"stone quarried stonemasons restoration"

The new building reflects the ideology of Qatar Airways and provides a contemporary office and new retail showroom.The new project replaces two late 1940s/early 1950s buildings.Albion Stone supplied Portland Grove Whitbed in block form which was produced into cladding and installed in a ‘wing’ pat.

Challenge: The structure was had severe structural degradation due to the ingress of moisture and water over its near 100-year life. Corrosion to the steelframe resulted in tensile forces cracking and moving the brick skin, also causing a cracked façade. Strategy: ICCP was used as a method to control corrosion whilst the cracking and movement were repaired. This involved LoCem® and +point® AACM anode mortar to be grouted in the bed joints, alongside embedded corrosion rate sensors for service life tracking (AchillesICP and AiMS). LoCem® is a low carbon cement alternative, that can also act as a cathodic protection anode. Outcome: The structure was restored to be used as high-value residential apartments, saving tonnes of embodied carbon and eliminated the option of demolition. The embedded system successfully controlled and monitored corrosion for the long term, adding an additional 100 years to the structure’s service life.

Coventry is a city of movements; for struggling workers, for women, for political reformers, for ravers, for refugees. The UK's motor city. The UK's bicycle city. A center of the UK's watchmaking trade. A City of Culture that uses its past to forge its future. Coventry Moves! Its Upper Precinct was a very concrete heavy city center, partly because of the style at the time, and partly out of necessity to ensure it could be re-built as quickly as possible after the Blitz damage. The project had access to a partial fund of £7.75 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) as part of the overall £11.8 million scheme. The package of works included; the installation of enhanced paving, street furniture, lighting, water features, planting, and the restoration of the historical Levelling Stone monument that was originally placed to commemorate the re-build of Coventry after the 1940-1942 enemy attacks. With the initial removal of the 'big green elevator' and huge concrete, once considered an eyesore, a clear view of the cathedral can now be seen, a view that has not been enjoyed since the 1970s. Almost every design element of this project included natural stone of some sort, making the relationship between the contractor Eurovia, the City Council, and BBS as the supplier, vital to complete each task on time and on budget. The circular shaped 'show stopping' water features created in a combination of both Italian Porphyry and Portuguese buff granite - a place where many people are often seen enjoying the weather. The benches and planters created in Portuguese buff granite, none of which barely had the same two pieces throughout, putting the pressure on BBS to individually CAD each and every one. The project covering the entirety of the Upper Precinct and continuing on Market Way, and Smithfield way, saw the complete removal of everything in situ and replaced with an unrecognizable scenery. All in time for Coventry Moves the City of Culture event.

Project: East Parade, LeedsArchitect: Associated ArchitectsInstaller: HKL Specialists LtdStone: Yorkstone & Black GraniteBarclay’s House in Leeds Office Quarter was transformed by the design from Associated Architects. An old 1980s building is now a prime 45,000 sq. Ft office building – 6 East Parade (6EP)Glazing on the upper levels gives way to Glazed red terracotta and a solid foundation on the ground floor of Yorkstone on Aztec Rainscreen. A truly stunning building that was Highly Commended in the BCO (Regional) ‘Refurbished / Recycled Workplace’ Awards

Block was pre-purchased by Stanhope for the project. Finished stone was manufactured at Albion’s Factory over a 50 week period. The Grove Whitbed was also used on the internals through the foyer and up onto the lift lobbies.The Building Research Establishment “BRE” provided the testing, which was completed in advance of the production programme as a direct result of the block pre-purchase.

Albion Stone were able to supply the desired quality of finished product within the contract programme. The New Independent Whitbed specified for the main flooring provided the aesthetic qualities and character required for large areas of floor in a luxury development of this kind.New Independent Whitbed was selected for 1860m² of flooring, 454 linear metres of stair treads and 1,300 linear metres of skirtings. Two fireplaces were also produced using New Independent Whitbed as well as the bath surrounds and bath steps. Independent Grove Whitbed was selected for internal wall tiling and Bowers Roach for feature panels on the external facades.

This project created a stunning infinity pool in Barset York Stone, with bespoke boulders and pebbles.

Architect: GSS ArchitectureInstaller: Teams RoofingStone: Fletcher Bank SandstoneGSS Architecture were the lead architects for the £11m Enterprise and Innovation Centre in the heart of Sunderland.The development of a large new building next to a Grade II listed building contrasts the old and the new with some style.The Aztec Rainscreen System comprised a ventilated Fletcher Bank Sandstone façade at 40mm and was installed by Teams Roofing. Completion was in 2016.

