"special fittings"

The new office called ‘The Workshop’ positioned at the heart of Lonsdale Square was officially opened in the summer, it provides their growing team with a fully flexible workplace supported by a dedicated VR environment, garden and space to inspire. With over 40 members of staff and a modern aesthetic throughout the office, HLW decided the two Matte Black Billi systems was the right fit.

Accoya wood has recently been specified by Architekturo Siemonsen for windows at private residence in Hamburg, Germany. Fitted by Reinhard Adling Accoya was chosen for this project because of its stability and durability properties over other woods. Accoya wood is the perfect substrate for windows and doors as its naturally insulating and is so stable that the coatings last longer.

A CLEANROOM SOLUTION DESIGNED FOR THE 'CHAMPIONS LEAGUE' AMONG PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIESThe Group's Kemmlit, a company based in nearby Dusslingen, was founded in 1967. In Germany and throughout Europe, it is one of the leading processors of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) panels; a material that Kemmlit has been using for 27 years. The company's core competencies include the installation of clean rooms, personnel airlocks and changing rooms at the highest level in Germany and abroad.For Ever Pharma in Jena, Kemmlit recently equipped the entire changing room area, personnel airlocks and pass-through cabinets up to cleanroom class B according to the GMP requirements.Ralf Stahl, Head of Cleanroom Division at Kemmlit, gets straight to the point: “Such cleanrooms clearly belong to the 'top class'. Class B - as specified at Ever Pharma - represents the highest level at which personnel still have access to the premises. Above this is only Class A, which must be operated completely free of personnel.” This high standard is an essential requirement for the pharmaceuticals produced by Ever Pharma in Jena: the site specializes in cytostatics and medication for neurological applications. Such high-end products must be manufactured under the highest hygiene conditions.

Kielder Observatory Surespan designed and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the Kielder Observatory located in England’s largest forest in Northumberland.  The ProjectAs part of the Kielder Art and Architecture program, Charles Barclay Architects designed Kielder Observatory for the Forestry Commission. The all-timber observatory was constructed from Douglas fir with larch cladding, the pier-like building has rotating turrets that house two permanent telescopes and an observation deck. The turrets can be rotated through 360 degrees.The observatory generates its energy using a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels and includes a composting toilet. The observatory has received 2009 awards from the RIBA and The Civic Trust and featured in the inaugural World Architecture Festival.  The ProductSurespan design and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the roof and the front of the Observatory’s two rotating turrets – one to house a 20” Pulsar manual telescope and the other for a small Mead 14” telescope.  FeaturesThese hatches are electrically operated and have been specially designed to open in a specific sequence using remote control via 24v dc actuators.      

DFV Company realises all their finishes only using Qualicoat approved non-toxic polyester powders. In this regard, the continuous collaboration with suppliers of powder coatings is fundamental, such as Sherwin-Williams, strategic partners in the creation of excellent products and in the research and development of cutting-edge solutions, capable of responding promptly to the changing needs of the market.DFV is an Italian Company with an important international relevance, a leader in the sector of painting for architectural and industrial use.Founded in 1972, today DFV has 3 production units in Italy (Lecce, Venezia, and Agrigento) and 2 abroad (Brazil and Australia). All production sites are equipped with modern painting systems, both vertical and horizontal, and with wood-effect decoration systems that allow DFV to offer a wide range of high-quality colours to several thousand customers as window fabricators, distributors of aluminum profiles, producers, and systems engineers for residential and industrial architecture. The product range of DFV varies from classic and special RAL colours to wood-effect paints and decorations. The core business is represented by the DFV patented EZY and EZY HD2 wood-effect decorations, made using powder on powder technology.

IntroductionSurespan design and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the Kielder Observatory located in England’s largest forest in Northumberland. Products suppliedWe supplied;Surespan designed and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the roof and the front of the Observatory’s two rotating turrets – one to house a 20” Pulsar manual telescope and the other for a small Mead 14” telescope. Features:These hatches are electrically operated and have been specially designed to open in a specific sequence using remote control via 24v dc actuators.The projectAs part of the Kielder Art and Architecture program, Charles Barclay Architects designed Kielder Observatory for the Forestry Commission.The all-timber observatory was constructed from Douglas fir with larch cladding, the pier-like building has rotating turrets that house two permanent telescopes and an observation deck. The turrets can be rotated through 360 degrees.The observatory generates its energy using a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels and includes a composting toilet.The observatory has received 2009 awards from the RIBA and The Civic Trust and featured in the inaugural World Architecture Festival.

