"sections including tapes"

The Selection of a sustainable facade system from architectural aluminium specialist TECHNAL satisfies the requirement to deliver a sustainable and energy efficient building for the University of Bath's Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systmes (IAAPS) - a new, world-class automotive propulsion research facility in Bristol, constructed to achieve BREAAM Very Good standard. The 11,464 m2, two-storey building was designed by architect Stride Treglown who partnered with DKA Architects to realise this ambitious project. Main contractor Rydon constructed it as a single-stage Design and Build contract. The impressive front elevation façade features TECHNAL GEODE MX curtain wall, which is manufactured using Hydro CIRCAL® 75R recycled aluminium - a prime-quality alloy made with at least 75% recycled post-consumer scrap aluminium - the highest share of recycled aluminium on the market.  Stride Treglown Project Architect, Victor Martos, explains why this was such a smart specification choice when constructing to BREEAM standards: “Originally, we had specified another system but switched to TECHNAL as it uses CIRCAL recycled aluminium and REDUXA low-carbon aluminium, which makes the system very attractive for buildings such as IAAPS that target a high level of environmental performance.” Fabricated and installed by Bristol-based Architectural Aluminium and Glass Ltd (AAAG) to a planned eight-week delivery programme, the curtain walling combines a linear and an arc section on plan to create a striking faceted façade that runs 43m and is 10m high. The double-height curtain wall joins the rectangular arched entrance at a sliced angle. Project Architect, Victor Martos talks through the architectural intent, he said: “Aesthetically, it was important for us to highlight the vertical joints over the horizontal joints so as to emphasise the height of the glazing and maintain the architectural proportions with the main entrance arch alongside. The TECHNAL curtain walling system allowed us to achieve this. It is very flexible in terms of the design options for mullions and transoms.” Vertically, the curtain wall mullions have an additional capping piece or “fin” finished in an Anthracite Grey powder coating (RAL 7016). This extends 200mm beyond and goes all the way from the base to the head of the curtain wall, creating a vertical trame design. On the horizontal, SSG silicone sealant transom joints offer a seamless look. “The fact that the external fins could be self-supported without the need of additional structure or ties was fundamental to achieving the desired verticality,” adds Victor. AAAG Bristol Estimating Manager Richard Flicker details how the façade was constructed: “Each vertical height section is split into four panels, which alternate between vision glass and lookalike, opaque spandrel panels to conceal the M&E services behind.” The glass specification is continuous to maintain the same level of reflection and uniformity across the entire curtain wall. It also had to meet thermal requirements, as Richard explains: Thermally, the façade had to achieve low heat gains through the façade, which meant careful glass specification. “Following numerous calculations and close discussion between myself and the construction team, Saint Gobain COOL-LITE SKN 154 solar control glass was selected. This offers a low G Factor (0.28) and helps control the amount of heat that penetrates into the building by reflecting it back to the outside.” The open plan office space behind the floor to ceiling glass panes also contributes to BREEAM Very Good, as Stride Treglown Project Architect, Victor Martos explains: “Ensuring an even distribution of light entering from the north, it reduces the need to use artificial light during the daytime and reduces overall building energy consumption,”  He adds: “Engaging early with specialist suppliers to maintain momentum and quality throughout, meant we could also optimise BREEAM credit opportunities. For example, the external fin feature also assisted in achieving credits regarding the visual comfort and control of glare from sunlight as they provide shade from direct sunlight.”The new IAAPS facility includes offices, test facilities and control rooms for engines, propulsion, power trains and chassis dyno cells. The base build of this world-class facility is now virtually complete and is scheduled to open in 2021 once specialist technology installations are complete. The project will support global automotive industries to deliver future generations of advanced propulsion systems and ultra-low emission vehicles. 

On October 22, 2021, the doors to the new Edvard Munch Museum by the waterfront in Bjørvika in Oslo were finally opened. The museum will be a global destination for experiencing Edvard Munch's art and life – but also other art exhibitions and cultural experiences such as music, film, art talks, and various types of performances. With thousands of daily visitors, high demands were placed on the museum's seating furniture to be both extremely durable and robust, but at the same time comfortable and blend into the museum's interior.The new museum is a very prestigious project for Oslo and an inviting meeting place that is characterized by openness. The vision is to expand the idea of ​​what a museum can be, and offer the visitors completely new experiences and perspectives.The 13-storey and 58-meter-high building was designed by the Spanish architectural firm Estudio Herreros and includes eleven exhibition halls. Herrero's design is based on the idea of ​​a tower-shaped museum, where the main functions are organized vertically. With its impressive height and the distinctly leaning top section, the tower is a very visible landmark from all sides. It gives the Oslo skyline a new shape, but bows respectfully towards the surrounding city. The façade, which is clad in recycled, perforated aluminium panels with varying degrees of transparency, gives the museum an enigmatic and ever-changing presence that reflects the fantastic lighting conditions in Oslo that change during the day and the different seasons. In the old harbour area Bjørvika, the new Munch Museum is also accompanied by Snøhetta's opera building and the new library designed by architectural firm Lundhagem.The museum's main hall has extraordinary acoustics and can accommodate up to 700 people while the hall on the 12th floor has a roof terrace with a unique view of the city and the fjord. In addition, there is a cinema in the foyer that can be used for more intimate gatherings. The museum has around 28,000 objects – of which 1,200 paintings and over 7,000 drawings and sketches – created by the extremely productive Edvard Munch in its collections and for the first time, these works will truly have the space they deserve.The museum also wants to deepen and enrich the experience and insights further by inviting visitors to play and express themselves artistically and offers a range of tours and activities for both young and old.Food is also a natural part of the experience. At the very top of the building is a first-class restaurant. In addition, there is a café on the ground level next to the fjord and a bar with a fantastic roof terrace. The kitchen is run by the restaurant group MUMA, known for restaurants like Taco Republica, Ben Reddik, and Mangelsgården.Read more at the link below.

