"steel"

This is the new bespoke cycle hub Falco recently designed, manufactured, supplied and installed this spring for Kenley Station in south Croydon. Making use of the flagship FalcoHub design, the new cycle hub has been fitted with the tried and tested FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle rack, providing commuters with up to 16 secure cycle parking spaces.The bespoke 6.5m x 4.2m cycle hub has been fitted with an electric sliding door, a secure access system, LED lighting, a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, bespoke branding graphics and a cladding combination of sustainable hardwood slats coupled with powder coated galvanised steel in a ‘Moss Green’ RAL colour.The cycle hub also provides secure accommodation for up to four cargo bikes, e-cargo bikes, adaptive bikes, recumbent bikes, tandems, tricycles, oversized and upright cycles or bike trailers.In addition to the cycle hub, Falco also provided a bespoke solution to store the clients refuse units.Rail passengers using pedal power can apply at the ticket office for a free security fob to gain entrance to the facility now.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, installed next to platform 2, off Station Road.The whole shelter is a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding and supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The steelwork is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof.For more information regarding the cycle hub scheme at Kenley Station or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

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.

Project detailsAfter 30 years of manufacturing, a tumbler room floor at Alinabal Inc.’s facility had begun to seriously deteriorate. The company uses a heavy duty soap to wash and deburr steel parts in their industrial tumblers, then pours the liquid out onto the flooring beneath and rinses it into a trough.Over time, harsh chemicals in the soap began to eat away at the floor. Even to the point that they had begun to expose the aggregate in the concrete! Worried about continued water leakage as well as further contamination to the floor, Alinabal Inc. began to look for a solution.Alinabal Inc. knew that this project would require a unique product, as they were looking for something that would achieve minimal downtime during the repair. They were also in need of a product that would be able to withstand wet conditions regularly, since this area was still to be used for washing and deburring steel parts in the future.In addition to these qualities, Alinabal Inc. wished to use a self-levelling product with minimal floor prep. Having used our products in the past, Alinabal Inc. again turned to our expert sales team for suggestions.Our solutionAlinabal Inc. asked our technical advisors what the best product for the job was. They were recommended and used Flowtop®.Flowtop® is ready for foot traffic in 6 hours. In this case, it drastically cut the downtime during repairs with its quick curing properties, and because it is 3 times stronger than standard concrete, it is also able to withstand the rinsing process that the floor would be subject to post repair.The self-levelling characteristics of Flowtop® were just what Alinabal Inc. was looking for, and as a bonus, it created a slip resistant finish for enhanced employee safety!Through the use of Flowtop®, Alinabal, Inc. was able to obtain a newly finished floor, and return to daily operations in a timely fashion. Employees could again efficiently squeegee water into the disposal trough, and the floor itself was no longer in danger of contamination from

OverviewJaguar Land Rover (JLR) is the UK’s largest car manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports saloon and sports car marques.With the two brands being brought together & established as one company in 2008 by the Tata Group, the brand is not only known by consumers as a creator of luxury cars but they are also considered in the trade as a reborn company of thriving creativity and one who isn’t afraid to tear up the rule book.They were the first car manufacture to cut their third party costs by producing their own steel and in 2014 the Jaguar XR was the first vehicle in the world to use aluminium alloy grade RC5754, which contained up to 75% recycled aluminium. The much lighter body gives a far superior fuel economy and in turn reduces fuel emissions. PartnershipHaving successfully tendered for 4 new sites across the UK, HAG Ltd. specified various fire protection & security products, to not only meet the current fire & safety regulations but also to aesthetically enhance their surroundings.Several major UK construction firms were chosen to complete the new sites, however HAG Ltd. were one of a limited number of contractors that were specified on all sites.This is testament to the excellent reputation that HAG Ltd. has across the UK within the construction industry, being first choice to assist with the completion of these land mark buildings. The ProjectHAG Ltd. worked alongside market leading construction firms such as Midas Construction and MCS Group at new sites in Bristol, Northampton, Brighton & Guildford, fitting fire shutters, fire curtains & steel doors.HAG’s fire protection doors, shutters & fire curtains offer an exceptionally high standard of specification, performance and protection and are fire tested & compliant to the latest standard BS EN 16034:2014 & CE Marked to BS EN 13241-1:2003. HAG were one of the first UK companies to have their entire range tested & verified to these high standards, when the latest Government legislation changed in November 2019.JLR’s impressive new land mark buildings, often follow the Duel Arch concept, bringing together both brands, spacious showrooms, office space, significant outside & roof top parking. For example the new Guy Salmon facility in Bristol, which opened in January 2021, is vast at 72,000 sq-ft and boasts capacity for more than 400 vehicles. This development alone within the JLR brand, cost £12.3m, and it is therefore understandable that not only is it essential to meet all fire & security regulations, that also their significant investment & stock level needs the highest level of protection.The HAG steel door range includes external fire & security doors, which provide excellent fire protection & the highest level of security. These can be fitted to all external access points of the building and are used to ensure security is maintained. Our insurance certified steel doors have triple point sash locks with high security cylinders and are anti-protected to reduce risk of key copying. HAG can supply an alternative high security multi point panic hardware for fire escape situations. Our in house power coating finishes are available in a wide range of colours, which offered JLR complete control over their design and how our products were going to compliment their surroundings.‘As the Jaguar Land Rover range has evolved and grown since our Jaguar and Land Rover showrooms were established in Bristol, our sales and aftersales experience needed to evolve with them. What we’ve created with this new landmark building in Bristol is a luxurious space for our customers not just to use, but to enjoy. We now have the space and facilities to showcase the entire spectrum of the Jaguar Land Rover range, shining the brightest possible light on these great vehicles to our customers in Bristol and beyond.’Simon CraneHead of Business, Guy Salmon Bristol HAG Ltd. offer maintenance & service contracts, as well as a 24 hour repair service. Repair and service is an essential element of HAG’s portfolio, with the company offering a unique and bespoke maintenance and repair programme tailored for each individual client.

