"shower head"

The aesthetics of this new brewery in Ashford were incredibly important to the overall design process, with no detail left unchecked - including the style of the fastener heads used to fix the impressive jet black cladding panels.Designed by Guy Holloway Architects, the Curious Brewery combines two functions in a single 'supershed' - alongside the stainless pipes and vats of the production facility is a visitor attraction comprising space for tastings, a shop, restaurant, and bar. The building makes a bold statement about modern brewing in Britain with a suitably 'curious' black façade, which gives little away until visitors step inside where it then opens up the modern brewing process to visitors - with an immersive approach to the brand experience. "We are extremely impressed with the aesthetically pleasing fasteners chosen for this project. Fixfast colour coated low profile fasteners and washers with very little lead time were a cost-effective solution to an aesthetically pleasing building" Jamie Cook - Managing Director at TLC Industrial Roofing & Cladding

This five-plot new build project in rural Lincolnshire required cream sash windows in order to match the local architecture, including the stone lintels and cills that had been selected. As a high-end development, the windows needed to be high spec and fully accredited.Solid cream Charisma Rose sash windows were ideal for the project. As a standard colour, the windows didn’t need to be foiled or sprayed. Charisma Rose – like all windows in the Rose Collection – already had all necessary certification and accreditations in place, including Part Q compliance to meet building regulations.As a luxury development, the windows were specified with several features that set them apart from standard sashes. Many windows included arched heads with traditional sunburst astragal bar designs and unequal split sashes for visual balance. All of the windows incorporated traditional run-through horns for authenticity, and colour-coded trickle vents to meet regulations without affecting the overall appearance.

Project DetailProject: West yorkshire Police HQLocation: Wakefield, UKProduct: TS 9205 and TS 11204 Cam Action closersProject DescriptionNormanton Police Head Quarters work closely with high security locksmiths and Ironmongery Suppliers ensuring safety and compliance for humanity.Complete door sets and door closers were installed to the 25 Million pound facility accommodating operational teams, response teams and CID, as well as providing a 35 cell custody suite and office accommodation for staff.Rutland were pleased to supply the high efficiency TS 9000 range of door closers and the TS 11204 Cam Action range that meet and exceed the standards for assisting doors to meet the Equalities Act and BS 8300.Chosen because of the long guarantees and high efficiency these ranges of closers are made for easier to open and better control.When you need door closers that help not hinder contact ourselves or one of our team.

CAT stair nosings have been installed into one of the Worlds first purpose-built meeting facilities based in Westminster, London.​AN69 was the main section to fit the rounded step edge, then aluminium extension piece ANEXT creating a wider tread connected to an ANRE25 ramp edge at the back covering the safety vinyl flooring. Finally, the robust Aluminium ATI49.5 aluminium inserts were inserted into the tread of the AN69 to conceal the screw head fixings and give an all-aluminium finish.​Opening in 1912, the Great Hall has an impressively long history for hosting various events, the first meeting of the United Nations in 1946, debates, concerts and shelter for Londoners during the second world war.​Situated in the venues undercroft, Wesley’s Cafe is a hot spot for visitors and especially popular with tourists, the cafe covers over 300m2 and also is adjacent to further event space. Due to the entrance into the cafe is via a staircase, the constant high footfall called for a stair nosing made up from a combination of our Aluminium products.

In the world of education, the physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping the learning experiences of students. To ensure that every child has equal access to education, the Department for Education (DfE) in the United Kingdom has laid down comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of school buildings. Two key documents, BB103 and BB104, stand at the forefront of this initiative, setting standards to promote inclusivity and accessibility within educational settings.BB103 | Designing Accessible School BuildingsFor mainstream schools, BB103 mandates the inclusion of accessible facilities to accommodate pupils, students, staff, and visitors with disabilities. Crucially, this includes the provision of a specialist hygiene room equipped with either a fixed or mobile hoist, alongside ample space for assistants to facilitate the changing process.In primary schools, the hygiene room must span a minimum of 9m² and feature essentials such as a changing bed and accessible WC.Secondary schools, on the other hand, are required to allocate a minimum of 12m² for their hygiene rooms, which should additionally incorporate an accessible shower, sluice toilet, and changing trolley. These specifications are designed to ensure that hygiene rooms meet the unique needs of students across different age groups and educational settings.According to recent statistics from the DfE, approximately 14.1% of children in the UK have special educational needs, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that school environments are inclusive and supportive.BB104 | Catering to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)BB104 further refines the standards for hygiene rooms in special schools and alternative provisions (APs). For non-ambulant special schools or units, the guideline stipulates the provision of one hygiene room for every 12 non-ambulant pupil places. These rooms must be equipped with a fixed hoist, a changing bed, a wash hand basin, an accessible WC, and an accessible shower, underscoring the comprehensive support required for students with profound disabilities.In ambulant special schools and APs, one hygiene room per setting is mandated, featuring either a fixed or mobile hoist, a changing bed, a wash hand basin, and an accessible WC.Additionally, all hygiene rooms are required to have facilities for waste disposal, such as a sluice or equivalent, to maintain hygiene standards and ensure the efficient management of waste.Conclusion | Building for a Brighter FutureAs educators and stakeholders in the education sector, it is our collective responsibility to champion inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of school design and construction. By understanding and implementing the guidelines outlined in BB103 and BB104, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.How can we help? Our skilled team have many years’ experience of planning and installing equipment within public environments such as schools and universities. Please do get in touch if you need help or advice with your project or further support on the Government requirements for equipment that needs to be installed to support SEND students.

