"shopfitters fittings"

The currently ongoing project at Latham’s Yard is a large-scale refurbishment of a range of apartment buildings with new cladding and decking to adhere to post-Grenfell fire legislation.Project BreakdownThis multi-phase project see’s no less than 10 high-rise apartment buildings being fitted with building materials that pass updated safety regulations.The SolutionOur 150 Aqua Channel Aluminium Decking was chosen for this balcony refurb as it is easy to install and has an A-class fire resistance rating. These deck boards are extremely low-slip and feature a passive drainage system that allows for management of water runoff.Project DetailsSize: 4000 m²Product: 150 Aqua Channel Client: :  Taylor Wimpey Architect: PRP ArchitectsSub-contractor: KDD ConstructionLocation: London

St James Quarter is one of the UK’s most significant regeneration projects creating a new retail-led, lifestyle district in Edinburgh which incorporates leisure venues, hotel accommodation, private apartments, public spaces and shops.The £1 billion scheme included 1,600 of underground parking spaces. Grating panels were used within the car park to separate the zones for public access from commercial vehicles. In addition the grating provided secure openings for ventilation and the enclosure of storage areas. The panels were fabricated to exact dimensions to fit the structural openings.The panels were manufactured from Lang+Fulton’s Stereo-4, which is an extremely robust grating made with a heavy 30×4mm flat bearing bar, and supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish.

Architect: Breitling UK LtdInstaller:  Barnwood ConstructionProduct:  Durlum Polylam and RhombusA mixture of Durlum Rhombus expanded metal ceiling panels and Durlum Polylam acoustic metal baffles were supplied to Breitling UK Ltd for their Westfield White City store.Rhombus panels we’re produced to fit around feature elements of the shop’s ceiling space including structural beams and the curved storefront, in total 7 special sizes we’re designed by LSA alongside 3 types of standard rectangular panel.All pieces were powder coated with RAL 9004 (Black) for an industrial feel. 27 Polylam baffles with L6 perforations and filled with acoustic mineral wool were installed below the Rhombus panels above the till desk and signature black and gold ‘B’ wall.

The high-performing FirePro fire rated system — fully developed by Radii’s in-house product development Centre for Excellence — was a key feature in the fit-out for global asset managers Blackstone in London’s Berkeley Square.Working on Level 3 of the building, fire rated solutions comprised FirePro Ei30 glazed fire screens, five FirePro Ei30 single doors and double door sets respectively, and three Firepro Ei60 double door sets. Fire doors were installed with power-assisted openers.Furthermore, our high acoustic performance Linear 50 Plus single glazed partitions (up to Rw 41 dB) and a single glazed Hogan lobby double door set with access control completed the glazed partition package.

Radii’s elegant double glazed Parallel 50 (45dB RW) and Parallel 100 (50dB RW) partitions with single glazed pivoting doors was used for Marsh McLennan’s office fronts, meeting rooms and larger ‘project rooms’ along with retro-fit room booking and aluminium faced tech units.Parallel 100 was also utilised with pocket sliding doors for the Level 6 conference rooms, while 4490mm high Parallel 100 extended screens were installed to the East Thames Room on Level 6 and conference rooms. This required structural steel work to support both the weight of the glass above the transom and the hanging weight of a folding wall below by others. Linear 59 (39dB Rw) with bi-parting sliding doors was used on small meeting hubs on Level 6.

A major new regional distribution centre for the Co-operative Group Ltd in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire will feature Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB insulation. The 661,000 sq ft facility, which will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy, has already achieved BREEAM Excellent rating; Ravago’s BRE Green Guide “A” rated insulation will contribute to maintaining this environmental excellence in the upcoming fit-out phase and beyond.Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB has proven popular with cold store specialist contractor ISD Solutions, who will join Tritax Symmetry and Winvic Construction in Biggleswade for the fit-out this April. ISD had opted for the high-performance extruded polystyrene (XPS) thermal insulation boards in the construction of cold stores at B&M’s 1 million sq ft Bedfordshire depot; Ravago’s top-tier product and customer service won ISD’s approval and ensured continuation of the partnership for the Co-op project.Manufactured in King’s Lynn, UK, Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB’s closed-cell structure and declared lambda of 0.030 or 0.031 ensures high compressive strength and low moisture uptake – making it perfect for commercial cold storage.Natalie Sutton, Account Manager for South England & Midlands, Ravago Building Solutions, said: “The new distribution centre is not only significant for the Co-op, but also offers enormous value in terms of safeguarding the environment whilst creating new jobs in the area. It has been fantastic to work with ISD Solutions again to deliver our high-performance insulation for such a significant project”.Martin Taylor, Estimating Manager, ISD added: “This project has significant requirements, and Ravatherm XPS 300 SB’s combination of excellent thermal performance, simplicity, and cost-efficiency ensures we can exceed these. Having previously partnered with Ravago, we have every confidence in the team to deliver consistently outstanding insulation solutions.”

