"upholstery leathers plastics"

London 2012 organisers always planned, as part of their Olympic legacy, to transform the Athletes’ Village into a purpose-built education and leisure campus with a specialism in performing arts comprising a nursery, primary and secondary school, sixth form and adult learning.While the main base for organising and managing teams from the record 206 nations that took part would readily convert to their new educational purpose, they needed a fencing solution to reduce the impact of noise from the Tube line that runs alongside.The SolutionContractor Osborne, Academy architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, and Lend Lease Group, responsible for the design, development and construction of East Village, chose Zaun’s DBS acoustic fencing for the job.Zaun used mixed recycled waste plastics to develop the DBS panels that can deflect noise, soak up flying fragments, and be incorporated onto Zaun’s extensive range of fencing post and panel systems to tailor specifiers solutions to their precise needs.The panels are easy to erect and suffer shallow repair needs, significantly reducing the whole life cost of the fencing system. In addition, the panels’ impressive acoustic-loss properties have been rated B3 with a 36dB loss under BS EN 1793-2.The Chobham Academy, which incorporates the Beth Tweddle Academy for gymnasts, has been dubbed ‘the school with an Olympic playground’, with swimming lessons in the aquatics centre and sports days in the Olympic Stadium.It sits on the edge of the new East Village neighbourhood with 2,818 new homes, community health facilities and over 10 hectares of public leisure space.

The Trumpington Residents’ Association and Cambridge City Council wanted to update a 60-year-old pavilion at the heart of the village in a £600,000 community project.Cambridge architects 5th Studio designed a striking colourful exterior cladding. They turned to an artist specialising in the treatment and perimeter fencing manufacturer Zaun to create the multi-coloured stripe effect with a specialist bright green protective steel mesh ‘cage’.The SolutionTrumpington Pavilion employs an unusual multi-coloured exterior treatment. An artist specialing in the technique has dribbled green, blue, red and yellow randomly onto a corrugated plastic sandwich sheet, which is then covered with Zaun’s Duo8 mesh in bright green, fixed to coloured timber battens.The pavilion includes a main building with a hall, youth room, kitchen, toilets, office and inter-connected changing rooms for two teams plus an officials’ room.The doors to the changing rooms are in boldly contrasting colours. At the same time, an eight-metre green mesh electric sliding gate protects the building but opens to provide unrestricted access to the patio and the King George V Playing Fields beyond.Zaun installed the Diamond cantilever sliding gate with Duo8 mesh in-fill, KeyFob and internally mounted switchto ensure both the safety of all users of the pavilion when the gates are operated especially children, and the security of the contents when the pavilion is not in use.The original pavilion, built in the early 1950s, was about half the size of the new main building, including a small hall and changing rooms.

Artform Urban Furniture were appointed by Lendlease and Gillespies to provide a number of waste / recycling units and a water fountain to a new public green space in the centre of Elephant and Castle.The Box Litter Bin is a versatile and highly adaptable design that features a variety of finishes to complement a range of external spaces. After receiving a suite of options from our sales team , the client opted for a hardwood clad door option with powder coated steel frame. The combination of materials sit naturally within the new green space. The bins come complete with an anti-graffiti coating and bespoke designed designation plate to front of bins and bespoke stubber plate to top of general waste bins. The Fuente fountains provide fresh drinking water, an environmentally friendly option for members of the public to fill up their water bottles and save on plastic waste.Elephant and Castle is a central London neighbourhood that has a long and fascinating history dating back as long as the reign of the Roman empire. In recent years, £4bn of public and private money has been invested into the area in a major regeneration project. Thousands of new homes are being built and the town centre is being revitalised with new shops, offices, restaurants and the largest new green space in London since the '50s.Elephant Park is a spectacular 2 acre green oasis at the heart of the ground-breaking project - featuring a huge array of plant species, play areas, seating spaces, water features and the aim to be the UK’s first climate positive development when completed.

Hush Acoustics provided an effective solution to ‘noise break-in’ at a newly built primary school in Chester to ensure the internal acoustic environment was supportive of learning goals.The Huntington Primary school was designed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to cater for 420 primary age pupils and a 26-provision nursery. The former primary schools it replaced had a capacity of 120 children, but to cope with the demand of 1,200 new houses being built nearby on the former Saighton Army camp, the decision was made to build a new school to meet the requirements.An acoustic concern highlighted was ‘noise break in’ which is caused by issues such as the sound of rain falling onto the roof, which in turn would detract from the learning environment. In order to resolve this potential issue and to guarantee the children a healthy setting free from noise disturbance, we specified our Hush 10kg Barrier Mat to be installed in the roof of the building.Hush Barrier Mat is a vinyl sound barrier mat loaded with naturally occurring minerals. The product is free of lead, unrefined aromatic oils and bitumen. Designed to improve the sound insulation of existing panels of metal, wood, plastic etc., at all frequencies. The mat is normally fixed in intimate contact with the original panel. Hush barriers are particularly effective in overcoming coincidence dip resonance found in stiff lightweight composites such as plywood sheets and hollow core panels.Working alongside Kier, were Delta Group, who we supplied with 1100 sheets of our Hush 10 kg Barrier Mat. They then applied this to the roof of the school in 3x layers, to give a mass of 30 kg/m2 and improving acoustic performance across all frequencies.

