"slate"

Over thirty Clement Conservation Rooflights have been installed into this impressive conversion in Battersea. The Sanctuary is a 19th century Listed Building, previously St Paul’s Church, now four outstanding apartments and one exquisite house. A variety of rooflight shapes and sizes were chosen to suit various room requirements, including Clement 3, 4, 5 and 6, all standard sizes available from stock. A slate profile was specified to achieve a flush finish on the outside of the building.

Neaco’s semi-structural glass balustrade and aluminium decking have been extensively specified at The Slate, the University of Warwick’s impressive conference centre occupying a waterside setting in the heart of the campus near Coventry. Designed by Associated Architects and built by Speller Metcalfe, the facility comprises 650 sqm of flexible event space.The building maximises views of the adjoining lake with a predominance of glazing and no pillars or fixtures to obscure the outlook. Neaco’s balustrade lines the full-length of a front terrace overlooking the lake and accommodates the view with clear glass panel infills.

Location: Green Park, Reading, BerkshireProject Type: HousingProduct: Raking Fascia with Secret Fix Panel SoffitFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7015 Matt Slate GreyProduct: Meridian CopingsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 9003 Matt Signal WhiteFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Berkeley HomesArchitects: Broadway MalyanMain Contractor: St Edwards Homes Ltd

Location: Truro, CornwallProject Type: Retirement HousingDevelopment Cost: £16mProduct: Vertical Eaves System with Curved VergeMonocoque Support System100mm Round Contemporary Rainwater PipesMeridian Wall CopingsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7015 Matt Slate GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Churchill Retirement LivingArchitects: Planning Issues LtdMain Contractor: Churchill Retirement LivingSub Contractor: Roweaver Developments Ltd

As part of the project all the Alto toilet cubicle doors and partitions at this Mayfair office were wrapped using innovative architectural film in a dark slate grey textured ash veneer finish - provided as part of Washroom's Refresh Service. As well as being environmentally-friendly and quick to install, architectural film is also extremely hardwearing and durable so will further prolong the lifecycle of the toilet cubicles. The sleek dark wood veneer finish is just one of more than one thousand different architectural films available to choose from including wood, metal, marble, leather and stone.

Metrotile Lightweight Steel Roofing now adorns the rooftop of the Bryn Bach Country Park visitor centre near Tredegar, South Wales. Installed to replace the previous leaking so-called ‘traditional’ material roof, that was allowing water ingress in the cafeteria area, the new Metrotile roof has given the facility a new lease of life and an attractive makeover, in time for the busy summer season. Some 2,600 of Metrotile’s vandal proof Slate 900 profile, each covering almost half a square metre but weighing just 4.6kg, now cover the 1,300 square metres roof of the visitor centre.

The transformation and repurposing of an existing building into new serviced offices in Shropshire is using bespoke manufactured aluminium parapet capping from the Pendock Linea range to provide high-quality finish.Incorporating a slate grey PPC finish, to blend in with the existing column casings that support the canopy, the PC-F style flat parapet capping's are manufactured from 2mm thick aluminium, which resists weatheringPendock carried out all the site surveys, manufacturing and the final installation of the parapet capping's on this project, which involved the removal and re-fitting of the column casings to provide a water-resistant barrier for the brickwork.

For these headquarters based in Barcelona, a former industrial site was reformed, to adapt the structure to the brand needs . The architect explains that “understanding the design of the interior spaces [was] an important element of branding capable of generat [ing ] brand value”, according to Stefano Colli .On the big glazed façades, Premium Plus roller blinds are used with a Polyscreen ® 403 in Slate color . They are in tune with the brand colors and style, and also they provide optimal solar management . Aluminum Venetian blinds in Smokey Grey finish are used for the internal glassed partition to provide intimacy in working spaces . Both systems cover the sunlight management needs as well as they turn into a key decorative item .

