"wall"

Architect: Austin-Smith:LordInstaller: Lacunar LtdProduct: Gustafs Panel SystemOver 400m2 of Gustafs Panel System was installed to the walls of the Birmingham Royal Ballet during their £2.7m refurbishment in 2015. Acoustic panels were installed to two ballet rehearsal studios as well as the new informal performance space.In addition to the visual refurbishment of the space; the regeneration project aimed to improve the facility by upgrading the lighting, heating and ventilation, and accessibility, as well as improving administration and welfare areas.A mix of of SM5 and SM8 mini slotted acoustic perforations as well as nano acoustic perforations were used on the Birch, Oak, and White laminate faced panels. Slotted perforation styles give an elegant and dramatic finish to the panels whilst Nano perforations are almost invisible on the face of the panel, all three options provide up to Class B acoustic performance.

Architect: Archial NORRInstaller: GHI ContractsProduct: Gustafs Panel System500m2 of Gustafs Panel System in Gemini Walnut veneer were installed to the feature wrap-over wall and ceiling at the multi-million-pound makeover of the Gardyne Campus at Dundee College.SH8 acoustic perforations were used on small section of the panels in the main atrium. Slotted perforations give the illusion of a grille whilst providing class C acoustic absorption above the college walkways.Gemini Walnut veneer was chosen for the space to achieve a greater consistency in colour, tone, and texture, across the space. Gemini veneers from Gustafs are natural veneer that is stained to match a chosen timber species; doing this achieves a consistent colour across the panels as well as making them less photosensitive and less susceptible to natural colour variation over time.

Dundee College Gardyne CampusArchitect: Archial NORRInstaller: GHI ContractsProduct: Gustafs Panel System500m2 of Gustafs Panel System in Gemini Walnut veneer were installed to the feature wrap-over wall and ceiling at the multi-million-pound makeover of the Gardyne Campus at Dundee College.SH8 acoustic perforations were used on small section of the panels in the main atrium. Slotted perforations give the illusion of a grille whilst providing class C acoustic absorption above the college walkways.Gemini Walnut veneer was chosen for the space to achieve a greater consistency in colour, tone, and texture, across the space. Gemini veneers from Gustafs are natural veneer that is stained to match a chosen timber species; doing this achieves a consistent colour across the panels as well as making them less photosensitive and less susceptible to natural colour variation over time.

Architect: Paul Murphy ArchitectsInstaller: TKS UK LtdProduct: Gustafs Linear Plank150m2 and 500 individual Walnut veneered planks were used inside the private hotel bedrooms and corridors at the RAF Club Squash Court Redevelopment in Piccadilly, London.Gustafs Linear Planks are a great compromise between the Gustafs Linear Rib and Panel systems for use in smaller installations with multiple small sections which do not lend themselves to the larger panel system. Planks use similar invisible fixing Capax profiles for quick and efficient installation and subtle closed butt joints across the plank area.The plank system at the RAF Club is made up of 100mm wide natural Walnut veneer wrapped planks installed to the feature wall sections in 12 hotel rooms as well as in the lift lobbies over 4 floors at the club in Piccadilly.

Armourcoat have been specified throughout the VIVI restaurant, a 1960’s inspired eatery in the Centre Point building in London’s West End. VIVI promises to deliver traditional British food with an innovative twist.VIVI’s 290 cover dining room serving delicious British favourites has its interior design inspired by 1960’s colours and fabrics including a handmade chandelier by British designer Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt. The new restaurant, created by Rhubarb – the team behind Sky Garden and Verdi Italian Kitchen at the Royal Albert Hall, is part of a wider refurbishment of Richard Seifert’s celebrated Grade-II listed high-rise tower. Armourcoat finishes have been used to spectacular effect in the entrance lobby, restaurant reception, bar and dining area with close to 300m2 of hand finished Armourcoat polished plaster applied to the walls.

“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.

