"solar panel"

The archive’s single-storey extension was clad in Corten steel Hook-on cassettes on both the walls and the mono-pitch roof. These weathered steel panels naturally oxidise to form a patina veneer, giving the façade a distinctive “rusted” look that shifts from a vibrant orange before settling to a dark red after several years of exposure to the elements. Architect: Hugh Broughton Architects

Our ‘Simplicity’ Corrugated Panelling System has been used in the refurbishment of 40 Spring Gardens, Manchester. Specified by Space Invader Design and installed by JSJ UK, these decorative (and secretly fixed) panelling profiles continue the linear design of the interior break out spaces and booths. 

Since 2012, Danish acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt has led the way with its sustainable practices and leadership. An early adopter of the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, the company has focused on its material health, reutilisation, energy, water and social responsibility winning recognition and numerous green awards over the years. The inclusion of FUTURECEM™ within its wood wool panels has further enhanced the manufacturing process, helping Troldtekt further solidify their Cradle-to-Cradle Gold Certification. FUTURECEM sourced from Aalborg Portland exploits the synergies between calcined clay and limestone filler. With this process, much of the burnt clinker in the cement can be replaced resulting in a bonding agent with a much lower carbon footprint. The result means that now, over their product life cycle, the carbon footprint of Troldtekt acoustic panels based on FUTURECEM are 26% lower than that of Troldtekt based on grey cement and 38% lower than that of Troldtekt based on white cement.This innovation, coupled with the company’s sole use of wood from FSC® and PEFC™ managed forests has helped Troldtekt get one step closer to its strict environmental targets. It also further enhances a building’s contributions towards BREEAM, WELL, LEED and DGNB-Certifications.Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different structures and colours combining superior sound absorption with award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to coarse. They can be supplied as natural wood or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.

At Trade Access Panels we are often asked questions regarding SUNPIPES. Please see our guide where we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

The Project New building built under the Governments flagship Priority School Building Plan.Demolition of KS1 accommodation and construction of replacement building.Dudley council received a grant of more than £2.5 million from the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for the work.  The Challenge All works to being undertaken in a live working educational environment, which places additional demands on the need for the highest health and safety standards on site. Modify vanity units to include for wall panelling to protect the painted walls from splashes from the sinks.  The SolutionEnsure Excelsior fitting teams have all necessary checks in place such a DBS for site works.Soldi Grade Laminate used through the scheme. Harlequin cubicles with profiled doors and partitions are an industry favourite for KS1 student.Wall panelling used above the wash basins to aid cleaning and maintenance and prolong the life of the wall finishings.SpecificationProduct Range: Harlequin Mariner SGLDoors: 12mm Solid Grade Laminate, Polyrey, Pomme Verte, P092Pilaster: 1960mm Overall Height including 150mm Floor ClearancePartition: 12mm Solid Grade Laminate, Polyrey, Pomme Verte, P092Ironmongery: SBAA

The Project  A new Primary School built as part of the school’s framework agreement with Milton Keynes.  Two storey portal frame build.Jestico & Whiles Architects The Challenge Produce a system suitable for use in an open space.Open plan arrangement of Cubicles and Solid Surface Vanities located directly off the corridor.Ensure safety of the user and create an anti-bulling, completely visible space. The Solution Excelsior Skyline Cubicle Range, a full height system with overhead panel. This extremely popular range is an ideal choice for school environments meeting the demands of modern education and providing complete privacy and comfort to the user.Full height cubicle systems have increased in popularity over the past few years. Skyline Range enables Schools, Colleges and the like to ensure both safety and anti-bulling objectives are met and Excelsior’s rise and fall hinge paired with the bespoke door design enables lift off access in the event of an emergency.Skyline range is an extremely durable system and comes as standard with a ‘P’ section headrail, ‘U’ channel base rail and over-panel providing maximum stability. Optional bolt through fixings are available and recommended.The successful open plan arrangement of cubicles and solid surface vanities in Orange and Pomme Verte is in keeping with the modern vibrant atmosphere of the school.

