"silencers and acoustic treatment"

Oakmeadow Primary School is one of the first Passivhaus primary schools in the UK. Designed by Architype architects, the school has a lightweight, super insulated timber frame to achieve Passivhaus airtightness, with a simplified load bearing stud wall, wrapped by an additional layer of insulation created by Larson trusses. A major contribution to the comfort of the occupants is the use of Troldtekt ceiling tiles in both classrooms and the sports hall. The tiles not only reduce reverberation time but also offer high performance acoustic absorption in areas, such as the teaching areas which need to be calm, studious & healthy.

London’s new Design Museum has been created within the shell of the original Commonwealth Institute, well known for its distinctive copper covered, hyperbolic parabolic roof. With the emphasis on the display and teaching of design, the priority for designer John Pawson and Dutch architects OMA was equally about the building’s new reconfigured interiors and the design and performance of the products used. For example, the Museum’s galleries are arranged around an oak and marble lined atrium with floors covered in pale grey terrazzo while Troldtekt acoustic panels tie spaces together with a visually attractive textured surface.

ChallengeTo insulate one of Marks and Spencer’s most carbon efficient premier stores with a holistic approach taken towards key sustainability factors such as water, carbon, biodiversity, the community, materials and waste to landfill.SolutionKnauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 40 was utilised within the 11,000m2 multi-wave form standing seam roof, which was supplied by Euroclad to achieve an outstanding visual, functional and environmentally friendly element of the store design, plus achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The number of BREEAM credits available from using Knauf Insulation’s Factory Clad Roll 40, played a part in its specification for Marks and Spencer’s flagship sustainable retail store at Cheshire Oaks.Gethin Williams, Euroclad’s Elite Systems Coordinator said: “FactoryClad Roll 40, in 280mm, has a 90/90 lambda value, a generic BRE Green Guide rating of A+ and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Thanks to these many characteristics, we thought it was perfect for this project, which resulted in it achieving the relevant BREEAM credits. Being lightweight, flexible and with a high tear strength, fitting was fast and error free, ensuring the thermal integrity was uncompromised.”Knauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 40 is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, has a thermal conductivity of 0.040W/mK and also has the highest possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification when tested in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.In addition to this, Knauf Insulation’s mineral wool products with ECOSE Technology benefit from a revolutionary, bio-based, formaldehyde-free binder technology, based on rapidly renewable materials, instead of petro-based chemicals – delivering superior environmental sustainability and enhancing the environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. What’s more Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 40 represents no known threat to the environment and has zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential."Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 40, in 280mm, has a 90/90 lambda value, a generic BRE Green Guide rating of A+ and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Thanks to these many characteristics, we thought it was perfect for this project, which resulted in it achieving the relevant BREEAM credits. Being lightweight, flexible and with a high tear strength, fitting was fast and error free, ensuring the thermal integrity was uncompromised."- Gethin Williams, Euroclad’s Elite Systems Coordinator

Date of Project: September 2017Project Owner: Cairns Regional CouncilProject Contractor: Waterstop Solutions Pty, LtdProject Engineer: Cairns Regional Council Market/Environment WastewaterSubstrate: ConcreteSize of Project: 12 x 2m joint replacementTHE CHALLENGEThe joints on a municipal wastewater treatment tank had degenerated to the point where repairing and resealing were necessary. Cairns Regional Council required a product with a fast cure time and rapid compressive strength gains.Five Star® SolutionFive Star Structural Concrete® V/O was selected due to its rapid set and high early strength gains; it reaches 2,500 psi (17.2 MPa) within three hours. This rapid strength gain allowed for the repaired joints to be resealed with minimum turnaround time in preparation for the installation of a joint sealant system.ABOUT FIVE STAR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE® V/OThis is a high-strength, rapid-setting, one-component, permanent concrete repair material for vertical and overhead structural repairs.It produces a repair that is dimensionally stable, develops an integral bond to existing concrete, and restores structural integrity within hours of placement.Provides increased corrosion protection to steel-reinforced structures with migrating corrosion inhibitor technology and very low chloride ion permeability. Moisture-sensitive coatings can be applied in 8 to 24 hours.Can be troweled vertically or overheadOne product for thin and thick placementExcellent freeze/thaw resistanceOutstanding corrosion resistance for protection and rehabilitation

