"steel"

Oxford Street is known as London´s most popular shopping street and as one of the most important in Europe in regard of turnover. A fitting place for the flagship store of John Lewis, a major chain of high-end department stores operating throughout the United Kingdom. The John Lewis Oxford Street offers an excellent assortment of household products and clothing as well as several restaurants in a seven-storey building.Lindner Interiors Ltd. was contracted with the supply and installation of a custom hook-on ceiling for the exterior walkway around the shop. The high-gloss surface of type TOUCHdesign Lunar made of hammered stainless steel gives a three-dimensional character, creating a fragmented image of colours and shapes of the building and the passengers.

Harrow One is a new apartment complex which includes 119 apartments across two buildings, with shared community space for residents. Each of these new homes boasts a private paved balcony with views out over local woodland and the London skyline.System UsedTerraSmart® Pedestal was used across each of the balconies.Comprised of Quadro porcelain paving tiles in the shade ‘Crema’ and RP-FR adjustable steel paving support pedestals, the complete system achieves a European Classification (Euroclass) A1 and A1fl fire rating.VersatilityThe system is quick and simple to install: RP-FR pedestals are height adjustable to easily accommodate any slight variances in the build-up and porcelain which is simply lifted into place thereafter.  

Fortress Works is an exemplar of how a historic warehouse can be reimagined and reworked to create a fresh, new and inspiring space in London’s Kentish Town.Designed to appeal to progressive small-medium enterprises, the building is arranged over three levels, with a contemporary two storey extension that features Proteus HR 1.5mm Corten steel cladding.Proteus HR Corten panels were specified because it enabled the architects, Buckley Grey Yeoman, to achieve the maximum panel size to closely follow the glazing module of 1500mm. Proteus Facades precision fabrication abilities and the unique panel configurations allow for relatively small return folds to the panel edges. This allowed panels with a 1475mm face panel and 1490mm module, maximising the Corten sheet width of 1500mm.

Duo D411Glass Infill Top FixOrbis OS210 Glass Infill Side FixThe project aim was to deliver a world class facility and training space the new National College for High Speed Rail in Doncaster.3D photo realistic visualisations gave the contractor and architect the ability to see the impact of the twin flat balusters from the precision engineered Duo system pre-construction.With a stunning combination of powder-coated metallic uprights, complemented with stainless steel fittings to produce a dynamic and contemporary appearance, the Duo system complimented this modern building.The use of BIM along with the collaboration of Willmott Dixon, Bond Bryan Architects and numerous subcontractors allowed the project to run smoothly and to be handed over virtually defect free.

The Maggie's Centre in Cardiff, Wales was designed by Dow Jones Architects. The building was inspired by the shape of the local mountains, and you can also find elements of welsh architecture within the building, such as the cwtch. The cwtch is a room lit space inspired by the simnau fawr, which means big chimneys. The building has a strong bond to nature, and the beautiful courtyard is an exceptional space for relaxation and comfort. Throughout the building, d line products from the Knud Holscher collection was used on the doors. Director of Dow Jones Architects, Alun Jones, said "We chose d line because we like the timeless design and the quality of the solid stainless steel ironmongery. The coupe handle is nice and compact and feels good in the hand".

Location: Lymington, HampshoreProject Type: HousingDevelopment Cost: £80mProduct: Shadex 150 Raking: First Fix Brackets (Thru Render)Shadex 190 Drop-in Cassettes (Structural Steel Supports)Aluminium Plain FasciaDelta 100 GutterDelta 150 Gutter100mm Round Contemporary Rainwater PipeMeridian Wall CopingFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7000 Matt Squirrel Grey: Marine SpecificationFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Redrow Homes LtdArchitect: AAP Architecture LtdMain Contractor: Redrow Homes LtdSub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd

Sustainability was a key consideration when British Sugar decided to create a new headquarters to replace its old, tired office.Once the designs were finalised, our floor fitting teams installed RMG600 raised access flooring across the ground floor, first floor and top floor of the building, totalling an area of 4,800m2, utilising our PSA MOB PF2 PS/SPU Medium Grade RMG600 panels.Around the central atrium, we fitted our innovative Attiro architectural finish over the steel-encapsulated RMG600 access flooring system. Attiro is an innovative overlay engineered timber flooring solution that is designed to enable quick and easy access to a raised flooring void at any point in that floor.

Italia-Corten was recently specified as a wall cladding on a new house in Wells-next-the-Sea, one of the loveliest towns on the Norfolk Coast . The iconic eighteenth century maltings, granaries and a network of narrow streets, alleys and yards have ensured that Wells has preserved its historic character as a manufacturing town and the corten louvred panels sympathetically blend with the heritage of the surroundings. Ian Bramwell, director of award-winning Mole Architects, who was in charge of the project, described the result as ‘fantastic’.The panels were hooked to stainless steel brackets which were designed and fabricated by Lang+Fulton to provide a hidden fixing. Prior to installation, the panels were pickled off-site to speed up the initial rusting of the corten and to reduce any consequential staining.

