"wall"

Whiskey connoisseurs can now enjoy a favourite tipple at the new Ad Gefrin whisky distillery and visitor centre in Wooler, which has been completed externally with a Sto render system. Ad Gefrin opened its doors to visitors in March 2023 to showcase the unique heritage, ancient hospitality, and contemporary crafts, arts and produce of Northumberland and re-awaken the Northumbrian tradition for Whisky distilling that has slept for over 200 years. The StoRend Flex Cote render system was specified for use on the facades of the new buildings by Elphick Associates, to provide maximum crack resistance, weatherproofing and fade resistance. Using the highest quality materials, StoArmat Classic Plus is a cement-free, acrylic resin-based reinforcing coat, and up to 15 times more flexible than traditional cement-based reinforcing coats, providing exceptional levels of crack resistance with the embedded Sto Glass Fibre strengthening mesh. The system, installed by Edendene Construction Services Ltd, was finished with an attractive, low-maintenance, white StoSilco render, which will keep its good looks for years to come.  StoDécor Flex, a mesh-reinforced system comprising of StoDecosit interior plaster onto StoVentec carrier board was also applied to some internal areas of the building to match the smooth, white exterior of the buildings. StoDecosit combines the best properties ofemulsion-based plasters and silicate plasters in a single product and is suitable for decorating walls to protect against mould and mildew, and for walls in heavy-use areas.Ad Gefrin is a family run business and this outstanding visitor experience includes a distillery, museum, bistro, and shop, and is also helping to deliver economic growth to the local and wider communities of Glendale. Client: Ad GefrinDesign: Elphick AssociatesSto Applicator: Edendene Construction Services LtdContractor: Brims Construction Ltd Sto Expertise: StoRend Flex Cote Render system (externally), StoDécor Flex (internally)Photography: Sally Ann Norman Photography

CHALLENGEAs part of a full exterior refurbishment, building envelope contractor, Alumet, required a new façade system that would transform and modernise the exterior of the Jubilee House building, which was originally installed in the early 1970s. Coupled with this was the requirement to improve thermal and energy efficiencies.SOLUTIONKnauf Insulation supplied its Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab to ensure optimal fire, thermal and acoustic performance. The key to Knauf Insulation securing the project was the ability to provide in depth technical support, including complex 3D heat flow modelling calculations which took into account the specific system brackets, which act as a significant cold bridge within rainscreen cladding systems.Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was installed on the brick facade of the existing building, which once complete, significantly improved the U-value thus reducing the heat loss through the wall.The insulation layer is a fundamental component of any successful rainscreen cladding system and mineral wool insulation delivers a number of advantages for this type of application. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a Rock Mineral Wool slab containing a water repellent additive, designed for use on masonry wall constructions and as the outer insulation layer in steel frame projects.Quick and easy to install, the product is simple to cut and the slabs knit together to create a snug fit, with no need to tape the joints as may be required with rigid foam boards – ensuring maximum acoustic and thermal performance."We wanted to turn our headquarters into a thermally efficient building and to really project a modern ‘green’ image. The Schueco Façade system, along with Knauf Insulation’s products, helped us to achieve this as well as dramatically reducing our carbon output.We have received some fantastic feedback from local residents saying how good the new façade looks and coupled with the improved thermal efficiencies, we are very pleased."- Alumet Director, Dean Walton

Stunning Scottish new buildFor the MacLeod family, the beauty of their new countryside home had to compete with that of the fabulous views overlooking the Ythan river, Bennachie and the Prop of Ythsie in the North East of Scotland. Design and build company, Cairnrowan believe in selecting premium products that not just look good but are high quality and sustainable. They selected Lindab for these reasons and due to having a good range of colours and finishes to select from.The Silver Metallic coated galvanised guttering and downpipes complement the exterior of the building which has Siberian larch cladding and seamless rendered fascades with varying height dry stone walls which come together around a 7m high gable window to create a stunning building. Cairnrowan were pleased with the products and will continue to use them on other projects, manager Kate Davidson said, “they look fabulous, high quality, complementing the build” and more importantly the MacLeod’s are very happy with the end result, stating, “The eye for detail and quality in Cairnrowan work is excellent” Stunning Scottish new buildFor the MacLeod family, the beauty of their new countryside home had to compete with that of the fabulous views overlooking the Ythan river, Bennachie and the Prop of Ythsie in the North East of Scotland. Design and build company, Cairnrowan believe in selecting premium products that not just look good but are high quality and sustainable. They selected Lindab for these reasons and due to having a good range of colours and finishes to select from.The Silver Metallic coated galvanised guttering and downpipes complement the exterior of the building which has Siberian larch cladding and seamless rendered fascades with varying height dry stone walls which come together around a 7m high gable window to create a stunning building. Cairnrowan were pleased with the products and will continue to use them on other projects, manager Kate Davidson said, “they look fabulous, high quality, complementing the build” and more importantly the MacLeod’s are very happy with the end result, stating, “The eye for detail and quality in Cairnrowan work is excellent” 

