"rytons building products ltd"

The brief for this award-winning home was “modern, different and energy efficient”, and the Architect certainly delivered! The owners of this striking new home in Lincolnshire had travelled extensively abroad and become very appreciative of modern architectural design. Returning to live in the UK, they recognised the opportunity to build their new home in a style and to a standard of their choosing, rather than accept the standard packages offered by the mainstream housebuilders. Having visited a Passivhaus project near Lincoln, they concluded their new home should be as energy efficient as possible within the budget.

The ChallengeTramways is a 402-bedroomed new build student accommodation complex for Chester University. It comprises 356 en-suite cluster rooms and 56 en-suite studios incorporating communal kitchens and living rooms.The development was to be split into five blocks of accommodation, with each block between three and five storeys in height.The SolutionForterra’s Dark Multi Smooth and County Multi Smooth bricks were selected for the project’s facing brickwork. Used alongside zinc wall cladding, these red bricks helped to create interest and variety in the external appearance of each of the five blocks.Part of Forterra’s Butterley range of bricks they are both smooth, wirecut bricks. While County Multi Smooth is a fully red brick, Dark Multi Smooth introduces elements of blue.The BenefitsThe juxtaposition of the metallic cladding with the red and blue facing brickwork ensures the Tramways development offers its own, unique architectural interest while at the same time complementing the local built environment of this part of Chester.

Ashton Under Lyne - Town Centre Public Realm (2000m2)Project Description: Ashton Under Lyne’s town centre was transformed with £10.8m of levelling up funding. A transformational & bold project ensuring Ashton’s historic market square is future proofed and fit for modern market needs. New paving means the square is accessible and safe for all visitors and residents. Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is the preferred option for laying paving. Product Showcase: Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is a collection of high-performance mortars for the construction of pavements. The products are specifically formulated to exceed performance characteristics, as set out in BS 7533. Products used:            ·  FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete - Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units. ·  PS Eco Priming Slurry - Applied to the underside of all paving units to create an exceptional bond to FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete. ·  FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar - Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.               ·  EM Epoxy Mortar - A three-part pack solvent-free epoxy resin mortar - perfectly suited for areas where exceptional strength and bond are required. For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

The ChallengeThe former Gourock Ropeworks building on the banks of the River Clyde had been refurbished back in 2006. As part of a multi-million-pound regeneration from the Scottish government, Forterra supplied 170,000 bricks to the site adjacent to the Ropeworks for 41 new social homes.The design of the four-storey blocks of residential apartments was to tie in with the original design of the former Gourock Ropeworks.The SolutionForterra’s Farmstead Antique brick type was put forward for the build owing to its highly textured face and warm appearance, which sat well with the tone and texture of brickwork in the surrounding properties.The BenefitsSteve Nicolson, Area Sales Manager for Forterra, said, “The Farmstead Antique was a good match to the local vernacular, and is also pretty hard-wearing, which made it very suitable for this location on the banks of one of the longest rivers in Scotland, as it will need to withstand the elements.”Adelle Jess, Project Architect for JM Architecture, said, “Due to the site being located within the historic curtilage of a listed building, the development needed to provide a strong frontage to Bay Street with fenestration, proportion and material finishes relative to the context in which it sits.”“Forterra Farmstead Antique was selected as the main finish to the buildings so as to tie in with the existing surroundings and contribute to the overall design concept of a modern interpretation of the site’s industrial past.”

Location: Haberdashers’ Askes’ Boys’ School Pre-Prep Building, Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3AFProject type: EducationProject Cost: £7mProduct: Fascia SoffitFinish:  RAL 7044 Matt Silk GreyProduct: 101.6mm Rainwater PipeFinish: RAL 7033 Matt Cement GreyFire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Architect: IID ArchitectsContractor: Volker Fitzpatrick LtdSub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd Photography: Andy Stagg Photography

The ChallengeA new development of 15 individually designed four and five-bedroomed homes set in over four acres of mature woodlands in Nottingham.Each home in this secluded development was to be built over three storeys and designed and styled with the latest contemporary finishes, both inside and out. With a gated entrance, the private development is set down into its own valley, but still has breath-taking views of the city.The SolutionForterra’s Mandarin Mixture and Yorkshire Red Blend Butterley Bricks were chosen to meet the development’s high specification requirements. The properties were economically designed with underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, and a high level of insulation to keep running costs down.The BenefitsIncluding the latest interior finishes, each home also offers something different, from cinema rooms to beautifully landscaped terraces.

