"research and development"

We were originally contacted by STEPS Rehabilitation when they were researching products to include in their new-build centre. they chose to go with us because of how subtle and sophisticated our product range is. The team wanted to make their facilities feel as comfortable and cosy as possible, and we provided equipment that could match that on all fronts. We also supplied and installed a completely bespoke stainless steel hydrotherapy pool complete with air jets and colour-changing LED lights! See videos of our work at STEPS over on our website.

The Met Office’s new state of the art building in Exeter Science Park features a large IT hall, along with a striking two-story ‘collaboration’ building, which will be a home for world-class research into climate change. In order to create a contemporary design which blended in with the natural landscape, Marshalls’ assisted the landscape design team in selecting the Prospero, Thalassa and Tritanial granites due to their complimentary tones and textures which matched the contemporary architectural design which juxtaposed with seminaturalised areas of sweeping soft landscaping and semi-mature native tree planting.

Established in 1963, the University of East Anglia (UEA) is one of England’s leading public research and teaching universities. The university occupies a large campus and sought a locking system for its newest on-site residence, Crome Court. The accommodation has 231 en suite rooms rented to university postgraduates, separated into flats for between 8 and 13 people. Crome Court has been specifically designed to minimise environmental impact, including CO² emissions. Any access control system is expected to contribute to that goal... Click on the link below to read more.

Owner of The Copper Kettle, Madeline Bartley set out to update the entire bar and cubicle system, ‘I was keen to undertake a total refurbishment with the aim of creating a comfortable, welcoming environment. ‘Prior to the refurbishment, I undertook considerable research to source suppliers and selected Bushboard for the washroom cubicles. It took a while to select the right product, but I eventually decided upon Quadro and I'm really pleased with the results.’ The Quadro range features a continuous headrail and and floor mounted pilasters which sit into a distinctive quadrant foot, adding strength to the cubicles.

Sadolin PV67 Heavy Duty Varnish has provided a stunning, long-lasting finish to wooden surfaces at a premier sporting centre. Widely regarded as one of the finest courses in the East Midlands, Kedleston Park Golf Club is the proud host to many prestigious events and tournaments. At its heart is a welcoming clubhouse offering the finest Derbyshire hospitality, where Sadolin PV67 Heavy Duty Varnish has been applied to the facility’s bar area. Steve Oldknow, a painter and decorator from Belper, selected Sadolin PV67 after extensive research to ensure the best product was used for the refurbishment.

The University of Birmingham School was the first academy free secondary school to be assigned to a particular university. This is a new model of education, bringing together the best of university research and teaching best practice in secondary education. Technal aluminium windows were specified for this project in a 210mm high module to achieve the required available air flow and light transmission. Aluminium Commercial Doors were specified to achieve robustness and increased thermal insulation. Aluminium Curtain Walling was also used to deliver more natural light into the project without sacrificing weather performance, thermal insulation and ease of fabrication. 

Washroom’s highly engineered, full height Marcato cubicles provide the perfect solution for a cutting edge research facility at Imperial College in London. With a flush fronted and rebated finish, the division panels and doors of the Marcato cubicle, which were manufactured from 20mm Formica HPL, meet edge to edge for maximum privacy. Two complementing shades of Formica were specified - a sky blue for the cubicle doors, pilasters and Concerto duct panelling and a soft grey as a contrast for the interior division panels. Washroom also designed, manufactured and installed Corian vanity units in a crisp white.

The University of Nottingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Building used TECHNAL GEODE MX 52 Visible Grid Curtain Walling, SOLEAL FY 65 Windows and PY 55 Doors. Selected by architects Bond Bryan, the TECHNAL aluminium systems offered a cost-effective, thermally efficient solution that was backed by outstanding technical support both prior and during construction. The state-of-the-art training and research facility, located at the entrance to the Jubilee Campus, has enhanced the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering. The building features teaching facilities, laboratories and workshops, and houses the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Manufacturing Technology.

As the owner of a 1980s brick-built detached house in Chessington, Toby Spencer had never liked the austere timber cladding that covered most of its top half. So when time and weather finally began to take their toll on the black painted wood after 10 years, he decided to consider a tougher, longer-lasting option. Having researched plastic cladding as a replacement, Toby was introduced to Hardie® Plank cladding by James Hardie preferred contractor Square Deal. And by choosing the product in Traditional Red, he said goodbye to the black weatherboard in favour of a brighter future.