The Junction, a new £3.5m Euro-supported community asset at Railway Park in Dungannon caters for a wide range of activities.The building, which has been created to host meetings, training, workshops and features a state-of-the-art conference space, café and casual meeting rooms, is located at the historic, 13th century Hill of the O’Neill and ancient capital of Ulster.THE CHALLENGEThe architects’ vision for the building was one that gave the impression of open access from every angle, set within beautiful grounds incorporating a pedestrian promenade and plaza.A key consideration was the need for a hard landscaped surface which would sympathetically blend into the aesthetic vision for inviting approaches and provide a durable ground cover for heavy footfall, requiring minimal maintenance, and with assured longevity.THE SOLUTIONArchitects, Hall, Black and Douglas chose AG’s Granaza flag because of its distinctive textured finish that combines granite and quartz whilst offering a great look with robust durability and excellent levels of slip resistance.In addition Xflo® Plaza Salt (Silver) and Xflo® Plaza Pepper (Slate) permeable paving was chosen for both form and function.As well as providing a proven means of controlling surface water flow, Plaza Salt (Silver) and Plaza Pepper’s (Slate) striking aesthetics acted as a perfect foil with the Granaza flags, creating the dimensional depth and enhancing the definition between the vehicular and pedestrian areas resulting in an attractive, distinctive effect.Meanwhile AG’s Terrakerb® offered a reliable alternative to natural stone with which to frame the paved areas.Within the grounds, AG’s products organically link the promenade and plaza to the surrounding park and existing routes to and from the amenity, in a sympathetically appealing fashion.Sean Mullen, QMAC Senior Contracts Manager praised AG’s supply capabilities and said the finished building was a ‘statement piece’.

Le Fitz Roy is a chalet at Europe’s highest ski resort, bustling Val Thorens in the French Alps. Extensively renovated in December 2021, its modern makeover includes a Turkish hammam and a heated pool carved out of the mountain, a bar designed as an open space on the terrace and the ease of ski-in/ ski-out accessibility. In true chalet style, as well as slate-grey interiors there's also plenty of old-school, cosy charm too, from antique wooden skis mounted on the walls, stone and oak architecture warmed by flickering fires, and classical French cuisine in the restaurant.The traditional York roll top tub has been specified in a number of rooms which, after a long day on the pistes, is exactly where you want to come back to.Marlborough

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

The Sandy Park hotel (a £35 million project) is located at the southern end of the award-winning Sandy Park complex found next to the Exeter Chiefs Rugby stadium.Sandy Park Hotel which officially opened in April 2022, has 250 bedrooms, a rooftop bar and a restaurant including state-of-the-art leisure facilities. The building is an eight-story hotel that boasts beautiful views of the River Exe Estuary. At its front is a bridge leading from Sandy Park Complex’s south end and into one of UK’s finest hotels -The Marriott Hotel Reception where guests are welcomed upon arrival.Valcan supplied approx. 2000m2 of Valcan Ceramapanel in charcoal and light slate with a finish of natural textures touch.Valcan Ceramapanel is a non-combustible fibre cement cladding rated A1 to BS EN 13501-01 which was the perfect choice for the building’s facade.

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

Forward thinking rural livingSimon and Fran Ackerley set out to design a traditional farmhouse with a modern twist for themselves and their 3 sons on their 200 acre farm in the stunning rural location at Kilnwick Percy, near Pocklington in Yorkshire. The main designer and contractor was Anderson York Ltd., this relationship proved to be a great team in making some exciting material choices. Including premium blue Welsh natural roofing slates and a contemporary galvanised steel gutter system which were provided by Burton Roofing Merchants. The merchants remarked that the Lindab rainwater system, "makes a striking statement but ultimately benefits very low maintenance".Owner, Simon commented that the long term view has ruled in most instances as they didn’t want any regrets. The finished project is a real pleasure to see and has had a lot of press coverage.