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

The facade of Rollercoaster House is made up of render, a curtain wall system and Hardie® Plank cladding. It is the first time that site manager David Tomlinson has worked with the product, who states that the coastal environment conditions were the main factor when deciding which type of cladding to use. ‘With timber, David says, ‘however good a product you are going to get, it wouldn’t have had the same lifespan as Hardie® Plank at the end of the day. PVC discolours, especially the darker colours, but I am expecting and hoping that Hardie® Plank will stand the test of time.’

Job: Restoration of cottage dating from 1764 in Ardglass Golf ClubProduct: SMET NHL 3.5 BinderRelated DownloadsTDS SMET NHL 3.5SMET / Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureSMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration works internal restoration of an old 1764 cottage found on the 7th hole of historic Ardglass Golf Club. This will be an added attraction for members and the many overseas visitors alike when coming to play Ardglass.Our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 was used to produce a superior-quality lime mortar for repointing and internal restoration.  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 wonderful showcase of sympathetic historic building restorations around the country, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

An architect designed, self-build house with annexe for a multi-generational family built to zero-carbon standards.The scheme’s design is influenced by the architectural vernacular of the area. The surrounding houses are a legacy of the Land Settlement Association scheme, with distinctive mansard roofs, steeply sloping gables and dormer windows, constructed in a simple red brick with terracotta plain tiles.The mansard is reflected in the new house with the roof extending down to form the walls. Instead of terracotta tiles, large format slate has been used to form a modern equivalent. The house is mainly slate tile; however, it was felt important to also reflect local brickwork. As such, brickwork was used for two huge brick-faced chimney stacks that rise through the gable.PROJECT INFOTo form a contrast with the very smooth grey of the slate, a textured red brick with slight colour variation was sought. White mortar lightens the brickwork while recessed mortar joints are used inside to provide shadow to each brick. Perforated brickwork surrounds the stone coping on both chimney stacks, adding visual interest to the building through both the materials and the shadows created by the brickwork perforations.The brick selected was stock thrown Hampton Rural Blend from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish resembling handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.The structure incorporated huge amounts of insulation, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system, and a solar photovoltaic array at the bottom of the garden, along with a ground-source heat pump. These installations will ensure that the house generates more electricity than it could ever use.

We supplied Integrated Flooring Technologies with 2,000m2 SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the new-build hotel in Torpichen Street in Edinburgh. The product supplied helped our Smet Supported Partner, to deliver for the principal contractor, Ogilvie Construction, a high-quality pumpable, 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.Innovative SMET LiteFlo® is particularly suitable and absolutely ideal for application in high-rise buildings, over timber-suspended floors, timber-frame houses, and in new builds and renovations. 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

