"utilities"

The centrepiece of the building at 80 Fenchurch Street is a stunning glass atrium that spans the entire length of the core structure, flooding the lower floors with natural light and providing a breath-taking arrival experience when entering the building’s lobby.Radii AG were commissioned to utilize their intricate knowledge of glass to produce a dynamic, multi-storey frameless glazed atrium that matched the ambitious design intent.An additional consideration was for the atrium to accommodate the stepped, angular elevation changes due to the terraced roof gardens on the top five levels.The finished atrium at EightyFen epitomises Radii AG’s core philosophy of extracting the full capabilities of glass as a building material.Structural, acoustic and fire rated performance all formed a part of the finished installation, allowing Radii AG to provide a bespoke, technical solution alongside dramatic visual aesthetics.

Continuing its work at Wood Wharf development in Canary Wharf, Artform Urban supplied a range of bespoke Cumaru seating to Harbour Quay Gardens as finishing touches to complete an extensive phase of the project.Harbour Quay is a new development of residential blocks, office and retail buildings as well as extensive parks & green spaces located on the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is the first time residential properties have been built on the Canary Wharf site. This recent phase seamlessly connects to Artform's previous work at Wood Wharf opening up the waterside space with Cumaru benches and seats running in an impressive line alongside the edge of the docks. The benches and seats feature a traditional and minimal design with high consideration for quality and precision - Cumaru was selected for the benches to ensure consistency across the site, and to match with the boardwalk and existing street furniture. Additional security points were included in a number of seats at certain areas of the site to allow fixings for security barriers.As in the previous project, the seats are branded with laser etched cover plates that feature the Canary Wharf logo whilst also obscuring fixings. Alongside the Cumaru seating, Mooring Point units have been supplied with integrated timber seats on the top. These units securely house all the utility hookup points for boats mooring on the waterfront. The design process was incredibly prescriptive due to the close cooperation needed between the bespoke bench and all the specific utility connection points contained within - becoming one of the most complicated design and approval processes Artform Urban have ever been involved with. The bench consists of multiple internal compartments and individual access doors, some cleverly concealed within the timber cladding.As final additions to the project, Steely Can litter bins have been installed, a product that Artform have consistently supplied to Canary Wharf for over 10 years. The usual design, quality, and service provided by Artform Urban matched the expectations of the UK’s most prestigious developments by delivering high-quality street furniture to this vibrant and continually expanding new urban space.

Area: 1200m2Year: 2023Location: Frisco, TexasProduct: CladdingFinish: MustardArchitectural solutions: Overlapped installation systemProject type: EducationGensler’s adaptive reuse project of the Frisco Public Library transforms an old Texan manufacturing building, formerly utilized for food and aerospace products, into a center for public knowledge. The library design draws inspiration from the ecological history of the state’s Blackland Prairie and aims to establish an environment that fosters active learning for both visitors and staff.The outdoor facade employs PARKLEX PRODEMA panels in Mustard, a hue that harmonizes with the indigenous flora chosen for the landscape design of the project. The cladding boards were custom-fitted to create an overlapping siding system that gives character to the 1200 square meter facade while paying homage to the vernacular architecture. The technical attributes of PARKLEX PRODEMA products assure the longevity of the installation, providing great resistance to severe weather conditions while needing no upkeep.

Fish Island Village by Haworth Tompkins is a residential development located in the heart of Hackney Wick, London. The development was designed with the intention of preserving the area’s industrial heritage while incorporating modern and sustainable living spaces. The brick-fronted buildings, which are inspired by the local warehouses and factories, give the development a unique character and sense of history.To maintain the authenticity of the area, Fish Island Village made use of clay bricks in the construction of its buildings. The main type of clay brick used was the classic red-brown London Stock Brick. However, in addition to the London Stock Bricks, Fish Island Village also utilized other types of clay bricks, such as Freshfield Lane’s Danehill Yellows, to add texture and depth to the buildings. These different types of clay bricks were carefully selected to complement each other and enhance the overall look and feel of the development.Fish Island Village won the Urban Regeneration category in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.

A bespoke side sliding sectional garage door by Rundum Meir provides a blend of aesthetics and modern functionality in a Victorian house renovation project. The 19 ft x 12 ft garage has been transformed into a quality working space equipped and finished exquisitely, allowing for use as a utility area or office as well as a vehicular. A clear 2900mm span is provided by a sliding sectional garage door. Hand crafted using knot-free Spruce, this bespoke timber door in RAL 6021 Pale Green is fully automated with insulation between the five solid double skinned timber panels.With one third obscure glazing, the door allows for plenty of natural light to enter the garage. The design of the garage door panels and the cross styles in the window were the customer’s wish to satisfy the local conservation area requirements. It is the perfect example of the role a Rundum Meir garage door can play in transforming a garage to give it new purpose and flexibility.

Blinds for Skylights and Velux WindowsBicester Village is an expansive shopping village located in Oxfordshire. As hub of shopping activity, it is a prominent part of any London tourist’s itinerary.Bicester Village can also boast a selection of KuroLok RL and KuroLok Twin RL blinds, specially designed to provide a blind solution for ceiling light, giving much more flexibility and an added layer of utility when it comes to overhead lighting.The KuroLok RL blind is a specialised roof blind, fitted with a constant tension spring mechanism that ensures that there is no unwanted sagging of fabric despite the challenging angle.The KuroLok Twin RL blinds are much the same, but with the added feature of having two blinds that meet in the middle of the framework. This means that the blind itself can cover more space than the single KuroLok RL, also making it infinitely easier to work around obstructions such as chandeliers or other ceiling décor that may get in the way of a traditional roof blind.