All.co Group is an industrial group established in Pisa (Italy) in 1973 by the Vecoli family. Over more than 47 years, the All.co brand has developed into a synonym for aluminium profile systems that meet the highest standards. Since its establishment in 1973, All.co S.p.A has been a leader in the aluminium extrusion industry design, developing and creating aluminium section bars of any shape, in total harmony with the needs of the customers. The products offered by All.co cover a wide range of applications, starting from the building sector, with over 50 patented systems. The Company boasts full coverage of Italy, a very strong presence in Europe and some other countries around the world. All.co’s exacting technological standards, rigorous system considerations, and the quality manufacture of all products, as well as comprehensive services and technical support, have all made a significant contribution to the success of the brand.CUSTOMISED PAINT PROCESSThe powders applied on all All.co products are Syntha Pulvin® polyesters specifically designed for the architectural sector, which are Qualicoat and GSB International approved. Thanks to the joint efforts of Inver and All.co, the company can offer different finishes and effects while maintaining a high-quality standard. These skills have helped to establish the firm on both the building and industrial market as well as expanding the application sectors of its products – which currently include road, naval, and air transport. Today’s market requires attention to detail and very high-quality levels, even in industries where a lot less attention used to be paid to possible defects and imperfections, such as the building one. Now, not only quality must be high, but suppliers must also be able to cope with the most diverse requests in terms of colours and finishes.All.co performs 4 to 6 colour change operations per day and Sherwin-Williams is the ideal supplier able to guarantee versatility and expertise. All.co’s activity is certified according to the international quality standard ISO 9001 and the environmental standard ISO 14001, and their pre-treatment phase is Qualicoat Seaside certified. During production, samples of each colour are taken, at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the coating cycle. Then they perform the tests required by the certification – scratch, impact, tear-off, and bending tests – as well as a salt spray test to ensure a 1000-hour resistance value. Sherwin-Williams plans to further strengthen the collaboration with All.co and offer to the Italian market an added value for conventional products, that is, better performing powders.

Wood finish powder coating to realise vision of a timber facade Overview A brand-new Skills and Innovation Centre has been added to the Earl Street/Broad Street elevation of the South Staffordshire College’s campus, a £28million project. This 7,500 sq metre, 3 storey building will house leading-edge construction, engineering and hybrid vehicle technology workshops, along with innovatively designed social spaces. The building takes pride of place on the college’s town centre site and a suitably striking external envelope has been planned. The architects’ envisaged a facade of long vertical fins giving the appearance of timber. This would also screen a roof-top substation from view. The Project Maple Sunscreening won the contract to supply the extensive vertical fin façade and proposed using lightweight aluminium instead of timber to achieve the of span required. This project is a perfect example of one of the key advantages of PWF on aluminium, over wood, namely the ability to accomplish very long spans with structural integrity. Powdertech Wood Finish (PWF ™) was selected as the most appropriate powder coating since it is formulated to match the natural variations in colour, grain density and grain pattern of wood. Importantly, PWF meets fire reaction classification A2-s1, d0. The client selected the preferred shade from our collection and the aluminium extrusions began to arrive at our plant. We coated 4000 metres of aluminium, comprising mainly rectangular sections of extruded aluminium, of sizes 200mm and 100mm x 50mm. Now installed on the building these look stunning, giving the impression of enormous lengths of wood wrapping around the building. Why PWF?            · The finish combines the strength and longevity of metal with the warm, natural appeal of wood with a high level of colour and gloss retention· Excellent corrosion protection and resistance against abrasion and weather.· Conforms to Fire Reaction classification A2-s1, d0· A high level of sustainability using aluminium, with a coating that can be removed at end of life leaving the underlying metal unaffected· ‘Green’ credentials of PWF – no solvents, no VOCs, no hazardous waste.· Low maintenance - unlike wood.· The PWF range conforms to EN 12206-1 and Qualicoat specifications.· Can be applied to most metallic substrates including aluminium, galvanized steel, cast metals and stainless steel· Powdertech has over 35-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatings. Colour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.  

