"special fittings"

When Vitsoe, makers of iconic minimal-modernist furniture, decided to build a new HQ, it was always going to be something special. Central to the design is the saw tooth roof with 240 northlights created using the VELUX Modular Skylight system. The elegant sightlines of the VELUX skylight frame sections complemented Vitsoe's own minimal-modernist design philosophy. " Natural lighting and ventilation from the VELUX Modular Skylights were critical to restoring a connection between the building's users and the world around them."

High quality materials and building techniques have been used throughout the project to promote sustainability and longevity. This has often resulted in traditional materials being used in an unorthodox way to great effect – demonstrating a pioneering element to the architectural design throughout the project. This can be noted in the use of Wienerberger’s Ashington Red Multi bricks and special shaped single cants and single cant return bricks, while the beautifully mixed brown multi Gala Waterstruck pavers add a contrasting visual.

Recent economic growth in Cambridgeshire has led to huge demand for new educational facilities. An ambitious £37.5 million Littleport complex comprising special educational needs (SEN) and primary schools, an Academy and a leisure centre is nearing completion. Rockfon ceilings, baffles and wall panels are installed throughout the Academy and the SEN school which opened their doors in 2017. Rockfon products were chosen because they offer excellent sound control, Class A1 fire safety, durability and are environmentally friendly.

One of Birmingham’s flagship public spaces was officially opened to reveal its new design in a special ceremony on the 3rd July 2019. Centenary Square’s new look was unveiled nearly five years after Birmingham City Council, with RIBA, launched an international design competition, to redesign one of the city’s biggest squares, which attracted 185 entries from more than 30 countries. Its completion fulfils the organiser’s aspiration to create ‘a world class space and popular destination’.

Prior Weston Primary, located in the City of London, required a large south facing free standing canopy that would create solar energy for their school whilst also protecting their pupils from the elements. David Everett, the school’s Business Manager contacted Able Canopies for a free site survey and quotation as he had seen a Shade Sail array that we had installed at Richard Cloudesley Special School which is situated on the same site as Prior Weston Primary School.

Job: Restoration of cottage dating from 1764 in Ardglass Golf ClubProduct: SMET NHL 3.5 BinderRelated DownloadsTDS SMET NHL 3.5SMET / Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureSMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration works internal restoration of an old 1764 cottage found on the 7th hole of historic Ardglass Golf Club. This will be an added attraction for members and the many overseas visitors alike when coming to play Ardglass.Our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 was used to produce a superior-quality lime mortar for repointing and internal restoration.  The selective hydraulic strength development of NHL binders makes them particularly suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, and plastering on historical buildings and monuments.NHL binders, available directly from SMET and online or in-store via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.This restoration is another wonderful showcase of sympathetic historic building restorations around the country, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

DescriptionLocal Smet Supported Partner, master builders NRS Group Construction, machine-applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas, and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The Irish LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and the Smet Supported Partner’s superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET. SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, who ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.

Helmsman two compartment heavy-duty lockers were supplied, delivered and installed by Helmsman professionals in Trowse Primary School corridors. Bespoke specification of 1600mm height and a range of different door colours were chosen to brighten up this primary school. Each compartment door was fitted with an oval laminated number plate, from 1 to 60 twice. Blue and grey themed lockers were fitted on the first floor, while green and grey themed lockers were fitted on the second floor to split the floors. Diamond swivel locks were fitted on the lockers for an easy use and the pleasing aesthetics.

Gradus has supplied and fitted a range of wall protection solutions as part of the £16m newly built Bitterne Park School in Southampton. The new school includes 80 new teaching classrooms, a purpose-built assembly hall/theatre, a new dining space with a fully fitted kitchen and purpose built fully fitted classrooms to house the students as part of their Food and Nutrition studies.

The Palais Coburg in Vienna was bought by POK Pühringer, a private foundation, with the intention to convert it into a luxury hotel resort. The architect goal was to reveal and use the beauty of the old and well-preserved bricks beneath the entrance hall by building a skylight above it. Vetrotech recommended the use of Lite-Floor, a walkable fire-resistant glass solution, which resists fire for up to 30 minutes. This eye-catcher made of glass, features a special screen printing on its surface, which acts both as a design element and a protective anti-slip layer.