At the core of the Brecon Beacons National Trust, amidst the striking landscapes of Pont ar Daf and Pen y Fan, inclusivity becomes a primary focus. The recent inclusion of the Changing Places Toilet facility stands as evidence of Astor Bannerman and the National Trust’s dedication to establishing an environment that caters to everyone’s accessibility needs.Changing Places Facilities Situated at Bannau Brycheiniog in the Brecon Beacons, the Changing Places Toilet facility addresses the needs of individuals with profound and multiple disabilities. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including the:Astor OT200 Overhead Ceiling Track HoistAstor CT Nivano Wall Mounted Height Adjustable Changing and Showering StretcherKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy ScreenThe inclusion of these specialised features ensures that visitors with varying mobility requirements can now enjoy the stunning surroundings without facing the barriers that might have restricted their access in the past. The Astor OT200 Overhead Ceiling Track Hoist facilitates safe and efficient transfers, while the Astor CT Nivano Stretcher provides a comfortable changing and showering experience. The KwickScreen Privacy Screen adds an extra layer of dignity and privacy to the entire process.Power In PartnershipThe Astor Bannerman team collaborated closely with the National Trust to design and implement a facility that not only meets the highest standards of accessibility but also blends into the natural charm of the Brecon Beacons. This case study stands as a beacon of inspiration for other natural reserves and parks, encouraging them to embrace inclusivity and make their spaces welcoming to everyone.As visitors embark on the scenic walk through the Brecon Beacons, they can now do so with the assurance that accessibility is at the forefront. The Changing Places Toilet at Bannau Brycheiniog exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming landscapes, ensuring that the beauty of nature is accessible to all, regardless of their abilities.Feel free to reach out if you require assistance or guidance with your Changing Places project, or if you need additional support regarding the equipment specifications for Changing Places facilities.

Products used:EW | Cavity Barriers and Firestops for Masonry External WallsBB-CB | Balcony Bracket – Cavity Barrier Siderise has provided a proven range of cavity barriers and an innovative new balcony bracket for a residential building located within a new sustainable community in north London.A landmark 64-acre regeneration project taking shape near Finsbury Park, Woodbury Down will feature over 5500 new homes and community facilities whilst maintaining a sustainable approach to development.Working with Berkeley Homes and façade contractor Swift Brickwork on Block B of the development, Siderise provided a range of fire compartmentation solutions including both the EW cavity barrier formasonry walls and the new BB-CB Balcony Bracket – a ready-to-fit cavity barrier solution offering 2 hours fire resistance, which addresses the complex detailing where a balcony interacts with the building envelope,and allows for simple abutting of the EW products to provide continuity of the cavity barriers.The ongoing and long-term collaboration with Berkeley Homes led to Siderise recommending both the EW cavity barrier to seal the gap between the inside of the floor slabs and the exterior brick façade, and also the new BB-CB balcony bracket - cavity barrier, the first time this innovation has been installed in balcony applications.Siderise developed the innovative ready-to-fit BB-CB solution for balcony applications in order to speed-up the installation and provide a tested fire compartmentation solution for an area where high workmanship skills were required.In addition to the bespoke technical support and guidance provided throughout the project, the Siderise Inspection App offered the developer an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of their installation work on this residential building throughout the contract. By capturing the relevant information on a standard smartphone or tablet device, Swift Brickwork was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution and ensure 100% quality assurance on the installation of the cavity barrier system.

Project: Kingsgate Primary SchoolProduct: Shiluvit by Oranit in White Washed Nordic PineArchitect: Maccreanor LavingtonInstaller: Lacunar LtdKingsgate Primary School, London (2018) Photos by Michael Whitestone PhotographySpecification:
Shiluvit 7-501White Washed Nordic Pine
20 x 45mm Blades with 40mm Gaps
Quantity:
1300m2LSA Projects Ltd are delighted to share with you a new award winning Oranit installation at Kingsgate Primary School in London.The £18 million, 5000m2 school has created over 420 new primary school places at the purpose built facility which is comprised of two connected two storey teaching blocks with generous picture windows throughout for an abundance of natural light.The site also has ample external space including running tracks, a science garden, and covered playing spaces in addition to being part of a community development project linking the site to a neighbouring park developed from unused green space in the area.The saw-toothed roof and external appearance of school was designed to reflect its industrial past and the cool tone light brickwork and generous windows bring the design up-to-date with current trends and the requirements of a modern building.Inside the school there is a consistent airy and neutral palette with white walls and ceiling interspersed with pale wood feature walls and stairways in addition to the white washed Nordic Pine Shiluvit panels.Oranit Shiluvit panels were chosen in part for the ceilings of the spaces due to their impressive acoustic power; the configuration chosen which included LSA Black High Density Acoustic mineral wool achieves an overall rating of Class A for acoustic absorption making it perfect for ensuring minimal reverberation across the spaces helping to keep a calm atmosphere.Nordic Pine timber was chosen for its depth of texture as well as its PEFC Certification, the timber was then white washed for a clean and bright appearance.

