"solar"

Accoya was selected for the black coated weatherboards on the front of the house, due to its durability & stability benefits. Because of Accoya’s modification technique it's the ideal wood for cladding. Generally, problems occur with darker coatings on cladding, due to shrink & swell being exasperated by the solar gain. But, Accoya wood’s superior dimensional stability negates this problem & there's very little maintenance. The cladding needed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as highly durable in order to withstand the extreme climates in NZ. Accoya was also chosen due to its rot resistant & insect deterring benefits.

The project was developed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, and its glazed structure has created a new independent global hub for debate on sustainable urban living. Its design intends to both reflect the building´s context and at the same time having a degree of transparency to help connect the building with its surroundings. In this project was used insulated glass materials with varying levels of transparency, allowing spaces to be naturally lit whilst controlling solar gain. Effisus Ecofacade system was applied as an integrated solution to ensure water and air tightness of all facade elements connections.

Crystal Window & Door Systems fabricated over 2,100 windows and doors for the project. All of the windows and the storefront of the structure were coated in Powdura® 5000 coatings from Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings,in the colors Bronze and Cloud. The fluoropolymer resins and solar reflective pigments in this powder coating defend against UV radiation, enhance thermal stability and deliver a hard, durable finish to combat wear and tear. As a result, the materials will require less maintenance, because the durability of these coatings will serve to protect the integrity of the structure’s design well into the future.

We built the world first Passivhaus CPD training facility / pub, this is the worlds most airtight pub at 0.07ach at 50 pa. This is a twin wall timber frame, it’s 450mm wide insulation Huntsman which is made of thousands of recycled plastic bottles. Huntsman also recycled 1 billion plastic bottles from the sea last year. We have a 7.2 KW system solar panels system that powers the building, it’s got MVHR Nilan. On the external façade we applied Passive Purple External which is airtight up to 0.03ach.

A four-storey office and laboratory facility at Oxford Science Park uses high-tech solar control glass. However, Maple still had an very important role to play. We supplied and installed a bespoke brise soleil system to further protect the interior from direct sunlight. It was an excellent example of collaboration between architect, contractor and supplier to find the most effective solution.“The use of our 3D modelling software and its compatibility with Vision Profiles’ CNC machining equipment helped reduce design time by 80% for the whole project,” said Maple project director Jay McGrath.

The project is like a prism with 6 faces to articulate various contexts . The facades possess an efficient insulation purpose thanks to their composition of prefabricated panels made out of sustainable wood .Our motorized Z -Box roller blinds have been developed especially for this project and concealed in the exterior insulation of the prefabricated panels . Configurated with Trend Light Blackout and a Polyscreen ® 403 fabric, help to get energy savings and optimal solar control while intimacy or visibility needs.Our products contribute to get NF Habitat HQE, Biosourcé (first level) and Effinergie + certifications .

Number One Valentine Place is a new grade A office building and winner of the 2013 New London Architectural Award for an office building. The external façade of the property features a range of aluminium pressings, glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels and Feature Beam, Metalline’s renowned aluminium beam, along with fifty aluminium fins specifically designed to offer solar shading for the building’s south facing position. All pressings and panels were finished in a specialist blue grey anodised finish where Metalline’s superior application and expertise are becoming renowned with architects and contractors throughout the UK.

Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) comprises a development of 82 homes in the London Borough of Sutton and is the UK’s largest mixed use sustainable community. It was designed to create a thriving community in which ordinary people could enjoy a high quality of life, while living within their fair share of the Earth’s resources. The sustainable features of this ‘carbon-neutral’ development include excellent insulation, south facing terraces to maximise heat gain from the sun (passive solar gain) and structures built from natural, recycled and reclaimed materials, all sourced from within a 50 mile radius.

