"public address systems"

EGGER decors help transform a Georgian property into a high end hotel development for Best Western Plus.H3342 ST28 Sepia Gladstone Oak features in all 28 bedrooms. This decor is part of EGGER’s Feelwood collection giving the texture of real wood by using synchronised pore technology.To create a consistent finish H3342 ST28 Sepia Gladstone Oak is used in the public areas, including matching XL laminate for the curved feature reception desk. Uni colours U708 ST9 Light Grey and U741 ST9 Lava Grey feature on accent pieces of furniture to complement the interior.Jacqueline Summers said, "EGGER offers a fantastic selection of great value contemporary decors across a number of formats. This gave us the ability to use their decors across the hotel to give a balanced and relaxing interior with a consistent finish."

Project: Goole Town Center, YorkshireGOplastic Ltd were delighted to be contacted by the architectural assistant at East Riding Council with a view to getting involved with town centre improvement.Goole Town Centre has now been furnished with the very latest modern and contemporary designs available from Goplastic, with a contrasting colour theme to great effect. Historically, recycled products tended to be basic in style and brown or black but GOplastic has successfully accomplished its’ vision to bring unique designs with more colour into the materials, which are now in demand in schools, academies, leisure centres and public spaces. The Matrix 08 Picnic table (pictured), is 2m long and seats 6 – 8 comfortably. The Matrix 05 bench (also pictured), can be teamed with the London table as shown, or serve as a single bench seat with back. Planters from the Agora range complemented the seating range.

The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is a luxury hotel and casino resort located on the Cotai Strip in Macau, China. It is one of the largest and most iconic resorts in Macau and is inspired by the city of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Hotel is one of the largest single-building hotels in Asia and the world, with the worlds second biggest casino and more than 3,000 suites, all at least 70sqm, making it a sprawling and impressive complex.Interfloor was proud to supply 100,000m2 of Tredaire Defender for this hotel and casino resort. It has been placed in areas all over the hotel, from guest rooms and public areas to parts of the huge casino. Tredaire Defender is a popular choice for hotels and integrated resorts and has comprehensive flammability testing. It was picked for this project not just for its durability and comfort but also due to it acting as a brilliant impact and airborne sound reduction. 

The Hawley Wharf Masterplan has transformed a neglected part of Camden Down into a thriving, vibrant destination that has enhanced the identity of the area while paying tribute to the classic intents of London’s unmistakable architectural heritage.Eight new buildings sit between existing railway viaducts and allowing for open public space and connecting the project to the wider area through re-established pedestrian pathways. A variety of homes, educational facilities, workplaces and more help solidify the area’s growth without straining its resources. Two refurbished Grade II listed buildings are also integrated into the development.Our Freshfield Lane First Quality Multi & Selected Dark bricks look fantastic on the vast Hawley Wharf development cleverly designed by AHMM Architects Hawley Wharf has been announced as the Winner of Winners at the 2021 Housing Design Awards.

A large expanse of Junckers’ solid hardwood flooring has been installed in the Paul Hamlyn Hall at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The light-filled space is the ideal partner for the dark grey Spicy Pepper Oak floor, adding an elegant backdrop to the smart interior. The magnificent glass and iron structure was originally built as a flower market and now houses a restaurant and champagne bar, where events and performances also take place. A busy public area requires a hard-wearing floor which is able to withstand heavy usage. The choice fell on Junckers, whose floors are reliably durable and easy to maintain, ideal for high traffic areas. The naturally occurring structural grain patterns in oak bring a sense of warmth to the large and open hall, complementing the many original architectural features. The flooring contractors were Junckers’ Approved Contractor PICA Floorings Ltd. 

Through this project, a dynamic education hub is taking shape, with Ark Swift Primary Academy, Harmony Nursery, and the Adult Community Education Centre, all undergoing a revamp. A dedicated youth zone catering to the younger generation is also being developed. This regeneration project also introduces 132 housing units, comprising 55 one-bedroom and 77 two-bedroom apartments, tailored to the needs of local residents and essential workers, including teachers. The transformation extends further with the creation of a public square and pedestrian and cycling routes aimed at reducing travel time and enhancing access to nearby transportation nodes.Stofix products are being used in block C of this project – a 95,000 sq ft office building of the highest grade, complete with terraces, meeting spaces, and a crowning top-floor penthouse. This endeavor paves the way for a brighter, more interconnected community future.

Resurfacing was required for this busy supermarket and public car park serving Billericay town centre. In addition to replacing the old surface, works included reconfiguring the layout with additional parent & child and disabled parking bays and the creation of pedestrian walkways with clear demarcation. Tarmac’s ULTIDRIVE 6mm asphalt was selected as it has a close texture finish to provide a surface that is both durable and able to resist the effects of tight turning vehicles. ULTIDRIVE is a specialist asphalt with an advanced modified binder that provides enhanced workability during installation. This assists with compaction and finish, especially when hand laying around ironwork. It also provides improved resistance to rutting and deformation from vehicle loading and to scuffing and abrasion from power-assisted steering. ULTIDRIVE has a higher softening point temperature than conventional materials and resists occasional fuel and oil spills.