A former brownfield industrial site alongside the River Roding in Essex is converted into attractive mixed-use community housing. The Met Police custody and patrol base for the borough, industrial businesses, restaurants, river moorings and 1000 homes.The developer wanted to replace old and damaged wooden hoardings around a section of the Fresh Wharf Estate perimeter in Barking and prevent damage to a bus shelter from stone chips thrown up by passing vehicles on the adjacent A406.The SolutionFresh Water Developments approached Zaun to devise a bespoke solution for the site on the banks of the Roding, a Thames tributary. They wanted a sustainable perimeter, deflected flying stone chips, minimised noise and met their aesthetic, design and functional needs.Zaun has integrated a new highly resistant laminate made entirely from mixed waste plastics with its market-leading Duo fencing to produce a system that won’t rust or rot. In addition, it is low maintenance and reusable or recyclable if damaged.The innovative product design named DBS Security boasts great acoustic-loss properties, rated B3 and 36dB loss, and gives protection against damage from flying objects flicked up by passing vehicles.DBS Security protects a bus shelter close to the North Circular that constantly has to undergo repair. A large section of the perimeter to the industrial site and housing is fitted with Zaun’s twin-wire Duo fencing system. Two horizontal wires resist being welded on either side of the vertical wire.Zaun combined both standard and bespoke fencing to tailor the overall solution to the site’s specific requirements.

When Brexit terms were finally decided in 2020, the end to the freedom and movement of EU goods was agreed to begin from the 1st January 2021. HMRC therefore required an Inland Border Facility to be urgently mobilised to perform the new series of checks required on HGVs crossing the UK Border at the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel. This site acts as a location for checking movements of goods inbound (Defra and HMRC) and outbound (HMRC only).Each location is to include parking areas for HGVs and other vehicles, with security measures and facilities to enable the checking of vehicles and goods entering and exiting the sites. There are also temporary office buildings, staff and driver welfare amenities.The design of the facility onto 48ha of former agricultural land was developed with a view to maintaining the landscape and biodiversity of the surrounding area and to screen views of the site from the local villages.Excavated materials were sustainably reused as part of this process in order to create bunds, whilst surface water drainage of the site is directed to local wildlife ponds and wetlands via 30,000 square metres of aggregate filled Truckcell cellular paving.The site is trafficked by up to 950 HGVs at any one time and provides a free-draining, sustainable and durable SuDS surface to withstand the traffic levels without damage or abrasion.Throughout the project, ABG’s in house technical team provided design guidance and site installation support for the customer. Truckcell is a heavy duty cellular paving system manufactured from 100% recycled and recyclable plastic, capable of sustaining frequent HGV loads up to GVW 60 and 10 tonne wheels loads. It can be filled with angular gravel (as was the case on this project) or topsoil and grass seeded, according to the application.

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.

St. Anns, London, new mental health inpatient building Blossom Court is undergoing it’s second phase and specified DVS and Franke products for the project. The unit is due to be completed in Autumn 2002 and aims to replace its old mental health wards with modern, state of the art facilities for patients requiring inpatient care. The full range of products provided was: • 2 x VR01-072 V2 High security WC pan less abled with grey top • 3 x VR01-010 High security ligature resistant toilet • 5 x VR01-030 High security V2 basin with integrated backplate (not including sensors) • 5 x VR07-004 Washroom control system kit – for DVS high security backplate & WC • 5 x WC02-014 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 2” unit • 4 x F0354P Single bowl • 4 x F0359P Single bowl • 6 x F0360P Single bowl • 1 x G22025L DUH hospital disposal unit • 1 x G20605N Stainless steel cistern • 3 x G20055N Centinel janitorial unit – HTM64 The plans for the redevelopment of St Ann’s Hospital were developed with patients, staff and local stakeholders and involve a series of improvements. Following completion of the new inpatient unit in summer 2020, Phase 2 includes the refurbishment of other buildings, a new restaurant for visitors and staff and improvements to the site power and water supplies, roadways, car parking and landscaping. Designing sanitaryware for mental health and high-security environments can be a challenge, however, the DVS branded safe ensuite range is manufactured using advanced technologies, provides the perfect solution. These high-security and ligature resistant products are virtually unbreakable and create a safe solution within all mental health facilities.

St. Anns, London, new mental health inpatient building Blossom Court is undergoing it’s second phase and specified DVS and Franke products for the project. The unit is due to be completed in Autumn 2002 and aims to replace its old mental health wards with modern, state of the art facilities for patients requiring inpatient care. The full range of products provided was: • 2 x VR01-072 V2 High security WC pan less abled with grey top • 3 x VR01-010 High security ligature resistant toilet • 5 x VR01-030 High security V2 basin with integrated backplate (not including sensors) • 5 x VR07-004 Washroom control system kit – for DVS high security backplate & WC • 5 x WC02-014 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 2” unit • 4 x F0354P Single bowl • 4 x F0359P Single bowl • 6 x F0360P Single bowl • 1 x G22025L DUH hospital disposal unit • 1 x G20605N Stainless steel cistern • 3 x G20055N Centinel janitorial unit – HTM64The plans for the redevelopment of St Ann’s Hospital were developed with patients, staff and local stakeholders and involve a series of improvements. Following completion of the new inpatient unit in summer 2020, Phase 2 includes the refurbishment of other buildings, a new restaurant for visitors and staff and improvements to the site power and water supplies, roadways, car parking and landscaping. Designing sanitaryware for mental health and high-security environments can be a challenge, however, the DVS branded safe ensuite range is manufactured using advanced technologies, provides the perfect solution. These high-security and ligature resistant products are virtually unbreakable and create a safe solution within all mental health facilities.

