"structure"

Complementing the exposed services and industrial design aesthetic, whilst fulfilling modern acoustic requirements was a challenge.HERADESIGN® with its acoustic credentials and raw wood wool texture ticked all the boxes. Specified in Grey, HERADESIGN® was installed throughout the main reception area, office spaces and the lift lobbies, providing a strong visual contrast to the exposed structural elements. Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, “The conversion retained the original irregular structural gridlines of the building, so we had to create a consistent pattern across the ceiling- but HERADESIGN® is a really versatile material that worked exceptionally well in the space.”

Over 100,000 Ancon Rebar Couplers were used to support the concrete of one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world. Reinforcing bars which strengthen the concrete deck, towers and end piers had to be reliably, mechanically connected end to end throughout the structure. To perform this hidden, but vital structural task, Bartec Plus Parallel Threaded Couplers were selected from the comprehensive Ancon range. Various types and sizes, to match rebar diameters from 12-40mm, were supplied, with the three largest sizes being used to join reinforcement running the full height of the three 680ft support towers.

Trief Cadet GST1A were used across Vale Road bridge which connects the Rhyl to its rail station. Cadet offered a unique solution to protect the Victorian bridge structure without compromising the existing access across the bridge. Vale Road bridge had many design aspects which included protecting the structure from the rigours of passing traffic, without reducing the width of the carriageway available for traffic to pass and maintaining access for pedestrians. A further challenge was the effective drainage of rain water build-up to the rear of the kerbs. To view the whole case study please click the link below.

The Loxley Shelter is our 100% plastic free cycle shelter. Made from recyclable galvanised steel and redwood from an FSC environmentally certified source, this shelter is the eco-friendly answer to sustainable cycle storage. The frame and roof construction is predominately structural graded timber to EN14081-2, pressure preservative treated with Tanalith® E against fungal decay and insect attack. Shelter feet are of steel construction for structural strength and to increase the life of the timber by keeping it away from the damp ground. Roof covering is fully recyclable galvanized steel,even the locknuts and roofing washers are plastic free alternatives.

The Greatham Managed Realignment Scheme was part of the Environment Agencies wider " Tees tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy" which imposed a legal requirement upon the Environment Agency to deliver intertidal habitats as compensation for the impact of flood management projects. The challenge was to construct embankments comprising predominantly of site won material. THe size, scale and nature of the works dictates a tight time scale was maintained to ensure rapid return to its natural state. ABGs Erosamat Type 3 was chose, comprising 3 dimensional structure and entangled filaments. Erosamat forms a permanent composite with the natural vegetative root structure supported.

Erskine House was selected as Northern Ireland’s only CivicTrustAward regional finalist in 2021 and is located on Chichester Street, one of Belfast’s oldest and busiest thoroughfares. The building delivers 10,000 sqm of office space with retail on the ground floor. The scheme is completed with a two storey glazed penthouse using a combination of accentuated feature caps and structural flush glazed sections offering views across the city.The Aluprof systems were fabricated and installed by Walsin Limited and consisted of Aluprof's MB-SR50N capped system and MB-SR50N EFEKT capless structural glazing systems with Aluprofs MB-86 doors. The finish externally on the systems is Powder Coating.

Escape reality with a thrilling adventure playground experience in Melbourne, Australia! The playground distributed by our local channel partner Lark Industries is located in Lyndarum North Estate and is home to the awe-inspiring Cubic tower - an architectural wonder of modern play.Vibrantly designed estate playspaceReaching 8 meters tall and constructed from 3 cubes and cuboids stacked on top of each other, this colossal structure invites children to push their boundaries as they explore its dizzying heights for unforgettable views! With both single high structures or more challenging double variants available come along for a day filled with fun that will leave lasting memories.

This project combines SuDS bound permeable paving with the most up to date methods of construction in BS 7533-101 and a variety of build-ups over varying substrates including structural concrete, permeable concrete, made up ground and attenuation crates.The Steintec tuffflow system of permeable bedding and jointing mortars was used to construct a SuDS permeable, bound/rigid pavement. The system allows the designer to capitlize on the low maintenance, high durability of a BS structurally compliant bound/rigid public realm pavement, while avoiding the disadvantages of loose bedding and jointing aggregates used in conventional SuDS pavement construction.

