"stone quarried stonemasons restoration"

Pavement Shifting Protection for Roads in SouthwarkIn recent years, Southwark Council encountered problems creating and maintaining attractively paved surfaces in busy carriageways.David Farnham, Highways Design Quality Manager at Southwark Council, explained: “Southwark boasts some of central London’s great destinations – from the tourist sites around London Bridge, Tower Bridge and Bankside, to vibrant neighbourhood centres like Peckham, Camberwell and Dulwich. The quality of our streets is a big part of the appeal, and residents and visitors expect them to be attractively landscaped and well maintained.“Installing paved areas in roads at crossings and junctions helps provide that quality of place whilst also having a calming effect on traffic. This is something we support as part of a tool-kit of shared space design measures. However, it poses some real design and maintenance challenges.”David Farnham, Highways Design Quality Manager at Southwark CouncilWhilst the trend in central London over recent years had been to install natural stone sett surfaces within a rigid construction system, Southwark Council found this to be too costly for most locations and difficult to reinstate. Meanwhile, complex detailing was needed if all too common defects were to be avoided, even under moderate traffic. The Council identified concrete block surfacing, used within a flexible construction system, as a potentially simpler and cheaper alternative – provided certain requirements could be met.David Farnham commented, “We wanted to replicate the appearance of modern natural stone surfaces as faithfully as possible. In order to look the part, any concrete blocks had to be capable of being laid in stretcher bond on busy roads. That’s difficult with a flexible system as a herringbone bond is typically needed to increase surface interlock and prevent individual blocks from shifting. If not avoided that can lead blocks to work lose and the surface to rut. Also, in order to have a traffic calming effect we needed blocks to be quite large and to have varied finishes so approaching drivers would notice them. Traditional 200×100 concrete blocks weren’t compatible with these needs.”Tobermore introduced Southwark to their solution – the City Pave VS5 block paving system. The innovative product incorporates shift protection on five sides of each block via interlocking nibs and a specially profiled bottom surface that claws sand beds. These innovations provide continuous protection against shifting from horizontal and vertical loads, all within a traditional rectangular shaped block. The system even outperforms other interlocking blocks often used in goods yards and other heavy load areas. It gives designers the freedom to use flexible construction systems with confidence – even when laying blocks in stretcher bond on busy roads.City Pave VS5 also offers a hard wearing granite aggregate surface layer that produces a striking finish, similar to the appearance of natural granite. As well as the aesthetic appeal, the hard wearing surface layer improves the strength and durability of the product.Southwark Council specified the product in a mix of Silver, Mid Grey and Graphite colours to mimic the natural variability of stone. The combination of the three product colours and the larger element 300x150x100mm size of the City Pave VS5 block was used to create the desired ‘traffic-calming’ effect.City Pave VS5 was installed on streets across the borough, including Camberwell Green, Borough High Street and Blanchedown Road – typically as part of raised table features at junctions and crossings.David Farnham said, “Overall, the City Pave VS5 system helped to substantially reduce construction costs compared with rigid stone sett construction systems. Visually, the stretcher bond, mix of top finishes and large module sizes has been very successful.”

Located on the edge of Cambridge’s De Freville Conservation Area, Clare College’s St Regis site has provided accommodation for postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge for over fifty years. In recent times, the need for regeneration became clear and Freeland Rees Roberts Architects was appointed to design a new scheme. The practice worked closely with Vandersanden, selecting brick as the principal element of the attractive new facades.While the old buildings failed to fit into the surrounding urban context and lacked the facilities required, the new scheme provides more and improved student accommodation for the college together with market flats. To achieve this successfully in a residential area, it was vital to consider the massing and perceived scale of the buildings. Consequently, the volumes were broken down to feel more like a series of big houses than large residential blocks.Clearly of a confident, contemporary design, the buildings respect their surroundings, repairing and maintaining the rhythm of the street scene. In large part, this is due to the choice of bricks and the splitting of the facades into separate gables with slopping roofs. Vandersanden’s Majestic and Luna Apollo facing bricks were selected and contribute to the detailing of the facades.“There is plenty of life and colour variation in the bricks,” explains Alexander Hobohm, director at Freeland Rees Roberts Architects. “This assists in breaking down the overall massing of the facades and works well with the dark zinc of the roofs.”The bricks act to soften the appearance of the facades and link the context of the new and neighbouring buildings. The beige grey Majestic brick predominates with the darker grey Luna Apollo providing detailing. It forms the plinth that anchors the buildings while a soldier course of Majestic bricks above provides the transition to the main body of the walls. At the junction with the zinc roof, the detailing is subtle with the transition provided by stepped courses of the Luna Apollo. Panels of projecting brick headers are a further feature, introduced to add a textural quality that brings light and shade to the facades.“The brick’s colour, tone and texture were qualities that other manufacturers couldn’t offer,” says Hobohm. “Usefully, Vandersanden invited us to see a number of projects using the same bricks which was so much more helpful than relying just on sample panels.”Another contributory factor to the look is the choice of mortar. This was specified to create a natural, lime mortar-like appearance and was achieved by fully pointing and, after the initial set, brushing back; there are no struck joint lines.A defining feature of the front facade is the public art. The college commissioned a carving featuring swifts in flight, inspired by the birds that were in residence in the original buildings. Swift boxes have been integrated into the new facades to provide a home for these beautiful birds. Using hand tools and following trials, stonemasons carved some 5-10mm into the face of the brickwork to create the design. A breathable paint finish was applied to highlight the indentations - a single bird at the very top is gold-leafed.  For Hobohm, working with Vandersanden was a positive, supportive and proactive process. “It was very straightforward. Early on, Vandersanden supplied product and technical information, plus a batch of the two brick types, enabling us to create sample panels. The bricks helped deliver the project vision and the client is delighted. It’s now one of the college’s signature buildings and has already won several awards.” To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link 

Newly built Cavell Park Care Home, a Porthaven home, is situated in a convenient location, close to the historic town of Maidstone and a stone’s throw from the M20 motorway. To ensure the perimeter of the grounds and the gardens of the care home are safe for residents to spend time in, fencing and gates were required. In addition, with the standard of care being high, this needed to be reflected and indicated in the presentation of the whole site, so the car park at the front of the site needed premium quality demarcation fencing to create an excellent first impression. Black metal bow top railings and matching gates were chosen to demarcate and secure the boundary; specified in varying height intervals for the different areas of the site to suit requirements. 

Nestled between parklands, at a mere stone’s throw from Lea Valley and Hackney Marshes, and in the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with its world-class sporting facilities, an incredible new neighbourhood is arising. Chobham Manor is the first of five new developments to be built in this history-rich area in Stratford, east London. 6,800 new homes will be constructed in total over the next 20 years, along with health centres and multi-purpose community spaces. SOPREMA provided the waterproofing solution and insulation materials for Chobham Manor, as well as collaborating closely from the design stage onwards with Taylor Wimpey, one of the top-five housebuilders in the UK, and SOPREMA-approved contractor Skyler Contracting.