The ProjectLocated only 2 miles from the town centre is the town’s most established business park, offering 85,000 sq. ft of developed self-contained office.   The major refurbishment was intended to attract a diverse range of occupiers and underline Altrincham as the leading business park in the area. Space Invader architects designed the high-quality refurbishment and specified Excelsior to manufacture and deliver the washroom package.The ChallengeThis washroom project formed part of a full and extensive refurbishment package managed by TSK Group.  The Architects vision was to create a modern, industrial environment offering the occupant complete privacy and comfort.  Standard vanity frontages and sinks did not meet the brief, a bespoke wash station was required. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles provided complete privacy for the user and a flush frontage complete with aluminium rebated edge detail to the doors and pilasters enhanced the industrial theme of the washrooms. Bespoke Vanities were created to carry sit on sinks on a Marble effect, Laminated Polyrey top, all supported by specially made, galvanised steel legs, powder coated in a black finish.

Chelwood House by Napier Clarke is a clean, modern building in Chesham Bois, Amersham. It was built to replace an existing suburban house and is located within an area of special character meaning it was vital to seamlessly blend into the local area.Napier Clarke elected to use local brick and charred timber to ensure the house’s materials were able to sit visually well within the immediate area. Chelwood’s impressive size (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living space, snug, kitchen/ dining, play area, garage, utility room and an attic yoga room) and modern visual leanings were expected to be a challenge for local planning authorities. However, the building’s sympathetic materials and centrepiece vaulted roofs were inspired by the local area and the proposals were accepted.Chelwood introduces a cantilevered brick upper floor to its design which contrasts the simple design of the ground floor. Internally, the same materials used in its external spaces are repeated, creating a series of truly dynamic focal points.Chelwood uses legacy Michelmersh products in its production and recently won the Individual Housing Award in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.

Installer – Metclad ContractsMain Contractor – R G Carter, CambridgeArchitect – MCW ArchitectsClient – University of BedfordshireSystem(s) – Vantage®️ SF in Anodised Regency Gold and PPC 9006 Syntha Pulvin Bespoke Curved Internal Rooflights and bespoke flashings throughout.The University of Bedfordshire has invested 40 million pounds in this new STEM building at its Central Luton campus.STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, however Pharmaceutical and Chemical Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, and Mechanical Engineering are also taught there.The project was a very big challenge to our design teams as the specification from MCW architects was predominately regency gold anodised . This spec calls for a special grade of aluminium and the finish means that we must leave welds as laid. Consequently, we had to consider different methods of fabrication to resolve with stunning resultsWe supplied our Vantage®️ SF Hook on rainscreen in both regency gold and powder coated, 9006 Silver however, the pinnacle of our supply was the bespoke curved anodised rooflight in silver 9006

The recent refurbishment of 4 Chiswell Street by Ben Adams Architects includes Armourcoat’s Istria polished plaster wall finish. Situated close to the historic Bunhill cricket ground in Islington, this once tired office building has been re-imagined as a modern and open workspace.Entering through an impressive new façade and front entrance, the architect’s design includes a double height reception space bathed in natural light. A sculpturally fluted wall finished in Istria polished plaster and custom terrazzo floor continue a circular motif repeated throughout the design. With exposed services and stylish use of concrete colours, the structure has been transformed into a contemporary and relevant commercial building with a distinctive urban feel.Named after the characteristic building stone of Venice, the Istria polished plaster finish is made from a combination of slaked lime, recycled marble powder and special additives. The Istria finish is full of ingrained surface movement and creates a matt or honed stone appearance. Tonal variation and surface movement within the finish complements other natural materials including wood, stone and fabric.

