"wall"

Italia-Corten was recently specified as a wall cladding on a new house in Wells-next-the-Sea, one of the loveliest towns on the Norfolk Coast . The iconic eighteenth century maltings, granaries and a network of narrow streets, alleys and yards have ensured that Wells has preserved its historic character as a manufacturing town and the corten louvred panels sympathetically blend with the heritage of the surroundings. Ian Bramwell, director of award-winning Mole Architects, who was in charge of the project, described the result as ‘fantastic’.The panels were hooked to stainless steel brackets which were designed and fabricated by Lang+Fulton to provide a hidden fixing. Prior to installation, the panels were pickled off-site to speed up the initial rusting of the corten and to reduce any consequential staining.

Location: Lymington, HampshoreProject Type: HousingDevelopment Cost: £80mProduct: Shadex 150 Raking: First Fix Brackets (Thru Render)Shadex 190 Drop-in Cassettes (Structural Steel Supports)Aluminium Plain FasciaDelta 100 GutterDelta 150 Gutter100mm Round Contemporary Rainwater PipeMeridian Wall CopingFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7000 Matt Squirrel Grey: Marine SpecificationFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Redrow Homes LtdArchitect: AAP Architecture LtdMain Contractor: Redrow Homes LtdSub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd

Kindred House is a 25-storey block made up of 128 one to three bedroom residential apartments overlooking the Croydon Flyover. Of these homes, 60 are affordable, and includes above flexible office and retail space, and 1000m² of flexible commercial space adjacent to the road. These all act as a buffer for the affordable apartments on the opposite side of the plan. The building has been stabilised with RC lift cores and RC shear walls and supported on reinforced concrete piled foundations.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD5 was specified by Pitman Tozer Architects on this project for its excellent high impact sound deadening properties ideal for a block of flats. It is a lightweight, easy to install non-crosslinked polyethylene foam.Henry Construction was awarded the 10,000m² contract to construct these modern apartments.

Our most recent project was in Romford, London. We worked alongside Vincent Stokes on their refurbishment of the changing area at Central Park Leisure Centre. The project included a variety of new furniture for the changing rooms, Helmsman supplied new lockers and bench seating.The client chose our Leisure Lockers, which are manufactured with an aluminium body and solid grade laminate doors. These lockers are specifically designed to withstand an environment subject to high moisture, humidity and chlorine, perfect for swimming pool changing rooms such as this project. The choice of lockers for Central Park Leisure centre were a mix of 1 and 2 compartment lockers.Helmsman’s leisure lockers come in a variety of colours and finishes, and with a variety of suppliers, there’s a huge range of colours to choose from. For this project, Vincent Stokes requested lockers in 3 colours, with Greenlam Laminate doors manufactured in Pearly White, 268 Dust and 297 Blue Galaxy. These colours work brilliantly together and match the rest of the design in the changing rooms perfectly. A popular choice of lock for a leisure centre changing rooms is a coin return lock. The locks used for this project were Ojmar coin return locks, with wrist straps, perfect for a swimming pool environment to keep the keys safe whilst the customer uses the facilities. We also produced bench seating for the project at Central Park Leisure Centre, with both wall to floor benching complete with hook boards, and wall island benching. These were manufactured with Greenlam laminate slats in colour 297 Blue Galaxy to match the lockers and the rest of the changing room design. It was great to work with Vincent Stokes on this project. If you need leisure lockers, bench seating, or have a project you want to chat with us about, give us a call today on 01284 530427 or email specifications@helmsman.co.uk

The extraordinary, purpose built SuperLab in Oxford provides much needed lab space and fantastic facilities for the next generation of science entrepreneurs and innovators. The new state-of-the-art building is located close to the city centre and the university, which spins out around 15 science firms a year. Created and built by Oxford-based Robin Swailes Design and Development, the SuperLab offers almost 7,000 sq ft of accommodation for up to 84 staff and blends contemporary design with the latest efficiency features while meeting the needs of the modern workforce. The building is made of 95 per cent recycled aluminium and features a grey water system using collected rainwater to flush the toilets, thermal efficient panelling, air source heat pumps and solar panels to minimise its carbon footprint and keep running costs as low as possible. Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of its high-performance glazing products for this unique development via approved fabricator Alternative Windows. Products used were: System 17 Curtain Walling, System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 4-35Hi Fixed Casement Windows and System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Doors. Curved walls, round windows and open ceilings create a sense of space and wellbeing, topped off with advanced acoustics, quality finishing touches and a playful interior. The result is an inspiring and design-focused workplace that encourages collaboration. Outside, a roof top recreation area provides space for al fresco meetings, eating and drinking with views over Oxford’s Dreaming Spires. A fantastic project to have been involved in, which ultimately encourages young and innovative science pioneers to stay and further their career on home soil.

