"vegetation"

The local council was tasked with constructing a footpath within a restricted area allowing safer access to a busy health centre. It was important to maintain the natural green appearance. A retaining wall was required and had to be quick and easy to erect with minimal disruption. ABG Webwall was chosen as the solution. The Webwall was quickly constructed using 4m x 1m panels which were filled with soil from the excavation and cutting. The wall was replanted to restore an naturally green appearance. Webwall was built in a quick cost effective way to create an environmentally friendly retaining wall

Island traffic roundabout in Nottingham. The project involved removing all vegetation from the island to improve visibility and increase safety, with new soil imported from Boughton to grow smaller and more easily managed trees and bushes.

Previously renovated in 2005, Marina Palamós is undergoing a profound and ambitious transformation, aimed at considerably enriching the port’s coastal heritage and the quality of its landscape. A project that is designed to improve livability, with spaces that are more shaded, comfortable and wrapped in green. Urbidermis is diving into the project, providing a holistic perspective that addresses lighting, furniture, microarchitecture and vegetation.

Leicester City Council has worked collaboratively with Asda, ISG and ACO Water Management to achieve a first in sustainable urban drainage within a supermarket development. The solution is an integrated drainage solution that combines proprietary and vegetative systems to achieve effective surface water management, whilst introducing a level of biodiversity never attained before on a retail development.

The asbestos cement roof to this industrial unit in Hereford was heavily contaminated with moss and lichen and was leaking in numerous places. The moss and other vegetation was first dampened down, scraped off and placed into designated asbestos waste bags for licensed disposal. The roof was then steam cleaned. All metal fixings were treated with Liquasil's rust primer and sealed with Non-Sag Sealer. Small holes and cracks were sealed with Non-Sag Sealer. The entire roof was then coated with Asbestsoeal 20 and is now resistant to moss growth and water leaks.

The client desired a green roof at the back of this beautiful family home. Access was very restricted. The speed and ease of transporting and installing our modular trays meant minimum disruption for the homeowner. Trays were delivered to site on pallets and handballed to the roof. The modules were laid down onto a geotextile fabric. Pebbles were then laid around the perimeter between the trays and any outlets to provide the required firebreak. Vegetation blended quickly creating a seamless green roof and, looking out from the upper floors, a sense of continuity from the house across the garden.

The £440m redevelopment of Westgate Oxford shopping centre, Furnitubes designers worked with landscape architects LDA Design to develop a series of planting and seating solutions for the rooftop terraces, designed around a kitchen garden concept and creating a series of unique outdoor spaces for 12 bars and restaurants and offering impressive views of the Oxford skyline and the countryside beyond. Themed areas include the sinuous Crinkle Crankle, a Vegetable Garden and the more formal Garden Court as well as the Kitchen Garden itself. Planters were manufactured predominantly in steel, some with additional timber cladding, others with integrated seating and lighting.

Covent Garden is a district in London, on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St Martin's Lane and Drury Lane.[1] It is associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and with the Royal Opera House. TRC windows has been awarded a 600 K pound project by Sir Robert McAlpine to deliver over 120 Single Glazed Heritage Sash Box windows and over a 100 Traditional Double Glazed Sash Box windows as Secondary Glazing for high-end residences at the new Kings Court development in Covent Garden.

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

A residential customer had a storage unit and wanted improve it by adding a green roof. M-Tray®, being modular in shape and easy to install, was the perfect solution. The green roof had to be walked through the house to access the garden. Traditional roll-out green roofs, with their loose substrate bags and loose sedum blankets were too messy to transport indoors. M-Tray® is self-contained within the walls of the plastic tray and comes with fully established, sustainable vegetation. M-Trays® clip together easily, allowing the sedum to blend together, providing a beautiful, seamless finish.

For two existing units, a delicate garden terrace pavilion provides additional kitchen dining space and outdoor utility.Project BreakdownThe pavilion is set inside a planted terrace with special focus put on complimenting the existing structure with a delicate palette of materials.Customer FeedbackPioneer Granite Composite Decking set a muted charcoal backdrop for a stage of vibrant vegetation. The sustainable credentials of the materials reflect the harmony of the natural overgrowth and the use of Manticore plastic lumber and MESA Decking Pedestals ensured quick and easy installation.Project DetailsSize: 75 m²Product: Granite Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: Manticore Plastic Lumber, MESA Adjustable Decking PedestalsClient: Birds Portchmouth Russum ArchitectsLocation: London

CHALLENGE The first of its kind for Quebec, the “living street” required a paving grid that would provide multi-purpose access along the street whilst also allowing for the aesthetically pleasing natural look to be maintained. A woonerf is a living street that is traditionally implemented as a traffic calming aid and to enforce low speed limit areas. They are often shared space streets where equal priority is given to all modes of transportation including automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians; usually with separate rights of way. The province of Quebec was looking to do a “pilot project” in the city of Montreal to create a woonerf that would not only provide the required access, including disabled access but that would also have a long-lasting beneficial impact on the environment. They were looking for an environmentally friendly ground reinforcement product which would provide the strength and durability required for a heavily used area. As a “living street”, the product needed to allow the growth of natural vegetation and contain no harmful preservatives which could affect the environment in which it is placed. The harsh weather conditions in Quebec also needed to be considered. With such extreme conditions in both winter and summer, the material needed to withstand the temperature fluctuations. Ground reinforcement products traditionally used such as concrete are susceptible to cold crack in winter as it is a porous material. As a requirement, the desired product was to absorb only limited heat in order to promote growing vegetation. The only suitable material for a project with such challenging conditions was hanit®’s recycled plastic heavy duty ground girds, with their durability and environmental credentials meeting the requirements.SOLUTIONhanit®’s Heavy Duty Ground Grids are manufactured from a blend of high-quality recycled plastic polyolefins extracted from post-industrial and post-consumer mixed waste plastics. Heavy Duty Ground Grids have a high impact resistance which makes them suitable for all vehicle access. They have an interlocking system which improves stability and also allows for quick and simple installation. As the woonerf needed to provide numerous different access levels it was important that the Heavy Duty Ground Grids were versatile. They can be filled with either grass, seed/topsoil or gravel. For this project, wheelchair access was provided through a gravel filled pathway.The rest of the “living street” was mostly completed with grass filled areas. As hanit® products transfer limited amounts of heat, they dry out the soil less than concrete. This works as a benefit to the vegetation growing through the grids. Recycled plastic material is not porous and therefore does not absorb any moisture. This gives added benefits in the winter as when absorbed moisture freezes in concrete it causes cold crack. Their open structure also allows for quick infiltration of any rainwater into the ground allowing for sustainable urban drainage requirements to be met.hanit® Heavy Duty Ground Grids are strong and durable and require no maintenance. They are not affected by weathering and decay; therefore once in place, they have a much longer lifespan than any other competing products. Made from 100% recycled material, the woonerf has been an extremely sustainable project. Providing Montreal with a living street has not only added more vegetation to the area but also allows the city to contribute to an environmentally responsible sustainable urban drainage solution. As the products are chemically inert they do not affect the environment and are harmless to all flora and fauna. In total the project has used 8,500 units of Heavy Duty Ground Grids. This equates to almost 77 tonnes of recycled plastic waste which has been saved from going to landfill. The woonerf has been an extremely well celebrated project that has won prizes for its conception and green initiatives. “I recommend Les Dalles Vertes (Heavy Duty Ground Grids) to all my clients. We laid out nearly 30,000 square feet of these pavers for the Woonerf project and it took us half the time and resources that were required to install the old concrete grass pavers." - Tony Scirocco, Ventec

VELUX Glazing Panels bring daylight to an 18th century Cornish jail to support the transformation into a luxury hotelAll that was left of the powerful-looking Victorian Bodmin Jail in Cornwall, was a ruin without a roof, with vegetation slowly taking over. In 2015, Mallino Development appointed the services of Twelve Architects to undertake an impressive redevelopment project of the jail and turn it into a modern and aesthetically quite different hotel. To deliver the modern comforts hotel guests expect during their stay and the thermal efficiency required for sustainable operation of the hotel, a holistic system using VELUX Glazing Panels was designed. It took 214 VELUX Glazing Panels, formerly known as Vitral A98 Glazing, to recapture the original roof lighting sitting above the two historic wings.For more information, read the full case study

Creating better education environments Primary School De Verwondering is a fully bio-based school building and the first example of a new generation of bio-based school buildings that recognizes and harnesses nature's powerful effcet on learning.The beautiful wooden building - which runs on circular energy - has a vegetation roof with chickens, green facades and remarkably large windows. The primary school recently won the 2021 Golden Frog award for sustainable construction in the Netherlands.The interior and exterior of the school have a positive influence on the well-being and performance of the pupils. The environment outside blends with the natural elements of the building, such as wood and bamboo, while inside the interior architect chose a CO2 neutral (cradle to gate) Marmoleum floor covering. Marmoleum Cocoa is made of natural and renewable raw materials with the addition of a waste product from the cocoa industry and, in that respect, it fits the building perfectly. Marmoleum is one of the flooring industry's most beautiful and also oldest bio-based products.

Clapham ParkBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS) with BauderSOLAR G LIGHTSynopsisThe regeneration at Clapham Park involved the demolition of old housing stock to make way for new affordable homes. The 5-storey building with 21 dwellings incorporating the latest rooftop technology which blends a biodiverse green roof and unified solar PV array. This approach met the planning requirements and maximised the limited roof space to generate energy for the residents. The development was certified BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ due to its environmental, economic and social sustainability attributes.Bauder Building BoardProject:Clapham ParkLocation:Clapham Park, Lambeth, LondonRoof Area:500m² green roof layered with 116m² of PVSpecifier:PJMA Architects​Approved Contractor:EJ Roberts Ltd​PV Installer:M & M Electrical LtdThe specification The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system has National House Building Control (NHBC) approval and meets local authority building control (LABC) requirements. The system was installed on zero falls roof deck, making it a very cost-effective solution.The biodiverse green roof which includes 35 plant species recognised by the RHS as Perfect for Pollinators, covers the totality of the roof area and offers a large variety of vegetation. The building reduces its carbon impact with the highly efficient PIR insulation and generates approximatively 10% of the flats usage with a maximum possible output of 75kWp from the 70 PV modules. The solar PV mounting units are ballasted by the substrate and vegetation, removing the need for any penetrating products in the waterproofing.Products appliedBauder Total Green Roof SystemThis system features a reinforced bituminous waterproofing system offering a service life expectancy in excess of 40 years.BauderSOLAR G LIGHTThe integration of a green roof and photovoltaics into one system drawing the maximum potential from a flat roof.BauderGREEN Flora Seed MixesA blend of 49 British native species seed, to maximise diversity of vegetation on green roofs.Project challengesOne of the major challenges of the project was the roof area, which at only 500m² needed to include a green roof and a renewable energy system to meet the main objectives of sustainability and energy efficiency of the development highlighted by the planning committee. The roof contributed towards requirements under National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Chapter 11: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment and The London Plan 2011 Policy 5.2 – Minimising Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Policy 5.3 – Sustainable Design and Construction and Policy 5.7 – Renewable Energy. The green roof is layered with a raised PV array so that the entire roof qualifies as a green roof whilst also providing energy generation.System installedBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS)1 BauderPLANT EA torch-applied, root resistant capping sheet. The product features chemically treated bitumen to deliver superior root resistance which has been tested and approved by the FLL. The membrane is reinforced with 250g/m² spunbond polyester fleece to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive bitumen underlayer with “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures. 3 BauderPIR FA-TEFlatboard insulation used on the lantern roof area to help meet its U-value of 0.15W/m²K. 4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finished upper surface to allow easy bonding of insulation using the specified Bauder insulation adhesive.

Fort DunlopBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS)SynopsisDuring the recent regeneration in and around Birmingham, innovation has been a key factor; a theme optimised by the redevelopment of the Dunlop Tyres warehouse which has been transformed into 45,000m² of office space and a 6,000m² hotel.Bauder Building BoardProject:Fort DunlopInvestor:Urban SplashLocation:BirminghamArea Size:7,100m2Architect:Shed KMContractor:James M Green Company LimitedThe specificationPractical challenges such as the reduction of noise pollution and maximising the building’s lifespan were all met by the Bauder Total Green Roof System with an extensive landscaping of sedum. The planting scheme provided instant coverage as the sedum was laid as pre-cultivated vegetation mats. Green roofs have excellent acoustic qualities for both external sound (up to 3dB) and internal noise (up to 8dB). This proved essentially in the selection of the Xero Flor blanket due to the proximity of Fort Dunlop to Birmingham Airport. The resultThe entire solution provided a watertight installation in conjunction with a 20-year guarantee whilst making the structure both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.System installedBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS) 1 BauderPLANT EA torch-applied, root resistant capping sheet. The product features chemically treated bitumen to deliver superior root resistance which has been tested and approved by the FLL. The membrane is reinforced with 250g/m² spunbond polyester fleece to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive bitumen underlayer with “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures. 3 BauderPIR FA-TEFlatboard insulation used on the lantern roof area to help meet its U-value of 0.15W/m²K. 4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finished upper surface to allow easy bonding of insulation using the specified Bauder insulation adhesive.Bauder XF 301 Sedum System1 BauderGREEN XF 301Sedum vegetation blanket instantly providing at least 90% coverage on an extensive green roof. Integrated water retention and filter layer.2 BauderGREEN AL 4040mm high perforated edge/drainage trim frames and retains the Bauder XF 301 sedum system.3 BauderGREEN SDFMulti-functional drainage and filtration layer which prevents the roots of sedum plants from becoming waterlogged.4 BauderPLANT ETorch-on root-resistant capping sheet green

Six of our large raised planters can be found in the walled garden of the historic Hopton Hall on the outskirts of the Peak District. The hall has a rich 600-year heritage and has hosted the likes of Oliver Cromwell and Mary Queen of Scots. Today the hall is a privately owned home with holiday cottage accommodation. Its beautiful gardens are open to the public, who travel from all over the world to see its famous snowdrop displays in spring and its fragrant rose garden in summer.The kitchen garden sits within the walled rose garden and is used to grow vegetables, herbs and varieties of pollinator-friendly flowers.There are two rows of three raised planters. This area of the garden is sloped, therefore the planters needed to be built into it to maximise the space large beds have been built into the slope.Hopton’s head gardener opted for high planters for ease of access and each design is 0.85m high.WoodBlocX modular planters are a popular choice for parks and gardens. The combination of versatile design and superior finish means the structures work well in historical and heritage settings and equally well within modern schemes by simply switching from traditional to contemporary capping, which sits flush with the structure.Raised planters can also be designed with integrated seating and in bespoke shapes and sizes, and we offer all clients a Free Design Service which will visualise your design in a series of CAD views.Bei

THE PROJECTThis incredible project, ‘The Renaissance’ in Lewisham, London was built with design, architecture, visualisation and community in mind. Both residential and commercial, the large development contains 795 private and affordable homes alongside a versatile range of commercial space.It was one of the first large developments in Lewisham Town Centre and contains eight mail buildings ranging from 5 to 24 storeys, each building having its own design, purpose, and appeal.The whole site was designed to increase connections and brig a community together whilst focusing on sustainable homes and the community culture.Within the development is an array of homes from townhouses to 1 bedroom studio apartments all aimed a range of residents from families to singles to create a wider community. These homes were designed to create affordable living through low energy bills and carbon neutral spaces to sustainable communities and vegetable growing areas.THE PRODUCTThe Client wanted a mailbox solution for the development that met their design and architectural needs. They wanted to offer 24-hour mail delivery and pickup for their residents alongside their onsite gym, 24 hour concierge, roof terrace, leisure centre, café, plus much more!The Safety Letterbox Company, having worked with our client on numerous occasions were delighted to work with them again on this futuristic project.Installed were, 238 H1 Lateral mailboxes, engraved and powder coated in Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016). These stunning mailboxes were installed in a creative way by placing part of them on top of a white island with under lighting to create a floating effect.With the high ceilings, monochrome design and a modern interior these mailboxes look absolutely stunning and perfect for the residents to enjoy 24 hour secure mail delivery.

Fulham JettyBauder Bakor 790-11 hot melt structural system with Bauderflex waterproofing system and BauderGREEN sedum systemSynopsisFulham Wharf is a landmark regeneration scheme that began in 2013 and included the ecological enhancement of an abandoned jetty on the River Thames. This redevelopment was designed to provide the local community with an ecological education centre and bio-diverse wildlife reserve.Bauder Building BoardProject:Fulham JettyLocation:LondonRoof Area:1,000m²Specifier:FabrikApproved Contractor:Accurate RoofingProject challenges One of the major challenges for this roof was installing the central sloped section, which required exceptional levels of technical input and workmanship. This roofing area was waterproofed with the same bituminous green roof system as the upper roof; however a special timber design for retaining the substrate and sedum blanket was also needed. Since its official opening in October 2013, the lower wildflower roof has become a haven for a variety of different birds and insects.The resultThe building’s new roof swoops down to become a continuum with the jetty deck and is covered with a green habitat providing three distinct environments for wildlife; one on the flat roof, one on the slope and the third on the jetty deck. The education centre roof was waterproofed with Bauder’s root resistant bitumen membrane before then having a sedum blanket fitted. On the lower roof, 650m² of Bauder’s hot melt structural waterproofing was installed along with a wildflower blanket, providing an instant carpet of vegetation. Systems installedBauderflex bituminous waterproofing system1 BauderPLANT E 42A torch applied, SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet. The product features chemically treated bitumen to deliver superior root resistance which has been tested and approved by the FLL. The membrane is reinforced with 250g/m² spunbond polyester fleece to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture.2 BauderTEC SPRINT DUOSelf-adhesive bitumen underlayer with “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures. The product features a glass fleece reinforcement for strength and stability. The product benefits from cleaner, safer, and faster installation than traditional torch-applied membranes.3 BauderPIR FA-TELightweight, PIR flatboard insulation board with aluminium foil facing on both sides. This product has zero ozone depletion potential.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSSelf-adhesive air and vapour control layer with a mica finished upper surface to allow easy bonding of insulation using the specified Bauder Insulation AdhesiveBauder Bakor 790-11 hot melt waterproofing system1 BauderPLANT E 42Torch-on root-resistant, green capping sheet. Reinforced with spunbond polyester fleece to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture.2 790-11 with reinforcement layerHot melt rubberised bitumen asphalt with a percentage of post-consumer recycled materials that infills and fully bonds to all minor deviations in the deck.3 DeckPrimed concrete.Bauder XF 301 Sedum system1 BauderGREEN XF 301Sedum vegetation blanket instantly providing at least 90% coverage on an extensive green roof. Integrated water retention and filter layer.2 BauderGREEN AL 4040mm high perforated edge/drainage trim frames and retains the Bauder XF 301 sedum system.3 BauderGREEN SDFMulti-functional drainage and filtration layer which prevents the roots of sedum plants from becoming waterlogged.4 BauderPLANT ETorch-on root-resistant capping sheet green

C-TEC’s revolutionary new evacuation alert system, EVAC-ALERT, has been specified for a new purpose-built residential building in London.Located in the Elephant and Castle area of the London Borough of Southwark, Joyce Newman House is an 8-storey block of 40 spacious living spaces commissioned by Leathermarket JMB, Southwark’s largest resident-managed housing organisation. The affordable-housing development also features landscaped gardens, an interactive playground and a communal kitchen garden for residents to grow their own vegetables.Specified and supplied by Churches Fire & Security working alongside Blu Electrical Installations Ltd, C-TEC’s EVAC-ALERT has been designed to comply with the new BS 8629, which recommends evacuation alert systems be installed in all new blocks of flats over 18 metres to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part or all of a building in an emergency.The system consists of a 2-loop control panel connected to a host of single and multi-way interface units, self-testing sounders and visual indicators. Simple and intuitive with manual controls to allow firefighters to easily operate the evacuation alert devices located inside flats on a zone by zone or floor by floor basis, the panel is stored in a secure vandal resistant cabinet which can only be accessed by the FRS using a special copy-protected key.David Collins, Project Manager at Churches Fire & Security, said: “Evacuation alert systems ensure firefighters can alert occupants in a building of the need to evacuate if a fire gets out of control. The EVAC-ALERT system we’ve specified provides peace of mind for residents and, crucially, also demonstrates that building management have taken every precaution possible to protect the people residing in the property. Our client is delighted with the system.”Certified to all relevant EN54 product standards, EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new cloud-based remote access data management software which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing.

Powdertech Wood Finish (Roughwood R047) is being used for a prestigious sustainable logistics development in Milton Keynes, built by Glencar Construction for client Baytree Logistics, a pan-European company. BREEAM has specified the development scheme as “Excellent”. It is also “WELL” ready – the WELL Building Standard is the world’s first building standard focused exclusively on sustainability, human health and wellbeing. The building, on a 10.4-acre site at Fenny Lock, will feature the latest in technology-enabled sustainable design features providing an environment beneficial to the health and wellbeing of the building users. Wherever possible, “Cradle to Cradle” (circular economy) principles have been adopted meaning that materials used can be repurposed in the future, being returned into the construction cycle for re-manufacture with no detriment to quality.The Benefits of Powdertech Wood FinishWood Finish on aluminium fits this approach perfectly. Aluminium itself is endlessly recyclable and our powder coatings do not affect the process. The finish can be removed, and the metal returned to its original bare state. Powder coatings are also free of VOCs, halogens and heavy metals – all compounds which are damaging to health. We are very pleased that the sustainability of Wood Finish on aluminium, and the ‘clean’ qualities of the product have been recognised as such. It is also the case that the use of Wood Finish on external features is in harmony with the aesthetics of the building design.Wellbeing for people and planetRoof garden terraces, and onsite water attenuation form part of a sustainable drainage system which includes harvesting of rainwater for re-use on site. Wood Finish in Roughwood shade R047 has been used to coat eleven enormous aluminium drainpipes which form part of this scheme; they stand 13m high with a 600mm x 600mm top section tapering to 150mm square at the ground. The scheme also includes outdoor gyms and training areas, edible vegetation and reclaimed timber seating. Internally, sensors constantly monitor air and water quality.Baytree intend that this should be one of the most sustainable logistics developments ever built in the UK and we are very excited to be a part of this ambition.

This year, the playgrounds in Kazincbarcika are being beautified again. The refurbishment across the city's 22 playgrounds began this spring with the replacement of rubber coatings and the refurbishment of sandboxes, followed by the necessary repairs to equipment and structural elements. The work is expected to be completed by autumn.With the arrival of spring weather, many are eager to spend time outdoors, and families with young children enjoy spending time on playgrounds. Among the city residents we surveyed, many consider the area around the Boating Lake a prime destination due to its proximity to nature and the presence of a playground nearby.It is important that children can play in the safest, well-maintained environment possible. Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd. is responsible for the operation of 22 playgrounds, which include 220 play equipment. The company's staff continuously repair any detected faults and deficiencies, and they annually review the condition of the playground equipment. Some of the equipment is repaired on-site, while others are taken to their workshop for repairs after transportation.Parents can also assist the professionals with their observations through the city's official mobile app, KolorApp. Thanks to these reports, it was discovered that the rubber coatings on the playgrounds were worn and damaged, prompting the company to replace all of them for the safety of the children. Additionally, they regularly rake the sand surfaces, disinfect and refill the sandboxes, and refurbish or install new playground equipment, as communicated by Márton Rosza, the construction group leader at Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd."The major replacements and repairs, for example, are taking place at the Barátság Square playground, the Völgy Street playground, the Instrument Technician Street playground, and in the Völgy Park. Currently, the replacement of spring toys, balance swings, and swinging swings is underway. We strive to show the residents potential innovations," stated the expert.Márton Rosza added: His colleagues also take care of emptying waste containers, managing green areas, caring for vegetation, and cleaning sandboxes, shock absorbers, and coatings. Safety is also ensured by a regulation that mandates a triennial review of the playgrounds, which is always performed by an expert company. Thus, everything necessary for uninterrupted and high-quality relaxation is available in Kazincbarcika. However, during the maintenance work, they ask for the patience and cooperation of the children and their parents.

Cambridge University, Department of Civil EngineeringBauderBLUE STORMcell with BauderSOLAR G LightSynopsisThis new build project in the centre of Cambridge combines a Sustainable urban Drainage Solution (SuDS) with vegetation and renewable energy in a warm roof construction.The client for the Department of Civil Engineering at Cambridge University, R H Partnership, identified sustainability as being a key driver in the design of the roof, but also sought a single source supplier that could provide a guarantee for both workmanship and products. Bauder’s systems range encompasses products to meet all the sustainability objectives, and with our network of approved contractors carrying out the installation, we could offer the comprehensive guarantee that was required.Bauder Building BoardProject:Cambridge University Department of Engineering​Location:CambridgeRoof Area:1610m²Client:University of CambridgeSpecifier:RH Partnership ArchitectsMain Contractor:SDC LimitedApproved Contractor:Voland LimitedThe specificationTo meet the sustainability criteria set out by the client, the Bauder technical team designed a roof system combining an extensive blue roof, a green roof and a solar PV array. The first and most fundamental element of the roof system though is the waterproofing. Bauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS) was selected as it provides robust and durable waterproofing with a life span in excess of 35 years, as validated by BBA Certificate 10/4744. The Plant E cap sheet has also been tested by the FLL to ensure long term root-resistance, making it ideal for use in conjunction with the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system is a unique way to combine rooftop vegetation with renewable solar energy. The PV panel mounting boards are held in position using the growing medium as ballast, meaning the waterproofing is not penetrated and therefore compromised. The mounting boards incorporate a water retention feature which allows a small amount of excess rainwater to be stored for short periods of time for the various plant species to feed from. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system’s unique mounting system lifts the panels above the vegetation allowing the plant life to grow freely and therefore qualify a greater area of the roof as biodiverse.In addition to the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system, a blue roof was added to the build-up. Blue roofs are sustainable drainage solutions designed to manage stormwater on a flat roof to reduce water runoff rates and ease flash flooding and standing water in built up areas. The BauderBLUE Roof System attenuates water from a flat roof over a 24-hour period via a restrictive flow outlet. Calculations are carried out to determine the rate at which the water should egress the rooftop. This is determined by the local planning authority and is often set as low as 5-8 litres per second per hectare. With these calculations, Bauder can design each flow restrictorto meet the necessary runoff rate. For the Department of Civil Engineering, the main roof area of 1455.5m² required two flow restrictors, each with flow control holes to ensure the specified discharge rate of 0.77 litres per second was achieved. The maximum depth of water the roof is designed for is the H-max. When the water level reaches H-max, it will drain via the emergency overflow pipe. These overflow pipes are set at the same height as the H-max level. On this project the H-max was calculated to be 99mm. Although an unlikely scenario, this provision for a ‘once-in-a-hundred-years’ storm event will ensure that the structural integrity of the building is always preserved.Project challengesThe roof deck was constructed using a pretensioned concrete plank roof structure. Due to the large span of these planks, the dead load weight to the roof would be restricted. This being a blue roof with green landscaping and PV (a reasonably heavy build up), presented the issue of balancing the need of the roof design and the weight restriction of the supporting structure. To add to this challenging scenario, the pretensioned deck did not provide a completely flat finish. When installing a blue roof, a flat deck with no positive or negative falls is essential, as detailed in the 2018 update of BS 6229 – Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings. To overcome this onsite challenge,the final deflection of the fully loaded roof was calculated and the concrete deck was screeded to give a flat finish.The resultBauder believes this project to be one of the first of its type in the UK to bring together so many rooftop systems in one space. Project management and clear communication was paramount in order to ensure a smooth installation. The Bauder project team consisted of green roof and solar PV product managers, area technical manager, technical design team, site technicians and approved installers for the waterproofing.With all the different elements being installed, green roof and solar PV product managers worked with our technical team to design the best possible PV array configuration for optimum energy generation whilst also qualifying for the maximum biodiverse area.Bauder site technicians worked closely with Bauder approved contractors, Voland Asphalte Ltd, to ensure works were kept to schedule and that a high quality of workmanship was maintained throughout.To ensure the landscaping is maintained, irrigation was installed by Access Irrigation Ltd. The system, Permadrip Pro, is a drip line irrigation system with anti-syphon design to resist clogging and pressure regulation. Due to the specialist nature of the irrigation system, Access Irrigation Ltd provided a bespoke design service.The result of this network of expertise was a multi-faceted support service for the client, specifier, main contractor and roofing and PV installers. System installedBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS)1 BauderPLANT E 42Green, 5mm torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive, elastomeric, bitumen underlayer. This underlayer was used to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints in low temperatures when the roof was installed.3 BauderPIR FA-TETissue-faced flatboard insulation faced on both sides with aluminium foil to provide efficient thermal output.4 Bauder Super AL-ETorch-on air & vapour control layer. Once installed on the concrete pretensioned plank deck, it can act as a temporary waterproofing layer, allowing internal works to be carried out immediately which was a huge advantage on this new build project.BauderSOLAR G LIGHTThis BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system was a key factor in the specification of the project to meet the sustainability criteria specified by the client. 40 PV units were installed on the main roof area on the Departmentof Engineering. The forecasted energy generated for this arrayin its first year is 9.91MWh with a CO2 saving of 5.242 tonnes/a. BauderBLUE SR-B flow restrictorThe BauderBLUE SR-B flow restrictor is designed to be used in conjunction with a standard Bauder bitumen blue roof vertical outlet DN70. The flow restrictor is comprised of four parts; baseplate, overflow pipe, baseplate inner and baseplate outer seal. The polyamide baseplate fits within the 70mm vertical outlet, with the EPDM outer seal creating a watertight fit. The HDPE Overflow slots into the central hole of the baseplate with an inner EPDM seal preventing any leaks. The baseplate has a number (1-12) of 10mm restrictive flow holes bespoke to the project. The flow restrictor has no moving parts, hugely reducing the need for maintenance or risk of failure.

The Carnaby Street Living Wall, spearheaded by a collaboration between Shaftesbury Capital PLC, Brimelow McSweeney Architects and Terapia Urbana, Scotscape Urban Greening, seamlessly integrated Terapia Urbana's patented Fytotextile® living system into the historical and vibrant landscape. This innovative living wall system is uniquely manufactured to fit perfectly around architectural elements, such as windows, ensuring an aesthetic and functional blend with the building's facade.A key aspect of the project's success was the strategic selection of plants, informed by detailed microclimate and sunlight analyses conducted by Terapia Urbana. This approach ensured the chosen vegetation thrived, enhancing the wall's ecological value and sustainability. Furthermore, the use of large planting cells in the upper sections of the wall allowed for the inclusion of shrubs, increasing soil volume, and thereby supporting a richer biodiversity and healthier plant growth.One of the Fytotextile® system's main advantages is the enhanced aeration it provides to the plant roots. This crucial feature improves the plants' performance and health by ensuring that roots receive the necessary oxygen to support respiration, significantly boosting the plants' overall vitality and resilience. Enhanced root aeration leads to healthier plant growth, reducing the risk of root diseases and ensuring the living wall remains a vibrant and dynamic feature of Carnaby Street.The collaboration between the involved parties resulted in a landmark Living Wall that not only transformed Carnaby Street's visual landscape but also set new benchmarks for integrating green spaces into urban environments. This project exemplifies the potential of combining innovative green technology, such as Terapia Urbana's Fytotextile® system, with meticulous ecological planning to create sustainable, vibrant urban green spaces that harmonize nature with city living, inspiring future sustainable urban developments.Brimelow McSweeney’s quote: ‘Carnaby Street is one of the most iconic fashion streets of London and a desirable address for commercial offices. The project involved substantial extensions and a full refurbishment behind an existing, uninspiring façade. The Fytotextile system is an easy to apply system that allows over-cladding existing and extended structures without over-loading. The expertise on suitable planting provided by the Terapia Urbana/Scotscape team was a fantastic support for developing our artistic vision to include patterns of the fashion industry within the planting schedules.’Photos courtesy of Brimelow McSweeney Architects

The JK House project is a privately initiated development of a villa in the Bezuidenhout area of The Hague. The architect responsible for this project is Jacco van Wengerden from Atelier van Wengerden, located in Amsterdam. The unusual location of the site, surrounded by buildings erected in the 1930s, required balanced choices in the materials used for the façade. Furthermore, the villa's design needed to meet the conservative demands of the local aesthetics committee The Hague municipality and tying in with the adjacent buildings. The architect, Van Wengerden, immediately realised the potential of the site. By making the right choice of materials for the façade, he could refer to the former garden centre on this location and the colour and structure of the brickwork of the adjacent buildings. The SolutionIn his quest to find the right materials for JK House’s unique façade, Van Wengerden decided to use COR-TEN steel MESH® gratings in his design. Although these gratings are originally designed for industrial flooring, this particular choice of material would solve several issues at once. Firstly, COR-TEN steel gratings are relatively affordable. Secondly, they fit perfectly into the existing surroundings and refer to the site's past. The local aesthetics committee of The Hague municipality was pleased with the choice of this material. Especially by the fact that a COR-TEN steel façade was perfect for allowing vegetation to grow on, which is another reference to the history of the site. Trying to find a supplier for this façade, Van Wengerden approached PCP's local office in the Netherlands. Since PcP could produce these gratings in a wide variety of dimensions in both bearing and filler bars, Van Wengerden could design the gratings to match his initial idea of vertical lines in the appearance of the façade.For a more vivid look, PcP produced gratings with dimensions between the vertical bearing bars of both 44 and 55mm, where the filler bars were spaced 150mm in between. In addition, the gratings were mounted backwards, leaving only the bearing bars visible. Despite making production more challenging, the desire was also to have no edge bars on the top side of the gratings for a more open appearance, and PcP was able to deliver this. The result is a Villa with a façade that, in time, due to the natural process of the rust-brown colouring of the COR-TEN steel, will be at one with its surrounding buildings. The Collaboration The first contact about the project was established in early 2015. Over a period of several years, Van Wengerden and PcP discussed options and difficulties in manufacturing the façade. After making design choices, we produced samples to visualise the choice of mesh sizes and discolouration of the COR-TEN steel. We completed the project at the beginning of 2019.

This month, Falco supplied and installed over 90 spaces of the FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle rack, for what will become Scotland’s largest hotel, located on Drum’s Candlerigg’s Square site in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.The new £300m development, will transform Glasgow’s original flourishing fruit and vegetable market which has lay neglected and unused for 20 years, becoming a derelict site in an otherwise vibrant and thriving neighbourhood. Candleriggs Square, bound by Wilson Street, Hutcheson Street, Candleriggs and Trongate is regarded as the last and most significant piece of the Merchant City regeneration jigsaw and will provide a vibrant mixed-use community bringing together new homes, offices, hotels and local amenities.As part of the state-of-the-art development, a requirement for secure, easy to use, cycle parking for over 90 cycles was required, to be located within an accessible, underground facility.Falco manufactured, supplied and installed a series of over 90 double-sided FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle parking spaces within an underground facility at the prestigious development, providing employees and visitors with secure and accessible cycle parking.The popular FalcoLevel-Eco design was chosen for its capability to be located within compact areas, such as the underground facility shown here, providing cyclists with twice as many cycle parking spaces that would have otherwise been available when using traditional cycle racks and stands.Double-sided variations of the popular cycle rack were used to fit inconspicuous within the tight constraints of the space envelope available.The recent installation shown here at Candleriggs Square is just one of many underground environments Falco has supplied and installed cycle parking equipment for. Other recent examples include two-tier cycle parking for Macquarie Bank in London, three flagship Selfridges stores across the UK, VelowUp® vertical cycle stands and two-tier cycle racks for the University of Edinburgh, 150 two-tier cycle rack spaces for Marks & Spencer at Paddington Basin in London as well as semi-vertical cycle parking for Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.The FalcoLevel-Eco is a high density and budget friendly two-tier cycle parking system which accommodates twice the number of bicycles compared to any other traditional cycle rack or stand. The FalcoLevel two-tier series is the UK’s best-selling high density cycle rack and is used at the UK’s first ever cycle hub at Leeds City Station as well as the UK’s two largest cycle hubs at Cambridge and Chelmsford Stations.For more information about the FalcoLevel-Eco cycle parking system or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Discover the remarkable transformation of Draycott's Canal Side Cottages, a project that has breathed new life into six derelict 200-year-old cottages in Derbyshire. Led by the dedicated efforts of the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust and local volunteers, this restoration project has not only created a stunning residential development but also a historical tourist attraction.Gowercroft products used:Chatsworth Sliding Sash WindowsMelbourne DoorsHardwick Casement WindowsRed GrandisOriginally built in the 1820s on the banks of the old Derby Canal, these cottages served as homes for mill workers and local families. However, by 1985, they had fallen into disrepair, on the verge of demolition. In 2017, the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust stepped in to rescue the cottages as part of their ambitious plan to restore the disused canal and the surrounding area.With the vision of turning these cottages into a vibrant mixed-use complex, the Trust launched a £650k appeal. The goal was to create three 2-3 bedroom dwellings, a canal side café, commercial spaces for leisure companies, and a museum showcasing the canal's history and the lives of mill workers.ADDC Architects, renowned conservation experts, were entrusted with the task of designing the conversion. They skillfully worked around the intricate history of the original brick buildings, which had gone through multiple alterations and rebuilds in the 19th century. The architects aimed to preserve the unique character of the cottages while ensuring a functional layout suitable for their new purpose.The restoration process involved an incredible community effort, with local tradesmen, contractors, and volunteers coming together to bring the cottages back to life. The extensive work included clearing vegetation and debris, erecting scaffolding, reinforcing timbers, and salvaging original bricks and slates for rebuilding.One crucial aspect of the restoration was the installation of new timber windows. Gowercroft Joinery, a reputable local manufacturer with expertise in heritage and restoration projects, supplied the traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows for the canal-facing elevations. These windows perfectly matched the original designs, featuring slim finger-jointed frames and Georgian styled glazing bars. At the rear, Hardwick casement windows were installed to maintain a utilitarian look consistent with the building's history.Crafted from solid Red Grandis hardwood, the windows offered both elegance and energy efficiency. The bespoke curved top casements faithfully reinstated, and Melbourne hardwood doors further enhanced the joinery and timber craftsmanship throughout the cottages.The restored Canal Cottages now stand as a symbol of the Trust's broader vision to revive the 13-mile canal and its surrounding areas. Once completed, the canal restoration will create a 25-mile cruising ring, connecting to thousands of miles of navigable waterways across the UK. It will provide opportunities for outdoor activities, such as angling, canoeing, and cycling while promoting wildlife conservation and improving the well-being of local residents.By being a part of this project, Gowercroft Joinery has not only contributed to the architectural heritage but also supported the revival of the Derby Canal, acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the city centre. The Canal Side Cottages showcase the perfect synergy between traditional craftsmanship and modern performance, ensuring years of comfort and enjoyment for all those who experience them.

ESSENZA HOME opts for a sustainable green façadeInterior and lifestyle brand ESSENZA HOME has moved into a new, completely renovated office in Bunnik in 2021. The new office is entirely sustainability-oriented. The Mobilane green façade at Essenza Home contributes to the company’s sustainability vision and provides a warm welcome for its retailers, customers, and staff. Family business ESSENZA HOME has been designing, producing, and distributing home & living products to suit various interior styles for 60 years. In 2021, the company moved to a new office in Bunnik. The building of no less than 2500 m2 is located directly on the A12 motorway. The new premises was built with an eye to the future and aligned with their sustainability vision. Therefore, the sustainable green Mobilane façade was a logical choice.Installation of the green façadeThe installation of the green walls was quick and easy. The green walls, with a total surface area of over 200 square meters, were placed against the stone and wooden façade by means of Magnelis steel omega profiles. The design incorporated the window and door sections and the water and electricity pipes.The almost 10,000 plants are installed in modular cassettes and pixels attached to the profiles. All of the cassettes, pixels, and covers are made of a fire-retardant EPP (B-s2, d0). This material is light, UV-resistant, air-permeable (for good root growth), and fully recyclable. An automated irrigation system provides the MobiPanel green walls with water and nutrients.Plant selection for the green façadeThe plants in the green facades were selected according to various factors. The orientation of the façade, the different flowering seasons, plants that stimulate biodiversity, and, finally, aesthetics were all considered. For example, Bregenis ‘Bressingham White’ is a beautiful spring bloomer with elegant white flowers that bloom from April onwards. The Vinca minor is a strong evergreen covering plant. It also flowers very early in spring. Vinca minor can be used on facades in both sunny and shady spots. The Vinca will produce more flowers in the sun than in the shade. Geranium Rozanne is a carrier plant for wild bees. Many species of wild bees, as well as butterflies and bumblebees, find their nectar here.Advantages of the green façadeThe green wall on the two outer walls is a real eye-catcher. Floor Smits, Head of Brands and second generation in the family business: “As a family business, we find it important to focus on the long term. During the renovation, we, therefore, invested heavily in sustainable solutions. When we were introduced to the possibility of a vertical garden for the façade, we were immediately enthusiastic. The green wall has many advantages, such as purifying the air, increasing biodiversity, and providing a nice haven for bees and other insects. Finally, we want to make a statement and show that we are committed to a sustainable world.” In addition to the office, there is also a b2b showroom and a brand store will be opened for consumers this year.Increased biodiversityRosalie Smits, Head of Channels and also the second generation of the family business, indicates that biodiversity is an important spearhead for the organization.The green façade attracts many insects, thus stimulating biodiversity in the area. As described earlier, the flowers of Geranium Rozanne, among others, provide nectar for many insects such as the wild bee and butterflies. Wild bees and butterflies are an important link in our food chain. They provide 60% of the pollination of our fruit and vegetables.The facades also attract various birds and other insects and serve both as food and as nesting and hiding places. In the cassettes between the plants, birds can nest safely. The first bird’s nest in the green façade at Essenza Home was found just a few weeks after installation.Client: ESSENZA HOMEArchitect: BK PuntConstruction period: 2021Installation: MobiCare

For Sheila Dearns, a former language teacher for 32 years, living with MS meant that as her condition progressed, she found her kitchen ill-equipped to cope with her changing needs.Sheila’s home is a bungalow in the centre of Chelmsford, where she has lived since 1996. It was when her MS began to leave her with little energy that Sheila decided to retire in 2010 and since then, she is finding it harder to ‘load bear’ and now classes herself as a full-time wheelchair user.It was when Sheila was left an inheritance from a relative that she began to consider making some practical changes to her home. The former kitchen was narrow with no accessible workspace to prepare meals. In fact, Sheila had to chop vegetables on the dining room table instead. With little energy and as a full-time wheelchair user, Sheila needed something to change in order for her to continue living independently at home.Her friend’s sister, Teresa Shaw; who owns the company Onyx Rehabilitation Ltd  that helps people with life-changing injuries, put Sheila in touch with leading designer of accessible kitchens Adam Thomas of the Adam Thomas Consultancy. It’s thanks to Adam’s input and collaboration that Freedom by Symphony have transformed the lives of so many people by empowering them with a sense of independence, enjoying accessible kitchens that are both practical to use and stylish to look at.Adam worked with kitchen retailer Blaines Interiors to create an accessible kitchen for Sheila that now works as the hub of her home. The project began by knocking down the wall between the former kitchen and living room to create one larger, open-plan space. Sheila moved out while the work was being done and the result is a fully wheelchair-friendly area with widened access to the garden, too.“Working with Blaines, we designed a fully functional and accessible kitchen,” says Adam, “which now includes I-move pull down baskets, allowing Sheila to access top shelves in wall cabinets without standing up from a seated position along with a 2.4m Rise & Fall worktop, a lovely feature that Sheila can adjust to suit her height so that she can use the worktop, sink with front access tap and hob when seated in her wheelchair. It’s a really flexible solution, as it can also be used by family and friends in the rise position. We also included a lowered dining table on hairpin legs for wheelchair access underneath, a pull and twist larder for easy access to dried ingredients, corner Le Mans storage and a combination oven, which suits Sheila’s style of cooking.”Sheila and Adam worked closely with Anthony Elsey from Blaines Interiors, who was a wonderful source of inspiration and ideas. Sheila wanted her kitchen to be calm and soothing with a brightly tiled splashback to add a statement look. “As a one-stop shop, Blaines takes clients on a seamless journey from conception to completion,” says Anthony. “This includes personalised consultation, expert advice, meticulous planning, flawless installation and the final finishing touches. Our team of designers are not only creative but also empathetic and supportive, ensuring that every client’s needs are met. They take pride in designing kitchens that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also affordable and accessible to all.”Design manager Anthony has experience in working with young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities and is fully committed to serving Freedom clients by creating fully functional and accessible kitchens. Blaines Interiors has two Freedom showrooms with four operational displays, where customers can explore and experience their designs first-hand. Their reach extends across the entire Eastern region, serving Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.Sheila now has the hub of the home she really wanted. “I can now cook for myself and use all the facilities,” she says. “My energy also now lasts longer too, as everything is made so much simpler for me.”