Upgrade from problematic gutteringThis four bedroom detached house was built in the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds in the year 2000. The property is surrounded by trees which cause gutters to become regularly clogged by leaves resulting in overflow during heavy rain. The owners made a decision to replace the original guttering with a larger size and took the opportunity to upgrade the budget UPVC system with stylish galvanised steel. Gutter Centre recommended Lindab Magestic due to its industry leading galvanisation and smart solution products. Efficient leaf traps components were integrated into the design to ensure easy ongoing maintenance and prevent drain blockage. The customer is very happy that the overflow problem has now been eliminated and loves how the new system gives his property increased street appeal which neighbours are now hoping to replicate. 

Forward thinking rural livingSimon and Fran Ackerley set out to design a traditional farmhouse with a modern twist for themselves and their 3 sons on their 200 acre farm in the stunning rural location at Kilnwick Percy, near Pocklington in Yorkshire. The main designer and contractor was Anderson York Ltd., this relationship proved to be a great team in making some exciting material choices. Including premium blue Welsh natural roofing slates and a contemporary galvanised steel gutter system which were provided by Burton Roofing Merchants. The merchants remarked that the Lindab rainwater system, "makes a striking statement but ultimately benefits very low maintenance".Owner, Simon commented that the long term view has ruled in most instances as they didn’t want any regrets. The finished project is a real pleasure to see and has had a lot of press coverage.

Kings Cross Railway has been one of the largest and most exciting London redevelopments in recent years. In Victorian times Kings Cross was a thriving industrial area but by the end of last century, mostly had fallen into disrepair and dis-used buildings, sidings, warehouses and contaminated land. The move of the Channel Tunnel rail link from Waterloo to St Pancras in 1996 meant the need for change at the 67 acre site. The glass roof consists of two adjacent Victorian steel ‘barrel-vaults’ which now feature our PlasGard patent glazing system. A special glazing bar for use at the ridge was designed with a low external capping so as not to cast shadow onto the photo-voltaic cells to ensure optimal performance. Elsewhere laminated clear glass was used for safety in accordance with overhead glazing guidelines.

Our team at Helmsman manufactured and installed 49 two-compartment bespoke Z lockers, which is a wet specification as they are ideal for environments where it is humid, our aluminium & stainless-steel body with solid grade laminate is a perfect choice. The bespoke Z lockers were requested to have an internal self and fully perforated base which allows airflow through the lockers.The laminate Z lockers were installed with stands, 1 nest of 1, 2 nest of 2, and 14 nest of 3. The specification of the stand was 461mm high overall, 298mm wide, and 450mm deep with 1m rivets,Our Z lockers are a fantastic choice as it allow two people to store their belongings in the footprint of one locker, the design of this locker is modern, innovative, and stylish. Additionally, users would be able to hang their clothes in a taller section of the locker, which reduces the risk of wrinkling.

PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts was designed by Foster & Partners and commissioned by main contractor Kier Eastern. The brief was to replace 30-year-old partitioning with a system capable of fitting in with a visually aesthetic solution which was in-keeping with the existing architectural style.OUR SCOPE OF WORKThe demands of supplying architectural partitioning solutions within a visual arts centre environment meant that only the highest standards of design and functionality would be acceptable. From the start of the design phase, we worked in partnership with Norman Foster and Kier to create unique modular steel and glass partitions throughout the building. Bespoke doors provided the ultimate finish. Our approach was to ensure that functionality and aesthetics worked together to deliver consistency and innovation throughout the building. Attention to detail was paramount to the success of installing bespoke partitions within the creative surroundings of the Centre. 

The East Slope Student Village is a development of 32 buildings of three to six storey flats and three to four storey town houses accommodating 2,113 beds for students at the University of Sussex. Demolition of existing buildings commenced for the redevelopment of a lightweight steel frame mixed-use facility which includes a kitchen, student hub and retail space. Due to the steep slope of the site, a 30,000m³ of bulk excavation was required and buildings were arranged in linear blocks. The BREEAM Excellent rated development was designed to blend with the existing Sir Basil Spence campus and includes grassland as an environmental impact measure.Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 28 was specified by Pascall+Watson due to its excellent impact and airborne acoustic performance. ScreedBoard was recognised in the housebuilder awards and took home the winner’s award for ‘best internal/interior product’.Balfour Beatty was awarded this 30,000m² contract for this student accommodation in Sussex.