The ChallengeUntil recently, the Abbey Wood station in the London Borough of Bexley was a small Network Rail station serving the North Kent Line.A project to redevelop it would see it become symbolic not only for its regeneration effect on this part of London, but also as marking the geographical start of Crossrail, the most ambitious and advanced railway network in Europe.The SolutionThe new station, designed by Fereday Pollard Architects, would serve four new lines, including the new Elizabeth Line and South Eastern Rail Services. Ancillary design works include the implementation of an extensive urban realm strategy with Urban Movement, foot bridges and other structures along the 2km project.The design and vision for the station was successfully maintained through all the GRIP stages of this multidisciplinary project.Forterra’s Cradley Linear Bricks in a bespoke colour and size – 30,000 units over 22 different special types – were incorporated into the design. The warm tone of theses 50 x 300mm radial units complement the extensive use of exposed wood for the building’s interior and exterior.Neil McLafferty, Sales Manager for Forterra, said, “The bricks were based on the classic ‘smooth blue’ brick design for their distinctive colouring and size, but were also radial in shape.“This unique finish to the bricks, giving them each a slight camber, resulted in a slight curvature to the completed building, so that it resembled an amphitheatre. The blue bricks are also extremely compact and dense, ensuring they are robust and durable compared to standard bricks.”The BenefitsThe station design has created a new and vibrant architectural focus for Abbey Wood, and a greatly enhanced experience for those using the station.John Attwood, Architect at Fereday Pollard, said, “We opted for linear bricks as they emphasise the horizontal, for what is quite a high building in a residential area, making it more attractive. Using bespoke bricks brings the benefit of a more hard-wearing, robust material for this public building.“The slightly curved, cambered bricks were used specifically to interface with the timber used throughout the construction, while the blue brindle brick colouring also created a pleasing contrast with the timber.”

Sopro RS 648 Vibration Slurry was selected for the LIDL method of tiling which consists of compact-vibration floor tile fixing, in the new LIDL store in Bently, Doncaster. Smet Supported Partner, Core PIC Ltd, selected the superior quality German-made, RS 648 Vibration Slurry for its flexibility as a bonding slurry in the installation of stone and ceramic tiles, making it ideal for using in vibrated floor systems (or indeed conventional methods). The tiling was carried on on behalf of main contractor PDR Construction.In preparing the floor to LIDL spec, the floor screed is placed and struck off to required levels and pre-compacted using a straight edge. The bonding layer, namely Sopro RS 648 vibration slurry, is applied to prepared and pre-compacted floor screed and ceramic tiles are immediately placed with tightly butted joints to LIDL spec.After installation of a vibratable area (10 – 20 m², depending on situation/ambient conditions and resultant setting behaviour of floor screed), a surface vibrator is passed over floor covering and tiles vibrated into the adhesive bed. When sufficiently set, hardened and bonded joints were grouted with Sopro FL 526 Flexible Tile grout.Sopro RS 648 Vibration Slurry is a one-component, fibre-reinforced, polymer-modified, trass-bearing, cementitious bonding and contact slurry. Applied as flexible bonding slurry for installation of stone and ceramic coverings using vibrated floor system or conventional methods. It’s ideal for slurry application technique. Sopro RS 648 is particularly suitable for laying tiles with low water absorption (fully vitrified stoneware). For laying large-format units (30 cm × 60 cm) using vibrated floor system. It can also be used as slurry-applied bonding layer on substrates and on bedding adhesive.Sopro FL 526 Flexible Tile Grout is a flexible, trass-bearing, cementitious tile grout, meeting CG2 WA requirements to DIN EN 13 888. Suitable for grouting ceramic, fully vitrified stoneware, natural and cast stone coverings and glass block assemblies. Rapid set for low-suction tiles, with specially tailored joint-filling properties and first-rate washability (removability). Particularly suitable for balconies, patios and in conjunction with floor heating systems (UFH).The product’s special properties and SMET’s superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing Sopro RS 648 Vibration Slurry and Sopro FL 526 Flexible Tile Grout. Smet Building Products Ltd is committed to delivering high-quality products to the construction of LIDL stores.For more info on our range of SMET Professional Tiling Products.PDR built the new LoF (Lidl of the future) store in Bentley Doncaster. The 23,000 sq/ft store with its striking design will help to increase Lidl’s market share and see their profits continue to rise in the UK. The Bentley store will be PDR’s 10th new build store for Lidl.Related DownloadsTDS Sopro RS 648 Vibration SlurryTDS Sopro FL 526 – Flexible Tile GroutSmet Professional Tiling Systems Brochure