When Jason and Nikki bought a 19th century clapboard house overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Essex countryside, the property came with planning permission to knock it down and build a new home.But keen to preserve a piece of history, the couple opted to restore the house instead, choosing Cedral facades to recreate the original clapboard look while benefiting from Cedral’s modern features.“We wanted the same look as before, to restore the house to how it had looked originally,” says Jason. “We also wanted a property that was as maintenance free as possible.”Which is why Cedral facades fitted the bill perfectly. Crafted for durability and long life with no need for regular repainting or maintenance, it has a minimum life expectancy of 50 years.Using Cedral Lap in elegant C01 White, the finished look is a beautiful New England style home that sits at the top of the hill. Finding the right shade of white was important to the couple and here again, Cedral met the requirements perfectly.“We went for Cedral C01 White because it’s more of a warmer shade, other options we looked at were too bright and cold. It’s a large area of cladding and we didn’t want it to be too blinding when the sun was on it. We also preferred the fact that Cedral offered a thicker board, it had more substance than the others we considered.”The fact that their builder said he preferred working with Cedral because of its high quality sealed the deal. “He did an amazing job on the installation,” says Jason. “It was all quite painless and everyone who visits comments on the workmanship.”The renovation is still ongoing and next they plan to build a garden office also using Cedral facades.“We would definitely recommend Cedral,” the couple say. “So many people say to us they can’t believe it’s not real wood. Because we’ve cleared back a lot of the overgrowth on the property, the house is now very visible from the road and we didn’t want anything that looked fake. We wanted to have that original wood finish that suits the style of the house and its original design, and yet be as low maintenance as possible.”And with Cedral that’s what they got. “Unless we used wood itself, we couldn’t have got any closer to the original style,” says Nikki. “Now everyone says it’s the prettiest house on the road.”

Building an outdoor garden and entertaining space with a fab kitchen area that’s the envy of all your friends and neighbours is something many of us only dream about. The new series of Love Your GardenIn the new series of Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh, landscaping experts Cotswold Garden Renovation Services LTD built a beautiful stone columned kitchen with a porcelain slab countertop using Power Grab ‘n’ Bond to secure everything in position for a long-lasting finish, guaranteed to last for a lifetime. Harry & Jamie only use the best materialsHarry Barnes & Jamie Johnstone of Cotswold Garden Renovation are leading the great garden revolution. They’ve shown that with passion and skills anything is possible and provide landscaping expertise for ITV’s Love Your Garden alongside garden designers Alan Titchmarch, Francis Tophill, David Domoney, Katie Rushworth and Danny Clarke.They believe in always using the best quality tools, materials and trusted brands. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is developed by leading British manufacturers CT1, the No1 sealant and adhesive in the UK. CT1 is always leading and providing the industry with the very latest technology. Now thanks to its unique ‘Tribrid®’ technology Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a revolutionary product in the field of heavy-duty versatile bonding. Building a outdoor kitchen using Power Grab ‘n’ BondIn their latest project Harry and Jamie hand built a series of vertical stone columns that were then braced together with wide metal strips. Usually these would have to be fitted using mechanical fixings, requiring holes to be drilled through the stone and heavy bolts fitted with their thick heads protruding above the metal braces. As 20mm porcelain slabs were being fitted on top, these protruding bolts were going to be a major issue. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond provided the perfect solution as it’s the ultimate grab adhesive, eliminating the use of mechanical fixings completely and coupled with the rapid curing will, in most projects, save 50% labour time and cost.Using a heavy-duty caulking gun, Harry and Jamie applied Power Grab ‘n’ Bond straight from the cartridge, onto the metal braces and after 4-5minutes fixed directly them into place. Why use Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?With phenomenal initial grab, this fast curing, non-shrinking and almost odourless adhesive secured the braces firmly with immediate effect.Three times stronger than regular hybrid polymers, the ‘Tribrid®’ technology in Power Grab n Bond ensures longer colour retention, incredible durability and flexibility, even when applied outdoors.Yet Power Grab ‘n’ Bond will remain flexible and resist vibrations caused by cooking equipment, barbecuing and constant use. It won’t dry out, nor become brittle and works perfectly in temperatures ranging from 90°C right down to the mind numbing cold -40°C. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond will successfully stick to any material in most applications Not only does it successfully stick all metals (including alloys), but Power Grab also ‘n’ Bond has a capacity to adhere to a wide range of materials such as stone, granite, ytong, marble, concrete, wood, MDF, fiberglass, glass, polystyrene, mirrors and most plastics (except PP, PE and PTFE). Furthermore, its ability to bond combined materials such as wood to concrete or stainless steel to stone is incredible. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond removes the need for mechanical fixings!Originally created for facades and heavy stonework such as the installation of quoins, the versatility, strength and reliability of Power Grab ‘n’ Bond means it now used more widely by professional shop and kitchen fitters as well as specialist trades, landscapers and bathroom installers. It is tested by a UKAS Accredited lab to BS EN 12003 (Determination of shear adhesion strength of reaction resin adhesives) and BS EN1308 (Determination of slip resistance).After fitting the braces Harry and Jamie applied Power Grab ‘n’ Bond to the top side of the metal strips and laid 900x900x20mm thick heavy duty porcelain slabs in place to form the countertop of the external kitchen. How strong is Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a single part solvent free solution, with a far greater density, allowing phenomenal initial grab, even on vertical installations, and offers a final tensile strength of 22kg per cm2 when fully cured. These metal braces and porcelain slabs aren’t going anywhere soon and will provide a lifetime of outdoor dining for the homeowners. Where can I get Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?Grab also ‘n’ Bond is made in Britain with British technology and British design. Its available now in all good builders merchants nationwide and online from www.ct1.com

A new education facility for Birmingham City University – STEAMhouse 2 - marries the restored frontage of a former Victorian industrial building with a brand new addition designed to promote interdisciplinary courses that bring together artists, scientists and engineers with input from industry.  The locally-listed red brick and terracotta façade of the 1899 Belmont cycle works was preserved after a disastrous fire gutted the building in 2007. That now fronts a new brick building the rear elevation of which boasts Corporate W20 windows in black plus two fire-rated Crittall windows and two fire-rated Crittall doors installed in a fire escape. Beyond this is a new four and five-storey building comprising workshops and teaching spaces. The new and reconstructed buildings are linked by an open central space, beneath a transparent roof, to encourage interaction between students and trainees attending the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) – based university courses on offer.  The Crittall profiles are sensitive to the industrial heritage of the original building while complementing the 21st century ethos underpinning the STEAMhouse’s ambitions. 