The ultimate in classic modernity, Infinite Full Height toilet cubicles deliver sleek, clean lines, flush-fronts and minimalist fittings. Not stopping there, the cubicles offer total user privacy thanks to full height doors, pilasters and partitions.As is typical in the United Arab Emirates, style is of paramount importance, so the design of the toilet cubicles could not be compromised by the need for durability.The privacy of these busy washrooms was equally as important so that safe, comfortable and secure facilities were available to all visitors.Our premium Infinite Full Height toilet cubicles were specified in heat, scratch and impact resistant High Pressure Laminate (HPL), which is an ideal material for heavily used areas.The ultimate in classic modernity, Infinite Full Height toilet cubicles deliver sleek, clean lines, flush-fronts and minimalist fittings. ‘Cloud’ and ‘Gunmetal’ were the colours of choice for the cubicles, complementing the décor of the modern washrooms perfectly.Read the full case study for more details.

Our client required a bespoke fit-out with significance placed on meeting environmental standards and adhering to building regulations.Project BreakdownEfficient installation was another important consideration. As this project was a refurb, all the doors and balustrades were already fitted, with as little as 45 mm build up height in some areas. This project required a versatile substructure solution and careful planning.The SolutionOverlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and benefiting from panoramic views of the London skyline, the curved aspect of the 10th floor terrace area presented an interesting challenge. The angled cuts create more deck board wastage than usual, but with support from EnviroBuild this was allowed for and calculated before the works started, helping to manage costs and ensuring no delays.Project DetailsSize: 168 m²Product: Stone Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: MESA Aluminium Joists, MESA Aluminium PedestalsClient: Collins Construction LimitedArchitect: BDS Architecture and Interior DesignSub-Contractor: BOA ContractorsLocation: London

TS.11204 Cam Action Door CloserThe 153-bedroom Village Hotel is a recent addition to the growing Village Hotels chain. As its fitting out neared completion, we were contacted by our client, who reported a problem with the doors not being held fully shut by the closers. This would obviously be a fire safety issue and, with 307 doors to fit, was a challenge that needed to be overcome quickly.Rutland personnel visited the site to diagnose the cause and found that the door architraves were deeper than normal. This extra depth reduced the pre-tension capacity of the closer to hold the door shut.The solution identified was to increase the angle of the closer arm when the doors were closed from five to ten degrees. Back at Rutland headquarters, this design modification was quickly made to the TS.11204 closer and the revised versions supplied.They worked perfectly, thereby enabling the hotel to keep the desired door closer specification and know that all its doors were fully fire safety compliant.

HMS Belfast, the most significant surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War, has been equipped with L1 category fire systems from Advanced. The decommissioned destroyer, which is permanently moored as a museum ship on the River Thames in London, was fitted with eight-loop and two-loop MxPro 5 fire panels, plus a TouchControl touchscreen remote control terminal and repeater.Fitted on behalf of the Imperial War Museum, which owns and operates the historic vessel, the new fire system covers six of the warship’s nine decks, as well as its on-shore visitor pavilion.Advanced’s long-standing partner, ADI Global, was responsible for the supply of the fire alarm control panels for the project at HMS Belfast, while facilities services company Atalian Servest was responsible for the installation, commissioning and networking of the fire panels in accordance with BS 5839. The panels were integrated with around 700 Apollo XP95 detectors and interfaced with VESDA aspirating smoke detection.

The new Santander Work Café in Jersey is the banking institution’s first major high street location in the Channel Islands. The banking space is designed to provide customers with a better experience in a comfortable and open environment and is the work of Santander’s in-house architects, Jose Miguel Perez Tallon and Ruben Sesmero Blanco. They worked with fit-out contractor Style Shopfitting, to specify Amtico Signature LVT, which was fitted by Marett Floorcraft. When considering the design for the new Work Café, Santander’s in-house architect team wanted to experiment with a new floor pattern to bring together the informal meeting and co-working spaces on the ground and first floors. Amtico produced a bespoke version of its Aspekt laying pattern, using shards of Signature in Worn Oak, Solar Pine and Exposed Concrete for an ultramodern and urban look to inspire visitors, create specific zones and link the two floors of the building. The design blends into Worn Oak, laid in Stripwood, to aid wayfinding and subtly connect different areas while complementing the colour scheme. 

