"ventilation systems and ventilators"

Wick Tower is an iconic building for the locals which lay derelict for 20 years. Licata Building Systems was part of the process to bring Wick Tower back to life. Our silicone render system was used to create an aesthetic façade finish. The render system used maintains it’s clean fresh look for many years to come due to its self cleaning properties and will protect the structure from moisture.

Working with Epwin Window Systems on any project can be like a breath of fresh air. Putting it simply, our experience & expertise in commercial projects counts. We’ll save you time & money, we’ll always work for the best overall outcome. We know that you’re the construction experts. Our job isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to help you do what you do best, more economically & more efficiently. Simplifying the task of installation, reduce site damage & cut down on survey times while delivering the right windows & doors for all your projects. Call us.

A selection of our high-performance aluminium fenestration solutions has been used for this new café and drive-thru at a popular shopping destination in Wales.The new Starbucks at Parc Pemberton Retail Park has been designed by G1 Architects and built by Trojan Construction, with the aluminium fenestration package skilfully delivered by specialist contractor Sherwood Aluminium Systems.The project features both our cost-effective SCW aluminium curtain walling and our robust SFG shop front glazing system, which are both ideally suited for use in the retail sector as they combine slim sightlines with a robust and durable construction. Our curtain wall system has been used to create a bright and airy interior in the café, and the SFG system has been integrated with our SD aluminium doors to provide safe access at the entrance and exit. Our SD aluminium commercial doors have also been used on the drive-thru building, with the powder-coated aluminium frames perfectly complementing the use of timber cladding and grey façade design.The new Starbucks outlet has benefited from both Trojan Construction and Sherwood Aluminium Systems’ extensive experience undertaking similar schemes for the retailer across the UK, with Sherwood Aluminium Systems named as a preferred supplier for Starbucks.

Berry Systems supplied and installed Internal and external vehicle safety barriers at new Aggreko, Dumbarton plant to protect; doorways, walkways, columns, site and equipment.Aggreko PLC, the world leader in the field of power and temperature control rental, has become the first company in the UK to have Berry Systems’ new Stopbollards installed at its new 170,000 sq ft Dumbarton facility.The many, internal and external vehicle doorways at the brand new Dumbarton site were identified very quickly as needing special protection. Glasgow architects Bradford Robertson considered a number of options before concluding with main contractors, Morgan Sindall, that our SlowStop bollards would prove a cost effective solution. During a collision, the kinetic energy of the impact is progressively absorbed as the post tilts, compressing an elastomeric sleeve within the base. The post is able to tilt from its vertical position to an angle of 20 before it locks within the base. After the impact the post will return back to its vertical position, ready to perform once again. A total of 104 SlowStop bollards were installed at Dumbarton, along with a variety of other products from our range.https://berrysystems.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Berry-Case-Study-Aggreko-Dumbarton.pdf

Berry Systems supplied and installed perimeter and ramp barriers for new multi-storey car park incorporating very thin  concrete decks.A revised design for the new Heathrow Terminal 2 multi-storey car park called for a floor depth of just 150mm comprising a 60mm deep slab with 90mm structural topping. However, and there’s always a however, a traditional rigid safety barrier post needs fixing with 4 bolts each to a depth of 170mm. Obviously these couldn’t be used,so contractors Laing O’Rourke turned to barrier specialists Berry Systems to provide a solution and appropriate perimeter barriers for the 6 decks and the spiral entrance and exit ramps.Over many years Berry Systems have developed a range of flexible spring steel barriers that ‘give’ on impact. This not only reduces damage to both the barrier and an impacting vehicle but crucially reduces the pull out loading on the anchorage by 50% or more. This in turn allows post fixing to be achieved by using only a single bolt embedded to a depth of merely 110mm - a depth achievable into the new slabs.The specification was completed with Berry Beam safety rails to provide a more attractive appearance than the well known “Armco” style. Post extensions provided mountings for a pedestrian handrail at 1100mm high with integral anti-climb mesh where needed.The thin slabs were developed by Bison Manufacturing and are the thinnest precast concrete planks produced to date in the UK. They led to many benefits which considerably reduced the construction programme. It also allowed 6 floors in the usual height of 5, increasing capacity to 1340 spaces. But perimeter protection would have proved problematical without the expertise of Berry Systems.