“We have used products from CMS Danskin Acoustics on a variety of projects and always found them a good company to work with and very helpful to deal with,” said Gerry Winter, Allied Acoustics.The Council’s room was designed for holding meetings, training sessions and information days; but the acoustics in the room were distracting and the internal reverberation meant that hearing people speaking was difficult. CMS Danskin Acoustics engaged with the architect at East Renfrewshire Council to agree on the best solution without compromising on aesthetics, and ensuring they could offer the best value.The SolutionFollowing an on-site consultation at the Council with an external acoustician, CMS Danskin Acoustics was brought on-board to supply 25 SuperPhon® Acoustic Rafts; which are specially designed to reduce reverberation times and to improve listening environments. In addition, the tiles are available in a range of attractive colours meaning that the aesthetics of an internal building are not lost, which was of high importance to the Council. “The SuperPhon® Acoustic Rafts were chosen because they fitted with the style of the building, the need to retain the exposed roof structure and the fact that the fabric colour choice provided a less commercial ‘office feel’ to the final installation,” said Andrew Eaddy, East Renfrewshire Council.The ResultsFollowing the installation, CMS Danskin Acoustics carried out some calculations to evaluate how successful the Acoustic Rafts were performing. The team found that they had managed to bring the reverberation time down from 1.8 seconds to 0.8 seconds, ensuring a much-improved sound quality to the room for its multi-purpose activities.“The client was very happy with the end product at Rouken Glen and there was a substantial sound reduction after the panels were installed,” continued Gerry. “Overall we were very pleased with the results and the chosen product. The ease and speed of the installation, thanks to the bespoke fitting, meant that it wasn’t long before we were able to use the communal room again. We’re really pleased with the finish too, it’s exactly what we had in mind for the space,” concluded Andrew.

Located on St Mary’s Street, Cardiff, Hodge House is a beautifully renovated Grade II listed eight-storey building. Originally constructed in 1915 on the site of Cardiff’s original Victorian Town Hall, the building was home to the Welsh Co-Operative for many years.Architect Stride Treglown led the refurbishment of this historic building, converting it into 110,000 sq. ft of modern office space. Working in partnership with Paramount Interiors, they specified Allgood’s Modric and Holt ranges throughout. The development, winner of ‘Workplace Design of the Year’ and shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the Insider Wales Property Awards 2020, has had its interior transformed to suit the next generation of occupiers while showcasing the stunning original features including exposed decorative cast-iron columns and riveted steel structures from the 1930s.Our Modric and Holt ranges matched this design intent. The oak Holt range was chosen to complement the historic features, while the clean functional aesthetic of our Modric range perfectly complemented the industrial chic of the interior spaces.Helen Bartlett, Design Director at Paramount Interiors, commented:“Allgood’s willingness to consult with us and provide expert insight into how best to meet the specification at the design stage was welcome, and ensured the brief was met to the highest possible standards. The chosen products provide a finish of premium quality and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”Allgood’s Modric range is made from solid grade 316 stainless steel and encompasses the full suite of door furniture, including the variety of handles fitted on Hodge House. All products have been engineered to last a lifetime and come with a 25-year warranty for total peace of mind.Holt, designed by architect Alex Mowat, is a Nordic-inspired range of super-circular door and bathroom products made from European oak. Holt lever handles are fitted throughout Hodge House.

Banks Road Primary School, Liverpool, prides itself on creating an environment where pupils can achieve their highest potential. The school and its team work hard to nurture a climate where all children, regardless of gender, race or disability, can thrive and grow in self-esteem. The school was looking for a washroom revamp to coincide with the school’s dedication to providing a safe, secure, and supporting environment for their pupils. The project was carried out by Inspired Washrooms, a Nottingham based fit-out company, which came up with a fun, colourful and contemporary design to renovate the school washrooms, using a range of KWC DVS specified products. The full range of products provided are as follows: • 4 x SOLX1800T Washtroughs with 3 wash places and tap holes • 13 x F3SV1001 F3S self-closing pillar tap • 18 x WC03-002 Standard WC Flushvalve Kit with Wave-On Sensor – 1 1/2″ Base – c/w 3m Cable • 18 x WC02-011 Concealed plastic cistern kit – 1 1/2″ The fit-out took place over a three-phase long period starting in October 2021. Miranit washtroughs are ideal for busy environments due to their built-in waste, overflow, and durable yet stylish design. The F3S self-closing pillar tap exhibits properties ideal for a child-friendly area with its adjustable flow time and polished chromium-plated brass finish, rendering the surface coating resistant to corrosion and wear. Chris Kightley, Managing Director of Inspired Washrooms, commented, “We work with KWC DVS on a recurrent basis and can always count on them to provide us with quality products. A trusted partner, we’ve worked on many projects together. Their Miranit composite range and their F3S self-closing pillar taps were perfect for the playful but functional washroom refurbishment Banks Road Primary School was after.”