Towering over London’s skyline at 225 metres, the Leadenhallbuilding is now the fourth tallest building in the UK. Theskyscraper joins a growing cluster of buildings in the City ofLondon’s financial district including: the Gherkin, 20 Fenchurchstreet (the walkie talkie) and the Lloyds building.The construction of the Leadenhall building was a pioneeringfeat. Rather than using a traditional concrete core, Laing O’rourke,used an external steel frame, more commonly used on bridgesand offshore oil rigs. The frame, which is incorporated into thebuilding’s exterior design, is the tallest in the world.The distinctive slanted design of the building was born throughthe City of London Corporation’s request that the view of St.Pauls Cathedral from Fleet Street must not be obscured by a newbuilding. The resulting wedge shape of the project lead it to beingdubbed the ‘Cheesegrater’.As the Leadenhall building is largely built for the commercialarena with a high level of usage, the ironmongery package thatAllgood supplied had to meet the highest performance standardsthat would stand the test of time. Allgood created the specificationthat met the most stringent of European performance standards inaddition to providing long warranties, including hinges that carry a25 year warranty.Like many modern buildings, there was a strong desire for thebuilding to be built as environmentally sustainable as possible.Not only are all Modric stainless steel door fittings made from 62%recycled material, but 95% of the material can be recycled at theend of the products life.By supplying the Modric range, which is made in our UK factory,Allgood ensured that carbon emissions from transportation werereduced to a minimum providing the most environmentally friendlyoption. 122 Leadenhall street is a unique building that providesan excellent addition to London’s rapidly evolving skyline andAllgood were able to offer an ironmongery specification thatmatched it’s high standards.

Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) is a rail-road intermodal freight terminal with an associated warehousing estate in Northamptonshire. Owned by Prologis, the business park was originally built in the 90’s, but a recent expansion has added around 4 million square feet of storage and office space. Some buildings are already occupied by leading brands such as Royal Mail, BooHoo, Dunelm, Tesco and Sainsburys.DIRFT’s Unit DC628 (DC10) is a net zero carbon building with 627,707 square foot warehouse space rated BREEAM Excellent. Among its features are solar PV systems, a roof terrace, and enhanced external amenities.Our team was commissioned to provide seating and planting solutions for the outdoor amenity space and roof terrace by BCA Design, Landscape Architects for the project.Our RailRoad modular seating solution with Delta supports, and FSC iroko timber slats, that are left untreated to allow natural weathering, was installed in the outdoor amenity area adjacent to the car park - along with Parallel picnic tables and benches and Zenith 500 litter bins - creating an outdoor lunch break environment in which employees can enjoy during warm weather.Decking supplied by Outdoor Deck was installed on the roof terrace of the building, complete with our AKRI 300 steel planters with 500mm high panels, manufactured from triple process recycled steel, to form a variety of linear shapes filled with plants and greenery to create a peaceful oasis with a view of the countryside.Seating and benches made from FSC Iroko timber which included armrests on some, were integrated onto the planters to provide warehouse staff with quiet spaces to relax. The rooftop planters were complemented by the addition of our Hollo range of freestanding low seating / tables

Helmsman’s latest project was an exciting one for the team. We were contacted by Bowmer & Kirkland who we have worked with many times in the past, to create a bespoke set of outdoor lockers for a project in Enfield.Bowmer & Kirkland are the lead contractor for The Chase Farm Development, which when complete, will be home to two new schools, One Degree Academy and Wren Academy, with a Community Hub and Sports Centre, plus 362 New Homes. With a range of outdoor space, the client had requested lockers to be installed along two external walls of the building. Whilst our Wet Spec Laminate Lockers are great for humid and wet environments such as leisure centre changing rooms, it was important that we considered the different impact that outdoor lockers would need to withstand.We designed, manufactured, and installed 158 bespoke, 4 compartment outdoor lockers at Wren Community Hub. The body was made with Stainless Steel, with doors and end panels in Solid Grade Laminate. A selection of colours were used, with Formica Laminate in Peaceful Blue, Lime and Dusty Jade for the doors, and Polar White for the end panels.The client also requested Sloping Tops for the lockers. These are a great addition to stop clutter and other objects being placed on top of the lockers, particularly helpful for lockers in public spaces as this project is. The sloping tops were made from stainless steel with Solid Grade Laminate over the top in Polar White to match the end panels.For the locks and numbering, the client chose oval laminated number plates with Lowe and Fletcher Camlocks, which make a great pairing.It was great to work on this bespoke locker project and highlights that Helmsman can help with a variety of requests and requirements for locker projects. Should you want a bespoke design or solution for your latest project, contact us today on 01284 530427.