The original timber sleepers used for Manchester Royal Infirmary external areas had begun to rot away quite early in their lifespan. We were tasked with replicating the existing footprint of planters to replace them within the confines of the existing paving. All installation works were undertaken in a busy hospital with minimal impact on patients and workers. Using a typographical survey we created CAD outlines for each planter, a number of existing structures featured extremely tight angles, which meant we needed to modify our corner cuts to ensure a perfect match.Our components were all pre-cut ready for installation so there was no need to use any heavy machinery on site. WoodBlocX modular system is guaranteed for 15 years and because the structures are made up of a series of individual blocks, held together by strong dowels, they will not warp or distort, nor will they rot, thanks to the pressure treatment used.WoodBlocX components are manufactured in five different sizes and work in the same way as bricks, in addition, any capping and angled parts are pre-mitred, which saves installers significant build time and eliminates the need for sawing, drilling and disposing of waste. With WoodBlocX you receive a guaranteed standard of material. From the planting of the trees to harvesting of timber all the way through to cutting the WoodBlocX components, we keep on top of every aspect of each process - maintaining the highest standards of timber quality. Using WoodBlocX, specifiers can be safe in the knowledge that the supply chain of their timber products is sustainable and reliable.

Housed within a Grade II building in Birmingham City Centre, Henman & Cooper Bar is a quirky cocktail bar with rooftop terrace created by Wayne Tracey, owner of a collection of bars including popular nightclub Snobs.The innovative bar was transformed in 2019 and owner Wayne required the installation of high-quality bathroom products to compliment the modern décor but it needed to be robust to withstand the hardest of treatment.TYDE Business Development Manager, Anthony McDonagh met with Wayne to discuss his exact requirements. Anthony visited the venue to inspect the area to determine which of the TYDE products would be most suitable. Internal discussions then took place with the TYDE product and design teams. We engaged our client and made recommendations based on the best solution to meet his needs. The TYDE Resan® range is manufactured to the highest standard and is engineered from an advanced polymer resin material which is shatterproof, hard-wearing and chemical resistant. This makes the products perfect for Property Managers looking for vandal resistant sanitaryware.Testimonial“I was really happy with the whole experience from my initial conversation with Anthony to purchase and installation. The WC’s back-to-wall feature hides the cistern and saves space and most importantly they are vandal-proof which is just what we need. I was so impressed, TYDE have also helped to install WC’s at one of my other bars. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. Superb products and service.”

Aston House is a collection of thirty-two apartments in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.The one and two bedroomed interiors are complemented by a mix of classic protruding balconies and Juliet balconies, as well as terraces for the top floor homes. The external envelope has a brick-work skin up to the 4th floor and the fifth-floor penthouse apartments have metal rain screen cladding panels. There is also rain screen cladding around the ground floor entrance lobbies.Popular earthy, natural shadesThe architects wanted a warm, natural shade to complement the pale sand coloured brick work. ‘Rusted steel’ from our Landscape/Terrain range was chosen to coat 850sq metres of mild steel forming the rain screen cladding. All the powders we use conform to fire reaction rating A2-s1,d0 and have a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.BenefitsPowdertech has years of experience in applying additional coating where needed to protect vulnerable metal surfaces. We call this our Plus+ service.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.Powdertech has a very wide range of both standard and unusual powder coating shades and textures.Powdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Seddon Construction to provide external furniture to a state-of-the-art new Veterinary School in Staffordshire. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is a joint venture with Harper Adams University and is located on Keele University’s campus. The building is a modern take on the traditional surrounding redbrick architecture. Located in North Staffordshire, the rural campus location consists of extensive woods and lakes, an ideal location for the country’s future vets.To complement the building's distinctive raw umber colour the client opted for a range of corten street furniture. Corten Steel is sandblasted before proceeding with the oxidation process, designed to limit water consumption and achieve a more consistent finish. Pre-Weathering reduces the level of washout onto surrounding surfaces, units can be fully sealed with anti washout or wax protection treatment to eliminate leakage altogether.The street furniture package was to be positioned around the building's entrances and main thoroughfares. The selection of pre-weathered Corten Steel products includes Spencer T Litter Bins which have a modern tapered design, Cube bollards that can also be used as seating, and Vision Bollards that have an in-built LED light that provides a subtle ambient light for the walkways and entrance. Removable Stainless Steel Bollards were also supplied to provide restricted access for authorised vehicles to particular areas of the campus. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is now a site that provides excellent teaching to aspiring vets, and has a safe and harmonious outdoor space for respite from the heavy workload. 