Featuring bespoke sizing, design, easy installation, and use of sustainable materials, the Acoura ceiling system by Soundtect offers a highly customisable acoustic solution that can elevate your project to new heights of comfort and style.City workspace projectFor this workspace redesign, HOP Interiors sought a solution to the challenges of noise control in an expansive open-plan environment.  Leveraging Acoura's capabilities, strategic placement of the acoustic ceiling panels effectively transformed the workspace into a hub of productivity. Zoned working areas, delineated by Acoura's sleek design, provided employees with the peace and quiet needed to excel in their tasks while maintaining a collaborative atmosphere.With a clever bespoke and unique carrier system, the Acoura baffles can be easily removed and reinstalled, again and again, for easy access to the ceiling mechanical and electrical services when needed, simply and quickly.With a large range of Freestyle colour options and wood-effect finishes, Acoura offers designers a wealth of aesthetic possibilities. From bold statements to subtle accents, the choice is yours, with the added flexibility to match any wood finish and complement existing design schemes.SustainabilityLike all Soundtect products, Acoura is crafted from third-generation recycled PET. By utilising recycled materials, Acoura not only reduces waste but also minimises the demand for new resources, contributing to a more sustainable future.Soundtec thas zero CO2 emissions and zero water emissions. Utilising solar power for its factory, the company has earned several awards for its contributions to the environment, especially as the product's core material comprises post-consumer plastic with low VOC content.The Acoura sustainable acoustic ceiling not only delivers a truly bespoke, unique solution to reverberation but also a fabulous and inspiring alternative to heavy wooden beams with no impact on the environment.

Canadian hospital chooses Altro for new MRI suiteIssueThe Centre Hospitalier Hôtel-Dieu D’Amos short-term hospital in Quebec, is part of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of Abitibi-Temiscamingue. The hospital is a designated regional trauma centre and its main regional vocations are orthopaedics and vascular, plastic and maxilo-facial surgery.Since 2001, the region had an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service via a mobile unit that moved from centre to centre, that reached the end of its useful life a few years ago. In 2021, the hospital became the home to the region’s first fixed MRI scanner.ApproachMaterials in the room must not interfere with the powerful electromagnets, while also being aesthetically pleasing, as the procedures performed could be quite stressful for many patients.As the region’s only fixed MRI, capable of performing 6,000 exams per year, this project required protective wall cladding with superior and long-lasting durability. Materials had to be non-porous, hygienic and easy-to-clean. Due to frequent wheelchair and stretcher traffic, a high impact-resistant surface was also a very important criterion.SolutionMLS Architects selected Altro Whiterock wall designs. The hospital was familiar with Altro Whiterock, having used it in other areas of the hospital. They especially liked that Altro Whiterock wall designs combine the durability, hygiene and resilience of Altro Whiterock wall cladding, with natural looking patterns. These helped enormously with the warm and comforting ambiance that they desired. The Altro walls system easily replaces the typical laminated particle board typically used in applications such as this, all while offering a more durable surface finish and a longer lasting product guarantee. Altro Whiterock Satins in Mint was used in the bathroom and changing area.

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.

Situated in Bedfordshire, Millbrook Golf Club is a magnificent golf course that sought to enhance specific areas of its course to ensure year-round suitability.In this case study, the greenkeeping team focused on improving the walk-on walk-off areas of newly constructed tee boxes to prevent erosion and the formation of muddy or boggy ground during the winter months.To create a pathway that would offer exceptional grass protection while preserving the natural beauty of the course once the grass beneath had grown, the team opted for our rubber grass mats.Our rubber golf path matting is highly sought after due to its remarkable benefits, including durability, ease of installation, permeability, and compatibility with wheelchairs and golf carts. These attributes make it the perfect solution for a wide range of projects and applications.Robert the Millbrook course General Manager told us; "We chose rubber grass mats to be used for the walk-on walk-off areas to two of our tee boxes, one of which has recently had a new pathway to the rear of the tee installed".Rubber Grass Mats On The 7th TeeExtending from the 6th green to the 7th tee, this particular section of the course experienced noticeable wear and tear. Without careful maintenance from the greenkeeping team, it could easily become an extremely boggy spot.To alleviate the risk of muddy ground in this area, the team devised a plan to revamp the space. They constructed a new pathway at the rear of the tee and re-turfed the slopes on either side. The surface of the path was then adorned with artificial grass. In addition, the lead-up to the artificial grass path was covered with our protective rubber grass mats. These mats were effortlessly laid in place by the team using plastic fixing pegs and cable ties.Once the area has matured, the golf path mats will become nearly invisible, providing a natural-looking yet protective surface to ensure the course remains in optimal condition for its members throughout the year.Robert kept us up to date with their progress; "Our Greenkeepers have been busy putting the finishing touches to the 7th Tee. Turfing the slopes, laying artificial grass for the path and installing a rubber grass mat infrastructure which the grass will grow through".Rubber Grass Mats On The 12th TeeSimilar to the work done on the 7th tee, the team at Millbrook devised a plan to enhance the approach from the 11th green to the 12th tee using our rubber grass mats.To enhance year-round usability regardless of weather conditions, they improved the approach to the tee box from the 11th green by installing our rubber grass mats. These mats were laid out, interconnected with cable ties, and easily secured in place using plastic pegs.Once the grass grows through the carefully designed holes in the rubber grass mats, the course will maintain its natural appearance while benefiting from a reinforced pathway that prevents the formation of boggy areas.Robert again informed us of the upgrade of this tee approach path; "The 12th Tee approach work is progressing really well thanks to our greenkeeping team. The area around the 11th bunker has also been re-turfed".The ResultRobert and the team are delighted with the project's outcome and the advantages provided by the rubber grass mats. Some club members have also expressed their appreciation for the new tee boxes and approaches on the Millbrook Facebook page; "The tee boxes looked very smart on Saturday".We are thrilled that our simple yet highly effective rubber grass mats have proven to be a resounding success for Millbrook Golf Course.Our exceptional golf pathway mats have assisted the greenkeeping team in achieving their objective of creating reinforced and natural-looking approach areas for their new tee boxes. Undoubtedly, these improvements will benefit the team, members and the course for years to come.For more information on our rubber grass mats and other rubber surfacing solutions, or to request a quote for an upcoming project, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Banks Road Primary School, Liverpool, prides itself on creating an environment where pupils can achieve their highest potential. The school and its team work hard to nurture a climate where all children, regardless of gender, race or disability, can thrive and grow in self-esteem. The school was looking for a washroom revamp to coincide with the school’s dedication to providing a safe, secure, and supporting environment for their pupils. The project was carried out by Inspired Washrooms, a Nottingham based fit-out company, which came up with a fun, colourful and contemporary design to renovate the school washrooms, using a range of KWC DVS specified products. The full range of products provided are as follows: • 4 x SOLX1800T Washtroughs with 3 wash places and tap holes • 13 x F3SV1001 F3S self-closing pillar tap • 18 x WC03-002 Standard WC Flushvalve Kit with Wave-On Sensor – 1 1/2″ Base – c/w 3m Cable • 18 x WC02-011 Concealed plastic cistern kit – 1 1/2″ The fit-out took place over a three-phase long period starting in October 2021. Miranit washtroughs are ideal for busy environments due to their built-in waste, overflow, and durable yet stylish design. The F3S self-closing pillar tap exhibits properties ideal for a child-friendly area with its adjustable flow time and polished chromium-plated brass finish, rendering the surface coating resistant to corrosion and wear. Chris Kightley, Managing Director of Inspired Washrooms, commented, “We work with KWC DVS on a recurrent basis and can always count on them to provide us with quality products. A trusted partner, we’ve worked on many projects together. Their Miranit composite range and their F3S self-closing pillar taps were perfect for the playful but functional washroom refurbishment Banks Road Primary School was after.”