Rockfon was given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of a wide range of spaces while contributing to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental status of this stunning project.This new five storey medical school enables students to experience real life situations encountered by those in the medical profession. It includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms to simulate hospital wards or a GP surgery, a pro-section anatomy suite and bio-medical and health sciences library. Professor Mary Stuart was University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor at the time, “It represents more than just a building – it is a commitment to current and future communities in Lincolnshire to develop sustainable healthcare for the region.” HLM were the client architects, ‘The scheme has been modelled to create the optimal sustainable environment through informed decisions on site layout, massing, orientation, building fabric, elevational treatment and Integrated renewable energy systems. To further enhance student mental health and wellbeing, the scheme uses biophilic design principles including natural lighting and ventilation, visual links to natural landscape features and natural materials.’Meeting and exceeding client aspirationsShradha Mishra was Project Manager for the Estates Department at University of Lincoln. At its completion she said, “The Lincoln Medical School… has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout the design and construction process. With this in mind, the strategy for the building required exposed ceilings and therefore it was important to review and manage the acoustic requirements of the spaces to ensure a suitable working and teaching environment. Following extensive design and consultation with acoustic engineers, Rockfon were recommended for installation across the project which included a variety of both suspended ceiling grid tiles and acoustic baffles in open plan areas to support the absorption of sound.”BAM were main contractors for the project with BAM Design leading architectural design. Brebur Limited were responsible for the installation of ceiling and wall systems at Lincoln. Operations Director Vinny Lilley had this to say, “We have an excellent relationship with Rockfon. Their wide range of specialist products always ensures the architectural vision is achieved. They are always on-hand to offer technical advice and commercial acumen, with around 2,500sqm of tile and grid components being supplied by regional distributors.Acoustics reducing stress and enhancing healthAcoustic Rockfon Eclipse® islands are utilised within open plan areas where they are suspended on wires from the soffit, giving the illusion that they float. They can be specified in a variety of shapes with unlimited custom colour matching. Eclipse islands are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. At Lincoln they are also present as wall panels to further control sound.Improved acoustics can increase focus by 48% and reduce stress levels by 27%, which aids learning and wellbeing (independent research). The high light reflectance characteristics of Rockfon ceiling and wall systems also help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and enhancing health.Elsewhere within the school, Rockfon Blanka® is installed. Available in a wide range of sound control and durability performance characteristics, its non-directional, anti-static surface prolongs product life. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “All Rockfon ranges are made from inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which offers no sustenance to microorganisms and demonstrates outstanding reaction to fire. Most are available in a full range of formats including concealed, semi-concealed and visible grid options from our extensive Chicago Metallic grid systems.” Specialist ranges for every spaceHTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was the perfect fit at Lincoln where it offers outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 4) also mark it out as a first choice for healthcare specification, along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1). Also within the building, the superior moisture resistant properties and wipe clean surface of Rockfon® Koral™ were important considerations for its use. Affordable, Rockfon® Artic™ was also put to good use in several areas at the school. In common with other Rockfon ranges, both Koral and Artic offer excellent sound absorption and fire safety characteristics.Shradha Mishra continued, “Since completion of the building, we have had positive feedback from building users about both the aesthetic appearance of the Rockfon products along with the acoustic performance of them.” 

The Skyper building complex in Frankfurt am Main boasts a very special architecture. The three-part complex – consisting of the 153.8-metre Skyper high-rise with 39 floors, the neoclassical Skyper Villa from 1915 and the Skyper Carrée – offers a total of 53,900 m2 of office space for numerous companies and banks. When the existing single access entry systems were dismantled in the summer of 2020 as part of renovation work on the foyer, the owner opted for a new, modern solution that would blend in perfectly with the architecture of the skyscraper. Every day, large numbers of people go the foyer to get to their workplace. Numerous visitors also pass through this area. This called for a solution combining functionality, safety and an appealing design.