The charming Kong Arthur Hotel in Copenhagen’s Nansensgade Quarter has undergone a complete renovation with 64 new rooms and a new breakfast restaurant featuring Junckers’ Herringbone floors. The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere with elegant interiors, housed in a beautiful, late 19th Century building near Copenhagen’s historic lakes. The interior design compliments the period building with its many original features, in a style inspired by grand, turn of the century Danish apartments. Junckers’ Herringbone floors in solid oak complete the look, adding a warm, elegant backdrop.  Breakfast restaurantJunckers installed Oak Herringbone in the hotel’s light and airy new breakfast restaurant. The large rooms are flooded with natural light and have an industrial feel with fixtures, fittings and furniture in natural colours and materials. Junckers’ Oak Herringbone grounds the space perfectly with its warm tones and natural grain pattern of the timber. New hotel roomsThe 64 new hotel rooms were inspired by the classical style of a city centre Copenhagen apartment, all of them fitted with Junckers’ new Twin Herringbone flooring on solid oak. Pre-finished with a hard wearing ultra matt lacquer, Twin Herringbone is ready to walk on as soon as it is installed without the need for sanding or on-site finishing treatments. The quick and straightforward installation process saved the Hotel both time and money – installing a Twin Herringbone floor costs less than half of the installation cost of an unfinished parquet floor.

Altro wall solutions support fight against COVID-19ChallengeNew Jersey’s Holy Name Medical Centre was at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, coping with an alarmingly high rate of new COVID case admissions. It became clear that for Holy Name Medical Centre to continue providing its patients with crucial life-saving care, their existing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) space would need to undergo an essential update.Approach“Our ICU was built in the 1960s and was in need of an upgrade,” stated Melissa Candela, Holy Name Medical Centre’s Manager of Design and Construction. “Our experience at the epicentre of New Jersey’s outbreak triggered an action plan to transition the outdated space to a unit with the highest technology, safety, and design standards, in addition to strong functionality.” The design of the unit needed to prioritise interiors that could endure frequent cleaning and disinfecting routines while helping to create a design-oriented space with a patient focus.SolutionHoly Name Medical Centre selected Altro Whiterock White and the decorative Altro Whiterock wall designs throughout the ICU to create a high design, hygienic space for patient treatment. Altro Whiterock is a hygienic walls system, providing smooth impact-resistant surfaces and leaving dirt and bacteria nowhere to hide. This is especially practical in the case of Holy Name Medical Centre’s ICU, where thorough cleaning is vital in promoting the safety of patients and staff alike. Altro Whiterock wall designs can be used alongside Altro Whiterock White to create a less clinical feel in patient areas.

Komfort’s Polar glazed partitions were used to divide spaces and create enclosed meeting areas. This is a stylish solution which allows light to permeate the space and creates an environment which encourages collaboration and creativity. Manifestations were used on the glazing to meet Health and Safety regulations and also to provide privacy when necessary. To maximize the use of space, whilst meeting stringent fire and acoustic performance requirements, we selected our Komfire system. Komfire offers a distinct angular partition that was integrated with door frames. Komfort manufactured the ceilings and Formica doors which were used on the meeting rooms.

Milliken's Red Dot award-winning Colour Compositions carpet plank design was specified by Blocher Partners architects for Hoffmann's 2,800sqm new supply-chain centre. A striking colour palette beautifully defines the space into functional workspaces zones. Milliken's online visualisation tool VISION LAB was used to help the client gain a clear insight for Blocher's design proposal. The installation was efficient, clean and healthier thanks to TractionBack 2.0 - Milliken's adhesive-free installation system for modular carpet. The product's Comfort Lite cushion backing also plays a key role in acoustic management of this large workspace.

Project: Ball Corporation – New Bottling Plant Year: 2020 Project Architect: CastleOwen Assembly:Roof – APL 65ZS aluminium standing seam twin-skin built-up system Walls – APL StrongBak™ with external vertical APL profiled cladding Size: • Approx 10,000 m² of roof & wall systems over 2 phases Special Features: • Building 14m high with limited site space • FM (Factory Mutual) approved non-combustible construction • 60/240 fire rating required plus special acoustic requirements Building Location: • Wakefield, Yorkshire

Aquatics centre of Stratford, London, designed by architect Zaha Hadid Its original architectural wave made this place one of the most visible for tourists in London. The aquatics center will be used for swimming, diving and synchronized swimming and for the Water-polo competitions. The center can host more than 17500 people. It will replace the swimming pools of Crystal Palace National Sport Centre located in the south-east of London, and will become swimming-center of London. The Aquatic center ceiling is composed of 138 petals of Barrisol acoustic Lighting, using the Barrisol Star rail system. Architect : Zaha Hadid

Vtec’s MaxiBeam system was included in the design for a new reception area in a corporate office building. Both the client and designer wanted a statement feature that had a real ‘wow factor’ that also worked alongside the rest of the scheme. The design involved complex geometry and integrations for a stunning acoustic wall and ceiling in MaxiBeam Light Oak finish. The project involved bespoke angled ends on the interface, precise spacing and complete integration with the lighting scheme. In addition, timescales were extremely tight so drawings with full install details and 3D visuals were turned around very quickly.