The Project £12m investment into a new facility at Dudley College will enable the college to specialise in training people working in construction using brand new/state of the art apprentice standards. On completion of the project, the college have pledged approx. half a million pounds sponsorship into Dudley Academies Trust which will benefit a number of local schools and enable the sharing of resources and expertise. The ChallengeDeliver a package that will inspire the students and present a true representation of the quality and standards expected in the construction industry. Install a full height, flush frontage cubicles system in a warehouse style space with ceiling heights exceeding four meters. Use local trades and services to the Black Country. Offer non-standard products to class-room areas. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles installed on 150mm leg with upgraded stainless steel fittings. Complementary Duct panelling installed to house cisterns and associated plumbing work.Manufacture and install Solid Grade Laminate workstations in the classrooms.

Paytrail used Rockfon Canva wall panels to reflect the company's brand and to boost well-being.

We designed and installed 3 of our MG100 movable acoustic walls to a project in London to create flexible working spaces for our client. Their chosen panel finish included a magnetic wipe board along with our PanelHush PET acoustic wall panels. The PET panels help reduce the room echo/reverberation which gives a better working environment. PanelHush PET range is a 100% recyclable acoustic panel that is manufactured from recycled PET bottles. Weuse 65% post-consumer recycled fibres and our products are 100% recyclable.The PET panels come in 12mm or 24mm thick sheets with a choice of 14 different colours to match your design need The installation of our MG100 movable acoustic wall panels gives an element of flexibility which is suddenly added to your space. Therefore, the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs. Whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. Our MG100 Series also has a strong fire rating of up to 1 hour. We believe that not only should our products look sleek and provide a practical option, but most importantly, they should be able to be called upon in times of emergency.

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.

When undertaking a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance and upgrade contract on a North Sea offshore platform, RBG Limited identified that critical noise levels were apparent in a range of working areas.Investigating the issue, RBG Ltd commissioned environmental sound testing, which revealed that ambient noise exceeded a specified minimum of 55dB (A) throughout the electrical workshop, store room, hydraulic workshop, subsea office and mechanical workshop, reaching its highest levels of 88-96dB (A) in the mud pit room. Additional noise generated by operating pumps, cranes and machinery would further increase the noise levels in these areas.As such, RBG Ltd needed to source a high performance industrial acoustic solution that would sufficiently reduce the noise contamination and make the working environment acceptable.Seeking expert industrial acoustics advice, RBG Ltd briefed CMS Acoustics on the project parameters, who responded with a bespoke ISO Acoustic Enclosure Panel system design.The SolutionThe ISO Enclosure Panel is a prefabricated sound reduction system, designed to create noise-protected structures in industrial environments. A self-supporting and robust construction, it offers the additional benefit of a short assembly time, facilitated by the panels being lightweight and easy to handle.The industrial acoustics technical team at CMS Acoustics calculated that a combination of 50mm and 100mm thick ISO Enclosure Panels would be required to achieve the specified noise reduction in the different areas. Depending on panel thickness, fire resistance ranging from 30 minutes to two hours can be achieved.For RBG Ltd, CMS Acoustics manufactured the panels in white and supplied them in ready to assemble kits clearly labelled according to area for installation. Some panels were manufactured to allow removal for maintenance while others were designed to be stud welded to external walls.To increase system robustness, CMS Acoustics integrated acoustic doors and vision panels into the ISO Enclosure design.

The Project New two storey Sixth Form facility to house teaching, exhibition and social learning spaces.The facility is intended for use by the school and the local community & hoped to be a hive for activity in the local area.  The Challenge Propose and deliver a system suitable for a heavy use environment whilst also offering a commercial style space expected by the wider public.  Durability, ease of cleaning and maintenance are key drivers in the decision process as these areas will be used for extended periods and by a diverse sector.  The washrooms are likely be used by all visitors and it is paramount that the facilities compliment the building and impress the user. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Cubicles with Stainless Steel Ironmongery create an opulent seamless wall within the washroom space Solid Surface bespoke vanity troughs with full height mirrors above open up the space and add a commercial fit out touch.Wall panelling has been included to completement the systems and enclose the WC working mechanisms whilst providing ease of access to the onsite maintenance teams.The project was managed by the contracts team at excelsior and delivered to an extremely high standard by our trusted team of fitters.

