"stone"

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.

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

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.

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

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s rapid-setting, ultra-smooth floor finishing compound has delivered a fast-track solution for refurbishing the iconic Nelson Staircase at Somerset House, London.As part of ongoing maintenance and improvement works, flooring contractor Carpet Culture was commissioned to restore the steps and one of the main landings of the historic Beaux-Arts staircase, which spans six floors and dates back to the late 18th century, when the Royal Navy occupied the building.Contractors began by removing old floorcoverings and adhesive residues from the steps and the 40m2 landing.The landing was destroyed by a bomb in the Second World War and subsequently restored with concrete, meaning that it would require raising in order for floorcoverings to meet the level of the original stone border, but less than the minimum application thickness of a smoothing compound. Additionally, work required completing over two nights, between the hours of 6-11pm, while the building was unoccupied, meaning there was not time to mechanically prepare the concrete area.Contractors, therefore, applied two coats of Stopgap Micro Rapid floor finishing compound to create a perfectly smooth surface for the receipt of floorcoverings.Stone effect LVTs were then installed on the landing and risers and treads of the stairs, and Stycco Flex rapid-curing, flexible tube adhesive was used to affix Gradus stair nosings. The high strength build-up and fast curing time of the adhesive means it can secure stair nosings and trims in as little as 60 minutes, without the need for mechanical fixings.Tom McCullough, senior flooring manager at Carpet Culture, said: “We were grateful to our F. Ball technical representative for suggesting using Stopgap Micro Rapid as an alternative to applying a smoothing compound so that we could complete the work out of hours, on time. It worked a treat, and we received compliments for how it looked even before the floorcoverings went down.”

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!”    

Victoria House is a £13 million 9-storey mixed-use development in Leeds. It consists of 106 apartments with offices on the ground floor. Victoria House is a stone’s throw from Leed’s city centre and St. James University Hospital. It provides affordable, high-quality homes to first-time buyers, key workers, graduates and those who work within the city.The development offers studio, 1-bed and 2-bedroom apartments, outdoor areas, ping pong tables and a basketball court with on-site concierge service for added security.Victoria House makes use of Carlton’s Wolds Minster Blend, its varied dark tones allow it to comfortably blend into pre-existing red brick vernacular whilst also creating its own identity amongst nearby green areas and surrounding buildings.

In one of the earth's paradises located on the island of Fasmendhoo, where sky and sea meet to create unique emotions, rises the Emerald Maldives Resort, designed and built by combining tropical scenery with modern design.The interiors are decorated with a discreet, elegant minimalism designed to dialog with nature and the outdoors. And it is in this context that Atlas Concorde products have created welcoming environments with an extremely contemporary look thanks to a wide range of tiles inspired by natural materials, like the wood-effect porcelain tiles used to furnish the bright apartments.The bathrooms convey intimacy and elegance, decorated with floors and walls inspired by the most refined marble, and a focus on interior design trends is also evident in the furnishings.In contrast, the stone look dominates the outdoor spaces and the areas dedicated to the solarium and swimming pool, for a design that is ever closer to nature. Decisive surfaces that communicate a metropolitan style with an original, pristine, and eternal beauty.

The Great Northern Tiling Company have used UltraTile to create a subtropical swimming paradise at iconic family resort, Center Parcs.BackgroundLocated in the heart of Nottingham’s famous Sherwood Forest, Center Parcs is a much-loved family resort home to variety of activities and villages, including the recently renovated Subtropical Swimming Paradise Village.The ChallengeThe project began mid-2020 during the UK’s first lockdown. To make the most of the facilities being empty, the project continued to grow in size as the team at Center Parcs rejuvenated further areas across the family resort.“Working in constant 30°C+ temperatures during summer 2020 was challenging for both our tilers and the adhesive. Fitting Quartzite stone to the seating areas, Jacuzzi and stairs was technically demanding”. Darren Nockall, Director at The Great Northern Tiling Company.