When the Harvey Group were looking for Multi Service Chilled Beams for Sheffield Hallam University Lindab's Indoor Comfort products were the natural choice. Lindab provided a proof of concept proposal based on Multi Service Beams and worked closely with the customer ensuring the best possible solution. Lindab as a supplier and manufacturer were able to offer the client a solution backed by our research and test facility in Farum where the customer witnessed the product first hand and signed off pre manufacture samples. Eurovent certification gave added piece of mind to the client and completed the quality assurance.

In summer 2019, Bradford Hospital had opened their newly built Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research. As a part of the new building burmatex® osaka carpet tiles were fitted to complete the interior design of the Centre. osaka inkpot is the main carrier, ideal for having on-site cut triangles of osaka sakura and osaka matcha with random colour effect creating zones on the floor. In this office environment, burmatex® heavy commercial class 33 carpet tiles have been chosen to create a unique and eye-catching effect in keeping a high level of performance.

Accoya has been selected as the ideal decking material for the Oosterdokseiland in Amsterdam. Designed by engineers IPV, Delft in the Netherlands, 300 metres of Accoya was used in total for the project. Each of the Accoya deck planks for the Jetty measured 145x35mm. The benches, (130x150mm) are also made of Accoya wood. After researching Oak and other wood species for the Jetty, De Boer and De Groot civil works chose Accoya due to its dimensional stability, long service life and sustainability credentials. The Accoya planks were screwed onto purlins which were then connected with anchors to the concrete floats.

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops were specified for ward kitchens within the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocinology and Metabolism (OCDEM). Part of the Radcliffe Department of Medicine, the OCDEM is a pioneering centre that combines clinical care, research and education.Sheppard Robson Architects, specified the L-shaped stainless steel units with hygiene, durability and practicality in mind. Continuous, integral upstands were included at the junction between worktops and walls. Sinks were fully integrated within the continuous stainless steel worksurfaces. The main sink bowls are set within a shallow recessed area, acting as a wet zone and to prevent spillage.

At the heart of one of the largest centres of health science and medical research in the world, the £140 million Papworth Hospital in Cambridge has seen the application of a comprehensive range of waterproofing solutions from Sika, ensuring this landmark hospital has a watertight and healthy future.Located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the 300 bed hospital replaced the existing Papworth Hospital and was built by Skanska for the Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The specialised cardiothoracic hospital will features 7 state-of-the-art theatres, a 46 bed critical care area including Cardiac Recovery Unit and Cardiac High Dependency Unit, diagnostic and treatment facilities and a 24 bed day ward.

The extended structure of the Isaac Newton Building in Lincoln houses the Schools of Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics which offer unrivalled scientific and engineering facilities for students. This includes new seminar rooms and computer labs in addition to state-of-the-art technology and research rooms, complete with a semi-anechoic chamber.Playing a significant role in creating the curved appearance of the building was our visible grid aluminium curtain walling. This durable and versatile system can be applied to flat or faceted facades and is available in a choice of glazing gaskets and larger glass sizes. Aluminium windows were also installed throughout the building for modern design and complete weather protection.

In 2016 Imperial College London acquired the neighbouring disused Royal Mail Post Sorting Office. Architects Pascall+Watson specified secondary glazing to improve their performance. Over seven different types were installed to match the varying styles; large sweeping curved headed casements were treated with matching sightline Series 41 side hung casements, tall traditional box sash windows were treated with Series 20 and 25 vertical sliding units. Obscurity glass was specified, to prevent distractions for the researchers and staff. The windows overlooking the busy thoroughfares of Exhibition Road and Imperial College Road were fitted with a cavity to provide added acoustic insulation.

The £41m Health Innovation Campus will act as a focal point, allowing researchers, healthcare professionals, businesses, local authorities and policy-makers, to focus on a systems approach to improving health, in line with the aims of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the NHS long-term plan. Soundis was approached by BAM Construction to supply the Absorb-R WoodTec Walls Slats. These where installed by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems The WoodTec Wall Slats are based on a fibre gypsum board which has excellent properties regarding both fire safety and acoustics. The slats are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which results in 100% straight aligned slats over their full lifetime.

Limerick Institute of Technology’s Coonagh Campus is the first engineering-focused higher education campus in the Mid-West of Ireland.The new 7,000m2 engineering campus provides an additional 542 places on LIT’s engineering courses, an expansion which is considered essential to support industry demand in the region.Designed to provide agility of use, the campus will go beyond what is traditionally expected from an educational institution. It will provide facilities that encourage education and research to co-exist, facilitate industry leaders to meet and share ideas, and allow companies to use the various diverse spaces for training courses and seminars.Tobermore is proud to have provided granite-look paving and kerbs on this landmark Irish project.