Rockfon is very happy to have played its part in ensuring the team at premium British lifestyle brand Joules’ new Market Harborough HQ can work in an interior environment where beauty and acoustic control create the perfect space for collaboration.Founded by Tom Joule over 30 years ago, the Group had ambitious aspirations to create a new home that would support its continued growth over the coming years.  Edge vision melds contemporary with heritageEdge Architecture + Design were appointed to lead the project and chose to specify Rockfon acoustic systems. The result is a contemporary, eye-catching 60,000 sq. ft. new HQ, which brings the brand’s UK-based office teams under one roof for the first time. Amplifying the brand’s heritage and reflecting the site’s semi-rural setting, the campus resembles a series of interconnecting barn structures that appear to have evolved over time. The complex is surrounded by landscaping including wildflower meadows and a kitchen garden which enhances the natural feel of the space. Michael Fern, Principle at Edge, said, “This new space will enable a workplace strategy of nimbleness, agile working and wellness… We also wanted to create a strong sense of place that respects the natural surroundings of the site and have designed the scheme as a human scale experience with the building and the landscape interacting in a symbiotic way. We took the local farmstead vernacular as a starting point for the visual aesthetic and used sustainable materials.”Tom Joule, Chief Brand Officer and founder of Joules, said, “This has been a hugely exciting project for our company and our future. We are delighted with the new HQ which will support agile working and new efficiencies in an environment that will enable our growing business to continue to attract and retain world-class talent. Edge’s design embodies our brand and will help us preserve and support our heritage and culture as we expand.”Agricultural cues inform an 21st Century aestheticThe exterior of the campus looks sharp against the skyline whilst taking visual cues and inspiration from agricultural architecture. The interiors are a mix of single and two storey spaces encapsulating open plan and more defined rooms with levels reached by broad stairways. Structural steel and timber add visual heft to the predominantly white pallete which sees certain elements picked out in oxide red, deep teal and warm grey. It certainly delivers the wow factor and promises to nurture creative thought.Bailey Construction were the main contractor for the project, with Elmsmere Interior Systems responsible for the installation of the Rockfon acoustic systems. Gary Sturgess of Elmsmere spoke about the project, “This was an interesting project with Rockfon Mono® Acoustic used in a variety of roles and settings to help control sound while fitting in with the clean, pared down style of the interiors. Everyone concerned is very happy with the completed work which showcases Mono’s versatility.”Pandemic pause affects design choicesAppointed in 2019, Joules’ CEO Nick Jones joined the Group during the design and construction of the new HQ. However, when the pandemic struck and people shifted to working from home, construction was halted which allowed the company to revise its plans to best suit new methods of working and office culture. In response the company has expanded the central atrium and created more space between desks to promote spontaneous interaction. Meeting rooms are equipped with tech enabling remote workers to easily participate, while floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor features, including a bug hotel, help to connect the space to the company’s countryside heritage.Nick Jones commented, “With the opening of our new office, we have introduced a new fully flexible approach to how and where our colleagues work, and the space that we have is critical to that. Not only does our new office allow teams to better connect with one and other—whether in the office or working from home—but also brings the countryside in, to help inspire colleagues from across the business.”Rockfon Mono Acoustic – versatility and styleRockfon’s Matt Barratt, “The completed Joules HQ looks fabulous. Throughout its open plan offices Rockfon Mono Acoustic has been installed to great effect, bringing together the seamless, clean lines associated with traditional plastered surfaces and acoustic performance thought only possible with modular systems. Large windows, structural steel and other hard architectural elements can generate unwanted sound within a space. Mono provides Class A sound absorption (0.95αw) which significantly decreases echo and reverberation levels.”The current utility aesthetic is in evidence at ‘the Barn’. Air conditioning, heating, ventilation and other services are on show in several areas, with Mono installed directly above. It offers Class A2 fire protection and remains dimensionally stable at up to 100% relative humidity. It offers 87% light reflection and greater than 99% light diffusion. In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stonewall, is non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. It can be installed using a suspended grid system or be directly mounted on to the ceiling soffit or and wall.   