Artform Urban Furniture supplies a range of specified bottle refill water fountains to Manchester city centre's first new public park in more than 100 years.Mayfield park sees the transformation of a vast, mostly derelict, former industrial site next to Piccadilly Station into a stunning, accessible and varied green space for all to enjoy. The 6.5-acre park surrounds the banks of the River Medlock and features green lawns and gardens with trees and shrubbery, as well as walkways for the public to use and a large children's play area.The site has an industrial history of innovation spanning back to the 1700’s and the park landscape recognises this by utilising old industrial rusted cast iron relics from the mills as sculptures that are dotted around the space.The Fuente Fountains in Corten steel were specified by Studio Egret West for the project, to match the surrounding industrial aesthetic of the park.The fountains have been placed across the park to provide accessible water refilling stations for visitors to use and reduce plastic waste. Water fountains are becoming a popular choice in urban spaces with developers recognising a push needed towards reducing plastic waste. The Fuente Fountain is available in a variety of shapes and finishes as well as a version with an additional tap lower down with a stainless steel bowl for dogs.Mayfield Park is part of a £1.4bn development that will continue over the next decade and will eventually completely transform the whole surrounding area near Piccadilly station into a vibrant new neighbourhood - delivering 1,500 homes, 1.6m sq ft of commercial space, as well 300,000 sq ft of retail and leisure.The park opened to the public in September 2022 and is a welcome addition to the city centre bringing a much-needed oasis of green space for local residents, visitors and communities across Manchester.

Located between St. David's and Aberdour, the tanker terminal at Braefoot Bay is a base for the export of liquefied petroleum gas. The terminal consists of two jetties located on the north shore of Incholm Island. The gas is piped to the Mossmoran Plant in Fife direct from the North Sea, broken down to form ethane and then converted into ethylene, the basic hydrocarbon 'building block' of the petrochemical industry. The products are then piped the final three mile journey to the Braefoot Marine Terminal where they are fed into tankers and gas carriers for markets in Europe and the USA. The terminal is operated jointly by Shell Expro and Exxon.The jetty was suffering from increasing levels of deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure due to the relentless corrosive action of the marine salt environment on the reinforcing steel. A remedial plan was developed to carry out repairs and to introduce a cathodic protection (CP) system to greatly enhance the protection level and therefore extend the life of the structure. The plan was prepared by structural engineers from Shell, led by Hans Verheyde, and Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK (BBCS) was awarded the contract.Two major factors had to be accommodated within the repair programme. Firstly, the tidal flow that submerged the lower part of the jetty twice every 24 hours and secondly, the jetty is a fully live and very active transport hub and shipping schedules had to take precedence at all times. Round-the-clock flexible working maintained delivery of the twelve-month project.Saint-Gobain Weber's specialised repair concrete products were specified for the remedial actions on the Braefoot Bay jetty and technical application advice was provided for the active phase of the project. A suspended scaffold was designed and installed which allowed fast access when the tide ebbed so that productivity could be maintained. Traditional techniques were used to breakout the spalled and cracked concrete and to wash out the surface chlorides and clean the existing reinforcement steels.webercem five star repair concrete CP is a shrinkage-compensated, high strength, low resistivity, flowing repair concrete designed for use in conjunction with CP systems. This pre-blended cementitious concrete fully complies with the Highways Agency Specification Class 29F for high-strength flowing concrete for major structural repairs. It contains non-reactive aggregates with a low soluble-alkali cement content which is particularly important where CP is to be used. The rapid strength development and dimensional stability of webercem five star repair concrete CP – which reaches 27N/mm² in 24 hours – was especially valuable in the tidal conditions in Fife. Tight shuttering was used on the wide beam sections of the jetty to take the poured concrete which reached an integral bond with the original concrete. This process reformed the structural integrity using products with proven durability.An innovative CP system using Duogard® hybrid anodes from CPT was installed to protect the steel reinforcement with the anodes fixed into the soffits with a special CPT mortar. Where the CP installation required chases to carry the cabling, webercem HB40 high-build structural repair mortar was used to fill and seal the chases. webercem bondcoat, a polymer-modified, cementitious bonding aid and steel reinforcement primer, was first applied into the chases to ensure enhanced bonding. webercem HB40 is an acrylic-polymer modified, single component mortar and is lightweight with high build qualities. It can be applied in layers up to 75mm thick vertically, and 50mm on overhead soffits, and can be used without formwork. It was then applied onto the tacky webercem bondcoat primer and finished flush to the concrete surface.The Braefoot Bay terminal project has been completed successfully and Dewi Miller, contracts manager, BBCS, is confident that the jetty protection will extend the working life of the structure. "The products we have used are excellent and the application methods have enabled us to deliver a high degree of protection and reinstatement to the concrete structure. Working on a live site in a tidal zone has required a flexible work schedule but the whole project has worked exactly to plan and the client is very pleased with the result. The Weber materials have been the key to achieving this success."