Oakland Mews is a 21-plot residential development set within the village of Strumpshaw, Norfolk. Based on the site of a former factory, this high-quality development of detached and semi-detached dwellings delivers modern, spacious living, respectfully designed and crafted to the very highest specification using quality materials, including Hampton Rural Blend brick and Cradley Brick Specials, produced by Forterra.Aware of the site’s historic significance and agricultural location, the contractor, Total Build East Anglia Ltd, committed to using traditional materials and building methods that were in keeping with the area and delivered on its vision to bring an appealing and exclusive development to Strumpshaw.Total Build East Anglia Ltd consulted building materials supplier MKM Building Supplies Norwich to help find the appropriate bricks and tiles for the houses. It wanted a traditional red-brick style, which matched the look of a former factory that occupied the site previously and preserved the area’s heritage. Total Build selected the stock-thrown Hampton Rural Blend brick for the facing brick walls. The rustic red brick, tarnished with blackened flashes, perfectly complements the slate grey Cradley Brick Specials copings and cappings, and the dark timber cladding on the properties.Hampton Rural Blend is part of Forterra’s Ecostock range of pressed and thrown bricks manufactured at its Measham factory, which uses ground-breaking technology in sustainability and production efficiency to deliver advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.“An old factory used to be on the site of the development,” said Jason Hilldrup, Brick, Block, Tile and Architectural Masonry Specialist at MKM Norwich. “It was an attractive, traditional red-brick building, directors Andy Brown and Lindsey George of Total Build wanted to ensure the new development was in keeping with what had been there previously.“We reviewed some options together, looking for a brick that looked old and traditional, and they went for the Hampton Rural Blend facing brick and black-slate coloured Cradley Specials copings and cappings. The combination of the two flowed together nicely, and for the price and style, the bricks ticked all their boxes. The bricklayers and cream-coloured mortar choices have been great too. It’s come together really nicely, creating a fantastic site that has modern touches but keeps the traditional style.”

Handley Street is a small, residential development located within the central conservation area in the Lincolnshire market town of Sleaford.Originally an old, derelict office block, the site now provides six new, much-needed starter homes for the town. Each of the high-specification homes offers two bedrooms, underfloor heating, bi-fold doors to a private garden, and off-road parking, all within a few short steps to the town’s high street.Planning restrictions associated with the conservation area required the use of traditional materials, including timber, sliding sash windows, slate roofs, chimney stacks and brickwork that would match Handley Street’s older buildings, which are built in a vibrant orange brick featuring textural deviation and which was excavated locally.For the new properties, Forterra’s Butterley Breckland Multi Reserve was selected as a good match to the older brick. Varying bonds, that show stretchers as well as headers, have been introduced in the main facing brickwork, complementing the older properties nearby.

In 1861 a small group of stonemasons formed the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company to create affordable homes, by and for workmen, to escape from slum landlords. Typically, the terraced houses were arranged back-to-back with individual gardens: the ground-floor front doors facing one direction and first floor front doors on the opposite side with external staircases.The ‘colonies’ design has been widely replicated and recently resurrected with a contemporary approach in a new Edinburgh development by Glencairn Properties. Bellevue Colonies at McDonald Road recreates the original sense of community and interaction between neighbours with shared footpaths, gates and external stairs.Lang+Fulton supplied Modena railings to delineate each private garden space and provide boundary demarcation to the street. The railings were mounted on dwarf walls and were hot-dip galvanized and polyester powder coated for a durable finish in keeping with the quality materials of brick, zinc and slate that were used throughout the development.Awards: Homes for Scotland - Housing Development of the Year (shortlisted)

Unit 25 Cambridge Science Park is a state of the art facility providing laboratories and office space for Bio tech and Med Tech companies. This BREEAM Good facility was built by SDC and features an external façade of glass, metallic panels and fins for solar shading. At each corner of the building a chamfered picture frame feature of curtain walling and panels, adds to the modern design. Metalline who manufacture a range of architectural fabrications worked closely with MTW Architectural the specialist façade contractor to ensure that all materials were delivered on time and to exact specification. They supplied in excess of 1000m2 of A2 Ultima insulated panels, Unity interlocking rainscreen panels, interlocking soffits, copings, pressings and cills for the project.The picture frame finish to the corners of the building were finished in a slate grey polyester powder coating. The horizontal rainscreen panels used to break up the expanse of glass shown on the front of the building were finished in tiger drylac 068/70764 PPC This finish mimics an anodised finish and features on all four sides of the building 