Fulham is the oldest of the ten London Premier League football clubs. Founded in 1879 by the Reverend John Henry to offer the young workers of the neighborhood an alternative to less healthy temptations, since 1896 it has had its home in the mythical Craven Cottage.The site and the club have evolved dramatically since. Located on the banks of the River Thames, very close to the refined London neighborhoods of Chelsea, Kensington and Chiswick, the stadium is one of the main tourist attractions of the London capital due to its significance in the history of football, and its extraordinary location on the banks of the Thames.The south-western part of the British capital is now undergoing an ambitious redevelopment plan that includes the demolition and new construction of the legendary Riverside Stand, adjacent to England's most important river. The scheme is being led by the club itself, appointing Buckingham Group as main contractor and Populus as its lead architect. As part of the wider scheme, an URSA specification has been made to ensure all thermal and acoustic targets are met. The project will see the redevelopment and expansion of the current Riverside Stand to increase its capacity from 4,689 to 8,650 whilst increasing the overall capacity of Craven Cottage to 29,600 seats. Creation of a new public riverside walk as well as new restaurants, cafés, bars, corporate hospitality and event space forms an important part of the scheme. Below ground, a new basement will provide ‘back of house’ facilities, club and lounge area whilst nine serviced apartments will be made available on site.Partnering with distributor, Encon and liaising directly with the installation team at Grant Plastering, the project used URSA TERRA glass wool slabs to insulate the ceilings and soffits. Normally used behind rainscreen cladding systems, URSA WALLTEC 32B was chosen because of its class leading thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/mK, acoustic performance and ease of installation.In addition to the low thermal conductivity, the slabs have exceptional acoustic absorption and are non-combustible (Euroclass A1), so they do not contribute to the propagation of fire, an advantage that is fundamental in an installation of this type, designed to house thousands of people.Another noteworthy aspect is the sustainability that they bring to the buildings in which they are installed, and which are recognized by the most prestigious European certifications. URSA's range of glass wool insulation products are completely recyclable and use less energy in their manufacture, transport and installation. Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, commented; “This is an incredibly important development for the capital that sees a huge amount of investment in one of the UK’s oldest football clubs. The site location and wider ambitions of the project make this an incredibly exciting development to be part of.“We have worked closely with the project managers technical team and installers to ensure they made the very best specification. Opting for one of our core products, we have managed to fulfil all of their wider needs in terms of the insulation specification.”The works will include an increase in capacity and new amenities, but also seek to enhance the space for residents, fans and tourists, with a public promenade running along the banks of the Thames, commercial spaces and new meeting rooms underneath the grandstand.  

The Waterplein Revaleiland Amsterdam project was constructed by the contractor Knipscheer Infrastructuur BV, a medium-sized construction company specialising in infrastructure (roads, bridges etc.). With about 120 employees, Knipscheer carries out civil engineering work in the Netherlands.The criteriaAs the contractor, Knipscheer’s role was to construct a new and modern square for use by the general public at Waterplein Revaleiland. The project to build a pier presented challenges because the design criteria specified a wooden pier to match the existing environment. High safety standards and a modern design were the ultimate criteria for constructing the pier. Knipscheer chose PcP as a partner to supply the gratings for creating the wooden pier, with wood planks being installed into the gratings to create a perfectly straight line the full breadth of the structure. In such cases, steel beams are often used as a substrate for wooden planks, but this requires large quantities of steel and results in higher costs, and therefore mesh gratings were chosen for this project.The solutionTo create the new public square at Amsterdam Waterplein Revaleiland comprising one large wooden pier, Knipscheer chose PcP to supply 1,400 square metres of press-welded gratings. The mesh gratings are placed upside down on a concrete surface to ensure the wooden planks are stable.Each press-welded grating is tailormade to meet the specific dimensions, with a mesh size of 111 x 99/60 x 3 mm. Customised mesh sizes can only be made with a press-welded grating, and therefore this option was optimal for this particular project. The gratings were placed upside down on the concrete. Knipscheer then laid 28 mm thick hardwood planks into the gratings. The challenge here was to draw and produce mesh sizes in one line, so the wooden planks in each grating could meet the visual design criteria of appearing to be continuous wooden planks extending the full width of the pier.The collaborationThe collaboration with the contractor Knipscheer commenced in 2018. PcP worked close with the contractor throughout the entire project to meet the design and technical criteria of both Knipscheer and the client. Drawings and samples were supplied by PcP, Approved by the contractor’s customer.

The Arc was a large and complex project with over 1,000,000 Brick Slip cuts and 235,000 Cut and Bonded Bricks. The Architects AHMM had chosen a bespoke blended product from our wider product range to create a random bond effect for the brickwork, this consisted of 126 different lengths of brick slips which all needed to be manufactured by ourselves.The Arc is a new mixed-use building in east London delivering new retail opportunities, office floorspace, 100 new homes, landscaped roof terraces and a new area of public realm onto City Road.The building is inspired by early 19th century New York towers with three stages of tiered massing in response to the surrounding context heights and Conservation Areas. There is a consistent treatment of the facade materiality across the building with vertically expressed brick piers and a horizontal concrete banding wrapping the building. This treatment relates to the adjacent Victorian warehouse aesthetics and is accented by the use of glazed brickwork in the first two levels.At ground level the main entrance is angled away from City Road and is set behind a two-storey colonnade, providing secure access for both the office and residential tenants. The office lobby design contrasts with the calm external appearance through the use of organic GRG elements developed by interior architects Massive Design. An area of affordable office space is proposed at ground level running through the building and linking Shepherdess Walk to Wellesley Terrace. Restaurants and cafes activate the street frontage around the site and the internal lobby space. Externally, retained elements of the former St Luke’s Parish Workhouse are integrated with a new public space and sculptural bench around the existing London plane tree.Levels one to six comprise the office component of the scheme providing 145,000 square feet of office floorspace. Above the office, at Level 07, the building steps back to form a slender element which contains the residential accommodation. The set-back also generates a large landscaped roof terrace with accompanying residents lounge. All the residential areas are designed by the interior architects Bowler James Bridley.