The world’s premier destination for design and decoration excellence. Home to 120 showrooms and over 600 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, it is the largest of its kind in Europe.Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned construction and interior fit-out specialist with the ambition to create a huge and lasting positive impact on society, the main contractor who hired us to meet their client’s project specifications. The product selected for the project was the Soundis Absorb-R GypLine αw (also commonly known as a Seamless Monolithic Acoustic Spray Plaster System) which is an extremely flexible seamless sound absorption system. It is a non-perforated, monolithic system consisting of a mineral fibre panel with a layer of micro-porous plaster. Excellent Sound Absorption was required at this project and therefore our task was to ensure class A sound absorption within the large atrium. The Absorb-R GypLine αw was used as a seamless high performing sound-absorbing system, a system with excellent eco-credentials. The GypLine αw insulation board also benefits the energy performance of any building by enhancing the insulation of the building envelope.We were challenged with working almost 20 meters above the floor which adds difficulties to any installation but nothing we haven’t overcome before in previous projects. Absorb-R GypLine αw was selected as the finish offers unrivalled levels of sound absorption but also ensures walls and ceilings are clear of panels and visible acoustic solutions, providing a virtually seamless monolithic surface for walls and ceilings in a choice of RAL colours. This seamless and complete solution can be adapted to a wide range of rooms, from home use, office space to conference halls, auditoria, theatres, recreational sports and educational areas. The Absorb-R GypLine αw acoustic system is environment-friendly, fully recyclable and has natural components that offer optimal sound absorption with extensive resistance to fire.

Glazing Vision has helped enhance daylight ina cleverly constructed London home using ourPitchglaze Roof Windows.New build projects in built up areas such as Londoncan be challenging, however Clapton Roadis an example of excellent precision and wonderfullyexecuted construction. Gauld Architecturehave created the perfect modern home usinginsightful architectural detail and two GlazingVision Roof Windows. The drawings called formodern architecture at every corner, from zinccladding to wooden interiors.A single storey doctor’s surgery had previouslybeen converted to a residential building, butunfortunately the home had very little floor area.The property overlooked a private garden behindand suffered from damp as well as a lack ofprivacy from passers-by, and so an upgradewas overdue. Previous planning applications toextend had been refused, and so an alternativeorganisational approach was needed to improveresidential amenity.The proposed works consisted of splitting theaccommodation over three levels, with thebedroom and bathroom a half level belowground, and the kitchen and entrance at streetlevel with the living space a half level above toenable views out over the heads of pedestrians.The split helps to reduce the massing and theasymmetric roof is shaped to minimise impacton the natural light to the neighbour’s windowsand garden behind.Construction commenced on the property, andquickly it was confirmed the boundary brick wallcould be salvaged from the previous structuregiving a familiar and robust public facing edgeand provides a desired sleek finish to the wall.The home also boasts crisp zinc roofing and wallcladding detailing, providing a smooth transitionfrom the exposed bricks to the first storey.The Pitchglaze Roof Windows allowed GauldArchitecture to achieve a seamless junction withthe folded zinc, with the glazing set on the sameplane to give the roof a pleasing continuity.Internally, the glazing is sized so the externalviews are framed only by the lined reveals,with the roof window largely hidden giving asleek finish. The Pitchglaze roof windows wereinstalled by the contractor, an easy installationprocess is guaranteed by following our installvideo or consulting our installation guide. Muchnatural light is captured via the roof windows,positioned strategically to ensure good andeven distribution throughout, while set flushwith the zinc to achieve a surface tension andpleasing solidity to the roof planes. These highqualityelements and considered massing resultin a greatly improved contribution to the street scene.“Glazing Vision helped give guidance on the interface between the roof window and a buildup thatwe were unfamiliar with. Our local Technical Specification Manager was very knowledgeable onintegrating the roof windows into the roof.” – Kevin Gauld, Director, Gauld ArchitectureThe minimalist interior coupled with striking exterior design meet perfectly to ensure a modernand desired look. The Pitchglaze Roof Windows solved a lasting problem with the home and wereresponsible for providing the client with the sought after amount of natural daylight.If you are working on a project which requires rooflights or roof windows get in contact with us on01379 658300 or fill in our contact form.