Severn Trent Water’s new £60m operations centre in Coventry, which aims to set new industry standards with one of the lowest carbon footprints for any UK office building, incorporates equally eco-friendly Armourcoat polished plaster.Designed by Birmingham-based Webb Gray Architects, and built by BAM Construction, this highly-sophisticated energy efficient building featuring the latest eco-technology. Designed for low-energy and low-carbon consumption, the offices include thermal adaptive cooling, biomass boilers, photovoltaic panels, solar panels and rainwater harvesting; justifiably achieving a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.Armourcoat was used within the reception and main atrium space, to create a stunning and original design statement. Totaling nearly four hundred square metres of hand-applied decorative plaster, Webb Gray specified colourfade artwork for feature panels and curved walls using Armourcoat Spatulata. For the 30-metre high atrium panels, artisan plasterers blended over seventy colours of paste to achieve the seamless finish. Known as ‘stucco lustro veneziano’, Spatulata is a superfine stucco paste that is trowel applied in a series of fine layers to create a highly polished decorative surface. In keeping with the eco specification, the product contains 40% pre-consumer recycled marble.The project also included the use of ‘Anti-Crack’ - an innovative substrate preparation system from Armourcoat which ensures fast-track construction and a tough, unrivalled backing for Armourcoat polished plaster wall finishes. This cost effective, skim-coat plaster is designed for application in 3-4mm layers over plasterboard surfaces. Its use eliminates the need for taping, jointing and sealing the plasterboard surface and provides a first class substrate for Armourcoat finishes.

Transforming Small Spaces with Rooflights.In the heart of the English countryside, you’ll find lots of quintessential cottages, often with thatched roofs, just like something you’d find on a postcard. Whilst these cottages are beautiful on the outside, they often lack light and space on the inside.This was the issue a homeowner in Salisbury, Wiltshire ran into when it came to renovating an ensuite shower room in a cottage. The space runs the length of the adjoining bedroom but due to the size of the property, it’s only a few feet wide. The other problem was, it was incredibly dark, with no existing windows or the wall space to install them. The homeowner would need to put their thinking cap on, because this challenge would be the focus of their renovation. Natural light was a top priority to create the bright and airy ensuite space the homeowner imagined for their renovation.With the room not having the wall space to install vertical windows, and because it was in the eaves of the building, there were no floors above it. Thinking creatively, the homeowner opted to use the ceiling space and install rooflights to allow an abundance of natural light to flood into the small space. However, this wasn’t as straightforward as you may think because of the very nature of the homeowner’s quintessential cottage nestled in the English countryside. Being a Grade 2 listed building, planning permission is strict and so the homeowner needed to find the right rooflights that would be in keeping with the property and not upset its overall aesthetic.The Planning Officers themselves were able to help the homeowner with their renovation, pointing them in the direction of the Rooflight Company’s Conservation Rooflight, the Victorian-style rooflight, engineered to modern specification.With their advice, two CR10-2 rooflights were installed to the ensuite bathroom. The finished result is the beautifully light and airy ensuite bathroom that the homeowner had envisioned from the inside, and a period Salisbury cottage still quintessential from the outside.

Altro floors and walls bring the seaside in at Cornish holiday parkIssueBeachside Holiday Park is a busy, seasonal, family business that recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. In response to customer needs, the team at Beachside Holiday Park was investing in a large refurbishment, to totally transform the main building, providing a new, spacious, cohesive reception, restaurant, bar and soft play area with an overall beachside theme. The refurbishment needed to be completed in time for an expected busy holiday season.ApproachIn the large reception, restaurant and bar area, flooring choice was vitally important to achieving the overall vision, with the team wanting to create a space that shouted sunny seaside, even if it was raining outside. Beachside turned to Ian Williams of Ace Flooring & Carpets on the recommendation of their main contractor. “We worked closely with Ben and the team at Beachside to make sure we got the look and feel they were after,” explained Ian. The toilets and back of house areas also needed a refresh, providing customers and staff with hygienic and safe spaces.SolutionThe Beachside Holiday Park needed a floor for front of house that provided longevity, durability, looked good and was easy to maintain. The team at Beachside Holiday Park and Ace Flooring worked together on this incredibly impactful space and selected two wood-look options of Altro Ensemble modular flooring. In the kitchens, Ace Flooring recommended the tried and tested combination of Altro Crete resin floor and Altro Whiterock hygienic wall cladding to deliver a robust, resilient and hygienic Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) approved solution. In the toilets and throughout the back of house, the installation of sustainable Altro XpressLay adhesive-free safety floor reduced the downtime of these busy areas.The design was so good, Ace Floor and the Beachside team were nominated for, and won, an Altro Design Recognition Award.