Architect/Designer: BenedettiLocation: London Project OverviewFront of house refurbishment including developing bespoke signage and hardware to meet the client and architect’s requirements. ServiceFull hardware scheduling service. Bespoke signage & ironmongery. Project Details 3v worked alongside Benedetti architects to provide a full interior hardware package for the beautiful refurbishment of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts headquarters at 195 Piccadilly. This project included development of bespoke signage panels and hardware designed to complement the overall design aesthetic for the refurbishment of this Grade II listed building.The Expansion includes new top floor by raising & restoring two large Victorian rooflight structures & decorative plasterwork considered ‘lost’ for 40 years, from the original 1883 Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours Gallery, built in ‘opposition’ to the Royal Academy across the road.Facilities include: doubled capacity, two cinema theatres, banqueting hall, multipurpose event and exhibition spaces, members’ bars/restaurant/club, roof terraces, judging/meeting rooms and offices.

McMillan House is a first class development providing luxury rental apartments to young professions in the local area of KT4. Built in 1950 it had been used as an office building for over 50 years. Now delicately restored, McMillan House will provide 46 luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rental apartments upgraded to the highest standards.After the main contractor won the project, we were requested to propose an acoustic solution that would comply with Building Regulations. As part of this 2,115m2 luxury conversion, the Soundis dryscreed board with a resilient layer of wood fibre was selected, this is a high quality, interlocking dry floor screed system using gypsum fibreboard technology.This system, was selected due to its high thermal conductivity allowing for the use of the proposed underfloor heating systems throughout the flats, but also for its main purpose of Meeting Regulations, where it’s incorporated Wood Fibre Resilient Layer effectively reduces impact sound transmission from footfall. As traffic can be taken immediately once the glue had hardened, on the low installation thickness acoustic board.

Based in London, this home’s original black timber windows had rotted due to many years of natural weathering. The homeowners wanted replacement windows that would match their existing sightlines but provide modern thermal performance, save them maintenance costs in the future and enhance security. Because of this, the homeowners explored the timber alternative UPVC option and found our Heritage Rose sash window. Heritage Rose provides ‘A’ rated thermal efficiency and modern security levels as standard but can achieve the slim, authentic sightlines traditional to the original sashes. Using our in-house spray shop, we were able to replicate the home’s original sashes by spraying them black with a woodgrain textured finish. Even with a coloured finish, the homeowners can enjoy maintenance free benefits without the worry of future restoration costs. The windows were finished with a singular vertical astragal bar configuration to match the Victorian period styling of the property and a traditional deep bottom rail. The homeowners would also continue to save money for years to come on heating and maintenance bills.

11 High Baxter Street is within the Town Centre Conservation Area and is located in one of the streets which make up the Norman planned town set out on a grid system in the 12th Century. It is however a sole survivor, the rest of the street having been demolished in the 1960’s.The property has a core dating back to the 15th Century, with alterations in every century after. By the end of the 20th Century however, having survived 500 years, it was distinctly unloved, had become flats, then eventually a semi-derelict squat.In January 2019 the Bury St. Edmunds Town Trust (BTT) had come to its rescue, completing the pur- chase of the building and drawing up plans for the conservation and restorationA detailed condition report was carried out by local RIBA conservation architects Whitworth.Best of Lime’s Warmcote insulated lime plaster was specified as the base coat, with our Limecote tra- ditional chalk/lime plaster as the finish. Both products are non-hydraulic and designed to cope with the extreme background movement of an historic timber frame.

The historic Aberdeen Music Hall has been restored and redeveloped by Architects BDP. The Category A listed concert hall has been completely refurbished and now includes a performance studio, creative learning space and a café/bar. Nearly 1,500m2 of Junckers solid Nordic Beech Classic flooring has been fitted as part of the transformation, including in the impressive 1,300 seat auditorium, which now has step-free access to all levels. Nordic Beech with its white pigmented finish offers a light and bright backdrop to the interior and makes the most of the architects’ new architectural lighting by reflecting an abundance of light. By specifying the same floor for much of the building, the various spaces are seamlessly connected by a unifying element. At 140mm wide, Junckers’ signature wide board, long-length floor boards really come into their own in the open spaces and circulation routes, offering a clean and elegant look. Solid beech is amongst the most hard-wearing timbers used for flooring and Junckers’ pre-finished floors are well-known for their durability. The flooring contractor was West End Flooring. 

The ChallengeThe design of two new two-storey, four-bedroomed homes with integral garages on the outskirts of Burnham village, Slough, was to be derived from the historical and varied architectural character of the surrounding area.The SolutionPROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILIt was important that the houses were not visually obtrusive in terms of height and detail. Their traditionally pitched roofs incorporate attractive half gable ends, and the front elevation includes detailed brickwork, stone cills and window heads.Forterra’s Hampton Rural Blend brick from the Ecostock range was selected for the build.The BenefitsEcostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.

TrägerHAUS, an award-winning exclusive new home by HAUS Collective, is designed to take into account every aspect of the external envelope’s design to ensure consistency of form, quality and optimum aesthetic appeal.Whilst the scale and main volume of TrägerHAUS may not be apparent at street level, careful consideration of the materials for the home’s outward-looking elevation and main entrance. Key to this was the decision to utilise an elegant side sliding sectional garage door by Rundum Meir. The door’s manufacture in Siberian Larch ensures consistency with property’s other timber cladding elements which perfectly complement the Caithness stone masonry. Fully automated for ease of opening and closing, the garage door operates with the smoothness and reliability that reflects the level of quality which runs through the whole building.

The Ravello was chosen to complement the astonishing views and majestic surroundings of New Zealand’s Matakauri Lodge; a boutique hotel with 11 luxurious rooms, all with light-filled interiors and majestic alpine and lake views. Located a stone’s through away from the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the exclusive holiday retreat was awarded ‘best room with a view’ by Fodor’s Travel Guides.The Ravello bath is the embodiment of classical elegance, which is why award-winning interior designer Virginia Fisher included it in her vision for the refurbishment of the Lodge back in 2010. The Ravello has a form that combines bold lines with smooth curves, which perfectly complements the contemporary casual scheme of Matakauri Lodge.Architect: Sumich ArchitectsInterior Design: Virginia Fisher

High quality new build development project of balconies and terracesThis prestige development in the historic heritage location of London Dock is a stone’s throw from the iconic St Katharine Docks with its lively community packed with places to eat and relax and beautiful moored yachts. Within easy walking distance to many of London’s signature landmarks, including St Pauls Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, The Shard and Borough Market this beautiful development is proving to be a high demand for those that love the city lifestyle whilst still retaining the ability to “step back” for a while.The development has extensive apartment terraces as well as balconies which give amazing views of the London skyline and have been superbly decked by the AYM team.