Ikoyi is in a class of its own, not just in the culinary arts but also in interior design. Danish designer David Thulstrup uses Baltic architectural mesh from GKD for the expressive spaces of this 2-Michelin-starred London restaurant.The visionary founders of Michelin-starred restaurant Ikoyi, head chef Jeremy Chan and businessman Iré Hassan-Odukale, moved into the concrete complex “180 The Strand” close to Covent Garden at the end of 2022. The two partners succeeded in getting the renowned Studio David Thulstrup from Copenhagen on board for interior design. Thulstrup’s works include the design of Noma in Copenhagen, which has been crowned the best restaurant in the world no less than five times.For Ikoyi, Thulstrup created rooms that fully live up to the reputation of the landmarked, brutalist architectural character of this former office complex. With its rare combination of warmth and minimalism, the restaurant’s interior acts as a continuation of the food creations by Jeremy Chan.It should be noted here that in Chan’s kitchen, he not only pays attention to top-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. His cuisine also builds on spices that originate from West Africa. This is not inconsequential in the context of the architecture, as the interior designer wanted to pick up on the character of the cuisine in the dining room of Ikoyi without limiting the design to a specific culture.Copper, stone, stainless steel meshThe result shines in clear and strong architectural forms, while the material palette is refined to copper, stone, stainless steel mesh, leather and oak. The walls are clad in copper panels. Sometimes angular and solid, sometimes rounded and open, the walls shape the character of the room. The stone floor is elegant and cooler, its gentle irregular shimmer evoking images of the tamped earth floors of traditional old buildings. The ceiling covering, which is fully fitted with stainless steel mesh from GKD, creates a similar effect. It harmonizes perfectly with the architectural idea that Thulstrup describes as an interplay of opposites:“A room full of drama and peace. A room that remains true to the place and yet is not anchored in a particular culture.”Curved ceiling characterizes architectureThe character comes through most strongly in the dining room. Fabric panels spanning the room curve down on one side to meet the backs of the benches. The architectural mesh is a striking element in the design of the room. It underpins the intimate and protected atmosphere, while appearing light and flexible. Thulstrup also uses the weave structure to create subdued lighting effects.The ceiling is divided into 13 panels of GKD Baltic mesh, each approximately one meter wide. The length of the panels varies between 6 and 11 meters depending on whether they also serve as a vertical curtain down to the seats or end where they meet the vertical wall cladding. “The fabric diffuses the light as though it were another culinary ingredient,” says Marc Alonso, Architect and Market Manager for Northern Europe and UK at GKD. “Because our stainless steel mesh is completely recyclable, it also fits with the head chef’s sustainable ethos. This is a project in which our fabric is perfectly integrated into the whole by creating harmony and contrasts in juxtaposition with the other materials,” explains Alonso. That’s what the jury of the Wallpaper* Design Award 2023 think too: they awarded Ikoyi best restaurant of the year.

After embarking on a project to create high quality new learning pods to enhance its facilities, the last thing teachers, staff and children at Carr Lodge Academy in Doncaster were expecting was for excessive background noise to be so much of an issue that it stood in the way of their ability to use and enjoy them.The school wanted to create learning pods for each of its 1-6 year groups to provide a facility that could be used for extra learning, small group teaching or a break-out space for teachers and children. The building contractor appointed to construct the pods worked to an agreed specification and design, but the acoustic conditions that would result from the proposed usage of the spaces, the positioning of the pods and choice of materials for their fit-out was not fully realised. It was only when teachers and staff started using the learning pods that problems with echo and excessive sound reverberation were fully realised. This is a common acoustic issue which results from interiors that feature lots of hard, harsh reflective surfaces with the ultimate impact at Carr Lodge being that the pods were unsuitable for their purpose.The school sought specialist assistance to resolve the issues which started with an acoustic assessment and detailed acoustic report. And following a competitive tendering process, Hush Acoustics was appointed to complete the acoustic upgrade using its sound absorber panels.How absorption resolved the issueThe solution involved manufacturing and installing a series of Hush Absorber 50 panels which were strategically mounted on the walls of the learning pods. The Class A absorber panels are formulated using a 50mm thick acoustic foam which is hand finished in a high quality fabric applied on the face, edges and back – at Carr Lodge, the panels feature a green fabric to match the school’s aesthetics and contribute to the welcoming environment.Various sizes of panels were installed to fit the differing sized spaces within the school. Their positioning was dependent on the size and the layout of the learning pod for the year group. Some year group pods, for example, feature desks, so absorber panels have been installed to be continuous along the desk line, helping the children hear what is being said by teachers. In other desk-free learning pods, the panels were positioned on the walls – symmetrically where possible – to deliver an aesthetically pleasing and acoustically -effective result. Hush Absorber 50 panels work by absorbing soundwaves generated by speech and other sources in a way that hard surfaces such as plastered walls, wood and laminates do not. As a result, less sound is reflected back into the room, so the level of ambient noise is dramatically reduced to deliver a more acoustically comfortable environment that is far more conducive to learning.‘Huge difference’ to the learning environmentSarah Crampton, Principal at Carr Lodge Academy said: “Sound reverberation was causing us real problems and it meant that the learning pods – although fantastic in principle – simply didn’t serve the purpose for which they were intended.“The sound absorber panels have made a huge difference to the useability of our learning pods and provided a solution that did not require major, disruptive work. The quality of the solution provided by the Hush Acoustics team, and their service overall, has impressed everyone involved in this project.”