Over the last decade, Twinfix have installed 10 canopies on five separate occasions at Green Lane Community Special School, part of Woolston Learning Village in Holes Lane, Warrington.The initial project involved fitting a 35m long 2m wide walkway on this school, and another 32m walkway at the adjacent school on the site, both designed to provide under cover access between car drop-off and the school buildings. Twinfix were approached by main contractor ISG Construction Ltd from Salford to design, manufacture and install these as part of their overall task to refurbish the old Woolston High School campus back in 2014.Since the original project, Twinfix have been invited back on four more occasions by Head Teacher, Paul King to install further canopies. Most recently a free-standing mono-pitch canopy spanning 80 square-metres.All the canopies designed, manufactured and installed by Twinfix have aluminium frames powder coated in blue RAL 5010. As this metal doesn’t rust in use, they will keep their good looks throughout their long life. The roof glazing consists of Twinfix Multi-Link-Panels NF fitted with tough 25mm opal multiwall polycarbonate. The NF denotes that these panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test ACR[M]001:2019, as recommended by HSG33. This is particularly important where access could be gained to the overhead glazing.Vertical glazing was included in the design of the walkways at the school which provides additional weather protection, while the canopies providing shelter in play areas were fitted with post protectors to guard the children from bumps and bangs.Paul King Head Teacher explains: “We cater for children from 3 to 18 years old. They’re not like children in a main-stream school, they’re vulnerable and they all have special needs. We wanted them to have covered access to the outside throughout the year and these canopies have enabled us to achieve this. Our children have to be taught how to play and having such large, safe protected outside areas gives us the space to do this. All the areas had to be closed off from pupils for installing the footings for the post supports and again for the actual build – but Twinfix were very accurate in the timings they gave us and they were finished within their promised timeframe. “

This project consisted of many Helmsman products, with lockers, cubicles, vanity units and IPS panels being supplied. Alongside the team at Mixbrow Construction and Ipswich Town FC, we designed, manufactured and installed 8 bespoke 1 compartment laminate lockers, 1775mm high x 400mm wide x 500mm deep on a cantilevered seat stand. The theme of the changing rooms was kept slick and professional, with See Group’s Biocarbon Laminate used in colour Gabbro. This fantastic carbon neutral laminate is strong, moisture resistant, easy to clean and has antibacterial protection, perfect for a changing room project. The locks chosen for the lockers were Lowe and Fletcher 2800 combination locks, also a great choice for the coaches’ changing rooms.Whilst we offer a wide range of cubicle options, we worked with the team at Mixbrow Construction to design a bespoke floor to ceiling cubicle to fit their needs. The changing room design featured 2 Bespoke Floor to Ceiling shower cubicles and 1 Bespoke Floor to Ceiling Toilet Cubicle. Also included in the project were 4 sets of IPS (Integrated Plumbing System) Panels and a Solid Grade Laminate Vanity unit, all in matching Solid Grade BioCarbon Laminate in colour Gabbro.

St. Enodoc golf club is famous for its panoramic views, perfect lawns and luxury days out. In between the Cornish rain showers this team of Camel Glass installers managed to install the MEGAgrip frameless glass balustrade to the newly refurbished roof terrace at St Enodoc golf club. A strong glass outdoor safety barrier providing shelter from the wind to people outdoors enjoying the view of the sea and watching the golf. The customers wanted a commercial grade frameless glass balustrade with no handrails, instead of the traditional style of galvanized railing. MEGAgrip was used in this situation due to its force loading capability and ability to hold Centryglas ensuring it’s safe to use at this height and location. This MEGAgrip safety screen posed some challenges for Andrew, John and John, the installers, the heavy glass needed to be taken high in the air to reach the scaffolding platform. Using a telehandler they managed, to lift the glass safely into position. However, there was another challenge waiting, the initial installation of steel was slightly misshapen, meaning the original fitters had to return to rectify the problem and therefore delayed the glass balustrade completion.  Even so, the MEGAgrip installation was completed successfully and fulfilled the customer brief. Now, the balcony is a very enjoyable spot to sit and watch the golfers on the course.

With the business growing at a rapid rate, the firm has expanded its head office to a purpose-built facility which also incorporates a store, café, and an external garden centre.To make the most of its prominent location at the entrance to the new Seaton Hill development, the building was designed to showcase the brand’s iconic identity. The facade of the offices and warehouse are clad primarily in a palette of blacks and greys using Kingspan Dri-Design Flat Cassettes for the office element and QuadCore AWP Wall Panels for the large retail section. This neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for more colourful facade elements of royal blue and bright orange which ‘pop out’ from the envelope, both literally and visually. These elements include a ribbon style wrapping which recreates a heart-beat reading and symbolises the HQ’s position as the “heartbeat of Derriford”. This dramatic treatment also helps to break-up the massing of the site.  Selecting all these materials from a single supplier also help to simply logistics, minimise onsite waste and ensure complete compatibility between the elevations.

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

The Bourne Business Park in Weybridge Surrey has recently completed two new attractive office spaces totalling over 90,000 square feet. This smart office space built for La Salle Investment Management by Volker Fitzpatrick features new thinking in office design and features a range of metal fabrications on the external envelope manufactured and supplied by Metalline. Using high grade J57S UP aluminium, Metalline manufactured and supplied a range of aluminium pressed components. These included a specialist fascia panel that incorporated bespoke internal supports to ensure that the front face of the panels remained extremely flat together with heads, jambs and cills, for the window pods. To accentuate the flat clean lines of the building, Metalline produced a special secret internal dual toggle, which guaranteed that each panel was aligned correctly and there was uniformity across all the panels. Designed to attract the eye these smart office spaces feature panels and pressings finished in a specialist Regency Gold 2 anodised finish together with glazed in panels in RAL 7035 light grey that were also supplied by Metalline.