Tata Steel’s building envelope products have played a key role in the delivery of the first phase of the Port One giant e-commerce warehousing and distribution storage complex, and were incorporated into Unit No.4, a new 143,000 sq ft purpose-built unit, designed for Ipswich-based FDS Corporation Limited, a Chinese fulfilment house operator specialising in online retail. This building is 17 metres high and has been designed to store goods on pallets and on racking nine levels high.The external cladding solution for Unit No.4 used over 17,000m2 of our Trisomet® and Trimapanel® insulated panel systems. Around 11,472m2 of Trisomet® 60mm manufactured using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® was supplied for the roof in Anthracite Matt, as stipulated by the planning consent; while the external building envelope was constructed using over 6,000m2 of Trisomet® 40mm and Trimapanel® 120mm insulated panels manufactured using Colorcoat Prisma® pre-finished steel. The wall elevations used a contrasting colour mix of Alaska Grey, Anthracite, Oyster Slate Grey and White.

The ChallengeA rapid build retaining wall solution was required to cut down the construction programme.House builders are experiencing extraordinary pressure to meet targets despite the shortage of materials and skilled labour. Contractors are faced with incredibly tight construction programmes which are difficult to deliver on.This challenge is prevalent throughout GB and Ireland, and the case is no different on Bushby Fields Housing Development in Leicestershire. Contractor P Hughes explored every opportunity to claw back on their construction programme, without compromising quality, sustainability, health or safety on the Bloor Homes site.When considering retaining wall options, P Hughes first considered traditional masonry walling. But as skilled brick layers are in short supply and masonry walls are slow to build, they were open to alternatives.The SolutionSecura Grand was selected as it is readily available, quick to install and doesn’t require skilled labour.Tobermore is proud to have supplied their Secura Grand Segmental Retaining Wall System to the Bushby Fields Housing Development. Secura Grand is used in the attractive colour Slate to prevent sloping site issues as well as creating a more efficient use of land. Secura offered a cost-effective mortar-free solution which promised a fast and easy installation process.

Armourcoat’s modular panel system ArmourFX has been specified to stunning effect at the new G-Shock store on London’s Carnaby Street by Double Retail. The new flagshop concept store was designed to physically interpret the core values of the brand and clearly segment G-Shock’s extensive product range.Through the careful use of lighting and materials, such as slate flooring, hot rolled steel surfaces and concrete wall panels from ArmourFX,the environment is an embodiment of G-Shock toughness.The store has elevated this premium offering and created a versatile future-proof space adaptable for specific collections and product launches.ArmourFX concrete effect panels are ideal for a deconstructed urban look for contemporary projects. The panels offer a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive industrial style including distressed effects or recessed ‘shutter’ markings. Off-site construction is fast becoming the method of choice for both contractors and their clients with projects under tight deadlines for completion, or where it is impractical to work with ‘wet’ plastering trades on site. ArmourFX modular solutions can be highly customized to suit the client, sent directly to site and installed in a few hours. Photography: © Max McClure