The new office development for the New Gorbals Housing Association in Glasgow features a variety of aluminium fenestration solutions. Together these have helped create a light and airy workspace and an impressive centrepiece for the wider regeneration of the area.Located on Crown Street, the new commercial office building is complemented by a new civic piazza and has been designed by Page & Park Architects. Flexibility and adaptability were key focuses for the overall design, with the incorporation of daylighting and natural ventilation strategies to boost wellbeing, and large glazed facades to better connect the building with the local community.The welcoming main entrance has been created using Senior’s slimline and thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and SPW501 aluminium commercial doors. The fenestration package also includes Senior’s SPW600e aluminium windows which were used throughout. The ground floor glazing has been recessed to provide privacy to the internal work spaces whilst complementing the overall ‘open’ design of the scheme. In contrast, the first-floor glazing protrudes slightly to maximise views of the surrounding city. Senior’s products were fabricated and installed by Scottech for main contractor CCG.The office environment includes both large areas for group work and smaller, more private booths and is centred around a large timber-clad atrium. The use of internal and external glazed partitions and windows helps balance the space, providing links with both the other areas of the building and the outside. The fenestration package has also been designed to provide those using the building with multiple aspect views and daylighting, whilst avoiding overheating and glare from the summer sun. To further complement the overall façade design which features dark grey zinc cladding, and to boost the durability of the aluminium frames, the windows, doors and curtain wall systems were powder coated.

The £82 million redevelopment of Coventry’s rail station has seen the creation of a new entrance building and multi-storey car park, with Senior Architectural Systems playing a key role in its creation.Designed by AHR Architects, the West Midlands station is one of the busiest outside of London. The project is the latest to have been delivered by Senior and its long-term supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems and Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd.Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system was specified for the main station building, helping to flood the concourse with natural light. Senior’s robust SD automatic commercial sliding doors were also installed to provide secure, safe and accessible access to the thousands of passengers who use the station every day. Additionally, the new-look station also features a footbridge to allow easier access to the platforms and bus interchange.Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system provided the ideal balance of aesthetics and performance by allowing copious amounts of light to enter the building and offering enhanced thermal efficiency. The aluminium frames were powder coated to boost durability and also complement the station’s feature grey and red cladding. Senior’s SPW501 aluminium commercial swing doors were also specified throughout to provide a safe and secure solution to such a high traffic environment.The extensive use of glazing on the building also pays homage to the original station building which is located nearby but owing to its Grade II status, could not be extended or developed to meet the increased demand on Coventry’s rail network. Ahead of the wider refurbishment of the original building, the large glazed panels have been used to frame various artwork from local artists and create another focal point for visitors to the city.

The FM company of a large Yorkshire Hospital engaged with wall & door protection specialists, Yeoman Shield, to resolve the unsightly and problematic damage that was occurring to fire doors in a busy specialist unit.Such damage, caused by the everyday passage of people, trolleys and equipment, if not attended to, may have become detrimental to the functioning of the fire doors.Yeoman Shield were able to provide a comprehensive fire rated door protection system, which when installed does not affect the fire integrity, to help combat and break the damage cycle, helping to prolong the life of the doors.Door Edge protectors, either FD60 or FD30, according to a doors rating, were installed to the vulnerable leading and hinged edges of the door to prevent chipping and splintering and helping to maintain the recommended 3mm gap between doors and frames.The leaves of the doors were covered with Yeoman Shield’s 2mm thick FalmouthEx protection panels at either full or half height dependent on where the impact was more prevalent, preventing dents or holes from manifesting in the future.Standard glazing beads were replaced with PVCu clad units, complete with corresponding intumescent strip, helping to protect an element of the door much prone to damage.A further part of the fire door refurbishment project was the addition of an Architrave and Stop Lath protection system. These systems come complete with hardwood (stop lath) or MDF core (architrave) with a PVCu cover and as such not only becomes resilient to impact damage but eliminates the requirement for redecoration and repair.Yeoman Shield were able to provide fire certificates for all parts of their fire door protection system offering compliance assurance to the client.For more information on Yeoman Shield cost effective wall & door protection systems go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

Avantage MP AOVAvantage MP is a 1 and 2 hour fire resistant AOV smoke control damper suitable for multi compartment applications of smoke control such as lobby to smoke shaft ventilators.The product is based on a damper door design and has been tested and certified to BS EN12101-8 achieving 1 and 2 hour fire rating. This is particularly important so to maintain the fire integrity of any shaft.The Avantage AOV smoke control damper is noted for its superior airtight properties. The damper is available as a motorised version providing a practical solution for large buildings where fire safety equipment is regularly testedThe unit is completed with a decorative silver anodised aluminium grille on the front. It fixes into a fire compartment shaft wall and is direct fixed within the opening through the sides of the damper. Once the damper has been securely fixed to the structure any shaft side perimeter gaps must be caulked with intumescent sealing material.Recommended fixing details are available on request to suit an array of fire compartment walls together with safety, installation and maintenance instructions.The front face grille is fixed to the damper unit flange and has the option of being coloured black behind the grille for improved visual appearance. The grilles are attached with concealed fixings.Key featuresSuperior air tightness (tested at -1500 Pa)Minimal pressure dropImproved energy efficiency and acoustic insulationRemovable grille for easy maintenanceAuxiliary switches for remote damper position indicationEfficient robust decorative finishing grille with concealed fixingsThe wiring connection and the drive motor mechanism is accessed lobby side of the ventilator behind the decorative grilleEasy access for service and maintenanceWide range of sizes for optimal selection considering pressure drop and space available