The bespoke walnut panels were designed to fit seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the space, and the end result was a truly unique and stunning interior design. Made from high-quality walnut, these panels not only added a touch of luxury to the space but were also durable and easy to maintain.At Whiteriver Group, we are committed to working with our clients to create bespoke solutions that meet their specific needs. Our team of experienced designers and craftsmen worked closely with Café En Seine to ensure that the bespoke walnut panels were the perfect fit for their renovation project.If you are looking for a bespoke solution to elevate your interior design project, consider Whiteriver Group’s range of bespoke panels. Whether you are looking for a classic and timeless look or something more contemporary and unique, our team can work with you to create a solution that is tailored to your vision.

The University launched ambitious new plans for a £40 million state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) to facilitate the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.Our work for the project included the supply of approximately 684m2 of Soundis Absorb-R timber wall panels. The client opted for a combination of 8/3m Absorb-R WoodTec Grooved and Soundis Absorb-R WooTec Perforated 2/2/0.5 Perforated panels. This combination of the two styles creates a stylish yet elegant finish.Black panels were chosen for the walls and white panels for the railing areas, the contrast of the colours further promoting that modern style for the university.The old choice between Engineering-led functionality, and beautiful design not longer applies. Cutting-edge new technologies allow solid wood panels and multi-layer panels to be micro perforated to serve as highly effective sound absorbing cladding. Panel textures can also be tailored to serve project requirements.

This fire-rated and acoustic-rated Invisible Loft Hatch was installed to replace an unsightly loft hatch in a living room. This discreet and stylish solution seamlessly integrates with the ceiling, as the beaded frame of the product allows the plaster of the ceiling to cover it. This means the loft hatch offers easy attic access while enhancing the room's aesthetics. The Loft Hatch features The Access Panel Company's unique SLIK keyhole treatment, which is pushed out of the way when the key is entered and springs back into place when the key is removed. This means the keyhole is hidden from view when not in use. This innovative solution demonstrates how practicality and elegance can coexist in home design.

The ProjectFfestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway’s new Caernarfon Station forms part of a £15m Waterfront regeneration project led by Gwynedd County Council.Designed by Architects Purcell to include catering and retail facilities, the project hopes to bring an extra 5,000 visitors to the area as well as boosting the local economy. The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK's longest heritage railway, having been extended to a 25-mile line starting from beneath the castle walls in historic Caernarfon, the railway climbs to the foot of Snowdon before dropping again to sea level at the harbour in Porthmadog. The ChallengeProvide a washroom package befitting the iconic new station building.The station will need to cope with up to two hundred people at departure / arrival times with facilities to tell the story of both the waterfront and railways.Produce first class facilities capable of withstanding the rigors of high traffic footfall. The Solution Excelsior Mariner range offers extremely high levels of durability. Free standing, 12mm solid core panels are extremely robust and vandal resistant.Solid grade laminate used for the vanity units ensure water resistance and a solid, hard-wearing surface, guaranteed to withstand the test of time.

When it comes to fitting a new loft hatch, whether it is a direct replacement or if you are looking to change the size of your current structural opening (hole in the ceiling), Trade Access Panels can provide bespoke insulated Loft Hatches for suit almost any requirement, including both Fire or Non-Fire Rated hatches and those with Youngman ladders or Zip-Ladders attached.

Trade Access Panels are proud suppliers of both the FAKRO LSF Fire Rated Metal and FAKRO LWK Komfort 3 Loft Ladders. FAKRO is a name that you can trust being one of the World’s principal manufacturers of Loft Ladders which allow convenient access to non-inhabited loft spaces negating the need to install expensive and in most cases unnecessary, staircases.