Falco is delighted to be partnering with the London Borough of Waltham Forest on its public cargo bike hire scheme ‘Cargo Bikes for Business’. The scheme which is designed to support local businesses in supplying and delivering goods uses cargo bikes housed in FalcoSmart App-operated FalcoPod-Cargo bike hangars.Two  FalcoPod-Cargo bike hangars have been delivered to locations on Orford Road Walthamstow and the High Road in Leytonstone, where they will be available for use by local businesses. The shape of the FalcoPod bike hangar (55% more internal space than similar ‘bread-bin type hangars) is ideally suited to storing not only cargo bikes, but also bikes with rear child seats and front baskets.The scheme is part of Waltham Forest’s ‘Air Quality Action Plan’ is closely allied to the Mayors’ Transport Strategy and one of the aims is to promote an integrated transport network to encourage freight and travel movements by means that cause least damage to the environment. As a result cargo bike schemes are growing in a number of local authorities keen to support their residential and business populations.Falco produces a complete range of cargo bike storage solutions, all capable of being operated using an app-based smart lock for added security, including:FalcoPod-Cargo – for single cargo bike useFalcoCargoPod – for two large cargo bikesFalcoCargoBox – for two large cargo bikesFalcoLok-Cargo Store – for larger cargo bike fleetsDetails of the Falco cargo bike storage range are available here: https://www.falco.co.uk/products/cycle-parking/cargo-bike-parking/The LBWF scheme has free membership and is available for local businesses to book via email through the LBWF cycling team at cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk. Falco has also recently completed the UK’s first two public hire schemes for cargo bike storage for; Beryl Bikes in Hackney and Climate Action Ilkley.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

In May 2018, Australia’s visionary theatre, La Mama, was destroyed by fire. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of The La Mama Community, this iconic theatre has now reopened to the public and UltraScape are delighted to have played a part in its restoration.BackgroundLocated in Victoria, Australia, La Mama Theatre is home to responsive, inclusive and diverse independent theatre making. With a reputation steeped in visionary arts, La Mama Theatre is the number one destination for audiences to discover the next generation of theatre artists.The ChallengeA fire devastatingly destroyed this much-loved theatre in May 2018. The damage was so extensive, La Mama theatre needed to be completely rebuilt. Part of the restoration included an additional structure to the front of the theatre and new paved area.The SolutionThe incredible La Mama community raised over $3,400,000 to help restore the theatre back to its former glory. To grout the Recycled Brick Paving at the theatre, Instarmac International’s Australian partners, and specialist paving distributors, Prolific Stone International, supplied UltraScape flowpoint smooth.Greysea Group, the contractors completing the paving installation, have been using flowpoint since it was first introduced into Australia in 2020.UltraScape flowpoint smooth is a flowable grout which allows for large areas of paving to be grouted quickly. Suitable for joints from 3mm to 50mm and as deep as 200mm, flowpoint smooth has been developed over a number of years to provide a durable finish which will not crack or stain – even in the hot Australian temperatures.With an initial set after just 15 minutes, and a walk on time of one hour, it is unsurprising that flowpoint smooth has become synonymous with fast application, cost-effective and robust jointing.UltraScape flowpoint is available in four varieties – original, eco, smooth and fine – and two colours – Natural Grey and Charcoal. UltraScape have jointing solutions for all designs and tastes.ResultsLa Mama Theatre opened to the public in December 2021 with great applause. The newly refurbished theatre is fully accessible, has a dedicated rehearsal space, new bar, green room and mezzanine floor for their next generation of theatre artists to perform on.

IntroductionThe Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray System has played an important role in futureproofing a major new residential development in Stratford’s Olympic Park by exceeding new building regulations whilst improving build quality and installation efficiency on site.OverviewLocated in the very heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Chobham Manor in East London is the first of five new neighbourhoods in the former home of the 2012 Olympics. Comprising 850 new one, two and three-bed homes alongside community facilities, shops, public green spaces and community areas, this stunning new development has sustainability at its core with all homes built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.In a design by JSA Architects and built by Taylor Wimpey, the layered brickwork façade features projected bay windows, balconies and set back terraces. To meet the requirements and a tight build programme, Keyfix worked with subcontractor Chine Brickwork and supplied 4545 metres of Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCT) along with Corner Units and Weeps on blocks A, B and C which form Phase Four of the development.ChallengeThe challenges for Keyfix were the unique brickwork build programme which incorporated two runs of cavity trays being supplied per floor to accommodate brickwork corbelling and recessed brickwork.SolutionAs the corbels where built at a different stage on the build programme so the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Trays had to project out either side of the pier when initially being installed. Therefore, when the infill corbels where being built the continuous run of tray could link in seamlessly. A task that would have been near impossible had the system relied on tapes or mastics to make the linking joint.The Keyfix stainless steel NCCT was specified due to its self-supporting system which doesn’t need fixing back to the internal concrete frame and clips together for fast and easy installation. It is essentially a ‘Fix & Forget’ solution with no additional fixings, sealants or onsite fabrication required by the brickwork contractor. Therefore, installation of the trays did not impede the speed of bricklaying even when compared to traditional DPC. Installed in the outer leaf with no connection with the inner skin, this innovative cavity tray system does not create a thermal bridge and eliminates all differential movement issues.With a lifespan of 125+ years it is the only non-combustible cavity tray system that does not rely on tapes and mastics to make watertight joints, therefore elimating one of the main reasons for product failure.Commenting Kieran Coyle of Keyfix said: “Holding an A1 Fire Rating, the Keyfix non-combustible cavity tray solution exceeds the minimum standards set out in ADB (Approved Document B), whilst ensuring this new development meets and exceeds the latest regulations. If the regulations become stricter, it will also be futureproofed maximising the whole-life value of the development.”The award-winning Chobham Manor Phase Four is now complete, with the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Tray playing an integral part in the creation of a safe and resilient development that will transform the Olympic Park into a lasting legacy for East London.For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the product guide, visit https://keyfix.com/or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com

The ChallengeCalder Gardens is a mixed development of 37 units that includes terraced housing and three storey blocks designed around a central courtyard with clearly defined public and private spaces and integrated parking. It is part of Edinburgh City Council’s 21st Century Homes Small Sites Programme to deliver 40,000 affordable and mid-market houses across the city, on constrained plots within established communitiesIt was fundamental that the proposed development would integrate with, and have a positive impact on, the character of the local neighbourhood.The SolutionThe architectural style is stripped-back and uses a restricted, predominantly brick, palette of materials. The brick selected for the project was Village Harvest Multi, a high quality, light-textured, buff brick.The BenefitsBuilt on a brownfield site within the heart of a well-established community, the choice of materials used in the construction of Calder Gardens has ensured the development has quickly and beautifully integrated with its surrounding environment.