Some 92,000 Cwt Y Bugail slates feature on a ground-breaking new/old roof. Formerly a seedy area worth avoiding, London’s Kings Cross has now been transformed into a go-to destination for office workers, students and tourists. Developer Argent’s regeneration of the area has sensitively re-purposed the early Victorian railway buildings into variously, a college campus, supermarket and offices, in which the interior changes are radical but the exteriors have been left largely unaltered. Not so for Coal Drops Yard, a pair of elongated Victorian coal warehouses originally built to distribute coal from the North of England across London. Here, the pitched roofs of two almost-parallel buildings, 150m and 100m in length and 39m apart, have been reconfigured to curve up at their northern ends and gently kiss each other. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the roofs peel upwards and extend into the middle of the space between the two buildings. A new floorplate sits below the roof structure, with glazing filling the gap between the two, creating a third level of retail. The new roofs of the ornate cast-iron and brick structures have been slated with 92,000 new versions of the original Welsh Slates – 500mm x 250mm Cwt Y Bugails from the manufacturer’s Llan Ffestiniog quarry in North Wales – by Banbury-based specialist sub-contractor Attleys Roofing. Attleys already had some Kings Cross experience, using 6,400 500mm x 300mm Heather Blues from Welsh Slate’s main Penrhyn quarry for the re-roof of the nearby German Gymnasium - the first purpose-built gym in England - which is now enjoying a new lease of life as a designer restaurant. Coal Drops Yard was a whole new ball game, testing Attleys to the limit, but the result is an extraordinary reinterpretation of the canal-side site. Main contractor BAM Construction was responsible for the structure of the new roofline. More than 50 new steel columns were carefully threaded through the existing structure to support the roof independently of the building, a point cloud survey being carried out to help calculate where to put the columns without clashing with the existing building fabric. Primary support is provided by a set of large cranked beams supported on cores in each building which join in the middle over the yard. There are four primary beams, two on each building. These dip down towards the centre to create the valley between the two roof structures and have been nicknamed “giraffe beams” in reference to their angled neck and head - the structure looks like two giraffes rubbing noses together. Tie beams at floor level take the tensile loads generated by the weight of the roof. The giraffe beams support two ribbon trusses that define the upper and lower edge of each roof structure and connect in the middle over the yard at the lower edge. These are 7m deep in the middle and taper to 5m at the ends where these join the existing roof. Tubular steel sections were used to create the trusses because of the complex geometry. The new floorplate below the roof is suspended from above using macalloy bars and is tapered towards the perimeter to minimise the impact on the view. More than 60 panels of full-height structural glazing between the floor and new roof are stepped rather than curved or faceted for aesthetic reasons and has the added benefit of hiding the macalloy bars. Temporary trusses were erected to support the giraffe beam assembly and ribbon trusses during construction. The giraffe beam assembly was erected first. The ribbon trusses were brought to site as components, bolted together on the ground into fully-assembled sections complete with rafters, craned into position and bolted together where they meet in the middle. The whole roof structure was then de-propped. Visually, it was important to maintain a seamless transition from the existing roof to the new section so the original timber roof trusses were retained where possible, with some localised strengthening required where the timber had been damaged. The gap between the existing and new roof structure was then boarded over ready for the new Welsh slates.The two roofs are bolted together where they meet in the middle. Heatherwick Studio chose to position the new roof element at the northern ends of the two buildings as the eastern building had been devastated by a fire in 1985. Used more recently for warehousing and nightclubs, they were largely abandoned in the 1990s. Group leader Lisa Finlay said: “Our challenge was to radically remodel this Victorian infrastructure to meet the needs of a modern urban development without losing what made them special. To do this, we focused on understanding their original function and how they were adapted over time so we could appreciate how best to preserve and reuse the existing fabric, whilst also introducing new elements. One of which is an entirely free-standing new structure threaded through the historic buildings, from which a spectacular new third level is suspended.”  Attleys were on site for a total of almost 18 months. The roof pitch of the original sections of roof was 28° but as the curves swept around and met in the middle this changed to 47°. Thereafter the length also decreased from 8.4m to 6.9m at the kissing point where the two curved roofs met but the same number of courses of slates (44) had to be maintained. This meant Attleys had to decrease the gauges and not only cut the sides of the slates to take them around the curve but also the tops of the slates to maintain the same number of courses. No clever nailing or hidden bibbing was required to stop rainwater flowing diagonally at this point as the pitch was so steep. Attleys’ managing director Shaun Attley met with Heatherwick Studio and BAM’s design team up to two years prior to commencement on site to discuss the design issues and how to achieve the aesthetics requested while using the products selected.  Shaun advised the project team that the Cwt Y Bugail slates could not be used for their initial roof design which exceeded a 90° pitch so it was re-designed to ensure that where the eaves met it was at a pitch commensurate with Welsh Slate’s fixing recommendations and warranties. Due to space being at a premium, all the Cwt Y Bugail slates were cut off-site at Attleys’ depot in Banbury. To do this, Attleys had to calculate how much of the slates needed cutting off. This was done by taking measurements from the steel work underneath - from steel to steel at the eaves and steel to steel at the ridge which was generally over 10-15m depending where you were on the curve (on the internal curve or external curve). The kissing point determined how the slates were cut to ensure the perp lines and side laps were maintained.  And because the roof pitch was increasing while the rafter length was decreasing, Attleys also had to cut the tops of the slates down so they suited the decreasing gauges. A total of 32,000 of the 90,000 slates used on the project had to be cut with hand guillotines so the dressed edge could be maintained around the curve which comprised 1,600m2 of the total 4,600m2. Shaun Attley said: “Our timescale for the sections of roof was provided to BAM Construction and this was put into their overall programme with all other sub-contractors but unfortunately our commencement on site was delayed due to previous issues in the construction of the steel frame prior to us starting.  “This meant we were up against the clock in trying to pull back time to ensure the overall programme was still met and we were asked by BAM to find ways of doing as much as possible off-site and increasing labour and production on-site to pull back the time lost. By working together with other sub-contractors and the main contractor we managed to finish a week earlier than our anticipated 43-week overall programme.” He added: “The project was challenging at the beginning to ensure we set the roof out properly but as the contract progressed it became easier. Welsh slates are easy to work, and we work with them all the time, but in this case it was challenging getting the slates to course all the way round. Attleys’ SMSTS-trained supervisor ran the day-to-day safety, conducting Toolbox talks every morning and attending daily safety briefings by BAM Construction staff and supervisors from all trades on site to brief each other of any risks and ensure trades were not disrupting one another.  The team of 10 Attleys operatives, which included two NVQ Level 2 apprentices, carried out daily visual inspections of tools and all power tools were PAT tested every three months. Shaun Attley visited weekly to inspect the job for workmanship and production and also to gather feedback on any safety issues or to see if any safety measures could be instigated to improve the overall safety for their and other operatives on site. “We found some of these measures not only improved safety but also helped improve production,” said Shaun. Attleys also had an independent safety inspector (from The Health & Safety People) visit site monthly to see if there were any safety improvements they could recommend. Far from handling eight million tonnes of coal a year, Coal Drops Yard is now forecast to pull in 12 million visitors a year.

Twinfix have been working with Algeco on a new, exciting project. Algeco, Europe’s leading modular building solutions brand was awarded a Framework contract totalling £21.9m to supply secure units to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), with the option to order further units. As part of the supply of these secure modular units, Algeco have asked Twinfix to design, supply and install walkway covers along the front of each modular section and in communal areas to completely cover the space, providing a crossing place.Meeting short term demandsThe Rapid Deployment Cells Project requires Algeco to provide ‘safe and decent accommodation’. Algeco’s Cannock facility will manufacture the cells utilising DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) and Lean Manufacturing techniques. The company will install and commission a variety of units including sleeper accommodation, accessible accommodation, and ancillary units at multiple locations around the country. MoJ secured funding to design and build 1,000 additional temporary prison places, the majority of these will be delivered throughout this year. The Rapid Deployment Cells Project was initiated to create a new design that can be quickly deployed to a variety of sites to help meet the short term demands of the prison estate.Minister for Prisons and Probation Damian Hinds said:“Prison cells protect the public by making sure we have enough space to put dangerous offenders behind bars – that’s why we’re investing £4 billion to deliver 20,000 extra places. We’re rolling out a thousand Rapid Deployment Cells to create extra spaces quickly while we press ahead with the biggest expansion of prisons in over a century – building six new jails and creating thousands of additional cells by renovating and expanding existing sites.”Twinfix are very proud to be asked to be part of this exciting project and worked to design a bespoke system to meet our clients exacting requirements. As our canopy was to be attached to Algeco’s secure modular units, we needed to ensure that the design included some adjustability to allow and compensate for any tolerance in the modular unit’s installation. The finished canopy was to have secure discreet fixings coloured to match the main structure and provide a clean line to the secure facility.The tests of timeAs our product is made of long-lasting aluminium, we knew that longevity of the design wouldn’t be a problem. The canopy is a modular design and prefabricated off- site, making it quick and easy to assemble on site with minimal disruption. Lightweight aluminium is easily to handle, transport and requires minimal maintenance over its lifetime. Our customisable modular design can be altered to suit specific needs of the client, changes can include size, shape, and colour.Initially, we installed our design at HMP Norwich. We strive to continuously improve and innovate, and we used this as a learning experience, making a few minor adjustments to the design to facilitate speedier installation. At HMP Hollesley Bay, which was our second installation, we applied this learning, making small adjustments to the design, enabling us to install the entire system in just over eight weeks, bringing the canopy installation in, ahead of schedule and on budget.A well-oiled machine.As a requirement for this work, our team had to undergo enhanced DBS and background checks. With everything approved our team prepared themselves by refreshing their skills with Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP’S) and developing a Safe System of Work. This ensured everyone was aware of the hazards, especially those associated with working at height. By making sure each member of our team was part of the solution, it meant when the time came to install on site, the team were a well-oiled machine.Vicky Evans, Twinfix Director said: “We are thrilled to be part of this new project, working with Algeco. We are excited to be using our new product and a new application, whilst remaining true to our roots. We continue to look at all opportunities to provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions to our clients and work collaboratively with our supply chain partners.”