The 8,500m2 Biosciences building is clad in silver anodised ACM panels generally 1.3m high and up to 6.4m long that work together to wrap around the complex elevations. Each individual panel purpose-made and pre-curved at Ash & Lacy’s West Bromwich site, to fit around and match the windows on the building. The protruding raked capping details were also manufactured in the same material, in order to provide a fully cohesive design. Original concept architects, Llewelyn Davies Yeang, specified 3,500m2 Ash & Lacy Facade for the extensive new build, to give the building an innovative and hi-tech finish, reflecting the standards of the department itself.The design of the seven-storey building responds to the constraints of a steeply sloping site divided by a service road creating staggered floor levels, interesting external spaces and a flowing façade. The science block also features a sedum green roof fitted with solar panels for the heating of domestic water contributing to the very good BREEAM rating it has secured.

Construction of Herman Miller’s New HQ and distribution centre began in 2014, being the biggest single investment in the town, and creating 200 jobs in the local area.Soundis Absorb-R Timber Grooved 14/2m Sound Absorption panels...The 170,000 sq metre warehouse project required Absorb-R Timber Grooved 14/2m Sound Absorption panels to be fitted to the walls of the office area, meeting rooms, restaurant and general circulation space. The acoustic wall panels were specified for innovative design and high sound absorption acoustic performance.The timber wall panels are grooved, providing impeccable sound absorption performances, but also ensuring a high class aesthetic finish and feel with a choice of timber types and finishes.Herman Miller provide “Class A” products and are renowned for great quality and therefore required a sound absorption solution to comply with their own brand style. Soundis fitted perfectly to the Herman Miller specification throughout the installation space being treated and installed by UK Acoustic Systems.

Yeoman Shield recently supplied and installed a handrail system in an NHS Trust’s seven mental health accommodation units.With a requirement for a handrail that was also sensitive to the nature of service users, an Anti-Ligature Guardian Handrail was chosen from the Yeoman Shield range to be fitted to corridor and passage way walls, offering both support as a handrail for those who may require it as well as a form of protection from impact damage to walls from footfall and wheeled equipment.Using a continuous fixing bracket running the full length of the handrail installation eliminates points where ligatures can be attached. Close fitting wall return ends ensures complete enclosure of all mechanical parts of the rail.Supplied in Red, the contrasting colour not only adds to the interior décor but can assist in wayfinding. Manufactured from a rigid PVCu material Yeoman Shield’s Guardian Handrail products do not promote the growth of mould or viruses and are easy to clean, being impervious to commercial cleaners.

The Dairy is a retirement Living Plus development built in 2017 for people over the age of 70. Providing both one and two bedroom apartments, each apartment has a fully fitted kitchen, underfloor heating, fitted and tiled shower room with level access shower and a 24 hour emergency call system. Facilities include a hair and nail salon, lifts to all floors, club lounge, restaurant and a south facing courtyard garden. Transport links to surrounding towns and cities are available via rail and road. The railway station has trains running directly to Charing Cross and London Bridge which takes one hour.Cellecta’s Mojave S1-8 was specified by Lewis & Hickey due to it being a lightweight option for an acoustic composite floor build up. This system has a low energy use, reducing running costs and co2 emissions, which benefits the environment.McCarthy & Stone were awarded this 2,860m² contract to construct this development on St John’s Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

THE PROJECTBeautifully designed apartments situated in the heart of Fulham High Street, a prestigious area of London just minutes from the river, tube station and park. These carefully restored gatehouses offer striking architecture with beautiful interiors and stunning views.These design-led apartments are decorated with beautiful quality finishes and the finest detail, all carefully considered by Sitesales property group. The finishing touches throughout are complimented with all aspects of the fit-out, with mail delivery being no exception.THE PRODUCTIt is yet another luxury high-end development to incorporate our new unique ‘Tile’ mailboxes. These horizontally fitted, wall recessed mailboxes with highly innovative composite doors are manufactured to an exceptional standard with consideration to both aesthetics and functionality.Banked in a configuration of 5 x 9 mailboxes, each one has Gothic font engraved numbering positioned on the bottom right-hand corner. The mailbox locks are a dark bronze finish while the mailboxes boast a stylish polyester powder-coated bronze finish.

