines from the Environment agency and delays in selling impacted properties.OptionsCurrent methods of discharging wastewater from septic tanksPrevious to the General Binding Rules, wastewater from septic tanks was typically discharged in the following two ways:Drainage fieldWastewater is released through a network of pipes in surrounding sub-soils, providing an additional form of treatment for the waste from the septic tank. This helps to ensure that the wastewater being dispersed does not cause pollution.Septic tanks discharging into a drainage field are not affected by the 2020 septic tank regulations.Directly to surface waterWastewater flows through a pipe directly into a stream, river or lake. Binding rules state that direct discharge from a septic tank into a watercourse is not permitted.So, what are your options?1. Connect to the main sewerThis may not be possible in remote locations, although pump chambers can be used to direct wastewater to the mains sewer.2. Install a drainage field(Designed in accordance with BS6297)This allows the septic tank to discharge wastewater into the ground instead of surface water. In many cases, the installation of a drainage field is not possible due to site constraints such as space and/or the soil not having sufficient drainage potential (ie, rock, clay, high water table).3. Install a Uni:Gem septic conversion unitA Marsh Uni:Gem can be installed and connected to a pre-existing septic tank. This treats the wastewater to a sufficient quality allowing it to be discharged to surface water. See below for further detail.4. Upgrade your septic tank to a Marsh sewage treatment plantThis eliminates the need for a drainage field and ensures that the wastewater is fully treated before being discharged. Options include the Ensign, Ensign Shallow and Ultra Poylok L.Uni:Gem★Marsh Industries, the leading UK manufacturer of package sewage treatment plants, produces over 3000 units per year. However the company’s range of Uni:Gem★ septic conversion units is the only product available on the market which can treat wastewater from an existing septic tank without the need for a complete replacement product or drainage field upgrade.To comply with the GBRs and current EN standards, the entire Uni:Gem range was redeveloped from the ground up and tested, not only to meet, but to exceed UK and International standards. The Uni:Gem★ was born – creating an ‘industry first’ 2020 compliant septic conversion unit with outstanding processing performance.The Uni:Gem★ range was tested in accordance with BSEN12566-3/A1:2009 and EN12566-6 standards at the PIA GmbH test facility in Aachen, Germany, over the course of 38 weeks with a daily loading of:Flow: 900 litres/day BOD: 360g NH4: 48gTesting occurred between November 2018 and August 2019 to ensure all seasons were covered whilst minimum/maximum temperatures were tested to assure Ammonia and BOD process reduction for the UK climate. Holiday periods were also simulated during the test procedure. Final test results yielded an output of 12.5:16:4mg/ltr (BOD:Suspended solids:Ammonia) that is well within national discharge consent requirements.The Uni:Gem★ is an extremely cost effective solution for converting any polluting septic tank into a fully compliant sewage treatment plant ensuring homeowners, estate managers, water companies/amenities have an effective way to keep the environment clean whilst providing a quick and efficient installation process.

Radmat Building Products has supplied the waterproofing roofing system for the Crossrail Place shopping development and roof garden in Canary Wharf. The system provides high performance waterproofing and thermal insulation – guaranteed for the lifetime of the structure – and has enabled the construction of an extensively planted living roof.• The 310m long roof arches 30m over the park and opens to allow natural irrigation• Highly insulating roofing materials help create a microclimate for the gardensRadmat Approved Contractor Prater delivered a 9,300m² roofing solution using PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt Monolithic Waterproofing Membrane, EshaFlex 370 WS Root Barrier and ProTherm insulation.Construction access to the complex inverted timber roof was challenging, so Radmat’s products were chosen for their quick and flexible application and fast-sealing properties.PermaQuik is widely used beneath green roof installations where long-term weather tightness is a necessity, and it was chosen to support the extensive and densely planted gardens, which are the main feature of the Crossrail Place roof terrace.The PermaQuik membrane was followed by EshaFlex 370 WS Root Barrier, a reinforced bitumen membrane that is torch applied to the base sheet. It was selected because of its thermal efficiency and suitability for use with living roof systems. Partnered with ProTherm’s excellent insulation, the complex timber roof now boasts a waterproof system that is BBA Certified to last the lifetime of the building.The wooden structure evokes the ships that once sailed into West India Dock and provides a warm, natural counterpoint to the steel and glass towers of Canary Wharf.And with Radmat’s high performance products and lifetime guarantee, the green roof terrace at Crossrail Place will be a living oasis in the heart of London’s financial district for years to come.

