"rytons building products ltd"

A case study highlighting how Rytons Tailor-made service produced a bespoke ducting adaptor for Ballymore Properties prestigious Embassy Gardens development in London.

Lukehurst furniture shop required a much-needed facelift to attract local customers and ensure the building was suitable to host the family business for years to come. Working with Apex Façades Ltd and James Hardie, this became a reality. As a well-known fitter of Hardie® products, Apex Facades knew that there was a safe and affordable solution available for this project. Apex worked with the owner of the business, providing our free to order samples to help them decide which product and colour scheme most suited their style and brand. 

VICTORIA VIEWS - ARUNDEL CRESCENT DEVELOPMENTS, PLYMOUTH CLIENT: TIMBER PAK (SW) LTD PRODUCTS USED: PROTECT TF200 THERMO PROTECT TF INTERFOIL PROTECT VC FOIL ULTRA THE CHALLENGE Timber PAK (SW) Ltd, a specialist in closed panel timber frame manufacture from a dedicated factory in Ivybridge, Devon, was given the contract to construct the apartments in structural timber. This involved the production of closed and insulated wall panels, followed by delivery and installation on-site, ensuring strict build tolerances and timescales were met.

Oakland Mews is a 21-plot residential development set within the village of Strumpshaw, Norfolk. Based on the site of a former factory, this high-quality development of detached and semi-detached dwellings delivers modern, spacious living, respectfully designed and crafted to the very highest specification using quality materials, including Hampton Rural Blend brick and Cradley Brick Specials, produced by Forterra.Aware of the site’s historic significance and agricultural location, the contractor, Total Build East Anglia Ltd, committed to using traditional materials and building methods that were in keeping with the area and delivered on its vision to bring an appealing and exclusive development to Strumpshaw.Total Build East Anglia Ltd consulted building materials supplier MKM Building Supplies Norwich to help find the appropriate bricks and tiles for the houses. It wanted a traditional red-brick style, which matched the look of a former factory that occupied the site previously and preserved the area’s heritage. Total Build selected the stock-thrown Hampton Rural Blend brick for the facing brick walls. The rustic red brick, tarnished with blackened flashes, perfectly complements the slate grey Cradley Brick Specials copings and cappings, and the dark timber cladding on the properties.Hampton Rural Blend is part of Forterra’s Ecostock range of pressed and thrown bricks manufactured at its Measham factory, which uses ground-breaking technology in sustainability and production efficiency to deliver advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.“An old factory used to be on the site of the development,” said Jason Hilldrup, Brick, Block, Tile and Architectural Masonry Specialist at MKM Norwich. “It was an attractive, traditional red-brick building, directors Andy Brown and Lindsey George of Total Build wanted to ensure the new development was in keeping with what had been there previously.“We reviewed some options together, looking for a brick that looked old and traditional, and they went for the Hampton Rural Blend facing brick and black-slate coloured Cradley Specials copings and cappings. The combination of the two flowed together nicely, and for the price and style, the bricks ticked all their boxes. The bricklayers and cream-coloured mortar choices have been great too. It’s come together really nicely, creating a fantastic site that has modern touches but keeps the traditional style.”

Job: Restoration of Norman CastleProduct: SMET NHL 5 BinderDescriptionSMET NHL 5 Binder was specially selected for the restoration works in this historic Norman Castle and Tower.  Rainey Restoration Ltd used our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar.SMET NHL 5 is a high-quality, pure, Natural Hydraulic Lime binder, produced under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems to EN 459-1. The eminent hydraulic strength development of SMET NHL 5 makes it suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, plastering base coats, and limecrete in extreme weather environments and exposed areas.  An eminently hydraulic lime binder for the production of mortars particularly suited for ecological new build, restoration, and preservation works in extreme weather environments and exposed areas. The product’s special composition allows the mortar product to breathe and also permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.NHL binders, available directly in-store and online via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.Our restoration and preservation NHL is available from Haldane Fisher online. Superior quality combined with exceptional technical support and aftercare, are the key drivers in the selection of SMET natural conservation products.ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 accredited Smet Building Products Ltd, demonstrating – once again – best practices in supporting Smet Supported Partners in Natural Hydraulic Lime products.