Project: Broxbourne Business CentreDate: 2022 Background:·        APL were engaged with the architect early in the project design and specification process·        APL worked closely with the architect and powder-coating manufacturers to select the correct colour shade for the perforated areas·        APL’s design team assisted with detailing the challenging interfaces between different cladding types·        APL provided all structural calculations Systems:·        550m² of APL SnapLoc™ traditional standing seam system in steel with a RAL 7016 PUF coating ·        700m² of APL AP18HR-Airwall™ perforated sinusoidal profile with an APL Oxide3 PPC coating ·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing to SFS substructure for APL SnapLoc™ areas·        APL AluE™ Tritherm aluminium sub-framing for AP18HR-Airwall™ areas·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Broxbourne

BLÜCHER UK were pleased to supply some bespoke channels and shower drains for a brand new leisure centre opening in the New Year.With a big range of activities and services available, including swimming pools, showers, saunas, steam rooms and communal areas, the installed drainage system needed to be robust, efficient, and visually aesthetic.Offering a contemporary timeless design, with an exceptional flow rate, BLÜCHER channels were the best option. Minimal downtime and maintenance were required by the customer due to the high usage of the leisure centre, with a further focus on retaining a hygienic atmosphere.Working alongside contractors ISG and GHBS, BLÜCHERs stainless steel drainage solution has provided Knaresborough Leisure Centre with a fully functional drainage system, ensuring they can meet the demands of their customers while preserving a safe and hygienic environment.

Arable farmer Ivan Banister talked to various agricultural building companies for advice before using local contractors to construct both parts of the new grain store. The first part of the new building was constructed with the secondary expansion undertaken and completed in time for the harvest. Eternit Profile 6 roofing sheets were selected for the project and installed by MJ Barrett.The roof was the most important consideration for Ivan and it was vital that the roofing material used on the store would resist the pressure from temperature and weather without cracking. Any problems in the roof and subsequent leakage would cause serious damage to harvested crops.Condensation had also proved a problem in older, steel roofed storage facilities at Warden Farms and the vapour permeable nature of Eternit fibre cement roofing sheets helps to minimise moisture levels within the new storage building.

Willow Crescent in Normanton consists of forty seven post-war Cornish Units, each of which was designed to offer temporary housing after World War II and a life expectancy of around fifteen to twenty years.Wakefield and District Housing Association manage the homes at Willow Crescent and invested in a renovation program to boost the standards of each homeThe ideal material for the roofing and mansards needed to look traditional and keep the look and feel of the units and despite the refresh, each unit needed to blend in with the surroundings yet maintain the unique look that Cornish Units are known forMetrotile Lightweight Steel Roofing Systems were specified for the replacement of both the rooftops and mansards, offering each home the many benefits that Metrotile is known for and the low weight of each profile places less strain on both the supporting frame of the homes and the foundations.

Merchant Square was the largest Grade A office development ever to be undertaken in Belfast at the time of completion. Aluprof systems were used to help transform an existing office block with a completely new building envelope. The building has been entirely let to PwC and is their biggest office space outside of London with 3,000 employees.The external envelope was completed using Aluprof's MB-SE75 unitised curtain wall facade system and was then specified in an anodised finish, which then contrasts with the external Corten steel used in a vertical column emphasis to meet the architects design. With the rise in use of unitised curtain wall systems for medium sized projects, this option is becoming a real alternative to a traditional curtain wall solution, especially as costs are becoming more competitive. Unitised systems can also offer up to a 50% reduction in installation periods which can offer significant savings on the project programme.

Renovation stripping out the building completely and rebuilding the walls, Passive Purple® was applied in between the connections of the internal side of the external walls which were a combination of masonry, timber, and steel frame. The ground floor ceiling was removed exposing the warped old timber joists with cracks in the surrounding brickwork and mortar. This was given attention to detail using Passive Purple® Brush to seal above an airtight foam to guarantee the airtightness of this major air leak zone before the final spray coat of Passive Purple® airtight membrane was applied. Passive Purple® was also used to seal window and door linings, ready for the new triple glazed windows to go in. Passive Purple® was sprayed on all the walls and ceiling. This is an ongoing project that still is awaiting an air test, the client is looking to hit 2.5 ach and installing MVHR.

The Margam Green Energy Plant is a long-term, multi-million pound investment into the Welsh economy to help meet the country’s renewable energy targets whilst also strengthening the country’s energy security. A durable concrete was required for the storage silo that housed wood chip to feed the plant.For this project Tarmac suggested their TOPROC SY be used as an overlay on the finished concrete slab as a protective high strength screed. TOPROC SY comprises a micro-silica mix with steel and macro fibres designed to give high levels of abrasive and impact resistance. This product is highly suited to heavy industrial areas such as container handling, metal recycling, waste, loading bays and any other aggressive environments. The main benefit is extended length of time the product will perform compared with traditional concrete therefore saving cost on continual replacement.