The first phase of Allies and Morrison‘s “Hale Wharf” development consists of 249 new homes across two buildings, and a pedestrian bridge that sits on a slender island overlooking the River Lee at Tottenham Hale. The venture also includes external spaces for communities to enjoy and easy access to public transport and nearby nature spot. Commercial areas are also included on the ground floor to further improve the area.Freshfield Lane First Quality and Selected Darks are used to striking effect as a homage to the characteristics of London’s historic canals. The hues embodied within the bricks allow for the structure to complement the modernisation of the area while also complimenting the waterfront green areas and the development of nearby nature parks.Hale Wharf represents an exciting opportunity for an area of London that needed a number of new properties to fulfil local needs, as such, a number of units in the development have been built to be affordable. Further developments are planned along the island with Phase 2 starting construction in 2022.

One Bishopsgate Plaza, LondonStreet furniture & plantersStreet furniture | Street Planters | HVMThis new landmark tower located in the true heart of the City is arranged across 20 levels above a new Pan Pacific hotel – the first in Europe, offering access to hotel services below and private amenities above is what truly sets these apartments apart.The plaza needed to provide a high-quality useable public space that is protected from Hostile Vehicle attacks. Townscape’s bespoke street furniture seating and planters fully meet the architectural aspirations of the specifier PLP. The iroko timber was specifically chosen as untreated to slowly age to a uniform grey.The prestige white smooth finish of the street furniture is designed to have timeless appeal. All the street planters are hand cast using artisan precast concrete techniques refined over Townscapes 47-year history. The constructor was Maylim.

The Driftwood Spars is a 17th century Grade II Listed building of an immense character. It is a historic building and an essential part of the St Agnes Community, as well as a World Heritage site within an area of an outstanding natural beauty.The Pub is built of the local stone and the huge ship’s timbers and spares, from which it got its name. The building offers a wealth of history, having been converted from a tin mining warehouse, chandlery, sail making loft and fish cellar over the years to a hotel with a public bar.The original roof was made of Cornish Delabole and Trevillet slates, which due to harsh weather conditions and extensive service life have fallen into disrepair.The priority of the free hold pub’s owners and the Architect was to replicate the traditional roofing method, “wet laid” with diminishing slates from 18” to 12” inches, using modern slating method, that would be acceptable by the Cornwall Planning stakeholders.

Mayfield Park spans 6.5 acres on the banks of the River Medway and is the first new public park in in the centre of Manchester for over 100 years.The park has a range of features that respond to the level changes throughout the site such as bridges and projecting platforms. Lang+Fulton provided their PL-55x11/90x4mm heel-proof grating for each of these areas providing the required load bearing properties and allowing for free drainage. The grating panels were all individually sized to fit the diverse shapes of the platforms which create social areas for seating and provide cycle routes and pedestrian walkways across the bridges.The grating was also chosen to maintain the site’s post-industrial aesthetic.Mayfield Park has won praise as the standard for future urban park design. The park's commitment to sustainability, evident in its approach to material use and construction, is particularly noteworthy and shows how these values can be achieved within landscape design.

GEC Anderson's Decimetric range of stainless steel worktops, sinks, base cabinets and wall cabinets were the preferred choice of architects Curl La Tourelle in the 1.8m sports hall project at St Michael's RC High at Garston, Hertfordshire.The specialist sinks, base units and wall cabinets were used in fitting out the new First Aid Room and P.E Staff Office. The school, specifier and contractor were all very pleased with the units that were supplied and installed by GEC Anderson.GEC Anderson use a combination of highly efficient, state-of-the-art, automated manufacturing processes and skilled craftsmen to produce a stainless steel finish that provides visual simplicity, intrinsic quality, durability, safety and hygiene that were considered desirable in the project.The work features in an impressive new brick and cedar clad building, which transforms the public face of the voluntarily aided secondary school, as well as providing a new activities hall.GEC Anderson supplied and fitted: • Decimetric commercial grade stainless steel sink top with corner cut out, integral up-stand and lipped edges • Integrated sink bowls with outlet and overflow fittings • Stainless steel base cabinets with hinged doors, integral handles and adjustable feet and full length stainless steel plinth • Stainless steel wall cabinets with adjustable shelves and hinged doors, again with integral handlesGEC Anderson Managing Director, Martin Tye, comments “This was an interesting project for GEC Anderson and it provides a really excellent example of the effective use of our Decimetric System.”Due to its modularity, Decimetric can be extremely cost-effective, thereby enabling the use of high quality stainless steel in areas that can definitely benefit from the durability and professionalism associated with stainless steel but where cost might otherwise be prohibitive.Martin added “Curl La Tourelle have specified GEC Anderson products in a number of other schools, which is always pleasing.”GEC Anderson's Decimetric range is a cost effective, versatile solution, because its modular system can be specified in 100mm increments. Products are fabricated under ISO 9001 compliant conditions in modern workshops.The hard-wearing brushed satin stainless steel finish ensures the retention of a professional appearance, even after heavy use in the most demanding of environments.

Woldgate School secured £1.3 million for improvements to its buildings from the Department for Education. The funds were to cover work including the removal and replacement of external walls not of brick construction, as well as windows and doors, many of which were the originals from when the school was first built. Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor Kingfisher Windows was appointed principal contractor for the works. The company undertook the design, manufacture and installation of the window element of the project and worked closely with trusted sub-contractors to deliver other aspects to the high standards the project demanded.