A chapel was first built at Swan Hill in the town of Shrewsbury in 1767. In 1868, this was demolished and replaced with the current building; schoolrooms were then added in 1880. Charters Property Ltd who specialise in property development, consultancy and project management, recently purchased the deconsecrated church and have transformed the building into a prestigious development of four fabulous homes.Sensitivity was key when renovating the property and the majority of the original features have been preserved. Original stone walls, lintels and cills have been repaired and impeccably replaced. The walls and roofs have been insulated and energy saving measures implemented to create a comfortable, efficient living environment.Although it was possible to restore some of the original fenestration, double glazed replacement steel windows were still required throughout the building. Clement were thrilled to manufacture these new steel windows and doors. Various Clement ranges were used to meet the different criteria required for the project. For example, the Brooking range was used for the beautiful arched head windows on the front elevation as it would best replicate the originals which would have been silicone fronted. EB16 was used for other windows where silicone fronting was not required and W20 was used to make the steel doors. In total over thirty individual windows were specified, all in various shapes and sizes.Clement Conservation Rooflights were also specified, which bring masses of light in through the beautiful, high ceilings.James Charters, Director of Charters Property said “We were very pleased with the attention to detail and finish of the steel windows, Clement took ownership of their section of the project and were able to deliver a complex scheme on time and to a very good standard. They remained client focussed throughout and we will happily use their service again.”Photography: Photos supplied by Charters Property and taken by Kate Sanders Photography

THE PROJECTRecticel’s Eurothane® GP and Eurowall® Cavity provided the quality PIR solution for two city-based social housing developments. Melody Gardens and Corporation Road in Salford, Manchester were built on behalf of Places for People and For Housing. Watson Homes carried out the work on both developments. For Melody Gardens, it involved the building of a four-storey block compromising 48 apartments; nine two-storey houses, and a bungalow. The properties were built on a 0.4-hectare site once occupied by a Catholic church.THE SOLUTIONEurothane® GP, a low-thermal conductivity panel, provided Melody Gardens’ groundfloor insulation. In conjunction with Eurowall® Cavity, it was also installed at Corporation Road which comprises 18 one-bed and 15 two-bed apartments. The products’ durable thermal performance ensured both developments become a valued addition to Salford’s social housing portfolio.Mike Watson, Construction Director at Watson Homes explained:"Recticel’s high-quality products were essential to ensuring the fabric of both developments was fitted with insulation that will fulfil the occupants’ long-term domestic needs. In terms of installation, the panels’ easy-fit properties made quicker and lighter work of a potentially challenging project."Used products:Eurothane GP: Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installersEurowall® Cavity:Eurowall® Cavity is a specialist high performance solution for cavity walls, with precision-cut straight edges to ensure gaps between boards are kept to a minimum. It has a low emissivity facing which delivers improved thermal resistance within the clear cavity.  

The sound effectAt the same time, it provides effective sound dampening with an impressive acoustic class of ‘A’ to create a harmonious environment wherever it is specified. Feltfon Linear’s appearance is akin to wool, it has a strong textural appeal and represents a further exploration of material innovation.Based on a linear design and so in keeping with Gustafs well-known design language, this iteration of Feltfon can be specified with strips of wood in between the felt ribs, creating an appealing nature-inspired surface solution.Although this solution can be customised for each project, it is a uniquely designed ready-to-use system. Unlike most felt installations, Feltfon Linear uses the standard Capax Quick-Up installation system for walls and ceilings. Fully demountableThis system is sturdy for use in high traffic environments, it has the benefit of being able to grip multiple rib widths and it is also fully demountable during or at the end of its useful life. The range has a thickness of 9mm: comparable products do not usually have such generous proportions. This means it is suitable for high-traffic commercial application, for example, in school environments and other public spaces. Gustafs Acoustex material has a fire rating of B-s1,d0, in line with Gustafs continuing commitment to the fire safety of its products.Sustainable and flexible choiceFlexible in its design, the Feltfon Linear ribs can be chosen from a mix of three wool shades of grey, with many widths and depths to choose from as well. It is a sustainable choice too, with this next generation textile composed from a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled material.Feltfon Linear pushes the boundaries of what is expected of a felt product system creating an attractive practical solution with infinite possibilities.Feltfon LinearFeltfon Wall installationFeltfon Ceiling installation