Eagle have completed another successful installation for Cala Homes at Sandy Lane Cobham. The installation consisted of 2 sets of electric gates and intercom system to the houses. Compliance with latest directives is essential so these gates were force tested and issued with a declaration of conformity. Eagle support all installations and are able to offer a 24hour emergency call out to offer peace of mind in the unlikely event something should go wrong. In the event of power failure all systems can be manually overridden. All systems are supported with CAD drawings and cabling requirements for intercoms and access control

When it comes to residential, commercial or any structure below ground, waterproofing is a critical component within the construction process for protecting and preserving a building. A poorly designed or installed waterproofing solution can fail leading to significant implications on the structure itself.Delta Registered Installers, Abtech (UK) Ltd were called upon to give assistance on a particularly technically complicated project where approaches to waterproofing design and installation had been incorporated, however the system had failed. For a great remedial waterproofing outcome, seek assistance from an experienced waterproofing company to inspect your site and carry out the remedial work.The property when built had a Type C, cavity drain membrane systems incorporated (not a Delta System), however there was no basement drainage incorporated into the design to manage water ingress.In principle a Type C, drainage system is a water management system. The Type C system is used to control water ingress once it has penetrated the structure.  Moisture or running water travel behind the Type C membrane within a controlled drainage system. A Type C System isn’t classified as a barrier but provides protection by means of water management. For a Type System to be successful a suitable drainage system is required to collect and discharge water ingress to a suitable and safe evacuation point (either by natural forces or a mechanical pump system).When correctly installed, groundwater drainage channels effectively relieve hydrostatic water pressure in the below ground structure. They are installed below flooring membranes at the floor/wall junction.

Combining all three types of waterproofing system (Types A, B and C) supplied by Triton Systems, at the time of construction this project was believed to be the UK’s largest domestic basement. The three storey habitable space below ground was retrofitted under the existing property, and extends beneath the new build adjacent luxury apartment blocks.

The Project Aston University Student Union at the heart of the University’s campus has seen a £6.5m investment.  The new, two-story building, home to over 100 student clubs and societies, acts as the social hub for the 13000+ students at the university & replaces the old 1960’s Building. The Universities brief was to incorporate the local area into the project using images of Birmingham City Skyline. The Challenge Offer a full height cubicle system, suitable for the environment and to a specification befittng the digital imagery. Digitally render images onto Laminate and apply to the façade of the full height system. Manage the precise fabrication process through the factory. The Solution  Excelsior’s Flush 30 Cubicle System encompasses a rebated aluminium frame to the doors and pilasters. The aluminium edge detail provides a robust trim and looks innovative within this modern building, an unrivalled system within the washroom market.The images, supplied by the client were digitally rendered onto laminate by Formica Younique and applied to the façade of a full height Flush system.Max McLoughlin, CEO of the Student Union comments: ‘We want the building to make students feel proud to be at Aston University. From a design perspective, we wanted the students to feel fully immersed in life on campus & we are very happy with the result’.

United Utilities Group PLC (UU) is the largest listed water company in the United Kingdom. Covering 5 counties it is responsible for providing water service to nearly 7,000,000 customers.Between 2010 and 2015 it spent almost £3.6billion on upgrading its services and infrastructure to meet the ever-increasing demand for reliability and standards.The BriefTo meet the then current threat levels all fencing and gate systems had to provide the following.Anti-Climb Fencing SystemsLPS 1175 SR2 rated Fence and Gate SystemsA Minimum guaranteed delay against attackSwing and Sliding gates rated to LPS 1175 SR2 to meet the demanding nature of the sites

Waterproofing this historic London landmark – external waterproofing with Newton 403 HydroBond, internal waterproofing with Newton System 500, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MacLennanUK.Newton Waterproofing were delighted to return for this project at the prestigious Houses of Parliament in London, a landmark that has dominated London’s skyline for over 150 years. Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MacLennan Waterproofing was approached to specify a guaranteed waterproofing solution for the new-build basement.After reviewing the technical drawings, MacLennan decided to bring the job to Newton, whose product range was perfectly suited to the project requirements. Newton and MacLennan are both privileged to be the companies chosen to share in securing the future of the Palace of Westminster.This complex project required the design and installation of an external waterproofing system, an internal cavity drain system, and a polyurea roofing system to ensure a high standard of waterproofing.Externally, Newton’s innovative ‘Type A’ 403 HydroBond membrane was applied extensively to ensure the necessary waterproofing around the basement, whilst internally, Newton 508 and Newton 520 membranes were both applied from floor to ceiling as part of Newton’s complete System 500 cavity drainage solution. With the finished structure in place, the waterproofing was finally completed by the application of both a polyurea coating and further drainage membrane to the roof deck of the basement.With a waterproof basement fully compliant with the requirements of BS 8102:2009, coupled with guaranteed protection against water ingress, this newly completed, large basement area, situated directly next to the River Thames, provides a durable and well-established waterproofing solution, utilising multiple Newton Systems to great effect.