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

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

St Peter’s is a Grade II* listed church in Notting Hill, West London. It was built to designs by Thomas Allom and is reputed to be the last Classical Revival church built in London in the 19th century. Building began in 1855 and the church was consecrated in 1857. Its large scale portico and west tower are the notable features. A complete restoration and refurbishment has been carried out, including the re-instatement of its redundant gallery, new meeting rooms and exterior colour-washed facades.The architect wanted to achieve a look that replicates limewash, with some very subtle variation almost replicating a layering colour of bath stone. The final specification was a layered solution to achieve the desired finish. This included a coat of KEIM Soldalit Fixativ to the newly applied lime skim, and KEIM Soldalit Grob applied to all areas. The surface was then painted using KEIM Soldalit, before lastly KEIM Restauro Lasur being applied as the top two coats.

The "White Marmot" restaurant in the Corviglia ski area near St. Moritz combines top-class gastronomy with lifestyle. The traditional Swiss mountain restaurant, which emerged from the "La Marmite" founded in 1967, was renovated in accordance with the visionary ideas of its owner Hartly Mathis in collaboration with Ateiler Zürich and Testa Bodenbeläge.The White Marmot is divided into a lounge, bar and restaurant area. The existing natural stone floor was not satisfactory because of the poor room acoustics, the sensitivity to moisture caused by the guests' ski boots and the associated risk of slipping. The architects found in Flotex flocked flooring the better alternative. Comfort, anti-slip, easy care and durability could be guaranteed with just one floor covering. Moreover, the client and the planner were impressed by the endless design possibilities of the Flotex digital print technique. The digital printed Flotex Vision design was able to fulfil the requirments of a modern style in ambience of the 1960s and 1970s.

This Grade II listed farmhouse in Monmouthshire has recently been redecorated using the KEIM Granital system. The 16th – 18th century limewashed lime rendered property needed a freshen up. The limewash was delaminating and powdery, lower sections on the northern elevation were damp with black mould, green growth moss and algae were prevalent on all elevations, as well as hairline cracks within the render.   It was specified that all elevations should be cleaned free of excessive mould and green-growth and powdery residue from the limewash. KEIM Algicid-Plus to be applied and left to dry on the surface before coating. The lower exposed render on the front elevation was suffering from splash back off the paving stone, it was recommended that an application of KEIM Silan Primer was applied on the first 0.5m of this elevation, to allow improved water repellence. The KEIM Granital system was then used to obliterate hairline cracks and provide a breathable coating.  

Our client wanted to renovate their family farm and transform it into a more contemporary style, bringing an essence of the Mediterranean to the English countryside. Stoneworld talked through each phase of the project with the client, making sure their dream result was achieved. For this project, our White Mint honed Sandstone was perfect for creating the contemporary feel that the client wanted. Stoneworld worked very closely with the client, in order to meticulously produce bespoke copings and features to the stone design. We drew out every element of the project to ensure that the client was satisfied and we provided expert advice to help them decide which products were best suited to the results they wanted to achieve.One of the most prominent features of this project is the Roman End of the swimming pool, giving a beautiful, modern and sophisticated feel to the pool. This bespoke Roman End was digitally templated and produced to measure specifically for this client, in the workshop at Stoneworld, using White Mint Honed Sandstone.

Linea23 is an architectural residential project designed by Studio Sigurtà in Desenzano del Garda, for which various Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles were chosen for the creation of ventilated walls, outdoor floors and walls.The Trust and Studio ceramic collections are the protagonists of the project and outer facades were covered using ventilated walls in which ceramic tiles create a gap that facilitates the circulation of air. The use of ventilated walls also leads to other advantages: the building is protected from moisture while indoor spaces are healthier and do not suffer from thermal shock.The Trust collection by Atlas Concorde, used for the outdoor floors and swimming-pool edges, evokes natural stone and allows for alluring residential venues both indoors and outdoors.The Linea23 project saw the use of various Atlas Concorde products for outdoor floors and walls. Particularly resistant to thermal shock, Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles are the perfect solution also as terrace flooring.

The Bryncae development on Bridgend Road, Pontyclun is a three-phased residential scheme that aimed to bring much needed housing to the growing commuter town in South Wales. In phase one of the development, a mix of flats, bungalows and houses were built, along with three business units which were filled by Co-op Food, Greggs and Bella’s Boutique. Taylor Maxwell worked with architects Buckmaster Batcup, who were appointed by Rhondda Housing Association, to specify and supply Stonepanel stone cladding and weatherboard cladding to the project, along with blue facing bricks in a soldier course detail above and below the windows. The scheme was managed by supply chain partner Wates Group. The second and third stages delivered a further mix of houses and flats, with work carried out by M&J Cosgrove and Morganstone respectively. Holder Matthias Architects were the architects on phases two and three, carrying out the precedent set in phase one.