What used to be the site of the Cannon Brewery, dating back to the 1670s, and the home of London’s largest brewery, is now a modular arrangement of 198 apartments with a selection of one, two and three bedroom flats and five town houses built around a landscaped courtyard. The project was designed by architects Hamilton Associates and completed in 2022.Literally a stone’s throw from our Studio in Clerkenwell, London, this was a remediation project, where the existing timber was removed and replaced with our BalcaSmart Aluminium system, in order to make sure the building complied with new fire regulations. The rear of the building also features our TerraSmart Pedestal system.Our aluminium decking system is non-combustible, achieves Euroclass A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1:2018, is ideal for all steel, bolt-on and cantilever balconies, and most importantly ensures the safety of all residents. This is what futureproofing is all about.

A Degafloor Approved Installer - The National Flooring Company Ltd were approached by a A 4-star hotel, in the South of England, who had decided to update their flooring system around the swimming pool. The existing floor tiles, which had started to debond posed a trip hazard and therefore needed to be replaced. The client also advised they were experiencing problems with standing water.Following the removal of the existing floor tiles, the installation of a new screed was required to build back the levels and ensure there were adequate falls in the floor for water to run back into the pool. Throughout the installation, the gym remained open, and it had been advised that the pool closure needed to be kept to an absolute minimum. The National Flooring Company installed the Degafloor Deep Fill Mortar Repair system, a fast-curing underlayment, which ensured the refurbishment programme could continue with no downtime due to curing.The existing drain was removed and replaced, along with the light box and leveller covers, which all received new stainless-steel units. A new trim was fixed around the perimeter of the pool and the Degafloor resin system, which has an excellent bond to metal surfaces, was abutted up to all the stainless-steel items. The Degafloor QTA system used within the project, is a quartz trowelled system that can be laid to falls. The system is broadcast with aggregate to provide an extremely slip resistant finish, even under wet conditions, making it ideally suited to a swimming pool surround. Coved skirting was installed around the perimeter of the room creating a completely impervious finish, with no weak spots and therefore reducing future maintenance costs. The full refurbishment was completed over 12 days, ensuring that the closure was kept to a bare minimum.The clients main requirements were they required an anti-slip floor that would eliminate the current situation they had with standing water. They specifically requested that the closure was kept to a minimum as they are a "member's club" as well as facilitating the hotel, which remained open throughout the installation. The client was extremely satisfied with the end result and felt they now have a floor finish that is much better suited to their environment.

The Hising Bridge is to become the new landmark of Gothenburg. Spanning over the central part of Scandinavia’s most significant commercial harbour, The Hissing Bridge will replace the existing Göta River Bridge from 1939.Aesthetically, the Hising bridge will become ‘a street’ within the city, for people to walk on and below and, to enjoy spectacular views. The Hising bridge will bind the Göta River shores for cars, busses, trams, pedestrians, and bicycles.The Hising Bridge project involves many partners, entrepreneurs, and subcontractors. PcP was involved in the project to design and supply safety solutions for access walkways, platforms, stairs, and architectural ceilings. The new bridge is approximately 440 metres long.Project criteriaThe construction work for the Hising Bridge began in 2013 and will replace the old worn-out bridge from 1939. The project involves a range of highly experienced partners within construction and infrastructure: Trafikværket and Skanska, to name a few. The project prescribed stainless steel gratings to decorate the bridge with an architectural ceiling that would blend into the atmosphere and surroundings. The purpose is to give people an unforgettable experience of the architecture and the bridge lights during the day and on a “special” night.The criteria for the ceiling of stainless-steel gratings were prescribed in the project to fulfil an aesthetic design as a ceiling and at the same time provide a functional safety platform for maintenance workers.Additionally, the project had prescribed the need for safe access walkways, stairs, and service platforms to ensure maximum safety for workers on the entire bridge.SolutionThe project partners chose PcP to provide the complete solution: ceiling, stairs, walkways, and service platforms.The different applications involved close collaboration between the partners throughout design, development, test and delivery. The range of applications was a thorough process of designing, drawing and technical advice. The entire solution involved PcP products from OPTIMO, CUBE and Guardrail.CUBE® as architectural ceiling1000 m2 CUBE® gratings decorate the ceiling below the bridge with a multifunctional purpose combining design and functionality. The unique design is simplistic and efficient and provides excellent light penetration at night.

The Waterplein Revaleiland Amsterdam project was constructed by the contractor Knipscheer Infrastructuur BV, a medium-sized construction company specialising in infrastructure (roads, bridges etc.). With about 120 employees, Knipscheer carries out civil engineering work in the Netherlands.The criteriaAs the contractor, Knipscheer’s role was to construct a new and modern square for use by the general public at Waterplein Revaleiland. The project to build a pier presented challenges because the design criteria specified a wooden pier to match the existing environment. High safety standards and a modern design were the ultimate criteria for constructing the pier. Knipscheer chose PcP as a partner to supply the gratings for creating the wooden pier, with wood planks being installed into the gratings to create a perfectly straight line the full breadth of the structure. In such cases, steel beams are often used as a substrate for wooden planks, but this requires large quantities of steel and results in higher costs, and therefore mesh gratings were chosen for this project.The solutionTo create the new public square at Amsterdam Waterplein Revaleiland comprising one large wooden pier, Knipscheer chose PcP to supply 1,400 square metres of press-welded gratings. The mesh gratings are placed upside down on a concrete surface to ensure the wooden planks are stable.Each press-welded grating is tailormade to meet the specific dimensions, with a mesh size of 111 x 99/60 x 3 mm. Customised mesh sizes can only be made with a press-welded grating, and therefore this option was optimal for this particular project. The gratings were placed upside down on the concrete. Knipscheer then laid 28 mm thick hardwood planks into the gratings. The challenge here was to draw and produce mesh sizes in one line, so the wooden planks in each grating could meet the visual design criteria of appearing to be continuous wooden planks extending the full width of the pier.The collaborationThe collaboration with the contractor Knipscheer commenced in 2018. PcP worked close with the contractor throughout the entire project to meet the design and technical criteria of both Knipscheer and the client. Drawings and samples were supplied by PcP, Approved by the contractor’s customer.