Resucoat HB the high-build epoxy resin manufactured by Sherwin-Williams is over around 12000 square metres of concourse floor area. For this project with heavy and intense footfall it was essential to have a hard wearing coating with a degree of texture for non-slip performance which also would be cleanable to provide a great looking floor for this high profile facility. A special very hard aggregate is incorporated into the coating which is the same product used for non-slip texture on areas such as the decks of United States aircraft carriers.

The O2 arena's roof needed state-of-the-art acoustic engineering to eliminate virtually all nuisance ambient noise (bass thumping) outside the arena contributing to fantastic acoustics inside the structure.The complex roof design featured several layers of different density barrier materials to deaden even the lowest bass frequencies, all carried on special acoustic deck structures. The structural deck troughs were filled with ROCKWOOL RW4 insulation, with ROCKWOOL Acoustic membrane over and a 50mm Rigidal intermediate deck.

Nearly 600 PVC-U tilt-turn windows in the Profile 22 system were chosen for The Gateway, a £22million student accommodation in Lincoln. The tilt-turn windows were fabricated by Profile 22’s Approved Window Contractor, Polar Windows, using the fully chamfered system, foiled with smooth finish RAL 7016 Anthracite grey as a special order to colour match the aluminium design scheme. The work was carried out in line with strict deadlines, and the project was completed in good time ready for the beginning of the academic year.

Gradus has supplied and installed a range of bespoke wall protection solutions throughout the ground-breaking new Proton Beam Therapy Centre at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Gradus supplied and installed its SureProtect Pure® hygienic wall cladding in White and Iceberg shades. Specially designed to create an impermeable barrier to moisture and bacteria it features a smooth, easy-to-clean surface to ensure a hygienic solution that meets ‘Health Building Note 00-09: Infection control in the built environment’

Bilco UK’s special zinc-clad Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents chosen for the Zaha Hadid designed Glasgow Transport Museum, Scotland. The roof specification included Smoke Vents and Roof Access to blend with the roof finish. Bilco supplied modified units with zinc cladding to achieve the desired look. To enable safe roof maintenance, a modified E-50T Hatch was supplied and installed to the 46 degree sloping roof enabling maintenance staff to gain easy, safe access to roof equipment

The SEN Code of Practice mandates that schools must take reasonable steps to identify and support children with special educational needs, facilitating their progress toward personal potential. Recently, Care Spaces collaborated with Kent County Council for a Primary Academy in Gravesend, tasked with creating a hygiene room for a new pupil with additional needs. Despite challenges such as a small initial space, asbestos removal, and a tight timeline, the team reconfigured walls, installed essential features, and completed the project, providing the school with a compliant, safe, and inclusive space.

The residential school, in the hamlet of Peters Marland, just outside Great Torrington, offers residential provision for Year 6 to Year 11 male students from across Devon. The boys who attend have either a statement of special education needs or an education, health and care plan for social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The primary role of the school’s residential facility is to provide a safe, rewarding, and positive environment and they needed to build an additional building and refurbish existing residential facilities to achieve this. The school looked to danfloor to supply the carpet.

Witley Court is a ruined Italianate mansion built in the seventeenth century and expanded in the early nineteenth century by the Architect John Nash. In 1937 a major accidental fire broke out and whilst the building is in ruins, it is Grade I listed and in the care of English Heritage who restored the formal gardens and fountains. Bolton Gate were engaged to design and manufacture gates replacement gates to provide night-time security with special folding bottom tracks to leave the floor surface intact and installed with great care to maintain the building’s status.

Helo was invited to design and build a bespoke steam room as part of a leisure complex redeveloped within a country estate. Using traditional Moroccan Tadelakt finish, an authentic hammam style steam bath was created. A challenge posed by this project was to achieve remote switching of the steam from the main residence over a distance of 350 metres, enabling the client to prepare the steam room in advance of use. Special design features were included. For example, an ornate pull handle and concealed linear drain at the room’s entrance.