Starting from Buenos Aires, the tango argentino conquered the world in the 1920s. Today the Argentinian capital is seen as the Paris of the South and is equally famous for its European flair as for its world-class cultural offering. The country’s colonial past has characterised the architecture and atmosphere of the city right up to the present day. And now, with the opening of the Centro Cultural Kirchner in the heart of Buenos Aires, the metropolis boasts the largest cultural centre in Latin America, which few cultural buildings worldwide can measure up to. Although it is officially named after the former President Néstor Kirchner, the building is commonly known as Ballena Azul (Blue Whale). It owes this name to its interior, whale-formed concert hall wing with an area of 2.200 square meters that forms a central element of B4FS arquitectos’ design. Its visually seamless shell made of Escale metallic fabric from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG reflects the blue paintwork of the skirting and walls. As the new base of the national symphony orchestra, the shimmering ellipsoid really makes the new landmark of Buenos Aires stand out.With a population of around 11.5 million, more than a quarter of all Argentinians live in the Buenos Aires region. Since the city’s building boom in the wake of the economic upturn of the 1990s, glittering skyscrapers, luxury hotels and exclusive loft apartments have been a common sight in the centre of the bustling metropolis. The old docks have been remodelled as high-class promenades that attract tourists and Argentinians alike to their restaurants, boutiques and bars. The historic city centre is home to the former Correo Central, the grand headquarters of the Argentinian postal service opened in 1928. In 2006 the then President Néstor Kirchner decided to renovate the listed palace and turn it into a superlative cultural centre. Following his death in 2010, his wife and successor as President, Christina Fernández de Kirchner, continued to pursue this idea until the project was completed in 2015. The planners from the Argentinian architectural firm B4FS prevailed in an international architectural competition for the renovation of the tradition-steeped main post office. Their design, a mix of architectural avant-garde and faithful restoration, aimed to create a place where culture could be encountered and experienced over 116 000 square meters in a space that is emblematic and people-oriented in equal measure. Thanks to its location on the Parque del Bicentenario between the historical centre with numerous important buildings and the modernised harbour area of Puerto Madero, the cultural centre became a revived, attractive focal point for the whole area.Breathtaking combination of monument and avant-gardeThe purely symmetrical design – both wings of the building are exactly the same – reflects the strict architectural concept of the planners. A sophisticated network of freely accessible areas on the various floors connects the modern function rooms with the historical parts of the building. The architects from B4FS thus combine painstakingly restored furniture, plasterwork, ironwork and woodwork with brave architectural structures and modern construction materials. Behind the faithfully restored façade, the restored elegance of neoclassicism enters into a fascinating union with the expressiveness of the modern. Even when entering the spacious foyer, almost 5 000 restored letterboxes, tables and chairs really bring the tradition-steeped building to life. The main dome of the palace, the slated roof of which was replaced by 496 window panes with an integrated LED lighting system, plays a key part in this effect. This construction lights up the dome in all colours during the evening and at night. For state visits, the lights show the colours of the guests’ respective national flags. As the city’s first public viewing platform, the crowning glass dome on the ninth floor also allows the Porteños (people of the port), as the people of Buenos Aires call themselves, to enjoy previously unknown views. Moreover, with three restaurants and its possible use as a function room it also offers an arena for culinary pleasure and entertainment. Alluding to the traditional chandeliers in theatres, the architects designed two glass rooms, fixed in place by Virendeel girders, that hover two levels above the stage. With an area of 220 square meters, this gigantic, abstract chandelier is planned as a flexibly usable space for art exhibitions of all kinds.Woven metallic dress for three-dimensional structureThe real attraction of the building, the enormous Blue Whale, can be found beneath the chandelier allegory. Its curved stomach contains a concert hall with space for 1 950 spectators in the stalls and on the balconies, as well as a chamber music hall that accommodates 540 listeners. For its construction, the respective building section was gutted behind the original façade and a large steel cage set up as a supporting structure. The colossal construction has a fascinating effect thanks to its shimmering skin, which seamlessly covers the ellipsoidal body and gently reflects the blue of the surrounding walls and skirting. When choosing a flexible material that would completely encase the idiosyncratic structure, the architects opted for Escale 7 x 1 metallic fabric from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG. This mesh can be formed in three dimensions and has already been tried and tested in a multitude of famous buildings – including Bertelsmann’s “Planet m” pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover or the “Children’s Palace” children’s hospital in Guangzhou – impressively demonstrating its ability to provide completely homogeneous cladding. For the shell of the Whale, the architects chose a customised version of the mesh with 70 millimetre-high stainless steel spirals and aluminium rods. For the cladding, which covers a total area of 5.500 square meters, GKD manufactured over 1 200 individual elements that were fixed to the top and bottom of the shape-giving frame structure using fastening hooks without any visible joints or connections. The international network of the world’s leading manufacturer of architectural metallic fabric proved its worth once again in the realisation of this challenging project: even during the detailed planning phase GKD was able to rely on the expertise of planners from form TL from Radolfzell, who specialise in 3D structures and with whom GKD had already successfully collaborated for the projects in Hanover and Guangzhou. The elements were mounted in the former main post building in Buenos Aires by the local GKD representative office in Argentina, Gutmetal. Following the official opening by the Argentinian President Christina Fernández de Kirchner, Buenos Aires now boasts a new landmark in the form of the Centro Cultural, allowing the past, the present and the future to be experienced under one roof.

Project detailsToyota contacted Watco looking for a long lasting anti slip decking solution. Four of Toyota GB Plc Head Office fire exits open onto an outdoor decking area, leading to assembly points. The decking is also used as a seating area at lunchtime for staff. In wet and frosty weather the decking becomes slippery, causing concern around slip hazards, especially in an emergency evacuation.Whilst the safety of its employees was the main concern, Toyota also wanted to ensure that the anti slip solution was easy to fix and would blend in with the natural colour of the decking.In addition, they needed a solution that could be fixed in the decking indentations. Having looked at several other solutions, it seems that most involved fixing the anti slip strips in the gaps between the boards, thus requiring extra work as the existing gaps were not wide enough. Our solutionWatco recommended and supplied heavy duty slip resistant GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Decking Strips. The strips in ‘stone’ colour blended in well with the timber and were supplied pre-drilled for easy fixing.Toyota were delighted with the outcome. The new anti slip decking strips provide safe fire escape routes for staff, whilst maintaining the aesthetics of the landscaped outdoor area."Our GRP Decking Strips are virtually indestructible, based on an extremely durable fibreglass base with a coarse, ceramic grit which is bonded to the top for a heavy duty, slip resistant surface. Chamfered edges minimise trip hazards. The strips are available in black, stone or yellow."Watco Decking Strips are supplied pre-drilled and with screws. The strips can be trimmed on site using a hacksaw or, if required, Watco will supply the strips already cut to size.