An architect-designed 1970s house in South Yorkshire was given a modern makeover using Cedral Click in Slate Grey.Roger Mills and his family moved into their 5-bedroom bungalow in 1988.“We were very happy with it, apart from its external appearance which was becoming very dated and dilapidated,” says Roger.They considered replacing the exterior cladding with a similar type of tile but worried that vertical tiling wouldn’t give them the quality, contemporary look they wanted. Fortunately, their nephew had just replaced his cladding with Cedral facades and the Mills family, impressed with the results, realised this was just what they were looking for.The fact the building was in the Ranmoor Conservation area could have posed a problem and initially the Mills’ faced some challenges from the local authority planning office. Fortunately, as Cedral facades have been used successfully in other conservation areas, the project was passed.Smooth-finish Cedral Click in contemporary Slate Grey gave the tired looking house a new lease of life – “people now mistake it for a new build,” says Roger.He’s also made his neighbours very happy. “They’re delighted because it has considerably improved the appearance of the house and that helps to lift the class of the houses on the road.”The return on investment has been substantial. In fact, the renovation has actually increased the value of the house by more than the cost, reveals Roger. And installing insulation under the Cedral boards will reduce the family’s energy spend, he confirms.“The project was a big success and I would definitely recommend Cedral to anybody experiencing the same issues we did. The material is very high quality, and the house looks significantly more attractive and modern.” Roger also recommends using one of Cedral’s recognised installers for the job. “This is a product that benefits from having an expert who is familiar with the fitting requirements to fit it.”

GEC ANDERSON OFFERS PRISTINE PERFORMANCE FOR UCS SPORTS PAVILIONThe fit out of a major new academic sports facility in North London has included the selection of custom built sinks, work-surfaces, shelving and other stainless steel units, manufactured and installed by sector specialist, GEC Anderson.The University College School Sports Pavilion in Hampstead has been designed by Marcus Beale Architects (MBA) with LIFE Build Solutions of High Wycombe filling the role of main contractor. The area was farmland until the 20th century. The use as playing fields dates from the 1920s.The 18th month project encompassed upgrades to the schools playing fields themselves and the erection of a two-storey structure with extensive changing room facilities, showers and toilets on the first floor. The comprehensive catering facilities include kitchens large enough to serve a dining area which can seat 200. Amongst the stainless steel fabrications designed and fashioned by GEC Andersons highly experienced workforce are a number of base units which combine with single section work-surfaces, sinks and splashbacks to create an easily cleaned, hygienic and ergonomic working environment.As well as the actual kitchen, GEC Anderson also supplied adjustable wall shelving and an L-shaped, three level base unit for a food storage and preparation area. In several places GEC Andersons site survey and subsequent liaison with the project team, which also included The Litmus Partnership Ltd. Catering Consultants, led to units being tailored to fit around structural columns and to accommodate different sized pieces of catering equipment.The stainless steel back bar, with associated fabrications and appliances were also supplied and installed by GEC Anderson.A spokesperson for MBA commented: In 2015 MBA won an invited competition to design a new sports pavilion on the site. Thorough analysis of the topography and the wider views led to a radical design for a pavilion in two parts, linked by a bridge angled westwards to align precisely with the Wembley Arch.

Paving with character required for one of UK’s most biodiverse developmentsWorking in conjunction with London Wildlife Trust, Berkeley Group’s design objective was strongly influenced by the environment surrounding the scheme. The overall aim of the multi-functional location was to encourage users to socialise and enjoy the open space and facilities available. Residents can enjoy 13 acres of parkland across 2 new parks in addition to outdoor leisure spaces including an amphitheatre, play areas, and fitness trails. The Green Quarter hard landscaping design needed to tie in with the vibrant nature of the area. A functional yet aesthetically pleasing solution was required, ensuring commuter-friendly paving options. Due to the scale of the location, creative laying patterns were required to add character and break up the space.   Tobermore’s Artro adds vibrancy and personality to transformed development Tobermore worked closely with the project team throughout the design process offering complimentary paving visualisations and bespoke sample panels for the extensive hard landscaping on the scheme. The visualisation and sample service provided confidence in the final product selection.  Outdoor leisure spaces including an amphitheatre, play areas, and fitness trails provide a place for residents to unwind. Community events including outdoor cinema screenings and food markets will create a thriving new community. There will also be a new primary school, health centre and community facility. With creativity at its core, Artro block paving was laid in an interesting five-way colour mix of Heather, Bracken, Autumn, Slate and Carbon in a trendy herringbone pattern. Other pedestrianised zones feature Artro in warm clay-like tones of Heather and Autumn in a stretcher bond laying pattern. Artro’s ability to create unique design patterns by seamlessly blending various colour tones adds originality and personality to the scheme.  Thanks to Tobermore’s PrimeTop hard-wearing surface layer, Berkeley Group can be confident that Artro will retain its original appearance for many years to come.     