The Northern School of Art’s new Middlesborough campus is a development of regional importance, a major focal point for innovation and creativity in the Tees Valley.Located on a town centre site, the £14.5m iconic scheme comprises over 5,000m2 set over three floors, providing a range of studios for fine art, textiles, fashion, digital media, photography and 3D product design. Its concrete structure with exposed thermal mass, moderates the internal temperatures.Seven Architecture were responsible for the concept and master plan at the new school. Seven Director Simon Parker said, “To ensure a distinct and striking design for this gateway scheme we have introduced glazed terracotta panels to envelope the building which reference the long tradition of ceramics courses provided by the School. They also allow for glimpses into the building via long vertical windows which provide great levels of daylight within the art studios.“Once inside, internal finishes will provide the perfect backdrop for creativity; an exposed concrete frame and polished concrete flooring, coupled with splashes of colour throughout, will create a simple and robust yet flexible space for the students. The design strategy has been carefully established through extensive user consultation and the collaborative nature of this design has created a true flagship building.” Design, build and installation working hand-in-handBAM Construction were design lead and main contractor for the Project. Bill Mordue Interiors carried out the installation of the acoustic systems at the school. Jon Day of the firm, “We were very pleased to be involved with this prestigeous and innovative development. The work progressed smoothly with support from the Rockfon team as and when required. It offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate how versatile their ranges are and how successfully they could control sound within this busy multifaceted setting.”In addition to the various studios and offices housed within the building, Rockfon acoustic systems really earn their place in the workshops, canteen, library, lecture rooms, busy thoroughfares and entrance hall where the pressures of controlling and containing sound in each space offer their own unique challenges. Challenges Rockfon is happy to meet, as independent research shows stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics.Performance, versatilty and beautyRockfon’s Jim Lundy, “Across all three floors throughout the school a mixture of Rockfon Universal Baffles, Rockfon® System Eclipse Islands™ and Chicago Metallic™ Infinity® Islands were installed in a variety of larger rectangular formats, sometimes alongside slimmer shapes, to work with the services already installed around and above them. In some instance, lighting and air conditioning are fixed within the panels, demonstrating their versatility. Rockfon Blanka® Activity B wall panels were also used within certain spaces to further control sound and help create the perfect environment for students to study, create, collaborate and socialise productively.”Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. They have a smooth, easy clean fleece surface encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, and feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. Delivering up to 77% light reflectance and diffusion, they are available in white or a selection of colours.The benefits of acoustic systems – seen and unseenThe high light reflectance offered across all our systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Vitally they all also demonstrate superior reaction to fire due in large part to the inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which forms their core. This stone wool also means Rockfon systems offer no sustenance to organisms which can lead to the growth of bacteria seen in some other ceiling systems.Rockfon Eclipse can be used as ceiling islands and as wall panels. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and almost unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, ceiling islands can be suspended by elegant wires, rods or fixed directly to the soffit.Seven Architecture Associate Architect Dean Murphy, “We felt Rockfon had a clean robust minimalistic design approach for both the suspended baffles & islands which clearly complemented the simplicity of our building design. Rockfon product ranges worked seamlessly alongside our design ideals for this building and worked well with our budget restraints.”The Rockfon Blanka range is available with semi-concealed and visible grid options for use as a suspended ceiling or as wall panels, offering a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation 26dB-46dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money.Dr Martin Raby, The Northern School of Art’s Principal, “The increased visibility and accessibility of the School will generate benefits for the region and town, attracting more students and footfall. In turn, this will bring significant economic benefit for the area and help to redefine the image of the Tees Valley for inward investors, students, and visitors.”

The unique and stunning curved blue glass cladding specified for the new hospital posed several design challenges. The insulation used needed to provide high thermal performance, be able to conform the curved surface and be completely non-combustible since the building is in excess of 18m. SuperFOIL Insulation was approached to provide replacement insulation that would meet all fire safety standards and which could be applied without requiring changes to the exterior or interior design of the building. After careful consideration as to what would be the most suitable solution, we supplied 5,500m² of our non-combustible SFNC insulation. SuperFOIL SFNC is the only insulation of its kind to be certified by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) as European Class A1 Non-Combustible, which is the highest possible rating of fire safety.

The unique and stunning curved blue glass cladding specified for the new hospital posed several design challenges. The insulation used needed to provide high thermal performance, be able to conform the curved surface and be completely non-combustible since the building is in excess of 18m. SuperFOIL Insulation was approached to provide replacement insulation that would meet all fire safety standards and which could be applied without requiring changes to the exterior or interior design of the building. After careful consideration as to what would be the most suitable solution, we supplied 5,500m² of our non-combustible SFNC insulation. SuperFOIL SFNC is the only insulation of its kind to be certified by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) as European Class A1 Non-Combustible, which is the highest possible rating of fire safety.