Recently we have received a review from a customer that used Polytrol to revive their Ifor Williams horsebox.Andy was looking to revive the faded colour of his Ifor Williams horsebox and decided to try a sample of our Polytrol colour restorer. He even supplied us with before and after images so we can see how well it worked.Here’s what Andy had to say;I have been an Engineer all my life and have used many products that purport to do unequalled repair or unrivalled transformations. But I cannot remember ever being so impressed with a product.After using the sample pot of Polytrol colour restorer I thought to take some pictures of the project. The whole trailer was thoroughly cleaned with a pressure washer along with the roof and fibre glass front roof panel. Mould and algae were removed with a scrubbing brush and Cillit Bang mould remover.The side panels are painted flat aluminium sheet which had faded quite considerably over the years. Their appearance was also marred by a previous owner putting transfers on them, which I removed only to discover a darker silhouette, which further spoiled its appearance.To the painted panels, I applied Polytrol liberally with a brush and then left for 15 Mins. After this, I then used a cloth soaked with Polytrol but with excess squeezed out, to smooth out the excess on the surface and provide an even light coating to dry. I treated the plastic mudguards the same way with fabulous results.For the “dimple” surfaced aluminium roof and front panel, I found a Scotchbrite pad and soaked it with Polytrol. I then wiped it off once again with a saturated cloth and left it to dry.I applied the Polytrol on a pleasant day with no excessive sunshine and all was touch dry within 2 hours. By the following day it was perfectly dry and ready for new OEM Decals.The pictures show it all, what an outstanding transformation.

Abode was the tap designer of choice to inject eco-luxe convenience to a unique water tower restoration project in Castle Acre, Norfolk with Pronteau: a high-specification range of steaming hot water taps. Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode says, “We were delighted to be a part of this project alongside property owner Dennis Pedersen and Tonkin Liu Architects, as they meticulously came together to reimagine a derelict industrial water tank into a contemporary, family home. Dennis purchased the water tower at auction for £20,000 in 2015, and then project-managed all the building work himself to save money and realize Tonkin Liu’s architectural vision with the help of a local builder. Following the addition of a new CLT timber tower and careful infilling, the original water tank is now an open-plan kitchen living space complete with Pronteau Propure 4 IN 1 steaming hot water tap in ultra-fashionable Urban Copper finish. As the property needs to cater to a family of four, the additional breakfast room on the second floor, is also designed with a Pronteau Propure 4 IN 1, to ensure the height of convenience, design continuity and eco luxury in the modern home and living space.”  The 160 sqm Water Tower project, is testament to the increasing demand and complexity in personalised building projects across the UK. As the trend for flexible kitchen living is a key focus for today’s multi-generational homes, homeowners want to make sustainable choices wherever possible. Pronteau by Abode is the ideal way to combine high function design with a superior style, heightened level of safety and sustainable consideration in reducing the consumption of plastic bottled mineral water.  “We believe that safety goes hand in hand in interior design and construction, which is why we continually invest in new product development to ensure our designs are fit for purpose. As a practical example, our exclusive Filter Recycle Scheme enables end users to return redundant filters directly to us for recycling.”

Castle Hill Hospital, at Cottingham near Hull, is defending busy areas of the hospital interiors from impact damage with the help of Yeoman Shield protection products.Serving the population of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the hospital has approximately 370 beds and caters for the majority of the trusts elective activity as well as housing the award- winning Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology.The refurbishment of the Plastic Surgery Outpatients ground floor corridors and First floor I.C.U. corridors saw Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail installed. The rails are fitted on a 60mm PVC “stand-off” spacers allowing them to be utilised as a handrail for those requiring it.A strengthening solid inner core ensures the rail is capable of taking the heaviest of blows from motorised or wheeled trolleys and equipment saving the wall from structural damage and marking.The vulnerable corners and terminating ends of the rail are equally protected from impact with the addition of Yeoman Shield’s new rubber, hardwearing and durable stop ends and wall return accessories.The busy catering department and corridors were also suffering from impact damage caused by the movement of the catering trolleys, food warmers and equipment. To combat costly damage to the décor Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail has again been installed this time “flat-back” to the wall.For a hygienic yet protective finish to the walls Yeoman Shield smooth food grade wall panels were installed from floor to ceiling with extra defence in the form of the 200mm protection rail.All Yeoman Shield products were installed by directly employed Yeoman Shield fixing operatives ensuring an efficient and accurate first time fit.“The work carried out to corridors and catering department was undertaken with due consideration of each busy section of the hospital and to suit their working arrangements, including any out of hours working. All went very well and each department commented on how well the work went and how good the improvement is” Alan Parry, Estates Officer (Building).