Ahmarra Door Solutions manufactured over 200 fire doors for the Pears Building, which is situated next to the Royal Free Hospital in London.The FD30 and FD60 doorsets incorporated Halspan Optima door blanks.The Pears Building will accommodate the UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation. This is a state-of-the-art medical research centre which will advance the understanding of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis, and for traditional and tissue-developed transplants.Designed by Hopkins Architects and constructed under main contractor, Willmott Dixon, the building’s seven-storey structure includes laboratory space, research facilities, offices and two levels of patient accommodation, which will enable people undergoing clinical trials to rest and recover there.Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, sustainability was at the heart of the building’s creation. As such, Ahmarra Door Solutions used Halspan as all Halspan fire door blanks are made from FSC® certified timber.Photography courtesy of Cannon Photos Ltd.

Award Winning postmodern styling was achieved with a mix of ARDEX products, including PANDOMO®, helping to make the Scottish Parliament one of the most innovative architectural designs in the UK. Products used: ARDEX P 4, ARDEX P 51, PANDOMO® Wall

Naylor Concrete Ltd supplied Ultrafire and HiSpec Lintels to the Rolls-Royce project in Washington. Miller Construction has landed the contract to build a multi-million pound Rolls-Royce factory in Sunderland. The 20,000m2 facility, at Washington’s Radial Business Park, will manufacture fan and turbine discs for jet engines and is expected to be ready for production to start late next year. The construction contract, thought to be worth £35m, is part of a £950m five-year-investment programme on the part of the company.

The VeloPark Clad in Siberian Pine, and affectionately nicknamed 'The Pringle' due to the shape of its roof, The Velodrome was the first Olympic venue to be completed, and it came in on time, and on budget too! Built by ISG Ltd, who were responsible for the refurbishment of the Manchester Velodrome, and designed by Hopkins Architects, with the help of cycling legend, Sir Chris Hoy, it cost just £94 million to build. Again, Naylor Lintels feature heavily in this building and were supplied to Bromley based Brickwork Contractor R.I Works Ltd.

We supplied B. Doherty Screeding with SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the new build in Harold’s Cross in Ireland. The product supplied helped our Smet Supported Partner, B. Doherty Screeding to deliver the project as a high-quality pumpable, 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.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.TDS SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedAftercare SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedSMET Floor Screeds and Compounds Product Selectorwww.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

We supplied 24,000m2 screed binder to our Smet Supported Partner, Fast Floor Screed Ltd. The industry experts pump-applied Südanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed using their fleet of Mobile Screed Factories in the new hospital complex, The National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) in Portrane. We supplied 20,000 m2 Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Floor Screed which was laid by industry experts, B Doherty Screeding Mobile Screed Factory).The NFMHS is a new state-of-the-art facility located 22 km from Dublin City in Portrane, North County Dublin. The project was awarded by Health Service Executive to the Joint Venture formed by OHL (50%) and OHL’s local delivery partner JJ Rhatigan (50%).The project, which commenced works on site in 2017, comprises the construction of a forensic mental health hospital, as part of St. Ita’s Hospital complex. It covers a floor area of 24,000 m2, not including the energy, maintenance, and gardening buildings. The new hospital will accommodate 170 patient beds, distributed as follows: National Forensic Hospital: 120 beds; Mental Health Unit for Children and Adolescents: 10 beds; Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Unit: 10 beds; and the Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit: 30 beds. The construction project also includes the execution of spaces related to energy production systems, maintenance, and horticulture.

Location: Ashton Interchange, Ashton-under Lyne, OL6 6DP Project Type: Transport Development Cost: £32.7mProducts: Meridian Coping, Stepped Fascia, Kwikfix Plank SoffitFinish: RAL 9003 Matt Signal White RAL 8019 Matt Grey Brown Client: Transport for Greater Manchester Architect: Austin Smith Lord Main Contractor: Vinci Construction Ltd Sub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd

Timber frame manufacturer Scotts of Thrapston has used fermacell on a pioneering school build. Scotts of Thrapston in Northamptonshire have 95 years’ expertise in the equestrian and garden buildings sector but recently decided to try and break into the education sector by supplying modular classroom buildings. They specified 153 of fermacell’s 1200mm x 2400mm x 12.5mm boards for their first such project, Weldon Church of England Primary School, in their home county, and have not looked back since, also using fermacell® for another school and an office building.