In a historic moment blending heritage, accessibility, and community spirit, the much-anticipated Ignatius Sancho Café officially opened its doors in Greenwich Park on Saturday, 23rd March. The launch event, attended by esteemed guests and locals alike, marked a milestone in celebrating the legacy of Ignatius Sancho, a remarkable 18th-century figure whose impact resonates through the centuries.Changing Places, Changing LivesAstor Bannerman was pleased to be involved in the project to contribute to the cafes abilities to cater to diverse needs. The Changing Places facility includes:Astor’s Invincible Height Adjustable Changing TableABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash BasinOT200 Overhead Ceiling Track HoistGeberit – AquaClean Mera Care Shower ToiletKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy ScreenThese facilities underscore The Royal Park’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.Borras Construction, the construction company behind the project, received accolades for their dedication and craftsmanship. Architect Mark Martines from Architype envisioned a blend of historical charm and modern functionality, transforming the old ranger’s lodge into a vibrant community hub just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque deer park in Greenwich.The CaféThe Ignatius Sancho Café promises to breathe new life into the park, offering an array of lunch items ranging from hot and cold sandwiches, freshly brewed coffees, cakes, salads, and much more. Beyond serving as a place to stop by on your visit to the park, the café aims to be a focal point for fostering connections, promoting diversity, and celebrating Greenwich’s heritage.As guests step through the door of the Ignatius Sancho Café, they engage in an experience that encapsulates the ethos of inclusivity, creativity, and community synonymous with the legacy of Ignatius Sancho.For more information and updates, visit Ignatius Sancho Café’s website.

Eikon Design has successfully undertaken a major renovation of the Spirit AeroSystems main reception area, creating a stylish, energised space that integrates perfectly with the new corporate branding on its recently completed, world-class £28m Aerospace Innovation Centre.Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defence platforms, and business and regional jets. Eikon Design won the contract to design and project manage the reception area renovation.From the start, the designer felt that the refurbished reception area needed to reflect the dynamism and vitality projected by the Innovation Centre. The designers first thoughts were that they had to explore ways of using quality lighting and natural daylight on surfaces to create an impressive, engaging experience for visitors.The colour scheme - The designer Susan Anderson chose a neutral colour scheme that would reflect that used on the exterior of the Aerospace Innovation Centre, which was predominantly silver and grey. Surfaces – HARMONY pre-fixed slatted acoustic felt . Susan wanted to bring the reception area to life with surfaces that had different textures, depending on the light available and where the visitor stood in the room. After researching the market, Susan chose the Harmony ribbed-felt wall acoustic panels which Saxen sourced from the manufacturers, Soundtect. They were the perfect solution – grey fibre slats on a black acoustic sheet, as they had the structure, texture and colour she was looking for. Plus they were hypoallergenic and non-toxic, with up to 1.0 NRC (noise reduction co-efficient) – and a totally sustainable addition to the project, having been manufactured third-generation from recycled PET.The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are first recycled into exhibition carpets and then, at the end of their short second life, converted again into highly efficient acoustic felt by carefully re-layering the fibres to use as the core for this impressive, elegant, ribbed acoustic treatment.The Harmony panels are manufactured with fireproofing built-in, because the original carpet fibres were already fireproof so this critical safety component is integral to the product and not simply sprayed on. The Cause was responsible for fitting all the ribbed Harmony wall panels.The wooden wall panels behind the reception desk were dated, so the designer decided to repurpose them.- they were prepped, base coat applied and sprayed with two beautiful tones of metallic silver by Scottish Architectural Spray painters. Visual contrast was provided by prepped and coated matt white wall areas. LightingHaving found the perfect panelling, the designer had to consider the lighting and the role it would play. She worked with Seren Lighting, using a combination of existing products and bespoke lighting in ways which were both innovative and functional – using light to define spaces and surfaces. Depending on the way they were lit – whether artificial light, natural light or a mixture of both – the texture on the Harmony panels created subtly different moods. Also, as there is a fair amount of daylight flooding into the reception, the atmosphere of the whole space changed with the passing of time and the amount of daylight with both the ribbed and silver metallic panels creating different atmospheres depending on where you stood. All the lights installed in the project follow ‘circular economy’ principles and can be cost-effectively maintained and serviced – parts can be replaced with no need to throw the whole light away and buy a new one. The reception deskFor most of the day in summer and for short periods in winter, the reception area is flooded with natural light from two sides, so lighting the reception desk workstation needed a careful response.The workstation was located behind the reception desk, so using standard lighting methods would have detracted from the overall impression and been unnecessary for long periods. In developing the solution, the designer followed the basic principle, ‘put light where you want it, when you need it’. So an LED ultra-effect strip in diffuse profile was used under the top surface of the reception desk which threw a subtle light onto where the receptionist was working on the computer. The receptionist can switch this strip on or off as appropriate.The Cause remodelled and reformatted the reception desk to the design, which involved removing the angled elements and large posts, and replacing them with a concealed door. They also fitted the reception desk surface with a stylish, matt, dark-grey laminate, installing the lighting, graphic panel and ribbed panelling to the front. The panelling’s flexibility ensured a perfect fit around the curve in the reception desk.The reception desk skirting was painted the same colour as the staircase handrail.The Wing LightsThese were designed to develop the Wing Lights from first principle. The Wing Lights deliver light upwards, so it bounces off the various surfaces to enhance the textures and reflective differences. They also project a visual link to the ‘star’ element of the Spirit AeroSystems logo and took several attempts to create the final geometric shape. However, the Wing Lights now act as dramatic focal point within the space, capturing the essence of Spirit AeroSystems’ business and the designers overall design vision.CeilingThe existing suspended ceiling was off-white in colour, and looked rather tired so it was spray-painted with a dark metallic silver, which transformed the appearance of the ceiling and changed the whole look of the reception area. Lighting the upper-level walkwayThere were issues with uneven wall surfaces on the upper-level walkway. The solution was to apply architecturally inspired Harmony, lit by dramatic custom-made LEDs, to create the total effect – an utterly stunning, modern wall. The lights used were twin gimbal heads – round lights that can swivel in two directions. These were specially adapted from standard lights in the Seren range. The twin gimbal heads were installed in false pockets, clad with ribbed-felt. They provide functional lighting to the walkway, while adding a dramatic effect on the wall panelling.Finally, a pelmet was constructed to conceal a new LED Cob profile, allowing it to wash diffused light between the ribbed features of the Harmony panelling.The panels above the pelmet were spray-painted silver – the same colour as the ceiling – to give a much more dramatic effect.Other features…The wooden bannister handrail was stripped back and layered with different metallic colours to give a changing surface effect with different shadows and highlights. It was then coated in a high-gloss lacquer. This introduced an accent of colour, which also reflected the company’s corporate colours.StructuresDominating the reception area are two high columns, one of which contains a lift. Given the solidity and simplicity of the shapes, the designer decided on a lighting solution that would create an architectural feel, so she used beam-controlled light bars at the top of the structures to project a subtle wash down the full length of the columns.Carpets and furnitureThe existing carpet tiles were removed and upgraded. They were colour coordinated with the new, striking Italian Quadrifoglio furniture, sourced through Saxen. This furniture was the cornerstone of the designers vision vision, and its style, shape, colours and textures tie the space together.ConclusionThe success of the project was very much down to careful planning, creative thought and good people working together. Products used: Freestyle. Harmony