In 2018, Cyclehoop designed and delivered two major Cycle Hubs for the London Borough of Enfield. These were the first cycle hubs to be provided in the borough and were delivered as part of the award-winning Cycle Enfield scheme.Both Cycle Hubs are steel and glass structures with CCTV and provide cycle parking for 50 bikes and three non-standard cycles such as cargo bikes. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by using an access card. Members can make use of a bike pump and repair stand so that they can make quick repairs and keep their tyres pumped whilst on the go.Cyclehoop is managing the membership of both cycle hubs on behalf of Enfield Council.Cycle Hub FacilitiesThe Enfield Town Cycle Hub and the Edmonton Green Cycle Hub are fitted with user-friendly cycle parking and repair facilities, as well as featuring an industry-leading security and access control system.Each Cycle Hub provides cycle parking for 50 bikes and is fitted with Optima Two Tier Racks. This is a space-saving solution that doubles the amount of cycle parking compared with traditional cycle racks. The Two-Tier racks can accommodate most types of bikes and feature gas-assisted moveable upper sections that make it easy to position them in the racking. Members can easily secure their bikes to the locking bar which has been welded into the design rather than the less secure bolted version in our competitors’ solutions. We have installed 3 ground anchors to accommodate non-standard cycles – each with its own marked out space.The door has been fitted with an industry-leading access control system allowing members to get in and out via access card 24 hours a day. Lighting and CCTV cameras are in operation throughout giving extra assurances of security.The Cycle Hubs also feature a Public Repair Stand and an Indoor Pump which provide members with the resources to make repairs on the go as well as pumping up deflated tyres.Design and Build ProcessEnfield Council chose two locations within the borough, each one connected to a local transport link, as well as amenities and shopping centres to accommodate the footfall. These locations were Enfield Town Railway Station and Edmonton Green Railway Station. Planning permission was required to develop the land.Enfield Council required two secure Cycle Hubs that maximised cycle parking spaces and the structure needed to be modular to allow it to be extended in future. Enfield is a growing borough that is regenerating and constantly growing, therefore this needed to be reflected in the design of the Cycle Hub.Each Cycle Hub is a steel and glass structure designed as a modern facility for securely storing cycles. The use of glass provides both good natural lighting as well as excellent visibility and passive surveillance, increasing the security of the facility.The Cycle Hubs also have a sedum green roof which reduces the surface runoff from rainfall, improves local air quality and supports the local insect population.The two custom and secure structures are comprised of:Toughened glass panesPerforated steel kick plates (over 3 tonnes of steel)Toughened glass sliding doorsLow maintenance sedum roofEnfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Daniel Anderson, said:“If we want to encourage more people to get on their bikes and change their transport habits we need to provide proper, secure parking for cycles. We hope these hubs will encourage people to get on their bikes to visit our town centres and reap all the benefits leaving the car behind will deliver. We are determined to encourage as many people as possible to use sustainable transport as we possibly can and these hubs will play an important role in helping us achieve that aim.”Enfield Council’s Cycle Enfield Scheme aims to regenerate and improve town centres, dramatically improve transport links and encourage more people to use sustainable methods of transport in the borough.

The ProjectThe Salisbury Stainless Project features multiple banks of high-quality brushed stainless steel mailboxes manufactured using 316L grade material.The banks of mailboxes were designed to suit specific requirements set out by the project architect that would ensure the product would fit into the installed support frame.Mailboxes feature both horizontal and vertical orientations in the Salisbury Stainless Project, offering solutions that both maximised the amount of mail stored and minimised the space used in a location with a limited amount of room.All mailboxes used in this project have been individually engraved to offer an easy-to-distinguish identification marker for each product so users can quickly find their own mailbox.This project also utilises a storage shelf built under the mailboxes, offering an area to place parcels. 

800 square meters of Black Webnet creating an innovative Webnet Green Wall ,providing shade and year-round temperature control for this contemporary office building.The innovative design features our Webnet stainless steel mesh system suspended from roof supports to create a strong, secure and long-life structure for plants to climb up. Planters at first floor level encircle the building to provide low level greening, as well as a base for the climbers.Bringing nature to this urban landscape, the green wall not only makes the office look spectacular, but also provides a habitat for wildlife and significantly improves the building’s carbon footprint. The shade and evaporative cooling of the plants also help to cool the building in summer and insulate it in winter, helping to improve thermal efficiency and save energy costs.