The Driftwood Spars is a 17th century Grade II Listed building of an immense character. It is a historic building and an essential part of the St Agnes Community, as well as a World Heritage site within an area of an outstanding natural beauty.The Pub is built of the local stone and the huge ship’s timbers and spares, from which it got its name. The building offers a wealth of history, having been converted from a tin mining warehouse, chandlery, sail making loft and fish cellar over the years to a hotel with a public bar.The original roof was made of Cornish Delabole and Trevillet slates, which due to harsh weather conditions and extensive service life have fallen into disrepair.The priority of the free hold pub’s owners and the Architect was to replicate the traditional roofing method, “wet laid” with diminishing slates from 18” to 12” inches, using modern slating method, that would be acceptable by the Cornwall Planning stakeholders.

Market Estate is situated next to Caledonian Park in the London Borough of Islington. It is named after the Metropolitan Cattle Market, opened by Prince Albert in 1855 as an alternative to Smithfield. A major redevelopment includes a mix of residential units. As part of this scheme, significant improvements were made to Caledonian Park: planting new trees and relaying paths.A Modena railing fence surrounds the formal landscaping and a children’s play area within the park and encloses an additional garden to the North.Over 450m of standard and radiused fencing was supplied with double-leaf and pedestrian gates. A pair of bespoke gates were designed and manufactured to hang within stone pillars with a section of Modena-XL, 3m high fencing, to either side. This forms an impressive entrance towards the Victorian Clock Tower, the clock is noted for being a prototype for Big Ben.Finish: hot-dip galvanised & polyester powder coat – Mica Grey

Raithwaite Hall is a 5 star, 45 bed boutique hotel set in 85 acres of wooded valleys within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. The hotel offers terraced views of the landscape and across the Whitby coastline. A new extension was designed that is built against the hillside with stepped landscaped areas around the new building and an intensive green roof terrace to help blend the structure in with the surrounding gardens.The intensive green roof terrace is installed directly above a new function and dining room and required a specialised design to accommodate the additional loading and provide the necessary drainage for the turf lawn.     By utilising a multi-purpose geocomposite roof drainage board, the green roof system could be achieved to meet the project specific requirements. The ABG Deckdrain 2540S-NW20XUV product offers a lightweight option that delivers the equivalent drainage capacity of 300mm of drainage stone in a 25mm layer that weighs over a 100 times less per square metre. The lightweight drainage layer is supplied in rolls and is fast to install and move into position. The Deckdrain layer includes an integrated filter geotextile bonded to the top of the cuspated core. This prevents the growing media layer from intruding into the drainage void and filters the soil to prevent clogging. The Deckdrain is made from a high strength HDPE core that supports the 200mm deep layer of growing media required for the intensive green roof installation with deeper root systems. The underside of the product is impermeable and provides additional protection to the liquid waterproofing membrane. A green roof surface finish further helps to prolong the lifespan of the waterproofing layer and prevent UV degradation. The large grassed area on the podium also reduces surface water run-off and the grass is protected against waterlogging via the efficient drainage board layer. The shallow drainage build-up required also reduces the height of the steps onto the terrace and the associated cost of stone flags. The completed installation encompasses a 20mm Roofdrain drainage & reservoir board to support a secondary smaller sedum roof area, as well as Deckdrain layers installed for structural drainage to the surfaces around the patio slab and retaining wall areas.ABG provided a full green roof project design, installation and maintenance service for the project.

A spectacular destination hotel, The Stratford in London features a triple-height lobby and sky terrace leading to an imposing glass atrium. Its aim? To evoke the timeless glamour and maverick social spirit of New York’s legendary long-stay hotels.The interiors, by renowned designer Space Copenhagen, meld Scandinavian style with old-world opulence via serene pastel tones, natural timbers and elegant stone bathrooms.Our ApproachThe Stratford features our luxurious Fitzroy of London Gosfield collection washroom fixtures and fittings designed to celebrate, and integrate with, the venue’s uber-luxurious design.The design-led products were selected thanks to their simple lines and stylish finish; both aspects ideal for working perfectly with the interior design scheme set out by Space Copenhagen. Because the products chosen are removable and can be uninstalled, the hotel now enjoys an adaptable but unapologetically cutting-edge answer to the challenge of making inclusivity meet world-class exclusivity.