Lonsdale have provided several bespoke roof glazing solutions to residential retirement home developers McCarthy & Stone. Research conducted by the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford, concludes natural daylight aids mental health and sleep patterns benefiting the well being of patients with dementia. Our ThermGard Rooflight system and SpanGard Roof Lanterns feature on several of their projects and in most cases Smoke Ventilation to EN12101 has been mandatory.

Preserving the unique charm and historical significance of heritage buildings is a top priority for architects and specifiers. However, incorporating modern advancements and energy-efficient solutions into these structures can often pose challenges. In this case study, we highlight the successful collaboration between VGUK and Kingsrock Joinery in restoring a heritage building in London, where LandVac Vacuum Insulated Glazing played a pivotal role in transforming the existing heritage windows.TL:DRHeritage Building Restoration London: Transforming Heritage Windows with LandVac Vacuum GlazingProject Overview:Heritage building restoration in collaboration with Kingsrock JoineryIntegration of LandVac Vacuum Insulated Glazing into heritage windowsOvercoming resistance from planners for energy-efficient solutionsAchievements and Benefits:Visual Impact: Stunning visuals of heritage vacuum glazing units in the restored building Authentic and visually appealing windows that maintain the building's characterThermal Performance: U-value achieved: approximately 0.95 W/m2K Narrow unit width of 8.3mm Exceptional insulation properties reduce heat transfer Improved energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption Enhanced occupant comfort and thermal comfortConclusion:Successful integration of LandVac Vacuum Glazing in heritage windowsOvercame initial scepticism from plannersStunning windows with improved thermal performance and visual appealContributed to energy efficiency and occupant comfortA collaborative success with Kingsrock Joinery in preserving heritage while embracing modern advancementsProject Overview:Working closely with Kingsrock Joinery, we embarked on a mission to preserve the heritage of a remarkable building while embracing modernity. The challenge we faced was the initial resistance from planners who believed that vacuum glazing would clash with the traditional aesthetic of the building. However, Jeremy Murphy, the owner of Kingsrock, strongly believed in the harmonious integration of modern technology with the authentic look and feel of traditional architecture.Solving Resistance with Stunning Results:To address the planners' concerns, we proposed the use of flush casement windows glazed with LandVac Vacuum Insulated Glazing. By employing toughened LandVac Vacuum Glazing, Kingsrock was able to achieve a slight distortion that added a touch of authenticity to the windows. The final result was a perfect blend of modernity and heritage, enhancing the visual appeal of the building while meeting the required energy efficiency standards.Visual Impact:The restored building stands as a testament to the successful integration of LandVac Vacuum Glazing into heritage windows. The stunning visuals showcase the seamless combination of modern technology and the architectural authenticity of the building. The heritage vacuum glazing units perfectly preserve the character of the structure while providing enhanced thermal performance.Thermal Performance:Beyond its remarkable visual impact, LandVac Vacuum Glazing delivered outstanding thermal performance. With a U-value of approximately 0.95 W/m2K, the narrow unit width of 8.3mm ensures minimal heat transfer between the interior and exterior. This significant improvement in thermal insulation not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to increased occupant comfort and reduced energy consumption.Conclusion:The successful integration of LandVac Vacuum Glazing into heritage windows for the restoration of a London heritage building stands as a testament to the possibilities of merging modern technology with architectural preservation. By overcoming initial resistance from planners, we achieved stunning windows that seamlessly blend heritage aesthetics with exceptional thermal performance. The project not only enhances the visual appeal of the building but also contributes to energy efficiency and occupant comfort.We extend our gratitude to Kingsrock Joinery for their collaboration and expertise in manufacturing and installing these outstanding heritage vacuum glazing units. Together, we have demonstrated that preserving our architectural heritage can coexist harmoniously with the benefits of modern advancements in glazing technology.

Architect: Redbox Design GroupMain Contractor: Tolent Construction Installer: Metcalfe Roofing & Building Services LtdStone: Cebecca LimestoneThe Sunderland Hilton Garden Inn, on the banks of the River Wear, is a 141 room hotel featuring MX curtain walling as well as Aztec 20mm Cebecca limestone Ventilated Rainscreen. Designed By Redbox the architects wanted a light and spacious building without the need for a heavy support system. The glass and limestone mix imparts this vision perfectly. Completed in 2016 The Aztec system was installed by Metcalf Roofing & Building.