The JV40Bis office building, located between Calle Josefa Valcárcel and Calle Telémaco in Madrid, features more than 8,700m² distributed across seven floors. Thanks to its architecture comprised of classic lines, this building by the architect Francisco Mangado provides a striking contrast to the glass facades of the adjacent office buildings.The main architectural goal was to create a healthy work environment, prioritizing the well-being of workers in terms of visual, thermal and acoustic comfort. This aim was achieved and the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. This certification classifies the project as a sustainable, energy-efficient construction with reduced emissions and a satisfactory indoor environment; in this case, this leads to comfortable workspaces.All this is, in part, thanks to the more than 700 Bandalux Premium Plus shades that guarantee optimal solar management given their minimum gap (space between the fabric and bracket). These technical shades integrate well with the restrained, timeless aesthetics of a large, diaphanous space that encompasses work zones, relaxation areas and leisure spaces in which the user adapts solar incidence to the requirements of any given moment.The Polyscreen® 550 fabric in White Linen can block up to 96% of sunlight and it provides the visual and thermal comfort necessary in the workspace. Its high energy performance leads to savings in terms of heating and air conditioning. It is fully recyclable, free from substances that are harmful to health, and it preserves the indoor air quality, having been awarded the Greenguard Gold certification.

The BuildingThe Malvern Theatre in Worcestershire is a longstanding asset to the community, having undergone extensive renovation works, the construction of the new entrance, now uses Saint-Gobain Glass COOL-LITE SKN 175, further enhancing its appeal.In addition to serving as the theatre's new main entrance, the extension facilitates a significant increase in workshop capacity, from approximately 2,500 to 14,500 places annually. This expansion enables the hosting of further drama, music, movement, dance, and art classes. Furthermore, the enhanced facilities enable the Malvern Theatres to extend its collaborations with Acorns Children’s Hospice and other specialized care providers.The GlassThe COOL-LITE SKN 175 glass is an ideal solution for façades and glazing in commercial buildings. This high-performance product excels in solar control, providing a neutral aesthetic whilst prioritising energy efficiency. The result is the creation of beautiful, functional buildings that perform well, considering aspects of comfort, visual appeal, and the sustainability of building glass over the complete building life cycle.COOL-LITE SKN 175 balances the advantages of a high-performance neutral solar control product with:·      High light transmission 70%·      Low g-value of 0.35·      Excellent U-value of 1.0W/m2K·      High degree of neutralityBy using COOL-LITE SKN 175, interiors can be made more comfortable, reducing overheating and the reliance on costly air conditioning. Simultaneously, it noticeably decreases excessive heat loss. The high light transmittance also diminishes the need for interior lighting during daylight hours, contributing to a further reduction in energy costs.

The waterproofing to a large residential flatted development in London was carried out using the Koster TPO membrane.This warm roof design incorporated the Koster TPO Fleecebacked membrane mechanically fixed through PIR insulation, Koster Vapour Barrier and into the timber substructure as per the wind load calculation.An interesting project with many challenges that were all individually designed by the Koster technical team in collaboration with the project architects.The final roof incorporates hard standing areas, sedum and green roof sections, a solar panel farm and decorative stones.A beautifully deigned and usable area providing residents an amazing view over London.

neaco provided a bespoke modification to its Techdek aluminium decking system as part of a bridge specification at the Grand Canal Dock development project in Dublin. Using the renowned design versatility of the company’s technical team and state-of-the-art precision engineering facilities at its Malton factory, neaco developed a unique grille surface which features tactile strips to alert visually impaired pedestrians when they are nearing a step. Providing a high architectural aesthetic, Techdek is extremely versatile and can be used in many other applications, including staging, modesty screens, solar shading, maintenance galleries and roof access walkways.

This hotel sets in an old convent with a 19th -century cloister, the Visitation, formerly built for the nuns . Pablo Reinoso , artistic director, and Axe Architecture worked on a blend of design, heritage, and architecture to renovate the site into a 4-star hotel to maintain its beauty while providing 21st - century comfort . The hotel's gourmet restaurant is located in the cloister and has beautiful views over the garden . More than 250 Bandalux pleated shades with chain drive in dark shades were installed, to match the furniture and the general aesthetics . The selected fabric, Solar Elegant Wetex , is a technical anti -mould fabric perfect for spaces related to outdoor spaces .