Holborn, London's historic law district, has been transformed into a bustling and energetic neighbourhood. A gaming technology firm established new roots in its Fetter Lane, EC4 high-rise by combining classical and modern structures. The MaxiBeam system, a lightweight acoustic beam, was specified to vitalise the design. The system is featured in the break-out space was inspired by the end client's ethos of creative software innovation. Vtec's MaxiBeam ceiling and featured return wall added a high level of aesthetic value creating fluidity and motion. Explore why this ceiling design encouraged community and engagement and how easy installation was.

As part of a £2.4m transformation, Style was contracted to deliver flexibility to the ground floor meeting rooms of the Corby Holiday Inn, enabling the space to be quickly adapted to accommodate different functions and therefore maximise revenues. Working with CBP Architects directly with Holiday Inn, Style’s partitioning solution divides a single open-plan space for larger gatherings into two or three separate meetings rooms, using two DORMA Variflex moveable walls. Finished in a stylish antique oak laminate, and providing impressive 52dB Rw acoustics, concurrent events can take place undisturbed and the room can be reconfigured with ease.

Wolvercote Primary School, Oxfordshire, first contracted Style to install a folding wall in a classroom in 2015. This proved so useful that when the need arose again, the teaching staff insisted on the same product. Working with architect SixPC and contractor Wensley Group, Style’s team recommended the same Stylefold 120 folding wall but, with an endfold configuration rather than centrefold arrangement, giving added space when the wall is not in use. Boasting an impressive 46dB Rw acoustic rating, the partition enables the school to run adjacent classes either side, or quickly open the room up into one large space.

Style is delighted to announce the opening of its brand new London showroom, showcasing the very latest in moveable wall systems. Conveniently located a short walk from Old Street Tube Station, anyone can request to visit to discuss projects and spend time with one of Style’s partitioning specialists. As well as seeing an impressive range of movable wall solutions in operation, visitors can also experience fully automated operable walls, the very latest acoustic integrity, a range of finishes and designs, and get up to speed with current technical specifications. It’s also a great venue for advice and inspiration!

The aim of £12M refurbishment and remodelling of the 1960s Octagon theatre in Bolton was to make the building fully accessible, improve acoustics and provide new facilities for community use, upgraded performance areas and new front of house and back stage amenities. The design from JM Architects includes a 5-storey rear extension and an impressive modern new façade created using Senior’s thermally efficient SF52 curtain walling. This has been seamlessly integrated with SPW501 aluminium commercial doors for the new high traffic entrance and foyer, together with SPW600e aluminium windows for added daylight and ventilation.

Recently refurbished, Vodafone’s Manchester office is the first building in the UK to combine two electric moveable walls, delivering an entirely automated system for dividing room space. Working with architects, CMI Workplace and main contractor, Overbury, Style was specified to install a fully automatic Dorma Moveo Glazed ComfortDrive moveable wall adjacent to a Skyfold, the fully automatic, vertically rising operable wall, housed in the ceiling cavity. At the push of a button, the walls open and close with ease, offering a phenomenal lab tested 50dB Rw acoustic integrity for the glass system, and 51dB Rw for the Skyfold.

Partitioning specialist Style, recently installed a comprehensive solution for another etc.venues event facility in Piccadilly, Manchester. This is the eighth time Style has worked with etc.venues and Synergy architects, having previously developed partitioning wall systems for seven prestigious room hire amenities in central London. On this occasion, Style was contracted to deliver flexibility to a large open area, allowing hire opportunities to be fully capitalised by dividing the space into numerous rooms of different sizes, exactly meeting the changing needs of clients. A total of nine DORMA Variflex moveable walls were installed, providing exceptional acoustic privacy of 55dB.

Komfort's “new addition” to their existing Sonik framed door offering, a 70mm picture framed single glazed framed doors was chosen as a balance between performance and appearance. This creaed the appearance of a traditional steel framed system with slender sections. This was achieved with the use of our Kross Glaze bars, which were applied to both sides of the doors. Kross Glaze provides a design response to the recent trend of industrial style glazing and is becoming ever more popular within residential and commercial interiors. The use of Sonik Doors also enabled stringent acoustic performance requirements to be met.