LAMILUX were chosen by the façade contractor, to undertake this specialist element within their glazing package. By using 220mm deep mullion profiles, LAMILUX were able to design a system structurally capable of completely self-supporting. The 25m X 6m self-spanning rooflight removed the requirement for additional internal structural support such as steel beams - saving time and reducing the costs. High performance glazing was essential to reduce solar heat gain and heat losses. 40 fixed glass panels, each measuring 1.2 x 2.9m and weighing 150kg were used to reduce the buildings energy consumption, without compromising daylight intake.

This 115m² project was a large luxury new-build. The decking required two distinct build-up methods around the house. One section was on a waterproofing membrane, the other on a steel framed walkway. Adjustable support pedestals were loose-laid onto the membrane. iDecking aluminium rail system was set onto the pedestals and EasyClick boards were clicked into place. Pedestals lifted the decking structure off the membrane allowing free drainage and creating a level surface on the falling roof. Aluminium rails were mechanically fixed to the steel structure and the whole terrace was set to one, seamless level wrapping around the house.

The ancient printing house of “De Vooruit” in the Center of Ghent, was completely stripped to only the ancient concrete supporting structure. From there the renovation to an ultramodern student home was to be made with steel, providing safe stairways, safe and easy to walk on platforms, as well as outside sitting areas for the students. This was all to be made in aesthetical harmony with other products, such as COR-TEN steel that was used in the project. This to create a modern look, aspiring to the students.The project criteriaPcP had to meet the criteria for a sustainable, durable product which was safe and comfortable to walk on. At the same time, the product needed to blend in well with the COR-TEN steel being used for other parts of the project, providing a modern look that would appeal to students. Another challenge was installing the new steel structure onto the existing concrete supporting structure of the original building.The solutionLannoo Konstruktie chose the OPTIMO® O2, Spiral treads – Type K and panels, as these high-quality products met all the stated requirements for the new student accommodation building. In addition, it was a bonus that the OPTIMO® O2 perforation is easy to walk on in all types of shoes, and is even suitable for outdoor furniture, such as tables and lounge chairs.“The strength-to-weight ratio of the PcP solution is very favourable. This was very helpful for us, as we had to mount the new steel structure onto the old concrete supporting beams. It was important to have a light but very strong panel and steps. PcP was ideal for this purpose.”– Christophe Lannoo, CEO, Lannoo KonstruktieThe resultThe ancient printing house of ‘Dagblad Vooruit’ in the centre of Ghent was completely stripped back to its concrete supporting structure. The structure was then developed to create ultramodern student accommodation using steel with safe stairways, safe and comfortable platforms as well as exterior seating areas for students. This work all harmonised aesthetically with the other building materials, such as the COR-TEN steel used in the project. The aim was to create a modern and inspiring student residence.Architectural steel platform and spiral stair treadsThe project lasted a total of five months from first production to final installation of the panels and steps. In total, 150 spiral K treads were used for three spiral stairs on the three-storey building. More than 100 OPTIMO® O2 treads were installed, together with almost 300 square metres of OPTIMO® O2 panels, both standard and customised. For Lannoo Konstruktie, it was a very attractive project to be engaged in, and likewise for PcP, which is used to projects which are more industrial in nature.

Schöck solution combines architecture with horticultureThe striking facade of this building in Berlin is the concept of Sergej Dott, a locally-based pop art painter who chose medicinal herbs to represent the building's use as a major medical centre. The Treptow Medical Centre, named after the district in which it is located, is a 19th century listed building and recent refurbishment work has seen the interior transformed into twelve surgeries and a pharmacy. The final flourish of the restoration activity is the addition of the pop art herbs, each one metre in diameter, up to twelve metres high and 600kgs in weight, all grouped around three sides of the building.To incorporate them into the structural design, additional steel beams had to be installed inside the building at varying floor levels and Lorenz Linnhoff, whose engineering firm carried out the structural planning for the building comments: "The optimum solution for fastening the giant flowers to the building envelope was the Schöck Isokorb® T type S, which made it possible to transfer the load of the flower installation via the steel beams to the load-bearing building".The Isokorb® T type S has been developed to create thermal breaks in steel structures, where the modules are used to transfer tensile forces and pressure/shear forces. With this application the product is used only for the latter purpose, as on this occasion it has to perform a structural function rather than ensure thermal partition. Each flower is connected by two T type S modules at the top of the stalk and their modular capability meant that off-site pre-fabrication was possible, helping to reduce on-site costs. Two head plates were welded to the stalks off site and another two head plates attached to the main steel structure with the T type S modules bolted to them. Then flower stalk was then lifted into position and the two plates simply bolted to the exterior connections of the T type S units. The community arts and culture scene in Treptow will benefit too, as each of the herbs is to be sponsored, with the proceeds donated to various art institutions.