How to incorporate a fire or stove installation into a self-build project.By Niall Deiraniya, UK general manager, DRU FiresAlways ask for the fireplace specification at the design stage. Modern gas fires and wood stoves require careful planning in order to work as part of the general home heating system.Gas, wood or other fuels?Decide which fuel type best suits your home. Modern gas fires have realistic flame pictures and are much more energy efficient than older models.Wood stoves and fires also have greatly improved energy efficiency due to Ecodesign regulations. The only downside is that there is much more work involved with buying and storing the wood and cleaning the stove after use.Both gas and wood have room sealed options. This means that no air from inside the home is used for combustion and all waste emissions are expelled outside, resulting in clean burning and high efficiency.Finally, sustainable fuels such as Bioethanol produce a very attractive flame picture, burn cleanly with no smell or emissions and are available in a large selection of design formats. Built-in or freestandingIf you are converting a house with an existing chimney, you may wish to retain the chimney, to incorporate a more modern fire. Conventional flue gas fires are designed to fit seamlessly into standard chimneys and require minimal building work. The chimney will almost certainly need sweeping before installation and the fire may require a chimney liner for essential safety.Most wood fires are also designed for chimney installation and make full use of the air circulation properties to provide visually attractive and energy efficient fires. You can either elect for a basic ‘insert’ fire, which matches the dimensions of a Class 1 chimney or a widescreen model, which will require some structural changes.Freestanding stoves are very popular, as they offer greater flexibility of location and provide dramatic room features. They are available in gas, wood or bioethanol and generally need a flue connection to an outside wall or through the roof. No chimney optionsContemporary balanced flue gas fires are designed to be installed without a chimney, so you can incorporate them almost anywhere in a self-build project. However, they still need to be specified at the earliest possible stage. A typical installation will require the fire to be flued through an outside wall, with the flue concealed behind a false chimneybreast. Fires can be located in room-dividing walls and other architectural features so they can be seen from both sides. You can also enjoy fires in kitchens, bedrooms, loft conversions and many other places. These types of installations are made possible by extended, fan-assisted balanced flue systems. They allow for multiple fires to be placed in larger properties, with the flues hidden in crawl spaces and other discreet areas, terminating on the roof.In conclusion, the secret to having attractive and energy efficient fires and stoves in any self-build project is design, plan, cost and implement. And always consult a fully qualified Gas Safe or HETAS engineer.For further information visit www.drufire.com

Rosa Alpina is a boutique Alpine hotel that boasts a two Michelin-starred restaurant and a scenic setting in the Dolomites – one of the world’s most beautiful places.The original building dates to 1850 and local antiques, wood carvings and old photographs complement its wood-panelled ceilings and thick, frescoed walls. Fresh flowers and roaring fires complete a convivial vibe.The 51 spacious rooms and suites each feature a seating area and subtle cream and grey colour scheme. Newer guestrooms offer more contemporary design, with glass-encased fires and sleek timber furnishings, yet still respect local traditions with wood-panelled ceilings, fire wood baskets and ceramic stoves. The new Vetralla bath has specified within these new contemporary rooms.Photography: © Six SensesPhotography: © Six Senses

TVS was Group was tasked with the isolation of a new luxury residential property in Mayfair from ground-borne noise and vibration from the nearby Jubilee line. A target re-radiated noise criterion of 30dB LAmax,(slow) within the lower ground floor (the worst affected area) meant that a fully floated raft foundation was required with a target natural frequency of 10Hz.A combination of Sylodyn products in 50mm thickness across the base of the raft, and Sylomer materials in 37.5mm thickness up the basement walls, provided this high-performance solution, whilst bespoke treatments around service penetrations and at connections to adjacent buildings ensured that this was not compromised throughout the rest of the construction.Close work with the design team throughout the planning and specification process provided a solution that integrated seamlessly with the structure and waterproofing detail, whilst detailed layout plans, on-site training and supervision resulted in an easily installed system.

Lucent W1 is a high profile mixed-use building comprising 111,000 sqft of CAT Acommercial space, 30,000 sqft of retail space and seven new residential units in WestLondon. The development is built with sustainability at its core, including a BREEAM‘Excellent’ rating and pending Gold WELL accreditation.The design of the building, behind the famous Piccadilly lights, meant that traditionalinstallation methods could not be used while maintaining the fire separation wall. Thisconstraint meant building could only commence from one side and required a newsolution. We designed bespoke wind posts and cut the boards to the exact anglesrequired so that they could be fitted from one side only. Combined with Specwall’sinherent firestopping properties, this made us the perfect choice to solve the designissues at Lucent W1.