Now reimagined as The Edinburgh Grand, the formerA-listed RBS head office built between 1938 and 1942 is animpressive building situated on St Andrew Square. With manypieces of Victorian antique brass and pewter ironmongeryand hundreds of original period doors throughout, theironmongery solution had to accommodate the traditionalaesthetic and be fit for the many demands of a modern hotel.Allgood was commissioned by the project’s architect andinterior designer, both long term partners of Allgood; KarenBrown of Chris Stewart Group and Eirini Christodoulou ofMorgan McDonnell. With such a striking, but unusual finish,finding coordinated hardware was a challenge. Severaloptions were assessed before settling on a brass finishapplied to the Allgood door closers, cylinders and joinerysubcontractor’s hinges.A collection of classic Frank Allart handles was chosen for allapartment front doors, which also integrated with the hotel’saccess control system. To match the patina of the agedhandles, a satin nickel-plated surface was given a light bronzefinish to produce an aged nickel silver appearance. Thisunlacquered, ‘living’ finish, will oxidize and patinate naturallyover time.

Radii’s elegant slimline double glazed Parallel 50 partitioning (45dB RW) with pivoting glazed doors were used for meeting rooms and quiet rooms across all three floors of the development, including some with electronic access controls integrated into our systems. Our Parallel 84 double glazed fronts (45dB RW) with integrated single Glide sliding door (38dB RW) were also utilised on the Lower Ground Floor.A set of Linear 59 (39dB RW) single glazed fronts with bi-parting sliding doors, installed to run within a drywall pocket, were used on the larger executive meeting rooms.All partition and doors used were installed with recessed head tracks and fully extruded aluminium mullion and transoms — mirroring the existing on-site Radii products that formed part of the restacking and reconfiguration work — with varying levels of privacy achieved with reeded manifestation.Radii also developed bespoke drywall end caps and finished them to match our glazing systems, neatly integrating the ends of the drywall crosswalls with our glazed fronts.

North City Operation Depot is a dedicated staff-only depot facility will comprise of an office and welfare building with briefing rooms, training rooms, office accommodation, a serviced canteen, locker rooms, shower facilities, laundry facilities and drying room. The depot is to provide high quality facilities to enable staff to operate more safely, efficiently, and essentially so the City Council meets its climate action targets, based in Ballymun, Dublin.The client requested for leisure lockers with rolled carcases which helps with keeping the lockers dust free, with the measurements to be 1450mm high, 450mm wide and 500mm deep with the colour mixed between Fundermax and Poleyrey. The colours are mixed with wood effect and beige laminate. Within the lockers they decided to have shelves and internal dividers, additionally, in changing rooms they requested shelves, mirrors and drying racks which are 600mm deep, 2450mm long and 2000mm high powder coated in ‘Ice’.Within the leisure lockers they decided to go with was KitLock KL1200 which can keep the staff belonging secure within the lockers. The seat stands which were cladded with beige laminate, additionally having seat slats made with Fundermax wood effect.It was great working with Purcell Construction LTD on the project and wish North City Operation Depot much success in the future.If you have a similar project or need some information on the products, contact us today at 01284 530 427.

Our small bathroom design may only be 160 x 170cm, but for me, it’s perfectly formed in every way. You can reach both arms across and touch either side of the room, but that’s not actually what you immediately notice when you step through the door. Instead, you see a generous frameless skylight flooding the space with natural light, a wall of tactile sage green tiles and the unusual choice of a green sink paired with an off white floating vanity unit. I spent so long considering all the little details – from matching my grout to my silicone, to lining up the tiles perfectly – that size, here, really doesn’t matter.There’s a lot I learnt during the process of designing my own small bathroom design, so I thought I would share all my lessons and top tips in case you’re planning a space of a similar size. We don’t all have huge mansions, bedrooms we can convert into bathrooms or space enough for a roll-top bath and a shower. Most of us are working with tricky layouts and tight floorpans, trying to maximise the space we’ve got. Don’t be disheartened with your small bathroom, there’s a lot you can do to make it feel light, airy, uplifting and inspiring.

Chris’s nature inspired garden sculptures are beautiful. From his small ferns to his large grass plumes, every piece is hand crafted with love and care.He offers his sculptures in two finishes; rustic and stainless steel. The rustic style has a beautiful rich brown finish, whilst the stainless steel version offers a shiny finish that reflects the surrounding areas.We think you will agree that both are stunningChris’s nature inspired garden sculptures are beautiful. From his small ferns to his large grass plumes, every piece is hand crafted with love and care.He offers his sculptures in two finishes; rustic and stainless steel. The rustic style has a beautiful rich brown finish, whilst the stainless steel version offers a shiny finish that reflects the surrounding areas.We think you will agree that both are stunning.Here’s what Chris has to say about Owatrol Oil:When I first started creating garden sculptures I tested out a range of oils and paints, looking for a finish that would enhance my work. Owatrol oil has proved to be the best, giving my rusted ferns a lovely dark satin finish. When asked, most of my clients prefer the oiled finish and it’s very easy to apply. On a sunny day I oil my sculptures in the garden and they’re dry in a few hours.When it comes to more complicated designs such as seed heads, the aerosol is great at covering the ‘hard to reach’ areas.I’ve been using Owatrol for over 5 years now, it just gives a quality finish.Chris offers a wide range of products. From garden sculptures, to fire-pit cubes and ornamental panels, you will easily find something beautiful for your garden.What is Owatrol Oil?Owatrol oil is a versatile, highly penetrating air drying oil. As a rust inhibitor it provides a tough, flexible finish, driving out excess moisture and air; displacing it from rusted metal, so stopping rust dead in its tracks.Owatrol Oil penetrates through the rusted metal to the sound metal below, isolating it and protecting it from further rusting. As it’s a penetrating oil it can be used directly on the rusted surfaces. It drives out moisture and air and stabilises the metal to protect it from future damage.Head on over to C K Garden Sculptures and take a look for yourself at Chris’s amazing work.