Take a walk with us through Camberley, a traditional English town located in the county of Surrey, southeast England. Large-scale improvements to Camberley High Street, Princess Way, and Knoll Walk have brought a safer, modern, attractive space to the town centre. The redesign has created a pleasant environment that is pedestrian-and cyclist-friendly, whilst accommodating the needs of parking, servicing, and safer driving conditions for vehicles.„Camberley’s High Street transformation has set a new quality standard for the town’s public realm,“ comments Joao Toscano CMLI Director of Landscape & Urban Design at Project Centre. „Our design proposals were grounded in the latest best practice in streetscape design, and we used bespoke design to elevate a sense of place, identity and quality, whilst promoting pedestrian comfort and traffic calming principles,“ Stefano Scarano, Senior Landscape Architect adds.Taking into account the invisible importance of street furniture when balancing an urban landscape, the studio worked closely with an established international brand, mmcité. Together they furbished the streets of Camberley with refreshing and modern street furniture.The mmcité portfolio is based on products which are universal, fitting in almost anywhere. They are attentively designed down to the finest detail, and even when they’re not seeking attention they have a huge effect on people’s lives in the city. „This is proof of our aim to approach public spaces with respect to their context,“ said mmcité chief designer, David Karasek. „We are setting the bar for outdoor design as if it were conventional furniture. Furniture that must meet standards a thousand times more exacting than anything we have at home, thanks to the host of limitations on materials and technologies, as well as ensuring resistance against bad weather and vandalism,“ he concluded.The flexibility that the spatial design creates, the bespoke detailing of key design features (e. g. the seating planters across Princess Way and Knoll Walk, the green wall in Knoll Walk or the new High Street gate), the careful choice of paving materials and sensitive planting design – all of this illustrates a high level of placemaking ambition and innovation which prepares Camberley town centre for its future.

The ChallengeModern paving was required to complement state-of-the-art offices Scott Brownrigg’s design aim was to attract the world’s most high-tech companies to the Science Park. The architecture, design and landscaping of Buildings 1 and 2 was key to setting the tone for the tech hotspot. Buildings 1 and 2 form a new gateway to the dedicated technology estate while collectively making up 210,000ft2 of commercial office space.  The two-building design spans four storeys tall and showcases a striking colonnade. The cladded feature columns provide an impressive new entrance to the park, while echoing the curve of the spine road. Buildings 1 and 2 offer a dedicated pedestrian and cycle area. The public realm space between the two buildings required extensive paving which complemented the state-of-the-art buildings. The client’s primary objective was to remove existing, dated buildings and replace them with state-of-the-art facilities for the scientific community. The master plan has sustainability and efficiency at the core of its design.The SolutionTobermore’s high quality granite aggregate paving accentuates the contemporary office scheme Tobermore supplied paving of exceptional quality to complement the state-of-the-art office hub. The public realm space between the two buildings features Tobermore’s granite aggregate paving in contemporary grey tones. The dedicated pedestrian and cycle area are paved with Braemar, Fusion and Hydropave Fusion which all feature a striking granite aggregate surface which adds to the ultra-modern scheme. Braemar offers a premium concrete paving product with aesthetic appeal of natural granite. It boasts a striking, contemporary look while being a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to natural stone.  Fusion made a modern striking entrance to the Science Park. The area required a combination of permeable and impermeable paving. It would take a keen eye to spot where the standard block paving ends and permeable paving starts. Hydropave Fusion and Fusion was applied in permeable and non-permeable format which added continuity to the streetscape.  The new buildings achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The facilities provide a much-needed innovation hub for scientists and graduates, and successfully generated income for Trinity College. 

The British museum has seen a number of additions over the years,most recently the £135 million world conservation and exhibitionscentre which was completed in 2014. The brief required a particularfocus on creating an environmentally sustainable building with amodern interior that could hold exhibitions, as the museum did nothave enough space for them.The British Museum was conceived in 1753 after Sir Hans Sloaneexchanged his vast collection of artefacts with King George III for£20,000 to ensure that he left an inheritance for his children. Itopened it’s doors to the public in 1759 and has remained in thesame location in Bloomsbury ever since.The main building exhibits landmark architecture inspired by theGreek Revival. To fit the 19th and 20th century design of the site,the architects Rogers Stirk Harbour worked with Mace group tobuild the new conservation centre using steel frames and Portlandglass and stone, easing the transition between the exterior of themuseum and the new development.With a public building of this magnitude, there is a high amount oftraffic around the building so it was imperative that the ironmongeryperformed to the highest level. For this reason, Allgood suppliedthe highest quality hardware including: triple knuckle hinges, floorspring units and mortice locks. We specified the hinges as they aremade from 316 stainless steel and come with a 25 year guaranteewhilst the other hardware items have a ten year guarantee. We alsosupplied our Modric lever handles on mostof the doors as they aretested to grade 4 against BS EN 1906 and would provide the doorswith the highest quality and most durable handles.As science and research are at the core of the new development,the building needed to be modern, functional and sustainable.We were able to meet the sustainability expectations as all of ourstainless steel door fittings are made from 62% recycled materialsof which 95% can be recycled at the end of the product’s life.Additionally, our packaging is also made from recycled material andcan be recycled once it has been used.The World Conservation and Exhibitions centre has now been openfor 6 months and has further enhanced the British Museum’s statusas a world class institute.

The British museum has seen a number of additions over the years,most recently the £135 million world conservation and exhibitionscentre which was completed in 2014. The brief required a particularfocus on creating an environmentally sustainable building with amodern interior that could hold exhibitions, as the museum did nothave enough space for them.The British Museum was conceived in 1753 after Sir Hans Sloaneexchanged his vast collection of artefacts with King George III for£20,000 to ensure that he left an inheritance for his children. Itopened it’s doors to the public in 1759 and has remained in thesame location in Bloomsbury ever since.The main building exhibits landmark architecture inspired by theGreek Revival. To fit the 19th and 20th century design of the site,the architects Rogers Stirk Harbour worked with Mace group tobuild the new conservation centre using steel frames and Portlandglass and stone, easing the transition between the exterior of themuseum and the new development.With a public building of this magnitude, there is a high amount oftraffic around the building so it was imperative that the ironmongeryperformed to the highest level. For this reason, Allgood suppliedthe highest quality hardware including: triple knuckle hinges, floorspring units and mortice locks. We specified the hinges as they aremade from 316 stainless steel and come with a 25 year guaranteewhilst the other hardware items have a ten year guarantee. We alsosupplied our Modric lever handles on mostof the doors as they aretested to grade 4 against BS EN 1906 and would provide the doorswith the highest quality and most durable handles.As science and research are at the core of the new development,the building needed to be modern, functional and sustainable.We were able to meet the sustainability expectations as all of ourstainless steel door fittings are made from 62% recycled materialsof which 95% can be recycled at the end of the product’s life.Additionally, our packaging is also made from recycled material andcan be recycled once it has been used.The World Conservation and Exhibitions centre has now been openfor 6 months and has further enhanced the British Museum’s statusas a world class institute.