A client with a strong reputation for sustainable construction needed a flood defence system to protect a large substation in Croydon.UK Power Networks and ClancyUK Power Networks is responsible for electricity distribution and maintenance across London, the southeast and east of England. Clancy contracts for UK Power Networks refurbishing substations. Clancy was founded in 1958 and is now one of the largest privately owned construction firms in the UK. Its vision is to be “trusted to deliver smarter, greener infrastructure brilliantly.”The challengeClancy managed construction and implementation of the Andel flood defence system for UK Power Networks.Location: the substation is located within a flood risk area and is critical for maintaining electricity supply to thousands of homes and businesses.Sustainable: they wanted an environmentallyfriendly approach in line with their commitment to sustainability.Disruption: the aim was to protect transformers from flooding to maintain reliable electricity supplies to homes and businesses.Protection: they needed to protect the transformers from flooding to maintain network resilience.Inconvenience: they wanted a solution that would cause minimum disruption to the site allowing for continuity of service.Cost: they needed a cost-effective solution compared to the costs normally associated with traditional flood defences.The solution Andel FloodWall and Andel FloodBlox® Andel FloodWall is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative for perimeter flood defence and is suited to commercial, residential, new build and retrofit installations. Panels and posts are constructed from robust, 100% recycled, nonporous, post-industrial plastic waste.This means the substation now has:A sustainable, cost-effective and environmentallyfriendly system compared to traditional flood defence systems.A flood defence system with a lower carbon footprint compared to an all-concrete construction.A modular solution that was easy to transport and speedy to assemble on site with minimum disruption.A robust perimeter flood defence designed and tested to meet the requirements of British Standard BS 851188-1:2019 for Flood resistance products.Andel FloodBlox® is an easy-to-use, lightweight, demountable flood barrier for all types of openings such as gates, house doors, patio doors, garage doors, warehouse and factory doors as well as creating easy access within a perimeter flood defence wall.This means the substation now has:A lightweight, easy-to-use demountable flood barrier allowing easy access to the bund.Proven technology that uses the natural pressure and weight of floodwater to create a watertight seal.The result Sustainable: Panels and posts are constructed from 100% recycled, post-industrial plastic waste, reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional allconcrete flood defences.Convenient: A modular, easy-to-assemble system causing minimal disruption to on-site operations as no heavy machinery was required.Effective: FloodWall and FloodBlox® provide a robust, tried and tested flood defence solution allowing easy access to protected areas.Cost: The modular and flexible system reduced installation time and delivered a cost-effective solution.Excellent communication: The on-site Andel team worked closely with the client, ensuring open and constructive dialogue with regular updates on progress and timescales.Added value: The project also included installation of Andel’s market-leading BundGuard® units, a bund dewatering solution previously supplied to the client and contractor on other sites.What the customer said;We made the right choice working with Andel on the UK Power Networks Croydon project. Andel has worked with Clancy before providing pollution prevention products and maintenance services for the electrical distribution sector.As a safeguard against the increasing risk of flooding, Andel were able to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the Croydon substation, protecting UK Power Networks transformers from the risk of future flooding.Craig Aust, Project Manager, ClancyIt was great to work with Clancy on the UK Power Networks Flood Defence project at Croydon Substation. We were tasked with delivering a robust, reliable and environmentally sustainable solution to protect the transformers on site from the risk of flooding. Working closely with Clancy Project Manager, Craig Aust, we were able to navigate the project to deliver a solution that sat in line with their values of delivering quality and sustainable practices. We are delighted to have successfully delivered a flood defence system that ensures the transformers are protected from the ever-increasing risk of flooding. 

Stainless steel work tops and sinks from GEC Andersons Made-to-Measure (M2M) range have been installed in the kitchen of a newly renovated Grade II listed Georgian terrace to provide a striking and contemporary contrast to the historical setting of the property.The five storey dwelling is situated in the beautiful and unspoilt Myddleton Square in the Angel district of London. Built between 1824 and 1827, the square is named after Sir Hugh Myddelton, who was the engineer responsible for bringing a fresh water supply into the city.The sympathetic renovation work was carried out to a very high specification, incorporating as many of the original features as possible.Renovation specialists Fullers (Builders) Ltd were asked to undertake the work. Many aspects of the refurbishment project were bespoke including the new kitchen, situated in the basement, designed by Butler Hegarty Architects and created by Fullers in-house joinersGEC Andersons M2M bespoke range is not only highly flexible but also is of very high quality. It was therefore ideal for this part of the project.The brushed satin stainless steel sinktop 4374x615mm was specified, with specially sized sink and drainer area, including (500x400x200mm and 180x400x200mm) sink bowls. To complement the worktops, stainless steel splashbacks were incorporated into the design including socket cut-outs. For ease of installation, the sinktop was mounted on a waterproof substrate, sound deadened and plastic protected.Central to the kitchen is the stainless steel bridge island worktop (1482x623mm) that includes a bin-chute with a flush-fit lid, for easy rubbish disposal. The sides of the island are integral and therefore manufactured and supplied by GEC Anderson in one piece with the worktop. They include cut-outs for sockets. There is a stainless steel panel at the back of the island, against which the range cooker stands. Stainless steel plinth kick plates are included throughout the kitchen.Gary Butler of Butler Hegarty Architects said, We recommended stainless steel to our clients and it suited their aims for the kitchen. We particularly liked the all in one surface and the general crisp aesthetics which the material created against the historic setting.