Microgate Headquarters and Mesa – City Clinic Bolzano over five floors- is an ambitious project with spaces for interaction. The idea was to cover its glazed façade while preserving the innovative spirit of the companies.The architect Martina Biasi, who collaborated with Area 17, chose a winning combination of Bandalux products to resolve all these premises.Each roller shade installed, Arion, Premium Plus and Zi-Box Zip, provide efficient solar control. Every space of the building is designed to offer comfort, taking into account its needs: visibility and openness or total concealment. The selected fabrics, Polyscreen® 351 and BO are used in this way too.

Cornes buildings are an ambitious residential in Santiago de Compostela, which is next to the first train station of Galicia . This is one of the reasons to promote this space for a new lifestyle . Carbajo Barrios architects use concrete elements for the façade to minimize the impact of sunlight on buildings as well as give a strong architectural character . Bandalux vertical blinds were chosen as a solar control system, creating visual harmony as well as efficient sunlight management . Polyscreen ® fabric perfectly complements the clean style of interior designs, allowing visual contact outside when desired by the owners . Our roller blinds are chosen with blackout fabrics for maximum privacy and intimacy .

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 .

LAMILUX were chosen by the façade contractor, to undertake this specialist element within their glazing package. By using 220mm deep mullion profiles, LAMILUX were able to design a system structurally capable of completely self-supporting. The 25m X 6m self-spanning rooflight removed the requirement for additional internal structural support such as steel beams - saving time and reducing the costs. High performance glazing was essential to reduce solar heat gain and heat losses. 40 fixed glass panels, each measuring 1.2 x 2.9m and weighing 150kg were used to reduce the buildings energy consumption, without compromising daylight intake.

BMW Hollenstein in Aesch near Basel fully utilizes innovative technology. Completed in 2012, the operations centre uses only pioneering, sustainable infrastructure. The fully electric powered BMW models i3 and i8 are recharged at a special station prominently situated by the entrance. The electricity comes from a powerful solar energy plant located on the top of the roof. Any surplus electricity is fed back into the grid.Little wonder, then, that only doors of usual design and construction were suitable for a building such as this. Again, innovation has found its way here too, enabling us to build one of Switzerland’s first record THERMCORD systems into the entrance porch.www.hollensteinag.com/rundgang

Cambridge Central Mosque is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque and the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge. The mosque is well insulated and naturally ventilated, using efficient heat lights in the roof and solar panels on the top to help generate renewable energy.Cellecta XFLO Micro was specified by Marks Barfield Architects as its underfloor heating insulation boards were used to help create an efficient and environmentally friendly heating system. Cellecta ScreedBoard 20 was also specified for the overlay floorboard. It is suitable for all types of steel, concrete and timber floors.Warmafloor were awarded this 250m² contract to develop this eco-friendly structure.

Smart 22 @ project is a building that arises from the industrial legacy of Poblenou in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by GCA Architects inspired by the values of modernity, sustainability, and technology and that becomes the First Smart Building in Spain, with Leed Platinum V4 and Well Gold certification. It also has AAA and Wiredscore certifications.The project stands out for its sustainable characteristics and high energy efficiency. Any construction material and elements take part in this purpose. In this context, our Premium Plus roller shades with Polyscreen® 501 contribute to optimal solar management as well as to reduce energy consumption and energy savings in heating and air conditioning. First Smart Building in Spain - 2023