FlexEJ has designed and manufactured lateral expansion joints with Inconel 625 bellows designed to install in existing pre-cast concrete forms.The London City Airport terminal expansion is being built on a concrete deck supported on over 1000 piles. Between the sections of the deck there can be movement and where critical services pass between sections a fully enclosed expansion joint is required.INSTALLATIONDesigning the expansion joints for installation at site into the existing concrete sections was a challenge. FlexEJ designed and supplied installation tooling which allowed the expansion joint to be inserted into the concrete from one side – complete with internal removable pre-extension bars – and then finally seal welded.FURTHER DETAILSIf you are interested in finding out more about our expansion joint design and manufacturing capabilities, or if you have enquiries for utility related projects, please contact our Technical Sales Team on +44 (0) 1384 881188 or send an email to sales@flexej.co.uk.

BACKGROUND: The 74,843-square-foot Student Pavilion is situated at the nexus of student activity on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University (ASU). The building, which was designed to be a Net Zero Energy building, delivers green qualities including renewable energy, energy-efficiency and zero waste to showcase of the university’s goals for Climate Net Neutrality and sustainable building systems. SOLUTION: In order to properly daylight the 21,000-square-foot space on each level and meet design goals, Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio utilized the Solatube SolaMaster Series 330 and 750 DS-C units. To ensure a consistent amount of daylight, the design team used Solatube’s proprietary Design Calculator to determine the number of units needed on each level and the amount of light that the Solatube Daylighting Systems would bring into the spaces. Thermal insulation panels were also added to limit the amount of heat transfer into the building from the roof, and extension turrets were used to raise the outer domes and limit the amount of shade cast upon the devices. 

Work was undertaken at Ringside House in order to convert the building from offices into 46 luxury one and two bedroom apartments.Acoustics are vital for maintaining comfort in private residences, particularly in multi-level apartment buildings with numerous occupants, due to the noise being passed between floors and walls.Soundis along with our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems were brought in by the main contractor PDR Construction to provide 2,862m2 of acoustic flooring. After site visits, we agreed to use one of our Soundis Cradle & Batten Systems, as this system provides excellent impact and airborne noise reduction capabilities, can be used to level out uneven floors, creates an underfloor void for utilities such as piping/ wiring and even underfloor heating. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. After the project completion, we successfully achieved our goal of providing an excellent flooring solution, which could create a peaceful environment and improve the acoustics within the building, helping add value to the luxury apartments.

Chelwood House by Napier Clarke is a clean, modern building in Chesham Bois, Amersham. It was built to replace an existing suburban house and is located within an area of special character meaning it was vital to seamlessly blend into the local area.Napier Clarke elected to use local brick and charred timber to ensure the house’s materials were able to sit visually well within the immediate area. Chelwood’s impressive size (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living space, snug, kitchen/ dining, play area, garage, utility room and an attic yoga room) and modern visual leanings were expected to be a challenge for local planning authorities. However, the building’s sympathetic materials and centrepiece vaulted roofs were inspired by the local area and the proposals were accepted.Chelwood introduces a cantilevered brick upper floor to its design which contrasts the simple design of the ground floor. Internally, the same materials used in its external spaces are repeated, creating a series of truly dynamic focal points.Chelwood uses legacy Michelmersh products in its production and recently won the Individual Housing Award in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.

Derek Coffey, a college lecturer, renovated a traditional 1800s-built Dutch barn in Llansilin, near Oswestry, Shropshire. The exterior of the barn is clad in burnt larch which looks fantastic and the interior of the home is equally impressive. When the renovation work reached an end in autumn 2023 the finished result was nothing short of stunning. The converted barn will now be a family home for Derek, his wife and their ten year old daughter.Coffey installed ECLISSE pocket door systems throughout the home in order to provide more usable space and better options for interior layouts. A total of ten pocket doors were installed, which were especially beneficial on both of the upstairs bedrooms leading onto ensuite bathrooms. “Installing pocket doors throughout the barn allowed us to save space and to use the space that we do have to better effect,” says Coffey. “We have another ensuite bedroom downstairs with a pocket door and the pocket doors on the downstairs toilet and utility room are especially beneficial as these doors would otherwise have clashed with one another when open – this problem is eliminated with sliding doors.”