Nestled in a secluded location, the village of Lavenham has been a picturesque place to live since its mediaeval origins. But with housing supply limited within the bounds of the existing village, in 2016 residents voted for a new development to go ahead – providing it was in-keeping with their historic homes.The designs of The Paddocks’ 25 new properties therefore draw on influences from the Tudor and Regency homes and cottages already lining the streets of the village, reflecting their style and materials. Ranging from two to four-bedrooms, each home has been gifted its own individuality, with traditional finishes, such as rendering and weatherboarding linking them back to the original properties. Attention to the quality and scale of landscaping around the site has also been factored in to mirror the countryside that embraces the site.However, while the new homes certainly have similar characteristics to the houses already in the village, they do not share their energy inefficiency. Beneath the traditional finishes are contemporary homes with ambitions to keep carbon emissions to a minimum. To do this, Hartog Hutton decided to take a two-pronged approach to reducing CO2 emissions: by installing solar panels and electric car charging points, and by using thermally insulative fabrics, including blockwork.For the structural foundations, the housebuilder therefore turned to Lignacite’s 100mm and 140mm Lignacrete blocks, which are designed for high-strength uses. With an A1 fire rating, Hartog Hutton could also ensure that future residents would have an additional layer of fire protection.Lignacite Ash GP blocks then form the bulk of the buildings. With strong and durable characteristics, these blocks are ideal for all kinds of applications. More importantly, they also have great thermal insulation of 0.298 m2K/W (for 1400mm blocks at 3% moisture), which satisfies all the latest requirements of the Building Regulations Approved Document L.The remainder of each structure uses Lignacite’s Fibo 850/950, which forms the substrate for the weatherboarding and rendering. They provide an excellent surface for these finishes while also adding to the overall thermal insulation of the property. A final advantage is that these blocks are extremely lightweight and can be put into place one-handed.

Client: Heron Tower, LondonLocation: Bishopgate, LondonSector: Mixed-Use FacilityYear: 2021Project Size: 500 m²System: vebrodeck IDHeron Tower, a mixed-use high-rise development in London, required a bright, welcoming and durable floor coating material for its bike and scooter storage area, an environment used by the residents and staff of businesses based in the building. Heron Tower, located at 110 Bishopgate in the heart of London, is a mixed-use facility providing over 440,000 sq ft of premium office and leisure space over 36 floors. Enhanced to achieve net zero carbon, the building features a façade of solar panels and has achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent. The impressive contemporary landmark, situated just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, was — at the time of its construction — the tallest high-rise in the capital, standing at 230m tall including its mast. Featuring a range of corporate office spaces, restaurants and leisure spaces, as well as Britain’s largest privately-owned aquarium in its impressive lobby, the development has been designed to impress, providing building users with a premium experience throughout. This has extended to its more functional areas, with the transformation of its bicycle storage area; a dedicated space where building users are able to securely store their pushbikes and scooters. Installed in a combination of RAL 5018 Turquoise Blue and RAL 7035 Light Grey, the installation of vebrodeck ID has created a welcoming space for the building's climate-conscious cyclists and scooters to safely store their vehicles. vebrodeck ID is a durable resin deck wearing system, designed for use on driveways and parking bays of internal or basement level decks of multi–storey parking structures. vebrodeck ID is a protective deck coating system offering excellent wear resistance. The system deadens noise from unpleasant tyre squeal, is available in a wide range of colours, protects against oils, fuels and de-icing salts and can be tailored to ensure an anti-slip finish. 

Crossrail’s new station at Abbey Wood has been built over the railway tracks where the Elizabeth line terminates. From above, the building is shaped like a manta ray, its ‘wings’ extending into canopies sheltering staircases either side which swoop down to platform level below.Stretto-22 Soffit PanelsThe soffit panels for the staircases and elevated walkways were made from Stretto-22 pressure-locked grating, customised to a bespoke 66x22mm aperture to provide an enhanced level of visual screening. Each panel was exactly contoured to match the demanding serpentine shape of the footbridge canopies.Torino-22 Barrier FencingBarrier fencing was made for the platforms from Torino fence panels which were customised and engineered with a heavy intermediate framing bar at the loading point to comply with Network Rail’s specified requirement.DeltaBox-70 Louvred ScreeningStorage areas beneath the stairs were secured with DeltaBox-70 louvred screening panels.Torino-11 and Stretto-11 Protective Screens Lang+Fulton also supplied a Torino-11 screen to protect the overhead lines and track from the threat of thrown objects.An alternative access to the station was enclosed with a Stretto-11 anti-projectile screen.