Architect: Broadway MalyanContractor: BAM ConstructionStone: YorkstoneThe £28M new Broadway Malyan designed Bradford Royal Infirmary Children’s Ward has now been officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal.The new wing, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was recognised with the top honour at the Local Authority Building Control awards for West Yorkshire at Wakefield Unity Works. The Children’s ward is clad in Aztec Rainscreen with a façade of our local Yorkstone.Aztec was chosen because of its similarity to other local buildings and for its speed of installation. Bam, having used the system before were confident of Stone Cladding Systems ability to deliver a quality system on time. 

Introducing the next generation of sliding systems. MasterPatio is a high insulation and high performance lift-slide system with minimalistic look and clean design, down to the details. The system combines top thermal performance with slim sightlines and a maximum element height of 3.7 m.

The purpose:Taylor Wimpey’s Eclipse development was the final phase of the large-scale modernisation and renewal strategy for the London Borough of Walthamstow Forest, known as The Blackhorse Lane Action Plan. Eclipse would offer affordable social and private housing via 500 homes in two six-storey apartment blocks.To help satisfy one of the Plan’s objectives- “to ensure new developments incorporate the highest levels of sustainable design and their impact on climate change is minimised”- we installed green roofs on both blocks. As it was the final development phase, space was limited; time was also an influencing factor in facilitating the tight build programme,avoiding delays, and enabling the client to deliver much-needed new homes.Our solutionTo enable fulfilment of the brief, we recommended our HM-40 Paratech Hot Melt Roofing System as the inverted waterproofing base for the green roof. A fully-bonded system, HM-40 is a robust, durable, and highly flexible monolithic, self-healing hot-melt waterproofing system for protected roofs, green roofs, terraces, and podium decks with a 40-year durability statement. In addition, it is firerated for unrestricted use when covered with a green or ballast roof.Unlike other hot melt systems that use fleeces, the Paratech system incorporates a reinforcement mesh: this allows the system to be rolled out, making waterproofing installation faster, thereby enabling the contractor to lay the top roofing layer of artificial grass and landscaped green roofs. Unfortunately, an on-site compound to store the roofing components was unavailable. We worked closely with T&T Roofing and Taylor Wimpey to ensure deliveries arrived in build sequence for immediate use, but without adversely impacting residents who had already moved into their newhomes.“The features of the flat roof system provided a seamless, issue-free roof installation, with rapid installation time causing minimal disruption. Langley’s technical team was always on hand to provide assistance when necessary, working collaboratively to guarantee a consistent and highquality installation.”