Take a read of our case study where our team manufactured and installed laminate lockers at Alexandra Park in Oldham. The specification of 55 two-compartment solid-grade laminate lockers was 1775mm high, 296mm wide, and 500mm deep. Along with 2 two-compartments with measurements at 1775mm high, 296mm wide, and 300mm deep. Additionally, 3 one-compartment laminate lockers with specifications of 900mm high, 296mm wide, and 500mm deep.The body of the laminate lockers was powder coated in the shade ‘Ice’ which is our standard shade for the mild steel body. Whereas the laminate doors were in a range of colours, ‘Red, Yellow Piper, Orange Crayon and Mountain Grey’ by Abet Laminate. These are excellent shades as it creates an uplifting atmosphere due to the bright colours whilst being in an environment of nature.

In partnership with Inspired washrooms, Franke Water Systems UK have provided stainless steel hand sanitiser dispensers to Didsbury Road School, Stockport to encourage hand hygiene when the pupils return. Franke Water Systems were thrilled to provide Dart Valley branded AC00-050 free standing sanitiser dispensers for the entrance of the school before children returned on. The DVS branded touch-free hand sanitiser station is a floor standing dispenser with a premium stand. Manufactured from quality materials, this dispenser is perfect for environments with high footfall such as schools, universities, and other education facilities. The sturdy touch-free design comes with a large sanitiser tank and is battery operated, offering a touch-free, easy to install and low maintenance solution.  

“ When the government unveiled its changes to Part L 2013 building regulations Barratts analysed a range of sustainable solutions in order to comply with the mandatory minimum fabric performance standard (Target Fabric Energy Efficiency, TFEE). The Hi-therm lintel has proved to offer a cost effective option as part of a suite of specification upgrades. ”Michael FinnGroup Design & Technical DirectorBarratt HomesHi-therm SolutionFull technical support and site-specific Psi value calculations provided.Hi-therm significantly reduces the thermal bridging through window & door head junctions to achieve class leading values.Hi-therm lintels are single piece and fitted in the same method as a standard steel lintel, so require no special arrangements on-site.

Project DetailProject: RAF WaddingtonLocation: Lincoln, UKProduct: TS.9206 High usage heavy duty architectural door closerProject DescriptionHousing electrical control equipment securely, the heavy duty doors of the substation are fitted with TS 9206 heavy duty door closers.Steel door sets and heavy duty door closers go hand in hand for the RAF Waddington. The TS 9206 Door Closers was a perfect choice due to the below factors:Mechanism has immense torque and control to combat the exposed locationHeavy duty to control the large size and weight of doors requiredVersatile for multiple door typesWhen it comes to quality, robust construction, and iconic surroundings – Rutland have the perfect door closer every time.

The land owners of Seadune contacted us as they were having planning using regarding the foundation design on their new house that they were looking to build. The site in question was very close to the coast and they were effectively building on the beach. As such the planners required the building to have foundations that would allow the building to be dismantled and moved away from the sea in the event of major coastal erosion.As FastSlab is constructed using galvanised steel screw piles it is perfect to be used in coastal areas. Each section is also bolted together and as such can be unbolted. This allowed us to build into the design a way of unhooking all the elements and to be able to re-position them further away from the initial location should the need arise.Seadunes ground floor area of this project is 120m2 and the whole system was installed in just 5 days.

This microbrewery needed floor drainage that could be custom made to fit around their brewing equipment, and manage high flow rates and even higher temperatures. Long-lasting quality was key for this fast paced, pedestrian heavy environment.BLÜCHER facilitated the design of an L shaped channel in grade 304 stainless steel, complete with a mesh grating. This bespoke channel allows ease of access to all the brewing tanks within the area, without comprising on flow rate or heat resistance.The installation of the custom L shaped channel has met the unique requirements of the customer. With its ability to handle high flow rates, withstand high temperatures, fit seamlessly into the brewing setup and endure pedestrian traffic, the brewery is now fully prepared to withstand day-to-day brewing operations.

Britannia Wharf is a structure consisting of 52 stunning canal-side apartments. This development consisted of the demolition of a 5 storey office building and the construction of an all-wooden private high-end luxury apartments constructed on a large expanse of greenery. With the inclusion of four penthouse apartments on the fourth floor, the entire structure of the building was designed with timber frame overlooking the remarkable wildlife corridor of the reclaimed historic Basingstoke Canal.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by ADN Planning as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Consero London was awarded this 6,000m² contract to construct this development in the centre of Woking, London.