Historic music hall renovationLindab Rainline has been used by Forrest Construction on this new-build residential development project, Queens Court, which comprises of 17 one and two bedroom apartments, each with access to open space.The scheme sits on the original site of the historic Queens Hall where musicians including The Beatles and Stone Roses once played. The hall closed its doors to the public in 2004 and was demolished by the council in 2012 following a fire at the site.Architect, Denovo Design; appointed to the project by Halton Housing Trust; specified galvanised steel rainwater drainage for its durable and recyclable characteristics and to coordinate with safety railings on the upper terraces.Neil Ashworth, head of new build at Forrest said: “The development has seen us regenerate the entire Queens Hall site with new affordable homes built to a high specification of sustainability and energy saving standards”.The project received high critical acclaim, going on to win the Building Excellence Award for Best Small New Housing Development, and the Green Apple Awards Bronze Award for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage. 

A CLEANROOM SOLUTION DESIGNED FOR THE 'CHAMPIONS LEAGUE' AMONG PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIESThe Group's Kemmlit, a company based in nearby Dusslingen, was founded in 1967. In Germany and throughout Europe, it is one of the leading processors of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) panels; a material that Kemmlit has been using for 27 years. The company's core competencies include the installation of clean rooms, personnel airlocks and changing rooms at the highest level in Germany and abroad.For Ever Pharma in Jena, Kemmlit recently equipped the entire changing room area, personnel airlocks and pass-through cabinets up to cleanroom class B according to the GMP requirements.Ralf Stahl, Head of Cleanroom Division at Kemmlit, gets straight to the point: “Such cleanrooms clearly belong to the 'top class'. Class B - as specified at Ever Pharma - represents the highest level at which personnel still have access to the premises. Above this is only Class A, which must be operated completely free of personnel.” This high standard is an essential requirement for the pharmaceuticals produced by Ever Pharma in Jena: the site specializes in cytostatics and medication for neurological applications. Such high-end products must be manufactured under the highest hygiene conditions.

Ninety One minimises environmental impact by reusing TopBrewer assets in new BREEAM London officeNinety One (formerly Investec Asset Management) has enjoyed a first-class office coffee experience since 2017 when it installed 7 TopBrewer coffee machines for its employees. When it de-merged from Investec Group and moved to a new office space, Ninety One chose to migrate its existing TopBrewer coffee machines in an environmental initiative to repurpose existing assets.To support increased footfall, NinetyOne installed an additional 5 TopBrewers and 6 TopWaters to ensure its whole workforce could continue to enjoy premium, barista-quality beverages with touchless operation. The original and new machines have exactly the same form and functionality – and still look just as new! This is because each TopBrewer is regularly upgraded ‘over the air’ to future-proof the asset, making it a highly sustainable investment that doesn’t depreciate over time."Staying with TopBrewer, and introducing TopWater, was an easy decision to ensure continuity for our staff as well as minimising impact to the environment." - Tahera Hammond, Global Head of Workplace, Ninety One

When Gloucestershire NHS Commissioning Group decided to replace an existing healthcare facility in the centre of Gloucester, over 3000m2 of flooring from international flooring specialist Gerflor was specified to complete the project to the highest standards. The project would demand high quality flooring that could meet and exceed the rigorous demands of this new healthcare facility head on.The main contractor Kier Construction would, through Newcastle-based ADP Architecture, specify a mixture of Gerflors’ Taralay and Tarasafe flooring solutions to produce the final high-quality flooring finish that the new build healthcare project would require.Gerflor have an enviable history in designing and manufacturing high quality flooring for the healthcare market. It’s a reputation built on expertise, knowledge, and innovation. With over 60 years’ credible healthcare experience, Gerflor is a respected manufacturer of innovative, high performance, design-led, and sustainable solutions for flooring, and interior finishes.Andy Gordon, Healthcare Specification Manager - North commented “This was a greatly prestigious project to be involved in, alongside our architectural and installer partners. The client is absolutely delighted with the outcome, both in terms of the fast turnaround of the project and the technical performance of the products installed.”