Jigsaw Care Home required a reputable supplier to provide quality washroom facilities suitable for their residents.Our specifications team worked in collaboration with the main contractor to understand fully how best to meet the customer's needs. They required products that were gloss white and looked like porcelain to give sanitaryware a less institutionalised feel. Anti-ligature was a must so our Resan range ticked all the right boxes.All options were discussed before deciding on the Resan pan with blue rim, the phantom Pushflo with anti-ligature button and anti-ligature basin with pneumatic controls, large mirror and shelf. Our infra-red touch-free sensors can be used in through-wall applications and with no electrical power required minimising installation costs and ongoing maintenance.Testimonial“The quality of the products is excellent and the installation was hassle-free”

Structural Repairs’ office space was beautifully and seamlessly integrated into one of Windsor’s iconic train station arches. This newly built office space boasts from its impressive structural logistics and boldly featured decorative and themed memorabilia at many of its cozy corners.Via a combination of the fire grit machine, TORC system (seen in the images and videos), water by pressure and a DOFF system, the carbon accumulated in the brickwork was removed. These methods, especially the DOFF system, work with high-pressure stream and extremely high temperatures.Brick cleaning is an arduous and labor intensive process by which a brick masonry, also known as a layer of brick which has been laid on the wall’s outermost surface, is cleaned. Brick cleaning is required at various different stages of a building’s life, and with our arch, a cleaning was more than overdue to restore it back to its original condition!

In one of the earth's paradises located on the island of Fasmendhoo, where sky and sea meet to create unique emotions, rises the Emerald Maldives Resort, designed and built by combining tropical scenery with modern design.The interiors are decorated with a discreet, elegant minimalism designed to dialog with nature and the outdoors. And it is in this context that Atlas Concorde products have created welcoming environments with an extremely contemporary look thanks to a wide range of tiles inspired by natural materials, like the wood-effect porcelain tiles used to furnish the bright apartments.The bathrooms convey intimacy and elegance, decorated with floors and walls inspired by the most refined marble, and a focus on interior design trends is also evident in the furnishings.In contrast, the stone look dominates the outdoor spaces and the areas dedicated to the solarium and swimming pool, for a design that is ever closer to nature. Decisive surfaces that communicate a metropolitan style with an original, pristine, and eternal beauty.

The Valentinerhof hotel is located in the most spectacular mountain landscape of the world, close to the picturesque village of Siusi, an international tourism venue.The building, a wellness resort characterised by contemporary design and elegant atmospheres, was renovated in 2012 using Atlas Concorde ceramic materials that were chosen to clad indoor and outdoor floors, bathrooms and wellness areas.Used on outdoor floors, the Trust series covers the steps, swimming-pool edges and external areas of the spa, providing the opportunity to clad the surfaces with a continuous effect.The architectural project, which won the “2012 Sleep European Hotel Design Awards”, combines respect for the surrounding natural environment with the desire to create harmonious spaces where to regenerate body and soul.Thanks to its precious floor and wall ceramic collections Atlas Concorde consolidates its position as a partner of reference for hospitality design, contributing to the creation of welcoming and alluring atmospheres.

The inner courtyard garden at Winchelsea Primary School has been transformed into a sensory space for pupils with the centrepiece being a circular raised planter bordered by two curved planters to complement the range of interactive sensory features included within the overall design of the garden created by Senteq.Each planter has been designed at a height which is easily accessible for youngsters and planted with a wide variety of fragrant herbs.Curved planter designsCurved planters are popular choices for schools and other educational settings, softening spaces to create natural and fluid shapes.Being a modular system means we are able to create curved designs across all of our structures, including raised planters, street furniture and retaining walls. From full circle shapes to curved sides, it can all be achieved using WoodBlocX.

In May 2017, the Main Building which housed the lounge, dining, reception area, and the Taphuis Bar, was gutted in a fire. Only the walls were left standing and all of its contents were destroyed. Because of the historic significance of the building, the project team needed to move through a strenuous process of permissions and approvals to start the rebuild. Part of the brief, was to ensure that as far as possible, original materials would be used, that would reflect the previous look and feel, making the sourcing and availability of crucial importance. This building in particular, dates back to the early 1700's and finding timber for the roof structure was a challenge. They decided to use Spruce.The biggest drawback of using Spruce is that it is a very light and pale coloured timber. To achieve the aged look and feel of the original timber, they used Rubio Monocoat's Pre-Color Easy and Hybrid Wood Protector.

The extension and refurbishment of these offices needed high-quality systems befitting their prestigious location adjacent to Windsor Castle and the listed Eton Central Station.The Windsor Dials complex comprises two buildings, Windsor One and Two. Building one had a double-height entrance installed and a two-storey glazed extension added to the roof. A double-height entrance was also created in building two with a single-storey extension to the roof. The glazed extensions provide the offices with views of Windsor Castle and the surrounding area.Hale Architects designed the project with Corley Woolley as the main contractor. Anglian Architectural fabricated and installed the building envelope. It features Schüco FSW 60 and FWS 50 S curtain walling, providing the contemporary aesthetic the client requested. The project also used Schüco door systems, including the ADS 65 HD and ASE 60 lift-and-slide doors.