Triton Square is an office building in London’s West End. It was originally designed in the 1990’s and has recently been transformed to suit today’s workstyles.The re-development included doubling the floor area and creating an exemplary sustainable and healthy workplace. It was essential that BREEAM guidelines were met. Large quantities of bespoke taps and soap dispensers were needed within a tight delivery timeframe. Water saving technology was also a major requirement.We worked closely with our customer to understand their goals and how best to achieve them. Our specifications teams discussed which products would be suitable, fit in with the contemporary design and would meet all regulatory requirements and presented options and recommendations. Our WRAS approved Electroflo Horizon touch-free electronic taps and soap dispensers were chosen due to their water-saving features, hygienic operation and modern style. The products were delivered and installed within budget and timescales.Testimonial“We had an urgent requirement for contemporary, water-saving bathroom products from a trusted supplier to conform with BREEAM regulations. We needed to successfully adopt a sustainable solution in a cost-effective manner. The Dudley Electroflo Horizon range was perfect for the job and they could also offer us an extended size and a variety of finishes. The expertise and service from the staff at TYDE were second to none and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

Barratt Developments, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has built a unique flagship zero carbon home concept featuring Hardie® VL Plank. The home is called the Zed House and will be occupied and monitored to assess its performance.It is the first new home in the country built by a major housebuilder to go beyond the new Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125% . Last year Barratt announced that all their new homes will be zero carbon by 2030 and this flagship concept house is the first step in achieving that. For this project Hardie® VL Plank was chosen in Anthracite Grey in a half wrap to create a great contrast against the brickwork. The seamless interlock of Hardie® VL Plank cladding epitomises architectural modern design and creates a stunning look for any home.The home has been developed as an industry showcase home to demonstrate what is achievable, particularly from a mainstream, volume housebuilder. There has been a collaboration with over 40 leading industry partners from across the housebuilding, sustainability and technology sectors, all helping to broaden knowledge in zero carbon living with the lessons learnt from the construction being shared across the industry. Incorporating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) such as closed panel timber frames with highly insulated cladding. Less maintenance due to our ColourPlus™ Technology means that our products deliver a high-quality, consistent finish to facades that will stand the tests of time. Our unmatched technological innovation makes our product generations ahead in performance meaning our products are impact, fire, insect resistant and weather resistant. Therefore, as the world continues to look towards sustainable solutions for the future we continue to invest in the on-going development of composite cement products recognised as being durable, low maintenance and energy efficient.

When Barry Daly, company director of BUDA Building and Development, went to visit an old reclaim yard in Rawreth to purchase some oak for a development he was working on, all he found was a barren site. The development, Trenders Barn, consists of four timber frame luxury detached properties, each with a unique design. Along with the need for a high quality finish for such a premium build, environmental performance was also a key deciding factor for the choice of all materials. Hardie® Plank, in midnight black was specified for the facades to stay in-keeping with local Essex design styles.

Location: Bracknell, BerksProject Type: ResidentialDevelopment Cost: £33mProduct: 600m Bullnose FasciaRaking Secret-Fix Panel Soffit320m Meridian Coping250m Balcony FasciasFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7005 Satin Mouse GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Redrow Homes LtdArchitect: Vista ArchitectureMain Contractor: Redrow Homes LtdSub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd

Completed in April 2013, the redevelopment of the seafront at Redcar was undertaken by landscape architects and urban designers, Smeeden Foreman. As winners of a RIBA International Design Competition, they led a team of architects and engineers, in conjunction with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Environment Agency and Birse Civils Ltd, that brought to life an ambitious plan for this North Yorkshire seaside town.