A 150yr old stone built cottage had developed structural faults. The archway entrance was failing due to inadequate support causing distortion of the arch pier, the front door to jam and masonry cracking in the archway walls. HD BowTies were installed through the front elevation stonework and the first two floor joists to provide lateral restraint. HeliBars were bonded into the mortar beds to create masonry beams which assisted in distributing the loads above the arch. Crack stitching was undertaken to repair and stabilise the archway wall which was also secured to the internal cross wall with grouted CemTies.

Architect: WCP ArchitectsMain Contractor: AcreoInstaller: MetalTech Roofing and Cladding LimitedThe 42,000 (3,900 m2) six-storey Rusacks Hotel extension has created 44 more bedrooms to the west of the existing hotel including a roof-top bar and restaurant, all overlooking the 18th green at The Old Course in St Andrews.The £7m extension was built with some 1200 sqm of Aztec Rainscreen façade finished in Peakmoor Natural Stone. The 128-year-old MacDonald hotel in the home of golf was designed by Scottish firm WCP Architects and raises the bar for luxury in St Andrews. Installation was by MetalTech Roofing and Cladding Limited.

SOYO Leeds is a £300 million mixed use scheme that creates a new neighbourhood adjacent to the city’s cultural quarter.Designed by DLG Architects for Caddick Construction and Moda Living, SOYO Leeds will comprise residential and student accommodation, a hotel, restaurants, bars and offices. And at the heart of this new cultural centre is 10,000m2 of Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.During the construction of the scheme’s 515 hotel-style rental apartments, rainscreen contractor Axis Envelope Solutions needed to source suitable, compliant insulation. So, it consulted Knauf Insulation, the UK’s only manufacturer of Glass and Rock Mineral Wool insulation, about which solutions would meet the required thermal and fire performance specification.Knauf Insulation’s Specification Team reviewed the architect’s drawings which included a build-up featuring a steel top hat. The company’s Technical Support Team then undertook 3D U-value calculations completed in line with BS EN 10211 to ensure the finished building’s performance matched the initial design.Because 3D U-value calculations are done in-house, the team were able to turn around the complex calculations in the time frame required.Once the calculations had been performed, Knauf Insulation recommended 180mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as the optimal solution to meet the thermal requirements of the build.As well as exceptional thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is highly sound absorbent with excellent sound reduction capabilities. It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. This means it meets the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales banning the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. In addition, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified for use in high rise buildings and for the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been designed for ease of use. It is robust which makes it is easy to manoeuvre into place and it can be installed either way round without compromising performance. The Mineral Wool knits together and adapts to imperfections in the substrate, preventing air gaps that compromise thermal, fire and acoustic performance.Thanks to the responsiveness of Knauf Insulation’s Specification and Technical Support Teams, Axis Envelope Solutions was able to keep to the tight schedule required. As a result, the new tenants of the luxury apartments at SOYO Leeds will be able to enjoy homes built to provide the highest level of thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance in the centre of the city’s newest cultural hub.

The Westminster Fire Station restoration and regeneration was all about creating an experience for those that live there, with sustainable and natural materials,” says Jennifer Benningfield, experienced architect and founding principal of Openstudio Architects.v “We needed to find a reliable supplier of sustainable and natural materials, which were suitable to tie in with the heritage structure. “The challenge was sourcing the right materials that were compatible with the fabric of the existing buildings. Working with Lime Green, we managed to develop a solution that matched the original building’s beautiful aesthetic and historic character. “As a key supplier of lime-based products, their flexibility and reliability helped to make our job easier – and we received a lot of praise for the high-quality and beautiful new courtyard building. The lime mortar is an integral part of the brickwork and proves that it is appropriate for contemporary, as well as historical, structures,” praises Jennifer. About the project Using a team of specialists, Openstudio Architects supported the site team in using old and traditional construction techniques to refurbish and develop buildings in a contemporary way, with beautiful results. “There were two phases to the Westminster Fire Station project,” explains Jennifer. “The first involved refurbishing the existing building, the Grade II Listed Edwardian Fire Station built in 1906 and decommissioned in 2014, to create a restaurant and bespoke housing. “The second involved developing the site further by adding a new residential building to the rear of the site surrounding a garden courtyard, which is where we used Lime Green’s mortar.” Supporting the local community “The project was situated on a very constrained and challenging site,” continues Jennifer. “With its central location, the construction works undoubtedly had an impact on those living and working in the local area, which is why we wanted to ensure the community were completely happy with the project. “As we wanted to make sure the new build tied in with the older fire station, there were inevitably challenges that we didn’t anticipate along the way. However, most importantly, we needed to ensure we sourced the right materials, which were compatible with the existing building, both in terms of performance and appearance. Selecting the right materials “We wanted to work with natural materials, which would age well and ensure robust construction that has longevity and sustainability,” says Jennifer. “We chose specific products, including handmade Danish bricks and handmade glazed bricks to give depth and texture to the new building. We wanted to ensure use mortar that had a texture and a grain to it, so it would work with the nuances of the bricks, as well as being a colour match. “Finding the right colour mortar to match the pale Danish bricks was key. These bricks were handmade, so we needed the mortar that integrated with the historic Edwardian building to create a seamless whole. “When planning the project, we recognised the importance of lime products, because of the material’s sturdiness and robustness. This means it doesn’t wear with structural movements and changes in the seasons. “That’s why Lime Green was the perfect fit for the project. With an extensive colour range, the team was able to colour-match the mortar with the materials of the new building perfectly. The consistency between the samples Lime Green gave us and the final product delivered was incredible, which was important given the scrutiny by Westminster City Council over the project and the appearance of the new building. “The flexibility of the products also helped us to minimise the amount of movement joints, as it accommodated movement in a much more forgiving way than other products, such as modern cement mortars. “We really enjoyed working with the Lime Green team – they were easy to work with, responsive and very supportive of the project. As we couldn’t store a huge amount of supplies on site, Lime Green was very accommodating in delivering exactly what we needed, at the right time. “The best part was that we were able to develop a solution with Lime Green that supported the original building’s beautiful aesthetic and historic character, with a new building that pays similar attention to detail.” A sustainable, natural and beautiful finish “People love the building, and neighbours even call it ‘the golden citadel’. It’s widely recognised in the local community for its high-quality, beautiful finish,” continues Jennifer. “One of the Fire Station’s previous residents – who had moved out during construction – has moved back after the restoration works and loves the development. That was the icing on the cake for us, it really felt as though our vision had materialised – enhancing people’s experience of new buildings made with sustainable and natural materials that stand the test of time. “The Westminster Fire Station development truly looks beautiful, and the quality of the natural and sustainable products used has a huge role to play in that. Lime Green’s product quality and customer service is outstanding. We’re already working with Lime Green on another project, and we can’t wait to see the finished result,” concludes Jennifer. “It was a pleasure to see our Hydraulic Lime Mortar used on this new development project. We’ve loved working with Openstudio Architects on Westminster Fire Station, and we’re glad to be working with them on their next project,” comments Simon Ayres, co-founder and managing director, Lime Green Products. For more information about the Westminster Fire Station project and the products used, visit Lime Green or call 01952 728 611.

In the Peak District National Park with views of Cressbrook Dale and the Monsal trail, a thermal bridging solution developed by Owens Corning FOAMGLAS® is helping to deliver high levels of thermal performance for a new, modern home with a minimal space heating demand.The Quarry is a mostly single storey, green-roofed dwelling set on the site of a former shallow stone quarry. Working with John Pardey Architects (JPA), client Will Griffiths secured permission for a modern design faced with traditional materials to ensure a development that sits comfortably within the landscape.

Langley Prep School is located at Taverham Hall in the village of Taverham not far from Norwich in the Norfolk countryside. Completed in 1858, the hall was originally planned as the home for the family of Rev’d John Nathaniel Micklethwait. In 1921, the hall was sold and became a boy’s preparatory school. It was briefly requisitioned during the Second World War before returning to its use as an educational establishment.Set amongst 100 acres of green open space, Taverham Hall is a breathtaking neo-Jacobian building with stunning period architecture to match its idyllic setting. The large chimney stacks and red brick frontage create an attractive aesthetic with the subtle grey roofing slates accentuating the property’s distinctive beauty.

Broad Meadow, in Dudley, the West Midlands, is not your typical retirement complex.Often, developments like these are bland and functional, built to very conservative designs.But the architects behind Broad Meadow had other ideas. They wanted something bold and distinctive – and the striking, circular building that resulted stands out as one of the most iconic of its kind.However, the development wasn’t without its problems.

This office redesign for a client in the healthy living space incorporated a variety of natural finishes and details for the right look and feel. Vtec’s texture range met the natural requirement with ease and STONE WALL PANELS in STRATA WHITE were used as a design statement in the reception area, reflecting the client’s wellbeing brand and setting the tone for visitors. The panels were an ideal backdrop for company signage to be added. Throughout the design, the execution is impeccable with high quality fixtures and colourful details bringing the office to life.

A beautiful combination of old and new at this Grade A office development in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. Tribeca House was designed by Falconer Chester Hall and delivered by Barnfield Construction. The original building suffered significant fire damage back in 2007 and Kamani Property Group had the surviving façade restored and sensitively combined with its new, adjoining development.A modern take on the architecture of the Northern Quarter, the new building complements the red-brick façade of the original building. Through AGF, Metal Technology Ltd supplied its high performance curtain walling systems which had a feature that enabled an interface with the striking COR-TEN (steel) vertical feature fins. The 7 storey commercial development includes high quality office and retail space, bringing further regeneration to this dynamic area of Manchester.Metal Technology products used were: System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Door (roof terrace), System 17 HR High Rise Curtain Walling and System 17 SP Silicone Pointed 17 High Rise Curtain Walling.We’re very proud to have been involved in this one!

Our White Stone Impervia® Marble Tile is 100% waterproof and is finished to a commercial grade. This tile also has an MGO core and is reinforced with tough fibreglass for stability and durability which also means it's fireproof.Some of the benefits of our White Stone Impervia® Marble Tile include:The rigid core helps to prevent warping when exposed to moisture.Great at resisting damage from impacts like high heels and heavy objects.

Built in the market town of Sandy, Bedfordshire, Cotton Tails is a prestigious £2.5 million private residential property, the finalist for the RCI Pitched Roofing Awards. The property extends for around 4.8 acres and it includes formal gardens, fenced paddocks, stables, and outbuildings. The incredibly modern five-bedroom mansion offers 6000sq ft of living space characterized by a wealth of attractive features, including an impressive full height reception hall with a floating staircase and enviable underground wine cellar.The Cotton Trails project was managed by Mark Lenn, the landowner, and built by Bartram Timber Frame Buildings Ltd. For the installation of the roof, the landowner selected D Stockwell Roofing Contractor, based upon recommendations, experience, and quality of workmanship. Roofers were instructed to only use high-quality materials to complement the luxurious mansion and interiors of the prestigious property.

Magazine B is a series of Grade II listed brick sheds inRochester, Kent. Its unusual name stems from the fact it wasoriginally used as a Victorian military installation – ‘magazines’were buildings constructed to store gunpowder andammunition.Long left derelict, the site was acquired to convert into aseries of offices – and Southern and County Roofing wereengaged to fit replacement slate.

The Bodmin Jail on the edge of the Bodmin Moor in Cornwall was originally built by military engineer John Call during the reign of King George III in 1779, as part of the ground-breaking Prison Reform. The buildings in their current form were completed by 1881. The later 19th century saw part of the site transferred to the Admiralty, and the Bodmin Royal Naval Prison was established by 1887. The building is statutorily listed at grade II and has been renovated as a luxury 70-bedroom boutique hotel and a museum.Over the course of history, the roof structure and slate have suffered significant degradation, which has given Mallino Developments Ltd. the challenge of immediate renovation. Twelve Architects, a London-based firm are behind the design of the hotel, while the main contractor C Field Construction and engineers ARUP Group turned the design into reality. Close attention was paid to the design aesthetics required to achieve a contemporary looking roof structure on the historic building.

Kresen Kernow is the state-of-the-art facility that houses the world’s largest collection of Cornish documents, books, maps, and photographs, dating from 1150 to the present day.The site provides a suite of public search rooms, conservation and preservation workshops, exhibition spaces, education rooms, and associated staff and volunteer facilities, while a new two storey extension provides archive storage in closely controlled environmental conditions, designed to BS5454 conservation standard.For the roof, the building’s designers wanted the closest match possible to Delabole – the indigenous Cornish slate that’s now extremely difficult to source.

Christ College is one of Britain’s oldest schools. Originally a Dominican friary, the school was founded first by royal charter in 1541 by King Henry VIII and then, after a period of inactivity, by Act of Parliament in 1855. Today, it is seen as one of the best co-educational, independent boarding and day schools in the country and has around 300 pupils. The campus is home to a rich variety of ancient and historic buildings including a number that are Grade I listed, for example the 13th-century chapel and many that are Grade II listed including.

Built in the 1930s and once famous for the largest social housing scheme in the UK, the site has been home to a number of cultural names since the estate’s demolition in the 1970s, including the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds College of Music and the Northern Ballet. Now, the regeneration of this site continues with an extensive, ambitious new masterplan.Phase 1 incorporates Blocks E & F which provides 515 units for Build to Rent operator Moda Living.Y2208I Sumela and Y2217F Steel Bronze 2 working spectacularly in combination for rainscreen cladding panels and corrugated profiles respectively.

When American architect, Louis Sullivan, in 1896, said, “Form ever follows function” he probably hadn’t foreseen the creation of the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest that would have its origins in the devastation left in the wake of the Second World War.The ChallengeThe preservation of old buildings is challenging enough but additional issues arise when it comes to refurbishments and renovations, particularly if there is a material change of use. Suddenly, a building that was created for one purpose is given another, sometimes radically different, purpose. The form can’t follow the function if the function is allocated post-construction. Significant modifications can help align an old building with its new function but, in the case of Grade II listed buildings, for example, the interior can’t be fundamentally changed and function is forced to compromise.Even when there is no significant change of use, modern building regulations demand performance standards that didn’t even exist at the time that buildings currently being renovated were originally envisioned and created. The requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations, governing soundproofing between floors of a building, are relatively easy to shoehorn into a renovation project as these tend to be concealed beneath floor finishes and screeds. Problems with reverberation are far more difficult to tackle and even though there is very little regulation surrounding this issue, BB93 of the Building Regulations, governing reverberation levels in schools, tends to be employed as an effective benchmark.When reverberation levels reach a certain point, they can become more than just an irritation, with the overlap between what is currently being said and what was said a couple of seconds ago becoming genuinely disruptive. In schools, this can make it extremely difficult for children to follow what their teacher is saying. For this reason, BB93 demands a reverberation time of 0.8 seconds or less, with 0.4 seconds being seen as ideal. Reverberation time is described as the time taken for the sound pressure to fall by 60 decibels after the original sound has ceased abruptly. So, in the case of BB93, 0.8 seconds or less after a sound has been made, that sound should have decreased by 60dB. 60dB is a significant drop, the difference between a construction site with pneumatics drills and a busy department store.It is in situations like this, when form and function appear determined to have nothing to do with one another, that architects and the designers of construction materials are driven towards increasingly innovative and paradigm-shifting solutions. The stereotype of the architect who is concerned only with form and is completely disinterested in function is, thankfully, a thing of the past (if these individuals ever really existed at all). Modern architects don’t create buildings so much as living and working spaces, where physical aesthetics are neatly balanced with a host of other concerns, such as the quality of an environment’s acoustics.Although regulation sets crucial, legally-enforceable parameters, few architects need to be incentivised to aim high when it comes to a building’s acoustics.This drive towards innovation has resulted in widely differing solutions. Reflector panels and diffusers redirect sound waves or disburse them more evenly through the listening environment, reducing nuisance noise. These solutions tend to be employed in lecture halls or auditoria, where a certain amount of volume is desirable, but the quality of the sound is crucial. The most commonly employed anti-reverberation product is the sound absorption panel. These fabric covered panels are mounted on the walls of a room or suspended from the ceiling. When the sound wave enters the open cell structure or fibrous composition of the panel, it bounces around like a pinball. The friction resulting from each instance of impact is converted into low-level heat which is absorbed into the material. When the sound wave re-emerges, its energy, and consequently its ‘loudness’, is significantly diminished. This tends to be the solution of choice for classrooms and is generally considered to be the quickest and most cost-effective route to BB93 compliance.Some acoustic challenges are more demanding than others. The renovation of the Picton Reading Room, part of the £50 million redevelopment of Liverpool Central Library, being a case in point. Not only is the reading room contained within a Grade II listed building, it also boasts an elaborate coffered saucer dome. Domes are something of an acoustician’s nightmare, as they focus rather than distribute sound, exacerbating reverberation problems. All of which means a dropped pencil in the Picton Reading Room sounds like a Keith Moon drum solo. Why Cornelius Sherlock, the reading room’s architect, decided to incorporate a dome – one 100 feet in diameter and 56 feet high – into his design for a space that was intended for quiet study is a little bewildering, even if his work does predate Sullivan’s remarks by a couple of decades.Thousands of hours of work have gone into restoring the ceiling of the Picton Reading Room, with plaster, paint and gold leaf being matched as closely as possible to the original 1875 design. Given the need to be true to the form of the original, certain anti-reverberation solutions were unworkable. Reflectors, diffusers and baffles couldn’t be suspended from the ceiling, as all those thousands of hours of work would be hidden from view and the Nineteenth Century aesthetics undermined. Wall-mounted sound absorption panels were not a viable option, as there was very little wall to speak of, with three levels of solid wood bookshelves encircling the room, almost up to the beginning of the dome.Recent innovations in the area of acoustic plaster held the solution. Sound absorbent plaster has been around for some years, offering a smooth appearance which conceals a porous, granular structure similar to that found in sound absorption panels. However, until recently, the amount of sound absorption offered has always been limited to Class ‘B’ and Class ‘C’. Now, however, Class ‘A’ acoustic plaster systems are available. It was just such an acoustic plaster that CMS Danskin used for the Liverpool Central Library project.Because of the limited surface area in the Picton Reading Room, Ellie Morris, CMS Danskin’s Technical Support Coordinator, hit upon the idea of applying the acoustic plaster into the soffits beneath the balconies of the upper shelving areas. The results were a resounding (or un-resounding) success. A relatively small amount of an innovative product, cleverly applied brought a 138-year old listed building’s acoustics in line with contemporary standards and not a hint of compromise in sight.

A 19th century Listed Building, St Paul’s Church, has a prominent position at the top of St John’s Hill in Battersea. Current owners, The James Laurence Group, worked alongside the London Borough of Wandsworth Planning Department to agree how best this historical building should be restored and provided with a new lease of life. Clement were chosen to supply all the steel windows and conservation rooflights. The bespoke demands of the project required Clement to use two steel window ranges. Both W20 and EB24 were fitted to create the beautiful shaped windows which include club heads.

Elephant Park, in essence a sculptural work of art, features rocky boulder mounds over two metres high, covering an area of 420sq metres and is constructed entirely from 600 colourful Prima Porphyry stone blocks and boulders, an igneous rock formed 230 million years ago, all meticulously sourced by Hardscape from a quarry in the Albiano region of northern Italy. 

Roofing slates from Welsh Slate's Cwt-y-Bugail quarry were specified for the new-look Royal Pagoda. Welsh Slate roofing slates have played a “critical” role in the award-winning renovation of one of London’s most unusual buildings. A two-year conservation project to restore the roofs, and 80 decorative dragons, on the 18th Century Great Pagoda in the World Heritage Site of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew will give the public access to the upper floors for the first time in decades.

In the renovation of a substantial property in London SE1, in the historic Borough of Southwark, Mumford & Wood, specialists in the design and manufacture of premium quality timber windows and doors, have supplied Conservation™ casement windows and sliding sash windows for a sensitive renovation. This mixed use building was one of the last remaining plots awaiting development by morelondon.

A series of stainless steel WC pans by GEC Anderson were specified for public lavatories in London’s Battersea Park.A special corner adaptation was produced to provide a solution to services that were located to the side of the WC. By creating a special boxing, the pipework has been fully concealed, thereby preventing vandalism and providing a totally hygienic solution.The stainless steel contrasts nicely with the vivid yellow colours adopted.Battersea Park comes under the London Borough of Wandsworth and the new facility is considered an important advancement to the amenities of this busy recreation area, just south of the river Thames.

Bolton Council appointed ISG to redevelop and refurbish Bolton Town Hall. Project involved improving the working environment and upgrading infrastructure. Location: ManchesterContractor: ISG Construction Architect: JM ArchitectsAspex supplied: Ironmongery

This project involved the re-use of historic original ironmongery, new ’aged brass’ ironmongery to ‘period’ areas, and Satin Stainless Steel to a new ‘front of house’ public area.

Accoya was chosen to help transform a late Victorian property based in London. Originally built as a warehouse, the property required major renovation to become a family home. The building was in such bad condition the windows & doors were rotten & required replacement. Accoya was selected for the windows & doors due to its durability & stability. Plus, the replacement joinery had to comply with the conservation area requirements. 10 new Accoya sash & casements windows & 5 new Accoya doors were installed. Since the installation the overall look of the street has dramatically improved.