This is the new bespoke cycle hub Falco recently designed, manufactured, supplied and installed this spring for Kenley Station in south Croydon. Making use of the flagship FalcoHub design, the new cycle hub has been fitted with the tried and tested FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle rack, providing commuters with up to 16 secure cycle parking spaces.The bespoke 6.5m x 4.2m cycle hub has been fitted with an electric sliding door, a secure access system, LED lighting, a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, bespoke branding graphics and a cladding combination of sustainable hardwood slats coupled with powder coated galvanised steel in a ‘Moss Green’ RAL colour.The cycle hub also provides secure accommodation for up to four cargo bikes, e-cargo bikes, adaptive bikes, recumbent bikes, tandems, tricycles, oversized and upright cycles or bike trailers.In addition to the cycle hub, Falco also provided a bespoke solution to store the clients refuse units.Rail passengers using pedal power can apply at the ticket office for a free security fob to gain entrance to the facility now.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, installed next to platform 2, off Station Road.The whole shelter is a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding and supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The steelwork is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof.For more information regarding the cycle hub scheme at Kenley Station or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Castle Hill Hospital, at Cottingham near Hull, is defending busy areas of the hospital interiors from impact damage with the help of Yeoman Shield protection products.Serving the population of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the hospital has approximately 370 beds and caters for the majority of the trusts elective activity as well as housing the award- winning Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology.The refurbishment of the Plastic Surgery Outpatients ground floor corridors and First floor I.C.U. corridors saw Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail installed. The rails are fitted on a 60mm PVC “stand-off” spacers allowing them to be utilised as a handrail for those requiring it.A strengthening solid inner core ensures the rail is capable of taking the heaviest of blows from motorised or wheeled trolleys and equipment saving the wall from structural damage and marking.The vulnerable corners and terminating ends of the rail are equally protected from impact with the addition of Yeoman Shield’s new rubber, hardwearing and durable stop ends and wall return accessories.The busy catering department and corridors were also suffering from impact damage caused by the movement of the catering trolleys, food warmers and equipment. To combat costly damage to the décor Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail has again been installed this time “flat-back” to the wall.For a hygienic yet protective finish to the walls Yeoman Shield smooth food grade wall panels were installed from floor to ceiling with extra defence in the form of the 200mm protection rail.All Yeoman Shield products were installed by directly employed Yeoman Shield fixing operatives ensuring an efficient and accurate first time fit.“The work carried out to corridors and catering department was undertaken with due consideration of each busy section of the hospital and to suit their working arrangements, including any out of hours working. All went very well and each department commented on how well the work went and how good the improvement is” Alan Parry, Estates Officer (Building).

Products used:EW | Cavity Barriers and Firestops for Masonry External WallsBB-CB | Balcony Bracket – Cavity Barrier Siderise has provided a proven range of cavity barriers and an innovative new balcony bracket for a residential building located within a new sustainable community in north London.A landmark 64-acre regeneration project taking shape near Finsbury Park, Woodbury Down will feature over 5500 new homes and community facilities whilst maintaining a sustainable approach to development.Working with Berkeley Homes and façade contractor Swift Brickwork on Block B of the development, Siderise provided a range of fire compartmentation solutions including both the EW cavity barrier formasonry walls and the new BB-CB Balcony Bracket – a ready-to-fit cavity barrier solution offering 2 hours fire resistance, which addresses the complex detailing where a balcony interacts with the building envelope,and allows for simple abutting of the EW products to provide continuity of the cavity barriers.The ongoing and long-term collaboration with Berkeley Homes led to Siderise recommending both the EW cavity barrier to seal the gap between the inside of the floor slabs and the exterior brick façade, and also the new BB-CB balcony bracket - cavity barrier, the first time this innovation has been installed in balcony applications.Siderise developed the innovative ready-to-fit BB-CB solution for balcony applications in order to speed-up the installation and provide a tested fire compartmentation solution for an area where high workmanship skills were required.In addition to the bespoke technical support and guidance provided throughout the project, the Siderise Inspection App offered the developer an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of their installation work on this residential building throughout the contract. By capturing the relevant information on a standard smartphone or tablet device, Swift Brickwork was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution and ensure 100% quality assurance on the installation of the cavity barrier system.