The main kitchen at the Old Deanery, official residence to the Bishop of London, was part of a major refurbishment of this historic home, lying in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral.Situated on the first floor, the main kitchen is a very compact room and this presented special challenges to its design. The available space was truly maximised under the design of Caroe Architects and it was then the task of GEC Anderson to measure, supply and install the specialist fabrications as well as the many appliances.Sykes & Son Ltd were awarded the main contact for the the total refurbishment project.

The Bishop Auckland refurbishment project, is a stellar example of K Systems ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Durham Homes commissioned K Systems to refurbish its residential development of 120 terraced houses. The primary aim of this project was to improve the thermal performance rating of each home. The challenge for K Systems was to provide a suitable EWI solution whilst retaining the character of the homes by replicating the existing brick and stone walls.Due to this unique mix of required finishes, we were presented with an extremely complex project that required careful attention of several aesthetic and design considerations.Having a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver clients’ visions, we worked in collaboration with our approved installer Westdale Group, to scope out the project and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.These poorly insulated brick and stone terraced houses were given a thermal upgrade to enhance occupier comfort. An attractive brick render finish was used over insulation to provide an aesthetic finish that is in keeping with the current street scene.This satisfied the client’s requirements whilst providing a total revamp for the properties, which has resulted in energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing homes for the client and residents.Our ServiceWe worked in collaboration with Durham Homes and approved installer Westdale Group to upgrade these poorly insulated brick and stone terraced houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Our Application Specialists visited the site regularly throughout the project working in collaboration with the approved contractor to ensure correct installation and detailing.As a result, we delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Durham Homes, and the residents of the newly improved homes.Joe Rogers at Westdale Group, said:“To deliver such a large project (120 houses), it requires multiple teams to work seamlessly together and have absolute trust in the other’s skill, vision, and judgement. That’s exactly what we had with K Systems on this Bishop Auckland project. The team’s innate understanding of pairing systems with finishes for optimal performance is second to none and together we delivered a best-in-class refurbishment which was an absolute pleasure.”Technical Project DetailsEffective demand planning and technical detailing ensured that the Durham Homes project was completed on time in March 2022.Having comprehensively assessed the project requirements, taking into consideration thermal u-value target, aesthetics and cost, our K Systems E BrickRend EWI system was specified. This high-performing system is lightweight utilising expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels that are enhanced with graphite to further enhance thermal performance.The E BrickRend system has a fire performance rating of B2-s1,d0. It’s low moisture absorption and resistance to mould growth ensures a high level of durability.The system was specifically tailored to meet the thermal performance criteria of the project. Utilising 90mm EPS panels, the target U-value of 0.30W/m2K was achieved, delivering the benefits of improved thermal comfort and lower heating costs for residents, whilst helping the local authority achieve it’s environmental carbon reduction targets.Several finish options were considered to meet the client’s requirement of replicating the existing brick/stone appearance of the properties whilst remaining within the project budget.K Systems specified BrickRend, a bespoke, specially formulated polymer render which was colour-matched to the existing masonry. It was then down to the skill of our approved installer to apply pigments to tint and shade the render surface and simulate the appearance of real stonework. The surface is then sealed to provide a long-term durability. A dash render finish was applied to the rear of the Bishop Auckland properties.This particular finish didn’t just ‘fit the bill’ at the time of delivery, but is an economic, durable, lightweight solution, easily applied, with an increased bond strength compared to sand and cement, which will protect the insulation and structural fabric of the homes from environmental deterioration in years to come.This customised finish and attention to detail is a perfect example of how K Systems works with all clients to fulfil any specific design criteria and go above and beyond the standard requirements to deliver superior quality.