Perfect for office spaces, our MG600 glass office partitions and movable glass walls offer several benefits to your workspace and your employees.The advantages of glass acoustic walls include excellent light flow in offices, low-cost installation, flexibility in the work environment, and the simple fact that they look classy and classy. Not only that, but they also provide excellent sound insulation, enabling privacy between clients or important internal meetings.These flush glazed movable acoustic wall panels are constructed from an aluminum frame with flush tempered glass panels mounted on either side of the panel for a flush glass look. They work especially well in office spaces, impressing everyone who sees them, be it stakeholders, important clients or business partners.Additionally, you can choose to tint the aluminum frame according to your own design or branding needs. These panels maintain the spaciousness of the room's proportions while maximizing light and clear sightlines. Really great office aesthetic.

Spanning 5,195 sq ft over two floors, the newly opened Kiwa Sushi & Grill offers a taste of the western-eastern fusion within modern East Asian dining setting in the heart of London’s Chinatown.The Living Concrete team were tasked with manufacture and installation of 120m2 of Fairfaced concrete wall panels which were seamlessly cladded over large internal walls. The panels were manufactured using GRC concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete and finished in Mist Grey to enhance natural weathered look.The finished effect is a modern, industrial look that complements client’s design style and creates a truly unique and trendy space.

The ProjectFollowing Opus Energy’s momentous growth over its 15-year history, their move to the John Dryden House will consolidate their four current sites and house all employees working in Northampton under one roof.With the new premises, Opus Energy expects to have an almost 800 strong Northampton workforce, highlighting its prominence as a key local employer. The refurbishment of the property has seen state of the art facilities, and with investment into sustainability opportunities, will enable the business to be carbon neutral.The ChallengeWork within tight lead times to supply deliver and install the project.Offer a cost-effective system suitable for the environment intended.Propose a selection of classic High Pressure Laminae finishes that will deliver a timeless décor.  The SolutionExcelsior Select Range of Cubicle’s in 20mm High Pressure Laminate fell within budget and met with the Architects Specification. A combination of Polyrey finishes created the classical, timeless façade desired by the client. SpecificationProduct Range: SelectDoors: 18mm MR Core HPL Polyrey B101 Banian NoirciPilaster: Polyrey B101 Banian NoirciPartition: Partition: Polyrey B015 Blanc MenuiresIronmongery: Excelsior SBAASpecificationProduct Range: SelectVanity Top: 12mm Laminated CDF Polyrey B101 Banian NoirciVanity Panels: HPL 18mm MR Polyrey B015 Blanc MenuiresFrame: Polyrey B015 Blanc Menuires

Low environmental impact... CHALLENGE All over the world architects and building owners are trying to create buildings with a low environmental impact. For this private house, the architect wanted to combine an aesthetical finish of a metal roof in combination with PV and hot water panels. The biggest issue for the architect was the fixing of these panels without having leak problems in the future. SOLUTION The roof was waterproofed using a RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membrane that is mechanically fastened onto the supporting roof structure. Two kinds of PVC profiles were heat welded onto the waterproofing membrane: on the one hand RENOLIT ALKORDESIGN profiles (for aesthetical value only), on the other hand there are RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR profiles, which function as the base to attach the hot water and the PV panels. The gable was also finished with the RENOLIT ALKORDESIGN system.

James Hardie recently featured on a stunning leisure facility in the heart of Clarach Bay, Aberystwyth. In collaboration with Nick Carroll Architects, we were able to provide a unique Hardie® Panel solution to this project. Originally a competitor product was specified at nearly three times the cost of Hardie® Panel, the client chose to switch to James Hardie thanks to our cost effectiveness, A2 fire rating and providing a robust cladding solution.

