"space heating"

For many hotels, adaptable space is key to maximising revenue from hiring out of function rooms. Recognising this, Rushton Hall, a magnificent Grade I listed country house hotel in the Midlands, contracted Style to add flexibility to the newly refurbished Library and main function rooms, allowing privacy when required but also ensuring the area could be opened out for larger gatherings. DORMA Variflex was agreed as the most suitable moveable wall for this historic building and Style installed two separate partitions to give maximum flexibility across three rooms, all in a stunning finish to complement the elegant interior design.

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.

With the aim of making a somewhat dated house welcoming and comfortable for a young family from Vilnius, the architect Ieva Prunskaitė of the Prusta studio redesigned the interior. The minimal, clean design combines functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter. Wood, plaster and cement are the three elements that are used throughout the house.The predominantly white walls with ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged white doors contrast beautifully with the wooden flooring. There are also wooden accents across the white kitchen cabinets and wooden panelling defining storage areas and a cloakroom between the main door and the living room.The interior is also interspersed with accents of grey and black in the form of the black marble worktop and black chairs in the kitchen, the minimalist wood burning stove, grey accent wall and grey sofa in the sitting room and a decorative black metal screen with a geometric design separating the master bedroom with the ensuite.The minimalist style of the ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged doors integrate perfectly into this interior being almost invisible, whilst being accented with sleek black handles echoing the colour scheme throughout.The ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door is part of the Syntesis® Flush Collection. This is a range of flush or architrave free products that work in harmony with each other. The collection features a, the concealed hinged door frame (available as a door set or frame only), pocket door system without jambs or architrave and a flush skirting board adapter. The emphasis is on uninterrupted, clean lines for an interior without fuss, where less is more.Architect: Prusta studioProduct: ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door

Hand dryers were invested more than 50 years ago. Old style hand dryers used hot air to dry hands. More recent inovations have shown that hands dry faster when high speed hand dryers are used.These highly efficient hand dyer achieve fantastic drying time and a large energy saving by reducing drying time to less than 10 seconds for lower power usage.

A faster dry time and lower power consumption means the Crocodillo T and Gorillo hand dryer costs up to 80% less to run than older style hand dryers and 97% less than paper towels. You can dry your hands over 20 times with a Gorillo for the price of a single paper towel.

Sterillo Hand Dryer and Sterillo UNO have understandably been flying out of our warehouse in recent months. Our washroom sterilisation equipment was primarily being used in just the one room, but thanks to Sterillo UNO – a complete air sanitisation unit without a hand dryer, we have seen customers finding other purposes and locations for them to be used.

A trio of installations by Union Industries has helped to support energy efficiency at the production facility of a world-leading radiator manufacturer. Stelrad has benefited from the installation of six of Union Industries’ Bulldoors at its Mexborough, South Yorkshire, 17-acre site. The facility handles Stelrad’s UK radiators business and the co-ordination of the company’s advanced production and distribution operation.

M&E contractor ‘The All Group’ designed 2.5km RAYCHEM of HWAT-M self-regulating cables in a single pipe hot water system throughout the hotel. Controlled by RAYCHEM HWAT-ECO smart controllers, the system provided the benefits of energy efficiency plus savings in material costs, labour and space. Pipe freeze protection was delivered using 5.5 km of RAYCHEM WinterGard, controlled with RAYCHEM RAYSTAT-ECO-10. Underfloor heating was installed in the bedrooms, using RAYCHEM T2Red with T2Reflecta. In addition, RAYCHEM T2Quicknet 160 was installed in the en-suite bathrooms and the hotel’s luxurious spa.

A single-pipe hot water system based has been installed with 1.2km of RAYCHEM HWAT-R self-regulating heating system supported by 13 RAYCHEM HWAT-ECO controllers. As the system uses half the pipework of a conventional recirculation system, on-site installation time was cut dramatically and this was enhanced further by use of the RayClic connection systems. It also meant that space savings could be made in walls and ceiling voids. The system is low-maintenance, a critical factor due to the sensitive nature of this building and can now be very easily extended during further planned developments.

Duco’s solar shading combines functionality with aesthetics at the Student accommodation Fallowfield in Manchester. The vertical solar shading system DucoSun Ellips was chosen for this project and supplied by Contrasol. This solar shading system, in which a blade with of 200 mm was chosen, guarantees not only maximum daylight, thanks to the optimal inclination angle and number of louvre blades. At the same time, DucoSun Ellips 200 ensures that the sun’s rays do not get a chance to heat up the Fallowfield interior spaces directly. The vertically installed solar shading system offers maximum privacy while maintaining the view outside.

The existing Bushey Grove health suite was a stark, clinical looking area with gloomy sauna and steam plus a difficult to maintain whirlpool spa with all the plant two floors below. TyloHelo's design concept was to open up the space with glass frontage and dividing walls between thermal rooms and create more comfortable relaxation areas. The design was contemporary with large format tiles in warm, natural colours. The thermal suite comprised a Finnish Salt sauna, Salt inhalation steam room, Herbal sauna, Bucket shower, Feature shower, Ice feature and three heated benches.

A classic Parisian apartment is benefitting from the thermal effectiveness of the introduction of the innovative ultra-thin Spacetherm® WL insulation.Located in the 11th arrondissement in the heart of Paris on Boulevard Voltaire and overlooking the Place de la Republique, the two-bedroom, 135sqm apartment was built in the Hausmann style. Hausmann’s renovation of Paris was part of a major programme commissioned by Emperor Napoléon III in the late 19th century, resulting in the distinctive appearance of the wide avenues, parks and squares which have become associated with this beautiful city.Property owner Keirnan Murphy has made a significant investment in the renovation of the apartment to improve overall comfort, energy efficiency and to reduce heating costs.Keirnan explains, “The solid stone walls, whilst adding to the building’s charm, result in heating inefficiencies and higher heating costs. During summer the stone walls warm during the day, retaining and radiating heat throughout the night. In winter, the solid walls cool down leading to a huge increase in heating costs.We undertook lots of research on solutions for green and energy-efficient renovations. In the research, we considered products available within France and as well as those available internationally. The Spacetherm WL aerogel insulation from the A. Proctor Group was a perfect choice for the apartment. At just 13mm thickness, the Spacetherm WL fits inside the lip of our cornices, which average about 20mm. Typically the walls of these older properties are not completely flat and so the option of an ultra-thin insulation was critical. Most alternatives were thicker and would not have worked.We are very pleased with the results and we noticed that when leaning up against the Spacetherm WL you can feel your back warm against the insulation. The A. Proctor Group were extremely helpful in addressing all the questions from the architect and ourselves. They also provided comprehensive support and guidance to our builder on the installation.”Spacetherm WL is a high-performance laminate specifically designed to be fixed to the internal surfaces of existing solid walls without the need for mechanical fixings. Spacetherm WL consists of Spacetherm aerogel insulation blanket bonded to 3mm Magnesium Board (MgO), for use in applications where improved thermal performance is required with limited space.Typically, a solid wall will have a U value of around 2.1 W/m2K. Following the application of Spacetherm WL, this can be reduced to around 0.8 W/m2K, dependent on the wall structure.

In 1858, Florence Nightingale expressed the following words: ‘Unnecessary noise is the most cruel absence of care which can be inflicted upon either the sick or well!’ Today, more than 100 years after, research shows that we are still struggling with noise wherever people live, work, sleep and recover.

Architect: Austin-Smith:LordInstaller: Lacunar LtdProduct: Gustafs Panel SystemOver 400m2 of Gustafs Panel System was installed to the walls of the Birmingham Royal Ballet during their £2.7m refurbishment in 2015. Acoustic panels were installed to two ballet rehearsal studios as well as the new informal performance space.In addition to the visual refurbishment of the space; the regeneration project aimed to improve the facility by upgrading the lighting, heating and ventilation, and accessibility, as well as improving administration and welfare areas.A mix of of SM5 and SM8 mini slotted acoustic perforations as well as nano acoustic perforations were used on the Birch, Oak, and White laminate faced panels. Slotted perforation styles give an elegant and dramatic finish to the panels whilst Nano perforations are almost invisible on the face of the panel, all three options provide up to Class B acoustic performance.

Redland Court is an exceptional landmark development of the former Redland High School, which was transformed into a collection of architecturally unique buildings to create 44 new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments located in Bristol. Also, an exquisite duplex and townhouse over two floors with an open plan living area, additional mezzanine living space and roof terrace. Many of the original period features will be meticulously retained and restored, with the original Old School Hall and Library.Cellecta Mojave S2-8 was specified by KWL Architects for its high-performance underfloor heating system, it offers a dry and robust floor build-up from one source. XFLO-FF boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.Juniper Homes were awarded this 600m² contract to develop this collection of architecturally unique buildings.

The Maidenhead-based Thames Hospice service has proudly served its community for more than 30 years, offering world-class palliative and end-of-life care and support to people across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.Thames Hospice, “We provide the highest quality nursing, medical and therapeutic care supporting the physical, social and emotional needs of our patients and their loved ones. Our services are free of charge to all who need us, thanks to the generosity of our amazing community and organisations, as well as our 700 incredible volunteers who give their time to support the best possible end-of-life care for local people.” KKE Architects were responsible for the project. They said, “Set in more than eight acres, with stunning views across landscaped gardens and Bray Lake, the new hospice has 28 inpatient beds in individual en-suite rooms. The new Day Centre (the Paul Bevan Centre) offers a wider range of daily therapeutic and social activities for day patients and inpatients and has allowed the hospice to double its day service provision.”Bespoke seamless acoustic islands created on siteIn one part of the building, KKE Architects designed a central double height rotunda from which 11 concrete ‘spokes’ splayed from the structure underneath a circular glass dome. Islands were the best option for acoustic control within these unusual spaces, which the installers – Aspect Ceilings and Partitions – were able to create on site with Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic system components. This approach eliminated any lead time in ordering bespoke, pre-manufactured islands.Rockfon Mono Acoustic is a system comprising grid, panel and acoustic render, which can be used to create ceilings, wall coverings and bespoke islands and rafts.Within the rotunda 1200 x 1200mm panels were initially cut to size and adhered directly to the concrete soffit. They were then taped, jointed, filled and rendered to create seamless, elegant islands which help create a calm atmosphere by providing Class A sound absorption.Aspect Ceilings and Partitions carried out the installation of Rockfon acoustic systems at the Hospice. Company Director Grant Stevens “This was a great project to be involved with. We know the Rockfon team are always available to offer advice. Given the bespoke nature of the design, the installation relied heavily on the creativity of the installation team. The process needed to be precise and the completed work looks great.”Optimum acoustics can improve sleep and reduce anxietyThanks to its core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, it provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. It is Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can also contribute valuably to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards. Rockfon Eclipse® are also used at the hospice, arranged groups of refined frameless panels suspended on wires directly from the soffit, giving the illusion they float in mid-air. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shapes with custom colour matching and are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Director Phil Kavanagh of KKE architects, “Acoustics were a key consideration in our choice of both Rockfon ranges, where each fitted the brief and offered the best solution. In particular, Mono Acoustic suited the installation requirements within the rotunda where specifically shaped elements needed to fit within the radiused space and deliver a monolithic appearance.” The right solution when it matters mostIn common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono and Eclipse are made with a core of naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stone wool, which is non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. In addition, their high light reflectance characteristics help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and further enhancing wellbeing. Rockfon Business Development Manager, Simon Slade, “The invaluable work done at this hospice made it an important project to be specified for. The whole purpose was to create a calm, quiet environment for those receiving care and for their families. I’m humbled that our products can make a difference to their experience at such a difficult time.”

When you are renovating a home, you want the result to be exactly as you pictured it. Abigail and her husband Mark were able to do just that! They had plans to extend their home and renovate their kitchen & dining area with loads of natural light, curious what their experience was like? Be sure to keep reading! Natural daylight is a key component of Abigail’s homeNatural daylight is an essential part of the look and feel of a house. When Abigail and her husband were planning on renovating their home, which they started in 2019, they understood the importance of this concept. The couple told us: “We were always planning to have a rooflight to let in as much light as possible”. Their home was built in the 1930’s, so the small windows from the original build weren’t able to provide them with enough light.The family introduced as many windows as they could. The Vario Skylight was the perfect addition to their vision. It has really made sure that they can enjoy nature to the fullest every single day. “Without the rooflight, the space just wouldn’t be the same” is what the couple had told us.Bespoke rooflights; custom made to fit your needsThere’s a world full of skylights in many shapes and sizes, but not all of them will fit your wants and needs. Vario by VELUX acts as a bridge, linking your creative ideas with the perfect rooflight for your space. Abigail agreed with us and said “The importance of bespoke meant that we could get exactly the size that we wanted.” She and her husband opted with a single rectangular skylight in one piece, instead of it being dissected into different parts. This allowed the space to be in touch with nature and filled with daylight without casting shadows. While most custom designs can only be visualized after they’ve been installed, we offer a design tool in which you can plan out your vision and get an idea of what you can expect. Abigail actually used the configurator on our website and even called it ‘best practice’.Transform the feel of a home with a Vario rooflightVario by Velux wants you to also be in touch with the energy of a space. This vision matched with what Abigail was looking for. She told us that VELUX helped them create the feeling that they wanted, which was as much light as possible and the rooflight does that immensely. Since they had been renovating their home for quite some time, the couple felt loads of relief and excitement when the roof window was finally installed adding: “We had been staring at an open hole for weeks, and when it actually dropped in it was amazing.”A holiday feel with light and natureMark and Abigail have always had a dream to live in Ibiza, but aren’t able to do so now that they have three kids. That’s why they wanted to spice up their home with a holiday atmosphere as if they brought a little Ibiza with them. Their south facing property helps them do that as they can enjoy the sunlight from the early hours of the morning. Add in a big rooflight and some lovely plants, and they were able to create that holiday feeling in the comfort of their own home.Vario by VELUX as a trusted partner in custom skylightsA roof window isn’t a product you decide to buy on a whim. Having a reliable manufacturer by your side every step of the way is crucial, which is why we understand this need. Vario by VELUX will aid you every step of the way, from design to placement. Abigail was glad that our daylight experts were there to offer expertise and advice. She told us “We got a lot of help from VELUX and they were so helpful. There was always somebody on hand to help guide us through the process.”Invite the daylight by getting a bespoke roof windowWhether you're renovating an existing home or building a new one, our custom rooflights are an excellent addition that will bring natural light into a home, creating a brighter and more comfortable living environment. Trust our daylight experts to help you choose the right rooflight for your space, and see the difference that natural light can make in your home with Vario by VELUX.

The refurbishment of children's wards at Leighton Hospital by the Estates Management Team at Mid Cheshire Hospitals aimed to alleviate the distress often associated with hospital visits for young patients. Recognizing the anxiety induced by unfamiliar surroundings, the team prioritized transforming clinical spaces into welcoming environments conducive to children's wellbeing and recovery.Employing an innovative approach, large format prints of wildlife in forest and jungle settings adorned the walls behind beds, accompanied by soft natural colours on walls, panels, and fixtures. The use of RAL Green 6019 on the DeepClean LST radiator guards contributed to the soothing ambiance, seamlessly blending with the floor covering and complementing the blue panelling behind the wall-mounted washbasins. This thoughtful design choice aimed to create a calming and tranquil atmosphere for children during their recuperation.Furthermore, the choice of RAL White 9003 for the guards in the ward corridors maintained a clean and hygienic environment. The DeepClean guards, featuring a patented drop-down front panel for easy access and a BioCote anti-microbial coating, played a crucial role in upholding hygiene standards in critical care areas.To further enhance the natural theme, Contour supplied a column casing finished in RAL Brown 1019, harmonizing with the jungle and forest-inspired décor. This comprehensive refurbishment initiative demonstrates a commitment to not only aesthetics but also the holistic wellbeing of young patients undergoing treatment at Leighton Hospital.

RSP Consulting Engineers designed 1.8km of RAYCHEM HWAT-R self-regulating heating cable in a single-pipe hot water system throughout this new hospital. Capable of maintaining water temperatures at a standard 55°C, the system also provides the capability to boost temperatures to 65°C periodically during legionella prevention cycles. The system is controlled via 19 RAYCHEM HWAT-ECO controllers which communicate seamlessly with the central BMS. As the system uses half the pipework of a conventional re-circulation system the installation time was cut dramatically and much needed space savings were made in walls and ceiling voids.

Wey Hill is a three-story building accommodating eight apartments located in Haslemere in the borough of Waverley in Surrey. Demolition of the existing warehouse was authorised to build this 570m² development, consisting of two one bedroom and six two bedroom apartments, located 12 miles from Guildford.Cellecta’s Mojave S2-10 was specified by Landmark Estates for its high-performance underfloor heating system that offers a dry and robust floor build-up from one source.XFLO FF boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.Vero Developments were awarded the contract to erect this development.

Elevating Urban Living at Southbank Tower.Southbank Tower, standing tall at 41 storeys, is a symbol of inspired urban living in London’s Southwark district. The transformation of this iconic tower, originally designed by Richard Seifert in 1972, has been a collaborative effort to create a world-class mixed-use development, enhancing the public realm and providing a unique address moments from the River Thames.Project Transformation:Architectural Redesign:Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) spearheaded a major redesign, adding 11 stories to the tower and converting upper floors into residential units.Three new floors were added to the podium, and original 1970’s cores were replaced and repositioned.The redesign included the creation of a new route through the scheme, doubling retail space, and adding valuable public areas along the riverfront.Sustainability Measures:The new construction introduced sustainability measures, including a highly-effective heat recovery system and low-energy lighting systems.Future-proofing the building with space for links to district heating and cooling schemes.Southbank Tower’s Features:Mixed-Use Tower:199 residences, 217,000 sq.ft. of office space, and 52,000 sq. ft of retail space.Private residential roof garden spanning 10,000 sq.ft and an exquisitely designed atrium.Design Collaboration:Design studios, including Goddard Littlefair, Studio Ashby, Johnson Naylor, and 1508 London, played a key role in shaping the aesthetics of the tower.The Black Edition Apartments:Interior Design Excellence:Leading interior designers, Studio Ashby and Johnson Naylor, designed the Black Edition apartments.Duplex and lateral apartments designed by Dara Huang of Design Haus Liberty and 1508 London.Selo Doors played a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of Southbank Tower by providing concealed metal riser doors and sliding pocket doors. The bespoke door solutions align with the tower’s commitment to a modern, space-saving, and fire-rated environment. These doors seamlessly integrate into the architectural design, offering a flush and concealed appearance while optimizing space.Southbank Tower’s transformation is not only a testament to architectural innovation but also a reflection of collaborative efforts to create a vibrant urban living experience. Selo Doors’ contribution, through concealed metal riser doors and sliding pocket doors, adds a layer of sophistication, safety, and space optimization to this iconic development. Southbank Tower stands as a landmark in London’s skyline, representing the successful convergence of design, sustainability, and urban regeneration.

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

This surreal manor house has been converted with the help of five bespoke Ridgeglaze rooflights from Glazing Vision, to provide a constant flow of natural daylight throughout this new renovation.This secluded manor house in Mawgan Porth near Newquay involved a combination of new-build and refurbishment to help create a special property with interlinked courtyards. Gardens and entertaining spaces that reconnected this house with its rural location.A property which had lost much of its character due to previous poor-quality extensions and renovations was in desperate need of an overhaul and some true care and attention to help provide the clients with a home they could cherish.CSA Architects were entrusted with this mammoth task and working closely with builders P Chapman Construction they have been able to capture the true identity of the property and its marvellous countryside surroundings.From the point of arrival, the driveway leads guests to a grand entrance hall, that seamlessly links the original house and the new buildings, whilst also connecting directly to the surrounding landscaped gardens.Renovating the original house to provide guest accommodation that is both cosy and functional, the extensions have created large open plan living and dining spaces, a sitting room, games room, and functional boot room.The use of 5 multi-part Ridgeglaze rooflights from Glazing Vision add an abundance of natural daylight throughout this new renovation.Providing the perfect addition to the apex roof line, allowing glazing on both returns, and in keeping with the juxtaposition of rustic and contemporary which is almost flaunted throughout the home.Given the history of the building, double glazed rooflights were used with a low e coating for maximum thermal performance. The low e coating on the glass allows most of the visible light to pass through as well as the short-wave heat energy but blocks long wave energy from passing through. This ensures the heat from inside the building is reflected, back into the room, and so heat losses are significantly reduced.Throughout the property, unique characters have been retained but with carefully selected improvements to emphasise the potential within the property. The rustic stone floor and extensive areas of Crittall-style glazing sit against the original stone wall of the house and form part of a rich palette of high-quality materials. The use of reclaimed wood cladding, brick walls and oak beams are brought together around an exposed steel structure that define the main living spaces.

To supply and install a space-saving passenger lift in a new extension to St John The Baptist Primary School in Penistone, a market town and civil parish in South Yorkshire. Completed in 2019, the new building houses supplementary classroom facilities vital for this thriving, voluntary aided C of E school with 548 pupils in the 3-11 age bracket.

TODD Architects completes redbrick business school for Queen’s Belfast. Queen’s University’s £17.5 million business school sits within its south Belfast campus, in front of the Grade II-listed Riddel Hall and enclosed by woodland.The new building, built on a former car park, has teaching and learning spaces for postgraduate students along with facilities for supporting the school’s executive education and leadership programmes, with informal study areas, academic offices and shared spaces.The external palette of materials is restrained to sit within its context, combining red clay brick, bronze-framed aluminium and floor-to-ceiling glazed screens. Red cast stone delineates colonnades at the upper and lower entrances.Inside the circulation spaces, exposed concrete soffits with floating ceiling rafts, board-marked concrete walls, timber wall sheeting and terrazzo flooring, create a robust aestheticOne of the key spaces is a top-lit, triple-height atrium with a feature stair providing access from the ground floor reception to the upper ground level, where informal study booths overlook a landscaped courtyard.Primary teaching spaces are restricted to the lower ground floor with large volume lecture theatres set into the surrounding landscape to lessen their visual impact and massing.A low-energy, ecologically sensitive design approach was adopted from the outset. One measure taken was a major geothermal heat system. Piles were driven to a depth of 125m in an adjoining field to extract heat from the sandstone substrate and provide low-level constant heat via underfloor heating, resulting in a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.The £17.5 million project extends to include the partial refurbishment of a listed property.In 2016, Queen’s Business School merged with the William J Clinton Leadership Institute. It is located in the university's Riddel Hall campus on the Stranmillis Road and planned to expand its facilities in 2017 due to continued growth.Architect’s viewOur appointment arose out of a design competition, promoted by the university. We presented a plan diagram based on how we envisaged people might move through the building and a conceptual architectural approach that proposed carefully knitting the built form into its landscaped setting, both of which are still very evident in the finished building.Externally in respect of materiality, the building echoes the neighbouring, listed Riddel Hall in its use of red brick and cast stone. Internally we have sought to ensure a connectivity for users with surrounding mature woodland, with board-marked concrete and other natural finishes combining to create a calm, robust and understated aesthetic.We promoted a low-energy, ecologically sensitive design approach from the outset, securing a BREEAM Excellent rating, with the building’s renewable energy sources including a major geothermal heat system beneath an adjoining lawn and roof mounted arrays of solar/photovoltaic panels.Peter Minnis, project director, TODD ArchitectsClients’ viewsQueen’s University Belfast is moving towards net zero, and this building – which uses sustainable ground source heating – is an important part of the journey. The design of the building, which is sleek, contemporary, and future-focused, boasts the scenic quality of being nestled in the trees of the Stranmillis Conservation Area.The building is helping us a) grow our international stature and esteem by hosting high-profile events; b) expanding our research-led dialogue with the business community by providing space for collaboration and dissemination activities; and c) offers a fantastic student experience via tailor-made areas for learning and study.Professor MN Ravishankar, dean and head, Queen’s Business SchoolThe new Queen’s Business School is the latest building in Queen’s University’s capital investment programme to support world-class education and research and provide an exceptional learning environment and experience for its students. TODD Architects have exceeded expectations in terms of the University’s estate, with this truly iconic building.To address the significant growth in our student numbers and the unprecedented demand for our graduates, the University with full support from local government and employers, approved a capital investment in excess of £26m in a new Business School Building. Designed by TODD Architects, the building provides state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for more than 3,000 students and 130 academic staff and will play a key role in the future growth and development of Northern Ireland’s business and finance sectors.Through collaboration and a commitment to excellence, TODD Architects has ensured that this facility will enable the Business School to continue its growth, by attracting the best staff and students from Northern Ireland and around the world, and to produce graduates who will make a positive impact on society.We are delighted with our new landmark building that will take Queen’s Business School into the next phase of its development and serving future generations to come.Sonia O’Hare, school manager, Queen’s Business School https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/todd-architects-completes-redbrick-business-school-for-queens-belfast?tkn=1 Project dataStart on site September 2020Completion May 2023Gross internal floor area 6,000m² (including 250m² basement)Form of contract JCT Standard Building Contract with Quantities 2016 EditionConstruction cost £17.5 millionArchitect TODD ArchitectsClient Queen’s University BelfastStructural engineer WSPM&E consultant AH DesignQS WSPLandscape architect McIlwaineAcoustic consultant FR Mark & AssociatesProject manager WSPPrincipal designer WSPBuilding control BCC/Local authorityMain contractor Felix O’HareCAD software used Revit

IssueA rental property in Stourport-on-Severn needed a quick refurbishment, allowing the landlord to turn the property around for tenants who were keen to move in. The main areas to be refurbished were the kitchen and bathroom, both of which needed to be fully re-fitted, providing a fresh, clean home for the new residents. ApproachThe landlord had previously worked with Altro products and needed quick to install products, which would provide ease of installation, durability, and ease of cleaning. “We had received information about a new product, Altro Walls ShowerKit, and were keen to try it out. The house needed a quick turnaround as our tenants were waiting to move in. The installer was also keen to have products that were easy to manoeuvre, carry up and down stairs, and resulted in less waste” said S.Birch, Landlord.SolutionAltro Ensemble luxury vinyl tile in colour Pewter Concrete was selected for the kitchen, providing a luxury feel together with comfort underfoot and impact sound reduction.Altro Walls ShowerKit in colour Cool Mineral and Stacked Metro design was selected for the bathroom, partnered with Altro Wood adhesive-free in colour Post Oak. The combination of an Altro floor and wall results in an easy-to-maintain and safe space, giving the bathroom a homely aesthetic, with ease of cleaning and our Altro one in a million slip-resistance reassurance.

The implementation of the Future Homes Standard (FHS) policy to move away from fossil fuels to heat UK homes again highlights the need to rethink how well insulated properties could and should be. Most new build and refurbished homes could be insulated to a much greater standard than the current Building Regulations specify whilst providing more floor space, through more widespread use of advanced vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). This insulation technology, which was pioneered by Promat more than a decade ago, delivers superior thermal performance without the thickness usually associated with panels for cavities, flooring, roofing, balconies and terraces.

The Emerald rises 40 stories above one of Seattle's most desirable neighbourhoods. The LEED Silver certified building manages to redefine luxury living. According to the idea of Hewitt architecture studio from Seattle, high-quality, natural materials as well as the sophisticated daylight concept blur the boundaries between the interior rooms and the picturesque nature. This is particularly evident on the second and third floors where the Pilkington Profilit™ channel glass system spans the outside of the fitness centre and community meeting spaces. Large, glazed areas can diffuse extensive amounts of natural light deep into interior spaces without loss of privacy.Apart from channel glass, Pilkington Pyrostop® Line fire protection glass also ensures natural light deep into the interior. Both products were installed in systems from Technical Glass Products.A transparent façade with Pilkington fire-resistant glass was planned to separate the fitness studio from the corridor in terms of fire protection. The spacious inner façade made of glass provides plenty of light in the training area and enables the desired feel-good atmosphere in the fitness studio. At the same time, it directs a lot of light into the interior of the building.The fire-resistant glass Pilkington Pyrostop® Line was used in a Fireframe Clearview® system from TGP with Heat Barrier frames and doors from the Fireframe Heat Barrier series. This generously fire-resistant and at the same time impact-resistant solution could be implemented without a vertical frame between the individual panes, with almost colourless transitions between the adjacent glass panes and without coloured inner glass spacers.

In February of 2022, Towelrads embarked on a collaborative venture, joining a 36-month ongoing initiative aimed at retrofitting Cwmglas Primary School. To ensure minimal disruption to the school’s daily operations, this project has been thoughtfully divided into several stages.Stage 1The initial phase, designated as Stage 1, focused on the top floor of the school premises. Specifically, attention was directed towards the music education and nurture rooms situated on this level. A noticeable difference in temperature existed within these spaces, making them colder than other areas throughout the school. These rooms sported aging standing convector heaters, rendering them ineffective. Furthermore, the characteristics of the building’s construction, the room dimensions, and the heat load posed challenges that rendered conventional low surface temperature radiators insufficient.In response, the decision was made to utilise the Towelrad TZT convector heater equipped with an integrated fan. This selection proved suitable for the low-temperature wet heating system, offering an elevated heating capacity. Notably, the rounded edges of the TZT convector heater not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also elevated the safety of the products, rendering it an ideal choice for a school.The thermostat-controlled fan speed of the TZT convector heater ensured continuous and responsive temperature management within the room, promoting optimal thermal comfort.Although the solution was successfully implemented within the designated rooms, the challenge persisted in the corridors. Enter our Vertical and Horizontal LST Ultra Radiators, serving as the perfect antidote to this issue. Our Ultra LST radiators deliver impressive heat output while maintaining a low surface area. Moreover, their covers, measuring a substantial 2mm in thickness (above industry standards), guaranteed safety across the entirety of the top floor.The Future: Stage 2With the successful completion of Stage 1, marked by the seamless integration of our products into the design framework, we have been entrusted with an extension of our role into Stage 2. This forthcoming phase encompasses the lower floor of the school, encompassing the dining hall, corridors, and classrooms. This work will be carried out over the summer months so that come the start of the school term the students can tackle the winter months in a comfortable learning environment.

The new ECO Tapillo Tap Hand Dryers have been designed with both style and function in mind.Both the Tapillo Single Air Tap Hand Dryer and the Tapillo 2 in 1 Air and Water Tap Hand Dryer are beautifully made from top quality 304 stainless steel and manufactured to an exacting high standard.Each dryer boasts an air temperature sensor to automatically reduce the heater power, saving energy and money. A 2x stage air filtration process also provides ultra clean sanitised air.

Engineered for strength and reliability over a long lifespan, the Armadillo ECO is made with the most durable materials available and is capable of withstanding constant use.

It has been debated over between paper towel and hand dryer industry giants for many years. Both sides of the argument have for some time been able to make viable scientific studies which prove one is better than the other at maintaining washroom hygiene and in a recent article in the Guardian newspaper, they further highlight this very impasse. But, are hand dryers really unhygienic? And who currently reigns supreme in the great paper towels vs hand dryer debate.

Research highlights the importance of hand drying in infection control – and points to electric hand dryers as the best method of hand dryingWhile the benefits of washing your hands have been understood for more than a century, the benefits of hand drying are yet to become public knowledge. Equally, the best method of hand drying has historically divided opinion.

If you’ve never fitted a hand dryer by yourself before, you’re in the right place. To make your hand dryer installation an absolute breeze, follow our simple six-step guide.

Successful Funding Claim

Winner of 2017’s “Best Forecourt Innovation Award”, Abbeyside Service Station's recent renovations included a second storey for café, seating and storage. Maximising shop floor was priority and a Gartec 7000 platform lift with kerb for goods ticked all the boxes. “A platform lift meant much less space was used, but prams and wheelchairs can still get upstairs to the new café easily – and we saved a lot of money. The lift is used daily for stock and does exactly what we need it to do – very reliable and works very well”