Komatsu is one of the world leading manufacturers of construction, mining and utility equipment.Project/doors:Over 60 doors – Speedor Cleanroom, Speedor Storm, Electric Roller ShuttersThe challenge Safety and reliability are paramount in this highly efficient 200,000 sqm facility, which has produced over 60,000 units. Although only a small part of the building, industrial doors cause the biggest problems if they are not designed with the environment and usage in mind. The solution As a British manufacturer, Hart provides Komatsu with a first-class service, offering support and parts when required and due to the reliability of the doors, maintaining the safe, efficient running of the facility. Each Hart door is made to measure and each safety device and activator is fitted to suit specific areas, giving Komatsu a safe and secure working environment for its employees The success Komatsu and Hart began their relationship in the 80’s with the installation of one of Harts earliest prototype Speedors. Due to the success of the door, 4 Speedors and 4 roller shutters were installed in 1992. Over the years, Hart has installed over 60 doors to the facility, only recently replacing some of the original doors installed in 1992. The Review:“Good customer services and support.” Scott Atkinson, Komatsu, UK

BACKGROUNDT-Squared were selected by Oxford Nanopore Technologies as Main Contractor for their new cleanroom production facility on the prestigious Harwell Campus. The production cleanrooms had to be ultra-clean to manufacture DNA/RNA sequencing devices.BRIEFThe production cleanrooms for the sequencing devices required ISO 4 & 7 Classifications and had to meet the stringent requirements for their specialist manufacturing process which are aligned with semiconductor processing. Due to the high level of process services required and strict operating conditions, the cleanroom had to support the specialist services and HVAC solutions to meet the critical operating parameters and production processes.SOLUTIONMIDDAS designed, manufactured, and installed structural cleanrooms from their proven M100/M200 range and specialist M-WOC walk-on ceiling with plenum cap. The M100/M200 framework was engineered to support the sensible cooling coils and HVAC supplies, along with the process utilities used within the facility. The cleanroom wall panels could also be removed to access the services throughout the life of the facility and had inert aluminium cores to ensure the cleanroom classifications were met. A unique feature of the MIDDAS solution was the plenum cap, designed and engineered to support the fan filter ceiling below. Integrated handrails to the walk-on ceilings also ensured a safe maintenance platform.

London's most sustainable office space.The JJ Mack Building, strategically located just 150m from Farringdon Station, stands as one of London’s most innovative and sustainable office spaces. Beyond its prime location, the building distinguishes itself by embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance the well-being of its occupants and champion sustainable operation practices.The JJ Mack Building stands out for its integration of smart and intelligent building features. Utilizing a highly detailed “digital twin,” the entire building’s systems are meticulously modeled, allowing for comprehensive monitoring and control at various levels. This innovative technology ensures a dynamic and responsive environment tailored precisely to occupant needs.The digital twin technology isn’t just about monitoring; it facilitates the precise tailoring of the building’s performance, aligning every aspect with occupant requirements. This commitment to customization enhances the day-to-day experience and supports highly sustainable and considered operation. In this endeavor, we played a vital role by supplying concealed metal riser doors on all floors.Our contribution to The JJ Mack Building involved providing fire-rated metal riser doors, seamlessly concealed on all floors. These doors play a crucial role in the building’s safety infrastructure while remaining discreetly integrated into the overall design. The concealed doors align with the building’s commitment to a sleek and modern aesthetic, ensuring a seamless blend of safety and design.

A traditional hotel located in an iconic location.A traditional hotel, in the heart of St Pauls, one of London's most iconic locations.Nestled in the heart of London, Lost Property Hotel stands as a unique retreat near St. Paul’s Cathedral, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the art of eccentric living. With 145 rooms exquisitely designed with a modern flair, alongside a restaurant, bar, and coffee house, Lost Property promises a distinctive experience for travel enthusiasts seeking a memorable escape. The hotel’s central location offers convenient access to London’s iconic landmarks, including the Tate Modern, London Bridge, and Tower Bridge.Our team supplied bespoke riser doors strategically placed within the corridors. These doors serve a dual purpose – facilitating access to essential utility spaces while seamlessly blending into the overall design. The riser doors were carefully selected for their fire-resistant properties, ensuring compliance with safety standards without compromising on the hotel’s artistic vision.The key innovation lies in the wallpapering of the riser doors. The doors were expertly covered with wallpaper matching the surrounding area, effectively concealing their utilitarian function within the artistic tapestry of the hotel. This meticulous integration ensures that the riser doors become an inconspicuous part of the corridor, maintaining the immersive atmosphere Lost Property Hotel strives to create.

THE PROJECTAPO Barking is an exciting location located on the banks of the River Roding and opposite Abbey Park , Barking, East London – offering a brand new ‘living’ style and completely flexible membership. This new residential development provides London renters with access to thoughtfully designed Build to Rent apartments and a bucket list of services and amenities that take the hassle out of everyday life.Their mission is to create a living network that listens and responds to the everyday needs of its members. ‘Life admin’ is made easier – for example all utility costs are wrapped up in one simple monthly payment, myRENZbox digital parcel lockers take in deliveries 24/7 and their mailboxes enable the secure and easy delivery of all mail in one location.THE PRODUCTSLB installed 126 no. myRENZbox parcelboxes in various sizes , arranged in one large system which look suitably impressive within the reception area in matt white. The customised process was created specifically for them to suit their exact needs and resulted in a future proofed solution to cope with the growth of e-commerce and parcel volumes. H1 model mailboxes were installed in a postal area to ensure both mail and parcels were considered and a suitable and aesthetic solution provided.PROJECT DETAILSProject Type: BTRProduct: myRENZbox parcel boxesInstallation: FreestandingDetail: Both Mailboxes and Intelligent Parcel solutions installed