Ark Oval Primary Academy were in the process of having multiple works completed at their academy in Croydon, London which included a new build, re-surfacing the entire playground and various outside equipment including a new canopy.

Comprising 546 rooms in total, most of the space is divided into 'twodios' - two en-suite bedrooms that share a small kitchenette. Old Oak also includes a range of dedicated communal facilities and spaces including a restaurant, library, lounge and spa, where they have used a selection of natural, warming tones including Parisian Pine, Cellar Oak and Aged Timber. All of these areas are designed to bring people together: from quiet spaces to work in, through to open spaces for socialising.

IAE’s PlasProtek Bollard Sleeves came to the rescue at the last minute for a new development near Bristol.The development was due to put on a promotion event but with only a few days to go before the big day, the protection bollards installed at the site had problems with their coating.The bollard had been wrapped without being completely dry, and when the wrapping was being removed, sections of the coating was coming off as well.The bollards held a prominent position at the front of the units. The damaged coating on the bollards would definitely be noticed on the promotion day and would make a bad impression on potential clients.A fast solution was needed.An attempt was made to touch up the coating with paint. However the results were considered unacceptable for what was supposed to be a brand new development as the poor finish was noticeable from a few feet away.IAE had already supplied the site with Circonomy Cycle Shelters and Vmex Perimeter Fencing, and came up with the suggestion on using its PlasProtek Bollard Sleeve to cover the bollards.A sample was rushed to site, and the sleeve was signed off as the solution to the problem.A batch of sleeves big enough to cover all the bollards on the development was shipped to site, arriving the day before the promotion event, which was plenty of time as the sleeves are so quick and easy to install.As an easy to install, and easy to replace alternative to powder coating, the developer has decided to specify the sleeves on all their bollards from the very start on future projects.

The 'HOOLA' in Tidal Basin Road in East London, gateway to the soon-to-be regenerated Royal Victoria Docks area, has transformed a brownfield site into two rippling 23 and 24 storey glass towers, that offer 360 apartments with a mix of studios, along with one, two and three-bedroom units.The buildings are super-insulated and the concrete frame will act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. An innovative link-up with the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre will also see excess heat piped directly into the two towers. This will provide all the necessary heating and hot water requirements and significantly reduce maintenance costs by doing away with the need for individual boilers. A critical design requirement for such a super-insulated building was the avoidance of any risk of thermal bridging at the many concrete-to-concrete balcony connectivity points – so highly efficient structural thermal breaks were required throughout. The preferred solution was the Schöck Isokorb® T type K for cantilever balconies.Luke Smerdon-White, Technical Director at Thorp, takes up the story: "We had to design, manufacture and deliver 1410 precast concrete balcony sections that had to then be cast integrally with the in situ concrete structure." "The exposed front-face is curved, with almost 50 different dimensional configurations, while the internal face has a facetted line that had to correlate with the glazing line and opening doors."

Escapade Silverstone is a unique new commercial development sat right on the edge of the iconic Silverstone circuit.This prestigious project is comprised of 60 residences, a club house and car storage.The development is due to be completed in 2024, ready for next year’s Grand Prix.It will operate as short-stay accommodation for both the major calendar events and for the rest of the year when people are out on the track testing cars, etc. Escapade guests will be able to enjoy all that Silverstone has to offer.Axter were involved right from the outset. There were lots of complexities with the project, due to the nature of the design and the architect’s intentions, so we were able to recommend different solutions for different sections of the roof.Our video case study shows the progress so far. It's such an exciting project to be a part of and it was great to see the finishing touches being made to the waterproofing works by Embassy Site Services.Wilotekt®-Plus has been used on the new clubhouse and our Ecoflex® system has been specifically chosen for the residencies.It’s been a pleasure to work with Escapade, HG Construction and Embassy Site Services on this project and we can’t wait to revisit the site next year to check out the finished development. Stay tuned for our next video.Systems in useWilotekt®-PlusEcoflex®

Vehicle/Pedestrian safety barriers for the new 627 space, 6 storey car park at the Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.Like many hospitals, Derriford in Plymouth has to match ever-increasing numbers of patients, visitors and staff with limited parking availability. The new 627 space multi-storey car park on the North West Quadrant will go a long way towards easing the situation for the daily 8,000 footfall to the hospital. Part of a 6.6 hectare site being developed by Wharfside Regeneration for Plymouth Hospitals Trust, the new car park was designed by international architects S333 and built by Sir Robert McAlpine Limited.The eco-friendly design features green walls with climbing plants on the two lowest levels, steel latticework on the next two and timber latticework on levels 5 and 6. We recommended our RB1X Spring Steel Buffers that ‘give’ in a collision to absorb impact forces and minimise damage to the barrier, the vehicle and the car park deck that the barrier is mounted on. After an impact, the barrier returns to its original position to provide ongoing protection. Berry Beam rails were used to give a more refined  appearance than the traditional Armco ‘W’ section.A BS 6180 compliant pedestrian handrail was mounted above the barrier on post extensions of 1,100mm high and the space in between filled with anti-climb mesh to stop pedestrians from falling through, or even climbing over the barrier.