108 Cannon Street is billed by clients Endurance Land as ‘not your typical office space’.The innovative focus on an adaptable, reconfigurable internal design meant that modular partitions were a key part of the overall strategy.The holistic open-plan design would offer numerous spaces that differed in size, functionality and aesthetic design to cater for a variety of work habits.As leading innovators in the design and manufacture of adaptable and reusable solid and glazed partitions, Radii were a perfect fit for this project.Alongside our range of high-end commercial glazed partitions — all of which are fully demountable — our highly sustainable adaptable ‘2D’ crosswall solution would work in conjunction to produce the modular grid that the client would require to add the flexibility of space they desired.Fully interchangeable with the adjoining glazed fronts, this modular dry-jointed 2D system has been designed to be erected, taken down and reconfigured multiple times throughout the product lifecycle and add or remove private spaces as required.Radii combined our double-glazed Parallel 125 partitions (Rw 50 dB) and demountable adaptable 2D crosswall (Rw 52 dB) to create meeting spaces with exceptional acoustic privacy. Crosswall panel finishes varied to match the design of each space by architects Barr Gazetas, with magnetic writeable whiteboard also specified to add additional functionality for end users.Our single glazed Linear 25 (Rw 38 dB) and double glazed Parallel 50 (Rw 45 dB) partitions were also used due to the variety of acoustic requirement for the 14 different office and meeting rooms across the Lower Ground, Ground and Levels 2 and 3. These were fit alongside single, leaf and a half and double Hogan pivoting glazed doors.Finally, Radii also manufactured and installed a FirePro Ei30 fire rated double door set and screen in the reception lobby.

The UNIFOLD® Gutter Lining System has recently been installed within five valley gutters, totalling more than 700metres, on the Argos Distribution Centre, Castlegate, Wolverhampton.The facility, operated on behalf of Argos by Wincanton, had experienced severe storm water ingress due to the overwhelming of the existing gutters and outlets, causing severe damage and disruption.The roof had been over-sheeted several years ago and the existing gutters were fitted with a continuous plastics liner at this time.This liner was not lying flat due to expansion and contraction problems, leaving raised areas within the gutter, further reducing the available capacity and contributing to the problems being experienced.Ampteam Limited along with rainwater drainage experts CRM Rainwater Drainage were invited to propose a solution to the problem.Survey and DesignFollowing a survey by Ampteam and CRM, a design solution was provided for the gutters.As the existing gutter had insufficient capacity and any modification to the roof at the eaves position to enlarge the gutter was not an option, the design solution required the use of all of the available space within the eaves cavity.The situation was complicated by the need to control works on the asbestos cement gutters on a building constantly in use. This in turn meant that no extra outlets could be introduced and the existing outlets could not be enlarged.The solution involved the installation of a multi-hinged Unifold gutter, fitted and sealed to the underside of the roof sheet in order to maximise the gutter capacity, combined with specially designed siphonic outlets. As the eaves conditions varied along the gutter runs and within each gutter and access was tight, the UNIFOLD® was supplied with 7no hinges.This facilitated relatively easy installation in very difficult circumstances.Siphonic OutletsThe UNIFOLD® gutter was also provided with factory fabricated side boxes to house the unique siphonic outlets that were designed and tested by Dr Malcolm Wearing of CRM Rainwater Drainage.Although the capacity of the gutters had been increased to the maximum given the existing roof conditions, these siphonic outlets, manufactured and installed by Aquaphonixs Limited, were essential to improve the drainage performance of the existing outlets and to allow the system to function without any additional outlets.Fan shaped, semi-circular siphonic outlets with an offset 100mm diameter tailpipe were specially designed to fit inside the UNIFOLD® side boxes and into the existing 150mm diameter outlets.The siphonic outlet tailpipes were connected to flexible tubes, sleeved into the existing plastic downpipes.The custom made outlets were optimised and tested in laboratory conditions and proved to provide a capacity of over 27litres/second, ten times the capacity of a standard 100mm diameter outlet.Calculations to prove the design solutions of both Unifold gutters and siphonic outlets were provided by CRM Rainwater Drainage.InstallationThe UNIFOLD® gutter system was installed by approved contractors Traditional Structures Limited who, due to the relative complexity of the contract, originally forecast a period of 7 weeks to complete the installation.First class organisation, excellent site personnel and attention to detail by both Traditional Structures and Ampteam Limited meant that the installation was completed in just over 4 weeks with no disruption to processes within the building.