LDA Design specified WoodBlocX Landscaping to provide the raised planters and seating for the courtyard areas of its Westpoint Homes project; One Hyndland Avenue, a development comprising of 63 luxury apartments with beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces in Glasgow’s West End.The design LDA created for the development featured a series of open paved spaces, ample seating and pergolas to add height, with large angular raised planters with integrated seating bordering the perimeters of the site to plant trees, shrubs and plants.Following a consultation with LDA on potential solutions, the WoodBlocX design team took the initial plans and recreated the original footprint using CAD designs of the modular timber blocks. Thanks to the versatility of the system WoodBlocX were able to match the design almost identically, incorporating the shapes and angles of the original outline.WoodBlocX supplied all materials directly to the Westpoint Homes’ site and the structures were assembled by their own teams. The space for materials on site was tight and the size of the planters meant that a large quantity of materials were delivered. WoodBlocX components arrive on site neatly palletised and the individual lightweight pieces are easy to access and manoeuvre when needed.All WoodBlocX structures are built in the same way using a series of light weight blocks which have been pre-drilled and then treated to provide superior strength - there is no waste or cutting needed.With all projects challenges can arise during the build, in this case some onsite changes were required due to manholes and water access getting in the way of original design. Our team swiftly redesigned instructions and supplied suitable components to match the change.

Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate has been successfully trialled in a ground-breaking analysis project at Coventry University assessing the feasibility of ‘greening’ landscapes with ecological beneficial habitats.  With the objective being to research the benefits and plausibility of incorporating green space and wildlife-friendly habitats into heavily built-up areas, Coventry University handpicked Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate based on its nutrient content, weight, and the inclusion of a water supply in chambers beneath the sub-base.The majority of green roofs in the UK fall into the ‘extensive’ category and are based on a low growing succulent, Sedum, which only requires a few centimetres of substrate to grow, whilst intensive green roofs provide a deeper soil depth and can support a more complex plant system. To this end, Coventry University wanted to explore the advantages of intensive green roofs, which offer greater biodiversity, often create accessible spaces, and offer the best insulation properties and storm water management. The organisation partnered with SEL Environmental, who provided its intelligent water management systems for the project.Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate boasts greater organic content than extensive substrates, meaning it supports larger plants and can be installed at greater depths, varying from 100-500cm. IN1 provides a stable growing medium for wide variety of plants in intensive green roof installations, including green roof lawns, shrubs and trees.Depending on the substrate depth and plant type, permanent irrigation systems (above or below ground) are sometimes installed with this substrate to as a backup for extended dry periods. They are not required for everyday irrigation, as the substrate has the ability to hold onto sufficient moisture during ambient conditions. The project, funded by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and headed up by Sophie Barron-West, followed plant growth for four years from 2017, with a break due to Covid 19. Dr Stephen Coupe and Dr Liz Trenchard from the University’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) offered their research expertise.CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe says: “The technical requirements of Boughton IN1 were a big part of why we chose it. We also wanted the chance to get as many wildflowers in the space as possible. The nutrient levels were perfect because it wasn’t too rich. In fact, it was a ‘just right’ formulation that wasn’t going to overstimulate but would also deliver enough nutrients for what we needed. Ultimately it was going to be perfect for long-term sustainable plant growth.”He continues: “Reliability was another consideration because we knew we could get it delivered on site on time and, because of Boughton’s location in Kettering, we weren’t concerned about lead times, so that was a plus. It’s safe to say it was a studied choice.”Ground-breaking resultsAccording to the University, the trial resulted in ground-breaking analysis into how different types of green roofs can be created and maintained, as well as what their benefits would be alongside others in a built-up area.  The project successfully demonstrated the ecological impact of placing retrofit green roofs onto existing infrastructure, even with a focus on wildflower species and a relatively short development time. An independently-conducted ecological survey recorded five insect species that have national and local rarity value, including two species of bee that are deemed ‘nationally scarce’ and ‘nationally rare’. Of 457 preserved specimens taken on the green roofs at Coventry University, a total of 120 different insect species were recorded, including wasps, sawflies, hoverflies, beetles, and as many as 11 species of bee.  Coventry University’s findings revealed that the innovation in green roofs has improved and increased the total constructed habitat for rare insects. Research has also enabled better water management alongside habitat enhancement. This research has been incorporated into SEL’s product range, where green roofs are now used across four sites in Coventry, London, Aylesford and Blackburn. CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe said: “Ecology, biodiversity and wildlife are largely forgotten by planners, designers and builders in developments. Most green roofs installed in the UK are based on sedum, and, while there are additional features that can be added to these green roofs to improve biodiversity, they are rarely incorporated. Our findings, using Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate, are that the retrofit of green roofs is feasible and, more than four years into development, IN1 has supported verifiably diverse green roofs. The plants on these roofs supported several insects that have rarity status in the UK, which is very positive.” Dr Coupe adds: “Whilst it is probable that substrates take many years to develop anything like the maturity comparable to natural soil, after just four years, IN1 went from having no recordable eukaryotes, to a concentration of organisms, including worms, soil mites and rotifers.”  Boughton Business Development Manager, Jason Lock comments: “Boughton was delighted to be part of this groundbreaking project and buoyed by such positive findings. Our products have been used successfully in a number of iconic green roof developments around the country over the years but it was a pleasure to be involved in such an important trial that would deliver verifiable results assessing the potential for green roofs to create new habitats in urban environments and enhancing local ecological diversity. Boughton offers an extensive range of green roof substrates and we welcome any research that helps further innovation around the application of green roofs.” The experiment at Coventry University is ongoing and the team are set to feed back again at the end of the summer about how prolonged dry weather has affected results. Dr Coupe says: “The beauty of this project is that there is no general timeline for a piece of green space. We need funding to support our ongoing investigations but there are options and opportunities for long-term research. It can last for the lifespan of the site and I think we will see really interesting developments. There is no reason why, over time, these green spaces would be indistinguishable from an existing habitat.” Boughton’s portfolio of green roof substrates are specifically engineered for different types of roof greening, both for domestic and commercial projects. A full product specification is available for each of Boughton’s Green Roof Substrates, and other landscaping products, making exact specification simple and straightforward. There’s also a section on each product listed online, titled ‘to specify (copy & paste)’, designed to make your job even easier. To enquire about your next project, contact Boughton by calling (01536) 510515 or email sales@boughton.co.uk.