Located in the heart of the vast new Wembley Park regeneration project, the two residential buildings that make up the Landsby East and Landsby West development (Danish for village) are contemporary in design, with apartment interiors that continue the Scandinavian theme. Externally there are roof terraces and first floor level podium gardens, along with 280 generous balconies that add a stylish and aesthetic feel to the exterior finish of the building.A key element of the balconies was the installation of Isokorb® T structural break units from Schöck. The Schöck Isokorb® T units are structural, but their other long-term purpose is to minimise the risk of thermal bridging. Ineffective insulation at the connection points means local heat loss, resulting in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building. This is a major consequence of thermal bridging, but there are other issues too. Low internal surface temperatures in the area of the thermal bridge can cause condensation, which leads not only to structural integrity problems with absorbent materials such as insulation products or plasterboard, but the potentially serious occurrence of mould growth. So for any project involving balcony connectivity the prevention of thermal bridging is a critical issue.

Chepstow is a beautiful town and community in Monmouthshire, Wales. Located on the tidal River Wye, roughly 2 miles before the confluence of the River Severn. Steeped in history, Chepstow’s Great Tower keep was commissioned by William the Conqueror following the Battle of Hastings.With high ceilings and spaces which feel luxurious there is simply something that draws us towards the vast expanse of space and the warmth offered by listing buildings such as converted barns and farmhouses, often because of their idyllic rural locations.Delta Registered Installers, Tywi Damp Proofing were commissioned with the sympathetic conversion of an old farmhouse located in Chepstow. The project scope was to convert 1 listed farmhouse into 5 separate dwellings.Original features, such as 5ft thick walls were embraced in this conversion project.During initial inspections, penetrating damp was found. Penetrating damp is often referred to as lateral damp, which is the development of moisture through walls, roofs or any ground area of a structure. If left untreated this penetrating damp will cause problems for the structure envelope and can lead to significant damage to the fabric. Penetrating damp can be caused by a combination of problems such as the structure’s age, construction and exposed location.

Dales designed & manufactured curved aluminium solar shading units installed above digital advertising screens positioned over each side of the Hyde Park Corner underpass near Knightsbridge. The 260mm Shadex elliptical aluminium blade extrusions were rotated 45° and then curved to multiple radii horizontally before being manufactured into cassettes. The complete structure covers an area 15 by 13 metres with the cassettes bolted into cantilevered structural steels. Gary Newton, Director for Outdoor Plus, providers of the digital screens commented that the curved solar shades: “..certainly do finish it off to a very high specification adding to the overall high-quality aesthetic appearance”

Beneath the streets of Central London lies a network of Grade 2 Listed underground vaults. As Newton Specialist Contractors, Stonehouse were called in to waterproof four of these impressive structures and turn them into a completely dry commercial space. The four vaults were situated just North of the River Thames in Central London, a short walk from such famous landmarks as Smithfield Market and St Paul's Cathedral.The Grade II Listed structures are each over 4 metres in height, and form part of an impressive below-ground infrastructure network. Newton Specialist Contractor Stonehouse were asked to waterproof four of these impressive vaults for the multinational service provider KPMG, in order to turn them into useful commercial spaces.When waterproofing historic vaults such as these, the Newton CDM System provides the ideal solution as it is maintainable, requires minimal fixings and therefore avoids damaging the structure, and crucially is deemed as reversible should the structure need to be returned to its original condition in future.As an experienced contractor, Stonehouse proceeded with an expert installation of a full CDM System to the tricky vaults, including:508 Mesh membrane to the walls, for a direct plaster finish508 membrane and Fibran XPS 500-C insulation boards to the floor.Basedrain channels to direct any captured water towards two Titan-Pro sump chambers, each containing two NP400 pumps.Victron Inverter and a NorthStar battery for reliable backup power.Stonehouse completed an extremely complex and detailed cavity drain installation with precision, resulting in an exceptionally neat waterproofing system, and proving the benefits of using a specialist waterproofing contractor.