Located in East London, on a water gateway between the River Thames and over 2,000 miles of navigable canals, the six-building Limehouse Basin development comprised of a white EPS insulation board that was fixed to horizontal PVC rails that created a drained cavity between the insulated façade system and the substrate.Due to strict regulations introduced in December 2018 following the Grenfell tragedy, which states any building exceeding 18 metres in height must have walls comprised of non-combustible materials, this building was deemed non-compliant, unsafe, and not fit-for-purpose.Development owners Beckford, supported by the Building Safety Fund (BSF), required an expert team to execute the removal of the existing EWI and replace it with an appropriate alternative, without disrupting the unique aesthetic of the building.The combination of K Systems and Retrofit UK, two companies renowned for their expertise, quality of service, and superiority in the market, was an obvious choice for Beckfords.We have a good portfolio of BSF projects to date, and Limehouse Basin is another great example of how our team along with one of our approved installers can help make a building fit for purpose, whilst overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Unrivalled expertise and professional delivery are apparent in every groove and corner of this refurbishment.Our ServiceTogether with Approved Installer Retrofit UK, K Systems continued works despite Covid restrictions (adhering to Government guidelines) to deliver the Limehouse Basin project within the agreed timeframe and with minimal disruption to residents as requested by the client.Removal of the existing EWI system took place in rotation with the installation of the new system, and a robust programme was put into place by the contractor to ensure the building was not exposed to the elements for long periods of time, ensuring the residents were kept as comfortable as possible especially during the winter months. Decanting of the residents did not take place, so we worked alongside all parties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents were prioritised during the works.Due to the nature of this project, technical monitoring from the K Systems team was increased, and weekly visits were planned along with a reactive approach to any on-site issues that arose from a technical perspective. Our technical teams actioned regular quality assessments and maintained open communication with all stakeholders.The result – an industry-leading insulated façade solution that fulfilled Beckfords’ criteria and delivered an outstanding architectural design and structure, fully compliant with fire regulations and boasting a better U-value which translates to better living conditions for the residents.Technical Project DetailsThe key objective for the Limehouse Basin project was to remove the non-compliant EWI system and replace it with a non-combustible system to meet current building regulations.Our team insist on being involved from the very concept of any BSF project to ensure an accurate specification could be developed and allow any initial underlying issues to be identified and rectified swiftly. Therefore, our Technical Team witnessed the removal of the existing system and inspected the substrate thoroughly.After extensive scoping, the K Systems M, mineral wool insulation, system with a silicone render finish was chosen as the preferred option, meeting the demands and needs of the client and current building regulations. This system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (an A2-s1, d0) bringing it in line with mandatory Government requirements for buildings over 18m tall.With superb acoustic qualities and excellent environmental properties, the M System didn’t just tick the fire resistance box. The thermal performance of the building was significantly enhanced, with a U-value of 0.30W/m².k being achieved.The shape of the buildings were complex, with numerous curved areas of various facades. This meant the finish required an expert eye and a skilled hand to deliver seamlessly. Both K Systems and Retrofit are renowned for their expertise and superiority in the market, and therefore such challenges were overcome, and high standards of workmanship delivered.Another very challenging aspect of the build was the replication of the rainscreen cladding to the front of the buildings. This detail was successfully created by using tape joints, stop beads, and black silicone mastic to create a shadow gap – further testament to the expert capabilities of our team. This particular finish not only delivered the desired aesthetic but delivered an additional benefit of cost savings for the client.We worked closely with Retrofit UK throughout the duration of the refurb and as a result the Limehouse Basin buildings have a contemporary finish and attractive aesthetic worthy of the projects postcode, and one we are confident existing residents welcomed and potential residents appreciated.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the iconic Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, one of Scotland’s largest sports facilities, needed a new roof to protect the important building. With the previous roof membrane nearing 30 years old and in a state of disrepair due to the challenging Scottish weather, the centre needed a long-term and robust roofing solution.Planned by Perth and Kinross Council’s arms-length body Live Active Leisure, the £700,000 project also aimed to improve insulation and ventilation in order to enhance the venue’s environmental performance and efficiency. With the building needing to stay fully operational during the works and the added difficulties presented by weather and the domed shape of the roof, the project provided a real challenge for the contractors.Roofing:Mechanically fixed Sika Sarnafil S327-15 EL light grey over Sika Sarnatherm insulation S327-15 EL.

In densely populated urban areas of the cities, where the number of floors in housing is sometimes limited and private gardens are rare, a rooftop terrace or patio is becoming a popular design choice. However, many residential buildings with rooftop gardens don’t see much daylight and careful consideration is required to determine an access point to the roof terrace. For such rooftop projects, a new dimension of roof access is offered by the LAMILUX Flat Roof Access Hatch Comfort range, designed to give a generous daylight intake in attic apartments alongside convenient access to the roof terrace creating an air of grace and beauty both internally and externally. The LAMILUX Flat Roof Access Hatch Comfort range now introduces its fourth product into the family, giving more choice and flexibility when creating a luxurious living space with an exclusive ambience. Featuring unrestricted use as a natural ventilation device and convenient access to the roof terrace, the indoor climate also benefits from the high energy efficiency of the range thanks to the thermally broken frame and excellent air tightness values.The existing Solo and Duo Flat Roof Access Hatch products from LAMILUX open laterally by moving one or two panels horizontally to create direct access to step onto the roof terrace, whilst the space-saving hinged opening Swing variant swiftly opens its one meter by 3000 or 3500 mm long aperture to 84 degrees in just 25 seconds. The fourth, and newest addition to the Access Hatch Comfort repertoire the Square, makes it possible, for the first time, to also use spiral and platform staircases underneath. Until now, access to the roof was limited to straight stairways due to the elongated rectangular shape of the roof access hatch range. The Square only takes 45 seconds for the concealed hydraulic drives to silently open the 4m² glass element of the skylight by 70 degrees. As with the Swing, the new variant does not require any additional space on the roof terrace than its own size in closed form, even when open, thanks to its swing mechanism.   Visually, the aluminium border frame throughout the product family, attracts attention as an architectural highlight. The aluminum profiles and the reveal surface can be coated in all RAL colours offering further choice and exclusivity. Since the glass panes and frame feature a flush edge detail both internally and externally, and all variants are designed with an inclined surface, the range boasts not only a visually appealing seamless design, but also ensures that rainwater can run-off easily without leaving any dirty edges or water ponding. Safety is standard in the Flat Roof Access Hatch Comfort product family with fall-resistant glazing which can be walked on to a limited extent for cleaning purposes. As an additional safety feature, a light barrier is installed as standard which prevents the closing of the access hatch as soon as it detects something in the entrance area. In terms of energy, the new roof access hatch continues the tradition of all LAMILUX skylights: The overall system, which is free of thermal bridges and isothermally balanced and the option of special glazing meets modern demands for sustainability, energy efficiency and climate protection which ultimately save heating costs and minimizes condensation. All four products in this family have one further thing in common: They are delivered completely pre-assembled to the construction site, lifted onto the roof by a crane provided by the customer and then installed swiftly and easily. This minimizes the risk of errors and saves valuable time – both for the contractor and for the apartment user who ultimately gains access to the roof terrace. 