The circa 100-year-old Westerham farmhouse had been on the market for over four years when Amy Taylor and her family decided to take on the property as a renovation project and completely revamp it.The property was extremely run down when the family first viewed it - a cream rendered bungalow that had turned green and was harbouring a multitude of cracks inside and out, with wet and mouldy internal walls. The Taylors had originally dismissed the property as the renovation project they were seeking on the basis that “the price was bonkers”, says Amy. “To us, the price didn’t reflect the state of the property or the work that would need to be carried out to restore it, which meant we couldn’t really afford to knock it down and start again.”However, some negotiation on the price eventually made it a more viable prospect and Amy began researching her options in earnest.“The house sits in over 16 acres of wooded land and paddocks, so the black cladding option jumped out at me as a great option because I felt that the combination of a new brick plinth and the cladding would give it a barn-effect feel – in keeping with its surroundings, but also significantly improving the look and quality of the property.”After extensively researching the cladding market – “there are a lot of different cladding materials out there and big differences in quality and price” says Amy – she finally made her choice.“When I saw Cedral, I liked the grain, I liked the texture, I liked the fact it looks really realistic and I was very impressed with the minimum life expectancy of 50 years.”For Amy, a product that continues to look good through the years is key. “I don’t want something that looks good but in a year’s time becomes extremely high maintenance.”Cedral’s durable fibre cement cladding met the requirements perfectly, manufactured to withstand the harshest weather conditions and supplied with an excellent fire performance classification of A2-s1, d0. It doesn’t need regular repainting and won’t rot, rust, warp or crack.Amy was so impressed by Cedral that she decided on Cedral Lap in colour C50 Black, laid horizontally, for both the main house and the annex and Cedral Click in the same colour, laid vertically on one section to create an eye-catching feature wall.And the final result?“It is more than I ever could have dreamed of,” says Amy. “Cedral has helped us to transform the look of the main building and annex, allowing us to turn something so unappealing and run down into a beautiful home. We also hope it has added substantial value to the property, not only looks-wise but also in terms of adding extra insulation, which is also good for the EPC rating.” That’s because Cedral cladding acts like a second skin on a building’s exterior and is also frost, mould and water resistant.Cedral allowed Amy to get the stylish wood-look barn effect she wanted, without the hassle of caring for real wood with its high maintenance demands and associated costs. In fact, the family’s new home looks so good that the neighbours assumed they had knocked the property down and rebuilt it from scratch!Cedral facades are the perfect option for homeowners who can’t afford to - or don’t want to - move, advises Amy, as the cladding can be used to totally transform a home.This renovation has been an incredible achievement for Amy, who didn’t use a building company, architect or interior designer on the project. The revamp was completed in less than a year – all while coping with the restrictions of a global pandemic - aided by a group of highly trusted tradesmen that she has previously worked with.Amy pays special tribute to Cedral installer Derek Pout who completed all the brick work on the house as well as the perfectly fitted cladding. “Derek has single-handedly transformed our home on the outside and we can’t thank him enough,” she says.She was also extremely impressed with Cedral’s after care service and her local Area Sales Manager who visited the property several times during the installation. “Cedral’s communication was excellent,” says Amy. “They were easy to deal with and I felt they really cared about our wishes and the project.”“I would recommend Cedral 100 per cent. It’s not just about the longevity and insulation – though that’s important of course – it’s also about the end result and kerb appeal. We never looked at the property before we bought it and said, that’s our dream house. But now it really is.”

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

Crest Nicholson’s multi award-winning Park Central regeneration scheme is a fifteen-year project delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Optima Community Association. Awarded ‘The Placemaking Award’ at the National Property Week Awards and recognised for regenerating the Lee Bank area in Birmingham, the scheme has created 1300 new homes promoting desirable city living. The project required IG’s special bow lintels for the final phase of 355 apartments to achieve the curvature of the façade whilst accommodating large span balcony openings and unusual loading conditions.Challenge:Glenn Howells Architect’s creative design composed of intricate brick detailing throughout the curved façade. The combination and variation of multiple bond patterns presented unusual loading conditions. A three-course stacked soldier bond pattern above window openings significantly reduced distribution of load through adjacent masonry. The heavy concentrated load carried down the brick piers and through the stacked masonry onto the central point on the lintel. IG’s experienced technical experts attended design meetings to find a viable special lintel solution for each application without disrupting the integrity and design of the architects vision.Solution:IG’s technical team designed bespoke special bow lintels to accommodate opening spans up to 4284mm and allowed for a 650mm end bearing for typical sizes to counter the cantilevered effect of the curved openings. In order to further improve the load bearing, IG designed brackets that secured into a pre-cast channel maximising structural strength at the central point of the lintel. The centrally located brackets bolted through the back of the lintel and accommodated the concentrated loads and eliminated the need to prop lintels during construction. IG provided comprehensive technical support throughout every stage of construction process for the most effective structural design solution.Testimonial:“The development has been a resounding success in transforming and rejuvenating the Lee Bank area in Birmingham. IG’s technical team were responsive and receptive to all urgent requirements throughout every stage of the construction process. An outstanding technical service that we have come to expect from IG.”Crest Nicholson