Located in Antrim with full site completion expected in 2028/29. Belmont Hall is a well-established development in the area. With easy access to the M2 and situated within close proximity to local schools, leisure facilities and shopping, Belmont is an ideal place to live. This environmentally sensitive development also offers immediate access to a range of parks, walkways and playing fields.The Challenge To create a unique and environmentally conscious housing development that was sympathetic to its natural surroundings. Belmont Hall aimed to establish itself as a relaxed and environmentally conscious development, paying homage to its natural surroundings, particularly the picturesque Six Mile Water River.  The procurement of a diverse range of facing brick in strong vibrant colours was a top priority for Antrim Construction Company . The goal was to offer homes with a range of finishes, fostering a sense of individuality and departure from uniformity.  Another important consideration for this project was budget. When compared to clay brick, Tobermore Facing Brick was far more competitive. In addition to this, the availability of stock ensured prompt delivery to meet tight project timelines.  The SolutionA unique development was achieved by utilising Tobermore Country Stone walling alongside Tobermore Kingston and Lansdowne facing brick ranges. To guarantee that Belmont Hall respected the natural environment that surrounds it, collaborating with a company committed to minimising environmental impact was paramount. Tobermore has consistently upheld responsible manufacturing practices aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of its operations. Comprehensive and reliable environmental performance data is readily available for all Tobermore products. These Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) undergo independent verification to ensure the accuracy of each product’s environmental performance. Antrim Construction Company (ACC) created a distinctive development for the significant 400 house site by incorporating a variety of colours of Tobermore facing brick in both Lansdowne and Kingston ranges, along with Slate Country Stone walling. After considering clay and various concrete alternatives, ACC chose Tobermore due to the quality product and range of colours available. The use of vibrant shades Cottage Red, Golden, Charcoal and Slate amplified individuality in this project through the complementary contrast of colour. Additionally, the utilisation of various finishes of facing brick further enhanced the development’s character. Initially unaware of Tobermore Country Stone, the client expressed interest in incorporating a split stone product into their project. Following an on-site visit and discussions with the Antrim Construction Sales and Marketing department, Tobermore was able to provide a quote alongside a sample panel of products on site. As a result, the company decided to include Country Stone Walling alongside Tobermore Facing Bricks.  Tobermore was able to offer Antrim Construction Company a competitive price point, promise of availability and an unrivalled customer service throughout the project.  

The ChallengePark View is a residential development of 175 units, including one and two-bedroomed apartments and three, four and five-bedroomed homes. The site sits alongside Saltwell Park, one of Britain’s finest Victorian parks. A conservation area, the design of the site sought to blend tradition with a modern urban feel.The local council required a premium finish for which the choice of brick would play an important part in achieving.The SolutionAfter reviewing several options, Forterra’s Southdown Multi from its Butterley brand range was chosen. It is a high-quality facing brick with a tumbled texture.For some plots on the site, the bricks were laid in an English Garden Wall bond, closely reflecting the brickwork of some of Saltwell Park’s buildings.Alongside modern features, such as rainscreen cladding projections and timber finishes, the development also includes a number of bespoke elements appropriate to the conservation area: reduced window reveals, timber doors and windows coloured in a modern dark grey, natural slate roof tiles, exaggerated roof pitches to accentuate prominent plots and full height feature windows.The BenefitsThe use of Southdown Multi brick has proven to be an effective choice in the successful blending of traditional and modern, ensuring the new development quickly settled within its surrounding environment.

The overall aesthetic appearance of this project was very important. Originally, traditional metal roofing was considered, but the client had reservations with possible noise issues and theft problems, and local planning constraints did not permit the use of traditional slate. So, Williams Roofing Contractors of Chandlers Ford were tasked in finding an alternative solution.Polyroof’s BBA approved 185 GRP System can replicate the look of metal sheeted roofing at a fraction of the weight and the price and, having no scrap value, is not prone to vandalism or theft.The contractor worked closely with the Polyroof Technical Department, the client, and the planners to produce a detailed specification for the project incorporating pre-formed trims to create a lead effect. The system was successfully installed within the project time frame and upon completion was given the usual insurance-backed 20 year guarantee from Polyroof Products Limited.Polyroof’s simulated metal finishes are achieved through the installation of Polyroof pre-formed GRP trims which are fixed to the deck or substrate prior to the application of the Polyroof waterproofing membrane. The project was nominated for the LRWA Roofing Awards due to the high level of intricate detailing that was undertaken and the care that was taken to ensure that all preformed profiles were fitted in balanced, parallel positions. The overall attention to detail by the Polyroof approved skilled operatives was first class.