Hexham and Northern Mart is an auction house in Hexham (25 miles west of Newcastle), specialising in the sale of livestock and cattle to farmers across the North East of England. The business decided it was time to replace its old gas-fired heating system with a more sustainable alternative – one that would not only reduce energy consumption and running costs, but also earn additional income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Minimising impact on day-to-day operations during the transition was another key consideration. Managing director Robert Addison tasked renewable energy specialist and NIBE Pro Installer Calibrate Energy Engineering with finding the right solution to meet the heating and hot water demands of the 112,050sq ft building.The SolutionThe team at Calibrate specified, designed and installed a 300 kW renewable heating system made up of five 60 kW NIBE F1345 ground source heat pump (GSHP) units. They paired this with a 50 kW solar PV array, fitted to the roof of the main pen area, which partially powers the NIBE GSHP system. The in-ground heat collectors required for the GSHP were laid in the fields around the buildings, with the controls units sited in a prefabricated plant room to the rear of the premises. The installation took just three months from start to finish, and during this time it was business as usual for Hexham and Northern Marts.ResultsDocked together in a cascade for greater output capacity, the five NIBE F1345 GSHP units now meet 95% of Hexham and Northern Marts’ 394,000 kW/h annual heating and hot water demand. Meanwhile, the 50 kW solar PV array generates enough free electricity to offset a significant 50% of the power needed to run the GSHP system. Hexham & Northern Marts is set to make a 236% return on investment – reaping an estimated £862,000 in energy savings and commercial RHI payments over the next two decades.Customer Testimonial“We couldn’t be happier with our new renewable heat and power sources. As well as delivering instant reductions in energy usage and subsequent savings on heating bills, the NIBE GSHP solution is providing us with a steady stream of income for the next two decades, thanks to the RHI. The power produced by the solar PV panels is an added bonus, and makes running the heat pump system even more cost-effective.“As a result, we’re expecting to see returns of more than double our original investment over the next 20 years – which is absolutely invaluable from a business point of view. Not only this, but we’ve got an efficient, reliable renewables setup that’s fit for the future, and will continue to deliver ongoing savings for years to come.”Robert Addison, managing director, Hexham & Northern Marts

The Palm Tower, a new landmark from master developer Nakheel, under construction at the heart of Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah, promises that each of its luxury hotel rooms and apartments will feature one of the best views in the city.To achieve this, the 52-storey, 240-metre-tall hotel and residential building will be clad entirely in glass.Of course, Dubai’s climate means that preventing excessive heat build-up inside heavily glazed buildings will always be a priority. For this project, the architect chose to install 50,000 square metres of Pilkington Suncool™ One 30/21 solar control glass so that residents and guests enjoy both stunning vistas in cool, comfortable surroundings.Silver liningThe glass features a state-of-the-art multi-layer coating that incorporates a microscopically thin layer of silver to help reduce heat transmission to just 21 per cent, while maintaining a neutral colour balance in the light passing through, maximising the views.The building is clad in an area of glass equivalent to 192 tennis courts, but because of the advanced magnetron sputtering technique used to apply the coating, just eight kilogrammes of silver was needed to cover the whole tower. That’s a piece of silver approximately the size of a laptop.Pilkington Suncool™ One 30/21 was originally developed by Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, for Intraco UAE, which has used the glass on a number of projects in the past.Leo Pyrah, product manager at Pilkington UK said: “The view you will get from these hotel rooms and apartments is one of the major draws of this building, but clearly a fully glazed skyscraper in such a hot climate creates challenges from an energy management perspective.“The bespoke coating we have developed alongside Intraco lets the developer and its customers enjoy the best of both worlds – a stunning view with much reduced solar heating.”CentrepieceAs the centrepiece of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower is set to become a new landmark for Dubai. When completed, the mixed-use complex will feature 432 apartments and 290 hotel rooms, as well as a rooftop dining and recreation destination featuring a 360-degree roof top infinity pool, a high-end restaurant and a public viewing deck offering sweeping views of The Palm, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.As well as creating a comfortable climate for users, the solar-control glazing will also significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, reducing costs and emissions.Leo Pyrah continued: “Dubai is a city that is pushing architectural and technological boundaries and we’re excited to have played a role in shaping the look of its iconic and ever-evolving skyline.”Project: Palm Tower, DubaiClient: NakheelGlazing distributor: Intraco UAE