The client was looking for a low maintenance and environmentally friendly alternative to using timber decking on their upcoming refurbishment project on 480 m² of commercial London office space.In addition, as the client was operating a busy worksite they required next day bespoke deliveries to fit their schedule. EnviroBuild, having large stocks and a fleet of delivery vehicles were ideally equipped to deliver the Hyperion wood-polymer composite decking, made of 90% recycled material, at short notice.The SolutionWith EnviroBuild’s expert team on hand to support full project take off, from design to delivery, the client received the full commercial support they required to complete the job on schedule.Utilizing the maintenance free Manticore recycled plastic lumber the client was able to install the decking substructure quickly over their flat roof surface, with the confidence knowing it would never require treating or replacing in years to come. They also used a combination of the modern White Ash and Stone coloured decking boards to break up the different areas of the building with great effect.Customer FeedbackAfter the successful installation and service received from the EnviroBuild team, the client has continued to use the decking products across a number of other large refurb and new build properties.Project DetailsSize: 480 m²Product: Stone & White Ash Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: Manticore Plastic LumberLocation: London

The Project Yorkswood Primary School forms part of Solihull’s Regeneration Project, investing in the area through the creation of new schools, housing, parks, village centres, and local enterprise.The £5.7m new school will replace the current outdated buildings as part of the £60m scheme in place to improve every single primary school in the North Solihull Regeneration Area benefitting the learning of over 4,000 children. The ChallengeThe Architects vision for the washrooms was to create a vibrant, innovative space with multi coloured cubicles working in harmony throughout the colour pallet. The challenge for us was to ensure full usage of the core material was utilized throughout the scheme to ensure optimal yield and competitive pricing.Construction took place alongside the existing occupied school buildings, and therefore keeping the school operational and safeguarding the pupils and staff was an important factor for this project. The SolutionRepeating the pallet throughout the washroom areas ensured as much of the core material as possible was utilised.Harlequin Mariner & Harlequin Peardrop Cubicles and Duct panelling were used through the scheme. Solid Grade Laminate is the perfect choice of material for the Education Sector offering extremely high levels of durability.SpecificationProduct Range: Harlequin MarinerDoors: 20mm Laminate Faced Compact Density FibreboardPilaster: 12mm Compact SGL, Polyrey Érable Nordique E028Partition: 12mm Compact SGL, Polyrey Érable Nordique E028Ironmongery: SBAAAvailable Finishes:These Systems Are Available In The Following Finishes:• High Pressure Laminate• High Gloss Laminate

The owners of this four storey, semi-detached, Victorian home have totally transformed it to create a wonderful, contemporary space, full of character, colour and texture.The works undertaken included the demolition of the existing lower ground conservatory and the construction of a full width rear extension. The new space provides a large kitchen, dining and sitting area, but also retains the connection to the front snug. A two storey extension was formed along the side return, providing a boot room and utility space on the lower ground level and a cloakroom and WC on the upper ground level. A bespoke, black steel door screen from the Clement EB24 range was designed to form a glazed elevation facing onto the raised garden from the kitchen. The feature doors, along with other elements, such as the wide oak timber flooring, Bauwerk painted walls and a specialist kitchen provided by Daulby and Tickle, have created an incredible result.The Architect, Daniel Harris said “We’ve worked with Clement Windows on several residential projects, this one being the most complex. The process from initial sketch design through to installation was excellent. Clement produced highly detailed drawings and were very responsive throughout the development of the design. The installation team worked in close collaboration with the Contractor and ensured all elements of the openings were prepared and ready for installation. The end result was an extremely high quality and complex product installed with very low tolerances to an impeccable standard.”Photograph: GG Archard

Lamellow+ PuzzleExplore new design possibilities with our latest Lamellow+ in design Puzzle. This collection features twelve unique models that offer limitless assembly possibilities, both horizontally and vertically. We are excited to unveil a new fresh aesthetic of genuine composite Cera ribs, paired with a new palette of vibrant felt colours inspired by the nature. The Cera ribs have a special matte finish coating for enhanced durability and ease of maintenance. Lamellow+ Puzzle is designed for effortless installation and meets all the requirements for public space utilization. Importantly, the fire safety of our Gustafs Lamellow+ is always inherent in its material makeup, eliminating the need for chemical treatments. This results in a solid fire classification of B-s1,d0 for the Lamellow+ panels.Lamellow+ Cera: PatternsPuzzle ConfigurationOur Puzzle design is now available in four distinct, irregular patterns and three sizes. Regardless of how the panels are combined, the gap between ribs is uniformly maintained, ensuring a cohesive look in any configuration.Lamellow+ Cera: Dimensions & SpacingCera CompositionCera sets a new standard for modern aesthetics, offering a genuine, solid composite material distinguished by its natural imperfections and enhanced by a protective matte coating. This choice reflects a commitment to both beauty and durability.Lamellow+ Cera: MaterialFelt Colour OptionsThe Gustafs Acoustex felt not only sounds beautiful but also serves as a robust foundation for the ribs. Choose from a broad spectrum of colours, from the subtle Wool Grey to natural tones such as Wet Sand and Old Clay, to perfectly complement your design vision.Lamellow+ Cera: Felt colours