New rehabilitation centre for the nation’s most severely injured military personnel.We were pleased to deliver the full FF&E fit-out including wall protection, blinds and cubicles as well as all the fitted furniture. Working closely with the Steffian Bradley team we also provide bespoke seating and reception counters. Brainchild of the late Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, the new DNRC centre was officially handed over in June 2018. The project involved restoration of a Grade II listed Hall, plus over 37,000m2 of new-build. The centre has impressive clinical rehabilitation facilities, including hydrotherapy pools, complex trauma wards, prosthetics and gait analysis facilities, plus Europe’s first multi-sensory CAREN 3D simulator.

The new three storey Madras College on the outskirts of St Andrews opened its doors last Autumn, bringing together 1,450 pupils into one single-site secondary school with 15,320sqm of new facilities, including outstanding sports provision. It’s fantastic to see these shots of the build glistening in the autumnal sunshine. Designed by AHR of Glasgow, and delivered by BAM Construct UK for Fife Council, the project incorporated Metal Technology Ltd’s high-performance curtain walling, windows and doors through approved fabricator Avtek Ltd. The college has achieved a ‘Platinum Standard’ sustainability level, measured against Fife Council’s own ‘Sustainability Checklist’, exceeding BREEAM standards. The landscape strategy incorporates the protection of biodiversity, through planting native trees, grassland and wildflowers.

Project: GTIMC, University of SheffieldDate: 2022 Background:·        APL were engaged with the architect to provide a solution using APL StrongBak™, having worked with APL on numerous projects before·        APL’s ability to powder-coat its roll-formed profiles provided the client with a large range of anodised-look finishes ·        APL provided all structural, thermal and acoustic calculations Systems:·        2,400m² of APL StrongBak™ long-span structural wall panel system with external profiles being sinusoidal AP18HR and AP45HR with an anodised-look PPC finish·        150² of APL perforated Slimwall™ flat panels with an anodised-look PPC finish·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing ·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Sheffield

The award winning Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice currently supports over 160 children who are seriously unwell, 230 of their siblings and 350 of their parents/guardians by providing holistic, bespoke care. To facilitate the care of even more children and their families and care givers, a new building was needed. Main build partners, 8build, undertake one charitable build project every year and were therefore recommended for the Ark project. Their unique collaborative approach and utilisation of supply chain relationships kept project costs low with these costs savings directly benefitting the hospice as they could then be spent on care for the children. The project won the "Roof Gardens/ Living Wall Installations - Commercial Roof Garden or Podium Landscaping - Under £500k" award in the BALI National Landscape Awards 2020.