The stunning refurbishment of 10 Bloomsbury Way for London & Regional Properties by architects BuckleyGrayYeoman includes Armourcoat’s KonCrete polished plaster wall finishes.Situated in the heart of central London, the former 1940’s Ministry of Defence wedge-shaped building has been substantially extended creating a modern open workspace. It includes a new double-height reception, with restaurants and retail space on the ground floor. BuckleyGrayYeoman’s new design has transformed 10 Bloomsbury Way into a contemporary and relevant commercial building with a distinctive urban feel. The redevelopment has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ green building rating.Armourcoat KonCrete is an urban range of polished plaster colours and finishes designed for contemporary projects. The range offers a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive modern look, including distressed effects or recessed ‘shutter’ markings. Photography: ©Hufton & Crow

The Buckland Hospital, Dover is a community hospital that provides a range of local services. Main contractor Interserve PLC enlisted Industrial Construction (Sussex) Ltd to install the roofing and cladding package. Fixfast products were the first choice for ICS and the Facade Support range was an obvious need for this type of contract; coupled with the DrillFast® Stainless and Lacquered products, the external roofing and cladding was installed in the finest possible manner.The external walls use a range of materials - black brick and through-coloured render serve as a background for two types of cladding panels: white fibre cement panels and timber laminated panels manufactured from kraft paper and finished with natural timber veneers. The dark colour of the brick is used as a medium to enhance the crisp lines of the bright cladding as well as the shape and colours of the wooded bank at the rear of the building.

McCormick specified that they needed staff, office and visitor lockers and Helmsman supplied. We site surveyed the facility before manufacturing of lockers started to make the most use of the space.We installed five compartment and eight compartment garment dispensers and several garment collectors for the staff changing room on the lower floor. These metal lockers were powder-coated in ‘Smoke’ and ‘Forest Green’ RAL colours to separate the areas. The two and four compartment essential metal lockers made their way to the back end of the changing room in ‘Smoke’ and ‘Royale Blue’ specifically for visitors. The two and five compartment laminate lockers in Abet ‘Ice White’ decorated the upstairs offices. These lockers needed to match the modern style of the office, with the idea to try and blend the lockers into the white walls. All lockers came with either cam locks or hasp & staple locks for extra security.

On this fast turnaround project we worked closely with Clarke Penman Architecture to manufacture and install polished concrete kitchen worktops and splash-backs.Concrete worktops are extremely strong and durable and designed to withstand busy family use. These were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The worktops were cut to fit various kitchen appliances and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof.Spanning over 6 metres, separate large BTX concrete panels were carefully assembled on site and fitted with brass sink and taps by our experienced team. The finished effect is a modern, industrial look that complements client’s design style and blends perfectly with the raw plastered walls and concrete floors, which together create a truly unique and highly functional kitchen.

As part of the broader regeneration plan in the northwest of Birmingham, Plot 6 at the Perry Barr Residential Scheme, is one of the largest developments.Providing 268 residential apartments, the eight-storey, mixed-use building also has a large courtyard garden, rooftop gardens and parking facilities for its residents. The living space has been created by blending modern architecture with traditional values.To achieve their vision, Glancy Nicholls Architects specified a range of Kawneer’s market-leading, architectural aluminium glazing systems for the residential scheme.The AA®100 Curtain Wall System, AA®720 Casement Windows and AA®720 Balcony Doors were used throughout the project and were chosen for their design flexibility and thermal performance. The Kawneer systems were installed on the project by approved specialist subcontractor APiC UK Ltd.Photos: Glancy Nicholls Architects

Kawneer played its part in the impressive Hale Wharf regeneration project by supplying our AA®100 Curtain Wall System, known for its excellent thermal performance and flexibility of design choice. The system features on both the ground floor retail and communal entrances of the 21-Storey (Block A) and 15-Storey (Block B) Buildings. It also features our AA®190 TB Doors on Block B that excel in high-traffic environments due to its robust and welded construction. The one and two-bedroom apartments are also fitted with Kawneer’s AA®720 Casement and AA®720 Tilturn Windows and AA®3572 Lift/Slide Doors, giving residents access to their balconies and the far-reaching city views which help set this exceptional development apart.

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley Homes LtdWest End Gate is a mixed-use development by Berkeley Homes Ltd on Edgware Road in London W2, near the prestigious neighbourhoods of Marylebone and Little Venice.The development comprises 844 apartments (including 175 affordable), 8 shops and a restaurant, along with a new public plaza and improvements to Edgeware Road Junction.The full OBEX CORTEX Class A Through-Wall System has been specified on this project, including fire-classified Breather Membrane, Vapour Control Layer, Interface Sealing Membrane system, and the Score'N'Snap Cement Board system.With each OBEX product carrying a Class A fire-classification, it puts this façade installation by OCL Facades Ltd at the pinnacle of full compliance and highest performance.Residential Apartments: 844Buildings: 8Storeys: 29

Having outgrown their previous offices, Smoove – a company operating in the property sector (formerly ULS) – took the decision to take on three floors at Masters Court; a fully refurbished office building in the quaint town of Thame, Oxfordshire. They swiftly appointed HNB and Leap Architects to deliver an overhaul of the dated interior that would better suit the Smoove team.We were approached to deliver a glass moving wall capable of separating the ground floor kitchen and main open plan space when required. Our Type G200 system was chosen, which provides transfer of natural light when partition is closed while simultaneously stopping the transfer of noise.The minimalist manifestations applied to the glazed panels along with their black painted frames have been designed to match a number of fixed glass partitions within the space, offering a consistent design throughout.