There are three hotels in the Resort, with about 1,750 rooms in total. Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, a 400 room Victorian-era themed hotel inspired by Disney's Grand Floridian Spa Resort and the Parisian Disneyland Hotel. Disney's Hollywood Hotel, a 600 room art deco style hotel themed to 1930s Hollywood glamour. Disney Explorers Lodge, with 750 rooms. It features an exploration theme with four main areas: Polynesian, Asian, South American rainforest and African plains. Lorient supplied Batwing® acoustic and smoke seals to all three of the hotels across the Disneyland Resort.

Skanstes City is a brand new, multi-modal campus that provides retail areas and office spaces to many small and large businesses. The Skanstes City believes that the office today is not a coercive tool to control employees, but a convenient, practical and pleasant place to go to work in simpler and more efficient conditions than at home. The Skanstes campus has many public spaces with great design and dedicated recreational areas.Forbo’s Sarlon acoustic vinyl, Tessera Cloudscape carpet tiles and Flotex flocked floors provide a professional and modern look to the various office spaces and contribute to a pleasant working environment.

Oakhill Avenue is a three-story residential dwelling located in Hampstead. This 65m² complete refurbishment includes a basement extension, internal structural alterations, facade refurbishment, and complete prime-level fit-out, including M&E, audio-visual, joinery installations and landscaping.Cellecta YELOfon HD5 was specified on this project for its excellent acoustic properties specifically designed to reduce impact noise through the concrete floors with a floating screed. It is a lightweight, easy-to-install, non-crosslinked polyethene foam.Neston Construction LTD was awarded the contract to refurbish this three-story residential dwelling located in Hampstead.

Unity Place, the new six floor state-of-the-art Swindon offices of Zurich Insurance, represents a £36m investment by the Swiss-owned global brand. Rockfon is delighted to have played its part in this innovative project where a core design remit of the 9300m2 project was to aim for BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Award winning Alec French Architects were design principals for the scheme. Architect Mercedes Mortalla Cebrian of the practice, “Rockfon were able to supply product in the required dimensions and within budget. Acoustics were very important – calculations were made, with their products providing the solutions which complied to the relevant regulations The Rockfon team were incredibly helpful, providing great technical support and very quick to answer any queries.”The innovative interiors at Unity Place utilise a limited colour palette to great effect in creating a chic paired back, industrial aesthetic which also manages to offer visual warmth and a sense of quality and light with full height window walls featured throughout.Zurich Project Manager Ian White, “When we were looking for a contractor to deliver this new building for us, it was important that they understood our environmental policy and how sustainability is at the heart of this new building. …we are delighted with our new building.”Skanska was appointed as main contractor. They stated, ‘Skanska used a low carbon site set-up approach to realise Zurich’s aim of providing a sustainable environment for employees, through a climate-smart building. It’s targeting BREEAM Excellent – which will put it in the top ten per cent of non-residential buildings in the UK in terms of sustainability.’Skanska Operations Director Charlie Norris added, “We’re proud that this development has delivered the first new office space in the heart of Swindon in a generation and it’s in a state-of-the-art, sustainable building. “Ultimately, the aim was building a sustainable workplace that enhances peoples’ wellbeing.”The varied work of installing the acoustic solutions throughout the building was the responsibility of Bristol-based Topfix Interiors, which delivers specialised interior solutions to all sectors of the construction industry. Topfix Site Manager Scott Dunn spoke about the work, “This was an interesting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding project. We had to research a new system using parallel suspension rails on the north side of the development and the crane necessary to carry out high level installations within the multi-storey atrium also tested the team’s skill and fortitude.”A specialist range for every spaceRockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “This stunning development offered us the great opportunity to feature around 3800m2 of our specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of the spaces which make up this great project. They include: Eclipse Islands in square, rectangular and circular formats; Universal Baffles; Medicare, Color-all and two variants of our Blanka range.Rockfon Blanka® offers a wide choice of options for installation and usage and is in evidence in two variants at Unity Place. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Its easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money. The high light reflectance of the ceiling systems at the Swindon offices optimise natural light, helping provide healthy interiors whilst minimising energy costs. Superior acoustic performance is demonstrated across all Rockfon ranges. It’s a key reason why it is preferred by so many specifiers. Independent research shows improved acoustics can reduce stress levels by 27% and increase focus by 48%, aiding wellbeing while optimising productivity. Rockfon Eclipse® – elegance and performanceAcoustic Eclipse islands are installed in various formats and dimensions throughout the building. These frameless, lightweight ceiling islands can be specified in an almost unlimited range of shapes and can also be custom colour matched. They are often used to subtly and elegantly camouflage necessary services and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Quick and easy to install, Eclipse islands are also perfect for thermal mass installations with their rear surface providing excellent heat and light reflection. All Rockfon ranges are made from non-combustible stone wool, which is impervious to most environmental pressures, embodies very high humidity resistance and guards against the incidence of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.Rockfon Color-all® is available in a standard range of 34 exclusive colours and can be supplied in almost any colour. It was installed in the Charcoal option using secret fixings, under stairways where visual impact and sound control were important considerations. Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. Encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, they feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. They are available in white and in a selection of colours.Rockfon Medicare® for when bacterial control is key HTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was also installed to offer outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1), simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 5) mark it out as a first choice for areas where increased cleanliness is required.Contemporary company headquarters and offices are increasingly required to offer a wide spectrum of spaces under one roof. From lobbies and atria, to offices, break-out areas, auditoria and cafes – each with its own specific needs in terms of acoustics and other characteristics. Rockfon has the products, expertise and experience to deliver solutions to offer outstanding performance that also looks beautiful.