Smet Supported Partner, Fast Floor Screed pump applied SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the retrofit of this large house in Dalkey Co Dublin. This lightweight screed is ideal for renovation projects where loading is an issue. LiteFlo® is a high-quality, innovative, pumpable factory produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate.German-made LiteFlo® is unique, in that it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed. Made from specially selected aggregates, makes it 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and therefore 70% lighter than traditional sand & cement – ultimately this means less is required per m2. Another plus is that screed made from Calcium Sulphate has naturally substantially lower embodied carbon emissions than a sand and cement screed.LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Smet Building Products Ltd in partnership with Fast Floor Screed Ltd, demonstrates, once again, a superior level of customer service, both pre and after-care. Whether your job is self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation, design, commercial, or an industrial venture – the flooring gurus have a floor compound suitable for you.Contact Smet Building Products Ltd 

TDS SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedAftercare SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedSMET Floor Screeds and Compounds Product SelectorWe supplied Pier Contractors Ltd with SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the renovation job in Old Admiralty Building Refurb in London. The product supplied to help deliver the project is a high-quality pumpable, factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate.German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available. Made from specially selected aggregates - means it’s 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and can be laid in reduced thicknesses. The screed offers a high yield, 43kg per m2 @ 40mm.SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is a high-quality, innovative, pumpable factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate. Made from specially selected aggregates, makes it 70% lighter than traditional sand & cement – ultimately this means less is required per m2.LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

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

As part of the regeneration programme within the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Olympic Village (now known as the multiple award-winning East Village) was designed to house the athletes based on reusing the buildings after the games as a new residential district for Stratford.The 67 acres site, provided for 11 residential plots, each made up of 5 to 7 blocks, built around communal squares and courtyards, with water features accentuating the proximity of the River Lea.Radmat Building Products provided the waterproofing system and the MedO Extensive living green roofs on much of the apartments, to provide a low maintenance and self-sustaining plant community. Working with expert horticulturalists, Radmat Building Products have developed the MedO range of living green roofing systems. All systems are suitable for both new and refurbishment projects and are constructed using the appropriate drainage board, filter fleece and growing medium for the planting required.

Job:Wilton House BelfastSmet Supported Partner:Kelly Bros Contracting for Poplar Investments LtdProducts:bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coatbauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/PlasterRelated DownloadsTDS CASEA bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim CoatTDS CASEA bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime Based Render/PlasterEPD – CASEA bauprocalc 830SMET and Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureCLEAN WALL® BrochureDescriptionbauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coat and bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/Plaster was selected for the internal plastering and external render in the renovation of this important historical building in Belfast. Principal building contractor, Kelly Bros. on behalf of Poplar Investments Ltd was tasked with this mammoth renovation project which comprised 15 Luxury Apartments, in-situ concrete frame, brick and render & Zinc standing seam Facade, completed with a flat roof.WHY USE LIME-BASED RENDER AND PLASTER?SMET’s bauprocalc products are CE-marked, factory-produced hydraulic hardening skim coat plasters and render based on lime, specially designed for hand and machine application produced to DIN EN 998-1. bauprocalc KG and bauprocalc 830 contribute to a healthy internal atmosphere. They are an excellent alternative to plaster and renders containing gypsum or patent cement that have less vapour permeable qualities.They are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where high humidity levels are expected. bauprocalc KG produces a mortar that is softer than cement mortar. After the initial set, stability and strength gradually build up over time, allowing enough flexibility to cope with minor settlement or movement in the building during this period, thereby reducing the risk of cracking.bauprocalc 830 has unique properties, making it suitable for application on low, medium and high-density substrates, especially suited for the renovation of old /listed buildings and ecological new builds. Good vapour permeability performance allows an unhindered transference of excess internal moisture through the building to the outside, thereby contributing significantly to a balanced and healthy internal atmosphere.SMET is delighted to have supplied its bauprocalc plaster and render for the lime rendering and plastering of Wilton House, helping Poplar Investments Ltd & Kelly Bros transform the 19th-century Belfast city centre building into unique, hotel-like, serviced apartments. Michael Brannigan from Poplar Investments said, “Historical features are preserved not only in the appearance of the building but also in the actual buildup, which was exemplified by the use of lime plaster as it was done 200 years ago to ensure wall breathability” (Source: NB 32-4).Check out SMET’s range of lime and lime-based products available from Smet Building Products Ltd.