Yeoman Shield engaged with Equans and The Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust to continue to improve the lifecycle of wall coverings in key areas of Pinderfields Hospital.Previously Yeoman Shield Imagery wall protection panels had been installed on the lower section of walls in the gate areas of the hospital. These panels perfectly replicated the design of the wallpaper which was becoming damaged and starting to look unkempt.Showing to be successful in fending off impact damage, scratching, and marking the decision was taken to repeat the same process to the upper part of the wallpapered walls.Yeoman Shield’s team copied images and dimensions from the printed pattern on the original wall covering taking care to align the top and bottom graphics.The designs were programmed into Yeoman Shield’s in-house CNC machine then cut from Yeoman Shield’s 2.0 mm Falmouthex protection panels and fitted together to emulate the design and colourways.The panels were installed by Yeoman Shield’s fixing operatives to provide a decorative, hygienic, and impact-resistant covering that remains true to the original design brief. Minimising future redecoration and repair requirements, the panels will assist in reducing maintenance budgets providing a long-lasting, durable solution to impact damage.Richard Bebb, Equans Lifecycle Manager commented, “The Yeoman Shield fixing team were great and worked well and with respect in live areas and we are very pleased with the product and finished installation.”

The fourth and final phase of a major regeneration project in central Manchester’s Piccadilly Basin, Islington Wharf Phase 4 is an iconic residential development comprising two visually striking 11 and 16 storey buildings. Delivered by Waterside Places for developer, Latimer, they provide 106 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments, of which 54 are available on a shared ownership basis, providing much needed affordable homes in the heart of the city’s vibrant waterfront area.Leviat’s expertise in providing solutions for similar buildings in the past, coupled with their previous working relationships with the project engineers and architects, and with brickwork contractor Cara Brickwork, meant they were chosen by stockist, SIG, to provide a complete package of support solutions to meet the special requirements of the project.Lengths of Leviat’s Ancon MDC masonry support system were then fabricated to suit the specific requirements, loadings and PT pocket implications of each individual location and supplied to SIG for just-in-time site delivery against the contractor’s predetermined build programme.The design of the MDC units offered a 20mm fixing tolerance, enabling contractors on site to accommodate most of the variances in PT pocket locations and unexpected rebar density. Leviat’s technical and sales specialists provided support throughout the project, however, and where problems were encountered, were able to supply replacement MDC sections quickly, to enable the project to progress without delays.

News that The Curve in Slough has won an LABC award in the “Best Public Building” category, has delighted Metalline who supplied a wide range of architectural aluminium fabrications on the project. At the heart of a £450m regeneration scheme, The Curve is Sloughʼs premier cultural centre. Now complete, it houses a new library, café, museum, performance venue and learning rooms. The iconic project features a bespoke cladding system curved on plan and in section. The complex geometry involved to the North, East and West elevations meant that Metalline were involved from an early stage with contractors Colorminium, who took responsibility for the detailed design and delivery of the full building envelope. Once Colorminium had specified their requirements for the project to Metalline, the architectural aluminium was supplied promptly and to the exact measurements and detailing. The bespoke cladding system features a range of Metallineʼs curved and straight fascia panels, Secret Fix soffits and curved Secret Fix hook on Unity rainscreen panels complete with welded studs to the rear and curved carrier system. All panels and soffits were finished in a polyester powder coated RAL 9006 metallic silver finish to give the building a modern and high quality appeal. Metallineʼs aluminium rainscreen cladding now has CWCT certification which has provided architects and specifiers with limitless possibilities for their projects enabling them to use unique and elegant rainscreen designs.

Toploc provides sustainable cover for Solas Eco Garden CentreMarlon Toploc was the ideal canopy glazing solution for this impressive retractable canopy roof at the Solas Eco Garden Centre.  In addition to Marlon Toploc providing all of the characteristics required to realise the designers specification, product manufacturer, Brett Martin's values align perfectly with Solas when it comes to sustainability and a greener future. Solas is one of the few Eco Garden Centres in Ireland, providing an excellent, eco-friendly, customer experience.  Now employing over 100 people the Garden Centre brings a breath of fresh air to the local community.Clear Marlon Toploc panels provide 64% light transmission, flooding the area underneath with natural daylight to create a bright and airy outdoor space while providing shelter from the changeable Irish weather.In this instance, clear 16mm sevenwall Marlon Toploc panels were cold curved on-site and mounted in sections at three different heights to a retractable pulley, allowing the canopy roof to open. The Marlon Toploc panels are secured with the Marlon polycarbonate cap profile for a seamed finish on the canopy roof.Marlon Toploc polycarbonate panels are strong and durable and co-extruded with UV protection on both sides as standard to protect the panels and everything underneath from harmful UV rays. The Marlon Toploc standing seam system is light in weight making both installation and on-going movement of the retractable roof easy.

This inspirational installation at Sberbank, Russia included 4 different Milliken carpet collections including: Artistic Liberties, Colour Compositions, Dissident 2.0 and Per Contra. The carpet played an important role for wayfinding around the building and in facilitating their flexible working approach.

Refurbishment of a campsite services facility at a popular country park provided an unusual testing ground for part of a new stainless steel kitchen furniture range developed for the professional catering sector. But after a full season’s camping at Emberton Country Park, the double bowl sinktop from GEC Anderson’s new Decimetric® range has met all expectations and is set for a long service life.Emberton Country Park, near Milton Keynes, was developed from disused gravel workings and is today an attractive parkland setting of 200 acres. It caters for a variety of uses and includes 58 pitches for tents and touring caravans, rally fields, lake and river fishing, a conservation area, children’s play areas, a shop and washroom/toilet facilities.As part of a major refurbishment of the services block for campers in the touring field, Milton Keynes Council’s Construction Services Department refitted the washroom where campers wash their crockery and cooking utensils. After another supplier was unable to deliver a suitable sinktop within the council’s timeframe, Robert Gritton, Project Manager for Milton Keynes Council, shopped around for a cost effective alternative – and became one of the first customers to order from the Decimetric® range. “GEC Anderson was able to custom make the sinktop in a very short time, and everyone has been very pleased with it. I’m very glad that the other make was not available,” he says. “The other big advantage of the Decimetric® product is that its 100mm modular size increments permit specification of the largest possible unit to fit a space, without the premium of a true bespoke installation.”The Decimetric® sinktop is extremely durable, but requires minimal maintenance. Park Manager David MacCarter says: “It’s really solid, well made and it will never wear out. The cleaners just give it a wipe over every day: it’s easy to keep clean and it looks great.”The 1,700 x 600mm sinktop of commercial grade stainless steel has a water-retaining 40mm lipped edge at the front and sides, and an 85mm sloping upstand at the back. The bowls are 400 x 400 x 250mm and positioned 100mm apart, centrally along the length of the sinktop. Both have 38mm outlets and two 30mm diameter tapholes at 200mm centres behind each bowl. The sinktop stands on square section stainless steel legs with adjustable feet. A solid stainless steel shelf is fitted under the sinktop. The new Decimetric® range from GEC Anderson offers a flexible and comprehensive selection of sinks, surfaces, support frames, cabinets and shelving. The range was developed mainly for the professional catering market, but its versatility, good looks and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for applications requiring hard-wearing and hygienic surfaces. Decimetric® units are easy to specify and are offered in sizes from 500-3,000mm, with 100mm sizing increments (100mm = 1 decimetre). The modular approach makes for economy and short delivery times. Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range includes bowls, worktops, cabinets, shelving and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.