London 2012 organisers always planned, as part of their Olympic legacy, to transform the Athletes’ Village into a purpose-built education and leisure campus with a specialism in performing arts comprising a nursery, primary and secondary school, sixth form and adult learning.While the main base for organising and managing teams from the record 206 nations that took part would readily convert to their new educational purpose, they needed a fencing solution to reduce the impact of noise from the Tube line that runs alongside.The SolutionContractor Osborne, Academy architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, and Lend Lease Group, responsible for the design, development and construction of East Village, chose Zaun’s DBS acoustic fencing for the job.Zaun used mixed recycled waste plastics to develop the DBS panels that can deflect noise, soak up flying fragments, and be incorporated onto Zaun’s extensive range of fencing post and panel systems to tailor specifiers solutions to their precise needs.The panels are easy to erect and suffer shallow repair needs, significantly reducing the whole life cost of the fencing system. In addition, the panels’ impressive acoustic-loss properties have been rated B3 with a 36dB loss under BS EN 1793-2.The Chobham Academy, which incorporates the Beth Tweddle Academy for gymnasts, has been dubbed ‘the school with an Olympic playground’, with swimming lessons in the aquatics centre and sports days in the Olympic Stadium.It sits on the edge of the new East Village neighbourhood with 2,818 new homes, community health facilities and over 10 hectares of public leisure space.

After the historic St Mary’s Hospital in Bristol received planning approval for Commercial refurbishment, we were contacted by M R Allen Limited to help transform the old healthcare facility to student accommodation. The building had been vacant for a number of years before the project to transform the space into 153 premium student rooms got the go ahead.The original hospital building was retained, with the addition of a 4 storey extension, a 3 storey new build, 8 no. townhouses and a new Communal space for students which includes an on-site gym, entertainment room, lounge and kitchen for private dining.Planning dictated that this undesignated heritage asset retained many of its original features, sat within a setting of various listed buildings and in a Conservation area.This led to us recommending timber Box Sash Windows from our Conservation range.All 109 box sash windows were manufactured in our British factory featuring high acoustic performing trickle vents & laminated glass in 24mm double glazed units, ensuring noise travel is kept to a minimum between accommodation.Mark Allen from M R Allen Limited explains;“We chose Mumford & Wood for their long-standing reputation for manufacturing British made, traditional timber windows – exactly what this project required. We also had some stringent acoustic performance requirements and working closely with Mumford & Wood allowed us to create a product that exceeded our performance expectations.”We finished the windows in ‘Signal White,’ featuring polished brass ironmongery.