Merging two former churches in the Bolton area, the development of Harwood Methodist Church has delivered something special for the Church and the wider community. The challenge for the team at Ellis Williams Architects was to design spaces with a practical function but also ensuring that there is a link to tradition.Thanks to its exceptional performance in heavy traffic environments, Tessera Alignment carpet tiles in the Climate colourway was installed in the main worship area – which can hold up to 250 people. As the space also enables the latest AV technology and sound system to support the growing use of band music during regular worship, it is ideal that the carpet tiles can reduce up to 23 dB impact sound.A café space links directly into the worship area with a well-appointed community kitchen serving this and a large community hall. A range of safety flooring from the STEP range provided the ideal solution for these areas, where the Classic Oak effect provided a sophisticated finish in the café and Safestep R11 – for high-risk slip protection – was used in the kitchen. In addition, Surestep Original in Elephant offered a fresh alternative and improved cleaner aesthetic for the bathrooms.Finally, in the multi-use community hall, lobby, circulation spaces and flexible conference rooms, the subtle yet striking marble effect of Marmoleum Real in Slate Grey delivers a beautiful neutral backdrop for a range of functions and events.

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

Rawson Carpet Solutions have supplied their structured Riven carpet plank at The Alconbury Civic Hub. The new Civic Hub is designed to provide an innovative and contemporary workspace for Cambridgeshire County Council’s staff. Rawson Carpet Solution’s designer nylon carpet planks have been used to great effect. Over 3000 sqm of Riven in Slate and graphite colourway has been installed allowing for subtle and natural expression in this new exciting building built by RG Carter.The curved building is split into two wings, the Riven plank runs though the internal spaces allowing the natural light to capture its structured design in certain spaces and for the flowing aesthetic of this 2ply solution dyed nylon plank to be truly utilised. The light, open plan office space is designed to Cambridgeshire’s brief of accommodating fixed and flexible workstations. Natural colours along with the structured pattern of the Riven range installed by Northants Flooring help to lighten the modern and comfortable workspace and contribute to a pleasing aesthetic. The 750g yarn weights ensured that the carpet is quiet and comfortable underfoot. The new building has been constructed with as little impact as possible on the environment and is designed to promote more flexible and agile working among staff, linked to technological advances and transformed working practices, and aimed at reducing congestion in Cambridge. An inspired space designed by AHMM

THE PROJECTThe University of Hertfordshire project features multiple different mailbox styles, including banks of boxes freestanding with support pedestals and also single mailboxes mounted upon a wall.The banks of multiple boxes feature a ‘Dry Riser’ product that has been incorporated in to the unit to minimise the amount of space used outside of the student residence. The pedestals that the unit is mounted upon have been designed and manufactured to securely hold both the mailboxes and Dry Riser product.The COM 2 – 145 mailbox is the chosen product for the external banks of mailboxes. They have been combined with complete weather cladding that ensures that mailboxes are weather resistant and withstand inclement British weather. The banks of mailboxes have been designed with an opening that the Dry Riser product is fitted into, mounting of this product is simple with the use of installed fitting brackets.The ‘town houses’ in this project use a COM 1 – 389 double depth mailbox fitted onto the external wall of the property. The double depth variation of the COM 1 – 389 mailboxes allows for additional mail storage, perfect for residences with multiple occupants and users who will be expecting large deposits of mail on a regular basis.All products featured on the University of Hertfordshire project are polyester powder coated with a RAL 7015 – Slate Grey colour that matches the branding guidelines of the residence. All mailboxes are engraved with unique numbers that easily show the mailbox that is for each user. This project also benefited from use of The Safety Letterbox Company specialist installation team who safely delivered and installed the mailboxes.