Congratulations to Deicke Richards (DR) Architects for their win at this year’s 2020 Learning Environments Australasia Awards for excellence in educational design. The John Paul College (JPC) Kindergarten extension articulates the college’s Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and learning within an Australian context. Reggio Emilia is an early learning education style that values children as capable and resilient and rich with wonder; it emphasises hands-on, discovery learning that allows children to actively engage all their senses, guided by educators rather than directed.The kindy’s program is strongly art and nature-based and focuses on encouraging children to creatively problem solve, engage deeply with personal and group projects, and to experience nature with freedom and wonder.To support this program, Deicke Richards led a collaborative process with a diverse stakeholder team to produce a design framework that fosters engaging experiences with climate; form (external, internal and transitional spaces); light; colour; materials and texture; smell; sound; and taste. Marmoleum flooring was chosen as the main internal floor finish as it fits the design and teaching philosophy.Marmoleum is made from natural raw materials, many of which grow and are renewable. The material is produced CO2 neutral without offsetting and can be sustainably recycled at the end of its useful life. Marmoleum is healthy, containing zero plastics and is asthma and allergy approved by the British Allergy Foundation. Marmoleum thanks to the linseed base is inherently bacteriostatic naturally inhibiting the growth of common bacterial and viral infections creating a better interior for children and staff.The kindy’s new building has a logical layout. Two classrooms are separated by a central amenities block and open onto a generous verandah that flows into the “piazza” or green heart. Each classroom is characterised by an internal “Atelier” form which offers focused respite from other activities – a sunken studio features in ‘The Burrow’ classroom, while a playful house-like structure punctuates ‘The Nest’ classroom. These unique Atelier spaces are dedicated to creative exploration and elevate the children’s art-focused learning experiences.JPC Kindy’s thoughtfully layered learning experiences exemplify how the values of a kindy – or any educational institution – can be meaningfully embedded in its environmental and spatial design.Diecke Richards founded in 1994 is renowned for their collaborative processes and inclusive culture. DR has a commitment to using their skill in design to achieve a social purpose and this is evident in the JPC kindergarten community project.

As part of the major refurbishment project, Artform Urban was approached by City Design to transform an underutilised internal courtyard into a vibrant communal space that encourages social interaction and relaxation.To achieve this, the design needed to incorporate a variety of outdoor furniture elements that complemented the modern aesthetics of the refurbished building while withstanding the rigours of an outdoor environment. The design and layout were also guided by the unique and playful ground markings that help to break up the ample space visually.Artform Urban worked closely with the client to provide a comprehensive range of outdoor furniture that met the project's specific needs. The supplied products included:Stone Benches: These uniquely designed pebble-shaped benches are manufactured from High-Performance Concrete and add an artistic touch to the courtyard. The stones can be supplied in 3 sizes and also feature a specialist Comfort option that has a heated element for additional user comfort on colder days. Rivola Seat: A really well-priced unit, the robust granite Rivola Seats feature a wavy design that echoes the ground markings. These can be positioned in 3 different ways for added flexibility. As well as being highly durable and low maintenance the Stone and Rivola are ideal in student environments for encouraging informal group gatherings or solitary lounging and relaxation thanks to their intriguing organic shapes. Loop Arc and Hop Op 500: this range of contemporary, rotationally moulded plastic seating and stools features an ergonomic design and is available in a range of vibrant colours. The client opted for a white bench to complement the newly resurfaced area and ground markings - creating a visually appealing and comfortable seating solution for students, perfect for casual meetings or studying outdoors. It is also possible to install these free standing and self-weight internally with water or sand. Holgate Picnic Sets: To foster a sense of togetherness and encourage outdoor dining, Artform Urban provided picnic sets. These sturdy and durable sets offered a practical dining solution for students to enjoy meals together in the courtyard.Rubino Litter Bin: To maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the courtyard, Artform Urban supplied the Rubino Litter Bin. This heavy-duty yet stylish granite waste disposal unit seamlessly blends with the modern design of the space. By providing various furniture options that combine aesthetics, durability, and comfort, the newly refurbished courtyard will play a crucial role in enhancing the living experience for the students at iQ Wilmslow Park in Manchester.

The Quartermile development is a cosmopolitan mix of luxury apartments, cafes and businesses in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. The masterplan for the new area is designed by Foster + Partners and enjoys views of some of Edinburgh’s greatest landmarks. The access to the new building (adjacent to the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site) is elevated from the North Meadow Walk pedestrian walkway and cycle route. The pathways and landscaped areas in front of the development needed a structural drainage solution and reinforced turf area that would be suitable for trafficking by maintenance and emergency vehicles when required.ABG’s high strength Roofdrain 60S+RX geocomposite was specified to provide sub-surface drainage across the base of the podium deck. The drainage board provides a high flow capacity void to channel water pressure to the surrounding perimeter drains. By utilising a 60mm drainage layer the need for much deeper and harder to install drainage stone layers can be minimised. The carbon footprint for the product is just 3.3 kgCO2e per m2 which is an approximate 50% saving compared to the embodied carbon of quarrying, transportation and installation of the equivalent thickness of drainage aggregates. Once installed the Roofdrain core is filled with pea gravel to provide a rigid sub-base beneath a bedding layer and resin bound gravel pathways. The drainage core features regular perforations to allow surface water to percolate and drain to the underside of the board. Adjoining rolls can be easily overlapped with the cups designed to slot  into one another. The Roofdrain was overlaid with a Terrex NW9 geotextile to prevent fines entering the drainage core. The Roofdrain can be stepped to cascade into lower sections to suit the landscaping layout. The main green area to the front of the building was cultivated using the Advanced Turf reinforced grass system. The Netlon Advanced Turf System (Netlon ATS) is a high performance, mesh-element reinforced natural grass rootzone system that provides a SuDS compliant free-draining grassed surface. It consists of a high quality, sandy soil rootzone into which thousands of playing card sized polypropylene Netlon plastic mesh elements are pre-blended. The composite mesh reinforced rootzone and selected turf are then delivered to site as a system. ATS was specified for this development to support loading by occasional MEWP vehicles such as cherry pickers, and in the event emergency vehicles need to traffic onto the grass.