The new £8.5m Allam Diabetes Centre at Hull Royal Infirmary plans to treat and care for patients with diabetes and metabolic bone diseases.It also includes a significant amount of clinical research facilities supporting not only diabetes and endocrinology, but also vascular surgery, neurology and other research departments. Its curved towers flank a glass entrance, which leads to a large waiting area and reception. Spread over three storeys are consulting rooms, specialist treatment rooms, office space and changing rooms as well as a roof terrace on the second floor. Designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’, the thermal performance of the insulation specified for the Allam Diabetes Centre’s flat roof was hugely important. Another crucial factor was fire safety. Although the application doesn’t fall under current fire regulations banning combustible insulation, the architect specified that only non-combustible materials should be used during construction.  Main contractors Zenith Developments appointed specialist contractors Fosters Roofing to install the roof. They in turn tasked DANOSA UK with supplying all the materials for the roof construction, including the insulation. “The build-up of the Allam Diabetes Centre was a single-ply warm roof with a tapered insulation scheme to provide the fall required for rainwater run-off,” explained Steve Downey, Commercial Director at DANOSA UK. “Tapered insulation schemes are always more difficult than traditional flat roofs, so we asked Knauf Insulation for technical advice on how to achieve the required U-value of 0.18 W/m2K.” The Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab. It is BBA certified for use on mechanically fixed flat roof build-ups and is suitable for all types of roof deck.  As well as excellent thermal performance, Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. It also provides excellent sound absorption so will help reduce the drumming effect of rainfall.  Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab contains a special water repellent additive and is manufactured using Knauf Insulation's Krimpact® Technology which provides high levels of compressive strength and durability. As the project was a tapered insulation scheme, Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab was manufactured to order to ensure the correct fall was created. The tapered insulation scheme wasn’t the only challenge with the Allam Diabetes Centre – it also features a curved façade, which added complexity for the installation team at Fosters Roofing.  Paul Foster, Managing Director at Fosters Roofing said: “Insulation needs to be carefully cut to the exact shape of the building otherwise heat can escape making it less energy efficient. Thankfully Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab was easy to cut and quick to install, so it wasn’t a problem.” Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab has also been designed to knit together during installation so there are no gaps that could affect thermal, fire or acoustic performance. By using Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab, Fosters Roofing and DANOSA UK were able to achieve the required specification for the tapered insulation scheme on the new Allam Diabetes Centre. This will contribute to the energy efficiency needed to achieve the BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. 

Scientific research into the development of new cancer treatments across the UK is vital, with accurate new medicines and therapies, such as immuno‐oncology, being introduced to help ensure an increase in survival rates among patients. In line with the developments, new cancer care centres are being opened to provide these bespoke treatments for patients. Building Design Partnership (BDP), an international architecture firm, was appointed to design a new 11-storey cancer centre in the heart of Liverpool – the city’s first dedicated cancer hospital that comes as part of a £162 million investment in cancer centres in the region. With cleanliness, hygiene and inclusive design in mind, BDP turned to PPG Architectural Coatings to provide a Johnstone’s Trade paint specification for Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Liverpool. In an environment where cleaning, sanitation and hygiene practices are of the highest importance, BDP needed to provide a coatings solution that could be thoroughly cleaned regularly, while retaining a high-quality finish and colour. On the recommendation of the project’s main contractor, Laing O’Rourke, BDP specified a range of Johnstone’s Trade paints including Acrylic Durable Matt. Acrylic Durable Matt is a premium emulsion, designed to provide a tough, durable finish. With a Class 1 Scrub Rating, it is ideal for high traffic areas that need regular cleaning – such as healthcare environments. The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre provides specialist chemotherapy and other drug therapies and services so, when it came to specifying paints, it was critical that BDP provided a durable solution with hygiene and quality in mind. As the building will be home to a high number of vulnerable patients and need to be extremely clean at all times, it was crucial that the paint chosen could withstand regular wear and be cleaned and scrubbed regularly, without compromising on quality or colour. For BDP, Acrylic Durable Matt was the perfect solution. Johnstone’s Trade Microbarr Anti Bacterial Acrylic Matt was also used in the Brachytherapy Suite, and HDR and Anaesthetic rooms. Formulated using Silver Ion technology, the coating is a suitable choice for healthcare settings like Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool as it to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and infections, while having a tough, easily washable finish. Another consideration throughout the cancer centre was design and colour. BDP proposed a colour scheme that tied the building and departments together, starting with the referencing of one of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust’s corporate colours at the main entrance levels. BDP wanted to create an environment that was inclusive for all patients, visitors and staff within the centre, taking into account dementia-friendly design while also matching the Trust’s colours – the output of their design needed to be the perfect balance. PPG helped them to do this with its colour-matching service. They worked in collaboration to develop the colour scheme and submitted that to a Dementia Focus Group for their approval before decoration took place at the centre, to ensure the design took into account their needs as well as looking good. BDP used the bold Trust colours in the reception areas within the building, and worked with PPG to create tonal variations that were used throughout the corridors and rooms on each floor. Each floor had its own colour identity from the PPG Voice of Colour collection. A calming range of blues such as Mystic Iris and Ocean Skies were included within the inpatients ward, contrasting with bright, bold greens such as Be Spontaneous and Funky Frog in the reception area.