THE LOCATIONThis brand-new build to rent development is situated along the Canning Dock in the centre of Liverpool. It’s the perfect location as it has loads of amenities close by with the shopping centre a couple of minutes down the road. The award-winning building has an unmissable appearance and a modern feel throughout the building.THE PROJECTDesigned by award-winning architect Leach Roach Walker, The Copper House spans 16 floors and is home to 383 one, two and three bedroom apartments, all available for rent. The apartments are designed to the highest specifications of modern city living to provide comfort and stunning views, with an abundance of natural light. The Safety Letterbox Company and the copper house have a long-running partnership and were the perfect choice to build a mail and parcel solution for their residents. Whilst working in the build to rent industry copper house realised the importance of having a parcel solution in their building.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox Company worked alongside the interior designer to create a new corner system that maximized the efficiency of the building. The copper house also wanted a mail and parcel solution that could be extended if needed in the future, making the solution perfect for future-proofing the building.The team went for 400 steel 2 letterboxes in multiple sizes in order to fill their mail needs. The steel 2 boxes were banked on a hidden table supports and were engraved with gravel gold infill which gave the combination system and direct contrast which gave it a high-end look. This product is future-proofed with the option to add on in the future if needed.Copper House also added myRENZbox to make sure they could manage their Parcel deliveries. The myRENZbox modular had seven extensions with different size doors in order to maintain their parcel deliveries. The Safety Letterbox Company has an algorithm to work out how many parcel boxes a building requires. myRENZbox was polyester powder coated with the colour RAL 7026 Granite Grey with a finished Gloss. Copper House also opted for a barcode scanner to help deliveries become more efficient. MyRENZboxes has also futureproofed Copper House with the option to extend the myRENZbox in the future.

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.

Qbic Manchester, the fourth property in the Qbic portfolio, mixes striking design with admirable eco-credentials and affordability to deliver a truly eclectic destination hotel. Working with Qbic’s own interior designers and contractor, MY Construction, Style was specified to create flexible space in the hotel’s meeting rooms whilst also complementing the breath-takingly chic decor.Finished in a stunning steel blue, the two identical Dorma Hüppe Variflex glass moveable walls incorporate telescopic end panels, giving a truly aesthetic finish. With 52dB acoustic integrity and semi-automatic operation the walls can be quickly manoeuvred into place, dividing or opening out the meeting areas to meet the demands of the day.Combining a stylish crittall effect with a reeded manifestation added to the glass to match the room’s fixed glazing, these moveable partitioning walls not only add flexibility to the hotel’s space but also enhance the overall interior design.Qbic has reinvented the concept of affordable hotels, by focusing on what matters to its stylish, savvy, environmentally responsible guests. Located on the lively Deansgate strip, the Manchester hotel offers 261 pet-friendly rooms, boasts comfortable king-sized beds, has high-speed WiFi, plus water-efficient power showers and sustainable toiletries.“This hotel oozes the ‘wow’ factor,” said Andy Gibson, Style’s director for the North.“The moveable walls are effortless to manoeuvre, enabling hotel staff to create either three separate meeting rooms, one large and one small room, or open up the entire area."Semi-automatic operation ensures the acoustic seals are always applied to exactly the right pressure, offering high levels of privacy when meetings are in progress. The Qbic design team’s vision of a blue steel finish in this vibrant environment was truly inspiring and something we were proud to be able to deliver.”Style is the UK market leader in moveable, folding and partitioning walls and its glass range has expanded this year with a complete range of acoustic and non-acoustic solutions – each with manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic operation.