The British Museum opened its doors in 1759. Now home to some 8 million works from a number of different cultures, the museum stands as an iconic London attraction. The Museum made the decision in November 2013 to replace the restaurant’s old flooring, as it could no longer handle the vast number of visitors. W B Simpson Ltd, was the chosen tiling contractor to complete the new installation. Marc Poland, Director at W B Simpson Ltd said “The architect consulting on this project specified we use ARDEX UK’s products. Their high performance adhesives are typically the preferred choice of architects.”

SMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration works in Dechomet Cemetry, Moneyslane.  Rainey Restoration Ltd used our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar. The selective hydraulic strength development of NHL binders makes them particularly suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, and plastering on historical buildings and monuments.NHL binders, available directly from SMET and online or in-store via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This Restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

When it comes to refurbishing a landmark as historic and luxurious as the Old War Office, every detail counts. The selection of Access Building Products Access Panels for this prestigious project is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, design, and functionality.The Project: A Blend of History and LuxuryFast forward to today, the Grade II listed Old War Office building, which has been closed to the public for more than a century, has undergone a magnificent transformation. The building has been re-imagined and redeveloped into a luxury hotel and residences, bringing a new lease of life to this historic site. This transformation demanded products that could match its grandeur while maintaining its historic charm.The Challenge: Balancing Aesthetics and FunctionalityEvery customer wants their access panels to seamlessly blend with the interior design, ensuring that the necessary utility access points don’t detract from the building’s aesthetic appeal. This was a critical consideration for such a historical building.The Result: A Seamless Fusion of History and ModernitySupplying a range of discreet steel and plaster in style access panels in the Old War Office refurbishment was a resounding success. These panels not only met the practical requirements but also added to the overall aesthetic, creating a harmonious blend of historic elegance and modern luxury.The Old War Office now stands as a shining example of how to preserve historical charm while incorporating modern necessities. This project has further cemented Access Building reputation as a reliable provider of high-quality access panels, capable of meeting the demands of even the most prestigious refurbishment projects.In conclusion, when history meets luxury, it’s essential to make the right choices. And in the case of the Old War Office refurbishment, Access Building Products Access Panels were the perfect choice.

The Tate Modern’s Switch House is a new pyramid-shaped tower is built above the former power station’s subterranean oil tanks. The extension, which can be seen as you approach from the north, comprises ten floors that become incrementally smaller towards the top of the tower and culminates in a spectacular public roof terrace. Visitors to the roof are rewarded with 360-degree views of the river Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline, and you can see as far as Tower Bridge, the Old Bailey and Wembley Stadium.Radmat Building Products supplied a waterproofing solution to roof and viewing platform on the newly opened extension.

SMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration of the Donegal Parish Church.  Rainey Restoration Ltd selected our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar. The selective hydraulic strength development of NHL binders makes them particularly suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, and plastering on historical buildings and monuments. Rainey completed a full restoration program on the Donegal Parish spire and tower with all masonry joints being raked out and repointed with this hydraulic lime mortar. In addition, there were a number of stone indents, stone replacements, and stone repairs.NHL binders, available directly from SMET and nationwide online or in-store via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