South Lawns Hotel is an iconic hotel located on a Green Belt site. An additional 25 bedroom extension was constructed for this development, set on a brick plinth, clad in dark boarding, to emulate agricultural York boarding, with a low-profile aluminium roof. The design and materials proposed minimised its visual impact on views across the Forest landscape nearby and contrasted with the white render of the existing building.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by Boyle and Summers as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Tuakana was awarded this 1,050m² contract for this development in Milford-on-sea.

The Dovecote Barns are a multi award winning eco self catering accommodation that offer 'comfort without compromise'. And there was no compromising when it came to choosing the joinery company to make the doors and window for their newly renovated 'Grand Barn' or the hardware for the doors and windows.As a leading manufacturer of wooden windows and doors, and a keen eye for detail, R&E Falkingham Joinery York were the chosen joinery company to manufacture and supply the doors and windows for the renovation project. And we're very pleased to say our Opera Door Handles and Opera Window Handles were selected as the perfect hardware complement to finish off the doors and windows.As part of the BLU range of 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel door and window hardware, the Opera door and window handles are guaranteed to last for the lifetime of the door or window they're fitted to.

Behind the raw brick, almost-untouched exterior of a former warehouse in Redfern, Sydney, a once-cavernous space now holds a four-bedroom family home. To that brick exterior, only a few new windows have been added into existing openings, while inside, what Project Architect Ian Moore calls the structure’s ‘adaptive reuse’ has also been carried out with a gentle touch.Inside, materials and furnishings are about comfort and low maintenance – attributes echoed by the architect’s chosen d line ironmongery: “I always use the Knud Holscher Collection,” says Moore. “The design is completely timeless – it’s functional, beautifully proportioned, very comfortable to use and the solid stainless steel gives it a gravitas that’s so often missing in products of this type.”

A total of three kitchens were supplied by GEC Anderson to this prestigious residential development, just off London’s Portland Square. CIE, who were commissioned to provide the kitchens, chose GEC Anderson to supply and fit the stainless steel worktops. GEC Anderson were the natural choice for CIE as they had worked many times with them in the past. The detailing specified by CIE included upstands (edge 10) to all wall junctions, combined with a plain edge (7) to exposed edges. The large worktop coverage made access and installation into the tight mews homes quite challenging. The unique features of each kitchen, including columns and cutouts also made the accuracy in the measuring of the worktops very critical. Supply and installation of the worktops was handled by GEC Anderson.

Keeping key workers' possessions secure and orderly Following specification approval, LinkLockers supplied andinstalled:• 500 single-door time share lockers operated using a tokenacquired via wall-mounted dispenser located at the entry tothe facility.• 2,000 personal possession lockers, secured by padlocks.• To prevent the risk of material accumulating, sloping topswere incorporated on locker runs.• The lockers also featured a unique ActiveCoat® protectivefinish as standard, to help reduce the risks associatedwith bacterial cross-contamination from surfaces with highcontact frequency, such as lockers. ActiveCoat®, testedextensively in trials, has been proven to work in hospitalenvironments by reducing levels of bacteria by an averageof 99.9%.A Whittan solution, designed, manufactured andinstalled using LinkLockers mild steel lockers.

Radii’s elegant double glazed Parallel 50 (45dB RW) and Parallel 100 (50dB RW) partitions with single glazed pivoting doors was used for Marsh McLennan’s office fronts, meeting rooms and larger ‘project rooms’ along with retro-fit room booking and aluminium faced tech units.Parallel 100 was also utilised with pocket sliding doors for the Level 6 conference rooms, while 4490mm high Parallel 100 extended screens were installed to the East Thames Room on Level 6 and conference rooms. This required structural steel work to support both the weight of the glass above the transom and the hanging weight of a folding wall below by others. Linear 59 (39dB Rw) with bi-parting sliding doors was used on small meeting hubs on Level 6.

This reimagined building in Fitzrovia, which puts people, wellness, and sustainability first, is another project we are particularly proud of and here’s why.The Met Building is 12 storeys high and one of a few such examples in London’s West End. Its design was inspired by one of New York’s landmark buildings, Lever House, one of Manhattan’s leading examples, which inspired decades of US corporate architecture.While the building’s interiors are crafted to appeal to corporates and creatives, the Tower has been designed to put people first, offering breathtaking views across London, and focusing on efficiency and productivity.The whole roof terrace of the Met Building’s Podium was built over the top of the existing roof and on a huge network of steels that are designed to direct the load away from the roof below.The system used on the roof terrace is our TerraSmart® Rail Paving System finished in our Porcelain Paving Range. This system features super-strong, 100% recyclable aluminium joists, overlapping to create a lattice framework that delivers maximum support for the porcelain paving above. In addition to complementing the overall aesthetics of the entire project, the system is fully non-combustible (Class A1 fire-rated) and, as such, in perfect harmony with the focus on the wellness and safety of all the building’s occupants. The porcelain pavers were inspired by nature and feature the performance of high-quality ceramics and environmentally conscious manufacturing that aligns with the project’s focus on sustainability.And to top it all, the entire solution installed is backed by our RYNO® IGNO® 30-year system warranty and 60-year design life.In total, the RYNO® TerraSmart® Rail Paving System was installed on 3 terraces at the Met Building, all built on the existing steel frame, and the planters that add to the outdoor experience have been integrated into the design and placed directly on top of the RYNO paving system.We are proud to have collaborated very closely with Vert Projects (the Main Contractor) and The Landscape Partnership (the Landscape Architect) in delivering this great design.