Situated on Millbank in London, Tate Britain is a tourist hotspotdedicated to the finest British art dating back to the 16th century.The site originally housed the Millbank prison which was the maindeparture point for criminals being sent to Australia. Following thedemolition of the prison, the National Gallery of British Art (Tate Britainas of 2000) was opened in 1897 by Sir Henry Tate, making it the firstof the four Tate galleries.The building has gone through numerous renovations since it’s 19thcentury opening. In 1987, the Clore gallery was opened and wenton to win a Royal Institute of Architects award the following year.More recently in 2006, Caruso St. John architects began a long termdevelopment and renovation project which aimed to create ninenew galleries. The redevelopment featured a number of differentrenovations spanning seven years, whereby Allgood were chosento supply an Ironmongery and an access control solution in the newgalleries.Working on such a prestigious project, it was evident that aestheticswere of paramount importance. The architect desired a unique finishon items, so Allgood worked closely to produce a shot peened finishon some of the stainless steel furniture. To create a clean aestheticon doors which required push plates and signage, Allgood createdan all in one solution by shot peening stainless steel plates, blankingoff areas to create contrasting areasfor signage to be screen printedwithin.Many doors within the gallery space were of traditional archeddesign which caused a challenge on fire doors with self-closingrequirements. Allgood’s solution to this issue was to specify floorsprings combined with projection hinges to provide a specificationthat would self-close in conjunction with the door geometry.Furthermore, to minimise the aesthetic impact of the floor springs,bespoke tile trays with access holes were created to conceal thefloor springs whilst providing easy access for floor spring adjustment.This provided an aesthetically pleasing solution for a very technicalapplication.Having previously worked with the museum on their Mantonshop, Allgoodwere well prepared for this project and the existingrelationship enabled a smooth operation that was completed on timeand within budget.

Some 92,000 Cwt Y Bugail slates feature on a ground-breaking new/old roof. Formerly a seedy area worth avoiding, London’s Kings Cross has now been transformed into a go-to destination for office workers, students and tourists. Developer Argent’s regeneration of the area has sensitively re-purposed the early Victorian railway buildings into variously, a college campus, supermarket and offices, in which the interior changes are radical but the exteriors have been left largely unaltered. Not so for Coal Drops Yard, a pair of elongated Victorian coal warehouses originally built to distribute coal from the North of England across London. Here, the pitched roofs of two almost-parallel buildings, 150m and 100m in length and 39m apart, have been reconfigured to curve up at their northern ends and gently kiss each other. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the roofs peel upwards and extend into the middle of the space between the two buildings. A new floorplate sits below the roof structure, with glazing filling the gap between the two, creating a third level of retail. The new roofs of the ornate cast-iron and brick structures have been slated with 92,000 new versions of the original Welsh Slates – 500mm x 250mm Cwt Y Bugails from the manufacturer’s Llan Ffestiniog quarry in North Wales – by Banbury-based specialist sub-contractor Attleys Roofing. Attleys already had some Kings Cross experience, using 6,400 500mm x 300mm Heather Blues from Welsh Slate’s main Penrhyn quarry for the re-roof of the nearby German Gymnasium - the first purpose-built gym in England - which is now enjoying a new lease of life as a designer restaurant. Coal Drops Yard was a whole new ball game, testing Attleys to the limit, but the result is an extraordinary reinterpretation of the canal-side site. Main contractor BAM Construction was responsible for the structure of the new roofline. More than 50 new steel columns were carefully threaded through the existing structure to support the roof independently of the building, a point cloud survey being carried out to help calculate where to put the columns without clashing with the existing building fabric. Primary support is provided by a set of large cranked beams supported on cores in each building which join in the middle over the yard. There are four primary beams, two on each building. These dip down towards the centre to create the valley between the two roof structures and have been nicknamed “giraffe beams” in reference to their angled neck and head - the structure looks like two giraffes rubbing noses together. Tie beams at floor level take the tensile loads generated by the weight of the roof. The giraffe beams support two ribbon trusses that define the upper and lower edge of each roof structure and connect in the middle over the yard at the lower edge. These are 7m deep in the middle and taper to 5m at the ends where these join the existing roof. Tubular steel sections were used to create the trusses because of the complex geometry. The new floorplate below the roof is suspended from above using macalloy bars and is tapered towards the perimeter to minimise the impact on the view. More than 60 panels of full-height structural glazing between the floor and new roof are stepped rather than curved or faceted for aesthetic reasons and has the added benefit of hiding the macalloy bars. Temporary trusses were erected to support the giraffe beam assembly and ribbon trusses during construction. The giraffe beam assembly was erected first. The ribbon trusses were brought to site as components, bolted together on the ground into fully-assembled sections complete with rafters, craned into position and bolted together where they meet in the middle. The whole roof structure was then de-propped. Visually, it was important to maintain a seamless transition from the existing roof to the new section so the original timber roof trusses were retained where possible, with some localised strengthening required where the timber had been damaged. The gap between the existing and new roof structure was then boarded over ready for the new Welsh slates.The two roofs are bolted together where they meet in the middle. Heatherwick Studio chose to position the new roof element at the northern ends of the two buildings as the eastern building had been devastated by a fire in 1985. Used more recently for warehousing and nightclubs, they were largely abandoned in the 1990s. Group leader Lisa Finlay said: “Our challenge was to radically remodel this Victorian infrastructure to meet the needs of a modern urban development without losing what made them special. To do this, we focused on understanding their original function and how they were adapted over time so we could appreciate how best to preserve and reuse the existing fabric, whilst also introducing new elements. One of which is an entirely free-standing new structure threaded through the historic buildings, from which a spectacular new third level is suspended.”  Attleys were on site for a total of almost 18 months. The roof pitch of the original sections of roof was 28° but as the curves swept around and met in the middle this changed to 47°. Thereafter the length also decreased from 8.4m to 6.9m at the kissing point where the two curved roofs met but the same number of courses of slates (44) had to be maintained. This meant Attleys had to decrease the gauges and not only cut the sides of the slates to take them around the curve but also the tops of the slates to maintain the same number of courses. No clever nailing or hidden bibbing was required to stop rainwater flowing diagonally at this point as the pitch was so steep. Attleys’ managing director Shaun Attley met with Heatherwick Studio and BAM’s design team up to two years prior to commencement on site to discuss the design issues and how to achieve the aesthetics requested while using the products selected.  Shaun advised the project team that the Cwt Y Bugail slates could not be used for their initial roof design which exceeded a 90° pitch so it was re-designed to ensure that where the eaves met it was at a pitch commensurate with Welsh Slate’s fixing recommendations and warranties. Due to space being at a premium, all the Cwt Y Bugail slates were cut off-site at Attleys’ depot in Banbury. To do this, Attleys had to calculate how much of the slates needed cutting off. This was done by taking measurements from the steel work underneath - from steel to steel at the eaves and steel to steel at the ridge which was generally over 10-15m depending where you were on the curve (on the internal curve or external curve). The kissing point determined how the slates were cut to ensure the perp lines and side laps were maintained.  And because the roof pitch was increasing while the rafter length was decreasing, Attleys also had to cut the tops of the slates down so they suited the decreasing gauges. A total of 32,000 of the 90,000 slates used on the project had to be cut with hand guillotines so the dressed edge could be maintained around the curve which comprised 1,600m2 of the total 4,600m2. Shaun Attley said: “Our timescale for the sections of roof was provided to BAM Construction and this was put into their overall programme with all other sub-contractors but unfortunately our commencement on site was delayed due to previous issues in the construction of the steel frame prior to us starting.  “This meant we were up against the clock in trying to pull back time to ensure the overall programme was still met and we were asked by BAM to find ways of doing as much as possible off-site and increasing labour and production on-site to pull back the time lost. By working together with other sub-contractors and the main contractor we managed to finish a week earlier than our anticipated 43-week overall programme.” He added: “The project was challenging at the beginning to ensure we set the roof out properly but as the contract progressed it became easier. Welsh slates are easy to work, and we work with them all the time, but in this case it was challenging getting the slates to course all the way round. Attleys’ SMSTS-trained supervisor ran the day-to-day safety, conducting Toolbox talks every morning and attending daily safety briefings by BAM Construction staff and supervisors from all trades on site to brief each other of any risks and ensure trades were not disrupting one another.  The team of 10 Attleys operatives, which included two NVQ Level 2 apprentices, carried out daily visual inspections of tools and all power tools were PAT tested every three months. Shaun Attley visited weekly to inspect the job for workmanship and production and also to gather feedback on any safety issues or to see if any safety measures could be instigated to improve the overall safety for their and other operatives on site. “We found some of these measures not only improved safety but also helped improve production,” said Shaun. Attleys also had an independent safety inspector (from The Health & Safety People) visit site monthly to see if there were any safety improvements they could recommend. Far from handling eight million tonnes of coal a year, Coal Drops Yard is now forecast to pull in 12 million visitors a year.