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

IntroductionThe Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray has been installed as part of a major housing project , Park East in South East London, helping to improve efficiency onsite, and to exceed building regulations.OverviewPark East is a £95 million development in Erith, designed by ECD Architects and developed by Wates Group. The project comprises 320 new homes, of which 20% are for private sale, 24% for Shared Ownership, and 56% for rent in order to accommodate a mixed tenure community. The modern, stylish homes are in close proximity to the local amenities and parks, with excellent transport links to London.Working alongside brickwork contractor Lee Marley Brickwork, Keyfix supplied 3,772m of its Non-Combustible Cavity Tray (NCCT), 3,528 units of corners, and 20,774 units of its Non-combustible Weep Vents to this project. Keyfix’s sister company Keystone Lintels supplied 890m of its Non-Combustible Cavity Tray Lintel, which was powder coated as per the client’s request.Challenge The main challenge faced on this project was the brevity of the programme, which ran from November 2020 to November 2021. As the project was time sensitive, the main contractor required an accredited solution which could be supplied in line with the tight-build programme. Keyfix’s NCCT presented the ideal solution to this challenge.SolutionKeyfix was able to meet the client’s objectives by providing products in accordance with their tight-build programme. To ensure the maximum efficiency of installation, Keyfix designed various types of bespoke units including preformed corners and pier units to assist Lee Marley brickwork in keeping to its the fast-paced build programme. Due to the scale of the project, the products were prefabricated, allowing the brickwork to be conducted swiftly. Despite the bespoke nature of the products, the first delivery was made just two months after the initial enquiry in September.Duncan Marley, Contracts Director at Lee Marley Brickwork commented: “On the Park East development we required various bespoke products and Keyfix were able to provide a quick turnaround on those. The Keyfix NCCT also helped us to save time significantly because the system is so quick to install. Keyfix also provided us with a scheduled breakdown of components which was a great help.”The Keyfix NCCT was specified due to its ‘one-piece system’ which allows for a very simple and efficient installation. The system is self-supporting as it doesn’t require fixing back to the internal frame, therefore saving valuable time. Additionally, the adjustability of the perp joint allows for the cavity trays to be shunted to match the brick coursing on site, ensuring consistency in the brickwork formation.The NCCT was also chosen due to its A1 fire rating. It is made from non-combustible Grade 304 stainless steel which will never contribute to fire loading in the building. This fully compliant system ensures that the Park East buildings will be future-proofed against the implementation of tighter regulations.The non-combustible nature of the product makes it an effective solution to provide DPC protection over lintels, masonry supports, soffit systems and other elements in the cavity such as fire barriers. Additionally, the fact that the Keyfix NCCT does not rely on tape or mastics to form its watertight joints negates the prevalent cause of product failure and creates a more robust system altogether.In addition to providing NCCTs, Keyfix identified where it could offer technical support, and provided a full technical review of architects drawings, a comprehensive mark-up, and a scheduled breakdown of component location. The team also attended design meetings to ensure that the products were being used correctly, as well as hosting a Tool Box Talk prior to the first install to ensure the system was installed properly.Commenting on the NCCT, Kieran Coyle of Keyfix stated, “The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray is an A1 fire rated system, ensuring our customers peace of mind as their buildings are future-proofed and safeguarded against fire, as well as our on-site benefits.”The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray has played an important part in the creation of a safe new-build development for future tenants to enjoy.

Hove Park School and Sixth Form Centre received planning permission in 2020 for a new sports hall and facilities on its Nevill Campus. The new facilities include a two-court sports hall suitable for a variety of activities including badminton, volleyball and basketball, and new changing facilities.

DCM Surfaces were excited to work on the prestigious residential development at Carrow Quarter, Norwich.The housing development comprises over 300 units and includes a landscaped communal area.The project included the install of the sub-base, Artificial Grass and Bound Gravel onto a Bauder Drainage system.

In this project, Hush Acoustics were tasked with a project in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, to provide a solution for a beautiful mid terraced property recently converted into 4x spacious apartments over four floors.With the apartments located very close to a road, the issues became apparent after spending some time inside, with road traffic noise as well as public background noise clearly heard.Key to resolving the issues was to ensure appropriate acoustic measures were carried out when converting this existing property into apartments, and that the party walls and/or ceilings met the required standards for conversion under the Building Regulations, Approved Document E.Working with Andrew Bentley, the architect and Kevin Cretney of Kinrade Construction, a solution incorporating the following was provided:HD1044 ACOUSTIC BASEMENT SYSTEMThis system has been created with residential properties in mind and is made up of a combination of materials that offer excellent sound reduction within the specified area.The basement system is made up of Hush Slab 100 which is tightly packed within the joists, Hush Deep Resilient Bars, which are fixed horizontally to the underneath of the joists and Hush Multi Panel which is fixed to the underside of the bars. 15mm of Fireline Plasterboard is then used to over board the Multi Panel.HD1041 ACOUSTIC WALL LINING SYSTEMThis system has been thoroughly tested to exceed Building Regulations and our competitor’s wall lining products. It is made up of Hush Multi Panel, the 15mm Fireline which is then installed over, ensuring joints are staggered. The perimeters are sealed using Hush Isolation Tape, as well as our Acoustic Sealant. These boards are then fixed to the Deep Resilient Bars and Hush Slab 25 is fitted in between. The Bars are then fixed horizontally to the wall.The benefits of this system are its high standards of airborne sound reduction, can reduce both flanking and direct sound transmission and creates a minimum loss of space.HD1038 HUSH ACOUSTIC FLOOR SYSTEM MF28This floor system is a highly rated performer and has again been thoroughly tested within areas that require exceptional acoustic control. Made up of Hush Panel 28 which is laid over the chipboard deck and sealed using Hush Seal 20. The Hush MF Ceiling System is then installed to the underside of the joists, to the back of the plasterboard lining. Hush Slab 100 is then installed tightly within the ceiling void. Two layers of plasterboard is then installed to the underside of the MF system and all perimeters sealed with the Hush Acoustic Sealant.Outstanding resultsTests carried out on completion of the acoustic treatment showed immediate results, which completely exceeded the acoustic requirements for conversion within the Building Regulations and also surpassed New Build standards.Chartered Architect, Andrew Bentley, said, "Thank you for all your help and support. I will be happy to use your products again in future."