 Location: Waterside quarter, Crown Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1QRProject type: Mixed useProducts: Weatherstruck Coping SystemFascia Soffit SystemFinish: RAL 7015 MattFire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Architect: T.P. ArchitectsMain Contractor: Shanly Homes Thames ValleySub Contractor: John Nason Ltd Photography: a2n & John Nason Ltd

The Challenge The Horsted development in Chatham, Kent, was to provide for a range of housing suitable for its suburban context. Incorporating a mix of two and three storeys, properties ranged from one and two-bedroomed apartments through to two to four-bedroom family homes with gardens, parking and garages, all set with an attractively landscaped setting of shared surface with pedestrian priority zones. The Solution The development incorporates 169 houses, 111 apartments, 9 coach houses and 63 affordable extra-care accommodation The design has been carefully crafted to create a relationship with the surroundings, with the choice of brick being key to achieving this objective. The combination of smooth red stocks and subtle and heavily creased soft mud bricks provide a pleasant aesthetic, alongside a combination of red, brown and occasional black slate roof tiles to give added variety. Chelsea Smoked Red brick from the Ecostock range was the brick selected for this development. Projecting Flemish bond panels and recessed soldier courses create modelling and depth within the elevations of each block and enhance the overall character of the scheme. The Benefits The site strikes a good balance between communal and private space, with the choice of brick adding warmth and connection to the surrounding environment. The brickwork contributes to achieving a high-quality finish. This project won the Large House Builder category in the 2018 Brick Development Association’s annual Brick Awards.

The ChallengeBrick Kiln Lane is a development of seven, four and five-bedroomed, cottage-style units situated at the end of residential road in a quiet, rural area of Leicestershire. There are two different designs: four L-shaped and three rectangular. Each of the seven houses needed unique elements of detailing – including window variations, render and brickwork – to distinguish it from its neighbour.The SolutionHampton Rural Blend brick was chosen to complement the character style of the development. Combined with recessed mortar joints, the brick blend, which is made up of several shades, creates a more aged appearance that helps the houses to sit comfortably within their environment.The BenefitsThe brick detailing on the units includes dentilation around the eaves and gables, and segmental arches over windows, all of which are in keeping with the traditional architectural style of the units and serve to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

Castlethorpe Homes is a renowned house builder serving some of the most attractive and historically rich villages, towns, and cities across Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, and their surrounding areas. The Paddocks, an exclusive development by Castlethorpe Homes, features substantial detached houses nestled in the semi-rural location of Bramley. This distinctive project reflects their commitment to environmental sustainability. Beyond the construction phase, they have actively incorporated Bio-Diversity Net Gain initiatives, contributing ‘green elements’ to counterbalance the impact of their building works. As well as an additional 10-meter wild meadow buffer, the development boasts over 250 meters of native hedging, bee bricks, bat tiles and specially designed hibernacula providing shelter for slowworms and newts, Castlethorpe Homes also installed Hedgehog Highways. “Hundreds and thousands of homes are built in the UK every year, but how many prioritize environmental and social impacts? At Castlethorpe Homes, sustainability is not an afterthought; it is ingrained in our design. We collaborate with suppliers who share our commitment to the bigger picture. The Hedgehog Highway by Timloc is the perfect fit, allowing hedgehogs to roam freely in our green spaces.” Chris Warner, Founder & Managing Director of Castlethorpe Homes The Hedgehog Highway by Timloc has been designed to connect gardens, enabling hedgehogs to roam freely and forage for food, water and shelter without restriction. It perfectly frames highway holes to help state the purpose of the hole and avoid accidental obstruction whilst being a great garden feature. With every purchase of a Hedgehog Highway by Timloc a donation is made to hedgehog charities to aid their efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick or injured hedgehogs back in to the wild. To learn more about Hedgehog Highway by Timloc visit: www.timloc.co.uk For further information on Castlethorpe Homes go to www.castlethorpehomes.co.uk Photo: Hedgehog Highway by Timloc in situ at The Paddocks, Bramley, kindly provided by Castlethorpe Homes.