Split over basement, ground and three upper floors, the Charles Doll Building on Grape Street, London, offers a contemporary and functional specification in this stunning office refurbishment. The development mixes industrial elements with a crisp modern aesthetic by carefully combining characterful architectural features, including vaulted ceilings with exposed brick and steelwork.Named after its architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, the building is clad in decorative thé-au-lait (“tea with milk”) terracotta – Doll's use of grand façades is understood to have resulted in the expression, ‘all dolled up’. The first floor has been fitted out to a high standard with office furniture from Vitra, providing the perfect space for those who want to move in and get straight to work.The lobby mixes vibrate contemporary wall art with industrial light fittings and brickwork. Forza’s in-house CAD team planned the bespoke black oak Firescreen partition wall to match the architect's design. As a market leading passive fire product, this Firescreen provides both integrity from Smoke and Fire and insulation from heat. This is important because in a fire emergency heat has been shown to ignite secondary fires to items, such as curtains or carpets, that are near the other side of non-insulated partitions.Via the Thinking Space Design & Build, Forza Doors supplied twenty FD30 Fire Doors with stained frames and skirting boards to match throughout the five floors of The Charles Doll Building. Chosen to match the steelwork throughout the development, the dark satin finish of the doors was selected from Forza’s Creato range of dyed veneers. This ‘Illunis’ finish is one of twelve fashionable choices in the range. Dyed veneers are an increasingly popular choice with designers as they offer cost savings over stained veneers without compromising quality.The Doors with glass vision panels, required to allow light through to the stairwells, feature our flush and quirk bead. A minimalist design option where one side of the doors is completely flush right up to the glass vision panel and the other side has a very simple elegant bead detailing.

The Schuster Annex on the University of Manchester's main campus when built, was intended to become a catalyst for excellence in STEM teaching, and was linked to the circular spaces within the existing buildings. Designed by Hawkins Brown, constructed by sector specialist Wilmott Dixon and fabricated by Dortech, the Science Annex formed part of the universities master plan. James Sutherland, Managing Director of Dortech, commented: “We were awarded the contract for the Schuster Annex by Willmott Dixon, following a competitive tender process; with our package including a number of striking design features.“These included 1,000m2 Technal MX Thermally Broken Curtain Wall with 200mm extending face caps as well as the FY65  ‘punched-hole’ windows in RAL 7043 Traffic Grey, plus some 1,500 linear metres of aluminium flashings. The glazing units feature the use of SGG COOL-LITE® SKN 14 glass with digitally printed artwork.”While the 8mm COOL-LITE® outer leaf provides solar control, the thermal performance of the IG units also benefits from an argon filled 18mm cavity and a 10.8mm thick inner leaf of coated laminated glass. The glazing specification, along with the design of thermally broken framing system also deliver a sound reduction of 40dB or more without special enhancement. Referring to the success of the curtain walling and fenestration solution from Dortech and Technal, Willmott Dixon’s Project Manager, James Goodwin, said: “This was a challenging project, not least because of the building’s proximity to a main road and the MRI (Manchester Royal Infirmary) with ambulances and other emergency services going past all the time. In terms of the acoustics, the transfer of noise, it has performed wonderfully well. Also, the Technal systems meet all of the thermal insulation requirements whilst, aesthetically it looks fantastic. Everyone is pleased with the completed project.”Completed in 2018 at a cost of approximately £11m, The Schuster Annex provides 2,500m² of space across it's four floors with what has been named the "Ideas Mill" and break out spaces at ground level. 

Project OverviewThe Percy Gee Building, at Leicester University, is named after a former benefactor and chairman of the former college. Over the last 2-3 years the building has undergone an exciting £13.1 million transformation and expansion. This is a multi-purpose facility, home to the Students’ Union, a venue for informal learning and a centre for refreshment and eating.PLEASE NOTE: BETTER IMAGES WILL BE POSTED WHEN WE CAN ACCESS TO THE BUILDING WHICH IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19. THESE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THROUGH A GLASS WINDOW. That hard-working industrial lookA main hub of the building will be ‘Campus Kitchen’ a new food court which will provide a range of varied cuisines for staff, students and visitors This is an interior occupied by Millennials and Gen Z and the décor needed to reflect their styles and trends. By using Amron Welltec “wave” or “corrugated” profiled aluminium sheet on an interior wall something new and unexpected was injected into the kitchen space. To take this ‘jolt away from the norm’ still further the designers envisaged not shiny metal, but the appearance of weathered and rusted metal – an industrial ‘vibe’ perhaps hinting at determination and hard work.Powdertech Collections includes a range of finishes which replicate patination/rust on metal, giving a ‘Corten’ appearance but with no rusty residue which could mark clothing and other surfaces. The client chose ‘Firebox’ from the Evolution/Rust collection. This gives a very natural ‘rusted’ look with no two panels looking the same. Powdertech applied Firebox to 80 m2 of material which line the walls and over-counter area of the Campus Kitchen.BenefitsEvolution™ Rust finishes can be used internally and also externally. There is no residue, and no run-off or staining from rainwater.The striking designs are achieved through using polyester resin systems, and a bit of magic!The finish can be cleaned like any other powder coating – minimal maintenance.We are passionate about colour and always keep up with latest trends in shade and texture of finishes.The Evolution range has up to a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Conforms to ISO 12206 and Qualicoat specifications.