Dallochy House owners Mark and Jenny Sykes had always dreamed of building their own home. And after house-hunting for a number of years in Aberdeenshire, realised they would have to make their dream come true to get a property that ticked all their boxes! They were searching for a new home which would be warm and easy to heat, in their local village and in the catchment area for a good school.  Paul McWilliams from Annie Kenyon Architects, orientated the house to optimise south facing solar gain, with expanses of glazing from Rationel to make the most of the views, and stilts to accommodate the sloping topography. The couple incorporated stone from the former cottage on the site, into the gable-end of the new build.  “It has been a very happy and stress-free journey,” say Jenny who chose James Hall Joinery as main contractors. “I cannot rate the professionalism of Paul and James highly enough. We expected stress, hiccups, problems but James project managed everything so smoothly that he took the stress out of the whole process.”  “We chose Rationel windows for a number of reasons. James Hall recommended them to us having used them on several other builds. He was able to provide photos of windows, doors and testimonials. Their distributors ADW have a showroom, at Sauchen, which was very convenient for us to visit and it was particularly helpful to see so many products on display. We were impressed with the quality, the choice available and could tell that the investment was absolutely worth it. The colour choices were to our liking, as was the option to have alu-clad external finish onto the natural timber frames.  We think the windows just look really good with the cladding and stone work and of course allow you to appreciate the views.” 

With beautiful views of the Belvoir Valley, the client wanted a contemporary architectural piece that would integrate comfortably with its surrounding landscape whilst maintaining a natural yet modern 21st century aesthetic.Sustainability was at the forefront of the client’s brief, who wanted a recycled material for the external cladding that would accommodate the robust, maintenance-free and high quality requirements of the build. With the sensitive and vast wildlife of its surrounding landscape in mind, the property needed to be natural, both in terms of its aesthetic and its components, embodying an effective fusion of sustainability and simplicity.The SolutionBuilt to embrace the panoramic views, this two-floored structure is fuelled by the natural light of its landscape with its beautiful vast windows and balconies. Our stone Pioneer cladding was chosen to accompany this natural appeal, enhancing the contemporary simplicity that the client desired. Installed alongside our edging, fascia and fasteners, we supplied the complete system for the cladded sections of this striking exterior, suiting the sustainable prerequisites of the project as well as the contemporary visual requirements.Using clean lines and sophisticated lighting, this building is both articulate and elegant, conveying an elevated piece of architecture that both stands out and blends in. Having won 2019 RIBA House of the Year, we are proud to have contributed to this stunning project.Customer Feedback“We decided to use EnviroBuild on the Belvoir Vue project because we liked the product in aesthetic terms but were also looking for a product that would perform with stability and durability. From the outset, the project was intended to be sustainable and, once again, the product was a perfect choice.”Project DetailsSize: 116 m²Product: Stone Hyperion Composite Cladding (The same finish can be achieved using our Sentinel Class B fire rated composite cladding)Client:  From Residential Architect: CBP Architects Location: Vale of Belvoir, Granby

Rowntree House | Sash windows renovated & crafted for this Grade II listed townhouse in central YorkThe Grade II listed building, Rowntree House in York, was the birthplace of Joseph Rowntree. In 1857, George Cadbury worked there as an apprentice, where he honed his skills as a chocolatier. Property Developer and Construction company, Stonehouse, recently took responsibility for turning this once-dilapidated building into eight luxury apartments. And, with such a rich and important heritage, it was key that any work carried out as part of the project was completed to the highest quality – including the sash windows which form an important part of the building façade on the streets of York.Ventrolla were contacted by Stonehouse to survey more than 30 windows in this spectacular property, with a view to repairing and replacing the sash windows and casements windows as part of a sympathetic renovation in York.Stonehouse were keen that this exciting project would retain as many original features as possible, blending them with a luxurious and contemporary fit-out. So, modernising the windows in terms of finish, energy efficiency and warmth was a must.On-trend interiors form part of the luxury apartments at Rowntree HouseCompleting the renovation of Rowntree House was a labour of love for all involved – due to the careful preservation of as many windows as possible, and the meticulous crafting of new windows in line with the Listed Building Consent. The team at Stonehouse worked closely with the Rowntree Society to ensure the renovation was appropriate.We restored and repaired a large number of sash, casement and bay windows, integrating our innovative Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) to ensure draughts were eliminated, and our Sash Removal System, to make it easier for windows to be decorated and repaired in the future. A number of window sills were replaced and hardware was upgraded, too – in antique brass and chrome finishes, to meet the specification.“Rowntree House was a very challenging project, due to the scale and detail involved, but also immensely satisfying. We have all played our part in breathing life back into this building, which is pivotal to the history of York. The team at Ventrolla played an integral role to this transformation, combing meticulous attention to detail with their unrivalled expertise in restoring and replacing timber windows. We’re very proud of the finished project.” – Steve Waugh, Managing Director & Founder, StonehouseYou can read more about the work that Stonehouse do on their website – https://stonehouseprojects.co.uk/Can we help with your period window or door project?If you have a wooden window or door project to tackle, either residential or commercial, you can find out more about our renovation services and speak to a member of our team on 0800 0277 454 or by contacting us online.

Sash Window Renovation at Grade II Listed Chester Railway StationThe period windows of the historic Chester Railway Station have undergone significant refurbishment as part of a £10 million renovation effort to restore the Grade II listed railway station, part of the Chester Renaissance programme. The sash windows dating back to 1848 have been restored by leading period window specialist Ventrolla.Having deteriorated over time, several sashes needed a complete renovation to improve the facilities in the Arriva Training Room and Medical Room as they were experiencing troublesome draughts, leaks, rattles and operational issues.Due to the historical nature of the building it, was imperative that the new sash windows retained the heritage without compromising on quality.THE PROJECT WORKSThe unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was installed to combat draughts and reduce external noise.As part of the sash window repair, the sash cords were replaced, pulleys serviced and sashes correctly balanced to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the windows.The project was completed in two phases, both being done through the weekend so as to minimise commuter disruption.The original curved window located in the Training Room was given a complete overhaul, replacing the single-glazed panels with bespoke slim double-glazed units. On completion of this, the two large curved windows of the Medical Room were also fitted with double-glazed units using traditional methods of carpentry to retain the aesthetic features of the building.Gareth Ellis, Site Manager from MPH Construction, who oversaw the project, said:“The work that Ventrolla did was very impressive. The craftsmen were professional and efficient, completing the work promptly and delivering a superb finish.”“An unexpected benefit was the reduction in external noise, which due to the station’s high footfall can often lead to disruption and distraction for the staff when dealing with important matters.”DO YOU HAVE A SASH WINDOW PROJECT YOU NEED HELP WITH?Whether that’s your own home or a commercial project you’re tendering for, with almost 40 years’ experience, Ventrolla offers a tailored range of period window solutions including repair and renovation, new timber windows, double glazing, secondary glazing and a wide range of window hardware.Our head office is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with regional offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.You can contact our helpful team today on our website, by emailng info@ventrolla.co.uk or calling 0800 0277 454.