Chartek 7 was specified for this project, as an epoxy intumescent coating with an outstanding track record of protection against hydrocarbon fires dating back to 1995. The PFP system had to be able withstand explosion loads in excess for 4bar while maintaining its integrity, and Chartek 7 easily met these requirements. Using Chartek also provided productivity benefits, due to its high build and simple meshing system, along with a low weight per unit area, helping to reduce transportation costs for pre-fabricated units.Pre-fabrication played an important role in this project, due to the harsh environmental conditions and remoteness of the site. Steel components were constructed at locations across Europe, with the emphasis on minimizing installation and delivery costs. The ability of AkzoNobel to provide standardized global products and a high level of technical support helped to streamline and add value to this process, complementing the productivity benefits of Chartek.

As part of the multi-million-pound restoration of Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall, window restoration specialist Shepley Engineers is restoring, refurbishing, repairing and replacing hundreds of historic leaded and metal casement windows throughout the site using Hodgson Sealants Metal Casement Putty and Leaded Lite Cement. Each piece of glass from the iron-framed leaded lite windows from the state rooms has been removed, cleaned, repaired – or replaced by new fabrications if necessary – and reinstated using Hodgson’s Leaded Lite Cement in Shepley’s on-site restoration studio. The metal casement windows on the lower floors have been removed to Sheffield for restoration using Hodgson’s Metal Casement Putty, a high quality, hand-applied glazing compound that is formulated or bedding and external fronting of single glass into primed steel, timber frames, sealed hardwood and concrete. It is designed to be overpainted as in this project.