Location: New Road, Hoxton, London N1 6JAProject Type: Private, Shared Ownership & Social Rent Housing Development Cost: £40mProducts: Aluminium Vertical Solar Shading, SFX Fascia & Soffit Cladding to Terraces & Balconies, Weatherstruck Wall Copings, Curved Weatherstruck Wall Copings, Square Rainwater Pipes, Bespoke Rainwater HoppersFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 8080 Matt Metallic BronzeFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018). Client: LB of Hackney & Countryside Properties Plc Architect: Child Graddon Lewis Ltd Main Contractor: Countryside Properties Plc Sub Contractor: Roweaver Developments Ltd

Plaza 13 stands on a space previously occupied by an old industrial warehouse. A residential development designed by the Bueso-Inchausti & Rein architecture studio, this 3,566m² complex comprises 14 apartments spread over four floors, four of which are penthouses with private garden and swimming pool. In order to keep a flexible interior layout, Bueso-Inchausti & Rein decided to maintain a geometric uniformity in the complex, with a facade that is almost entirely glazed, fitted with the O-Box system as a solar control solution to optimize sunlight and heat.This was an ambitious and daring project aiming to create a distinguished product with clear floor heights of 3.5m. In this context, the Bandalux outdoor O-Box roller blind systems offer a simple and elegant esthetic solution for the facade, as well as exquisite solar control to create maximum comfort inside the spacious apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows.The O-Box technical blind has an attractive cylindrical box and an aluminum side guide that binds the fabric. To fulfill the project requirements, Bandalux developed a cylindrical handrail, which limits the run of the blind and creates the impression of a floating rail.The O-Box system works like a double skin for the apartment windows, ensuring an excellent compromise between thermal efficiency and visual comfort thanks to the Polyscreen 550 Pearl fabric with a 5% openness factor. A fabric with a high resistance to extreme weather conditions and chlorine which, from outside, contributes to significant energy savings in terms of heating and air conditioning inside. The Polyscreen 550 Pearl fabric is also easy to clean, as it can be simply wiped with a damp cloth, and no harmful elements are used during the manufacturing process.Bueso-Inchausti & Rein works in the field of architecture and urban planning, specializing in residential and tertiary projects. Its buildings are spread across Spain, Romania, USA, Mexico and Switzerland.

Installed by Kawneer’s approved specialist subcontractor FK Group, the £25.3 million project, designed by FCB Studios, was the first to use Kawneer’s newly enhanced AA®110 Curtain Wall system that features a bespoke expansion joint, which allows a building movement tolerance of +/- 15 mm. Creating a sense of scale and vibrancy, the white profiled terracotta ceramic façades contrast the earthy tones of the perimeter buildings in a modern interpretation of the grand Victorian warehouses nearby. The high-performance Curtain Wall was accompanied by AA®720 Side Hung Open-In Windows to deliver a high level of thermal performance throughout. Using passive principles, the high insulation building fabric coupled with solar control glazing, address the energy requirements for heating and cooling.

The biggest challenge of this project was the climate conditions of the location, because of high temperatures and sunlight needs. Also, the purpose of building a Passivhaus home determines its architecture and design : minimalist and sober with a rectangular structure to make the most of isolation elements .The architects combined two of our systems: BSO on the façade and Premium Plus inside. Outdoor Venetian blinds afford highly effective protection from heat and precision sunlight management, contributing to energy savings.Premium Plus roller blinds are completely integrated into the design, being installed in curtain rods and going unnoticed when closing them. They have been configurated with Polyscreen ® 550 - White Pearl color, a fabric with excellent thermal protection, managing up to 94 % of solar heat . Gtote=0,06 – Gtoti = 0.24).