Muiden is a small settlement town at the IJmeer, part of the municipality of Gooise Meren. In short, an environment with plenty of greenery and water.Here is a prairie style villa, designed by DenOlderVleugels Architects & Associates, equipped with unique louvers. By Sunshield.On the second floor, at the front as well at the side wall, a triangular slat system have been installed.Both sun shading systems have an area of almost 10 m2 and are controlled separately with a remote control.The residents have chosen the 150-E louver. A slat with a modern, sleek design and a width of 150 mm. When the slats are fully open, the visibility between the slats is 140 mm. The residents can then fully enjoy the beautiful panorama.The aluminum parts are powder coated in RAL 7021, black-grey. The plastic components are finished in black.

THE PROJECTThe Scape Student Living – Greenwich project features multiple banks of wall recessed mailboxes designed and manufactured in a variety of bright and colourful colours that both adhere to the branding guidelines set out by the client, and help to enhance the project location.The project location has been designed with neutral colours to accentuate the space available in the project, and the splash of colour added by the use the chosen colours helps to brighten up the installation area.The colours chosen for the mailboxes match the branding of the client and the link between the mailboxes and the logo of the client can clearly be seen in the project photos.All mailboxes area fitted with a finishing surround in a Traffic White (RAL 9016) colour that is used to leave a high-quality finish to the immediate area around the mailboxes, removing any issues with spacing around the mailboxes.

Technal Systems showcased on Materials Innovation FactoryAdvanced glazing systems from TECHNAL have been utilised by Dortech Architectural Systems Ltd for the construction of the new Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) located within the University of Liverpool's "Knowledge Quarter" - helping to create an important research facility for the development of new technologies. The research building, completed in 2017, is visually more striking thanks to the way the project architects, Fairhursts Design Group have combined different systems to create the main facade, as well as a link structure to the existing building, further enhancing the appearance of the curtain walling in one area with the use of bespoke feature caps. The 11,600m2, multi-million pound project has been led by BAM Construction, with Dortech Architectural Systems Ltd having designed, manufactured and installed a package of product.

Built-in 1871 as a police station with four cells and accommodation for the constable and his family. This imposing Grade II Listed property has been renovated to combine the best of traditional materials and craftsmanship, with new technologies. Achieving the target U values without adding too much thickness so the period features could be retained. Caroline and Peter approached SuperFOIL to find solutions for their project and they chose SuperFOIL SF40 to bring the property up to the high thermal performance they required. SuperFOIL offered solutions to exceed the required u-values under building regulations. Caroline chose 2 layers of SF40 in the roof area to achieve 0.14 and a single layer of SF40 in the walls to achieve 0.23 keeping the structure thin enough to retain the period features that were so important to this historic building.

Le Fitz Roy is a chalet at Europe’s highest ski resort, bustling Val Thorens in the French Alps. Extensively renovated in December 2021, its modern makeover includes a Turkish hammam and a heated pool carved out of the mountain, a bar designed as an open space on the terrace and the ease of ski-in/ ski-out accessibility. In true chalet style, as well as slate-grey interiors there's also plenty of old-school, cosy charm too, from antique wooden skis mounted on the walls, stone and oak architecture warmed by flickering fires, and classical French cuisine in the restaurant.The traditional York roll top tub has been specified in a number of rooms which, after a long day on the pistes, is exactly where you want to come back to.Marlborough

The Helensburgh Waterfront Development project is about creating a vibrant and attractive waterfront for the town.The main feature of the £22 million development project will be a leisure facility operated by live Argyll. Incorporating a main swimming pool and teaching pool, two state-of-the-art fitness studios, a gym and a café all under one roof, with associated parking and a public realm to meet the needs of the local community and attract day visitors to Helensburgh.The state-of-the-art leisure facility is on track to open in 2022 and is set to provide residents and visitors with new swimming and studio pools and a gym and cafe with stunning views of the Clyde.We supplied and Installed Absorb-R SofTone acoustic wall panels to improve acoustic absorption by reducing reverberation and background noises, providing great psycho physical benefits for users.

Durability, sustainability and innovation underpin the design of the Aspen Art Museum, located in the state of Colorado, USA. The building’s most striking feature is its exterior facade made of NATURCLAD-W panels, which provides it with protection against Aspen’s cold weather. PARKLEX PRODEMA worked closely with the architectural team to produce a mock-up of the facade prior to construction.The woven NATURCLAD-W exterior and timber support frame for the roof diffuse the light that enters through the glass walls and skylight. This innovative concept maximises the natural light of the interior whilst minimising its exposure to direct sunlight.The design concept of the building mimics the ‘thermos’ principle, whereby interior rooms are kept at a constant temperature by protective exterior spaces. These so-called ‘wrapper’ spaces support air circulation and serve as a visual connection to the outdoors.

Mary Weaver was the Houses Editor on Livingetc for over a decade so she knows a thing or two about design! We were delighted that she chose Clement to manufacture and install the new steel doors she required for her beautiful new home in Brighton.Mary now lives in a wonderful Regency Town House. The kitchen is located on the lower ground floor which is where the two new doors have been installed. They bring in lots of natural light and open out into the charming walled garden.Mary commented: “I love my new steel doors which make the room much lighter and warmer and encourage the indoor-outdoor link to the garden. Clement were a delight to work with and made everything easy and straightforward. The fitters were super efficient and left the place spotless.”