The Natural History Museum is protected by a network of cutting edge MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced.Established in 1881 and renowned for its collections of life and earth specimens, London’s Natural History Museum is widely recognised as the pre-eminent centre for natural history and related research. The Museum is the third most popular in the United Kingdom and its irreplaceable 80 million strong collection is of global importance and includes numerous specimens collected by Charles Darwin.At the heart of the active fire protection for the Museum is a network of 24 MxPro 5, intelligent, multiprotocol panels, plus remote control terminals, BMS interface and a bespoke PC based graphical user interface. The network was designed, configured and commissioned by Pacific Security Systems, a long-time partner of Advanced.

Gripsure decking has been used to complete a landmark health building. The £41 million Health Innovation One is the new home of Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research.The state-of-the-art building is also a regional hub, which brings together industry, research partners, health and care providers, the voluntary sector and local authorities. The focus is to help improve the health and well-being of the area.With such a variety of uses and needs, it was important to get Health Innovation One’s outside space just right.BAM Construction Ltd, the firm behind the project, came to Gripsure because they wanted a safe, non-slip decking area which blended with the style of the building and its natural surroundings. Gripsure Cumaru was the ideal choice. This hard-wearing, non-slip decking range comes with a 25+ year expected in-service life.Up to 3,500 linear metres of our Cumaru boards have been used outside Health Innovation One’s main entrance and for the flooring of an outdoor seating area.“The Cumaru product was offered as a value engineering option and offered a significant saving to the specified product as well as being a high-quality solution.” said Jonah Speaks, Assistant Project Surveyor at BAM Construction Ltd.As well as the quality and look of the product, Jonah said the construction team was impressed with Gripsure’s support and help at every stage.He said: “There was ongoing support from the technical team to propose the correct fixings and interfaces to ensure long term performance and robustness.”Work was completed last year on Health Innovation One, which features various meeting rooms and event spaces – including a dedicated Innovation Lab and Business Lounge and an on-site cafe.The building is part of the wider Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University. The site will allow external organisations to work with university experts when addressing health challenges in Lancashire, the North West and across the country.Gripsure is proud to have contributed to such an important project.

PROJECT OVERVIEW We were awarded the prestigious project to provide our cleanroom system for a new Compound Semiconductor Innovation Centre which will provide a collaborative environment for innovation, testing and research. The world-leading Catapult Innovation Centre will drive advances in compound semiconductor technology and applications, enabling the UK to spearhead future technologies, including autonomous vehicles, 5G mobile networks, renewable energy and the Internet of Things (IoT).SCOPE OF WORKOur scope of work encompassed design and installation of our Mediline partitioning solid and glazed systems to create an IS07-classified cleanroom along with a number of laboratory environments, including a photonics lab, a power electronics lab, an advanced packaging suite, an evaluation lab, a radio frequency lab and a high-power lab. We also provided pedestrian doors, our Metal Pan Ceiling and fire rated vision panels.

In 2013, the largest and most impressive Wall-Holla in the world was sold to Ketteler Hof - a family-owned Play Park that wanted something truly extraordinary to add to its playground. After extensive research, planning, and customisation tailored to their unique needs, they got exactly what they wished for - an incredible 36m wide Wall-Holla with not one but three thrilling Drop Zone elevators!Customized Wall-Holla delivers an amazing playground experienceDesigned with safety in mind, the enormous Wall-Holla features multiple climbing, sliding, and crawling elements to keep children entertained while parents watch. In this way, Ketteler Hof has secured its place as one of the premier family destinations in the world – providing visitors with excitement and unforgettable experiences. Families can enjoy the customized Wall-Holla that delivers an amazing playground experience for all!