The remarkable 22 Bishopsgate Project stands as the second tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe, showcasing its architectural prominence. On its 58th floor, an awe-inspiring viewing gallery offers breathtaking vistas. Perched even higher, on level 59, a discreetly hinted restaurant is poised to offer an unparalleled dining experience, with a renowned chef at the helm. Although the details remain a secret, the restaurant promises to be a highlight. Beyond its striking stature and exclusive amenities, the project's core objective revolved around enhancing the base build construction to optimize noise levels for the activities and events within the Viewing Gallery. Aiming to strike a balance, the project sought to both amplify the permissible noise levels for these events while curbing any potential noise breakthrough into adjacent spaces.In the dynamic context of 22 Bishopsgate, where concrete installation was unfeasible due to location and occupied lower floors, a visionary solution was sought. Over 1246m², the innovative Stravifloor Channel floating floor system was meticulously installed. In lieu of concrete, a bespoke approach utilizing high mass calcium sulphate boards was designed, ensuring both functionality and practicality. Addressing concerns about floor height, custom-designed bearings were engineered to maintain top-tier acoustic performance, with a mere 30 mm thickness.Despite a demanding timeline to unveil the viewing gallery, the project remained on track. Stravifloor Channel, with isolated steel battens, played a pivotal role. Galvanized steel channels provided robust support over isolation pads, while the optimized discrete supports allowed minimal contact points to the subfloor.

The UK’s largest water and waste company is aiming for savings of £500,000 over the next three years in the supply and installation of security fencing and gates across its estate that supplies water to over 14 million people.However, given the risk of accidental pollution, theft and mindless vandalism, safety and security must not be compromised in making the savings across its 600 sites that supply 2,600 million litres of tap water and treat more than 4 billion litres of sewage per day.The SolutionThames Water Utilities chose Zaun as one of four appointed contractors for their three-year framework agreement for the supply and installation of security fencing and gates, with an option to renew for a further two years, worth around £2 million, and one of three for their ongoing maintenance.Thames is looking for savings and the benefits of dedicated account management, certified and experienced perimeter protection designers, engineers and technicians, access to new and innovative products and robust management reporting linked to an exacting service level agreement. Zaun proved its reputation with Thames Water during its multi-billion pound London Tideway improvements to create a cleaner healthier River Thames, on which Zaun addressed some complex planning issues and security needs. Zaun designed, manufactured and installed its ArmaWeave, the highest-rated single panel fencing solution for defending against forcible attack. This solution meets Thames’ security requirements and enables certain installation concerns to be mitigated.Zaun has also put in Axiom, turnstiles, vehicle barriers and pedestrian access control across the Thames’ estate.

Yeoman Shield Anti-Ligature handrail system is being utilized in a newly commissioned dementia unit in South Wales.Ysbyty George Thomas, as part of Cwm Taf Health board’s Valley Life Initiative, has recently undergone a refurbishment to become a health and wellbeing centre for people with cognitive and memory problems.Throughout the design process of the new Dementia Unit, comfort and functionality for clients who would be accessing the area was paramount. Not only were aesthetics taken into consideration with a stunning welsh valleys mural wallpaper installed in between bright colourful “front doors” but safety aspects were of a prime concern.For safeguarding measures Yeoman Shield’s Anti- Ligature Guardian Handrail was chosen, as both a supportive and wall protection rail system, along the main corridor of Ysbyty George Thomas as well as through the Dementia Unit.This Anti-Ligature handrail has a continuous fixing block which runs the full length of the back of the rail eliminating any points that can easily have a length of material or cord wound around it, preventing the possibility of harm to patients. To ensure that the terminating ends of the handrail are not used in a similar way, a tightly fitted wall return is added to totally enclose the ends allowing no gaps between the wall and the rail.Supplied in a dark grey colour as a good contrast to the light wall colour scheme, the Guardian Handrail also dovetailed perfectly into the wall paper design by resembling the top of the depicted drystone walling.“We are exceptionally pleased with the new Dementia Unit and the complementing look, quality and functionality of the Yeoman Shield Anti-Ligature Guardian Handrail.” Commented Jeanne Smith, Directorate Support Manager, Mental Health, Cwm Taf University Health Board

The ProjectNew Build, State of the Art facility offering full-scale test equipment to create a realistic, complete test setting – ideal for training.  The facility is intended to offer a range of professional courses for technical staff from electrical utilities, industrial plants, equipment manufacturers and service companies. Space Invader architects designed the high-quality refurbishment and specified Excelsior to manufacture and deliver the washroom package.  The ChallengeThe washrooms form part of a £2 million build for Omicron. The building itself in its design and quality is at an extremely high standard.  All the latest technology from fittings, desks to equipment have been considered and the washrooms needed to equal this standard. The Architects vision was to create Superloo facility affording the user complete privacy and comfort which is what is expected in modern buildings.  The Solution Excelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles provided complete privacy for the user and a flush frontage complete with aluminium rebated edge detail to the doors and pilasters enhance the cubicle system and protect the meeting styles.Vibrancy has been created throughout the building’s interior and exterior on this project and white cubicles with a vibrant pop of yellow on the cistern panelling created just the right finish.Built by Pave Aways, the building was handed over to a very happy client in September 2017.Flush 30 Cubicle (Floor to Ceiling)SpecificationProduct Range: Flush 30 HPLDoors: HPL Bonded onto 28mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070, rebated HPL/ABS edge detail.Pilaster: HPL Bonded onto 28mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070, rebated HPL/ABS edge detail.Partition: HPL Bonded on 18mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070 with matching HPL/ABS edge detail.Ironmongery: Stainless Steel