1,200SQM OF SOTECH’S OPTIMA FC SYSTEM IN 2MM CORTEN A HAS BEEN USED IN THE COMPLETION OF A BRAND-NEW PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE FOR SPECIALIST RESEARCH IN DIGITAL RAILWAY ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM.Clad in the distinguished steel Corten material, which weathers over a period of 6-36 months, the material was selected as a direct nod to the rail industry, with the Corten providing the same visual impact as railway lines and track signalling.Designed by Associated Architects, the Corten material has fully weathered, linking perfectly to the Engineering disciplines the University will deliver.The building represents the first phase of construction work for a £46.5m School of Engineering development at the University of Birmingham. Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the 3,000m2 facility offers a variety of contemporary and flexible design and research spaces that act as an incubator for innovation, strengthening teaching and building research partnerships.Open offices, meeting rooms, seminar rooms and event spaces will enable industry partners to come and work directly with University experts and researchers.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Estimator at Sotech said: “The façade was expertly installed by Alucraft Ltd with the finish quality testament to the hard work put in to complete this project”.Warren Jukes, director at Associated Architects, was quoted on the UKRRIN web site as saying: “The completion of the UKRRIN facility is an important milestone within the wider School of Engineering project. We are thrilled with the distinct identity achieved using weathered steel, which epitomises the industrial nature of the railway industry in a contemporary and refined style – juxtaposing yet complimenting the buff brick of the School of Engineering and traditional styles of the iconic red brick buildings on campus.Nick Gibb, deputy managing director for the Midlands at Willmott Dixon, added: “Despite completing the final stages of the project during the Covid-19 pandemic, our teams optimised industry-leading safety and social distancing measures, which meant we were able to remain on-site during the pandemic and ultimately deliver this phase of the project on time.”

1,200SQM OF SOTECH’S OPTIMA FC SYSTEM IN 2MM CORTEN A HAS BEEN USED IN THE COMPLETION OF A BRAND-NEW PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE FOR SPECIALIST RESEARCH IN DIGITAL RAILWAY ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM.Clad in the distinguished steel Corten material, which weathers over a period of 6-36 months, the material was selected as a direct nod to the rail industry, with the Corten providing the same visual impact as railway lines and track signalling.Designed by Associated Architects, the Corten material has fully weathered, linking perfectly to the Engineering disciplines the University will deliver.The building represents the first phase of construction work for a £46.5m School of Engineering development at the University of Birmingham. Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the 3,000m2 facility offers a variety of contemporary and flexible design and research spaces that act as an incubator for innovation, strengthening teaching and building research partnerships.Open offices, meeting rooms, seminar rooms and event spaces will enable industry partners to come and work directly with University experts and researchers.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Estimator at Sotech said: “The façade was expertly installed by Alucraft Ltd with the finish quality testament to the hard work put in to complete this project”.Warren Jukes, director at Associated Architects, was quoted on the UKRRIN web site as saying: “The completion of the UKRRIN facility is an important milestone within the wider School of Engineering project. We are thrilled with the distinct identity achieved using weathered steel, which epitomises the industrial nature of the railway industry in a contemporary and refined style – juxtaposing yet complimenting the buff brick of the School of Engineering and traditional styles of the iconic red brick buildings on campus.Nick Gibb, deputy managing director for the Midlands at Willmott Dixon, added: “Despite completing the final stages of the project during the Covid-19 pandemic, our teams optimised industry-leading safety and social distancing measures, which meant we were able to remain on-site during the pandemic and ultimately deliver this phase of the project on time.”