Hamburg architect Jan Störmer's design of The Fontenay luxury hotel is an homage to the Hanseatic city. The sculptural and organic circle-shaped architecture successfully achieves a balance between the urban character of the city and its natural surroundings. Situated directly on the Alster, it is an island of tranquillity in the middle of Hamburg. The exquisite structure makes it possible to experience the Hanseatic slogan "modern classic" first hand: an open-minded outlook together with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, but with a marked penchant for the classical.  Because of the way the bright, curvy and light-flooded architecture is designed, all 130 rooms and suits face outward, and many offer a view of the Alster. The interior design of the guest rooms by Christian Meinert of the architectural firm Aukett + Heese in Berlin employs perfectly coordinated colours that harmonise wonderfully with the surrounding waterside park landscape. Light beige tones, green onyx walls, warm white nuances, and turquoise and royal blue accents faithfully mirror the natural surroundings. In the hotel bathrooms, light natural stone is used. Here, too, the products and materials chosen with special care ensure an overall impression of refinement and complete harmony. The furnishings, which include KEUCO cosmetic mirrors, stools and accessories with brushed nickel finish, are ideal – a perfect synthesis of the classical and the modern – simply a "modern classic". The refined and matt shine of nickel, its extreme durability, and its solid value are what makes this finish so special and attractive, and the first choice in The Fontenay hotel. Particularly in a hotel, the bathroom furnishings must always meet the high expectations of guests and management. Lasting brilliance is guaranteed by the first rate "made in Germany" workmanship and the strict controls on quality.  Because of the careful attention given to the choice of products, time spent in the bathroom is a special experience for every hotel guest. For beauty care, the illuminated cosmetic mirror is a coveted utensil, and the bathroom stool with wooden seat invites you to stay a bit longer. With their pronounced design the accessories round off the bathroom setting perfectly. The Fontenay hotel in Hamburg is an architectural masterpiece par excellence. The meticulously thought-through concept and the stylish attention to detail resonate consistently throughout the entire premises. With their brushed nickel finish, KEUCO's accessories are the perfect complement and emphasize the exclusive and modern character of the bathrooms even more.  

Full FF&E fit-out for Balfour Hospital Orkney.Robertson Construction built this £65 million facility for NHS Orkney that is transforming healthcare services on the islands. We delivered the full FF&E fit-out including wall protection, blinds, bedheads and cubicles, as well as all the fitted furniture. Working closely with the Keppie Design team we also provided reception counters plus bespoke seating for the atrium and café.

Designed by architects Acme, the stunning WestQuay Watermark bfeatures a dramatic cantilevered box wrapped in a transparent skin of curving stainless steel silver tubes. SAS Special Projects designed, manufactured and installed a bespoke SAS750 Tubeline with a 76mm diameter and suspension system for the external soffit. With the building being near the coast, the external skin required C4 corrosion protection. The material and paint used had to accommodate saline or marine environments and be able to be designed to withstand wind loads. Open to the public, the WestQuay Watermark has now become a centerpiece of Southampton’s regeneration.

COMMUNITY housing in Birmingham was given a fresh new look over winter - despite challenging weather conditions. Twelve homes in the Smith’s Wood area of the city had been identified for redecoration work by the Family Optima Community Association. But the falling temperature meant the plan to repaint the external elevations to each property required a special solution. The specification services team at Crown Paints selected Sandtex Trade 365 All-Weather Masonry Paint – a product that has been used on the homes in the past and one which is able to cope with cold conditions.