Editorial on dry fix roofing and the factors to consider when making a product choice.

Working with Williams Roofing Contractors Ltd of Eastleigh, Hampshire, the winning project involved the refurbishment of a large water treatment plant that imposed stringent environmental and performance requirements.The outstanding workmanship and attention to detail by the Polyroof approved contractor during this large scale installation allowed this project to really stand out from the crowd. The below is a case study for this LRWA award-winning project, highlighting the many challenges and how they were overcome through innovation, workmanship and product choice.The SolutionFollowing a survey of the roof area conducted by Williams Roofing and Polyroof Technical Services, a detailed report was carried out after which a bespoke specification was produced and handed to the client. This document detailed a comprehensive set of recommendations for solving the issues that had arisen due to the aged condition of the roof coverings.The client, satisfied that the solution proposed would provide the lasting peace of mind they were looking for, awarded the contract to Williams Roofing Contractors Ltd to install the Polyroof Protec System.There were many challenges on this project as this was a live ‘Clean Water’ environment site, so all Williams Roofing Contractor staff on the project had to have the EUSR National Water Hygiene Cards and be fully inducted by Southern Water’s high standards. Working within these type of environments brings additional Health & Safety implications as the National Water Hygiene scheme is in place to ensure the protection of public health and promote safe drinking water practices. Further risks had to be considered and covered including the risk of working over open water areas with additional buoyancy aids on site to reduce the risks as described under CDM regulations.Williams Roofing Contractors Ltd had to be especially vigilant providing additional protection to ensure that no potential contamination or spills caused any contaminants to the clean water processes/water courses and environment with additional spill kits on hand. Due to the varying conditions of the roof construction(s)/substrates the preparation had to be thought through thoroughly. Certain roof areas needed to be scarified which would have caused reverberations through the roof/concrete deck. This would have possibly created contaminants by spooling of concrete/debris/dust to within the MF Compound Water Lanes/Tanks.

Around 34,000 sq m of gypsum fibreboard has been installed throughout the internal walling of The Morgan Stanley Clinical building (Phase 2A), which will form one half of the £300 million Mittal Children’s Medical Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Location: Mile End, LondonProject Type: EducationDevelopment cost: £26mProduct: Vertical Panel Privacy ScreensMeridian Wall Copings​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7043 Matt Verkehrsgrau BFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Queen Mary University of LondonArchitect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects LtdMain Contractor: Bouygues (UK) LtdSub Contractor: M.Clarke & Sons LtdSub Contractor: Rollecate Facades Ltd

Jerry had always liked New England style houses so this is what he and his wife envisioned for the renovation, a sharp looking house with clean lines. They felt this would be achievable through an extension of the house and a cladded facade. It was their contractor who pointed Jerry in the direction of Hardie® Plank cladding, which he felt would be the ideal solution for the project. Even though the contractor had not worked with the product before, he had seen it on other properties and was keen to start working with the cladding.

Job: Bray Medical Centre for Collen ConstructionSmet Supported Partner: B Doherty Screeding ServicesProduct:Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed BinderRelated Downloads:TDS Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Floor Screed BinderSMET Floor Screeds and Compounds Product SelectorDescriptionSMET supplied Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder to Smet Supported Partner, Brendan Doherty Screeding Services, for the flooring solution in this fast track in Bray Medical Centre. B Doherty Screeding Services completed the flooring project on behalf of lead contractor Collen Construction.German-made Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder is a special polymer-modified binder for particularly economical ­production of high-strength, rapid-set cement screed – based on DIN 18560 – allowing early floor installation, and for laying to falls.   is suitable for use on heated screeds, bonded screeds, unbonded screeds, and floating screeds. This flooring solution is particularly useful for fast-track or tightly scheduled screed laying. The newly laid Rapidur® B5 screed floor is ready to receive floor covering after approx. 3 days – after achievement of moisture content ≤ 1.8 % CM. Sopro Rapidur® B5 is supplied in 25kg bags, with 40 bags per pallet.