Hannah Cecil-Harden is a director at de Gournay, a family business which was founded by her father, Claud Cecil Gurney. De Gournay makes the most beautiful hand-painted wallpapers and fabrics and the company’s work is found in some of the finest buildings around the world. As you would expect, every room of Hannah’s London home has been exquisitely decorated. The property has undergone many transformations in the time that Hannah has lived there, but the most recent changes were needed to accommodate her expanding family. Hannah and her husband wanted their house to work better for life with their four young children.All the floors of the house have been updated, but perhaps the biggest change was turning the existing basement into a playroom with adjoining utility and bathroom. Having worked with Hannah and the team at de Gournay on a previous project, Clement was delighted to be asked to manufacture the new steel doors that were included within the designs. We were excited that the new steel doors were to be painted in unique vibrant colours to match the stunning wallpapers that adorn the new space and we worked closely with Hannah and her team to find just the right match. We always say that our bespoke steel products can be painted in specialist hues from across the entire colour spectrum – these doors demonstrate what is possible!Hannah said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Clement Windows on this exciting project which was for a children’s playroom. I wanted to go with bold and bright colours and they were so accommodating about this, everything about the project was handled professionally and with utmost care from conception down to a flawless install. It was an absolute pleasure to work on such a personal project with a business I have collaborated with before and I look forward to hopefully crossing paths again in the future!”

When it comes to refurbishing a landmark as historic and luxurious as the Old War Office, every detail counts. The selection of Access Building Products Access Panels for this prestigious project is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, design, and functionality.The Project: A Blend of History and LuxuryFast forward to today, the Grade II listed Old War Office building, which has been closed to the public for more than a century, has undergone a magnificent transformation. The building has been re-imagined and redeveloped into a luxury hotel and residences, bringing a new lease of life to this historic site. This transformation demanded products that could match its grandeur while maintaining its historic charm.The Challenge: Balancing Aesthetics and FunctionalityEvery customer wants their access panels to seamlessly blend with the interior design, ensuring that the necessary utility access points don’t detract from the building’s aesthetic appeal. This was a critical consideration for such a historical building.The Result: A Seamless Fusion of History and ModernitySupplying a range of discreet steel and plaster in style access panels in the Old War Office refurbishment was a resounding success. These panels not only met the practical requirements but also added to the overall aesthetic, creating a harmonious blend of historic elegance and modern luxury.The Old War Office now stands as a shining example of how to preserve historical charm while incorporating modern necessities. This project has further cemented Access Building reputation as a reliable provider of high-quality access panels, capable of meeting the demands of even the most prestigious refurbishment projects.In conclusion, when history meets luxury, it’s essential to make the right choices. And in the case of the Old War Office refurbishment, Access Building Products Access Panels were the perfect choice.

Yeoman Shield protection panels have been a great success at Springwell School in Hartlepool. The environment is safe, nurturing and stimulating, so that every child reaches their full potential with the help of Yeoman Shield products.Yeoman Shield protection panels have been an un-mitigating success at Springwell School in Hartlepool.The school caters for children aged 3 to 11 years who have a broad range of specialist needs and the vibrant and busy spaces can suffer from impact damage caused by the everyday activities of the students and staff.To counteract such damage and to keep the classroom and communal areas looking clean and welcoming the school have previously utilized Yeoman Shield FalmouthEx Wall and Door Protection Panels.Site Manager, Dean Henson commented “We already have Yeoman Shield protection panels on walls and doors in areas around the school, including the hall which can be used for many things ranging from a dining hall to activities hall. The panels have been in place for around 5 to 6 years and still look as good as new.”Having proved to be long lasting and durable the school decided to bring Yeoman Shield installers back during the February half term to continue the wall protection panels throughout corridors.Yeoman Shield 2.0mm thick FalmouthEx protection panels were supplied on this occasion in attractive mid grey and lilac colours with the addition of a waved top giving a decorative feel to the walls.Manufactured from a non- porous rigid PVCu the protection panels are not only easy to clean but are inherently hygienic as they do not promote the growth of bacteria or mould.As recognised by Springwell School the implementation of wall and door protection systems can reduce the amount of time and money spent on the repair and re-decoration of wall and doors throughout the buildings, extending the lifecycle of the interior decor.

Mixed-use development created from a redundant gasworks site turning it into a high profile quarter in London.In the vibrant heart of Fulham, a groundbreaking mixed-use development has revitalized a once-redundant gas works site, giving rise to a high-quality urban quarter. This ambitious project boasts nearly 2000 new homes distributed across 15 buildings, reaching heights of up to 37 storeys. Beyond residences, the development incorporates a variety of complimentary uses, fostering a dynamic and inclusive urban community.Our involvement in the Fulham Gasworks redevelopment focused on a key aspect of functionality and safety within the expansive development—supplying and fitting metal riser doors. With safety and aesthetics at the forefront, these fire-rated doors seamlessly integrate into the architectural landscape, ensuring compliance with the highest standards.The challenge lay in harmonizing essential utility elements with the aesthetic vision of the redevelopment. Our team provided bespoke metal riser doors strategically positioned within the development. Crafted for both durability and fire resistance, these doors serve a dual purpose: ensuring safety compliance and contributing to the overall modern and sophisticated atmosphere of Fulham Gasworks.The metal riser doors, meticulously selected for their fire-rated properties, play a vital role in the safety infrastructure of the development. Beyond their functional significance, these doors seamlessly blend into the architectural tapestry, adding an element of sleek modernity to the urban quarter. The result is a harmonious integration of safety measures without compromising on the aesthetic vision of the Fulham Gasworks redevelopment.At the heart of the masterplan, a new square and urban park have been created, enhancing the setting for Grade-II listed buildings, a war memorial, and the Grade-II* listed Gasholder No. 2. The metal riser doors contribute to the overall safety and functionality of these communal spaces, ensuring that safety measures are discreetly woven into the fabric of daily life within the development.