Following a year-long transformation, in September 2021, the ribbon was finally cut on the newly-pedestrianised Greenfield Crescent, in Edgbaston Village.Representatives from a host of nearby businesses came to watch CEO of Calthorpe Estates, Haydn Cooper, and Sir Euan Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe to officially open the streetscape.Working with Birmingham City Council, Calthorpe Estates, and McPhillips has seen a new streetscape created to help set Edgbaston Village apart, with high quality public realm areas, easier pedestrian access and reduced traffic.With a vision to create a greener, safer and more accessible Edgbaston Village, the newly designed area has new high quality granite surfaces, planters and planting, festoon lights and upgraded signage, which will enhance access to local businesses, bring to life an improved and more convenient leisure location for those living, working and visiting the area to enjoy.Granite included the BBS Toranja Rosa (pink), Gris Sombrio (medium grey), and Blanco (silver grey) all indigenous to Portugal where the stone was also cut to specification. Haydn Cooper, Chief Executive of Calthorpe Estates said, “We open Greenfield Crescent at an exciting time for Edgbaston. The transformation of Greenfield Crescent was a result of successfully working in partnership with Birmingham City Council to deliver a high quality public realm area, which saw Calthorpe Estates invest significantly in the project. Our ambitions have not stopped here – we are improving the walking route to the Edgbaston Village Metro station over coming months and are delivering a popular Artisan Market along Greenfield Crescent to make the location accessible for all.”Edgbaston Village is already home to a variety of award-winning independent restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, including the Michelin-starred Simpsons, The High Field and Loki Wine, which have just been joined by LUX gallery. Recent plans unveiled by Calthorpe Estates showed the potential for even more al fresco dining and shopping options in the area, all of which will be made increasingly accessible following the creation of the new Edgbaston Village Metro stop, set to open at the end of 2021 along with Chapter restaurant & bar and KIN Homes on Greenfield Crescent.

IntroductionThe speed of installation and improved build quality of the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray System has played an important part in the construction of a major new high-rise residential development in West London and at the same time help meet and exceed regulatory requirements.OverviewLocated close to the Thames in Brentford West London, Verdo – Kew Bridge is a new mixed use development which forms part of a major new regeneration scheme that includes the new community stadium for Brentford FC. Designed by Broadway Malyan and built by developer EcoWorld, it comprises of 487 new one, two and three-bed homes alongside retail and business spaces, public green spaces and community areas.In order to safeguard the future of the development, Keyfix supplied 765 metres of Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCT) along with 2490 Corner Units, 4000 Pier Units and 5000 Weeps on blocks E,F,G and H of the development.ChallengeOne of the key challenges for Keyfix was the brickwork build programme which required early completion at the lower grid line levels of one to six. This was due to the scaffolding needed to be stripped away because it was blocking a walkway at Brentford Stadium and therefore needed to be cleared prior to the start of the new football season.SolutionWorking to a tight schedule, the offsite fabrication and preforming of bespoke non-combustible cavity tray units in line with the brickwork set out drawings saved time for the installation team at brickwork contractor DWG. This one-piece NCCT system allowed for a very simple and very efficient install, enabling the brickwork façade to continue at a fast pace.The Keyfix stainless steel NCCT was specified due to its self-supporting system which doesn’t need fixing back to the internal concrete frame and clips together for fast and easy installation. It is essentially a ‘Fix & Forget’ solution with no additional fixings, sealants or onsite fabrication required by the brickwork contractor. Therefore, installation of the trays did not impede the speed of bricklaying even when compared to traditional DPC. Installed in the outer leaf with no connection with the inner skin, this innovative cavity tray system does not create a thermal bridge and eliminates all issues associated with differential movement.Furthermore, the NCCT is manufactured with integral Stop Ends on each cavity tray to ensure water is trapped and channelled outwards via a Keyfix Non-combustible Weep (NCW). The integral Stop Ends also facilitate perp joint width adjustability of +/- 3 mm between 7–13 mm if required.With a lifespan of 125+ years it is the only non-combustible cavity tray system that does not rely on tapes and mastics to make watertight joints, therefore eliminating one of the main reasons for product failure.Commenting on the project, Kieran Coyle, Keyfix Technical Sales Manager said: “Verdo – Kew Bridge was the first project in which we created and used a Component Schedule and this is now the same component schedule template we use on every project. It allows installers to use new Component Codes to identify the different components and install the system to its full integrity.”Holding an A1 Fire Rating, the Keyfix non-combustible cavity tray solution exceeds the minimum standards set out in ADB (Approved Document B), whilst ensuring this major new development meets and exceeds the latest regulations. If the regulations become stricter, it will also be futureproofed maximising the whole-life value of the development.Set to make its mark on West London, Verdo – Kew Bridge is on track for completion, with the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Tray meeting the contractors requirements and enabling the creation of a development that has safety built in.For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the product guide, visit https://keyfix.com/or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com