Armourcoat's 3D Sculptural wall has been specified for innovative healthcare practitioners One Stop Doctors clinic in Hemel Hempsted by luxury interiors specialists Goddard Littlefair.The client design brief was to create a high-end service environment that communicated the calm, soothing and welcoming feel of a patient-centric experience. Bespoke furniture,a Goddard Littlefair design signature element, is used throughout in a range of high-end materials, including velvet, leather and suede in a spectrum of browns, slates, taupes, blues, purples and greys. To complement this, a feature wall of Armourcoat's Sculptural 'Flow Wave' provides the backdrop to the clinic's stunning reception space. Lighting was an important part of the mix, creating features with natural and artificial light. Reflected and diffuse light create moments of drama and art throughout the interior.Armourcoat Sculptural creates seamless wall surfaces with impactful designs and cast relief. Each design is created from cast GRG (Glass-fibre reinforced gypsum) panels, CAD generated to enable a continuous pattern of unique decorative effect.The state-of-the-art centre is the first of eight planned clinics to be located around the M25 corridor area. "We are not looking for the usual clinical healthcare design", One Stop Doctors CEO Ella Tracey commented, "but wanted a designer who could share our vision for creating an ambience that was relaxed, reassuring and tranquil, very comfortable and also aesthetically beautiful. Staff, visitors and patients alike are so impressed with the elegance of the design and the attention to detail, but also appreciate the feeling of warmth and comfort that it creates" Photography © Gareth Gardner

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

Deeside Leisure Centre is the National Centre for Ice Sports in Wales, and during a major building envelope refurbishment utilised TATA Steel Transpired Solar Collectors as part of its renewable energy transformation to improve buildign performance and reduce operational costs in order to reduce the centre's carbon footprint.The south-facing elevation of the leisure centre was over-clad with a Trisobuild® C32 profile as part of the Colorcoat Renew SC® solar air heating system. Using 216m2 of Colorcoat Prisma® in Slate Grey, the micro-perforated Trisobuild® C32 fascia was installed easily over the existing insulated wall cladding. Trisobuild® R32 profile manufactured from Colorcoat Prisma® in Oyster was additionally installed over the leisure centre’s existing roof cladding.In its first full year of operation at Deeside Leisure Centre, Colorcoat Renew® delivered 47 MWh of heat. This equates to 218kWh per square metre of the installed solar collector area. By gaining fuller experience of system control and operation, Deeside Leisure Centre personnel in conjunction with Tata Steel were able to extend the Colorcoat Renew SC® system operating hours to optimise use of the available solar radiation.In its second full year of operation the system delivered approximately 53 MWh of renewable heat energy at an average yield of 244kWh per square metre per year. This means that over a two-year period the Colorcoat Renew SC® system delivered an average of 50MWh of energy per year at conversion efficiencies (solar energy to useable heat energy) averaging in excess of 70%.

The proprietors of this domestic property in Harrogate added a large extension with a total roof area of 150m2. The client wanted the new roof sections to complement the slate work and aesthetics of the original building whilst adding a contemporary and stylish look to the extension.Originally considering a zinc sheeted roofing system, the client explored alternative materials that could achieve the same visual impact but at lower cost. After discussions with Cure Roofing Ltd, a Polyroof simulated metal finish was proposed as a roofing solution that would meet all the client’s requirements.Not only do Polyroof’s range of liquids offer cost savings over traditional metals, but they are also lighter in weight, totally seamless and can be pigmented to any RAL colour. Having no scrap value, the client also had the added peace of mind that the roof would not be a target for theft.A timber warm roof was constructed which incorporated 120mm PIR insulation to achieve a U-Value of 0.18 W/m2K in compliance with building regulations. An OSB3 TG4 deck was fitted above the insulation and Polyroof pre-formed GRP standing seam trims were fixed at 600mm centres into the deck. Next, the first coat of the Protec waterproofing system was applied over the whole roof area and encapsulating the standing seam trims. The roof was finished with a second coat of Protec pigmented to RAL 7016 providing an anthracite grey colour to the whole roof, accurately simulating the appearance of zinc roof sheets.The workmanship by Polyroof approved contractor Cure Roofing was second to none and the quality of the finish left the client delighted with their new roof. With BBA approval, top-rated fire performance and Polyroof’s trusted 20 Year Accredited System Guarantee, the client has total peace of mind that their new extension could not be better protected for decades to come.