This office redesign for a client in the healthy living space incorporated a variety of natural finishes and details for the right look and feel. Vtec’s texture range met the natural requirement with ease and STONE WALL PANELS in STRATA WHITE were used as a design statement in the reception area, reflecting the client’s wellbeing brand and setting the tone for visitors. The panels were an ideal backdrop for company signage to be added. Throughout the design, the execution is impeccable with high quality fixtures and colourful details bringing the office to life.

Two shades of blue, light and dark, formally in glass panels, needed to be replicated when the glass was removed and replaced within areas of the rainscreen façade and spandrel panels across all levels of a student accommodation tower block in Kings Cross, London.Powdertech was sent shards of blue glass from the old windows, to match with a powder coating both in shade and gloss level. Working in close contact with the client Powdertech directed one of its powder manufacturers to make two unique shades of blue to match the old glass in both colour and gloss. Powdertech coated 4500 sq m of aluminium spandrel panels of sizes ranging from 350mm by 2500 mm to a larger size of 900mm by 4500mm.The non-combustible cladding panels are designed to help prevent fire damage quickly and easily spreading as part of the system. They perform to technical criteria, sound insulation and thermal performance and reduce environmental issues. Powdertech’s powder coatings and application techniques all conform to reaction to fire rating A2-s1,d0, thus contributing to the fire safety of the panels

Here at Trade Access Panels, we believe that school building designs should be much more than just designs of practical learning spaces; they should also inspire, encourage and motivate the students and teachers to help promote the best possible learning experience. However, unfortunately, costs are very tight for the Government who are searching for ways to renovate old dilapidated schools and to also build new educational facilities. We have a desperate need for more school places for the ever-growing younger population.

Precast concrete Groundwall panels, designed and manufactured by Whites Concrete with a special rock face finish to blend in with existing surroundings, have replaced an integral part of a cemetery wall structure in Wigan. The 2.35m high (1m wide) concrete panels, which were formed with a bespoke liner, were installed on time and within budget by Parklands Services, a leading construction provider in the North West. Shaun Edwards, Managing Director of Parklands Services, commented: “We were very impressed with the turnaround, quality and detail of the precast panels from Whites Concrete".

Discover the transformative impact of innovative ventilation and sun control systems tailored for commercial spaces. In the bustling landscape of Spitalfields Market, the quest for optimal indoor climate management led to a collaboration with DUCO for their groundbreaking continuous louvre wall system and architectural sun protection system.Efficiency redefined for dynamic environmentsThe installation of DucoWall Classic 45 HP continuous louvre walls at Spitalfields Market highlights the significance of intensive ventilation. Engineered to offer unparalleled efficiency, this system excels in facilitating substantial airflow while minimising resistance. It's a solution that ingeniously maximises air movement within confined spaces, ensuring a fresh and invigorating environment.Explore our continuous louvre wallsPromoting healthier indoor air qualityIn crowded commercial settings like Spitalfields Market, maintaining a healthy indoor climate becomes paramount. Tom Revitt, UK & I Sales Manager at DUCO, underscores the critical role of ventilation in such spaces:“The DucoWall Classic W 45HP continuous louvre wall stands out not only for its exceptional airflow but also for its sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. It's a seamless integration of form and function, specifically tailored for ventilation to large plant areas that demand both efficiency and visual appeal.”Revolutionising intensive ventilation with DucoGrille Classic F 45 HPAs a pioneering system tailored for intensive ventilation, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP marks a significant stride in optimal air movement solutions. Its design, specifically engineered for spaces demanding high airflow rates, ensures an unparalleled level of performance.Tony Colborn, Director Conttego building façade solution provider:"At Spitalfields market, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP is installed above glazed window lines for extraction of contaminated air and odours at food vendors. With an exceptionally low resistance factor, this system redefines efficiency by maximising airflow while minimizing energy consumption. Its installation at Spitalfields Market demonstrates its capability to create a controlled, refreshing indoor environment by efficiently purging stale air and introducing fresh air, essential for occupant comfort and well-being.”Discover our intensive ventilation gamutSymbiosis between shielding and sun protectionDucoSun Ellips emerges as an ideal solution to screen off areas, as is the case at Spitalfields Market. Tony Colborn continues: “At Spitalfields, this system is used as privacy screening to screen the park at the side of the building looking directly into the windows of the offices above the retail areas.” The integration of DucoSun Ellips underscores not just technological advancement but a meticulous balance between functionality and architectural finesse, that shields unwanted glances from outside while harmonising with the building's design ethos. But the product has a third asset. For it also ensures that large areas of glass are protected from direct sunlight, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate for everyone."Explore our architectural solar shading gamutTransforming commercial spaces with ventilation excellenceIn a landscape where ventilation and sun control solutions are paramount for comfort and well-being, DUCO's innovative products emerge as game-changers. The integration of these advanced ventilation and sun control systems at Spitalfields market underscores their ability to redefine the standards of indoor climate control, promising a refreshing, invigorating experience for both occupants and visitors alike.A testimonial of excellent functional and aesthetic valuesThe project proceeded seamlessly, culminating in the Main Contractor's satisfaction with the final outcomes. Overall, this project stands as an exemplary reference, showcasing functional and aesthetic excellence.