Keeping key workers' possessions secure and orderly Following specification approval, LinkLockers supplied andinstalled:• 500 single-door time share lockers operated using a tokenacquired via wall-mounted dispenser located at the entry tothe facility.• 2,000 personal possession lockers, secured by padlocks.• To prevent the risk of material accumulating, sloping topswere incorporated on locker runs.• The lockers also featured a unique ActiveCoat® protectivefinish as standard, to help reduce the risks associatedwith bacterial cross-contamination from surfaces with highcontact frequency, such as lockers. ActiveCoat®, testedextensively in trials, has been proven to work in hospitalenvironments by reducing levels of bacteria by an averageof 99.9%.A Whittan solution, designed, manufactured andinstalled using LinkLockers mild steel lockers.

Award-winning global practice, WilkinsonEyre, specified bricks and brick slips from innovation-led manufacturer, Vandersanden, to emphasise the horizontal volumes and architectural context of the contemporary, new Graduate Centre at Queen Mary University in London. Zero®, a new brick system from Vandersanden, offers a contemporary joint-free appearance and was WilkinsonEyre’s material of choice for the external walls of this 80m-long, seven-storey ground-scraper. Instead of being pointed up to the face of the bricks, the mortar is set well back, with rainwater draining behind. The use of brick draws attention to the horizontality of the building’s volumes and blends with neighbouring buildings...To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link

Architect: Breitling UK LtdInstaller:  Barnwood ConstructionProduct:  Durlum Polylam and RhombusA mixture of Durlum Rhombus expanded metal ceiling panels and Durlum Polylam acoustic metal baffles were supplied to Breitling UK Ltd for their Westfield White City store.Rhombus panels we’re produced to fit around feature elements of the shop’s ceiling space including structural beams and the curved storefront, in total 7 special sizes we’re designed by LSA alongside 3 types of standard rectangular panel.All pieces were powder coated with RAL 9004 (Black) for an industrial feel. 27 Polylam baffles with L6 perforations and filled with acoustic mineral wool were installed below the Rhombus panels above the till desk and signature black and gold ‘B’ wall.

Radii’s elegant double glazed Parallel 50 (45dB RW) and Parallel 100 (50dB RW) partitions with single glazed pivoting doors was used for Marsh McLennan’s office fronts, meeting rooms and larger ‘project rooms’ along with retro-fit room booking and aluminium faced tech units.Parallel 100 was also utilised with pocket sliding doors for the Level 6 conference rooms, while 4490mm high Parallel 100 extended screens were installed to the East Thames Room on Level 6 and conference rooms. This required structural steel work to support both the weight of the glass above the transom and the hanging weight of a folding wall below by others. Linear 59 (39dB Rw) with bi-parting sliding doors was used on small meeting hubs on Level 6.

Based in Bristol, Sun Life offers straightforward life cover, insurance and savings for the over 50s. Taking an old soap and vinegar warehouse, the company chose Interaction to both run and design this ambitious CAT B fit-out. Planet Partitioning were bought on-board to design, manufacture and install the internal partitioning needed to create the corridors, offices and meeting rooms. To stay true to the building’s industrial history, LOFT20 was used throughout.The partitioning was used to section a varied choice of spaces, for both working and downtime, for a flexible working environment, fit for a modern company.To create a unique feature, faceted glass panels where used to create the illusion of curved walls. This was the first time the LOFT20 system had been installed in this manner and the result, with the bands applied, was seamless.

A total of three kitchens were supplied by GEC Anderson to this prestigious residential development, just off London’s Portland Square. CIE, who were commissioned to provide the kitchens, chose GEC Anderson to supply and fit the stainless steel worktops. GEC Anderson were the natural choice for CIE as they had worked many times with them in the past. The detailing specified by CIE included upstands (edge 10) to all wall junctions, combined with a plain edge (7) to exposed edges. The large worktop coverage made access and installation into the tight mews homes quite challenging. The unique features of each kitchen, including columns and cutouts also made the accuracy in the measuring of the worktops very critical. Supply and installation of the worktops was handled by GEC Anderson.

Raybloc (X-ray Protection) Ltd is proud to present a case study highlighting our exceptional collaboration with Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.Our partnership involved the manufacturing and supply of top-of-the-line radiation shielding solutions that included Frameless Operator Screens, lacquered veneer finish lead-lined doorsets, PVC encapsulated lead-lined doorsets with astragal meeting stiles, and a window door combination set. As well as these fixings, Raybloc also supplied and installed the lead-lined boards for lining the walls and ceilings to create a complete radiation protective barrier between the controlled areas and their surroundings.These cutting-edge products have not only prioritised patient and staff safety but have also significantly contributed to optimising workflow efficiency and creating a healing environment.