Eastbourne station is located in East Sussex. It was originally built in the 19th century and is classified as a Grade II listed building. Over the years, the station has undergone several renovations and upgrades.Back in October 2020 it was announced £5 million would be spent on restoring Eastbourne Railway Station to its ‘former glory’. Work done includes canopy refurbishment, slate roof replacement, masonry work to the front of the station, and new roofing above the atrium.Twinfix were approached to replace the glazing panels on the 32 lanterns on the station’s train shed with something hard wearing, sustainable and modern but without losing the period look. The change was needed because, according to the plans, the existing fixtures were ‘life expired and inefficient’.Twinfix supplied their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roof glazing system, glazed with 6mm solid obscure polycarbonate. The new glazing spanned 1243 square metres and was installed by Gable, on behalf of Main Contractor BAM Nuttall.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated. The system is also completely recycleable.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works. A slight redesign of the original roof allowed 96 access hatches to be installed, making maintenance easier. Installed it’s almost impossible to detect the modern materials that have been used to bring this historic structure back to life.During the renovation work, Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said, “The quality of work on site is being completed to a very high standard and we’re taking great care to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.”

Eastbourne station is located in East Sussex. It was originally built in the 19th century and is classified as a Grade II listed building. Over the years, the station has undergone several renovations and upgrades.Back in October 2020 it was announced £5 million would be spent on restoring Eastbourne Railway Station to its ‘former glory’. Work done includes canopy refurbishment, slate roof replacement, masonry work to the front of the station, and new roofing above the atrium.Twinfix were approached to replace the glazing panels on the 32 lanterns on the station’s train shed with something hard wearing, sustainable and modern but without losing the period look. The change was needed because, according to the plans, the existing fixtures were ‘life expired and inefficient’.Twinfix supplied their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roof glazing system, glazed with 6mm solid obscure polycarbonate. The new glazing spanned 1243 square metres and was installed by Gable, on behalf of Main Contractor BAM Nuttall.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated. The system is also completely recycleable.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works. A slight redesign of the original roof allowed 96 access hatches to be installed, making maintenance easier. Installed it’s almost impossible to detect the modern materials that have been used to bring this historic structure back to life.During the renovation work, Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said, “The quality of work on site is being completed to a very high standard and we’re taking great care to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.”

Project briefTarmac Building Products were asked to supply Queen Mary’s development (a historic London hospital converted into apartments) with Limelite Heritage Hydraulic Lime Mortars.The ProjectThe project ‘s aim is to convert Grade I Baroque stately home Roehampton House into residential use with a mix of old and modern construction materials. Roehampton House is a Grade I Baroque Stately Home built by Thomas Archer over the years 1710-12 and later enlarged by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1910. The house is being carefully restored, maintaining its original features both internally and externally, with Doric columns and wrought iron railings giving way to panelled walls, ornate painted ceilings and black and white marble.Help from Tarmac Building Products – Limelite Heritage Lime MortarsWe supplied Limelite Heritage Hydraulic Lime Mortars in mobile dry silos to the large-scale heritage site in Roehampton, south-west London. The product is predominantly a bedding masonry mortar but due to its versatility, can be used in other areas and is ideal for projects such as this one because it is a cement-free traditional product and so recreates an appearance in keeping with the history of the building. It is being supplied alongside natural and Y101 white mortar in dry silos.Our Heritage Hydraulic Lime Mortar is ideal for projects such as this one because it is a cement-free traditional product and so recreates an appearance, maintaining the history of the building.Problems facedThe former hospital developed into a stately home is a Grade I listed building, meaning that any new building work needs to blend in well with the existing building work. Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important; only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.The project site is located within Flood Zone 1 and so a Flood Risk Assessment is required as the site is over 1 hectare. OutcomesRoehampton House, its two gate houses and the remainder of the Roehampton Estate are being redeveloped to provide luxury new housing. The development is called Queen Mary’s Place. Of the original 30 acres, only 14 remained following the building of the new hospital, but the developer, St. James has preserved 30% of the land for pleasure gardens for the new residents.The Grade II listed sunken and rose gardens have also been lovingly restored to provide the perfect setting for the newly created 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and two 2 bedroom gate houses.·      Contractor: St James Development·      Location: Roehampton, London ·  Product: Limelite Heritage Lime Mortar

Sonixx Resilient 250 was installed as an acoustic underlayment. It was bonded to the subfloor and a heterogenous vinyl and carpet tiles were installed on top. The installation was completed as part of a refurbishment to a bar and restaurant area within the hotel. Resilient 250 is a 2.5mm thick, high performing acoustic underlay manufactured using sponge rubber. It significantly reduces impact sound at the source, while also providing superb underfloor comfort. It is a versatile underlay and can be used below various floor coverings including carpet, carpet tiles, wood, laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl and ceramic / porcelain / natural stone tiles. At only 24kg (43 Ib) per roll, it is easy to distribute around site. Resilient 250 therefore facilitated a simple, quick, clean and cost-effective installation.

Fistral House is a former care home site redeveloped in a building block with a selection of eight 2 to 3 bedroom apartments and 2 penthouses in a private, new build development overlooking the world-renowned Fistral Beach. The building features stone cladding on the ground floor, a crisp white exterior on the second and third floors, and corner glazing on the luxurious penthouse apartments. With views of the seascape and nearby golf course, it is a short distance to Newquay’s seven beaches and is ideally located for exploring Cornwall.Cellecta HEXATHERM XFLOOR 250 was specified by CSA Architects due to its high resistance to compression and closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for residential applications.Legacy Properties was awarded this 1,200m² contract to construct this development in Newquay.

Le Fitz Roy is a chalet at Europe’s highest ski resort, bustling Val Thorens in the French Alps. Extensively renovated in December 2021, its modern makeover includes a Turkish hammam and a heated pool carved out of the mountain, a bar designed as an open space on the terrace and the ease of ski-in/ ski-out accessibility. In true chalet style, as well as slate-grey interiors there's also plenty of old-school, cosy charm too, from antique wooden skis mounted on the walls, stone and oak architecture warmed by flickering fires, and classical French cuisine in the restaurant.The traditional York roll top tub has been specified in a number of rooms which, after a long day on the pistes, is exactly where you want to come back to.Marlborough

Described as Dorchester’s most iconic building, the Brewery – once the source of the much-quaffed Eldridge Pope ales – has been transformed into a high-end residential setting with Crittall windows playing a central role in retaining the heritage aesthetic of this historic structure.For nearly a century and a half the building, with its tall chimney, towered above the Dorset town as a symbol of local industry and prosperity. Designed by architect WR Crickmay, the brick building was completed in 1880.  At a staggering 13% the brewery’s Thomas Hardy Ale once featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest commercially brewed beer in the country.The brewery eventually closed in 2003 and the site remained unused until, in 2007, planning permission was granted for a new public square overlooked by the impressive building, restored to its former glory containing 29 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.LMA Architecture of Bournemouth has retained many of the unique features of the original building including riveted steel beams, cast iron columns and exposed brickwork.Crittall W20 steel windows and doors were a natural choice, glazed in small panes to replicate the original configuration of the tall brewery windows.

Architect: Healy PartnersInstaller: John Paul ConstructionProduct: Gustafs Linear Ribs and Gustafs Panel SystemClose to 400m2 of Gustafs Linear Ribs and Gustafs Panel System in natural Walnut veneer were used to clad the walls and ceiling beams of the Padel Courts in the new leisure facilities at the Adare Manor in early 2020.The new Padel courts are a facility unique to the activity centre at Adare Manor. Padel is a hybrid sport between tennis and squash, traditionally played with 4 players and suitable for the whole family. Part of the larger expansion and restoration project the Padel Club also houses studio space for yoga as well as gym and swimming facilities, sauna and steam room.Gustafs Ribs were installed to the upper walls within the court area, 34mm deep ribs with 38mm gaps were used for 50% open area achieving class A for acoustic absorption, perfect for controlling sound levels in the sports hall.In addition to the ribs 171m2 of Gustafs Panel System was used to clad the steel ceiling beams in complimentary Walnut veneer. Specialist Gustafs capax profiles were used for their signature invisible fixing.

Stunning Scottish new buildFor the MacLeod family, the beauty of their new countryside home had to compete with that of the fabulous views overlooking the Ythan river, Bennachie and the Prop of Ythsie in the North East of Scotland. Design and build company, Cairnrowan believe in selecting premium products that not just look good but are high quality and sustainable. They selected Lindab for these reasons and due to having a good range of colours and finishes to select from.The Silver Metallic coated galvanised guttering and downpipes complement the exterior of the building which has Siberian larch cladding and seamless rendered fascades with varying height dry stone walls which come together around a 7m high gable window to create a stunning building. Cairnrowan were pleased with the products and will continue to use them on other projects, manager Kate Davidson said, “they look fabulous, high quality, complementing the build” and more importantly the MacLeod’s are very happy with the end result, stating, “The eye for detail and quality in Cairnrowan work is excellent” Stunning Scottish new buildFor the MacLeod family, the beauty of their new countryside home had to compete with that of the fabulous views overlooking the Ythan river, Bennachie and the Prop of Ythsie in the North East of Scotland. Design and build company, Cairnrowan believe in selecting premium products that not just look good but are high quality and sustainable. They selected Lindab for these reasons and due to having a good range of colours and finishes to select from.The Silver Metallic coated galvanised guttering and downpipes complement the exterior of the building which has Siberian larch cladding and seamless rendered fascades with varying height dry stone walls which come together around a 7m high gable window to create a stunning building. Cairnrowan were pleased with the products and will continue to use them on other projects, manager Kate Davidson said, “they look fabulous, high quality, complementing the build” and more importantly the MacLeod’s are very happy with the end result, stating, “The eye for detail and quality in Cairnrowan work is excellent” 

We are proud to have been a part of the Quay Quarter Tower project, located in the heart of Sydney, Australia. We had the opportunity to work with Tom Dixon’s Design, who specified our bespoke resin based terrazzo, having been commissioned by AMP Capital for their first major Australian interior design project.The terrazzo was fitted by Deemah Stone, and features curved facades that lend a sense of grandeur and style to the lobby. The design was intended to create a futuristic workplace and meeting space for the residents of the tower, and we believe that our terrazzo perfectly captures that vision.The Quay Quarter Tower project was completed in 2021, and has already become a landmark in the Sydney skyline. This iconic tower, designed by architects 3XN, is a stunning example of modern architecture and a testament to the innovative spirit of Sydney. The tower is a mixed-use development, featuring office space, luxury apartments, and retail space, all designed to create a vibrant and dynamic community.We are pleased to note that the Quay Quarter Tower project has received numerous awards and accolades since its completion in 2022. The tower won the World Building of the Year Award in 2022, as well as the International Highrise Award’ 22/23 and MIPIM Award for Best Office & Business Project. These awards recognise the innovative design and use of materials in the tower, as well as its impact on the Sydney skyline.In addition to these awards, the Quay Quarter Tower has also been recognised for its sustainability features. The building has achieved a 6 Star Green Star Design and As-Built rating, the highest possible rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. This rating recognises the building’s commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.We are proud to have contributed to the success of the Quay Quarter Tower project and to have worked alongside a talented team of architects, designers, builders and specialist stone masons.We look forward to continuing to work with architects and designers around the world to create innovative and inspiring spaces that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Armourcoat’s latest decorative surface finishes have been used to stunning effect in the recently renovated Matilda Bay Restaurant in Perth, WA.Situated right on the banks of the picturesque Swan River, with sweeping views of the city skyline, the Matilda Bay Restaurant offers fresh, local produce and modern Australian and seafood dishes with a creative twist. The restaurant and function centre have also become known as a showcase for local timber, stone and artisan craft.The vibrant new interior, created by Karlee Boucher of KADA interior design, is fresh and contemporary. Welcoming diners into the restaurant, an Armourcoat Sculptural feature wall in a ‘Flow wave’ design creates a dramatic and original design statement. The ‘wave’ design is continued with a longer wall into the dining space. Sculptural seamless contoured wall surfaces offer impactful designs with cast relief. Each signature design is created from cast GRG (Glass-fibre Reinforced Gypsum) panels, CAD generated to enable a continuous pattern or unique decorative effect.Throughout the restaurant, the use of ArmourColor Perlata architectural coatings provides a sophisticated shimmer effect and subtle backdrop to the architectural detailing. Columns within the ground floor Catalina Room have also been decorated with textured plaster in a ‘Travertine’ finish. Hand-applied by artisan craftsmen from The Polished Plaster Company, the finish creates a light open texture and gives the appearance of natural travertine stone. The Polished Plaster Company is the appointed agent and applicator of Armourcoat finishes in Western Australia. Nigel Goldsmith, Managing Director commented, “The specification of these modern decorative finishes; echo the local crafts, with their ancient roots and skilled application. The new Sculptural finish is also right on trend, tapping into current designs using 3D forms”. The Polished Plaster Company is pleased to present their Armourcoat showroom in nearby O’Connor, which can be viewed by appointment. Photogrpahy © Silvertone Photography