Beckfoot Allerton opened on 19th November 1894, a proud day for the village of Allerton and its people. The school underwent many changes throughout the years surviving and contributing to both war efforts, while continuing to hold their high standards of education. In 1928 the school official became a primary school and later in 1960 a junior and infants’ school further undergoing changes. After a local authority change in 2000 Beckfoot Allerton Primary school was reborn. In the present day the school is much different to when it was opened generations ago and continues to serve as a corner stone of the village and its community.Taking into consideration all of the requirements of the roof, a bespoke specification was prepared to refurbish the roof. Polyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times, was the chosen system of use for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application the works could be carried out during the Primary Schools term times, without having to wait for closure periods between terms.

This five-plot new build project in rural Lincolnshire required cream sash windows in order to match the local architecture, including the stone lintels and cills that had been selected. As a high-end development, the windows needed to be high spec and fully accredited.Solid cream Charisma Rose sash windows were ideal for the project. As a standard colour, the windows didn’t need to be foiled or sprayed. Charisma Rose – like all windows in the Rose Collection – already had all necessary certification and accreditations in place, including Part Q compliance to meet building regulations.As a luxury development, the windows were specified with several features that set them apart from standard sashes. Many windows included arched heads with traditional sunburst astragal bar designs and unequal split sashes for visual balance. All of the windows incorporated traditional run-through horns for authenticity, and colour-coded trickle vents to meet regulations without affecting the overall appearance.

Based in Lincoln this multiple dwelling new build project required sash windows to fit its architecture. The homes were built using local stone which meant standard white windows wouldn’t match its high-end appearance. The developers also needed windows that came with high performing benefits such as thermal efficiency, security, all while remaining maintenance-free. Using our in-house spray shop, Charisma Rose was specified in a solid cream option that complimented the stonework beautifully. The trickle vents were also colour matched to seamlessly blend in with the windows and keep the luxury charm of the buildings. A traditional astragal bar grid was picked to match Georgian architecture as well as run through horns and a 2/3 unequal split for the ground floor. This project ran smoothly providing more than 50 sash windows over seven dwellings. All windows were manufactured and delivered on time and snag-free, meaning there was no impact on the developers schedules.

The Dairy is a retirement Living Plus development built in 2017 for people over the age of 70. Providing both one and two bedroom apartments, each apartment has a fully fitted kitchen, underfloor heating, fitted and tiled shower room with level access shower and a 24 hour emergency call system. Facilities include a hair and nail salon, lifts to all floors, club lounge, restaurant and a south facing courtyard garden. Transport links to surrounding towns and cities are available via rail and road. The railway station has trains running directly to Charing Cross and London Bridge which takes one hour.Cellecta’s Mojave S1-8 was specified by Lewis & Hickey due to it being a lightweight option for an acoustic composite floor build up. This system has a low energy use, reducing running costs and co2 emissions, which benefits the environment.McCarthy & Stone were awarded this 2,860m² contract to construct this development on St John’s Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

New for the 2022/23 academic year, Archwood House at Eagle Wharf for University of the Arts London offers contemporary student accommodation in a range of EGGER finishes.U717 ST9 Dakar Grey forms a neutral palette in the kitchens. Used in 18mm Eurodekor MFC, the handleless door format in mixed sizes could easily be achieved without excess labour or material waste. Matching edging completes the look.The units are complemented by EGGER worktops in F638 ST16 Chromix Silver in a 38mm postformed format, highlighting the contemporary design scheme with a stone like look and feel. Matching splashbacks are also used.In the bedrooms, a rustic look is added with H3332 ST10 Grey Nebraska Oak. Used in 18mm Eurodekor MFC, the material is an efficient and cost effective choice for case goods including shelving and storage.The project was designed by Nelson and Long. Fabrication was by Flawless Kitchens using EGGER 18mm Eurodekor MFC, ABS edging, 38mm postformed worktops and splashbacks from UK stock.