Rockfon was given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of a wide range of spaces while contributing to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental status of this stunning project.This new five storey medical school enables students to experience real life situations encountered by those in the medical profession. It includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms to simulate hospital wards or a GP surgery, a pro-section anatomy suite and bio-medical and health sciences library. Professor Mary Stuart was University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor at the time, “It represents more than just a building – it is a commitment to current and future communities in Lincolnshire to develop sustainable healthcare for the region.” HLM were the client architects, ‘The scheme has been modelled to create the optimal sustainable environment through informed decisions on site layout, massing, orientation, building fabric, elevational treatment and Integrated renewable energy systems. To further enhance student mental health and wellbeing, the scheme uses biophilic design principles including natural lighting and ventilation, visual links to natural landscape features and natural materials.’Meeting and exceeding client aspirationsShradha Mishra was Project Manager for the Estates Department at University of Lincoln. At its completion she said, “The Lincoln Medical School… has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout the design and construction process. With this in mind, the strategy for the building required exposed ceilings and therefore it was important to review and manage the acoustic requirements of the spaces to ensure a suitable working and teaching environment. Following extensive design and consultation with acoustic engineers, Rockfon were recommended for installation across the project which included a variety of both suspended ceiling grid tiles and acoustic baffles in open plan areas to support the absorption of sound.”BAM were main contractors for the project with BAM Design leading architectural design. Brebur Limited were responsible for the installation of ceiling and wall systems at Lincoln. Operations Director Vinny Lilley had this to say, “We have an excellent relationship with Rockfon. Their wide range of specialist products always ensures the architectural vision is achieved. They are always on-hand to offer technical advice and commercial acumen, with around 2,500sqm of tile and grid components being supplied by regional distributors.Acoustics reducing stress and enhancing healthAcoustic Rockfon Eclipse® islands are utilised within open plan areas where they are suspended on wires from the soffit, giving the illusion that they float. They can be specified in a variety of shapes with unlimited custom colour matching. Eclipse islands are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. At Lincoln they are also present as wall panels to further control sound.Improved acoustics can increase focus by 48% and reduce stress levels by 27%, which aids learning and wellbeing (independent research). The high light reflectance characteristics of Rockfon ceiling and wall systems also help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and enhancing health.Elsewhere within the school, Rockfon Blanka® is installed. Available in a wide range of sound control and durability performance characteristics, its non-directional, anti-static surface prolongs product life. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “All Rockfon ranges are made from inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which offers no sustenance to microorganisms and demonstrates outstanding reaction to fire. Most are available in a full range of formats including concealed, semi-concealed and visible grid options from our extensive Chicago Metallic grid systems.” Specialist ranges for every spaceHTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was the perfect fit at Lincoln where it offers outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 4) also mark it out as a first choice for healthcare specification, along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1). Also within the building, the superior moisture resistant properties and wipe clean surface of Rockfon® Koral™ were important considerations for its use. Affordable, Rockfon® Artic™ was also put to good use in several areas at the school. In common with other Rockfon ranges, both Koral and Artic offer excellent sound absorption and fire safety characteristics.Shradha Mishra continued, “Since completion of the building, we have had positive feedback from building users about both the aesthetic appearance of the Rockfon products along with the acoustic performance of them.” 

Forming an important part of a £200m redevelopment, the flagship three building Llys Cadwyn (Chain Court) mixed-use riverside development encompasses office and retail units alongside a state-of-the-art library, café, leisure fitness and community facilities in the heart of Pontypridd. Owner client, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, awarded the design of this eye-catching project to Darnton B3 Architects, who have worked with Willmott Dixon since 2018, to bring the innovative, ambitious £38m scheme to fruition. Around 9500m2 of Rockfon acoustic ceiling and wall systems are installed throughout the three building scheme to add a wow factor and help create healthy interiors where people can work, visit, study, socialise and relax. Architecture that looks and feels good The facades of two of the buildings are glazed, with those facing the riverside designed with sun-deflecting vertical fins in a mix of warm primary colours from yellow through to orange and red – adding a positive, contemporary accent. The third building sits in contrast to the others with its organic, aardvark curved outer shell clad completely in shimmering zinc tiles, reminiscent of the futuristic Bullring in Birmingham and the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The twin buildings required high levels of sound absorption due to the predominantly open-plan office interiors on their upper floors. Independent research shows that stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics in these environments. The high light reflectance offered by our ceiling systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Ensuring the desired Shhh In the Library, sound control was an obvious specification requirement. Happily, Rockfon ranges - including Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles - offer acoustic performance which deliver the desired Shh. Elsewhere in the café, gym and community spaces, our products are tough enough to deal with the impact of heavy use. Darnton B3 Project Architect, Martin Hurley, “I met with our client to discuss the acoustics in a large atria which sits between the children’s, and general reference libraries. We agreed to create a feature art wall using a selection of colours influenced by the council’s own corporate identity. The completed design works really well, delivering the visual impact and sound control we desired. Rockfon Eclipse® wall panels were used to create the stylish art wall, featuring dark greys, purples, turquoise, teal, lime and orange which were NCS-matched. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, the fixing kit allows panels to be set at varying distances from the wall to enhance creative possibilities. Delivering the dream Tonypandy-based M&P Group, were responsible for the installation. The firm’s Andrew Pearce commented, “Co-ordinating the process of installation across three buildings within a tight, riverside, city-centre site presented particular challenges. It was vital the supply line remained on schedule, with deliveries on-time and in good order – something the Rockfon team helped ensure. In fact, the project came together well and everyone is very pleased with the completed job.” Nevill Long Area Sales Manager, Mike Parkin, “This was a technically and aesthetically interesting project to be involved with. It was a pleasure to work with Rockfon to ensure the correct materials were delivered on time and in full.” Great performance and fabulous looks Rockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “It was really beneficial to be part of the design specification process for this landmark build from an early stage. A guiding requirement was to achieve the least visible grid, using a selection of Rockfon ranges to create aesthetically pleasing results with high levels of sound absorption. In addition to the Eclipse feature wall, versatile, technologically advanced Rockfon Blanka® was installed throughout the three buildings, with specialised Blanka Bas utilised in meeting rooms to promote speech intelligibility. Rockfon® Koral™ was used exclusively within washrooms and lobbies.” The Rockfon Blanka range offers a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, which speeds up installation, saving time and money. Within the futuristic building, an arrangement of elegant, circular, Rockfon Eclipse islands, in white, are hung from ceiling wires, creating the illusion they are floating in mid-air. In common with other Rockfon ranges, Rockfon Koral offers excellent sound absorption and the highest fire safety characteristics. It is easy to clean with a vacuum or a damp cloth and is available in semi-concealed and visible grid options.