The structureThis residential property emerged from the ashes of a World War II bomb site formerly occupied by a coach house, and was constructed circa 1945 by a local postman to serve as a family home.The distinctive characteristicsSurrounded by grand white stucco houses, this property was a joyful oddity amongst the archetypal street. With an off-centre pitch, horizonal windows and a central door, the owner was keen to work with and improve the existing fabric. The renovation The property had been re-built under a new centred pitched roof extending across two storeys to the rear. Stepping down at ground floor to a deep brick-finned façade opening onto a protected and peaceful walled garden.At the front, the old and new bricks were sewn together under a coat of bagged lime wash and mineral paint and insulated internally. The rendered base speaks to its stuccoed neighbours and grounds the building; the subtle depth of the relief creates a play of light across the front facade in the evening sun, celebrating its distinctive character.Why KEIM?The owner had been aware of the unique properties of mineral paints for allowing bricks to be painted but crucially to breathe, understanding so often houses are painted with non-breathable paints and the suffocated bricks lead to condensation. A mineral paint was required that can be painted over brickwork as well as the rendered base.The owner reached out and arranged a site visit with James Best, Senior Sales Executive at KEIM Mineral Paints. Following his expert guidance, it was recommended to utilize KEIM Soldalit for the project. Samples of five distinct shades of white were provided for testing across various façade orientations and times of day. The owner ultimately selected KEIM Soldalit in colour 9870, commenting “It is the perfect white. It is warm without being yellow and looks great in direct sunlight, shadow and of course our many overcast days.”

Junckers solid wood flooring has been installed at the UK’s first extra care scheme to be built to Passivhaus standards. The specialised housing and facilities at Edward’s Court in Exeter houses 53 Extra Care self-contained flats providing Exeter Council with the ability to offer its older community a way of preserving their independence and at the same time have access to flexible care and support if needed. The development has been designed and built to deliver low energy use and a healthy indoor climate using high quality materials. Junckers solid wood flooring forms an important part of the interior of the apartments and common areas, providing a natural and homely feel. The floor was specified by architects Architype for its proven ability to provide and maintain healthy indoor air quality, a key consideration for the scheme. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate Label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour tests to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring. With Edward’s Court, Architype has created an environment that prioritises the needs of the older generation while also offering optimal comfort, accessibility, and affordability. As Edward’s Court is built to Passivhaus standard, the occupants can remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer without using a great deal of energy and without experiencing severe fluctuations in utility bills. From the first stages of the development the architects were guided by the intertwined principles of ‘building biology’ and Passivhaus. Building biology prioritises human-based design, fostering community within the building and beyond its walls, sustainable environmental performance, indoor air quality, and thermal and acoustic comfort among its 25 principles. Said Lee Fordham, Associate Director, Architype: “Junckers flooring provided a natural feel to the space but also with its environmental accreditation gave us confidence as designers and specifiers that the material would be a healthy alternative to other standard floor finishes.” 

From the beginning, architects DLR Group designed Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, to light up education, both literally and figuratively. The sprawling campus with room for 3,000 students is broken down into a handful of more intimate, human-scale learning spaces, called “think tanks”, where interaction with faculty is encouraged. Two interior courtyards, open to the sky, offer fresh air during free periods. Shaped a bit like a bow tie, Metea combines three concepts – mind, in the midsection, and body and soul on either end – to offer students a truly 21st century school experience.Lighting up Metea in the literal sense comes largely from the extensive use of Kalwall translucent curtain wall throughout the school. Upon coming through the school’s main entrance, visitors are struck by the cheerful, airy, daylighted lobby. Controlled daylight also pours into the school’s innermost areas, traditionally a structure’s darkest, from the courtyards. Kalwall introduces daylight into the vast commons area that serves as the students’ lunchroom. In the gymnasium, Kalwall’s shadowless, glare-free light enhances ball handling in team events; sunlight does not glance off the shiny court surface. The diffuse-light-transmitting panels also prevent glare off computer screens, easing eyestrain. And in a dramatic demonstration of Kalwall’s superb flexibility, the design includes occasional, narrow, horizontal runs of clear glass – some serving as clerestories – adding visual interest as well as clear views to the outside.At 464,000 square feet, Metea could have been an energy-consumption nightmare, adding significantly to its $125 million total project cost. But innovations such as demand control ventilation, energy recovery wheels, and high efficiency boilers will save Indian Prairie School District 204, the state’s fifth largest, thousands of utility dollars every year and pay for themselves in just a few years. In fact, the building’s design is targeted to be 19 percent more efficient than ASHRAE 90.1 requires. Because translucent Kalwall admits so much controlled daylight, the school’s exterior light harvesting system, which monitors indoor light levels, can actually turn off electric lights in public spaces automatically when they are not needed. The harvesting system alone is expected to save the district over £16,000 a year in operational costs with a payback of under seven years.Illinois can get very cold in the winter and quite toasty in the summer. Highly insulating Kalwall helps there, too, keeping temperature extremes outside and lessening the need for and cost of heating and cooling. During the manufacturing process, standard 2-3/4” and optional 4” Kalwall sandwich panels can be infilled with various densities of specialized, translucent insulation. Architects and designers can achieve a thermal insulation value of up to R-20 (0.05 Btu/hr/ft²/F).At Metea Valley High School, DLR Group chose to include Verti-kal™, a unique design variation on the standard shoji or square grid layouts of Kalwall Translucent Systems. The panels incorporate internal, continuous supports to provide a vertical emphasis. As with all Kalwall translucent systems, Verti-kal distributes diffused daylight throughout the school, even on cloudy days, drastically reducing the amount of artificial lighting required and eliminating shadows and glare as well as stark contrasts of light and shade. Verti-Kal can be supplied in panels up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide and up to 12 ft. (3.6 m) high, minimizing the number of joints. The unique format creates an entirely different look while still utilizing the most highly insulating, diffuse-light-transmitting, structural composite technology.Any school system must concern itself with maintenance costs, and Kalwall excels there as well. The panels are vandal-resistant and self cleaning; dirt simply washes off with each rainfall. After dark, the diffuse, translucent properties of Kalwall contain interior lighting and prevent direct-beam light pollution. Instead, the exterior surface of the building simply glows beautifully, boosting Metea Valley High School’s aesthetics and welcoming both students and the surrounding community to a true masterpiece of daylighting.Photography: James Steinkamp