Ilona Rose House with its unusual rose-coloured 3D printed façade is a new-build, mixed-use project spread over 13 floors, including a 4 storey, basement with a quarter natural light. It has transformed the former site of the famous Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road, boasting outstanding new shops and restaurants, along with new pedestrian walkways, public realm and roof terraces.The unique building has been designed by MATT Architecture for main contractors Sir Robert McAlpine and offers 150,000 sq ft of office space, 20,000 sq ft of retail fronting on Charing Cross Road and a brand-new public courtyard with 15,000 sq ft of restaurant and bar space.The upper floors comprising of offices exploit the stepped massing of the building to create over 12,000 sq ft of planted external terraces for the benefit of the occupiers and to enhance the environment.The south-west facing terraces, nicknamed ‘the hanging gardens of Soho’ will provide external amenity space for every single level of office. It is here that Radmat’s waterproofing and insulation products were chosen for their tried and trusted properties. PermaQuik Hot Melt Bitumen Waterproofing System was used on 95% of the roof areas, multiple roof terraces, Greek Street Tunnel and James’ Courtyard.

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

Smet Supported Partner, NRS Group machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M - Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.If you'd like to speak to us about your Lidl job - contact SMET on.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

When Ace Kind Ltd was asked to refurbish and retile the shower and changing facilities at the prestigious Shifnal Golf Club, they were expecting a fairly straightforward job. However, Adrian Holt, a director of the Staffordshire-based building contractors, had no idea that the original plasterboard had started to disintegrate behind the tiles. When the contractor highlighted the problem to golf club managers they were given the go-ahead to replace the plasterboard, but rather than repeat the mistakes of the past Ace Kind opted to use Hardie® Backer board.

The Challenge Commissioned in north London in 2010, this new-build project within a conservation area needed to be discrete and respectful to fit in with the surrounding environment.The SolutionForterra’s Dark Moroccan Smooth Butterley Brick was used to adhere to the necessary requirements along with a pitched roof and flush and square bay windows.The BenefitsThe post-modernist build respects the immediate environment with regard to both material and form.This build was shortlisted for the 2017 BDA Brick Awards in the Individual Housing Development category.

Originally an anonymous, almost forbidding, seven-storey office block constructed in the 1980s, York House on Pentonville Road in Islington is being transformed into a contemporary, light-filled co-working space fit for 21st century use.The original building frontage was set back from the road, but the addition of a new five-story front extension introduces an attractive double-height entrance with offices above. Using similar engineering bricks to the main, original building, the new construction allows light to flood in through the use of structurally self-supporting perforated brick lattice, angled at 45 degrees to gain stiffness. A cross-laminated timber structure sits behind while openable windows allow fresh air to circulate.At roof level, a new, cross-laminated timber structure, clad in a perforated zig-zag aluminium screen, echoes the front extension while softening the building edge.The brick selected for the project was a Blue Brindle Smooth – a high quality smooth brick that closely matched the masonry of the original building. The complexity of the lattice work structure required special shapes of brick and perforation to allow visibility through the bricks at the right points. Working closely with the architect, it took the team nine months of developing and testing to get the strength of the product right. Three lengths of brick were produced and used in the construction of the extension: 215s were used in the building of the chevron parapet, 345s were used on the parapet and alongside the entrance, and 440s were used to create the latticework on the main entrance.We are proud to announce that York House was highly commended at the 2019 Brick Awards in the Innovation category and is a great example of a collaborative approach with our customers.

The ChallengeThe design of two new two-storey, four-bedroomed homes with integral garages on the outskirts of Burnham village, Slough, was to be derived from the historical and varied architectural character of the surrounding area.The SolutionPROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILIt was important that the houses were not visually obtrusive in terms of height and detail. Their traditionally pitched roofs incorporate attractive half gable ends, and the front elevation includes detailed brickwork, stone cills and window heads.Forterra’s Hampton Rural Blend brick from the Ecostock range was selected for the build.The BenefitsEcostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.