KAL is a member of the Gowan Group, a family-owned holding company, directly controlling many successful trading companies as well as significant property holdings and financial investments in public and private companies in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK.The largest appliance distributors in Ireland, KAL rely on a 30,000 square foot designer showroom for unique kitchen and domestic appliances. Their showroom at Dublin’s Citywest is one of the largest of its kind in Europe showcasing all their kitchen and consumer appliance brands.The ChallengeAfter conducting a survey of the 1,000m2 roof, it was determined that the areas of the roof, specifically the office area, were in need of repair. Some areas of the original roof build-up were starting to leak and lap joints failing due to a poor install.Following the site survey and adhesion tests, a site-specific specification was produced for the client and contractor to overview once all parties were happy with the proposals. With some complex detailing work involved, a decision was made to overlay the existing roof build with Polyroof Protec System.The SolutionPolyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times, was the chosen system of use for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application, the works could be carried out during working hours, with little disruption to the office staff below and little working time lost for the client.IPRS Limited, an experienced roofing and panel repair contractor and Polyroof Approved Contractor, were chosen to undertake the work on the project. Firstly, before any work could begin, the original waterproofing of the office roof was pressure-washed and cleaned down. Once all initial preparation was completed, the Protec System application could begin.All areas requiring priming before the main system application were primed and allowed to cure. Any joints were sealed using taping mat and Protec Resin and allowed to cure. Once this preparation had been completed the main Polyroof Protec System, chosen in light grey by the client, was applied.The first coat was allowed to cure before the final coat was applied. Due the Protec System Rapid Cure technology, the finished roof could be walked on after just 30-60 minutes after applications. This allowed for large roof areas to be made fully waterproof within a matter of hours. After the inspection was completed, the client received Polyroof’s trusted Accredited System Guarantee.Taking away the challenges of flat roofing projects.Polyroof’s reputation has been built on the high level of technical support provided to clients before, during and after every contract. We like to work closely with our clients from the very beginning of a flat roofing project right through to completion and throughout the lifespan of the roof. From our experience, this is the best way to guarantee that all aspects of the roof are finished to the superior standards that our clients expect.

A luxury development of contemporary apartments in Balby has joined the long list of residential projects to specify Neacos’s all-in-one balcony solutions. The three-storey complex includes the company's walk-on balconies which come complete with a full provision of modular components including stanchions, toprails, glass infill panels and grille flooring. Neaco's modular balconies are manufactured and assembled at the factory stage for a fast installation which minimises time, energy consumption and waste on site. The development also includes Neaco's glass Juliet balconies which offer the same qualities based on a similar modular construction.

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.” 

The NHS Estates Team required a new office space and workshop area and proposed the refurbishment of an existing building.Systems in useHyranger®Starcoat® PMMAOverviewAxter Ltd were instructed by William Gough & Sons Ltd to produce a design for six roof areas, following a site survey report. The project included a mixture of new build and refurbishment areas, comprising of various systems and design requirements. This included a cut to falls insulation design to comply with Part H and BS 6229:2018. Roof A, the focus of this case study, had a series of convex or ‘barrel roofs’, requiring bespoke detailing and careful design to achieve robust detailing and the required U-value.The project value was circa £1 million. This included all building works and a strict budget for the roofing package, which was achieved. The programme for the works was 16 weeks and completed in Autumn of 2022, to the required deadline.The successful project was also nominated for a National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) award 2023.ChallengesAxter were appointed at RIBA Stage 2 to undertake site surveys and work alongside the Principal Designer as Designer under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.The existing asphalt had shown signs of cracking and blistering, and the outlets were damaged from vegetation growth from a lack of maintenance. New outlets were installed with leaf guards, allowing free flowing water whilst preventing blockages.The proposed office section of the works required thermally upgrading to comply with Building Regulations: Part L. The U-Value requirement was 0.18W/m2K which could be achieved with a 120mm PIR flat board. Due to the curved profile of the roof, installing the insulation below deck level was considered. However, due to an inadequate ceiling height this was disregarded.Furthermore, this would have resulted in the development of interstitial condensation. Further design solutions had to be considered. To bend a 120mm board would have required multiple cuts to the insulation so the decision was made to split this into two thinner boards to achieve the radius more easily.When split into two layers the requirement changed to 2 x70mm boards (140mm total) as worked out using U-Value calculations by the in-house design team at Axter. A timber hard edge was introduced to abut the insulation at the building perimeter to separate the façade and the main field area.Systems and productsAxter’s Hyranger multi-layer RBM system was used across all six roof areas. The system is fully BBA and BRoofT4 compliant, and achieves a guarantee period of 20 years. For this project, Axter’s Goldshield Guarantee was chosen, which covers materials, workmanship and design liability. This was overseen on site by Axter’s Quality Assurance team, who audited the project inclusive of the installation, safety and general management of the roofing works.Axter Starcoat PMMA was used as a cost effective solution to coat the copper fascia and provide a fresh and seamless look to the exterior of the building.SolutionsThe Axter Hyranger multi-layer RBM system was installed using traditional gas driven torches to fully bond the (AVCL) Air and Vapour Control Layer and cap sheet layers. The underlayer was installed over a tissue faced PIR and therefore needed to be self-adhesive in order to reduce the risk of fire, complying with NFRC Safe2Torch guidelines. A cold applied Starcoat PMMA liquid was installed to the façade to achieve a seamless and cost-effective upgrade.The Axter Quality Assurance Team regularly attended site and were in constant communication with the appointed Axtershield Installer, Empire Roofing operatives, to ensure that the system was being installed correctly and to the expected standards in order to achieve the Goldshield guarantee required by the client. To achieve the guarantee level, all materials and workmanship had to be installed as per the Axter specification.The site agent from the main contractor was also regularly on site to oversee the project and ensure that deadlines and timescales were being achieved to keep the build on target for completion. The installation of the multiple roof areas was achieved to exceptional standards leaving the client very impressed with the workmanship.AcknowledgmentsWilliam Gough & Sons Ltd were very impressed with Axter Ltd on our first scheme with them at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton. The requirements of the scheme, which included a complex barrelled roof were investigated on site early in the design phase of the project and Axter’s recommendations were swiftly proposed and agreed with the client’s Architect. Once the design requirements had been established one of Axter’s approved installers were employed by us to very successfully deliver the scheme. The 20 year Goldshield guarantee provided for the Reinforced Bituminous Membrane system offered peace and mind to our client. Chris Hinton, Senior QS, William Gough & Sons