Rising 143 metres in the London skyline, this 42-storey tower located in Stratford near to the former Olympic park, consists of 248 luxury residential lofts and a 145-bedroom hotel.Designed by high-rise specialist architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, over 17,000m2 of ipasol Light Grey 60/33 glazing was chosen for the facade thanks to its aesthetic of a light grey tint when viewed from outside but highly transparent and neutral when viewed from interior spaces.As the facade includes full height glazing, a combination of solar control and thermal insulation coated glass was needed to allow the facade to achieve its energy efficiency targets. Some glazing types also utilise acoustic laminated glass to maximise the sound reduction properties of double glazing units.

Project Name: AMRC - Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North WestLocation: Samlesbury, LancashireMain Contractor: Cartwright PickardCompletion Date: 2021Total Cost: £11mServices Provided: RIBA stages 1-6, Architectural DesignAwards Received:Finalist in BCO Northern AwardsBest Commercial Development in the North West at RICS AwardShortlisted for Project of the Year at Construction News AwardsLancashire Project of the Year at North West Construction AwardsSystem Supplied: Bespoke Fabrications, LandMark I, SnapLok Capping, Soffits, Window LinersFusion Facades, along with AMS Cladding Limited and the supply chain, provided a high-quality facade for the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West (AMRC) project. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Fusion Facades was able to adapt and deliver exceptional service.The AMRC is located at the entrance to the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone and features a modern workspace with a flexible high-tech workshop. To blend the 48,000 sqft building into the rural surroundings, lightweight bronze metal cladding was used over a landscaped bund.As a flagship research centre for advanced manufacturing, the AMRC had to meet the highest environmental standards. The office and seminar rooms feature horizontal glazing slots with projecting cappings and perimeter framing for passive solar shading. Reflective solid panels are used within the curtain walls to reduce solar gain while retaining the articulated openings that distinguish the office and seminar rooms from a nearby main road.A neutral colour was chosen to catch the warm tones of the morning and evening light while subtly defining the different internal uses. To break down the mass, junctions between the sheets are articulated with bronze fins denoting where the structural grid occurs internally.Overall, the AMRC project has received numerous accolades and is a testament to the outstanding work done by Fusion Facades and their partners in delivering a high-quality, environmentally sustainable research facility.