South Lanarkshire College (SLC) in Scotland has opened a new, ‘zero-energy’ teaching block on its East Kilbride campus. Specifically designed with first-rate environmental credentials in mind, it boasts a whole host of efficiency-enhancing measures – including highly insulated floors, walls and roofs, triple-glazed windows, low-energy lighting and electrics, rainwater harvesting and solar PV panels on the roof. The college approached NIBE Pro Installer Anderson Floor Warming and Renewables in search of a system that would meet the heating requirements of the eight-classroom block in the most sustainable, cost-effective and reliable way possible.The SolutionSLC already has a range of NIBE products in its on-site renewables training centre, which students use for practical sessions, so a heat pump from NIBE was the natural choice to heat the new block. Mike Anderson, director at Anderson Floor Warming and Renewables, specified, designed and fitted a NIBE F1345 40kW ground source heat pump (GSHP) system to complement the building’s water-based underfloor heating, which operates at similarly low flow temperatures.ResultsNow up and running, the NIBE system is so efficient that it has been awarded a rating of A+++ in line with energy labelling criteria under the ErP Directive. SLC’s new teaching block has become the first building in the UK to achieve a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Outstanding’, with the facility excelling in all 10 assessment categories – from energy, waste and water to health and wellbeing.Customer Testimonials“We pride ourselves on our forward-thinking approach to sustainability at SLC, and we couldn’t be happier that our new teaching block has been deemed ‘Outstanding’ by BREEAM assessors. The NIBE heat pump system and the solar PV panels combined generate enough renewable energy to meet the block’s entire heating and power needs, making it a ‘zero-energy’ building. It really is a huge asset to the whole college – not only from a resource point of view, but also as a real-life example of sustainability in action. As well as being a valuable learning space for our construction and energy students, it’s a place for us to bring local businesses and community groups, and showcase the benefits of low-carbon, low-resource buildings first-hand.”Stewart McKillop, principal at South Lanarkshire College

At Trade Access Panels we are often asked questions regarding the measurement and installation a Loft Hatch within a domestic property. Thankfully, the new TAP12 Loft Hatch is even easier to fit than previously! Please see our guide below where we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