Ikoyi is in a class of its own, not just in the culinary arts but also in interior design. Danish designer David Thulstrup uses Baltic architectural mesh from GKD for the expressive spaces of this 2-Michelin-starred London restaurant.The visionary founders of Michelin-starred restaurant Ikoyi, head chef Jeremy Chan and businessman Iré Hassan-Odukale, moved into the concrete complex “180 The Strand” close to Covent Garden at the end of 2022. The two partners succeeded in getting the renowned Studio David Thulstrup from Copenhagen on board for interior design. Thulstrup’s works include the design of Noma in Copenhagen, which has been crowned the best restaurant in the world no less than five times.For Ikoyi, Thulstrup created rooms that fully live up to the reputation of the landmarked, brutalist architectural character of this former office complex. With its rare combination of warmth and minimalism, the restaurant’s interior acts as a continuation of the food creations by Jeremy Chan.It should be noted here that in Chan’s kitchen, he not only pays attention to top-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. His cuisine also builds on spices that originate from West Africa. This is not inconsequential in the context of the architecture, as the interior designer wanted to pick up on the character of the cuisine in the dining room of Ikoyi without limiting the design to a specific culture.Copper, stone, stainless steel meshThe result shines in clear and strong architectural forms, while the material palette is refined to copper, stone, stainless steel mesh, leather and oak. The walls are clad in copper panels. Sometimes angular and solid, sometimes rounded and open, the walls shape the character of the room. The stone floor is elegant and cooler, its gentle irregular shimmer evoking images of the tamped earth floors of traditional old buildings. The ceiling covering, which is fully fitted with stainless steel mesh from GKD, creates a similar effect. It harmonizes perfectly with the architectural idea that Thulstrup describes as an interplay of opposites:“A room full of drama and peace. A room that remains true to the place and yet is not anchored in a particular culture.”Curved ceiling characterizes architectureThe character comes through most strongly in the dining room. Fabric panels spanning the room curve down on one side to meet the backs of the benches. The architectural mesh is a striking element in the design of the room. It underpins the intimate and protected atmosphere, while appearing light and flexible. Thulstrup also uses the weave structure to create subdued lighting effects.The ceiling is divided into 13 panels of GKD Baltic mesh, each approximately one meter wide. The length of the panels varies between 6 and 11 meters depending on whether they also serve as a vertical curtain down to the seats or end where they meet the vertical wall cladding. “The fabric diffuses the light as though it were another culinary ingredient,” says Marc Alonso, Architect and Market Manager for Northern Europe and UK at GKD. “Because our stainless steel mesh is completely recyclable, it also fits with the head chef’s sustainable ethos. This is a project in which our fabric is perfectly integrated into the whole by creating harmony and contrasts in juxtaposition with the other materials,” explains Alonso. That’s what the jury of the Wallpaper* Design Award 2023 think too: they awarded Ikoyi best restaurant of the year.

Sopro RS 648 Vibration Slurry was selected for the LIDL method of tiling which consists of compact-vibration floor tile fixing, in the new LIDL store in Bently, Doncaster. Smet Supported Partner, Core PIC Ltd, selected the superior quality German-made, RS 648 Vibration Slurry for its flexibility as a bonding slurry in the installation of stone and ceramic tiles, making it ideal for using in vibrated floor systems (or indeed conventional methods). The tiling was carried on on behalf of main contractor PDR Construction.In preparing the floor to LIDL spec, the floor screed is placed and struck off to required levels and pre-compacted using a straight edge. The bonding layer, namely Sopro RS 648 vibration slurry, is applied to prepared and pre-compacted floor screed and ceramic tiles are immediately placed with tightly butted joints to LIDL spec.After installation of a vibratable area (10 – 20 m², depending on situation/ambient conditions and resultant setting behaviour of floor screed), a surface vibrator is passed over floor covering and tiles vibrated into the adhesive bed. When sufficiently set, hardened and bonded joints were grouted with Sopro FL 526 Flexible Tile grout.Sopro RS 648 Vibration Slurry is a one-component, fibre-reinforced, polymer-modified, trass-bearing, cementitious bonding and contact slurry. Applied as flexible bonding slurry for installation of stone and ceramic coverings using vibrated floor system or conventional methods. It’s ideal for slurry application technique. Sopro RS 648 is particularly suitable for laying tiles with low water absorption (fully vitrified stoneware). For laying large-format units (30 cm × 60 cm) using vibrated floor system. It can also be used as slurry-applied bonding layer on substrates and on bedding adhesive.Sopro FL 526 Flexible Tile Grout is a flexible, trass-bearing, cementitious tile grout, meeting CG2 WA requirements to DIN EN 13 888. Suitable for grouting ceramic, fully vitrified stoneware, natural and cast stone coverings and glass block assemblies. Rapid set for low-suction tiles, with specially tailored joint-filling properties and first-rate washability (removability). Particularly suitable for balconies, patios and in conjunction with floor heating systems (UFH).The product’s special properties and SMET’s superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing Sopro RS 648 Vibration Slurry and Sopro FL 526 Flexible Tile Grout. Smet Building Products Ltd is committed to delivering high-quality products to the construction of LIDL stores.For more info on our range of SMET Professional Tiling Products.PDR built the new LoF (Lidl of the future) store in Bentley Doncaster. The 23,000 sq/ft store with its striking design will help to increase Lidl’s market share and see their profits continue to rise in the UK. The Bentley store will be PDR’s 10th new build store for Lidl.Related DownloadsTDS Sopro RS 648 Vibration SlurryTDS Sopro FL 526 – Flexible Tile GroutSmet Professional Tiling Systems Brochure

For many, living in a glorious rural location in a contemporary, minimalist home is the dream. The clean lines, open plan spaces and large expanses of glass to let the outside views and natural light flood in. Danny Reilly, his wife and their children were able to make that dream a reality.Easy on the eye but hard on the earHowever, polished concrete floors, stone kitchen surfaces, floor to ceiling glass and other hard materials, reverberate sound. Add lively children to the mix and the unwanted noise was spoiling the family’s enjoyment of contemporary living.Soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and carpets can help deaden sound to a limited extent but were not what the family wanted. Fortunately, Danny is the Manging Director of market leading Reilly Ceilings and knew exactly what do to get the acoustics in the family home under control.Luckily Danny knew what he had to doDanny Reilly, “As soon as we moved in, we discovered the noise was unbearable – not all of it made by my precious children – and immediately set about retro-fitting Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic.”Mono Acoustic is a discreet, seamless acoustic ceiling which suited the minimalist aesthetic of this family’s home. Its seamless surface looks like plasterboard but has built-in Class A sound absorption to prevent unwanted noise. The installation in this project was a straightforward two stage process: stone wall panels were directly fixed to the existing plasterboard ceiling followed by a smooth acoustic render sprayed onto the panel surface, ready for decoration. Industry recognition and accreditationsRockfon Specification Manager, Deirdre Mulvaney, “Happily for the Reilly family, Danny had the knowledge to solve poor acoustics in this open plan environment. Mono Acoustic is used in high end restaurants, offices and other spaces to provide amazing acoustic control and is a practical solution for the residential sector, too. It has Quiet Mark accreditation which consumers might recognise as attributed to low-noise electrical appliances including some brands of washing machine and kettle. It is also Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can contribute to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards.”A versatile seamless acoustic product Mono can be used on ceilings, walls or to create bespoke islands. It can be curved, easily transitioned into plasterboard or integrated into existing mouldings. The system achieves Class A sound absorption and Class A2 fire protection whilst delivering greater than 99% light diffusion.In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, which is virtually non-combustible and provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms. It also embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. Danny again, “Using Rockfon Mono, we were able to keep the minimalist features of the house and the results in terms of sound reverberation are unbelievable. We have another two children now and I honestly think that might not be the case if we hadn't sorted out the unwanted noise!”