Fire Retardant aluminium cladding that looks like real timber. This system of real timber that wraps aluminium cladding has been around for 30 years; its not a new phenomenon, in some practices, it’s the norm.Exceptional Architecture with contrasting aluminium wood cladding against a striking white stucco facade. Incredible detailing and accurate installation has made this private residence an iconic statement. Real timber veneer over aluminium results in a contemporary timber cladding, its not an effect, its not plastic… its timber.Aluminium cladding that looks like real timber.Set over three floors and a basement, beautiful landscaped surrounds and many balcony terraces make this dwelling the envy of other property owners. The cladding by Technowood ® has been used to good effect for the wall cladding, soffit board arrangement and also the fascias. This system has many options for start and stop beads with alternatives for reveals and corner detail. The design of these projects is only limited by the designer.Pergola design and Brise Soleilby Technowood®As Technowood have been manufacturing since the 1980’s they are well versed in many different profiles and systems in aluminium covered in real wood. Pergolas that span with a clear run up to 12.5 metres, louvres and Brise Soleil that match. We can create a complete system in timber that looks the same, made at the same time by the same hands… the design can also incorporate powder coated or anodized aluminium elements; supplied at the same time. These are also made in the same manufacturing process.Cladding illumination Up lighting, down lighting or washing warm white illumination across the facade of cladding looks beautiful. Further, this offers a welcome from the building during the darker hours, makes your home more inviting, it also looks stylish. It’s a simple effect to achieve and doesn’t cost a lot in comparison to other illuminated elements of the project.Technowood aluminium timber claddingThe simple system is an inclusive platform of cladding. It starts with a simple L shape bracket, a long length of supporting section T shape (like a timber batten); the cladding directly fixes to it. Think rain screen, when you are designing and you won’t go far wrong. Technowood has been here for 30 years and it’s here to stay. Certified FR A2, FSC and certified for Environmental Product Declaration, its also warranted for 20 years.

Hinchley Wood School in Esher, Surrey is a mixed comprehensive academy, providing education for 11-18-year olds. They tasked Hush with a project to improve acoustic comfort in their sports hall following the success of a previous project to install Hush Absorber Panels within their canteen in 2016.Mike Robeson, Director of Finance and resources at the school, contacted us regarding their purpose-built Sports Hall in which they were experiencing severe reverberation issues. The Sports Hall has been in use for many years to carry out PE lessons and other sporting activities, along with being used as an Examination Hall.When being used for exams, the school were having to temporarily lay a carpet on the floor to dampen the sounds within the hall, hoping to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere with minimal echoes. However, this was unsatisfactory, and they sought an effective long term solution.When conducted a site visit which enabled us to measure the Sports Hall to be 8.5m in height, 27m in length and 18 m wide. The ceiling area features metal trunking around it and measures 486 sq. m in total. We calculated that 230.4 sq. m would need to be acoustically treated.In order to effectively treat the reverberation issues within the area, we specified 192x 50mm Hush Absorber panels to make the hall acoustically fit for purpose and they would need to be directly bonded to the metal deck.The panels that we supplied the school were from our new Polysorb range, in which the product itself is made from polyester as opposed to foam, giving equally excellent acoustic results. We also supplied these panels with a hard face material, to be damage protected from any equipment which may make its way up to the ceiling.The Polysorb panels are manufactured from 100% recyclable Polyester, in which a minimum of 45% is from post consumer waste PET (Plastic Bottles). The panels have been designed for exceptional sound absorption qualities, whilst being light-weight, impact resistant and durable. These panels can also be cut to any required size and finished in your chosen design.We allowed 5 working days to be able to fit the panels and were able to finish within 4. Whilst installing them, we also rescued 12 footballs and a whole host of shuttlecocks from the ceiling area!We are pleased to have been able to help the school with their reverberation issues and to make a positive impact on the pupils learning, as well as making for a more appropriate and less noisy exam hall.