The Darwin Centre cocoon creates a new architectural icon for the capital, ground-breaking in scale and breath-taking in its originality and creative brilliance.The design features a vast free-standing structure taking the form of an enormous cocoon within a glass atrium. The eight storey high cocoon houses a unique collection of 17 million insects and 3 million plants collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. The building completes the Museum’s life science complex, the Darwin Centre, following the first phase opened in 2002.Design TeamThe response of the architectural design team at C.F. Møller, lead by partner Anna Maria Indrio, was to create an engaging image reminiscent of an essentially organic form. The surface and texture also needed to reflect this, so the subtle sheen of the ivory coloured Armourcoat plaster was chosen. With an intersecting network of ‘silk threads’ that criss-cross the cocoon, the surface allows for movement and provides a visual framework for openings and niches. Armourcoat was specified to devise a unique creative solution combining both the insulation and the final decorative layers. The cocoon performs a genuinely protective job providing thermal mass to inhibit any fluctuations to the internal temperature – essential for the museum’s treasured specimens. The structure also houses state-of-the-art laboratories for 250 international scientists and an interactive visitor exhibition.ConstructionA sixty-five metre long skeletal structure was built by sprayed concrete specialist Shotcrete – the first above ground sprayed concrete structural element in the world. Expanded metal mesh was fitted to the steel re-bar framework and a 250mm thick layer of concrete was spray applied to create a 3,500 m2 raw concrete surface. Armourcoat then applied a resin modified render to the structure to minimize localized variations to the surface, before the polystyrene insulation layer was fixed. Using Dryvit Genesis adhesive and over 16,000 Hilti insulation fasteners, a 50mm polystyrene layer was fitted to the entire surface of the cocoon then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh bedded into Dryvit Genesis basecoat. To create the silk threads wrapping the structure, a special cutting machine was devised which could cut an accurate slot and create the individual 340 panels which make up the cocoon surface. A total of 5.6km of edge bead was then fitted before Armourcoat’s unique AntiCrack substrate preparation system was applied. AntiCrack is a polymer and fibre modified gypsum skim-coat plaster which creates a first class substrate, keeping the Armourcoat plaster layer in peak condition. Two layers of Armourcoat keycoat were applied prior to the application of the final finish. The finished effect of a giant silk cocoon was achieved using ivory coloured Armourcoat Armuralia polished plaster - an exquisite, smooth finish with subtle tonal variations.The cocoon is a milestone achievement, a unique design and technical solution befitting the historic and social reference of the Natural History Museum. This also is a stunning example of the type of commercial projects now undertaken by Armourcoat, celebrating twenty-five years of creative excellence in 2009.Client: Natural History MuseumArchitect: C. F. MøllerMain Contractor: HBG Construction

The village of Papekop is located in the west of the province of Utrecht, surrounded on three sides by the province of South Holland.Here, in collaboration with Arco Architecten Bna, a stylish barn house is fitted with two louver systems. By Sunshield.The entire facade on the southwest is made of glass, and has a surface area of 34 m2. The ground floor is equipped with a rectangular slat system. On the second floor, the louver system begins as a rectangle, but ends at the top of the ridge triangular.Each system is operated by a motor with remote control, so independently of each other.The residents have opted for the 96-E louver. A blade with a modern, sleek design and a width of 96 mm. When the slats are fully open, the view between the louvers is 90 mm. The residents can then fully enjoy the rural panorama from their residence.The aluminum components are powder coated in RAL 9004, signal black. The plastic parts are black.

Lucent W1 is a high profile mixed-use building comprising 111,000 sqft of CAT Acommercial space, 30,000 sqft of retail space and seven new residential units in WestLondon. The development is built with sustainability at its core, including a BREEAM‘Excellent’ rating and pending Gold WELL accreditation.The design of the building, behind the famous Piccadilly lights, meant that traditionalinstallation methods could not be used while maintaining the fire separation wall. Thisconstraint meant building could only commence from one side and required a newsolution. We designed bespoke wind posts and cut the boards to the exact anglesrequired so that they could be fitted from one side only. Combined with Specwall’sinherent firestopping properties, this made us the perfect choice to solve the designissues at Lucent W1.

THE PROJECTThe SCAPE Wembley development is a student living residence located in the heart of Wembley, London. Just moments from the iconic Wembley Stadium, the SCAPE Wembley student accommodation property has great connections to the hustle and bustle of London city centre, along with the natural beauty of the countryside of the Chilterns close by. Both the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines are nearby offering easy access to the west end of London in less than 20 minutes.The SCAPE Wembley residence features a large bank of freestanding MODA mailboxes located in the social space of the project. The mailboxes are in front / out front horizontal type products that are freestanding fitted to the floor.The mailboxes were configured and assembled prior to despatch, allowing easy installation of the mailboxes when they were delivered to the project site.We have worked with SCAPE Students on a number of other projects including the Corsham Street and Greenwich developments.

Surespan manufactured and supplied over 86 different access hatches including;Hydraulic HIAC coversStainless Steel Internal HIAC coversStainless Steel Roof HatchesThe HIAC hatches were primarily 1800 x 1800mm and were rated FACTA Class ‘B’ vehicle loading. They were hand pump operated via hydraulic cylinders. A further 70+ covers were manufactured in stainless steel to fit 1220 x 1220mm with 50mm and 80mm recesses. The internal HIAC was 600 x 600mm and featured gas spring assistance, 20mm recess for marble and a polished stainless steel top trim.The Roof Hatches supplied were 800 x 900 and 600 x 600mm stainless steel and were fire-rated for up to 2 hours. They were powder-coated RAL 9010. 