Having purchased the lands from the Golf Club, Cosgrave Developments wanted to ensure the natural contours of the existing grounds were maintained when building the public amenity park – Honeypark – which is the centrepiece of their development.As a focal meeting point the area contained mature parklands with a man-made lake and childrens play area as the main attraction. With this area being lower in the development a safe, durable and visually pleasing design was needed, Mick Cosgrave chose AG’s Ground TerraPave® natural aggregate flags to meet the specification, with its durable finish and low slip resistance it met all the safety criteria for this major walkway.When laid it’s visually impressive surface draws you to the central focal point of the scheme. To improve safety for the visually impaired AG’s smooth bullnose kerbs setts were used to form the numerous step details complimenting the smooth crisp clean appearance of the paving and flags.The main green space areas also had sloping contours where soil retention was needed to aid structural integrity and drainage, AG’s Vertica Retaining Wall system was selected. The low rise walls meet the engineering specification whilst the choice of colour was in line with the design choice for the scheme. The unique split level design also provided a natural amphitheatre and seating area for the residents, the low level of the walling kept in mind the safety aspects for younger children in the area.In the main residential areas Cosgrave Developments choose AG’s River Stone Blackwater paving for the parking bay areas. Unique in its design due to its undulating face finish this new product has the key benefits of smooth paving, tight joints and an extra sparkle due to the addition of natural granite chippings. Technically its ideal for the durability and hard wearing required to take parked vehicular traffic over long periods of time

BACKGROUND: The Pavilion was being refurbished, ready to be re-open as a new café to help increase tourism to the town.Plans included creating a new terrace at the front, a small rear extension, and a portable office/store at the back.REQUIREMENT: A modular ramp to the terrace for pedestrian and wheelchair use. END RESULT:Our installers fitted a Rapid Ramp, which included a pedestrian walkway with a loading capacity of 1,000kgs. It is designed to safely support the weight of varies public traffic, including walkers, prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.The installation was completed within a few hours on a snowy late evening.FEATURES INCLUDED: Mesh Platform - self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate threshold heights.Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have a support to hold onto.Standard Colour Black - ramps are powder-coated black to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.EXTRA 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 the ramp and helps users distinguish any level changes.CONCRETE VS PEDESTRIAN METAL RAMP INSTALLATIONS:Unfortunately, newly poured concrete must be protected from freezing for the first 24 to 48 hours and requires drying time before use. Therefore, concrete installations are heavily reliant on good weather conditions, and cannot be completed in snow or frozen temperatures.Unlike concrete, our pedestrian ramps can be installed in most weather conditions, including snow. Plus, the product is manufactured from galvanised steel.Galvanising is a process where a protective coating of zinc is applied to prevent rusting and to kill moss.

James Watt Dock is a development of 137 new-build one- and two-bedroomed flats for social rent. The homes, built over five blocks, will offer residents magnificent views over the historic dock and the River Clyde. Residents will also benefit from parking, amenity units, and a landscaped public space.PROJECT INFOThe site is a brownfield waterfront site adjacent to the Grade A listed Sugar Sheds, which are a unique example of Scotland’s Victorian industrial architecture. The sheds became the design driver, aiding the architects in establishing mass, orientation, position and material.Farmstead Antique, from Forterra’s Butterley range, with its tumbled and distressed multi patches, was selected for its similarity to the bricks used in the Sugar Sheds. It allowed the design of the new development to relate to the historic building while delivering a modern, clean-cut façade.With a water absorbency of only 7%, the brick also offered the high technical performance required owing to the development’s location on the Firth of the Clyde, a robust marine environment.

Monier Road is a residential project designed by Pitman Tozer Architects in East London’s Fish Island neighbourhood. The development comprises of 16 houses and 7 apartments, constructed in two rows with a shared courtyard between them. The buildings are arranged in a stepped configuration, with the taller apartments on the east side and the lower houses on the west side, providing views across the site towards the River Lea.Monier Road uses an eyecatching combinatrion of Floren.be’s Vecchio and Vega Rustic clay bricks. The soft brown and pinks of the bricks allow Monier Road to maintain a distinct visual identity from other Fish Island regeneration projects.The Monier Road development has received critical acclaim for its innovative design and high-quality construction. It was shortlisted in the Housing Design Awards in 2017 and 2019 and featured in numerous architectural publications. The project demonstrates Pitman Tozer Architects’ commitment to creating sustainable and socially inclusive communities through thoughtful and well-designed residential developments.

Closomat has a proven track record in supply and installation of Changing Places facilities in healthcare settings. Changing Places are vital for disabled people with complex needs, providing safe and dignified access to an appropriate toilet when away from home.Closomat’s high-specification Changing Places facilities are robust and effective for high-traffic locations such as hospitals, medical centres and GP Surgeries. The company’s ability to deliver design advice, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment, means it is uniquely placed to simplify the whole process for public environments.Changing Places by Closomat can be found at the following:Darlington Memorial HospitalFinchley Memorial HospitalLeighton Hospital The facilities at Darlington Memorial Hospital and Leighton Hospital include the addition of British Standards recommended Closomat wash and dry toilet. The automatic toilet cleans and dries the user after flushing, enabling the facilities to support a wider range of patients and visitors and offering high levels of hygiene.

The amazing transformation of a former public toilets into a stunning detached property couldn't get much closer to the coast! Nestled on a cliff edge with stunning views out over the famous World Heritage Site of Charlestown Harbour, 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel Hardware was a must.Throughout the build, the homeowners selected a number of products from our BLU range including the HAB7 Offset Rectangle Pull Handles, HQ4 Stainless Steel Butt Hinges, SST91 Casement Window Stay and the KM060 Mitre Lever Door Handle to provide the style and aesthetics required.As the property owner said, “It was an absolute no-brainer for us to choose blu products to use at our Loo With A View conversion! The handles, hinges and other hardware are of the highest quality, in addition to the fact that they look stunning, with their sleek lines and elegant finish.“We wanted to use products that wouldn’t rust, and wouldn’t need to be replaced in a few months, or even years down the line, and we have great faith that we have made the right decision!”