One of the world’s largest battery storage facilities is taking shape on the site of the former power station at Roosecote, near Barrow in Cumbria. Commissioned by Centrica, as part of a £180m investment programme to develop new, flexible power plants across the country, the Roosecote battery storage facility is a state of the art project that will store energy harvested from the grid until needed.With work on the site expected to be completed by the end of 2018, when the facility comes online it will boast the capacity to generate a staggering 49MW. That’s enough electricity to power around 50,000 homes at a very nimble response time of less than a second. Containing approximately 100,000 battery cells, it marks a new era for the energy industry.

Installer – Richardson RoofingMain Contractor – John F Hunt LtdArchitect – Scott BrownriggClient – Firmdale Hotels plcSystem(s) – Vantage®️ SF and bespoke flashingsThis is our premium CWCT tested secret fix rainscreen located in this trendy part of London.The rainscreen is 3mm aluminium and powder coated to RAL 7016 and RAL 7037.It is showcased on all 4 elevations of this residential and office development directly adjacent to the Soho hotel.It was an interesting challenge for our logistics team delivering to this urban development with very limited access and plant.BTS Facades & Fabrications smaller sprinter vehicles were used for handball unload on site.BTS are proud to be involved with yet another Scott Brownrigg architectural design.

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

For two existing units, a delicate garden terrace pavilion provides additional kitchen dining space and outdoor utility.Project BreakdownThe pavilion is set inside a planted terrace with special focus put on complimenting the existing structure with a delicate palette of materials.Customer FeedbackPioneer Granite Composite Decking set a muted charcoal backdrop for a stage of vibrant vegetation. The sustainable credentials of the materials reflect the harmony of the natural overgrowth and the use of Manticore plastic lumber and MESA Decking Pedestals ensured quick and easy installation.Project DetailsSize: 75 m²Product: Granite Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: Manticore Plastic Lumber, MESA Adjustable Decking PedestalsClient: Birds Portchmouth Russum ArchitectsLocation: London

Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) is a rail-road intermodal freight terminal with an associated warehousing estate in Northamptonshire. Owned by Prologis, the business park was originally built in the 90’s, but a recent expansion has added around 4 million square feet of storage and office space. Some buildings are already occupied by leading brands such as Royal Mail, BooHoo, Dunelm, Tesco and Sainsburys.DIRFT’s Unit DC628 (DC10) is a net zero carbon building with 627,707 square foot warehouse space rated BREEAM Excellent. Among its features are solar PV systems, a roof terrace, and enhanced external amenities.Our team was commissioned to provide seating and planting solutions for the outdoor amenity space and roof terrace by BCA Design, Landscape Architects for the project.Our RailRoad modular seating solution with Delta supports, and FSC iroko timber slats, that are left untreated to allow natural weathering, was installed in the outdoor amenity area adjacent to the car park - along with Parallel picnic tables and benches and Zenith 500 litter bins - creating an outdoor lunch break environment in which employees can enjoy during warm weather.Decking supplied by Outdoor Deck was installed on the roof terrace of the building, complete with our AKRI 300 steel planters with 500mm high panels, manufactured from triple process recycled steel, to form a variety of linear shapes filled with plants and greenery to create a peaceful oasis with a view of the countryside.Seating and benches made from FSC Iroko timber which included armrests on some, were integrated onto the planters to provide warehouse staff with quiet spaces to relax. The rooftop planters were complemented by the addition of our Hollo range of freestanding low seating / tables