Measurements made on a glass measuring table led to unusable results because the isolator used was unable to cope with the lateral stiffness of the products used. Only the low-frequency pneumatic isolators PAL 21 from ACE with automatic level control could provide a remedy. A special feature of these membrane pneumatic isolators lies in the level control valve, which has, by virtue of its construction, an above-average longevity. Relatively large acceleration forces can lead to horizontal movements and it is particularly in such situations that the robustness and durability of the isolation system make a significant contribution.

DWB Hull, a licensed MiTek roof truss and Posi-Joist manufacturer, recently supplied specially designed Posi-Rafters to form the roof for a large domestic extension. Bespoke end details were incorporated into the Posi-Rafter design to make installation straightforward and to provide solid bearings on to the steel beams and walls. The build had two steel ridge purlins and a central steel at ceiling level, forming a large vaulted ceiling internally. Posi-Rafters were the ideal choice, with plated end blocks sitting directly on to the steel beams with no need for hangers.

The ideal modern washroom included: mounted taps to minimise splash-back, bespoke combination units with special makeup bins to prevent toilet blockages and even matching sanitiser and toilet roll holders. We worked with UBS facilities and Make Architects as the design consultants to create the perfect washroom. Not a single aspect was overlooked – we even changed the design of our soap dispensers and taps to suit the client’s needs. Our numerous site visits paid off and the client was delighted, particularly because our designs reduced carbon emissions by 65%.

Fosroc contacted the designers of the Victoria Dock project in early 2013. Working with the design team Fosroc UK used its highly experienced sales and technical staff to produce a waterproofing solution using Supercast PVC waterstop and Supercast SW hydrophilic waterbar. Materials including special angles were hand made at our Tamworth manufacturing plant and passed the scrutiny of the Crossrail approvals team. To ensure watertight construction Fosroc provided on-site training on product installation. Materials used on C340 have since been passed for use on other rail projects.

Formerly known as The John Fielding Special School, Boston Endeavour Academy is a newly built school for children aged 2-19 with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities.Located in the market town of Boston, Lincolnshire, the £13.2 million school opened to 100 children in September 2021, with that number expected to rise to 140 in the coming years.To accompany the state of the art facilities including therapy rooms, specialist classrooms and a life-skills suite, Boston Endeavour Academy also wanted to install a hydrotherapy pool.Read the full case study by clicking the link below.

The Assembly Rooms is a new office block development on a site of a former 1870’s cinema situated on Werter Road, just off Putney High Street.Living Concrete team used an innovative concrete application technique to create ultra-sleek custom-built reception desk for Morgan Cox at Assembly Rooms. A special mix of spray concrete in Mist colour was applied onsite to MDF frame, seamlessly achieving a very complex and detailed design.In addition two large planter units with sitting benches were constructed and finished in the same style.

The extensive refurbishment of The Mill House in Wiltshire, has been successfully achieved through using Johnstone’s Trade Professional range. Mouland’s extensive scope of work included the use of Johnstone’s Covaplus Vinyl Matt to give the interior walls and ceiling a wipeable finish. Part of Johnstone’s Ecological Solutions range with minimal VOCs, Johnstone’s Covaplus has the added benefit of lessening its impact on the environment. In addition, Johnstone’s Eggshell, which is specially formulated for interior use on wood and metal surfaces, was used to provide a smooth and washable condensation-resistant finish.

The latest architectural wonder to rise from the banks of the Thames is Switch House, the highly anticipated extension to Tate Modern, which opened in June 2016. Ancon’s contribution to this landmark project was the fabrication of 12,000 special stainless steel corbels and over 600,000 stainless steel pins which now support and restrain the stunning brick façade, helping to turn this unusual design concept into a reality. With construction now complete, Ancon’s critical structural components are completely hidden from view, leaving onlookers to simply marvel at the overall effect and the ingenuity at work.