Client: Grove Developments/Arora HotelsContract value: £362kProducts used:  0.74kN loading stainless steel with glass balustrade to stairs1.5kN loading structural glass balustrade to link bridgesThe dual-brand Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express, which operates under Arora Hotels, is located at Heathrow Terminal 4 and opened in 2018. It consists of 300 rooms as well as business and meeting facilities. The building is directly connected to Heathrow’s Terminal 4 via an air bridge and also offers convenient access to the London Underground, Heathrow Express train service and nearby major motorway routes. We were instructed to supply and install more than 600 metres of balustrades, as well as over 300 metres of wall fixed handrails during the hotel’s construction phase. The balustrades used for the project were 1.5kn structural glass balustrades to bridges and 0.74kN loading stainless steel with glass balustrade to stairs. We provided approximately 300 metres of structural glass balustrades to the hotel’s link bridges. At the design stage of the project, we were advised that the bridges could deflect by 25mm, so our balustrade design had to accommodate this. The solution was simple but very effective – we left a 5mm gap in between each five-metre length of track, which was not noticeable when walking along the bridges but allowed for adequate movement in the structure with no damage to the balustrades or the finishes, and no compromise to the overall look. In addition, we adapted our handrail system to provide protection to the walls where guests wheel trollies and luggage into the hotel. By fixing handrails along the flooring close to the walls, it provided a functional yet attractive solution to avoid any marks or scratches that luggage might create.The overall result was a mix of balustrades to the hotel’s stairs and link bridges, plus handrail finishes to the high-traffic areas of the premises that all fit in with the building’s modern and clean design. 

DescriptionLocal Smet Supported Partner, a seasoned Lidl Contractor, McCallion Group 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 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, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.Related DownloadsTDS CASEA Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec RHS – Multi-Purpose Render

Located on St Mary’s Street, Cardiff, Hodge House is a beautifully renovated Grade II listed eight-storey building. Originally constructed in 1915 on the site of Cardiff’s original Victorian Town Hall, the building was home to the Welsh Co-Operative for many years.Architect Stride Treglown led the refurbishment of this historic building, converting it into 110,000 sq. ft of modern office space. Working in partnership with Paramount Interiors, they specified Allgood’s Modric and Holt ranges throughout. The development, winner of ‘Workplace Design of the Year’ and shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the Insider Wales Property Awards 2020, has had its interior transformed to suit the next generation of occupiers while showcasing the stunning original features including exposed decorative cast-iron columns and riveted steel structures from the 1930s.Our Modric and Holt ranges matched this design intent. The oak Holt range was chosen to complement the historic features, while the clean functional aesthetic of our Modric range perfectly complemented the industrial chic of the interior spaces.Helen Bartlett, Design Director at Paramount Interiors, commented:“Allgood’s willingness to consult with us and provide expert insight into how best to meet the specification at the design stage was welcome, and ensured the brief was met to the highest possible standards. The chosen products provide a finish of premium quality and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”Allgood’s Modric range is made from solid grade 316 stainless steel and encompasses the full suite of door furniture, including the variety of handles fitted on Hodge House. All products have been engineered to last a lifetime and come with a 25-year warranty for total peace of mind.Holt, designed by architect Alex Mowat, is a Nordic-inspired range of super-circular door and bathroom products made from European oak. Holt lever handles are fitted throughout Hodge House.

Cornwall County Council was responsible for upgrading and renovating an existing stairway to Blue Buoy Beach at Porthleven. A specification and sample were given to the Council, who approached three different fabricators/installers, all of whom came to PcP for an engineered safety solution on treads/landings.Insteel Industries is one of the largest architectural fabricators in the county of Cornwall. Insteel successfully won the contract to supply and install, In looking for the right partner who could offer loading criteria and technical information that complied with the relevant standards.Project criteriaThe Blue Buoy stairway project specification initially requested stainless steel and open-mesh with an alternative for a “Heel-proof version with a 20mm gap and a durbar plate for a slip-resistant surface.The SolutionPcP proposed a galvanised alternative instead of stainless steel but 140 microns and anti-slip nosing for a slip-resistant surface. The proposed solution was cost-effective, safe, durable and matching budget criteria.PcP proposed the 05m nosing as it has a much better slip-resistant on the front edge. In addition, PcP suggested a 33/8 mm pattern would be more suitable for heels than a 20mm gap.Insteel Industry forwarded a drawing/specification sheet to Cornwall Council, who then accepted the 33/8 mm pattern. However, there were concerns that we couldn’t offer 140 microns with our 2/3mm bars.PcP provided a sample that was Shotblast before galvanising with six localised readings of coating thicknesses. Insteel Industries presented the product sample to the council architect for final approval.The resultThe stairways are suitable for access with all types of footwear and pets also to access the beach. The 05m nosing on the treads comply with the slip-resistance recommendations of Bs7976 which are a superior alternative to the durbar plate initially specified. Shotblasting offered an increase in the thickness of galvanizing treatment and enhanced corrosion resistance, providing a more durable product. Perforated rear riser allows water to pass through when storms and high waves hit the staircase.