Altro solution brings life to design-led Hull birth centreA complete floors and walls solution from Altro has been used to create a relaxing, stylish home from home environment for mums-to-be in a new birth centre at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital.The new midwife-led Fatima Allam Birth Centre meets the needs of women who want a more natural childbirth experience.Andrew Ledger, contracts manager for Apleona, which provides facilities management for the building, oversaw the new construction and was part of the team that devised the overall concept.“We specified Altro floors and walls from the start because we are using these products elsewhere in the hospital with a great deal of success. They meet all our clinical hygiene and infection control needs, while also offering a superb range of colours and textures, which makes them ideal for creating a modern and stylish environment.“The quality and durability of Altro is a major factor too because, as a PFI project, the long-term cost is under close scrutiny.Adele Howitt, from Studio Eleven Gallery & Workshop in Hull, won a commission from the hospital to design the interior concept.“Once we had decided on colours, we worked closely with Altro to look at the specific products. They completely understood our practical and aesthetic needs.”“I used Altro Whiterock Digiclad to create statement walls from floor to ceiling. This is a fantastic product for design-led projects because you can print any image or photograph onto it, and the quality is superb.”Adele chose Altro Whiterock Satins for the shower rooms. She says “It has some wonderful shades, and the subtle, sheer texture is very stylish.”Flooring for the birth centre was key to creating the homely, nonclinical feel. Andrew Ledger and the project team wanted natural, warm, wood-effect flooring and chose Altro Wood.Andrew says: “Wet areas in clinical environments need to be very safe underfoot, so we chose Altro Pisces safety flooring for both the shower rooms and around the birthing pool. This flooring performs superbly in both wet or dry conditions, and with bare feet or shoes, so it’s perfect for keeping both patients and staff safe. Altro Pisces also looks good enough to work within our design themes and there are some great colours.”The flooring was installed by Floorcovers UK. Partner Phil Morris said: “For quality and reliability Altro is the best, and they are a pleasure to work with."The Altro wall sheet was fitted by Richardson Claddings. Owner Joe Richardson comments:“The beauty of the Altro walls system is that it is so quiet, easy and clean to install. Altro sends the sheets to us ready-cut, which means minimal cutting or shaping on site.”Andrew Ledger says: “We get a lot of medical professionals visiting from around the world and they say the centre is the best of its kind they have seen anywhere.“Most importantly, the mothers who have given birth here are thrilled with it too.“After each birth, the rooms are completely disinfected and cleaned, and the Altro floors and walls are proving very easy to maintain.“We are delighted with this amazing facility.”

Hush Acoustics provided an acoustic control solution for the main exhibit at the SS Great Britain visitor attraction called ‘Brunel’s Mind’, in which visitors enter inside the head of Isambard Kingdom Brunel to see the world through his eyes.Working with Electrosonic, the technology experts ho were tasked with supplying and fitting most of the audio-visual equipment for the project, Hush Acoustics ensured any concerns around the reverberation times in this area could be effectively addressed. The solution came with Hush Wall Covering, a highly versatile product which is formed of unique non-woven high-density polyester to target mid-range frequency sound i.e. speech etc. Its used ensured that the audio presentation within this visitor feature would sound as it should.The Hush Wall Covering product used at the SS Great Britain is just 10mm thick so it utilises little space, which was perfect for the room. The product was developed as a direct result of extensive consultation with influential members of the education sector.Chris Hurst from Electrosonic was very pleased with the results of the wall covering and for our quick turnaround time, saying the product does “exactly what it says on the tin”.

Project Wick is a film studio located within Chiswick Park, which comprises of 1.8 million sq ft of award-winning accommodation, arranged as a necklace of 12 office buildings. Located in London, Chiswick Park is home to some of the world’s leading companies including Starbucks, Qualcomm, Pepsico, Paramount, and Discovery.Discovery Networks Europe, the pan-European arm of leading factual entertainment group Discovery Inc., relocated its European headquarters to the Richard Rogers designed Chiswick Business Park. In the new building there is ample space for offices, screening rooms, and transmission facilities. We were called upon to design and install a box-in-box solution to acoustically isolate the recording studios from the other areas of the building, thereby preventing unwanted noise and vibrations from becoming a nuisance.A Stravifloor Channel floating floor using isolated steel battens in combination with medium stiffness natural rubber pads (Pad-M50) and plywood and soundbloc plasterboards guarantee an isolation frequency of less than 10 Hz.The floating floors in these box-in-box rooms are complimented with our resilient head detail (Stravilink RHD) and Stravilink PHS isolation hangers for the ceilings.

GRP Rail Station Platform - Mountbridge Install | Case StudyThe Island Line and its associated infrastructure on the Isle of Wight in the UK has recently been upgraded to offer a more frequent service and introduce a refurbished fleet of Class 484 trains. Key to the project was creating improved accessibility between the train and the station platform to allow the new trains to operate effectively. This was achieved by deploying GRP Dura Platform panels from Dura Composites in conjunction with the Mountbridge™ system from Hammond ecs ltd to raise the platform gauge by up to 400mm at 5 stations on the Island Line, including Ryde Pier Head.The patented 40mm Dura Platform solution (Patent No GB 2 523 381) has a span of 1.5m per 5kN/m2 UDL and delivers multiple benefits in terms of faster, safer and easier installation, reducing time on site, therefore reducing disruption to passengers, and providing major cost savings versus traditional materials such as concrete. The platform panels can accommodate fully integrated tactile recesses, illumination of the coper and integrated heating to remove frost & ice build up and reduce the future maintenance burden of the platforms.

THE PROJECTThe Royal Wharf is a new town built within the city of London, the development introduced over 3000 new residential units in a prominent and beautiful riverside location. Headed up by Ballymore, this location is over 40 acres of land, minutes from Canary Wharf and just half an hour from Oxford Street. Making it a very desirable place to live in London. The idea was to bring a community within the development, to ensure this there is also a new school, GP surgery, high street, pubs, and community centre.The amenities offered include a concierge service, gym and swimming pool, parks, and a riverside walk. The development boasts a rich and textured community.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox was delighted to work with Ballymore again on the incredible development. We supplied over 3000 units of apartments and homes all over the neighborhood. Ballymore Decided on our front entry/front retrieval H1 steel flap letterboxes. These horizontal mailboxes were also fitted with an aperture restructure to comply with the Secured by Design Home 2019.Powder-coated in a stunning bespoke Satin Gold with vinyl lettering for identification, they really do look incredible within the multiple building of the Royal Wharf.