PROJECTCentral library in KAP 1, Düsseldorf [DE]COMPLETIONNovember 2021ARCHITECTSchrammel Architekten Stadtplaner PartGmbB & RKW Architektur + [ Düsseldorf ]LIGHTING PLANNERBartenbachPRODUCTSRectangular metal panels with torsion springs as a special version of S4.7 K-TS0.96 mm thickness of aluminium [DUROPLAN A], dimension [L x W] 1396 x 353 mm [approx. 400 m²]More than 135 years of history, always changing with the times: The municipal libraries in Düsseldorf can look back over an eventful time. At the end of last year, to reflect changing requirements, the central library in the KAP 1 cultural centre opened its doors on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 1.Located directly in front of the railway station, this library extends across two floors with a total surface area of about 8000 m², attracting visitors young and old to browse, learn and linger.The ceiling design for the rectangular vestibule area presented a particular challenge to the renovation of this former postal service site. This called for a product that delivered precisely fitting angles while also bringing sufficient daylight into the library. An optimum daylight solution was provided by durlum.Made of highly reflective aluminium, these visually prestigious panels direct daylight effectively into the interior, contributing to the feel-good factor for visitors. The easy-to-install sprung system can either present a seamless appearance without joints, or can provide contrasting accentuation with visible joints. It was therefore possible to highlight this uniform ceiling pattern with joints 13 mm in width for light integration. There are also no obstacles to any revision work that may be required. The panels are quick and easy to swivel downwards and remove. Here, the position of individual elements is defined by the indexed mounting.

Downer our original helping hand, aluminium rainscreen framing system, helps lead the way for this exemplary education sector project.In the words of leading education sector architects – Bond Bryan, The Broxbourne School is a beacon for excellence for modern education.Architectural Panel Solution's Downer rainscreen framing system - DCS031 was used extensively for this ambitious projects as you can see from the supporting suite of images.A vibrant and contemporary aesthetic was achieved thanks to the complementing, highly durable Swisspearl fibre cement facade panels – Vintago (Colours: VI 061, VI 091) fixed with Sika adhesive onto Swisspearl’s Sigma8 mechanical secret fixing system, and our original Downer DCS031 framing.Architectural Panel Solutions was extremely proud to have won an award for this project in last year’s Facade Awards, thanks to an excellent collaboration with SD Samuels (Special Projects) Ltd, Bond Bryan Architects, ArchitecturePLB, Mid Group Ltd LtdFind out more on our website and check out the photography on the architects’ and installers websites too.https://bondbryan.co.uk/project/the-broxbourne-school/https://www.sdsamuels.co.uk/broxbourne-school/https://downerframing.com/downer-framing-used-extensively-for-the-broxbourne-school

House of Tomorrow Today... CHALLENGE + SOLUTION Before your imagination runs away with you: HoTT stands for House of Tomorrow Today. This new Dutch concept is based on both the Smart Building and Active House principles. It tries to gather recent innovations as well as new technological developments in one project, entirely in line with future market trends. From the very beginning HoTT gathers together all parties involved in order to have a smooth running building process and thus limiting the number of contacts and intermediaries. Compared with traditional building methods this optimal cooperation already results in at least a 30 % cost reduction. Also it is worth mentioning the construction itself - HoTT strives for prefabrication and modular building components, resulting in a decrease of project schedules, project budget and construction site waste. Although prefabrication had over time developed the stigma of cheapness and poor quality, it has nowadays been turned around into a green trend in construction. The first HoTT healthy home in the Netherlands has just been completed. Comfort, energy and technology are the main issues. It is a house with comfortable living conditions, a lot of natural light and fresh air, and, above all it is energy neutral, modular and durable, reducing its ecological footprint. Electrical wiring, plumbing and wall components can all be easily adapted for the future needs of the building. Both sloping roofs are prefabricated steel frame structures with insulation, vapour barrier and roof covering already included, allowing a fast and easy installation. The less sloping, south facing roof has a RENOLIT ALKORPLAN PVC roof covering, provided with aesthetic RENOLIT ALKORDESIGN roof profiles. Also part of the roof has solar panels which have been installed using RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR profiles. The building is being constantly evaluated by means of sensors gathering data to continuously improve and develop future HoTT buildings. The concept will not only be applicable for detached housing, further developments will also aim at terraced houses, schools, hospitals, etc. This project proves once again RENOLIT is a reliable “green” partner, a company that is responding to the growing demand for ecological products by offering sustainable building materials. It’s the first HoTT of hopefully many more...