Originally an anonymous, almost forbidding, seven-storey office block constructed in the 1980s, York House on Pentonville Road in Islington is being transformed into a contemporary, light-filled co-working space fit for 21st century use.The original building frontage was set back from the road, but the addition of a new five-story front extension introduces an attractive double-height entrance with offices above. Using similar engineering bricks to the main, original building, the new construction allows light to flood in through the use of structurally self-supporting perforated brick lattice, angled at 45 degrees to gain stiffness. A cross-laminated timber structure sits behind while openable windows allow fresh air to circulate.At roof level, a new, cross-laminated timber structure, clad in a perforated zig-zag aluminium screen, echoes the front extension while softening the building edge.The brick selected for the project was a Blue Brindle Smooth – a high quality smooth brick that closely matched the masonry of the original building. The complexity of the lattice work structure required special shapes of brick and perforation to allow visibility through the bricks at the right points. Working closely with the architect, it took the team nine months of developing and testing to get the strength of the product right. Three lengths of brick were produced and used in the construction of the extension: 215s were used in the building of the chevron parapet, 345s were used on the parapet and alongside the entrance, and 440s were used to create the latticework on the main entrance.We are proud to announce that York House was highly commended at the 2019 Brick Awards in the Innovation category and is a great example of a collaborative approach with our customers.

Lampton Road in Hounslow is currently undergoing the construction of 940 new affordable homes. The final development will consist of multiple blocks of flats, and the chosen external sheathing board for these structures is Klasse G-board.

A ‘one-stop-shop’ waterproofing solution installed across the entire structure of this exclusive project. Located on the site of the old Bowater House in Knightsbridge, this esteemed development was dubbed ‘the most luxurious address in London’. 

Car Parks, often large structures which need something to soften them within the environment.For Sadlers Mead that material was Timber, covering almost the entire structure with Timber Fins. European Redwood treated with VTX Pigmented treatment was used, this treatment offers a 30 year warranty against rot and fungal decay, whilst also containing brown pigments which will slow the natural weathering process of the timber.A high-pressure treatment as opposed to a coating therefore no requirement for specific ongoing maintenance to the material, a key feature when using timber in ways such as this, where safe access could be difficult.All boards we machined, preservative treated and then cut to length for installation on site.

As part of cultural regeneration of the Olympia Exhibition Venue, Olympia Central Hall has been demolished and the iconic structures of Olympia National and Olympia Grand, both Grade II listed buildings, are being incorporated into the site’s overall redevelopment. The West Hall Exhibition Space is being structurally strengthened to allow for a two-story music venue to be constructed above the existing exhibition hall.It is necessary to isolate the Central building, originally known as Empire Hall, from the West Hall performance space to prevent music and entertainment noise disturbance.Three massive bearing assemblies comprising solid thick steel plates holding Stravibase VHS bearings, which were pre-compressed using our patented frozen bearing technology.A small mock-up (approx. 1/3 of the size) was also constructed, and fire tested at Liege University, comfortably achieving a two-hour fire rating.Music and entertainment noise breakout from this new venue causing disturbance to residents.A custom designed Stravifloor Deck solution with rubber bearings isolating the concrete roof flab from the structure below. This complex floating roof is laid to multiple falls by using supporting rails that are tapered to suit.

Gripsure non-slip decking made from Accoya® wood was specified for the Rising Path Project at Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden. The Rising Path is one of the gardens’ biggest horticulture projects. It revitalises the three-acre Systematic Beds, which were first laid out in 1845. The striking structure offers visitors new ways to explore plant taxonomy. The 65-metre-long spiral structure was designed by Chadwick Dryer Clarke as a gently sloping path stemming off from the gardens’ existing path network. The path leads visitors to a viewing platform with a three-metre vantage point from which the full layout of the Systematic Beds can be enjoyed. The structural frame is formed from galvanized steel with the majority of the structure built from Accoya® wood, which was selected for its durability, stability and clean aesthetic. To ensure safe access all year round the walkway and stairs needed to be slip-resistant. We supplied over 1,300 hundred linear metres of Gripsure non-slip decking made from Accoya® wood, backed with our ten-year non-slip performance guarantee. Along the pathway are sections of landing points that highlight some of the plants’ significant evolutionary innovations, which allowed them to leave the water for life on land. At these points, Gripsure Graphics non-slip deck boards were supplied to create custom typographics. The boards needed to provide a visual contrast to the main decking as well as displaying information for visitors. Project architects Chadwick Dryer Clarke and Designmap (whose design was inspired by the work of the artist Gordon Young) developed the graphic design of the boards. A representative from Chadwick Dryer Clarke said “Gripsure’s approach was positive and collaborative, with a real interest in supporting the design team and project. A number of prototypes were developed that refined the depth, size and edge clarity of lettering, and the successful result has a crispness and quality that exceeds the design aspirations.” The Rising Path is a well-crafted and elegant structure which enhances the experience of the Systematic Beds which are of global heritage significance. It has had very positive feedback from visitors since its opening.