The Cambridge University Faculty of History required a solution to level the existing flat roofs of the historical Stirling Building. The aim was to create a vibrant and attractive area, mainly used as a throughway, it was paramount that the tiles would match the existing colour of the surrounding building.Our Castlepave GRC Promenade slab (450x450x38mm) was selected, and a custom-made colour was created to blend effectively into the existing architecture. We manufactured various test batches each with a different shade of red, and hand finished aged effect. Once the colour was selected from the various test batches, they were manufactured by hand to the customers specification and delivered to site.We assessed the fall and height tolerances of the roof to determine the number and size of pedestals required to provide a completely level finish. Adjustable Pedestals ranging from 30-120mm,10mm fixed height stackable pedestals, levelling shims, and self-levelling heads were used.The outer row of slabs was cut to size on site, using a circular saw. As shown the results are a flush finish that minimizes the gaps between the slabs and the exterior perimeter. The glass reinforced concrete composition of the slabs mean they are strong and easy to work with on site.The Client was very happy with this stylish and unique finish.

The historic Bell Street Stables in Glasgow has recently undergone an extensive conversion, featuring the installation of Alumasc’s Flushjoint aluminium rainwater downpipe system.This magnificent period property has an interesting history. It was built between 1896-98 by A. W. Wheatley, originally to house horses working to pull the Glasgow City Council Cleansing Department’s refuse collection carts. In 1955, the building was redesigned to provide a separate entrance for the Police Department who shared the property with Cleansing until the 1980s. Situated in a prime position within the Merchant City area in the city centre of Glasgow, the building was converted to form 52 mid-market affordable rented flats by the Construction and Manufacturing Group (CCG) on behalf of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and Lowther Homes, during a two-year construction programme. The renovation was completed in 2019.A major requirement of the renovation was to conserve as much of the building’s heritage as possible, which included all exterior aspects. This involved the upgrade of the stone elevation, replacing all windows and making repairs to the roof and rainwater system.Flushjoint aluminium downpipes along with contemporary hopper heads were specified for their contemporary design. The installation was completed in a non-standard RAL colour to match and complement the window surrounds. 

THE PROJECTOswestry Golf Club is an award winning golf club situated on the picturesque North Shropshire/North Wales border. Home to a James Braid designed golf course, state of the art clubhouse, and two former Ryder Cup heroes.They have recently increased security for their dedicated Greenkeepers compound. Heightened security included newly installed perimeter fencing, lighting and an insulated T77 double skinned aluminium roller shutter, with electric motor and safety brake.THE CHALLENGEThe client was looking for increased security for their main shed, with the added need for insulation to improve working conditions for ongoing maintenance work through the winter months.THE SOLUTIONThe T77 is a versatile aluminium roller shutter which is suitable for a wide range of domestic, commercial and retail applications. Its 77mm insulated slat rolls into a box as small as 250mm, and a maximum area of 16m² makes this shutter suitable for windows, doors and many other openings. ‘The aim was to give us increased peace of mind for our newest equipment and also a more usable space for the team throughout the year. The install was carried out in a timely and professional manner, and I am delighted with the finished project.’ Gary Barnfield – Head Greenkeeper

Penrhyn Heather Blue slates from Welsh Slate feature on Lincoln’s Inn’s Great Hall. One of London’s most unique buildings is enjoying a new lease of life, thanks to Welsh Slate. The Great Hall and Library Buildings of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, an association of students, barristers and judges and one of the four Inns of Court, have over the past two years undergone an extensive programme of external conservation carried out by expert stone masons Capital Stone.  The programme of work includes replacement of the Great Hall’s slate roof covering. Work is still ongoing, with anticipated overall completion in April/May this year, but the work to the Great Hall roof is complete, as is the striking of the temporary roof covering which brings the new roof into view.  The Great Hall and Library Buildings were constructed from 1843 to 1845. The Great Hall roof was originally covered with lead but was recovered in 1868 with slate. From 1871 to 1873 the Library was extended eastwards by three bays. The building is an important example of 19th Century Gothic Revival architecture and has been listed Grade II* since 1951.  After 154 years, the slates on the roof of the Great Hall required replacing to protect the interior, including a striking fresco and beautifully worked oak. The slates were suffering from surface delamination and a large proportion had slipped due to nail rot, requiring tingles to hold them in place. The existing slates were found to originate from both the Ordovician and Cambrian deposits of North Wales – the former predominately on the eastern elevation and the latter on the western. The large Ordovician slates, typically 850mm long and between 350mm and 500mm wide (and laid to a fixed gauge of approximately 350mm which equates to a head lap of approximately 100mm), originated from what is now Welsh Slate’s Ffestiniog quarry, which is currently mothballed, while the other quarries producing these no longer operate. The Cambrian slates from the Llanberis region, as well as Bethesda where Welsh Slate’s main quarry is based, were even larger, at 850mm long and wider than 450mm, laid to the same gauge. Both slate types were fixed to timber battens on open timber rafters, with the underside torched with horsehair and lime plaster. These were replaced for the closest Welsh slate match – Welsh Slate’s County-grade Penrhyn Heather Blues, at 800mm long, widths of between 400mm and 550mm, and a 350mm gauge and 100mm head lap. These are guaranteed for 100 years, with a useful life of 150 years. While the roof is generally simple in form, with two large slopes, its substantial size at circa 800m2 meant the work took considerable time to complete. To allow for more than a dozen dormers the Welsh Slate had to be cut and fitted to size with double copper clout nails. The thickest slates were used on the eaves, diminishing towards the ridge to maintain the original visual finish. They were also holed from the rear to provide a slight countersink to the face. The Great Hall operates by day as a dining hall for members of the Inn, and by night, as a venue for dinners, receptions and weddings for up to 400 people. Set in 11 acres of beautiful grounds in Holborn, Central London, it is the closest Inn to the Royal Courts of Justice. Henry Skinner, Head of Projects and Facilities Management at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, said: “The replacement of the roof covering was far from straightforward, despite its externally simplistic construction. During stripping of the existing roof covering, we had to deal with atmospheric lead contamination of a horsehair felt that sat between the original slates and close boarding, requiring controlled measures of removal and disposal.  “Furthermore, the close boarding had warped over time, causing an undulation between roof trusses that needed to be spaced out. This was achieved through the introduction of additional battens and packing timbers to create a level surface onto which the new slate could be laid.” Casey Wickers, trainee quantity surveyor with Capital Stone Renovation, said: “The main work of stripping the existing roof was extremely challenging and labour intensive, to not only remove, wash and handle each slate manually through a tight scaffolding design, but also doing so whilst wearing full RPE due to the lead contamination. “With the two stunning roof facades in full view, the quality of the Welsh slates can be seen by all.