During the hotel’s modernisation, interior designer and architect Manfred Ronstedt successfully created a pleasant living environment, through carefully chosen interiors. Here, usability for guests was not to be forgotten. The accessories and fittings from KEUCO impress by perfectly uniting design with stylish comfort. Gleaming chrome finishes underscore the noble ambience of the refined interior architecture of the hotel.This 4-star business hotel of the Best Western Group is situated directly at Lake Neuchâtel, not far from the historical city centre of Neuchâtel. With the natural materials and gentle colours, the unique location and the wonderful natural setting of the area acted as inspiration for the design of the high quality furnishings in the rooms and suites. Wood and colours such as sand, truffle, gold and brown dominate the room design. Whilst selecting the products, Manfred Ronstedt of Ronstedt hotel concepts placed strong emphasis on the timeless elegance: "The accessories and fittings from KEUCO harmonise perfectly with the design concept of the hotel rooms – a modern ambience of well-being.“The exclusive bathroom furnishings include generously-sized showers, and some also have a bath tub. Some rooms also offer a separate WC. Ample space for setting things down at the washbasin and carefully selected KEUCO accessories from the Moll collection allow things to be comfortably organised. The straight lines and sensuous curves of the fittings harmonise perfectly with the inviting furnishings. A cosmetic mirror and a large towel holder as well as a noble sponge wire basket and handholds in the wet area underscore the comfort and high-quality touch of each bathroom. A large head shower and the additional hand shower transform showering into a spa-like experience.

Since 2021, Dryflow has supplied the compact, yet perfectly formed EcoWave Hand Dryers to Burger King restaurants throughout the UK, saving the firm thousands of pounds in energy costs, whilst providing speedy hand drying for fast food lovers and staff.Dan Warwick, purchasing manager at ICM Complete Fit Out Solutions says:“The Dryflow EcoWave is an aesthetically pleasing and reliable product“Units Supplied: Continuous supply, 200+ to dateInstaller: ICMKey Benefits: Slim, sleek, quiet, energy efficientRated Power: 0.4kW - 0.95kW | 1.67 - 2.64 Wh per dryProjectWe worked closely with Burger King’s longstanding fit out company, ICM Complete Fit Out Solutions, to supply our energy-efficient, space-savvy Dryflow Eco Dryers which are ideal for a wide range of sites with high footfall, including city centres, airports and motorway service areas.SolutionAs one of the most slimline dryers on the market, with a depth of just 10cm, and complete with hygienic HEPA filter, is the perfect dryer for any restaurant wishing to maximise space, style AND efficiency in the washroom.The Dryflow Eco WavePerfect for fast food and all other hospitality outlets, The Dryflow EcoWave Hand Dryer completely dries hands in just 10 – 15 seconds.Boasting second-to-none energy and cost efficiency – with 3,000 dries possible per £1 spent on electricity – this elegant, extremely well constructed, slimline dryer will save any business money when they make the switch from paper towels or a less efficient electric unit. The Dryflow brand is the world’s very first range of hand dryers to be classed as Carbon Neutral by ClimatePartner

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.

Boyco were commissioned to supply and install cloakroom fittings and Waterfall® anti-drip worktops for a two-classroom extension at Bro Alun primary school in North Wales. The results are impressive.“The architect had never used us before, but was keen to specify our products, which was very pleasing,” said Boyco Regional Manager Kevin Bond, explaining the background to our project to supply and fit coat hooks and bag trays, and anti-drip worktops for a two-classroom extension at Ysgol Bro Alun in Gwersyllt.The made-to-measure cloakroom fittings were fully assembled when delivered, meaning less time spent on site for installation. They were available in the school’s colours and came with a lifetime guarantee, as well as having an anti-microbial finish.The project took just four months from initial enquiry to handover. As well as the architect’s own research, our early collaboration with stakeholders (including the school headmaster) to discuss the project and review samples helped avoid potential issues.The initial site survey also identified opportunities for Boyco to add value, based on our considerable experience and deep understanding of the education sector. Initially tasked with supplying our Waterfall® laminate worktops, which have a ‘bull-nosed’ edge to prevent spills and drips, we proposed incorporating a handwash basin into the scope of works to avoid potentially expensive design changes and/or retrofittingSince the successful completion of the project, Boyco have been added to Read Construction’s approved supplier list.I was really impressed with the scheme and the furniture installed. Read Construction also said how positive it was working with Boyco.Lawray Architects