With the new Elizabeth line set to deliver a 10% increase in rail capacity across central London, the project will provide a high frequency service that reduces journey times and creates new travel opportunities by linking 41 stations across 100 kilometres. As part of the landmark construction project, over 42 kilometres of new tunnels, 50 kilometres of new track and 10 new stations are being developed in conjunction with major upgrades to the existing infrastructure. Throughout the construction stages of the central section, which spans from Westbourne Park to Plumstead and Pudding Mill Lane, over 350 of Bilco UK’s innovative aluminium Ladder Up® Safety Posts have been specified by Crossrail’s systemwide contractor Alstom TSO Costain Joint Venture (ATC Systemwide) to provide safe and secure access. Weighing just seven kilograms due to the milled aluminium construction, the resilient Ladder Up® Safety Posts will provide engineers with unobstructed access to the walkways when conducting essential maintenance throughout the tunnels, once the line is operational. Once fully open, the Elizabeth line will provide an additional 1.5 million people with access to central London within 45 minutes, covering Reading and Heathrow in the West, right through to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East. The specification process, managed by Construction & Rail Contractors McNealy Brown, focused on the requirement for durable yet functional access solutions that would consistently provide a safe and direct step through onto the walkway, without impacting on the surrounding electrical services. The unique and high quality construction of the Ladder Up® Safety Post fulfilled each requirement of the brief. This includes features such as the innovative telescopic post, which mounts permanently to the top two rungs of any fixed ladder to provide a secure handhold that enables the user to enter or exit the opening in an upright and balanced position. Clive Burfoot, Contract Manager at McNealy Brown, said: "When we first began researching potential access solutions for the Crossrail project’s central section, it became clear quite quickly that the Bilco UK Ladder Up® Safety Post was the only product available on the UK market that would fulfil our extensive list of requirements." “The telescopic extension was one of the main benefits that secured its specification for this project, as it enables the Ladder Up® safety post to be both retracted and extended, a key function that wasn’t available with any other access solution.” Each ladder has been installed with two Ladder Up® Safety Posts, which are located on either side of the ladder to provide the direct step through onto the walkway for increased safety and efficiency. The installation process, which has been managed by ATC Systemwide, will provide secure access throughout all essential areas of the central section, including at either end of every station and at additional strategic locations. Vimesshen Ravindran, Senior Mechanical Engineer at ATC Systemwide, said: “The lightweight construction of the Ladder Up® Safety Posts ensured the installation process was quick and easy, resulting in no unforeseen issues on site. When the system retracts, the high quality spring-balance and convenient lever release provides a controlled means of lowering into its retracted position. This delivers enhanced ease of operation, ensuring long term suitability and usability for the engineers when undertaking future maintenance tasks. “The Ladder Up® Safety Posts will play an essential role in ensuring the central section of the Elizabeth line continues to run at the highest standard, so it was crucial we specified access solutions that would facilitate the continued maintenance of the line, safely and efficiently.” The telescopic tubular section automatically locks when fully extended, while the adjustable mounting hardware accommodates any ladder rung size or spacing. The corrosion resistant construction can also withstand the demanding environment of the London underground system, ensuring its successful operation for years to come. Darren Waters, Managing Director of Bilco UK, said: “We are extremely proud to have been involved in the UK’s high profile Crossrail infrastructure project and have worked closely with McNealy Brown and ATC Systemwide throughout every stage of the specification and installation stages. “This has ensured our unique Ladder Up® Safety Posts have fulfilled each individual requirement of the central section of the Elizabeth line, from security and ease of usability, right through to long term durability. We look forward to seeing the completion of the Crossrail project as our innovative access solutions play a vital role in ensuring its safe and successful operation.” Aiming to make travelling throughout the capital easier, quicker and less crowded for passengers, the Elizabeth line will not only reduce the strain on London’s transport network but transform the way passengers experience and interact with the city and its suburbs.