Commissioned by 30 member states of the European Union, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) monitors the climate and weather. In light of climate change, the data it collects using complex satellite systems is becoming increasingly important. The growth of the organization associated with this is reflected in the continuous expansion of its HQ in Darmstadt. The construction of a new six-floor office building also includes a canteen for all employees working at the location. This canteen gets its unmistakable face from a lamella-style suspended ceiling made of golden PC-ALU 6010 aluminum mesh from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG.Modern weather forecasts today have little in common with traditional country weather lore. Satellites make it possible to monitor the climate and weather on a global scale. The data collected is then used to keep authorities, citizens and companies up-to-date with the latest developments at all times. In Europe, EUMETSAT monitors the atmosphere, oceans and earth’s surface around the clock and then transmits the data to the participating EU member states. Established in 1986, the organization opened its headquarters in Darmstadt in 1991. However, ever increasing requirements and staff numbers meant that the operation quickly outgrew its original space. A six-floor office building with 160 workplaces represents the final phase of a whole range of extensions and new buildings. Following a construction period of just 18 months, around 100 employees were able to move out of their temporary container offices and into the new building costing around €10 million, while a further 60 new employees are set to follow. The shape of the new building, designed by Pielok Marquardt Architects from Offenbach, is a mirror image of an existing building. Beside excellent energy efficiency and multifunctionality, the new building is characterized by transparency and modern design. Four office levels offer versatile space with transparent partition walls for any desired arrangement – whether open space, combination offices or classic cubicles.Functional division – exceptional aestheticsThe ground level comprises two separate functional units that can be accessed via separate entrances. Beside a control center for a new satellite program, this is also home to the campus kitchen with connected canteen for the workforce at the location, which has now grown to include around 600 employees. The kitchen has been designed to provide 410 meals a day and the canteen offers 250 seats. The mullion-transom facade also ensures that the room is flooded with light. Carefully chosen furnishings divide its area into various acoustically optimized zones. The white of the desks and chairs is picked up by strips in the glossy flooring and the cladding of the food counter, pillars and supports. In the central zone, bright red benches with high, sound-absorbing backrests offer a vibrant contrast. The color scheme is rounded off by the warm brown of the stone floor and the wooden acoustic cladding. However, the striking element in the room is the suspended ceiling, made from 400 square meters of golden aluminum mesh. Its 120 elements with a blade-type design mimic the appearance of sunshine in the canteen with their discreet shimmer. LED lighting strips further underline this impression. At the same time, the mesh conceals the ventilation technology with incoming air outlets on the element frames. As a result, the accessibility of the woven ceiling elements was among the key requirements for GKD. The planners opted for a particularly open mesh design in the form of the PC-ALU 6010 mesh with various warp and weft wire thicknesses. The function and aesthetics of the ceiling mesh thereby provide the desired high level of comfort in the canteen, while also making the room a unique feast for the eyes.