Aviva Studios, Manchester - The New Home of Factory International:Fire resistant, acoustic joint sealing of the complex facades, has been completed with Emshield-WFR and Emshield QuietJoint from NCC Movement joints Limited. NCC Movement joints have supplied Emshield-WFR-2 and Emseal QuietJoint to seal the wide, high movement capability, expansion joints in the complex facades of the new Aviva Studios in Manchester. Aviva Studios are new arts and cultural venues, which are now the new home of Factory International, and located in the centre of St John’s. This is the 13-acre regeneration project around the old Granada TV studios in Manchester. On this prestige project, the architect was Ellen van Loon, a partner at OMA (Office of Modern Architecture), who designed the buildings to create an eclectic environment for the arts, including striking and complex architectural facades. This included her trademark industrial styled finishes, cladding the facades with corrugated metal panels, and incorporating large exposed concrete surfaces. Structural engineering for the project was provided by Burro Happold. The structural movement joints in the external façade and walls, as well as in some of the floor slabs, had to be designed to accommodate not only significant movement (+/-50% or more), whilst maintaining watertightness, but also to be CE certified fire resistant for at least 2 hours, and it was also essential to maintain the high acoustic soundproofing and thermal insulation of the building across the façades.Emshield-DFR/WFR-2 for internal joint sealing, from NCC Movement Joints Limited was the ideal solution, quickly installed as a complete system to meet all the specified requirements in a single solution, with no mechanical fixings, and without disrupting other trades. The Emshield system was installed by TECL (Thermal Engineering Contracts Ltd) as the acoustic and firestopping specialists on the project, as well as by the specialist façade manufacturers, Lindner Prater.The 13,350 m2 building has been designed to provide open spaces that are flexible, adaptable, and capable of being reconfigured for a wide variety of shows at different scales. The key facilities are The Hall, an auditorium that seats 1,600 but can accommodate 2,000 standing; and The Warehouse, an open performance space 21 metres high, with capacity for 5,000 people, all designed and built with advanced acoustic-insulation. They can function separately or together, with a stage that can stretch back to a depth of 45 meters. Factory International are named after the Factory Records record-label, which was founded by the late Tony Wilson ran Manchester’s Haçienda nightclub in the 1980’s and launched bands such as the Happy Mondays and Joy Division. Their new home at Aviva Studio complex is the first public project by OMA in the United Kingdom, and already regarded as the most ambitious cultural development for the future in Manchester.

The Creative Centre at York St John University represents an evolutionary step in educational architecture, mirroring the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and community engagement.By integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies and materials, the centre not only minimizes its environmental impact but also serves as an inspiring example of how modern design can contribute to the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants.The facility’s versatile spaces encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students and faculty to explore new frontiers in arts and education. This architectural gem not only enhances the university’s landscape but also strengthens its ties with the local community, inviting public participation in a range of cultural and educational events.As a symbol of York St John University’s forward-thinking ethos, the Creative Centre is poised to shape the future of creative education, making it a cornerstone of both the university and the wider society.Three main concepts formed the foundation of the design approach. First, it is a genuinely sustainable building, both in operational and embodied carbon terms, with a substantial timber frame and simple climate control. Second, the main atrium space unites all the building elements together, reflecting the latest thinking in higher education to create ‘third spaces’ for cross-disciplinary collaboration.Finally, the Centre makes the most of its proximity to York Minster connecting the University to the heritage of the surrounding city. Throughout the atrium, recital hall and critical listening room, views to the Minster are carefully framed, reinforcing this picturesque view across the stunning historic site.Low embodied carbon materials, such as glulam and CLT and SIPS were used for the construction of the Centre, as part of a ‘fabric-first’ approach using Passivhaus principles to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.Working alongside environmental design consultant Atelier Ten, the project’s eco credentials were achieved by using triple-glazing, making the building air tight, providing simple operation systems – such as openable windows – and a mixed mode ventilation system with both mechanical and natural ventilation in teaching rooms.The building is extremely functional and flexible, for example the 2,000m2 of teaching space are column-free internally with modular servicing to allow easy re-configuration in the future should the university’s requirements change. The 180 capacity auditorium was designed with SSV Theatre Consultants to facilitate teaching as well as performances, with a level access technical level. And the building connects to the natural environment through its use of natural materials and integration with a campus wide landscape masterplan.

Location: Bexley, Greater LondonProject Type: EducationalDevelopment Cost: £1.1mProduct: Curved Plain Fascia with THX Soffit PanelsMeridian Wall CopingShadex 260 Drop-in Cassettes (Structural Steel Supports)Contemporary Rainwater Pipes​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7011 Matt Iron GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Beths Grammar School, BexleyArchitect: Ingleton Wood ArchitectsMain Contractor: Horizon ConstructionSub Contractor: Specialised Fixings of Ipswich

With the introduction of new sports areas and a sixth form college, The Belper School faced a significant shortage of parking spaces. The growing demand for additional parking became evident as staff, visitors, and students resorted to parking on grassed areas. Consequently, numerous muddy patches emerged around the school grounds, negatively impacting the area's aesthetics and making it increasingly inaccessible. Moreover, this led to an increase in the amount of mud brought inside the school, placing a greater burden on the caretaking and cleaning staff.To address the drainage issues and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete or tarmac, the school opted for X-Grid® as a permeable alternative for traditional car park surfacing. The school identified several areas around the premises as suitable locations for the car parks and proceeded to excavate them. A compacted hardcore base made of MoT-type stone was used to establish a strong and stable sub-base for the X-Grid®. By placing a geotextile membrane over the hardcore, the school minimised the risk of weed growth and created a separation layer between the build-up layers. The X-Grid® was then installed on a well-screeded sand blinding layer and filled with durable decorative gravel.By replacing the existing grassed areas with X-Grid® filled with gravel, Belper School successfully resolved their overcrowded car parks without the need for additional drainage infrastructure. The highly permeable nature of X-Grid® facilitated the controlled dispersion of surface water back into the water table. Consequently, the amount of mud around the school grounds was significantly reduced, virtually eliminating it altogether. This enabled the availability of parking spaces throughout the year, providing staff, visitors, and students with ample parking options while preserving the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. Moreover, the use of X-Grid® ensured that the gravel remained in place, eliminating migration and greatly reducing surface maintenance requirements, thus keeping the areas looking as attractive as possible.