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops were included in a recent Cornwall kitchen refurbishment, designed and installed by George Robinson Kitchens who produce hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, near Penzance. For homeowners, Mr. & Mrs. Bull, the choice of materials was pivotal to the design of their home kitchen, particularly, as their long-term plan is to use the space as a cookery school. Stainless steel was therefore a key element and was chosen not only for its visual properties and low lifetime cost but also for its ability to withstand heavy usage, to be heat resistant and to remain germ-free. From a visual perspective, the work surfaces make up a significant proportion of the colour and texture in the room. In this Georgian property in Cornwall, the materials and textures chosen make for an eclectic yet functional space. The inherent durability and unsurpassed hygienic properties of the brushed stainless steel elements from GEC Anderson will make it perform extremely well as a professional kitchen. The Tulip wood and Oak wood with its different painted finishes together with the white Silestone quartz top on the central island top provides a striking contrast to the stainless steel in one corner, giving a light and pleasant, contemporary, feel.The L-shaped brushed satin stainless steel worktop and integral sink is made to measure and benefits from being manufactured in one continuous piece thus maximising the use of space in the corner in which it is situated. Furthermore, with no joins at the sink bowl, edges and upstands, the surface remains germ free as well as being free of visual clutter and noise. One side of the L-shape includes a generously sized (500x400mm) single bowl and draining area, whilst the other, provides useful and practical work surface. A 100mm high, integral, back upstand was also specified, providing a neat, practical and watertight junction to walls.Owner Dr Matt Bull says, “My wife and I liked the toughness of the stainless steel and the fact that it can take hot and cold, doesn't stain, reflects light and provides an hygienic surface that is easy to clean. Stainless steel also gains character as it ages, where many surfaces will deteriorate, so that’s a real bonus.” He added, “We struggled to find anyone locally who could manufacture the stainless steel elements of the kitchen to a sufficiently high standard. The neatness of the welding and the configuration of the shape, drainer recess etc. were key to what GEC Anderson could offer.”GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops are supplied fully sound deadened, plastic protected 

Sealants specially developed by Hodgson Sealants for quick and efficient assembly have been helping Victory Leisure Homes achieve faster, safer, greener, and more efficient production at its Yorkshire manufacturing facilities. Hodgson has worked in close partnership with both the Technical and Production teams at Victory to formulate specialist solutions for some of its most common sealing and bonding applications. Working closely in tandem with Victory to provide technical support including site visits and substrate testing along the way, Hodgson’s R&D team has replaced less efficient PU adhesives with high-performance products, for safer, quicker bonding with less waiting time between processes.  HY-SPEC HS50 is Hodgson’s latest addition to its hybrid sealant range and was developed to offer Victory a combination of quick grab, excellent tooling properties, and performance adhesion, all the time retaining flexibility on its fast-paced production applications. It is a neutral cure, high modulus and solvent-free adhesive. Its effectiveness for Victory - a company that is at the leading edge for innovation in its markets - lies in its unparalleled wet grab properties. This means that HY-SPEC HS50 can seal and bond quickly reducing the need for mechanical support to provide leak-free construction and to make production processes at Victory quicker and more accurate. It offers excellent adhesion on a wide variety of substrates allowing Victory the production flexibility to work with a range of materials.  Once cured to its full strength, HY-SPEC HS50 retains excellent flexibility making it the perfect product for sealing and bonding in caravan, leisure, specialist vehicle manufacture, marine or industrial assembly where flexibility is vital to accommodate movement in the joint. Once the assembly is complete the HY-SPEC HS50 cures tack free so it will not pick up dirt, maintaining the home’s good looks for years to come. “The innovation teams at Hodgson and Victory have worked collaboratively to produce an advanced solution for our specific requirements,” says Victory’s Research and Development Director, Steve Bulliment. “The result is a sealant that improves productivity, build quality and working condition in our production facilities. The support they have given us has been exceptional, taking the time to listen to our requirements and understand our processes to produce the perfect solution.”Kevin Nickolay of Hodgson Sealants has equally praised the collaboration: “We are very proud to be supporting Victory Leisure Homes in their quest to be consistently best in class. They are always keen to explore the latest sealant technologies available to ensure they have premium quality, water tight structures which offer the very best in home from home holiday accommodation on the market.” HY-SPEC HS50 is a greener, cleaner alternative to traditional PU adhesives with none of the harmful isocyanates and solvents so they are safer and cleaner to use. Hodgson can also offer the adhesive in foil sausages, giving greater yield and less plastic waste than traditional cartridges.

A programme of works carried out at a Nottinghamshire hospital has seen a number of products from the FIREFLY range employed to upgrade the passive fire protection throughout the roof spaces, with the manufacturer providing site specific design details to assist the highly experienced contractor complete the project on time. DC Fire Protection Ltd., based at Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, works right across the country covering multiple sectors of the construction industry, installing active as well as passive fire protection systems.  For its 10 week contract at the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre at Kirby in Ashfield, the specialist installed dozens of rolls of the Titan Lite™ fire barrier as well as the Apollo Horizontal barrier, Collaroll and two of the 1200 x 600mm FR120 Access Panels to link some of the safety zones being created. Built in 2007, Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre is conjoined to the existing Ashfield Community Hospital and offers extended health services to the local community, supplementing the current services by providing purpose-built rehabilitation facilities, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other community health services.  It also offers consulting rooms, treatment rooms and an activities of daily living suite, rehabilitation and gym areas.A Director of DC Fire Protection, Daniel Mabbott, commented: “We have been dealing with FIREFLY for a number of years, including buying large quantities of the Titan Lite™ and Apollo Lite , which we use for commercial contracts as well as other work.  We often propose the use of FIREFLY systems to clients and in this instance, where we were simply given the performance standard the client required, we proposed the use of Titan Lite plus Apollo Horizontal to upgrade the exiting fire walls which no longer comply with current requirements.” “There were a number of plastic PVC-U soil stacks rising through the roof in what was specified as a Controlled Zone, for which FIREFLY provided us with a bespoke detail to protect them where they passed through the barriers, while we installed a couple of their FR120 Access Panels in addition to the fire doors which we fitted in a number of locations throughout the roof.  The project was completed on time and we have now moved onto another contract where we are again using a number of FIREFLY products.”Third party approved, FIREFY Apollo Horizontal 30:30 provides 30 minutes integrity and insulation to exceed the minimum requirements within the Building Regulations relating to fire barriers.  In common with other FIREFY products, Apollo Horizontal is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabric, being flexible and lightweight making it easy to install. Specifiers and specialist fire contractors wishing to find more information about the full range of products available from FIREFLY can visit www.tbafirefly.comImages shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview