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The Shield is a £18.4m development located on the east side of Newcastle city centre - a regeneration area previously occupied by light industrial buildings, a brick-build office and a warehouse. Comprising of three blocks of student accomodation extending seven storeys at Stoddard Street to the east, this scheme steps down to four storeys at Clarence Street to the west.This building features a refined palette of materials including brick, aluminium and bronze coloured cladding in a range of natural colours to animate the facade. Visible aluminium frame windows punctuate the mass of three blocks and provide a significant aesthetic impact. Installed in a vertical configuration to contrast with the cladding's horizontal lines, side-hung, open-out windows were mostly used with some top-hung, open-out vents - all fitted with exclusive TECHNAL hardware including locking handles and releasable restrictors. Visible Grid Curtain walling is also utilised in this project for its durability and design flexibility. Featured to enhance daylighting in communal spaces, it was installed at ground level alongside aluminium doors, and at height alongside the windows - adding interest by visually zig-zagging on alternate floors.Within walking distance of Northumbria University's City Campus East, and the main Newcastle University Campus, The Shield offers a mix of self-contained studio flats and en-suite bedrooms with shared kitchens and houses up to 400 students.

Roof terrace for more space to enjoy with family and friends The ChallengeThe homeowner wanted to make sympathetic improvements to the existing components of their London townhouse without losing the essence that made it a home. This included partial conversion of main roof into terrace with access, the addition of roof light and the enlargement of an existing roof light. But with such a stunning property, standard and ordinary just would not do.The SolutionThere were three components were we provided expert advise and unique glazing solutions. Firstly, they wanted to bring more light to an existing bathroom which was achieved with an opening electric vent rooflight, that allowed both light and additional ventilation to the space.Secondly was enlargement of the roof light to a single storey extension at lower ground floor level. Thirdly was the design and installation of a Sliding over fixed rooflight above the third floor staircase that provided access to a new flat roof terrace which replaced the original butterfly roof.This now meant our client could maximise their property, create more space, and make a feature of their roof terrace where they could enjoy this vista with family and friends, capitalising on the views they and let light flood into the space below. Get in touchWhether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

This 7-storey, grade two listed building has every reason to become London’s most sought-after residence, in more ways than one.Aside from the internal luxuries with multiple gyms, a 16-seat cinema, hotel pool, multiple lounges, 9 restaurants, a spa, etc etc, it’s perhaps more famous for serving one of our most legendary prime ministers. Sir Winston Churchill.As a place where the Second World War was overseen, walking through the theatrical marble entrance is like stepping back into history. The restored mosaic floors and the old messenger rooms repurposed as a design feature are just two things that add to this architectural wonder, with Churchill’s old room itself being available for private dinners.And you know Ian Fleming? Author of the James Bond series? Well, it’s thought that he came up with the idea for Bond during his time at the office working as a British Naval Intelligence Officer. To keep the 007 idea authentic, three of the films were filmed at this very location, meaning it stars in more James Bond films than any other building. Talking of filming locations, it’s also starred in one of the most popular TV series currently, The Crown, which is rather apt given it’s located (approximately) 1.3km from Buckingham Palace.We supplied a range of Selo products throughout the OWO renovation including sliding pocket doors, riser doors, clad riser doors, automatic opening vents,

Located in Anglesey and operated by Bangor University, Menai Science Park is the flagship building for Wales' first dedicated science park. The facility is built to BREEAM Excellent standards and comprises of 5,000 sqm of offices, laboratories and workshop space for up to 700 people - from start-up businesses to large corporate companies. The building's structure features a striking white continuous flowing ribbon that forms wall, floor and roof surfaces and wraps around the glazed facade to the front elevation. The two-storey entrance connects to the main three-storey, traditional brick cavity U-shape building,m which houses the laboratories and offices and features a facade that encloses an open courtyard. Aluminium curtain walling from Technal was installed and spans 74m x 11m. This had to follow the curvature and flow of the ribbon at the point of fabrication. The key area for this facade is the first floor horizontal and sloping ribbon - the curtain walling continues behind the Corian rainscreen. One particularly challenging detail is the 6m glazed linking walkway that connects the innovation area to the brick-built main building. Designed with a double-pitched roof, the curtain walling follows the long contours across the two pitches of the roof at an angle. This involved calculations and modelling to accommodate the difficult compound angles to ensure the desired architectural intent was achieved. Throughout the building, aluminium casement windows have been installed, some as inserts within the facade including automatic opening vents, and to the courtyard elevations. Completing this contemporary outdoor space, the windows are complemented with timber rainscreen panels.

After the historic St Mary’s Hospital in Bristol received planning approval for Commercial refurbishment, we were contacted by M R Allen Limited to help transform the old healthcare facility to student accommodation. The building had been vacant for a number of years before the project to transform the space into 153 premium student rooms got the go ahead.The original hospital building was retained, with the addition of a 4 storey extension, a 3 storey new build, 8 no. townhouses and a new Communal space for students which includes an on-site gym, entertainment room, lounge and kitchen for private dining.Planning dictated that this undesignated heritage asset retained many of its original features, sat within a setting of various listed buildings and in a Conservation area.This led to us recommending timber Box Sash Windows from our Conservation range.All 109 box sash windows were manufactured in our British factory featuring high acoustic performing trickle vents & laminated glass in 24mm double glazed units, ensuring noise travel is kept to a minimum between accommodation.Mark Allen from M R Allen Limited explains;“We chose Mumford & Wood for their long-standing reputation for manufacturing British made, traditional timber windows – exactly what this project required. We also had some stringent acoustic performance requirements and working closely with Mumford & Wood allowed us to create a product that exceeded our performance expectations.”We finished the windows in ‘Signal White,’ featuring polished brass ironmongery.

Data centres and server halls present unique challenges that demand a distinct approach to architectural design and infrastructure. These facilities require a delicate balance: efficient ventilation to combat heat accumulation while ensuring robust protection against intrusion and unauthorized access.Challenges faced by Data CentresHeat AccumulationThe relentless heat generated within data centres necessitates effective ventilation systems to manage and disperse this thermal load efficiently.Security and PrivacySimultaneously, the need to shield sensitive information from prying eyes and potential intruders underscores the crucial requirement for stringent security measures without compromising on airflow or functionality. Solutions to Address Data Centre Challenges 1. Natural and Intensive Ventilation To meet the specific needs of each data centre project, our range of ventilation solutions is tailored to ensure optimal airflow. By combining DUCO ventilation products, such as weather-resistant screening and louvres (DucoWall), Nightcooling (NightVent), dampers (DucoGrille Close), transfer grilles, roof turrets for discreet air vent concealment, and sound-absorbing, self-regulating window ventilation, we create bespoke high airflow systems suited to your project's requirements.Explore our high-performance products2. Acoustic Noise ControlNoise pollution management is paramount in data centres. Our DucoWall acoustic louvre walls and sound-absorbing window vents are specifically designed to minimize sound while maximizing airflow to equipment. The louvre blades are filled with non-flammable mineral wool, ensuring effective noise control.Discover our noise control solutions3. High Security LevelEnhancing security and reducing the visibility of machinery is critical. Our DUCO louvre wall screening and structural solar shading act as visible screens, maintaining natural airflow while deterring intruders. The DucoDoor seamlessly integrates with the louvred walls or screening, providing access to server halls and technical areas without drawing attention. Our patented intrusion-resistant solution increases security while shielding open plant equipment from view.Explore our security solutions4. Architectural Solar ShadingPreventing heat penetration through windows or entrances is vital in data centres. Our solar shading solutions reduce heat ingress, minimizing the need for excessive ventilation to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.Find out more about our shading solutionsResults and Impact Implementing these tailored solutions across diverse data centre projects has brought remarkable outcomes:Optimized EfficiencyBespoke ventilation systems have significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining precise airflow control, ensuring an efficient data centre environment.Enhanced PerformanceAcoustic noise control measures have fostered a quieter and more productive workspace, maximizing equipment performance and staff focus.Improved SecurityIntegrated high-security solutions have fortified data centres against intrusions while maintaining essential airflow and functionality.Sustainability AdvancementsArchitectural solar shading has contributed to sustainability goals by minimizing heat ingress, reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems. These solutions collectively exemplify our commitment to revolutionizing data centre ventilation and solar shading solutions, ensuring optimal performance, security, and sustainability.

he NHS Trust commissioned Breath Energy to review its estate, recommend and manage a programme of works to significantly reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions.Central to the works was the external upgrade of the main Epsom Hospital premises, the Wells Building, to improve thermal performance and address failings in the building fabric. The existing roof areas had failed and were allowing water ingress, potentially not only damaging the building fabric and energy efficiency but essential hospital equipment.Langley’s project team had to devise solutions that enabled the whole building exterior- facades and roofs – to be upgraded while the seven-storey hospital remained operational. Added to the complexity, the project began while Covid-19 restrictions were in force.Our solution: Detailed roof surveys prior to work commencing enabled us to identify potential problems and advise on effective solutions in advance.We recommended full strip-up of the roofs, as the existing had perished beyond economical repair. We advised new construction with TA-25 W Flat Roofing System on the main roof, stairwell roof and plant room areas. The TA-25 system is independently certified by the BBA (British Board of Agreement) confirming Broof (t4) classification. It also has LABC assured accreditation to provide support with regard to building control. The inclusion of insulation meant the new roof achieved the current requirement of 0.18W/m2K.While a full strip-up of the two terraces and balcony would also have been the preferred solution, the depth of work would have been impractical as the hospital’s operating theatres were below, and in use. Our solution was to remove the existing top layer and replace with PC-20W Liquid Roofing System and install breather vents to address moisture within.

The ChallengeSimon Balle School asked BrookhouseUK to help them create two new Unisex washrooms in their Block 1 and Block 2 Sixth Form areas of the school.The aim was to create open plan washroom spaces but with two sides to them by creating a partial height wall separating the two sides. As the layouts were completely changing and structural work needed to take place, this was a challenging undertaking.Full height IPS cubicles were required with separate vents in each along with new hand washing facilities. Simon Balle School were fully committed to investing in these new modern toilet blocks which future-proofed them for generations to come. They also did not want to wait until the next summer holidays to complete the work.The SolutionBrookhouseUK, having created a strict methodology for term time work, were able to refurbish both washrooms during term-time. We created a design which included demolishing the central dividing wall and installing new half-height partition walls using timber studs and hygiene wall cladding.Two new modern solid surface wash troughs sat on each side of the new walls which included automatic taps and automatic soap dispensers, vastly improving the facilities. Oak effect doors with contrasting dark IPS panels gave the washrooms a fresh, updated look.New automatic dryers were installed to complete the modernisation. Simon Balle School were delighted with the results and have happily recommended BrookhouseUK to other schools. We Provided:Full Height IPSUnisex DesignsContrasting Colour Doors and PanelsAutomatic Taps and Soap DispensersHygienic Hand-DryersModern Solid Surface Trough

At 13 storeys high and with a central location that puts the development within easy reach of Glasgow’s main universities, the True Glasgow student accommodation scheme has been designed by KKA Architects. Comprising 315 apartments for both shared and single occupancy, the new True Glasgow scheme on New City Road has been designed to offer inspirational student accommodation. With each apartment offering light and spacious living and study areas, the development also includes an array of exciting communal facilities including a gym and cinema. To balance the scheme’s city centre location, access to greenspaces has been incorporated through the creation of a rooftop garden and a walled courtyard garden at ground level.Specified to provide daylighting and give far-reaching views of the city, Senior’s thermally-efficient SPW600e tilt and turn aluminium windows were installed to the individual apartments. The main façade also benefits from the slim sightlines of Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain walling, which has been fabricated in a combination of different capping options to create a unique façade design. As a vertical capped option, the slimline curtain wall features a specially designed toggle system which is used horizontally to create externally frameless transoms and to complement the height of the building structure. The SF52 system has also been installed as a completely frameless silicone glazed solution, with additional ventilation achieved via the incorporation of Senior’s frameless SFF aluminium window vents.To complete the fenestration package, Senior’s robust SPW600 aluminium commercial doors have been used to provide safe and secure access.Senior’s supply chain partner and specialist contractor Scottech has fabricated and installed Senior’s aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall solutions for main contractor Ogilvie.

Britannia Metalwork worked with building contractors Gilbert-Ash and Architects Hawkins/Brown in designing, fabricating, and fitting bespoke decorative floor grilles to replace the damaged originals in the Orangery at the City of London Freeman’s School.It was a project that we were thrilled to be commissioned for and work that we are extremely proud of - the grilles were manufactured, delivered and fitted within the project timeframe, despite pressures of the ongoing global pandemic of 2021.The 168-year-old City of London Freemen's School is set in 57 acres of Ashtead Park in the heart of Surrey. The masterplan scheme included the renovation works to the Grade II listed Main House (including an energy centre), and some new buildings including junior school, dining hall and assembly hall as well as landscaping and car park works. The total cost of the project was £15 and won a place as a Finalist in the 2022 Conservation & Regeneration Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards.Britannia was commissioned to design and make a total of 33 bespoke cast iron grilles, with bare metal finish, to be placed within the marbled floor of the historic and beautiful Orangery. The focus of the work was to complement the heritage of the iconic building while ensuring good ventilation to allow the building to become a flexible and useful large space for school events.Frequently referred to as Cathedral, Ecclesiastical or Victorian decorative floor grilles and as seen here, often placed over channels holding heating pipes, they provide a practical and decorative heating vent. Originally designed for churches they are increasingly popular in private houses, greenhouses, and commercial building developments. Our grilles can be ordered in cast iron or cast aluminium and finished in a wide variety of options. We also work in association with Gunning Heating, making decorative cast iron grilles that fit seamlessly into their underfloor trench heater units.  See our website for a full list of our grille designs or contact us to discuss your bespoke requirements.

Heavy 3 slate has been used to rebuild a previously run-down village hall, into An Talla Loch Ness Visitor Centre, a visitor gateway to Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. The renovation project used Heavy 3 spanish slate for its similarities, aesthetically and characteristically, to the traditional Scottish Ballachulish.  Part of a £2.5 million project, the developers Loch Ness by Jacobite took over the building with the view of creating a base for visitors to embark on a journey along the loch. The extensive renovation of the Victorian-built Dochgarroch Village Hall has been re-named An Talla, meaning ‘The Hall’ in Gaelic. It now comprises of a reception, retail outlet and café, all built around a new central courtyard and external terrace overlooking the Caledonian Canal towpath and quayside. As the original slate used on the building was Scottish Ballachulish, Heavy 3 was selected for its shared characteristics such as its blue-black colour and thickness. Heavy 3 slate is the best choice for repair and replacement of traditional roofs in Scotland as it produced at an extra thickness, 7 - 8mm, meaning it is ideal for combatting Scotland’s inclement weather.  “As the Loch Ness centre is an extension of the original hall building which has a traditional Ballachulish roof, Heavy 3 slate was selected as the ideal match to maintain the aesthetic,” commented Ian Sharpe, roofing installer at Wyvis Roofing – contractor on the development.  “I specify Heavy 3 for many of my roofing projects as the likeness to traditional Scottish slate is unmatched by anything else on the market. As always, the installation went really well and the CUPA PIZARRAS team – who I use regularly for roofing projects - were on hand to assist if needed.“One particular quirk of this project was the family of bats that had taken residence in the roof of the building. As bats are a classed as a European protected species, it is illegal to remove them; so, we installed a number of lead bat vents, allowing the bats to fly in and out of the roof space freely – yet more wildlife for visitors to observe.” 

The Pride development is a £60 million investment which includes a new 122 bed hospital being built on the former Ryhope Hospital site in Sunderland. Laing O’Rourke, the main contractors of this project, specified Polyroof waterproofing systems for the flat roof areas.Barclay Roofing Ltd carried out the works, having previously worked with Laing O’Rourke on the 2013 Roofing Award Winning Durham Gateway Project.The SolutionThe roofs were of a complex nature and involved many details such as vents, level changes, handrail abutments, plant supports, protrusions, stanchion blocks, and parapet walls. It was essential that these details could be waterproofed in the most effective and rapid way possible. Protec, being liquid-applied, was dressed onto the upstands of the details without the need for lengthy and complicated ‘patching’ work, creating a totally seamless interface between the details and the flat roof membrane.The client required designated, permanent walkways for maintenance purposes. Quartz Sand & Polyfinish was used to create a durable and hard-wearing anti-slip finish, without the need for costly ancillary walkway systems. The system is capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and is impact resistant meaning the client had peace of mind that the walkways can be used without the risk of damaging the waterproofing integrity. Some of the roof areas are to be covered with a green roof system. The waterproofing membrane that was used therefore had to be highly durable, lightweight, fully root resistant and maintenance-free. The Protec System meets all the criteria for use with green roofs and was specified as the ideal solution for the green roof areas.It was essential that health & safety and hazard risks were kept to an absolute minimum during works. Being cold applied and low in VOC content, Protec was able to satisfy the stringent requirements of this aspect of the project.Due to the size of the roof areas, structural expansion and contraction movements had to be considered. Ideally the client wanted a waterproofing system that could accommodate these movements without the need for any additional and potentially costly modifications such as expansion joints. Protec is specially formulated to be highly flexible whilst also maintain its durability and hard-wearing properties.

The new YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark, Nottinghamshire is the first project of its kind to be constructed in the UK. The innovative community and activity centre provides a mix of facilities from sports and hospitality to training and childcare, with the building ranging in height from two to three storeys and comprising some 59,000 square feet of usable space.The core services available have been separated into three distinct zones – hospitality, education, and activity. The first area includes a café and function room, with the educational facilities available including classrooms and teaching areas for both adults and children. The activity zone features a gym and multi-purpose activity space as well as the Climbing Hall. This includes a 15m Olympic standard climbing wall that rises to the full height of the three-storey building and is the largest of its kind in the UK.The building also features a range of aluminium fenestration solutions supplied by Senior.Close collaboration and early engagement within the supply chain was key to the successful delivery of this multi-purpose building. The project saw Senior’s architectural advisor Michael Reynolds work alongside Rayner Davies Architects and main contractor R G Carter Construction to design and provide suitable aluminium doors, windows and curtain wall solutions which were fabricated and installed by Acorn Aluminium.The striking main entrance of the building has been created using Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall system which incorporates SPW501 thermally broken doors complete with automatic swing operators. A key feature of the north elevation entrance is the extra-large PURe® commercial door measuring 2920mm x 3045mm. Across the remaining elevations, Senior’s curtain wall system has been further complemented by the incorporation of SPW600e aluminium windows, specified as both insert vents and fixed light windows. Senior’s versatile SPW501 commercial doors have also been used throughout and on the west elevation, Senior’s patented PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors provide additional access.

As one of the pioneers of remote working solutions, Citrix recently chose to reconfigure their offices, taking on an additional space at the Cambridge Science Park. Aiming to create an environment that would facilitate engagement, creativity and productivity, moveable wall specialists, Style worked closely with architect, Gensler, and contractor, Area Sq, to offer intensely flexible workspace.Delivering exceptional acoustic ratings of 55dB and 52dB respectively, Style installed two Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable walls and a single Variflex glass moveable wall, allowing Citrix staff to section off a meeting area from the main hall and then further sub-divide the space as required. Contributing to the vibrant new décor, all walls feature black RAL 9005 profiles and dry wipe magnetic boards to encourage brainstorming. Cambridge Science Park has been home to the UK Citrix Research and Development team for over a decade. Having occupied approx. 30,000 sq ft of space on the first floor, Citrix was keen to refurbish their existing workplace as well as expand operations by taking over additional space on the ground floor.Reflecting the Citrix vision and culture, the new layout and design maximises the potential of the space, allowing staff to establish new ways of collaborating.When all three walls are in place, three smaller meeting rooms are created. Alternatively, a combination of one large and one small meeting room can be formed, or just one very large space using just the glass moveable wall. The entire space can also be opened-up into one large open plan area. “This is an excellent example of how a combination of glass and solid moveable walls can create really adaptable office space,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“Thanks to the inclusion of three pass doors, access is simplified and also allows the glass wall to be left in place for extended periods if desired, creating a more permanent space. “However, due to the semi-automatic operation of these operable walls, they can be opened up extremely quickly so that the entire space can be reconfigured for different vents throughout the day.” 

Leading partitioning specialist, Style, has launched a new glass sliding wall solution for balconies and terraces (BSW). Transforming a balcony into functional space, glass panels are used to enclose the area, creating a barrier against weather and noise without impeding the view. On fine days, the upper section of the glass panels can be neatly folded and stacked to one side, allowing people to sit out and enjoy the sunshine.For terrace rooms that open straight out into a garden or external seating area, Style’s new glass sliding wall allows the boundary between the two spaces to be easily removed on sunny days, whilst successfully combining weather protection with uninterrupted views of the outside during inclement weather.With a discrete guidance track that can be fitted flush to the floor, the BSW system creates a truly a streamlined aesthetic. “This is an exciting addition to our portfolio of glass moveable, folding and partitioning walls,” said Mark Cowley, who heads up the glass solutions division at Style. "With space at a premium, it makes sense to extract the maximum functionality from what is available.”“Our sliding-folding glass wall system brings the outdoors in, effectively expanding the living space in residential homes. In commercial settings, such as restaurants for example, the BSW can be used to increase capacity by making use of a balcony or external area that would otherwise only be enjoyed in good weather.” Making for a welcoming environment, even when a terrace room or balcony is entirely enclosed by the glass panels, air still circulates internally thanks to tiny, 3mm gaps between that provide continuous ventilation. Any condensation is quickly filtered outside thanks to unobtrusive drainage vents and guttering.Fitted with a sophisticated roller system, the individual glass panels also incorporate autonomous pivot point identifiers, ensuring smooth and effortless manoeuvrability every time.Ideal for residential and hospitality settings, the BSW system also offers opportunities for sports clubs, retail outlets and commercial offices, wherever a more enjoyable experience could be offered by opening-up an internal area to incorporate an outdoor space.