The glazed structure has proved to be amazingly useful at the University of Wolverhampton Wednesfield Academy. Break times are now not so crowded indoors or such a rush, as students and staff have more choice concerning where to eat and socialise.

Optima casement window emerges as the prime choice in the industry. Our system offers market-leading structural strength and security for long-term performance. Find out more on about our recent projects below.

A £2.7million Environment Agency project to renovate an ageing river sluice facility on the River Medway in Kent, has required the technical attributes of webercem five star repair concrete and the high-build properties of webercem HB30 mortar. The structural sluice repairs are now complete with new gates and operating systems installed, bringing the sluice performance up to standard. Reflecting the substantial improvement in the river water quality over recent years, a new fish and elver pass has been created to enable fish to travel further upstream in the clean waters. This has enhanced the habitat in upper sections of the Medway, whilst allowing migratory and freshwater fish free passage. Constructed in 1937 the Allington Sluice lock gate is the last on the River Medway before it becomes tidal. Although the sluice is not listed, the Environment Agency took a keen interest in the repair of the structure due to its location adjacent to the Museum of Kent. Areas of failed surface concrete that had spalled, due to 70 years of weathering, were repaired sympathetically to match the existing finishes. These areas were cleaned back to sound material with all loose material removed. The major repair areas required shuttering before pouring in the flowing recasting concrete. webercem five star repair concrete is a pre-blended cementitious material that conforms with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R4 mortar and also with the Highways Agency specification BD 27/86. It contains non-reactive aggregates and low alkali content. This is a shrinkage-compensated, high-strength flowing repair concrete specifically designed for permanent structural repairs that delivers a compressive strength of 65N/mm² after 28 days.Additional smaller damaged areas of the sluice structure have been improved with webercem HB30 repair mortar which is ideal for façade repairs where high compressive strength is not required. webercem HB30 is an acrylic-polymer modified, high-build façade repair mortar that complies with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R3 mortar. Damaged areas were cut away and any steel re-enforcement was cleaned and coated with webercem keycoat prior to the application of the webercem HB30. This product has a unique shrinkage compensation system that ensures long-term dimensional stability. webercem HB30 is easy to apply with low permeability to water, carbon dioxide and chlorides.Main contractor Jackson Civil Engineering of Maidstone, Kent, carried out the sluice gate works while Structural Renovations Ltd of Slough, Berkshire, carried out the concrete repairs in the overall reconstruction, renovation and modification programme of the main structure. The project was designed by Atkins for the Environment Agency, who also undertook site supervision during the renovation procedure. In addition to the repairs and fish pass, a new wheelchair access has been formed allowing cross river access at this point on the Medway.

SMARTPLY MAX FR B has been specified and installed to provide enhanced fire protection at a new residential development at School Road, Hove in East Sussex. Built by PMC Construction, the affordable 104-home development is on the site of a former Westerman Industrial Works complex originating from the 1950’s.   The extensive project included the building of 21 town houses, and seven residential blocks. Block A features nine flats in a four to five storey structure, while blocks B, C and D feature 47 flats across four storeys. Blocks E, F and G consists of 17 flats and retail units spanning across three and four storeys. Such a feat required specialist, structural panels with reliable reaction to fire properties.  “The project was to supply and erect timber frames as part of the design and construction of 104 residential dwellings and three commercial units,” said Emma Barry, Project Co Ordinator at Gibbs Timber Frame. “We had worked with SMARTPLY products before, but on smaller projects that required enhanced fire protection.” Around 3,500 sheets of SMARTPLY MAX FR B were used in the project, covering over 8,900m2. “We chose SMARTPLY MAX FR B panels for the Cat B and Cat C buildings and decking because of its flame retardant properties. Crucially, the product is also suitable for EC5 Design and Cat 1 racking, which is just what we needed.” SMARTPLY MAX FR B is a structural, moisture resistant OSB/3 panel, which as well as having outstanding and reliable reaction to fire properties, is ideal for use in a range of applications where strength, moisture resistance and improved flame retardance are paramount. Unlike standard, structural OSB/3 panels, SMARTPLY MAX FR B is treated with a water-based, non-toxic flame retardant solution during the manufacturing process, which provides enhanced fire protection throughout the thickness of the panel. This means that even if it’s cut, the level of protection remains, unlike some post-treated panels.  SMARTPLY MAX FR B is CE certified according to EN 13986 and meets the requirements for load-bearing panels for use in humid conditions (Type OSB/3) as defined in EN 300 and Eurocode 5. The project began in January 2020 and is due to be completed in October 2021. Gibbs Timber Frame are manufacturers of high-quality timber frame structures with over twenty years’ experience in the construction industry. Their expertise ranges from luxury detached homes, specialised structures, bungalows, chalets, terrace housing, apartment blocks, commercial buildings and home extensions.  Find out more and keep up with them here: www.gibbstimberframe.co.uk  Discover more about the benefits of SMARTPLY MAX FR B here:

One Wood Wharf designed by Herzog & de Meuron and standing 205m tall, this building was designed to be the landmark structure within the expansion of Canary Wharf. The bottom 2 floors of this 58 storey tower are clad with Jordans Whitbed Portland stone. Albion Stone at our modern Portland factory fabricated almost 1000 bespoke curved radial pieces to form the façade to the main entrances. Each of these pieces of stone which are curved both internally and externally to tight tolerances align exactly with the soffits which hang in excess of 1 metre from the structure. These four quadrants to the building form the main entrance and showcase the beauty of natural local Portland stone, its heritage and the beauty of the material integrated into a modern design.

ASF were asked to manufacture tree grilles in the design of the ASF 3000 in stainless steel, but with structural design and calculation attached that met an 8 ton point loading, so that the grilles would be suitable for drive over by 15t+ street cleaners. ASF worked with site and our own structural engineers to produce grilles that met and exceeded the required standards.The top 'face' of the grille bars were also castellated to increase grip on the surface of the grilles.The grilles also hosted large uplighters that also allowed for an 8t point loadingThe grilles were manufactured in grade 316 stainless steel to these standards and finished passivate dipped, offering a stable finished patina that will last for many yearsThe grilles were manufactured to these standards

With over 22,000 students on campus, the University is investing in its teaching, research and residential area. They employed the TerraSmart Rail system in their paved areas to help support this development.Systems Used - TerraSmart RailTerraSmart Rail was installed due to its light system weight and its lattice structure. Having a lattice structure provides multi-directional support across each paver which is ideal for high-footfall areas. ChallengesThe ground top surface that the system sits on has multiple level changes across the area. On top of this, the final finish also had to integrate with a traditional solid build-up. This meant ensuring that the rails were perfectly level across the finish.Location: University of LiverpoolCompleted: 2022Architect: BCALandscapes

Newton was approached by the desperate client at this large terraced property in Notting Hill, having had a second basement level excavated beneath the existing basement and the front and rear gardens.Unfortunately, bad waterproofing design and workmanship meant the basement had flooded immediately upon completion – the builder ceased trading and, following a legal case, the architect and structural engineer were found culpable.We recommended our experienced specialist contractor Stonehouse in order to assess the failure and propose a comprehensive solution.The experts at Stonehouse identified a litany of issues, from the weak, permeable structure to the lack of continuous waterproofing between levels, the inadequate pumping system, the blocked cavity drain system, and the non-existent external deck waterproofing and drainage, amongst others.

Date of Project: August - September 2014Project Owner: Occidental PetroleumProject Contractor: Hugh Roberts ConstructionMarket/Environment: Oil ProductionSubstrate: Gunite from the 1960sProduct Used: Five Star Structural Concrete V/0®Project Size: 500+ PailsProject DetailsIn 1965, four artificial islands were built in San Pedro Bay off the coast of Long Island to conceal oil pumping stations. In the year 2000, Occidental Petroleum purchased the islands, known as THUMS Islands or Astronaut Islands, and operations. The islands contain significant landscaping, a waterfall, and tall structures concealing the drilling rigs, including one known as The Condo and often mistaken for "a ritz hotel" by those on land. Island Grissom is the closest to land and contains more sculptured screens than the other islands.The ChallengeOver the years, wind and water have taken their toll on the concrete structures around the island, causing a great deal of deterioration. A few obstacles to overcome were:The depth of repair (Tapcons were driven into the substrate for added reinforcement in the deeper areas of repair)Direct sun/heatHeight of repair was as high as 100 feetLimitations on water saturation for presoak and wet cure.Deliveries had to be scheduled precisely as all products had to be shuttled over to the island via ferry.Five Star® SolutionChosen for this demanding repair project was Five Star Structural Concrete® W/O because of its rapid-setting properties and ability to be used on vertical and overhead surfaces. Moisture-sensitive coatings could also be applied in 8 to 24 hours, speeding up repair time.This high-strength, permanent concrete repair material allowed the workers to make repairs quickly and efficiently, using only one product for thin and thick placement.