University of West LondonLocated in the heart of England’s Capital, the University of West London (UWL) is committed to playing a leading role in tackling the global climate crisis by becoming net zero carbon by 2030. The University reported a 60% reduction in carbon emissions in 2021 compared to 2005. However, with a long way still to go before it is able to operate at net zero, UWL welcomed a £5 million award from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) in 2021. With aspirations to retrofit its main sites in Ealing and Brentford, the funding unlocked a major opportunity to improve air quality around the borough whilst taking a big step towards meeting its net zero pledge by 2030.The SolutionUWL contracted Ameresco as principal contractor and designer, who partnered with NIBE Energy Systems and JKN Renewables, Ltd. The first and main challenge was to design a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system for the university without disrupting the main car park on the campus to reduce the impact on students. This, in turn, resulted in an innovative solution, combining a ground source heat pump system working with boreholes and solar PVT panels. The designed system not only supplies 222 kW of PV electricity generation but, crucially, acts as a collector system for the GSHP, capturing naturally occurring energy in the air to drive the heat pump process, and therefore reducing the number of boreholes required. The old gas boilers previously heating the campus were replaced with 584 solar PVT panels in combination with 34 169-meter boreholes to provide 900 kW of heating and hot water throughout the site. Further reducing disruption across the campus, JKN Renewables carried out an off-site build, with the pre-built PVT and plant room modules being delivered on time despite constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The heat pumps and solar PVT were supplied by NIBE Energy Systems, and JKN Renewables undertook the design, installation and commissioning of the system.The ResultsThis transformation really highlights the benefits of combining multiple technologies to deliver efficient, low-carbon solutions. Whilst the full capacity could have been delivered using boreholes, which would have been a less costly option, the University welcomed the installation of PVT as an innovative and space-saving option.The major project will save an estimated 500 tonnes of carbon each year, and 9,460 tonnes across the equipment’s lifetime. It will also save 3,116,738 kWh of gas-derived energy per year (equivalent to 70 heated homes) whilst improving local air quality.The project is thought to be one of the world’s largest PVT projects, and positions UWL as a leader in higher education for addressing the climate crisis. The project was recognised by the Energy Managers Association’s (EMA) Energy Management Awards, receiving the Highly Commended designation in the Decarbonisation Project Category.Testimonial“We have invested more than £150 million in our campus recently to create an inspiring social and learning environment for our students. But we know all this great work will be for nothing, unless we do our bit to tackle climate change. We have been taking a leading role in our community to tackle the global climate crisis… Recently, the university declared a climate emergency and pledged to become a zero net carbon institution by 2030. A big step to meeting this pledge, has been our decarbonisation program, that has seen the university harness the latest renewable technology to create our own energy and introduced energy saving measures across the campus. Backed by more than £5 million of Government funding, the project is the largest of its kind in the higher education sector, and really underlines our ambition to be one of the most sustainable universities in the UK.”Anthony WoodmanProfessor, deputy vice chancellor and provost for health of the University of West LondonAbout the installerJKN Renewables are specialists in low energy heating, cooling and hot water systems. They provide design, consultancy and installation services to both domestic and commercial sectors, with a range of experience in the renewable heating sector. They pride themselves on providing expert advice and quality installations of ground and air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar thermal.

Following the acquisition of planning permission, the Hollinwood Business Park, a former brown field site, will see seven new office buildings constructed, all in the style of cotton mills built in the 1800s.The first of these buildings, Block G, has now been constructed and is benefitting from the installation of renewable solar PV technology to ensure the new business park can have a sustainable future in the decades ahead.The project has seen the installation of 114 Marley SolarTile® panels on to the roof of a large building that forms part of the all-new Hollinwood Business Park in Oldham.Marley’s SolarTile® solution was specified to provide access to a sustainable energy source that will help power the newly constructed site, helping to control energy costs and provide an additional attractive incentive to companies looking to relocate to the business park.

The Pavilions comprise of seven residential buildings alongside the railway, providing a mix of 156 one, two and three bedroom sustainable homes with 35% affordable housing. As a site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), this 'Development of the Year’ maximises the residential capacity without compromising the nature conservation designation. This is achieved by incorporating an educational nature trail and bird hide, with generous open spaces planted with trees, green roofs to encourage biodiversity, and solar panels. Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 20 was specified by Jestico + Whiles as it is a dry light weight Robust Detail solution compatible with Metec System LGS system, and the ideal overlay floorboard for acoustic application incorporating underfloor heating applications due to its high thermal conductivity. This enables the system to run more efficiently, saving on running costs and improving reaction times.Telford Homes was awarded this 14,350m² contract for this development at Caledonian Road in Islington.

The project, designed by Uno-A, welcomes 110 flats in three different types of buildings linked by several planted areas; and various common areas, such as a coworking space and an equipped gym.The façades use GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) panels and coloured glass panels to provide architectural identification.Bandalux worked closely with both the architect and the real estate Iempa Immobiliare to provide shading solutions depending on the location and type of building. Z-Box, B-Box Systems and Cofre style awning are place externally, being three different options to management sunlight.Polyscreen® 403 and Trend Light BO fabrics configured these systems according to the lighting needs: visual contact or perfect occultation. On the other hand, Premium Plus roller blinds s are installed inside, providing optimal solar control and comfort.