Expanding care options with fit-for-purpose solutionsAltro Wood, Altro Serenade, Altro Aquarius, Altro Stronghold 30IssueFounded in 1995, The Glen is part of the Willow Valley Communities network that offers ageing residents a mind, body and spirit approach to wellness. The Glen provides a range of support services including shortterm rehabilitation from surgery or illness, as well as specialised memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. The facility needed updating to allow residents to continue to enjoy the comforts of home while promoting their physical and mental wellbeing.ApproachTo continue its mission of designing programmes and places fit to people, Willow Valley enlisted CCS Building Group to manage The Glen expansion project, which began in 2018. CCS collaborated with their Altro representative, knowing Willow Valley’s history of using Altro products during previous renovations with proven success.SolutionThroughout its completion, The Glen project utilised multiple Altro floors. For resident rooms accommodating those receiving skilled care, CCS chose Altro Wood for its warm, domestic aesthetic. In the facility’s communal areas, Altro Serenade provides 19dB sound reduction to reduce excess noise. Altro Stronghold 30 was used in the facility’s kitchens for its superb slip resistance and comfort underfoot for busy staff. For residents’ bathrooms and shower areas, CCS selected Altro Aquarius specialist safety flooring for its high slip resistance value both in shoes or barefoot.

German online retailer improves its distribution centre performanceLödige Industries equips distribution centre with 12 goods lifts in 3 yearsOver a period of three years, Lödige Industries has delivered 12 SHERPA goods lifts to a newly built distribution centre in use of a German online retailer. The customer required a solution which would guarantee high throughput and availability together with compact construction. After installing nine SHERPA goods lifts in 2013, the customer decided to install two more SHERPA in 2015 and one in 2016. How does the customer benefit from relying on SHERPA goods lifts?Save spaceThe customer needed a compact lifting solution. Altogether four different elevator sizes were installed for this customer. The sizes fit the different pallets and picking trolleys, which the customer is using. Additional space was gained by reducing the floor space of some SHERPA freight elevators. Pallets and picking trolleys are moved efficiently and without disturbances between levels.Structural conditions do not complicate the installation of the SHERPA as the motor is located in the head room. Moreover, the control cabinet can be positioned remotly from the lift. Access for maintenance is provided via a maintenance gap above the upper door to the shaft head room. The area around the lifts can thus be used for other purposes.Flexible integration12 SHERPA goods lifts in total had to be optimally positioned. The foundations of the hall supports and the hall ceiling girders had to be taken into account. The Lödige SHERPA comes with a free-standing shaft structure and hence it does not require any rack modifications. By using 80 mm high ramps, it was possible to dispense with shaft pits for the SHERPA freight elevators. As a result, the freight elevators could be optimally positioned without any structural changes, thus achieving a high degree of flexibility for integration into the racking systems.High throughputMore importantly, the customer required a solution that offers a high throughput. Usually, goods lifts have a transportation speed of 0,2m/s. The 12 SHERPA goods lifts at this project offer a maximum transportation speed of 0,4m/s. This means, the lifting frequency for the customer was doubled.Challenges for the online retailer in doubling frequencyTaking structural conditions of the existing rack warehouse into account, as no change to the racks and building itself can be madeTransport of pallets and picking trolleys in different sizesDifferent lifting capacities and lifting heights necessaryIncreasing throughput of goods over several levels of the rack warehouseSolution from Lödige and benefits for the customerSHERPA goods lifts come with a free-standing shaft and no need for a pitCompact construction by installing goods lifts in two customized sizes, lifting capacities and heightsDoubled lifting speed of 04,4m/s leading to high throughput