This stunning new-build with floor-to-ceiling glass panels is built into the hillside and thus required a robust waterproofing solution for failsafe protection. After the original property on this site in Barnet was demolished, construction began for a new building that could take full advantage of the stunning location. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels on one side of the property , this new-build is the best place to admire the views over London.Built into the hillside, the property was therefore partially-retaining and required a full waterproofing system throughout to protect from unwanted water ingress. As such, Newton Specialist Contractor Stonehouse were called in to expertly install a robust waterproofing system to the entire structure.The client appointed Stonehouse's Richard Allen as the waterproofing design specialist on this project, to ensure a fully BS 8102:2009 compliant build.Due to the partially-retaining nature of the structure, Richard recommended a combination of Type A, B and C waterproofing systems to ensure a Grade 3 habitable environment. Relying on an effective Type B structure, Stonehouse then applied a cementitious coating of Type A Newton 107F to the external surface of the flat roof decks and to the internal area of the lower lift pit.Given the high risk from water, the failsafe Newton CDM System was also installed on both levels of the structure. Newton 508 membrane was securely fixed to the internal walls using Newton's ancillary products, with water from the upper level being bunded and piped down to the lower level, then drained via gravity fall using Newton Basedrain.As one of our most experienced specialist contractors, Stonehouse expertly recommended, designed and installed a truly failsafe waterproofing system that will continue to protect this contemporary home for many years to come. Furthermore, Stonehouse were able to provide a 10-year guarantee for the installation, for complete peace of mind.

In a recent project, Twinfix displayed their commitment to excellence through the installation of eight free-standing semi-curved canopies spanning 302 square meters at Cheswick Green Primary School in Solihull. Tailored for functionality and aesthetic appeal, the canopies feature the innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system glazed with 10 mm clear multiwall polycarbonate. The aluminium structure, ensuring both durability and a sleek finish, is meticulously powder coated to RAL 7040, imparting numerous benefits to the canopies.Powder coating enhances the durability of the aluminium, providing a robust protective layer against weathering, corrosion, and UV radiation. This not only ensures a longer lifespan for the canopies but also minimises maintenance requirements, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice for educational institutions like Cheswick Green Primary School.Beyond their structural integrity, these barrel-vault canopies offer a multitude of benefits. The Non-Fragile roofing system enhances safety, meeting stringent standards. Simultaneously, the 10 mm clear multiwall polycarbonate glazing fosters inviting covered outdoor spaces, flooded with natural light.Their design not only adds a touch of modernity but also elevates the visual appeal of the school. Twinfix’s canopies seamlessly blend functionality with elegance, creating structures that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing.The recent installation at Cheswick Green Primary School exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and delivering top-tier solutions. Collaborating effectively with E Manton Ltd, Twinfix has created structures that not only meet the highest standards of functionality but also stand as symbols of excellence in both design and execution. As Twinfix continues to set new standards in canopy solutions, this project stands as a testament to their ability to create transformative and visually captivating spaces.

The deep copper-brown tones of the façade work well with the brick palette of the original building, while the sharp, angular lines of the new structure contrast against the symmetrical regularity of the rest of the building. Architect : Burwell Deakins, London

BEMO Flex mass-customised sub-structure with N65/Tapered standing seam panels in PVDF2 RAL6007 and BEMO Deck profile. BEMO provided full engineering support including 3D surveys to eliminate construction tolerances.

Grafton Architects made stunning use of BASWA Phon, insetting the acoustic surfaces into the structural concrete. The smooth marble plaster finish complements the interior aesthetic, whilst the high performance acoustic absorption provides calm and comfort.