Duo D411 Glass Infill Top FixOrbis OS230 Perforated Infill Side FixThis project included a high spec balustrade to feature stair including extra height glass to waiting areas. The choice of DelamereX gave a natural hardwood look along with durability and low maintenance. An additional three staff staircase balustrade and handrails in standard HiBuild finish and perforated infill panels were also included.Throughout the project, close liaising was needed with the Architect to ensure all necessary design requirements were adhered to and approved. Delta Balustrades installation of the feature stair and balustrades was phased to synchronize with the onsite program.

The development is situated at Killay and is part of a wider initiative to redevelop the Hendrefoilan area, which includes a £450 million new university campus. The project is part of a wider regional development for St. Modwen that includes provision for up to 4,000 homes, a 4 million square foot employment space, and the construction of Swansea University’s new Bay Campus.

See how our innovative acoustic solutions helped create a modern, flexible and social space for accountants and tax advisers across their 10,000 sq ft office in Chelmsford. The project included different colours and textures and given the sensitive nature of some of their work, the scheme also included quiet spaces, meeting rooms and work pods.

This Stirling Prize winning scheme by Sir Norman Foster was, as you would expect, quite demanding on the products Our brief comprised of the complete fit-out including all buildings; seven cores above ground, which including 400 superloo washrooms, wall finishes, feature entrances. We supplied ironmongery fittings to over 1,000 bespoke doorsets, all of which we provided a full ironmongery scheduling service for. Each doorset had an enhanced thickness to achieve specific design details and satisfy standards, involving the mechanical handling due to weight and sizes. Finishes include timber veneer, lacquer and feature coverings to match adjacent areas.

Crystal Palace Football Club play at the legendary Selhurst Park Stadium, based in London. Crystal Palace Football Club has created a brand new 900m² `Fan Zone` which is divided into various settings, including stages, a huge LCD screen, dining areas, shops and a football skills exhibition space. Buzon UK were specified to supply the components to achieve the high live load requirements, which included voids of up to 500mm. The DPH Pedestal system was used, along with the Alfresco Floors Ebema range of high impact concrete pavers. Other areas on pedestals include artificial turf lawns, stages, walkways and ramps.

The Baitul Futuh Mosque (the House of Victories) is the largest Mosque complex in Europe with a capacity to accommodate 13,000 worshippers. Funded by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, reconstruction was completed after a fire in September 2015. The five-floor redevelopment included new administration and assembly buildings with associated facilities and natural ventilation. It also includes multi-purpose halls, offices, and accommodation facilities for guests which include 12 private bedrooms and further dormitories, the associated works include sewer systems, landscaping, cable laying, infrastructure, enabling works, and access roads.Cellecta’s HiDECK Acoustic Overlay 28 was specified by John McAslan & Partners due to its highly conductive structural floorboard with rapid heat transfer characteristics enabling a more efficient under floor heating system. It also directly accepts all types of floor coverings, ensuring each apartment can be finished to the desired look.Ahmad Construction was awarded this 2,000m² contract to construct this historic redevelopment in South West London.

A high quality Duchy of Cornwall project called Kew An Lergh (Cornish for Way Close) delivering a range of community benefits including a nursery school, offices, shops and restaurant in three Arts and Crafts style buildings grouped around a landscaped courtyard.Challenge:AVS were appointed to work closely with the Duchy team, architect and engineer to provide product solutions in line with the architect’s design intent for the project, retaining the overall character and design of the intended buildings.Solution:AVS provided a full drawing package including unit design calculations and reinforcement details for all units including provisions for any potential site handling issues prior to delivery of the stone reinforcements. A varied range of products were required from 8kg to 630kg including self supporting and structural elements.Result:Products designed and supplied by AVS included window and door surrounds, name plaques, a bell tower along with a feature arched main entrance surround with a replica Sea Campion, the emblem for that quarter of Nansledan, contributing to the design attributes of the Kew An Lergh complex.Client: Duchy of CornwallArchitect: ADAM Architecture & ALA ArchitectureProject: Kew An Lergh, Nansleden, NewquayMaterials: Wet Cast StoneColour: Bathstone with Medium Etch FinishApprox. tonnes of stone supplied: 34Start: Sept 2021 | May: 2023

Scarborough Sports Village includes Prospec Marathon Classic range throughout, with cantilevered and double island bench seating in matching solid grade laminate. Prospec Marathon wet lockers, which include an aluminium carcass for wet areas, are a mixture of 1, 2, 3, and 4 tiers, and feature our new £1 coin return lock. Other products included within our installation would be our Marathon Classic fully framed cubicles, postformed solid grade laminate vanity units and grooming shelves, and floor to ceiling IPS (duct panel systems). This project also features our Disabled Access lockers which comply with Sport England recommendations.

GEC Anderson were recently chosen to work with Robin Lee Architecture in a highly creative multi-level residential apartment development in London’s Bayswater. The design process was lead by Architect, Robin Lee but was closely followed by his client and included significant collaboration with GEC Anderson who supplied and installed the stainless steel kitchen, including the associated appliances.To some, the kitchen may look to comprise standard or modular units but, in fact, every piece was individually and meticulously designed so as to maximise its functionality and use of space but also to provide it with its own unique and interesting visual features. A series of niches and shelf spaces were included to really maximise the use of space and to imbue the kitchen with creativity.