Our client required a bespoke fit-out with significance placed on meeting environmental standards and adhering to building regulations.Project BreakdownEfficient installation was another important consideration. As this project was a refurb, all the doors and balustrades were already fitted, with as little as 45 mm build up height in some areas. This project required a versatile substructure solution and careful planning.The SolutionOverlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and benefiting from panoramic views of the London skyline, the curved aspect of the 10th floor terrace area presented an interesting challenge. The angled cuts create more deck board wastage than usual, but with support from EnviroBuild this was allowed for and calculated before the works started, helping to manage costs and ensuring no delays.Project DetailsSize: 168 m²Product: Stone Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: MESA Aluminium Joists, MESA Aluminium PedestalsClient: Collins Construction LimitedArchitect: BDS Architecture and Interior DesignSub-Contractor: BOA ContractorsLocation: London

Stargroves, a Grade II listed building, is a manor house and estate in Hampshire. Its best known for being the home of Mick Jagger in the 70s. The on site recording studio has been used by The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, and Bob Marley, adding to the rich history of the site.Other bands who have recorded on the grounds include Bob Marley, Iron Maiden and Status Quo.The project entailed the refurbishment of the internal swimming pool area. Main contractor SizeBreed Construction, gave the project to Soundis, to resolve the persistent reverberation issues within the area. Crucially, however, they didn’t want a solution which took away from the character of the building.This was perfect project for the seamless 25mm Spray Plaster Boards. This system can be applied to virtually any surface, including straight and curved walls, dramatic angles and arching domes. Which was particularly helpful on the outside the pool area. Acoustic spray plaster solutions offer a more flexible, discreet alternative to traditional acoustic solutions, such as suspended ceilings.

Located within easy distance of the University of Edinburgh, this six-storey development provides 52 studio apartments for the city’ vibrant student community.Designed by Yeoman McAllister, the stone clad building complements the existing architecture of the area, while the high-performance aluminium fenestration package from Senior Architectural Systems provides a modern and compliant solution.Senior’s thermally-efficient SPW600e aluminium windows, installed with Louvre Guards in front of the opening lights, have been used throughout, combining a robust and secure construction with slim frames to frame far-reaching views of the city and ensure effective levels of daylighting. The main and communal areas benefit from Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and low U-value PURe® Commercial Doors.Senior worked closely with main contractor Clark Contracts and fabricator partner GG Glass to deliver the scheme which has received wide praise for the quality of its accommodation and convenient links to several of Edinburgh’s main university campuses.

The Allsop family started planning their kitchen renovation project in September 2021 and wanted to create an inviting room featuring special touches such as glass work surfaces alongside the latest in energy-saving technology. As they had already installed underfloor heating in their home before, they knew that an electric floor heater would be the ideal heating solution due to its ease of use, sustainable technology, and low running costs. The DCM-PRO was chosen as the most efficient solution, offering rapid installation times and increased and huge savings on energy bills due to its efficiency, further enhanced after being paired with our 6iE Thermostat. This system was perfect for use with the Allsop’s new Karndean vinyl floors and is also ideal for kitchens with stone or ceramic floor tiles as its decoupling technology helps protect tiled floors from damage. The low-profile design of the DCM-PRO is also perfect for all types of refurbishment projects in rooms with fixed ceiling heights as it will have a negligible impact on floor levels.

In partnership with Vinci Construction UK, we supplied BS 7533 compliant bedding course, jointing and priming mortars for the £350million Stoke-on-Trent City Council City Sentral redevelopment, comprising 3,500m2 of natural stone paving. The project was installed in the state-of-the-art new bus station designed by Grimshaw Architects and will form an impressive gateway into the city. The SMET Streetscape® portfolio complies with the rigorous requirements of BS 7533 with all products undergoing independent testing and certification to confirm compliance. By providing a superior level of customer service and focused aftercare to our Smet Supported Partners with the Streetscape® brand, we demonstrate best-practice in Streetscape Hardscaping construction partnerships. Click for more detailed information on the SMET Streetscape® BS 7533 range:https://www.smetbuildingproducts.com/products/streetscape/Click for more on some of the projects we have supplied to:https://www.smetbuildingproducts.com/projects/by-product/streetscape-high-strength-bedding-concrete/Contact SMET for any Streetscape enquiries.