Dandi Wembley: A new kind of livingWe've been working with architecture and development specialists Dandi Living for 12 years. They wanted a cost effective way of retrofitting a 14-storey office block to accommodate 360 apartments with a hard wearing flooring solution.We've been involved on the York House project from the beginning. Existing floors have been assessed and levelled, and our Impervia White Washed Oak has now been installed.The project, known officially as Dandi Wembley, is located in the heart of North West London. It's designed to offer fully furnished studio and one bed apartments surrounded by elevated communal spaces for socialising, relaxing, working and revitalising. Their aim is to deliver a new kind of city co-living.The benefits of RetrofittingAs part of our commitment to providing the sustainable, safe and healthy choice for waterproof, fireproof, and formaldehyde free flooring, we adopt and promote retrofitting as part of the RetroFirst campaign.Originally developed as a response to the escalating climate crisis, RetroFirst is a campaign led by Architects’ Journal. The campaign’s objectives are simple: to prioritise retrofitting existing buildings over demolishing and rebuilding them.On the York House project, the cost saving of using Impervia®, because of the acoustic back layer and residential warranty of 30 years, was more than 35% of previous estimates.Impervia® is perfect because of its acoustic backing and a rigid core. It will be cleaner than the tiles which will have been professionally cleaned before fitting the Impervia® Flooring.Because there is no movement in the rigid core it means Impervia® can be installed right up to the skirting without the need for any trims. The look will be perfect as if it was the original floor.Floors for residential spaces like homes and hotels require a high level of resistance against mould, dents, water and fire. This is where Impervia® holds its own, boasting a range of features such as water & fire resistance and dent & mould proof.Why White Washed Oak flooring is perfect for residential projectsOur White Washed Oak flooring is finished with a heavy-duty commercial grade wear layer that is waterproof, stain and scratch-resistant. Using patented 5G-i push-fit locking system and built-in acoustic IXPE backing layer which reduces impact sound by 21dB; installation is quick and easy.It can be used with underfloor heating. With no PCPs or Formaldehyde, this rigid stone composite flooring has a textured surface just like real wood with the added advantage of being sustainable and healthy flooring.The white washed Impervia Oak floor creates a warm spacious feel for the apartments, so with a 30-year warranty, it's perfect for residential developments like this.If any boards do get badly damaged, they can be easily replaced as Impervia Flooring has its own acoustic backing and uses the latest push fit click system. No adhesives are needed and water spills will not damage the floor as it is waterproof and fireproof.It's available sizes include:1524 x 180 x 6.5mm (5mm plank + 1.5mm IXEP backing) 10 pieces per carton = 2.76 m21524 x 228 x6.5mm (5mm plank + 1.5mm IXEP backing) 6 pieces per carton = 2.086 m2‍1824 x 228 x6.5mm (5mm plank + 1.5mm IXEP backing) 6 pieces per carton = 2.5 m2If you'd like to discuss sustainable, luxury flooring for your next residential project, get in touch with us today!

Neaco’s roof walkway system has been installed at world's largest single standing seam roofing project at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The $100 million development includes the airport’s new terminal building, railway station, air traffic control centre and the main fire and rescue facility, requiring a combination of straight, tapered and curved roofs with high acoustic and thermal performance specifications. The development involved the construction of 350,000 square metres of Kalzip standing seam roofing - the largest single Kalzip project ever undertaken – which includes Neaco’s aluminium open grille walkways and associated handrails.

Lewis House is a development of 26 one and two bedroom retirement apartments in Upper Norwood in London from McCarthy & Stone. Profile 22 Optima Chamfered Windows deliver specifications required. The window specification required a U-value of 1.4 wm2/k on all windows and Secured by Design accreditation on the ground floor & easily accessible first floor windows. Acoustic glazing was also required because Lewis House is situated on a busy road so traffic noise needed to be minimised. Visually, the local authority had requested a grey exterior to give a modern appearance and provide a close match to aluminum.

Metal Technology has contributed to achieving the desired aesthetic for the flagship Leeds College of Building Campus designed by Fuse (Leeds). The scheme utilised Metal Technology’s System 17 High Rise capped curtain walling and incorporated manual and automatic 4-20Hi+ casement opening vents. System 5-20D Hi+ doors completed the range of products used. These systems combined to deliver complete design flexibility, achieving not only a very high level of thermal performance, but also exceptional structural, security and acoustic performance. All Metal Technology systems comply with the latest British Standards and are Secured by Design certified.

When the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) were looking to move into their new Head Office, just off Princess Street in the heart of Edinburgh, Michael Laird Architects asked Planet Partitioning to put together a specification for the Category B fit-out of the existing building. Working closely with Souness & Boyne, Planet Partitioning used p100 frameless double glazing system throughout to create meeting rooms and offices with high acoustic performance, in a simple grey design. The eight-week job also involved installing minimal framework double glazed doors throughout the offices, to complement the p100 double glazed partitions.