Teesside University’s Greig Building, named in honour of the founding father of computer science Bill Greig, is the home of the university’s Computer and Mathematical Sciences Studies department. When the aged bituminous roof coverings had shown failures including splits, blow holes and crazing, it was of paramount importance that a waterproofing solution could be provided as quickly as possible to prevent the risk of water damage and disruption.The university’s site maintenance team turned to Polyroof for a solution, which started with a detailed survey of the three roof areas totalling 750m2.The ChallengeCore tests taken at appropriate locations throughout the roof areas demonstrated that the existing warm roof build-ups were free from signs of decay. This meant that the roofs could be retained and over-coated with a new waterproofing system allowing for a rapid, minimal-disruption solution.A bespoke specification was put together based on the findings from the Polyroof Survey Report that provided a comprehensive set of recommendations, including remedial instruction for many problematic roof details. With the peace of mind and satisfaction that the various problems on the roof would be solved through Polyroof’s proposals, the client progressed with a tender process that resulted in a successful application by Polyroof Approved Contractor BBR Roofing Ltd.The SolutionPolyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times was chosen as the ideal solution for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application, the works could be carried out during the university’s term times, without having to wait for closure periods between semesters.Works began with the existing asphalt and felt coverings being made good where required, including the levelling and filling of blow holes and cracks with Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. Next, the surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and degreased to provide a sound substrate for the new waterproofing system.Many of the roof perimeters and junctions featured parapet walls which were identified as a potential point of water ingress during the survey. The inner faces and tops were therefore boarded-over with 18mm Polyroof approved plywood which would allow these details to be fully encapsulated with the Protec System, meaning their waterproof integrity would be covered under the new system’s guarantee. Protec can waterproof vertical areas with the greatest of ease due to its thixotropic formulation, which means slumping and running is minimised during application.Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced. After priming surfaces where required, the first coat of Protec was applied and reinforced with PolyMat 450. With its RapidCure technology, the Protec can be walked on and over-coated after only 30-60 minute after applications, meaning large roof areas can be made fully waterproofed within a matter of hours.After the second coat of Protec was applied to complete the waterproofing system, designated maintenance walkways were formed through embedding quartz sand aggregate into a third coat of Protec liquid.Completion and InspectionThe refurbishment of the roof was completed within the client’s target timeframe and budget. Following a final inspection by Polyroof Technical Services, which highlighted quality workmanship of BBR Roofing, the client received Polyroof’s trusted Accredited System Guarantee and now has the peace of mind the roof will be leak-free for decades to come.

GSS designed this superb lecture theatre incorporating our Topakustik 9/2M for the ceiling and wall. The fantastic finish was installed by Titan (Horbury Group) on behalf of Galliford Try installed the Topakustik product between the plaster board sections.

The owner of family business The Fabulous Fascia Company Ltd, Gary has been providing high-quality improvements on homes, schools and commercial properties across East Anglia for years, but says he hasn’t found anything to match the quality and long-lasting results of Hardie® Plank cladding. Five times thicker than vinyl, resistant to fire, moisture, rot, and able to withstand winds of up to 150mph, the product’s maintenance free upkeep appealed to Gary. He believes Hardie® Plank is delivering great visible results for his clients, plus long-lasting reassurance there will be no further outlay on keeping that look.

The ChallengeAn Italian restaurant in central London wanted its ceiling to be the heart of a new design that would be a visual interpretation of contemporary Italian taste.The SolutionDesigned by Andy Martin Architecture, the intricate ceiling was constructed using 32,155 bricks requiring 55 different dimensions to be cut by hand to create a smooth, curved surface.Forterra’s plain Fletton bricks were found to have the necessary smoothness and hardness to accommodate the amount of cutting required.The colour of the bricks was modified by washing with a lime slurry to achieve a soft, elegant but rustic surface.The BenefitsVisually striking, the sculptural ceiling adds to the dining experience.The project was shortlisted in the 2017 BDA Brick Awards in the Innovative Use of Brick and Clay Products category. Fucina was awarded Best London Restaurant and Best UK Restaurant at the 2017 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.