A QuickZone conventional fire alarm system from UK manufacturer, Advanced, has been installed at BlocHaus Climbing, Manchester’s newest bouldering wall.BlocHaus Climbing boasts an array of facilities at its East Manchester site, including 130 climbable boulders, routing roof and on-site café. As part of the active fire protection for the site, the 4-zone QuickZone conventional fire panel from Advanced has been installed alongside Hochiki conventional heat/smoke detectors, Apollo conventional call points and Roshni conventional sounders.Responsible for the design, installation and commissioning of the fire system at BlocHaus Climbing were Manchester-based, Surefire Protection Ltd. Surefire installed the QuickZone panel alongside music shutdown integration to ensure clear audible notification for all building users in scenarios where the system goes into alarm.

The scope of the works was to design, specify and install a suitable waterproofing solution to 2 large properties engineered from ICF construction which required waterproofing. Areas where attention from a skilled specialist were required, was to the rear and two side walls which were earth/ground retaining.When specifying a suitable waterproofing solution, consideration to the final use of the building, designing a system to be maintainable and repairable along with a deep understanding of BS 8102:2009 is essential in ensuring project success.From a waterproofing design perspective, we use three grades to define waterproofing systems.These 3 grades are:Grade 1 – Some water seepage and damp are tolerable depending on the intended useGrade 2 – No water penetration is acceptableGrade 3 – No dampness or water penetration is acceptableIn existing basements and new build properties which will be habitable, Grade 3, is always required.

The new £140 million Macallan distillery and visitor experience on the Easter Elchies estate near Craigellachie in Moray features Armourcoat Surface Finishes.Macallan is a luxury single malt Scotch whisky brand, with leading positions in some of the world’s most significant markets including the USA, Taiwan, and Japan. The distillery is designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, who were selected to lead the project after an international competition.Over 400m2 of custom coloured Armourcoat Spatulata polished plaster has been applied to the curving staircase walls, boutique store, lift lobbies and reception. Spatulata is Armourcoat's own superfine marble stucco paste developed from traditional materials and manufactured in the UK. It is trowel applied in numerous fine layers by skilled Armourcoat applicators to create a highly polished decorative surface that adds a touch of luxury to interior spaces. Photography: © McAteer Photograph

The ETB building is dedicated to research, development and demonstration (RD&D) in sustainable energy technologies. It incorporates energy efficient materials and is designed to minimise its demands for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation. It actually produces more energy than it requires, heating the neighbouring Institute of Mental Health Building.Approximately 1000m2 of Ash & Lacy Façade was specified on the building’s two main elevations in the VariAL CF1 configuration. VariAL CF1 is a concealed-fix, baffle-jointed cassette rainscreen with a fully adjustable support system, primarily used for horizontal application on walls and for soffits. Designed to fit in with the high-tech building design and to appear to exude their own energy, the panels were manufactured in Alucobond Spectra Sacura ACM finish. This provides a quite stunning two-tone iridescent effect that shows ever changing hues of pink and silver that constantly vary as the angle of view or illumination changes.

“From the materials used throughout the build process to how it’s powered, along with creating new areas of natural habitat to enhance the biodiversity of the site and local area, we’re bringing together skills and expertise from across McDonald’s and the partners we work with. From 2023 furniture and construction materials in new and refurbished restaurants will be made with recycled or certified materials and designed to be recycled or reused at end of life ”Construction Director, McDonald’s UK & Ireland The Absorb-R ToughSound acoustic-panels are environment friendly, fully recyclable natural components that offer optimal sound absorption and extensive resistance to fire. Surface applications include ceiling and wall mounting.Absorb-R ToughSound is a high performing high impact sound absorbing wood wool system, concept with excellent eco credentials which store heat from the ambient air.

The MG900 is an ideal solution to any project, where it can pitvot, slide or interlock to form a solid glazed partition.Furthermore, the aluminium frame can be coloured to your choice to match your design or branding needs. These panels retain a room’s spacious sense of proportion and maximise light and clear viewing lines. Truly a magnificent office aesthetic.The benefit of our MG900 panels is that they work in the same way as conventional movable walls and can be either single or double point suspension.With the slim back painted border you have clear view visual lines. This allows a superior light flow around the office, cost-effective installation and flexibility in the work environment.Plus the simple fact that they look elegant and classy. Not only these, but they also offer exceptional sound reduction allowing for privacy to be had amongst clients or for important internal meetings.

The Lucent Development creates balance that boosts productivity and wellbeing.Lucent W1 is quite literally built around nature, with a tree towering in the central atrium and an internal green wall that stretches the full height of the world-famous external lights. The innovative Fletcher Priest design has created offices that are cocooned away from the surrounding city, while 20 terraces allow panoramic views across the capital.For this design, Selo used the Quarda Riser Door which are the most high-performance metal riser doorsets. Perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.