As a project local to Vincent Timber here in Birmingham, this was quite an exciting one for us. Contractors Design and Build worked alongside architects Piper Whitlock on behalf of Harvest on this stunning, 30-acre regeneration project, which was formerly an industrial site.The project is a joint Sainsbury's and Landsec venture which features 250,000 sq. ft. of retail and leisure buildings. As you may imagine, the large onsite Sainsbury's, erected upon stilts, is an impressive feature building.“It was very exciting working on this large-scale project, especially with the unique solar shading we created. Being built locally meant it was great to see the site as it progressed.”  - Malcolm Frowen, Head of Cladding and Brise Soleil Sales @ Vincent TimberWhat You'll Find Here The Sainsbury's site not only features an unforgettable glazed movement atrium, most of its elevations are also clad in beautiful vertical timber strips. Other retailers include Next, Marks & Spencer and JD Sports while Nando's and Costa provide a fuel break from all the shopping fun. All of which are fronted with aesthetically pleasing solar shading created using our Sivalbp timber.Design and aesthetic have been a huge focus of this project, combining many wonderful materials and features while heavily incorporating the Worcester and Birmingham canal to create a unique experience that's so much more than shopping. Whilst there is parking for 860 cars onsite, the canal side square connects the site to the centre of Selly Oak, providing easy access for pedestrians and cyclists too. Thanks to its environmentally friendly design this project has a Very Good BREEAM rating. About SivalbpVincent Timber is the UK's sole distributor of Sivalbp, a modern production facility based in the South of France.The facility combines the latest technology in wood processing, with high quality pre-coating preparation and sophisticated environmentally friendly coating methods to produce a range of coated products that are both high performance and aesthetically pleasing.Many profiles can be secret fixed, avoiding visible nail heads and protecting the integrity of the coating.

Upper Longcross is a development project by Crest Nicholson. The project involved the construction of new homes in Surrey. The development was designed to provide a mix of affordable and luxury housing, with a focus on sustainability and green spaces.Crest Nicholson’s commitment to sustainability was evident in the design of the Upper Longcross development. The homes were built to a high standard of energy efficiency, with features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The development also featured extensive green spaces, including a central park and a network of footpaths and cycle routes. The Upper Longcross development has been widely praised for its innovative approach to sustainability and for providing high-quality homes in desirable locations.Michelmersh’s Hampshire Stock Dark and Light Multi bricks are instantly recognisable and assist the houses to stand out from their leafy scenery and help harmonise modern and more traditional facades. Freshfield Lane Lindfield Yellow bricks are also seen within the development.

The Stratosphere building in London, designed by Allies and Morrison, is a sleek and contemporary addition to the capital’s skyline. Its location in the Stratford area of London makes it a part of the vibrant cultural and business hub of East London.The building’s striking design is characterized by its distinctive saw-tooth facade, which is made up of a series of alternating angled and flat planes. The facade was inspired by the industrial heritage of the surrounding area, which was once home to factories and warehouses. The saw-tooth design also serves a practical purpose, allowing for maximum natural light to enter the building while minimizing solar gain and glare. The building’s interior spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable, making them suitable for a range of uses from office spaces to residential apartments.The Stratosphere building uses Floren.be’s Sirius clay bricks. The deep browns help set it apart from its contemporary counterpart and also speak to the industrial heritage of the area.

Set in beautiful grounds this former coach house is nestled in a picturesque Cotswold village.This stunning orangery was the perfect solution for the family who wanted to have a light filled room, from where they could sit and enjoy their garden throughout the year.The stone-coloured exterior paint finish of the David Salisbury orangery is the perfect complement to the sandy-coloured Cotswold stone and stone roof of the main building.The glass lantern benefits from Pilkington Activ™ Blue self-cleaning glass, which has both self-cleaning and solar-control properties plus high performing thermally insulating Pilkington K Glass™ S as the inner pane of glass.The result of this carefully designed addition to a home that already oozes character and charm is a light filled environment that can be use throughout the Summer and Winter months, where the family can sit in total comfort.Images courtesy of David Salisbury.