CEDARWOOD HOUSE, BATH Customer: ST8 LimitedProject Installation Dates: 2021Flooring Systems Installed: Unique Character – Bolidtop FiftyFiftyColour: HazeArea: 200m2  This high end property developer from Bath knew exactly what to expect from Stratum, being a returning customer. Stratum were a part of this new build design for an eco-friendly modern family home. Since the developer experienced a Stratum resin floor in his previous new build property, he was keen for it to feature across a larger area on this project, with the installation taking place in the kitchen and main living space, hallway, utility room, cinema room and the garage. Challenge-      To select a colour and finish that would sit alongside and compliment a range of different materials chosen for the interior spaces.-      To carefully programme in the work and coordinate with the other trades on the project.-      To achieve the desired level of liveliness in the character of the floor when being mixed and applied. -      To install the floor system alongside a mechanical car lift within the garage Solution-      Bolidtop FiftyFifty was selected for all of the living spaces to create a seamless flow with a bespoke, warm, modern aesthetic. An anti-slip epoxy resin floor was selected to meet the demands of a garage.-      Stratum consistently communicated with the project manager, navigating around the project whilst maintaining access to adjoining areas for other key trades.-      To invite the customer to watch the pour.-      To arrange delivery of materials to site at just the right time. Benefits/Installation-      The developer had experience of working with Stratum and our floor systems which helped with the planning and design stages of the build, e.g substrate, underfloor heating, skirting detail etc.Result-      A beautiful unique floor, for a stunning, environmentally friendly new build home. This floor provides comfort and pleasure with ease of cleaning and will provide many years of use.“This was to be a quality high-end, energy efficient new build family home. We used resin throughout the lower ground floor with under floor heating. The installation was brilliant. We look forward to working with Stratum again.”Nick Sandy | Director at ST8 LIMITED 

UltraCrete’s latest product innovation, Mortar Buoy®, has been used by AL Civils to reinstate a CW2 cover on a busy Shropshire road.BackgroundAL Civils, experienced utility contractors, have many years of experience reinstating and repairing access covers across the north west of England. As part of their routine repair works, AL Civils were required to reinstate a defected CW2 cover on a busy Shropshire road.The ChallengeIn order to provide the best possible results and minimise disruption to motorists, AL Civils were keen to try UltraCrete Mortar Buoy®, a ground-breaking access cover installation aid, to help increase speed, reduce costs and make the installation process less labour intensive.The SolutionAL Civils specified Saint Gobain’s Install Plus installation method, which was used alongside UltraCrete Mortar Buoy® and Envirobed® CD534 Flowable.UltraCrete Mortar Buoy® is an inflatable device that acts as a dam, allowing for a flowable mortar ironwork installation within seconds – revolutionising traditional methods.The Mortar Buoy® inflatable dam prevents any mortar seeping into the access chamber providing an efficient and seamless finish to the bedding around the chamber. This allows a single pour installation of Envirobed® CD534 Flowable, which encapsulates the flange of the access frame creating a solid bed and backfill in one.UltraCrete Mortar Buoy® is so easy to use, simply hold in place and inflate, and is guaranteed to save you time on-site as there is no waiting around for the dam to dry. Mortar Buoy® can be wiped clean and re-used on a number of installations and is available in 5 sizes to accommodate all ironwork and gully reinstatements.“Mortar Buoy® seems to be the future – no more messing around with damming mortar. Great products and innovations as always.” Michael Day, Area Manager at AL Civils.The reinstatement took place on a busy non-residential road on a mild, rainy November day in Malpas, Shropshire.The Results“Innovative products make our life so much easier. Mortar Buoy®, Envirobed® CD534 Flowable and QC10 F 100% makes life easier and saves money.” Michael Day, Area Manager at AL Civils.