The Pôle d`Échange Serra is located directly opposite the Luxexpo exhibition and congress centre in Kirchberg, Luxembourg. The area combines a new bus terminal regional buses and city buses, a Park & Ride car park with around 600 parking spaces and two office buildings with a total area of approx. 8,000 m². With the help of charging points for electric cars, a small kiosk and high security measures at the bus station, the project aims to make the switch from car to public transport more attractive. Lindner Group was involved in the development of the office space. The originalcontract covered the floor and partition trades, including the installation of the NORTEC raised floor with fitted carpet and the use of timber and glass partitions. These were complemented by matching door systems and wooden wall claddings. Due to thecustomer's high level of satisfaction with Lindner's services, the order was quickly extended during the interior fit-out work: As a result, Lindner realised impressive Ecophon acoustic baffles for the meeting rooms. In addition, mobile partition walls should now find their way into the 4th and 7th floors. The room height of over 5 m on the 7th floor made the installation challenging: However, thanks to the static design and subsequent execution of a steel construction clad with plaster, the connection of the 4m high partition wall could be carried out without any problems. Another highlight of the interior fit-out are the wall absorbers in the meeting rooms, which also serve as acoustic pictures. The perforated CPL panel was created in cooperation with Topakustik using a new production method. The perforation pattern corresponds to a Morse code, which stands for the Luxembourg national anthem.

Brynteg School in Bridgend, Wales had an urgent need to refurbish their incredibly tired and dated linoleum floor in the main sports hall. The project would be a perfect ‘fit’ for international flooring specialist Gerflor who supplied their Olympic pedigree Taraflex® Performance sports flooring, together with their Taraflex® Bateco protection system.The installation of the Gerflor flooring would be the responsibility of Cardiff-based Puma Floors Ltd. Matthew Graves, Commercial Director, Puma Floors Ltd, commented, “We have previously installed both Taraflex and Bateco before, they are extremely easy products to work with. The final result and the sports hall look amazing, and the client is delighted with the final finish. We would certainly choose to specify and install Gerflor again.”The main sports hall at Brynteg School also provides sporting facilities for a host of wheelchair sports which makes Gerflor’s Taraflex® the ideal choice when it comes to comfort, safety, and performance. Taraflex® sports floorings are recognised all over the world for all types of sports. cushioned floors, with high IPI values, are key features for sitting volleyball and other sitting sports.Commenting on the Brynteg School project Tony Thorne, Gerflor Specification Manager, South Wales said, “This has been a formidable project to be involved in and hugely fulfilling to see our first-class sports surface really delivering on both performance, comfort, and safety.”Taraflex® sports flooring has been fitted at every Olympic Games since 1976. Approved by many National and International governing bodies as a world class sports surface, it is also widely installed within the education, community, leisure, health, and fitness sectors.

When the government instructed people to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, the gym where Wirral-based personal trainer Megan Hewitt worked closed down. So, Megan and partner Dan decided to build a fitness studio in their garden to allow her to conduct video personal training sessions during lockdown. To ensure the 6m x 3m timber frame building would be suitable for use all year round, it was essential to insulate the roof and walls.The couple researched various types of insulation online and narrowed it down to Mineral Wool because of its thermal performance and fire safety. They had three other considerations: it had to be good at blocking noise, have excellent sustainability credentials, and be easy to install, as they planned to fit it themselves.Just one product for all applicationsTheir research showed that Knauf Insulation 50mm and 70mm OmniFit Slab ticked all the boxes. It is a multi-application slab, meaning the couple didn’t need to purchase separate products for the roof and walls. What’s more, it offers a higher level of thermal performance than alternative versatile slabs on the market.It is manufactured from Glass Mineral Wool and is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not add to the development or spread of a fire should it occur.Keeping quietAs any exercise fanatic knows, a good workout needs a strong soundtrack and Megan wanted to motivate clients without becoming a noisy neighbour. OmniFit Slab provides excellent levels of acoustic performance thanks to its open fibre structure that absorbs sound waves.Insulation that doesn’t cost the earthSustainability was another important factor for the couple. Like all of Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool insulation, it is manufactured from up to 80% recycled content, mostly used glass bottles and jars that would otherwise go to landfill.It is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold Standard.Its softness was a benefit that Megan noticed during installation. She said: “I remember helping my Dad with our ‘old-school’ Mineral Wool loft insulation when I was younger and it was horrible, it irritated my skin for 24 hours after. But the OmniFit was fine – there was no irritation whatsoever.”Installation was no sweatA tight fit between joints is essential to eliminate gaps that can reduce thermal and acoustic performance, but with some types of insulation it can be difficult to achieve the high quality installation required. OmniFit Slab is manufactured to provide friction fitting to ensure all joints are sealed correctly. Despite having no previous experience, Megan, Dan and a friend fitted the 40m2 OmniFit Slab themselves over the course of a day.“Before fitting the insulation, we watched an installation video on YouTube,” said Megan. “We followed the techniques shown and it was really easy to install. We had no problems at all.”“I’m delighted with the finished result. When the fitness studio was finished, we kept turning up the stereo to see whether the insulation really was soundproof – even at full blast, you couldn’t hear the music outside. It’s amazing.”“Before we put the insulation in, I was exercising in winter gear with the radiator on full – now the studio is lovely and warm. I’m back in vests and I haven’t had to put the heating on at all.”Thanks to Knauf Insulation OmniFit Slab, Megan and her clients can enjoy a high energy workout in a warm, safe environment – without disturbing her neighbours. What’s more, the insulation is sustainable and will ensure the studio’s energy consumption and carbon emissions are low over its lifetime. Note: Megan, Dan and her friend maintained social distancing guidelines during the insulation install. Megan continues to follow government guidelines for the operation of gyms and exercise facilities, conducting her sessions online when in-person training is not possible.

This stunning bespoke stone staircase, created from La Roche limestone, forms part of a large project that Stoneworld have collaborated on: After digitally templating the bare concrete structure onsite, individual step treads and step risers have been cut on the water jet cutter in our masonry factory. These have then been expertly fitted by the contractor.

The Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick is one of the biggest campus libraries in Ireland and one of the most digitally advanced in the world. The €30m project includes a 7,600sqm extension and new facilities that offer students advanced computing, collaboration and communication spaces. Acoustic ceilings from Rockfon® are fitted throughout and play a pivotal role in helping the university realise its vision.

Grantley Hall is a hidden jewel found in the Yorkshire Dales, offering 47 exquisite bedrooms, five indulgent restaurants, including Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, and three stunning bars.The hotel features luxurious accessible washroom fixtures and fittings from our Fitzoy of London Kirkman collection, inclusive of the overall design and style of the hotel's bathrooms.

Design and fit out of a new 5,000 sqft HQ in Reading in just 7 weeks. The project was across two floors and was very much designed with video production in mind with several specific areas that needed to be created including a large screen demo studio, a training centre, a tech support lab as well as a creative working environment to inspire all staff.

Demanding and prestigious, Reading’s Minerva House project required doors with both specialist colour effects and fire rating. The specified solution, Strongdor’s Firedor series, surpassed those requirements while remaining within budget.In order to maintain the aesthetic coherence and tension between the interior and exterior spaces and create continuity, it was necessary that the doors should be fitted with themed ironmongery.

When a new COVID-19 Lighthouse Laboratory was approved in Plymouth in November 2020, the Government required a quick turnaround to set up the testing facility in order to meet demand and tackle the virus. After its proven success in supplying the Nightingale Hospitals, Totus Engineering specified Marshall-Tufflex PowerPoles and Odyssey Bio trunking to complete the fit out.

One Vere Street is an extensively redeveloped office building behind a handsome period facade. The property has been finished to an exceptional standard and boasts a number of interesting features including a structural glass staircase. The project was carried with Corley + Woolley. Structural alterations and Cat ‘A’ fit out over 5 floors on the corner of Vere Street and Oxford Street.

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.

A fitting tribute to Ireland’s infantry war dead has been gracefully completed in Staffordshire at The National Memorial Arboretum. Depicted within this impressive and iconic memorial is artscape, used to create a map design as a monumental reminder of the sacrifice that Irish Infantry Regiments have made in service with the British Army since 1689, including both the recent World Wars and subsequent conflicts.