The Great Northern Tiling Company have used UltraTile to create a subtropical swimming paradise at iconic family resort, Center Parcs.BackgroundLocated in the heart of Nottingham’s famous Sherwood Forest, Center Parcs is a much-loved family resort home to variety of activities and villages, including the recently renovated Subtropical Swimming Paradise Village.The ChallengeThe project began mid-2020 during the UK’s first lockdown. To make the most of the facilities being empty, the project continued to grow in size as the team at Center Parcs rejuvenated further areas across the family resort.“Working in constant 30°C+ temperatures during summer 2020 was challenging for both our tilers and the adhesive. Fitting Quartzite stone to the seating areas, Jacuzzi and stairs was technically demanding”. Darren Nockall, Director at The Great Northern Tiling Company.

SIEGENIA makes the design of the passage to the outside more convenient than ever with the new hardware solution for thresholds. The high-performance TITAN hardware portfolio has been expanded with a solution for barrier-free thresholds with drop-down seal for this purpose. This enables fabricators, architects and end users to achieve the widest range of room comfort requirements with regard to barrier-free systems. With security up to RC2, good sound absorption and high compression, they can be flexibly combined with both single-sash and double-sash elements.Barrier-free with additional benefitsSuitable for barrier-free French door systems made of different profile materials, the new solution for barrier-free thresholds with drop-down seal is convincing from the end user perspective due to the convenient, smooth operation and the high corrosion resistance and long service life, for which TITAN fittings are renowned.

PROJECT BACKGROUND: Ongoing improvements were in progress at the school, focused on enhancing accessibility. These improvements included widening existing interior openings and introducing new exterior doors equipped with ramps.REQUIREMENT:  The ramps needed to comply with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) standards and feature childproof, slip-resistant surface coverings.END RESULT: Once the new doors were in place, we installed the DDA ramps accordingly with a 1:15 gradient.Each system was fitted with our Safetread Rubber Surface. This is a cushiony, slip-resistant ramp covering designed to minimise the impact of falls.This product is constructed from materials identical to those used in soft play areas and enjoys wide popularity among nurseries, schools, and public facilities. Moreover, it offers a variety of colour options and maintains its performance even in adverse weather conditions.

The ChallengeLocated in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, Foundry Gardens is a development of two to five-bedroomed housing. It was important that this relatively low-density scheme fit the traditional vernacular of the area.The SolutionChelsea Smoked Red brick was chosen and used alongside white boarding and tile. The white boarding element has been used to emphasis corner and key buildings, detailing porches and canopies.Chelsea Smoked Red brick is a red, stock thrown, wire cut brick by Ecostock, the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.The BenefitsThe choice of brick helps the development to seamlessly fuse the traditional with the contemporary.The project won the Large House Builder category at the Brick Development Association’s annual Brick Awards 2018.

When Financial IT Consultancy firm PHI Partners took possession of two run-down offices in Barnet, Hertfordshire, they tasked Interior Property Solutions (IPS) with combining the units to create a luxurious, bright and inviting executive workspace and 'Engine Room’ sales office fit for a cutting edge business.IPS wanted to create a bold impact with their door designs and choose floor to ceiling wood veneer doors, door frames and timber-framed partitions from Forza Doors.To create a unified consent look throughout the suites crown cut Black American Walnut veneer was selected for its close match to the grain of the table and AV unit in the executive meeting room. To ensure the veneers matched, Forza was sent a sample of the desk veneer and personally selected the veneer to match. We also used the same veneer on the doorframes and the Forza Imola partitions for continuity of colour and grain.

Vega is a 37-storey new build property in Vauxhall, South London ideally located near to Kings College London, University College London, University of London, and University of Westminster.  The building houses a variety of 841 studio and shared student apartments and has a roof garden terrace, an on-site gym, cinema room, private dining area, and gaming zone all for student use, as well as a six-storey open-plan office. As the student accommodation had cooking facilities which included a hob, fire safety protection was considered to be of particular importance. Due to its unique benefits and ease of use for the students and the fact that other Downing Student properties across the UK had requested it, the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen to be installed as standard in 497 apartments to complement the passive fire products which had also been fitted.

Completed in July 2012 the Shard was in construction for 3 years. Grainger’s, are proud to say we supplied our perimeter access flooring pedestals on several their exposed levels. This helps to create the unique shape of the shard. Access flooring has provided over 200 miles of wiring to be hidden underfoot. Making Irvine Sellar's ambition to create such a luxurious space into a reality. 95% of construction material were recycled during the fit out. Including 95% recycled content in pedestals.Back in 2015, the Grainger family celebrated a 21st Birthday, visiting the Shard. 360 views of the capital, on a clear day provided outstanding memories for such a special occasion. Whilst looking out it was easy to spot various other jobs and projects we had worked on over the years. We were all proud to be a part of the making of The Shard.