The ChallengeSituated in the Rye Lane conservation area in Peckham, South London, the four to seven storey mixed-use development in Rye Green – comprising 27 residential units laid out across six floors, with two retail units on the ground floor – would provide affordable housing for people in the community who are most in need.The scheme had to consider two elements, the first being the redevelopment of the frontage building (Rye Lane) with the retention of its façade, and the second being the six-storey (with set-back seven-storey) block to the rear, on the site of the existing fish warehouse.The SolutionThe architectural design of this residential development incorporates traditional and modern features with an existing brick façade.PROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILThe seven-storey block is rectangular in form and has been built with a striking yellow facingbrick with protruding red brick paneling. The contrast between red and yellow brickwork is exaggerated with the introduction of green glaze facing brickwork at street level. This change in texture and brick finish works well with the local vernacular.The new second and third floor additions are set back from the retained frontage.The design is simple and functional, and the specified fabric responds to the historic character of the conservation area.Three facing bricks from Butterley Brick were selected for the build. Arden Special Reserve, a red, light textured brick, and buff Village Harvest Multi – also light textured – were used as the facing material for the main body of the buildings. Wilncote Blue Smooth, a dark toned brick. was used to define the base of the buildings. The set-back top floor of the seven-storey block is clad in zinc shingles to reflect its roof-like character.The BenefitsThe high quality development, together with its associated external landscaping, has contributed positively to its place in Peckham.Butterley Brick offers a range of high quality facing bricks manufactured from locally sourced raw materials; the range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification. The bricks contribute to thermal mass and can be recycled at the end of their use.

SMET supplied SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for a timber suspended floor, in a self-build set in the idyllic district of Ballymena. Smet LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is a high-quality, innovative, pumpable factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate. German-made, SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is unique, in that it’s the first-available, pumpable lightweight flowing screed. Made from specially selected aggregates, which make it 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and 70% lighter than Sand & Cement - means less is required per m2. Another plus is that that screed made from Calcium Sulphate has naturally substantially lower embodied carbon emissions than a sand and cement screed.LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article. Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Innovative SMET LiteFlo® is particularly suitable for use in timber-frame builds, suspended timber floors, tower blocks, apartments, and high-rise buildings. SMET demonstrates best practice in construction partnerships - providing a superior level of customer service to their Smet Supported Partners during the installation process.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

Manthorpe Building Products have been making subtle but effective modifications to their pioneering Swift Brick designed in conjunction with the RSPB and Barratt Developments Plc.

The transformative effect of creative brickwork.A modern, five-storey building in London’s Fitzrovia that once paled in comparison to some of its more elegant neighbours is now arguably the street’s most striking resident.The Interlock is an outstanding example of what is possible when architect and clay brick manufacturer put their heads together.Forterra’s Technical team worked with architect Bureau de Change, drawing the building’s new façade brick for brick to ensure technical possibility and aesthetic ambitions aligned. It then fell to the team at Forterra’s Cradely Special Bricks facility to design and produce the bricks.Guided by 1: 1 templates the complex construction took three months to complete, as each of the 5,000 bespoke Etruria Clay Blue bricks was painstakingly laid to form the three-dimensional, interlocking pattern.We are proud to announce that The Interlock won three awards at the 2019 Brick Awards. The project won the prestigious Architects’ Choice award along with also winning in the Innovation and Small Housing Development categories.This project is a great example of a collaborative approach with our customers.

Timber frame specialist Seven Oaks Modular Ltd was awarded the contract to construct wall panels in their factory for this development, followed by delivery and installation on-site with the need to ensure the client met the target U-value of 0.19W/m²K for the wall.