In this case study, taken from Episode 30: Civic, Community & Culture - Well-being focused acoustical design - Adam Cossey - Hawkins\Brown we look at the growing trend for well-being, and the interrelated role of acoustics, in the design and build of commercial offices, educational libraries and town halls; with Adam Cossey, Partner at Hawkins\Brown. Adam shares his experiences working on:●    The new University of Bristol Library - a world class facility for all, to support and enhance the services offered by the University’s broader library and study centres network. It will strengthen the University’s ability to provide high quality study spaces, programmes and events, and services to reach out to an increasing number of new students, researchers and academics.●    The Grade II listed Waltham Forest Town Hall and Assembly Hall, along with the surrounding landscape, which recently, have sensitively been transformed into a place where council staff, local business and residents come together. 

In 2018, BioInnovation Institute constructed its new facility in Copenhagen. They required 2.300 square meters of lab space. This was needed to help life science startups accelerate their research. They therefore sought a laboratory that could adapt to the individual startups. The solution to their problem was Broen-Lab's Quick Connect system which would make it easy to move and change around on the setup without having to resort to a professional doing it for them, they could do it themselves instead. Broen-Lab's Quick Connection system not only makes the tables movable with the quick attachment of hoses from the roof panels to the table but also allows it to switch out the outlet between Regulators, Flowmeter, and more. Broen-Lab's Quick Connection is a need in a state-of-the-art laboratory that must be ready for the ever-changing world of laboratories and the industry.Click HERE for Broen-Lab's Quick Connect brochure.Click HERE to read more about Broen-Lab's Quick Connect systems.Click HERE to read more about Broen-Lab's flexible laboratories.

A classic Parisian apartment is benefitting from the thermal effectiveness of the introduction of the innovative ultra-thin Spacetherm® WL insulation.Located in the 11th arrondissement in the heart of Paris on Boulevard Voltaire and overlooking the Place de la Republique, the two-bedroom, 135sqm apartment was built in the Hausmann style. Hausmann’s renovation of Paris was part of a major programme commissioned by Emperor Napoléon III in the late 19th century, resulting in the distinctive appearance of the wide avenues, parks and squares which have become associated with this beautiful city.Property owner Keirnan Murphy has made a significant investment in the renovation of the apartment to improve overall comfort, energy efficiency and to reduce heating costs.Keirnan explains, “The solid stone walls, whilst adding to the building’s charm, result in heating inefficiencies and higher heating costs. During summer the stone walls warm during the day, retaining and radiating heat throughout the night. In winter, the solid walls cool down leading to a huge increase in heating costs.We undertook lots of research on solutions for green and energy-efficient renovations. In the research, we considered products available within France and as well as those available internationally. The Spacetherm WL aerogel insulation from the A. Proctor Group was a perfect choice for the apartment. At just 13mm thickness, the Spacetherm WL fits inside the lip of our cornices, which average about 20mm. Typically the walls of these older properties are not completely flat and so the option of an ultra-thin insulation was critical. Most alternatives were thicker and would not have worked.We are very pleased with the results and we noticed that when leaning up against the Spacetherm WL you can feel your back warm against the insulation. The A. Proctor Group were extremely helpful in addressing all the questions from the architect and ourselves. They also provided comprehensive support and guidance to our builder on the installation.”Spacetherm WL is a high-performance laminate specifically designed to be fixed to the internal surfaces of existing solid walls without the need for mechanical fixings. Spacetherm WL consists of Spacetherm aerogel insulation blanket bonded to 3mm Magnesium Board (MgO), for use in applications where improved thermal performance is required with limited space.Typically, a solid wall will have a U value of around 2.1 W/m2K. Following the application of Spacetherm WL, this can be reduced to around 0.8 W/m2K, dependent on the wall structure.

Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen is located at Herlev Hospital and is specialized in the treatment, research and prevention of diabetes as well as in the training of healthcare personnel in the field of diabetes. The new diabetes centre expects to treat 13,000 diabetes patients per year.The beautiful new diabetes hospital was designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter and Mikkelsen Arkitekter. The architecture supports the vision for Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen as Northern Europe’s largest and most modern diabetes centre, offering world-class patient treatment and research.It has been important that the architecture should be health-promoting, so it feels like stepping into a large and different landscape when you visit the Steno Center. The building and the beautiful architect designed landscape outside are closely woven together and create a stimulating whole that creates cohesion and wholeness that at the same time invites movement. The common area is designed for patients, relatives and staff. The area’s activities are organized around smaller local squares, each of which forms the framework for the centre’s central themes: diet, exercise and new knowledge.Steno Diabetes Center is built with the changing of the seasons in mind, with the large window surfaces that create a fine and beautiful contact with the varying and changing landscape outside as the year progresses. In winter, the snow will create a contrast to the building’s warm interior. And in the summer, the changing colour play of the planting will give the building an experience-rich and diverse interior.The house aims for the hospital feeling to be absent as far as possible, and for natural materials to dominate – wooden floors, wooden ceilings and green courtyards, which almost seep into the building, supporting a well-functioning indoor climate, a material quality, homely texture and Nordic atmosphere. All with the aim of increasing patients’ desire to stay at the Steno Center and learn about possible lifestyle changes, expand their network and continue their treatment.Hudevad has supplied the radiators for the entire building, where one of the purposes has been to prevent cold drafts from the large window surfaces while at the same time maintain a view of nature outside. For this, Integral Lowline without convectors has been used to make cleaning easy, ensure a high level of hygiene and at the same time maintain an unobstructed view. In corridor areas, Integral Horizontal has been used built into niches, painted in the same colour as the walls to create a sense of wholeness, symmetry and spaciousness.

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

Parallel opening window vents by Kawneer were specified for a mental health project that is arguably without parallel. Some 88 AA®100 SSG parallel opening vents were used as concealed windows, to maintain the same aesthetic as the façade, within AA®100 mullion-drained curtain walling and AA®720 doors on the new £40 million London headquarters of the world-famous Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.The Kawneer systems at the Anna Freud Centre were specified by architects Penoyre & Prasad as they were a “cost-effective” solution to their needs and enabled them to use the same systems for all areas of curtain walling and rooflights. The project has enabled the relocation of the mental healthcare charity to bring together its global expertise in practice, research and policy under one roof from its residential properties in Hampstead to a purpose-built facility near King’s Cross. This comprises a six-storey new-build and the refurbishment of a century-old former chocolate factory and warehouse.

Hard landscaping designed by Stride Treglown, who were keen on creating a modern contemporary feel. The School of Management’s new building is located at Claverton Down Campus.Xflo Plaza permeable paving creates a soft crisp look perfect for the aesthetic of the school along with the added benefits of durability to weather well and even improve with age. Over 3,200m2 of Plaza Lakrids, Birkes, Salt and Pepper in sizes 170/255x170x80 and 200x100x80 were delivered to site.Xflo permeable paving solutions is a highly effective, sustainable method of dealing with storm water control. Our Xflo Permeable Paving Solutions® are designed to mimic the natural movement of storm water and replace conventional storm water drainage systems.Professor Steve Brammer, Dean of the School of Management, said: “It’s extremely exciting to be moving into this wonderful new facility. I can’t wait to see this space foster dynamic and engaging new research, teaching and collaboration for many years to come.”‘The building integrates beautifully with the rest of the campus’ – Natasha BirkBSc International Management.

A unique £46.5 million redevelopment on London’s Regent Street by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects has created a stunning mixed-use building which incorporates Armourcoat polished plaster decorative finishes. The project for the Crown Estate, working within the confines of an historic grade II listed site, has produced an efficient and sustainable building with flagship retail space and prime office space.Over 400m2 of Armourcoat Spatulata polished plaster was applied to achieve the seamless finish to walls and ceilings in the reception area. The finish is achieved using a superfine stucco paste that is trowel applied in a series of fine layers to create a highly polished decorative surface. Sustainability has been central in the design of W4, achieving an ‘excellent’ sustainability rating under BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), which measures the environmental impact of buildings. In keeping with the eco specification, Armourcoat polished plaster contains 40% pre-consumer recycled marble and no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Photography © Rob Parrish