INSTANTA TOUCH-FREE SOLUTIONS HELP ROYAL UNITED HOSPITAL PRIORITISE HEALTH AND HYGIENE IN THE WORKPLACE.ROYAL UNITED HOSPITAL CASE STUDY OVERVIEWProviding care for more than 500,000 people in Bath and Somerset, Royal United Hospital is one of the area’s biggest and busiest hospitals. An innovative and forward-thinking hospital, the RUH provides constant emergency care as well as comprehensive specialised care to patients, with work being underway on the new Dyson Cancer Centre which will act as a cancer service hub for half a million people.The RUH installed touch-free Instanta boilers across the site to ensure key staff areas are COVID-secure with staff hygiene and health being a top priority. “Anything that reduces touch points in a healthcare setting is valuable. We are a major hospital in the area so it’s important to prioritise the safety of our staff and patients.”Owen Margetts, Interim Deputy Head of Estates/Senior Estates Officer | Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust THE BRIEFEmergency and specialised healthcare provider Royal United Hospital is located in Bath, Somerset.A part of Zip Water, Instanta has a long-standing and valued relationship with the RUH. Beginning with a free trial of the Zip HydroBoil in 2010, the RUH has been using our products for over 10 years. This led Owen Margetts, Senior Estates Officer, to ask us for a touch-free solution to help them reduce the risk of virus transmission in areas where hygiene is now of utmost importance. THE SOLUTIONAlongside the initial HydroBoil situated in the estate tea room, an additional two Instanta touch-free boilers were installed on the RUH wards. Offering 100% contactless access to boiling water, the Instanta Sureflow Touch Free Boiler enables staff to fill their mugs by simply hovering their hand over the clever infrared sensor. This touch-free technology is advantageous in a health care environment as it reduces touch points, therefore minimising the risk of cross-contamination in this essential, life-saving facility. THE RESULTS“We are very happy with the new Instanta Touch Free Boiler. The product has been an ideal solution for the workplace, especially where health and hygiene are a top priority. It is easy to use and very reliable in a healthcare setting.The touch-free technology has been amazing because it means we don’t have to worry about wiping down the appliance each time it’s used - saving time and also providing peace of mind to our employees.We would definitely recommend the Instanta touch-free range. We have had Instanta products for over a decade now and will continue to do so thanks to the product’s consistent performance and reliability.”Owen Margetts, Interim Deputy Head of Estates/Senior Estates Officer | Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Client: Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Design: Populous Main Contractor: Mace Main Products Used: Emshield DFR2 and Emseal Security Seal SSW2Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has moved into its new home which also has a partnership with the American NFL that will see at least two major American football games played at the stadium each season. This was made possible by the innovation of a retractable natural grass pitch, which will be used for Spurs home fixtures and an artificial multi-use surface underneath for the NFL matches, plus concerts and other events. With a seating capacity of 62,000, the Tottenham stadium is designed to ensure that the spectators are closer to the pitch than at any other comparable ground in the UK. It also includes the UK’s largest single tier stand, which will hold up to 17,000 fans in the Spurs home-end. As is typical for modern stadium design, there was a critical requirement for wide and high movement joint sealing systems in several important areas. These included joints in the plant service areas and walkways over prestige VIP and hospitality suites that also had to provide fire resistance, plus the important and often difficult heads-of-doors joints. These requirements were all safely and securely met using Emseal DFR-2 and Emseal SecuritySeal SSW2 respectively

When renowned house-builders, McAllister Developments were tasked with delivering a distinctive and upmarket detached residential scheme at Moneymore, they turned to AG.Working closely with the experienced team at McAllister we were able to provide a range of brick, paving and retaining walling products in a variety of complementary colour blends to help create a truly standout residential development.The highly-regarded Heritage facing brick was selected due to its hand-crafted aesthetic appeal and its renowned durability. The retaining wall used was Anchor® Diamond®, with caps, as it allows for fast installation and it blends in perfectly with the surrounding garden.The Long Stone Fiammata is AG’s newest range of premium, porcelain-effect plank paving and was chosen for its unique minimalist design style and ease of maintenance. Finally, for the paving AG favoured the Rosemount flag for its extreme strength and low slip potential.David Speirs, Head of Specification and Commercial Sales believes they met all the project criteria:“Using our vast experience and range of products for use within the residential market we were able to provide perfect colour blends and styles that complemented each other to help the developer achieve the goal of building an upmarket detached residential site.”

This exciting riverside development in South East London is breathing new life into a former brownfield site that was once home to some of the largest munition factories in the UK. Appropriately named Royal Arsenal Riverside, the site comprises a mix of new build residential, retail, and commercial elements alongside the sympathetic refurbishment of several listed buildings.We are proud to have supplied the aluminium fenestration package for a new phase of the development which has seen the creation of a new 10 storey residential building containing 112 apartments.The new building has been constructed to work in harmony with one of the Grade II listed buildings and to complement the heritage of the site. This involved the demolition of an old energy centre building and the careful renovation of two existing warehouse buildings to provide space for commercial use.The mix of old and new, and residential and commercial, has been harmonised with the use of our slim line SF52 curtain wall system and low maintenance SPW600 aluminium windows. The curtain walling screens also incorporate feature curved heads along the spine of the building to pay homage to the scheme’s industrial heritage.The high profile project was designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright for Berkeley Homes and is one of the latest London based contacts to be undertaken in collaboration with our supply chain partner Soundcraft.

Global eco-friendly beauty brand Lush has diversified into hairdressing, opening its first “spa for your head” hairlab in Brighton.  Staying true to its “green” roots and initiatives to minimise waste through recycling, Lush chose the Armourcoat Polished Plaster Koncrete Textured surface finish to create the desired minimalist aesthetic throughout the salon, on the recommendation of Jade Aden Interiors, tasked with delivering Lush’s design scheme. Koncrete Textured Polished Plaster gave the multi-dimensional finish Lush wanted, with enhanced eco credentials over the paint finish that was originally envisioned for the salon. Armourcoat’s ‘Snow Cloud’ colour reflected the raw natural feel whilst giving a softness to the interior aesthetic.  Crafted from hydrated lime and crushed recycled marble, Koncrete Textured yields a 38% recycled content with zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The surface finish’s mould and mildew resistance further enforced its relevance for the salon.  Andrew Barnetson, Commercial Manager @ Jade Aden Interiors: “Lush wants to demonstrate there is a way that can make us- and the planet- feel good. Having used Armourcoat’s system previously we recommended it as a better alternative than the textured paint being considered. Lush is very happy with the end result.”