The ChallengeThe village of Ewerby sits within the heart of the Lincolnshire Fens, amidst a heavy farming community highlighted and punctuated by the local architecture.Historically, Lincolnshire villages produced their own, indigenous facing bricks from brick pits, and most farm buildings and tied cottages within this community are constructed from Ewerby Yellow facing brick. Together with local Ancaster limestone and handcrafted clay pantiles, this forms the pallet of materials that are considered indicative of the local vernacular architecture. As such, careful consideration needed to be given to the choice of materials used in building The Elms.The SolutionCombining existing detailing and colourings gave architects D.B. Lawrence Associates a strong initial concept for their first stage design process. Sourcing bricks and materials that blend with their surroundings can be challenging, but they were successful in achieving this for The Elms.A yellow stock brick sourced from Forterra was an important part of the concept. The brick was used alongside the use of local Lincolnshire limestone quarried seven miles away at Ancaster. Handmade clay pantiles were sourced to match existing roof tiles.The brickwork was constructed in English Bond to achieve the desired aesthetic and reflect the existing surrounding outbuildings.Complementary Stone quoins, cills and heads together with dog-tooth oversailing courses to the eaves and verges were also used.The brick chosen was Ardleigh Yellow Stock Brick from Ecostock. Ecostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.The BenefitsThe overall intention of the dwelling is to replicate a barn, and careful thought and detailing to the large openings have helped to create the desired effect.When approaching the village of Ewerby from Thorpe, the barn gives the impression of having been there for years, not months. The build has successfully fulfilled the requirements of the planners, and the client has contributed an inspiring development worthy of the village.

Located in the heart of Central London, Bloomberg L.P.’s stunning new European headquarters is now operational. Located in the heart of London between the Bank of England and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the building had to meet modern-day efficiency expectations while establishing itself as a notable visual icon within such constantly developing and advancing city.Radmat and Prater were contracted to supply and deliver the installation of the waterproofing and thermal insulation to parts of the building, most notably its green/biodiverse roof.

The ChallengeTo fund necessary improvements to the existing school and the build of a new junior school, a school in Saffron Walden decided to commission a development of 76 new homes on part of its site.The site needed to include a range of housing from one-bedroom flats up to five-bedroom detached houses, as well as flats and small houses specifically designed for the over-55 market.The SolutionForterra’s Hampton Rural Blend Ecostock Brick was used throughout the development, reflecting the neighbouring environment while enhancing the intrinsic qualities of the site.The BenefitsThe palette of materials within this development is traditional but the detailing is modern and confident. The development won a RIBA National Award in 2016.

Also the largest public cultural space in Europe, the new 35,000m² Library of Birmingham replaces the old Central Library and is seen by Birmingham City Council as a flagship project for the redevelopment of the city.Designed by architects Mecanoo, working with multi-discipline engineers Buro Happold and main contractor Carillion, the multi-tiered roof of the library features two garden terraces which have both contributed to the BREEAM Excellent rating.Radmat Approved Contractor Prater delivered a roofing solution that is BBA Certified to last ‘the life of the building’. Consisting of Radmat PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt Monolithic waterproofing membrane, root resistant Cap Sheet and ProTherm inverted roof insulation, the entire roof was electronically tested for integrity prior to the installation of aluminum powder coated cappings to the perimeter roof upstands.Once the installation of the 7,500m. of PermaQuik PQ6100 roofing system on the roof and ground level podium deck was signed off by a Radmat Technical Adviser, Prater brought in specialist green roof contractor Frost Landscapes. They then carried out the installation of the complex intensive green roofs, at levels 3 and 7, which were created to attract local wildlife and to offer visitors a pleasant environment to enjoy all year round.Combining durability and flexibility with independent verification of life expectancy and a market leading guarantee the PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt Monolithic waterproofing system is set to deliver exceptional performance befitting of the uniquely designed structure which has set a remarkably high standard for library design.With Radmat’s high performance roofing solution providing weathertight protection for years to come, the Library of Birmingham looks set to not only form the catalyst for further regeneration within the city but also how future libraries are designed and perceived by the user.

The ChallengeA derelict area of West Timperley, Altrincham, which had been subject to numerous acts of vandalism and had become a local eyesore, was to be demolished and replaced by 62 new, residential dwellings comprising 33 family homes – 20 three-bed, 11 four-bed and two five-bed houses – and a further 12 one-bed and 17 two-bed apartments.The SolutionForterra’s Carsington Cream brick was selected to meet the requirements of the design and to add a sense of quality and solidity to the area.The BenefitsThe new development creates a high-quality environment, which builds on the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. It has proven a welcome addition to the area and has helped to attract further investment.