TSL secured the contract to install the rainscreen façade at Colbourne Place, a prestigious apartment block in Woking. To create the structural aluminium framework for the substructure, helping hand brackets were used, with the framework being secured with DrillFast A2/304 stainless steel frame fasteners. Throughout the project, a Kanban (just in time) delivery model was utilised, supplying the fixings for each of the four elevations as TSL began that phase of construction."When we are working on a façade project we aim to install one elevation at a time; it is therefore important that our supplier can be flexible delivering the right components for the façade fixing system when we need it. That way we don't have boxes of fixings on-site where they could get damaged but are able to progress at the speed we need to install the rainscreen support system, such as the CAD files with bespoke fixing patterns and technical datasheets"Aaron Humphries - Contracts Manager at TSL

The Durham Gateway project is a major new development at the Durham University that houses a variety of departments. Although aesthetically stunning, the concept presented several challenging issues.The project was carried out to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Standard and as such only used components that had minimal environmental impact. Cold-applied liquid roofing membranes, such as those manufactured by Polyroof, have been recognised by BRE to help roofing elements achieve up to an A+ rating (depending on the roof construction).Part of the works involved the construction of three curved roof areas that required a high-performance and durable waterproofing system which was to be covered by a timber shingle system. The shingles were supported by over 1,170 steel stanchions – all of which were seamlessly waterproofed with the Protec System.The main contractors of the project, Laing O’Rourke, were able to achieve the visual impact they wanted with the peace of mind that the roof was protected by a totally seamless and highly durable waterproofing membrane.

Kestrel Court is a bespoke development of nine apartments, comprising of one 3 bedroom and eight 2 bedroom high specification properties. Offering tree lined views, off street parking and private gardens, the development is nestled near Ewell Village, granting easy access to shops and restaurants. Its prime location provides A3 access to the M25 and trains to London. Also nearby is Bourne Hall, which features a library, theatre, museum, and various amenities, and Nonsuch Park, an English Heritage-listed historic park.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by 1929 Architects 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.Turnbull Homes were supplied 500m² of Cellecta products for this development in Epsom.

Pembroke House is an assisted living home located in Camberley. The home had a conversion of the second and third floors and construction of a 2 story roof extension to provide 116 affordable apartments, as well as 20 in a dedicated dementia suite. Facilities include a private dining room, lounge areas, restaurant, cinema, library, café, spa bathroom, bistro, library, beauty salon and activities room. Located in the city centre, the building has underground parking, garden terraces on the 4th Floor, and a porte cochere providing outdoor space for residents to enjoy.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by PRP Architects 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.Wates Construction was awarded this 2,880m² contract to construct this development in Surrey.

Peregrine Bryant were appointed to design a scheme for Stationers Hall to improve access and rationalise the internal layouts to enhance the building as a function space. The building, located near St Paul’s Cathedral, has a history that stretches back to before the Great Fire of London and any work requires a lot of co-ordination as parts of the complex range from Grade I listed to Ancient Scheduled Monuments.3v were asked to provide a full hardware service for this historic building which included scheduling all new and existing doors, rationalising ironmongery throughout and undertaking a full review of fire requirements. All new ironmongery was finished in antique brass with the exception of the toilet areas which use a split finish of antique brass externally and satin stainless steel internally. The main task was to ensure there was more continuity in the ironmongery used throughout the building so that it complimented both the aesthetics of the building and the function as an events space.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in 1860 by Mary Tealby as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. Since it opened, the charity has cared for more than 3.1 million dogs and cats. To increase capacity at their old Windsor site BDCH are adding a new wing.The animal charity required specialist doors for a new intake building which includes 27 kennels and 4 maternity kennels.Dortek supplied hygienic hinged doors with Stainless Steel frames throughout the new building. Some doors also had automations and access control locks for ease of access and increased security. Fire doors with 30 minutes certification were also supplied for the protection of animals and staff throughout the facility.The GRP construction of Dortek doors makes them easy to clean, waterproof and extremely robust. They are ideally suited to animal care facilities requiring a low maintenance design.

FlexEJ routinely welds very thin materials in the range 0.3 to 2mm thick. The materials are typically stainless steels, high Nickel alloys (625, 800, 825), Titanium and Duplex.Not only do we weld these thin materials we weld them to (relatively) thick dissimilar materials, a process which requires very high skill and ability. These welds are often unique and made in custom engineered parts.We also have experience with welding very thin perforated plate used to manufacture strainer baskets, silencer internals and filters.For higher volume manufacture we can also offer autogenous welding in thin materials.All our welders are coded; most have both ASME and EN qualifications.If you are interested in finding out more about FlexEJ’s welding capabilities, please contact our Technical Sales Team on +44 (0) 1384 881188 or send an email to sales@flexej.co.uk.

The project design included a car park solar shading system from Contrasol Ltd. The extruded aluminium profiles form feature solar shading ‘fins’ running vertically on the exterior of the multi-story car park, with galvanized steel plates behind the fins at each floor level to screen car headlights. By using Powdertech’s PWF 020 Wood Finish on the metal the large building could be brought into harmony with its environment, being less visible in the landscape. Unlike wood, PWF will not deteriorate or warp. It is also a benefit for the installer to be working with a homogenous material with good dimensional stability. The colour and gloss retention for Wood Finish is excellent and it will remain looking good for over 25 years with minimal maintenance required. The project in numbers: 9000 metres of 200 x 50mm extruded aluminium profiles 530 pre-galvanized plates, 1m x 1.5 m 7700 fixing brackets 5780 end caps