A new extension and internal fit out was designed by Wright and Wright Architects of London. It gave a modern and fresh look to the original 18th century listed building. New Gallery space, a cafe, and leaning spaces have all been incorporated into the new building.Koster Aquatecnic Ltd were involved in this project at an early stage. We gave advice on the below ground areas as well as the waterproofing for the green roof.The Koster TPO Single Ply Membrane was selected as the material of choice to cover the flat roof section primarily due to its the environmental characteristics. The Koster TPO membrane is recyclable, contains no PVC, and is the most robust and longest lasting membrane on the market. The Slate Grey color (RAL 7015) was selected as it would blend in with the overall look the clients were trying to achieve. This project was fully Electronically tested prior to the green roof sedum blanket being installed. 

Kawneer played its part in the impressive Hale Wharf regeneration project by supplying our AA®100 Curtain Wall System, known for its excellent thermal performance and flexibility of design choice. The system features on both the ground floor retail and communal entrances of the 21-Storey (Block A) and 15-Storey (Block B) Buildings. It also features our AA®190 TB Doors on Block B that excel in high-traffic environments due to its robust and welded construction. The one and two-bedroom apartments are also fitted with Kawneer’s AA®720 Casement and AA®720 Tilturn Windows and AA®3572 Lift/Slide Doors, giving residents access to their balconies and the far-reaching city views which help set this exceptional development apart.

Project: Manufacture and installation of concrete worktops at the office canteenClient: Everybody’s Music ManagementMaterials used:  Bespoke BTX GRC 2500 x 65 x 30 mm precast and hand polished concrete worktops in Silk Mist finish.Three large concrete panels; each 2500 mm long and 650 mm wide with side returns; were installed by the Living Concrete team in the communal office space at Everybody’s Music Management offices in North London.The worktops were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The worktops were cut to fit various kitchen appliances and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof. Concrete worktops are extremely strong and durable and designed to withstand high level of use.

PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts was designed by Foster & Partners and commissioned by main contractor Kier Eastern. The brief was to replace 30-year-old partitioning with a system capable of fitting in with a visually aesthetic solution which was in-keeping with the existing architectural style.OUR SCOPE OF WORKThe demands of supplying architectural partitioning solutions within a visual arts centre environment meant that only the highest standards of design and functionality would be acceptable. From the start of the design phase, we worked in partnership with Norman Foster and Kier to create unique modular steel and glass partitions throughout the building. Bespoke doors provided the ultimate finish. Our approach was to ensure that functionality and aesthetics worked together to deliver consistency and innovation throughout the building. Attention to detail was paramount to the success of installing bespoke partitions within the creative surroundings of the Centre. 

The 20th Commonwealth Games were held in the Scottish city of Glasgow in the summer of 2014. Over 6,500 active participants from 70 nations competed in 17 disciplines. The Glasgow National Hockey Centre was constructed in Glasgow Green in order to provide a suitable setting for hockey players taking part in the competitions. Two pitches were fitted with the Poligras Mega CoolPlus complete synthetic turf system from Polytan, thus ensuring optimal training and playing conditions. The colour scheme is certainly eye-catching: the bright blue and bright green surfaces installed in the stadium match the colours of the stand. In contrast, the synthetic turf in the training ground consists of blue and purple areas. The unfilled Poligras Mega CoolPlus is particularly suitable for hockey as the compact and uniform structure of the turf does not distort the rolling behaviour of the ball, thus facilitating precise play.

In May 2014, the “Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre” was opened at the northern entrance to the “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park”, marking the conclusion of the sustainable development of the former London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sports venues on the Eton Manor site. Today, the sports centre is the headquarters of the English hockey umbrella organisation, ‘England Hockey’, as well as an important training centre for the “Lawn Tennis Association”. The hockey pitches are fitted with Polytan’s Poligras artificial turf system and therefore meet the highest professional standards, as shown by the fact that they were chosen as the venue for the European Hockey Championships in August 2015. Participants played on a synthetic turf system with an unusual design: A Union Jack was incorporated into the border of the London Blue pitch using red and white patches. In conjunction with the high-quality and modern architecture, the hockey and tennis centre therefore now has a supremely stylish appearance.

The project involves demolishingthe legacy pool and hall to makeway for two new swimming pools, athermal suite, a modern gym,state-of-the-art fitness equipment,exercise and refreshment facilities. Brett was able to provide 305 m2 ofInvicta Trio in each of the threecolours – Moonstone, Onyx, andPearl – as well as an additional 20m2 of mixed size paving in 80mm ofeach colour for the project. Bycombining these colours, the clientwas able to create an eye-catching,mix n match design leading up tothe Leisure Centre entrance.Brett’s Invicta block pavingproducts were able to solve severalchallenges faced by the project,including the need for a suitableproduct that was readily availableand competitively priced. WithBrett’s help, the paving contractorwas able to source the requiredpaving products without any delays,ensuring that the project wascompleted on time and withinbudget.