The Slessor Gardens, in the main parkland of Dundee’s new central waterfront area, is 10,738sqm in size and designed to be a multi-functional space with the capacity to host large events.The team at Optimised Environments focused on developing an area which people could interact with and explore. The design of the space began with the team looking into the influences that Dundee has had on the world. The impact on Medical Science, the fruit farming and jam industry and the trade routes which took Dundee around the world. The overall design had a focus on history, allowing visitors to uncover the story of Dundee as they wander through the gardens.Nick Tolley, one of the lead designers on the project, highlighted that marrying the hard landscaping with the planting is always the key to success. The team work with contemporary materials alongside more traditional methods, allowing them to explore natural systems and forms as well as geometric patterns, which all feeds into the overall look of the space.4 small plots are located to the east and 4 are located to the west sides of the central grassed area. These plots are to contain a series of themed gardens with the others destined to become pavilions and a children’s play area. Four gardens are themed to reflect Dundee’s historic global connections: The Baltic States, Caribbean, Asia and the Americas and a further four reflect key local connections and industries: The Natural Sciences, Health, Food production and Literature. The formation of these Gardens was completed in June and July 2016.The WoodBlocX Landscaping team working with Nick and Optimised Environment came up with a series of planters that would allow them to showcase the edible and medical gardens. The large planters built for the edible garden have 3 separate sections allowing for a variety of soil conditions to be created, and give the planting the best possible base. Our team were able to take the planters from design to delivery in only a matter of weeks helping to keep the project on track and on time.

St Martin’s Courtyard, originally developed in 2011, has recently been refurbished. This is a mixed-use restaurant and retail destination and the architects, Brimelow McSweeney, wanted a particularly eye-catching new coating for facades and panelling enclosing the courtyard space and its entrances. The objective was a finish that would appear to change in colour and tone as the sun moves across the sky, finally being illuminated from within the panels as dusk falls. The SolutionWorking with the architects, we developed a bespoke textured red/gold powder coating within our Evolution range, a collection that reflects the beauty of natural metals and metal patination. Brimelow McSweeney and the developer visited our plant to see powder coating in action and discuss the shade they were looking to achieve. We made a range of Evolution sample panels and the final choice was a red/gold shade with a highly textured surface, rather like large golden rain drop. It seems to glow, with or without sunlight. We called it ‘Molten Rain’.Around 500 m2 of flat and perforated aluminium façade were coated. Large petal shapes formed by perforations in the aluminium are illuminated by light-boxes at night to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.This unique shade forms an appealing backdrop for visitors enjoying eating, drinking and shopping within the courtyard space.Benefits of Using PowdertechPowdertech has over 30 years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatingColour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.The Evolution range has a 25 year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the panelling free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

The new three storey Madras College on the outskirts of St Andrews opened its doors last Autumn, bringing together 1,450 pupils into one single-site secondary school with 15,320sqm of new facilities, including outstanding sports provision. It’s fantastic to see these shots of the build glistening in the autumnal sunshine. Designed by AHR of Glasgow, and delivered by BAM Construct UK for Fife Council, the project incorporated Metal Technology Ltd’s high-performance curtain walling, windows and doors through approved fabricator Avtek Ltd. The college has achieved a ‘Platinum Standard’ sustainability level, measured against Fife Council’s own ‘Sustainability Checklist’, exceeding BREEAM standards. The landscape strategy incorporates the protection of biodiversity, through planting native trees, grassland and wildflowers.

Millets Farm is a family run farm centre including farm shop, garden centre, leisure attractions and activity areas.  This award winning location has now turned to Marsh Industries twice in 5 years for expert advice on how to best support the expanding facilities onsite.In the first instance, a sewage treatment plant was required for its Children’s Activity Centre in 2017.  A Marsh Ultra:Polylok 125PE was selected for this popular destination.In 2021 this thriving regional attraction identified that the existing sewage treatment arrangements for the main Farm Shop, Restaurant and Function rooms needed to be upgraded.  Millets Farm again turned to Marsh Industries.  This time a Marsh Ultra:Polylok 250PE was required to cover the variety of facilities and their associated footfall alongside the increased staff numbers. With installation successfully completed in the Autumn between school holidays.

The project is a loft located in Columella street in the northeast of Milan as part of 25 lofts forming the residential complex by modifying a former industrial structure.To cover its double high windows, our B-Box roller blinds are positioned on the exterior for maximum comfort and sunlight protection. They manage to provide human scale to the spaces by combining technology and functionality.The same system is used with two types of guidance. The lateral cable guide is configured with Polyscreen ® 473 in bright orange color in contrast with the planted spaces for excellent thermal protection and light textile appearance. To get better intimacy, B-Box is also configured with aluminium guides U302 and Trend Light Blackout. Those two different uses complete the inhabitant’s needs of Loft Columella.

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.