When the London School of Economics (LSE) sought an architect for The Marshall Building, it held an international competition to select a contemporary design that matches its global academic reputation.The winning design by Grafton Architects features striking pale stone rainscreen cladding that contrasts with the red bricks of surrounding buildings on Lincoln’s Inn Fields.At 10 storeys high, the building needed to conform with the changes to building regulations which ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m in England and Wales. As a result, Grafton Architects specified Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the three external wall build-ups.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use at any height and the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK.With U-values of 0.14 Wm2K, 0.20 Wm2K, and 0.21 Wm2K required for the different rainscreen wall build-ups, sub-contractor I&S Construction consulted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team about the right depth of insulation. After conducting U-value calculations, 150mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was recommended for all three build-ups.As well as fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent sound absorption properties.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are also soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, the Marshall Building will provide students and academics at LSE with a comfortable and quiet environment to facilitate their world-class academic work.

The Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) transfers passengers from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal of London Luton Airport in under four minutes, spanning a distance of 2.3km. The replacement of the conventional bus service with the DART cable car-hauled system marks a significant leap in efficiency and convenience for travellers. To provide adequate ventilation at the Luton DART terminal, where all travellers congregate, DUCO was called in.A breath of fresh air in the busily visited terminalA lot of travellers pass through the terminal every day which means the space needs to be well ventilated. Two DUCO intensive ventilation products were used for this purpose: DucoWall Classic 50/75Z and DucoGrille Clasic 50HP.DucoWall Classic 50/75ZThe reason for selection of this continuous louvre wall system was the requirement to match the claddings 75 mm alignment. The sample provided gained approval swiftly. Notably, this system offers extensive spanning capabilities with minimal support sections, coupled with a large airflow and water resistance. The DucoWall Classic 50/75Z series offers a continuous aesthetic appearance and its unique click and turn clips ensured a fast installation.DucoGrille Classic 50HPThe sheer volume of passengers carried by Luton DART means a large build-up of stale air. The high airflow of the DucoGrille Classic 50HP at a huge 60% ensured that this could be evacuated quickly and that a large amount of fresh air could replace it.Impact of the DUCO intensive ventilation productsThe integration of DucoWall Classic 50/75Z and DucoGrille Classic 50HP systems within the Luton Dart Terminal also contributed to the interior environment. Not only do these solutions optimise ventilation, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air, but they also contribute to the terminal's sleek architectural appeal. The continuous louvre wall serves as both a functional screening and cladding element, elevating the terminal's aesthetic while maintaining operational efficiency.In essence, the collaboration between innovative ventilation solutions and architectural design exemplifies a harmonious blend of form and function, setting a new standard for modern transportation hubs.

Lorton Park development has been designed and built with energy and water conservation in mind. With a particular importance placed on the selection and quality of the materials used, Catnic’s innovative TBL was specified for all 46 luxury properties.BRE certified, the Catnic TBL range delivers industry leading linear thermal transmittance Psi values of 0.02 to 0.05 W/mK and safe working loads in line with Catnic’s existing Cavity wall lintels.Chris Watts, Sales Manager at Jewson, worked with Mr Hidari on the product specification,“After comparing different lintels on the market it became clear that Catnic TBL’s were best suited to the specific project requirements.“Due to the medium density concrete blocks being used onsite, AKI Ltd needed a product that could meet its thermal performance requirements and easily achieve the build’s load requirements – the composite design of the TBL made it the perfect choice.”The specifically designed flat top of Catnic’s Thermally Broken Lintel provides a simple, consistent junction with the cavity wall insulation. This removes the reliance on site workmanship, reducing the risk of a ‘performance gap’. There are also no brackets connecting the inner and outer leaf of the lintel and therefore there are no additional point thermal bridges that need to be considered.The large scale development project also benefited from Catnic Lintel Advance Scheduling System (CLASS). Through the fully comprehensive scheduling service, Catnic’s expert team created a concise document which detailed lintel descriptions, price, delivery time and a guaranteed structural accuracy.“This has been a huge, complex project and we needed a product that could deliver on the specific structural and thermal requirements,” commented Mr Hidari. “As the only lintel on the market with a complete thermal break, it seemed like the ideal product. I was particularly impressed by the Catnic team who provided us with a full design and specification for the entire development.”For further information on Catnic’s Thermally Broken Lintel range, please visit https://catnic.com/products/lintels/thermally-broken-lintels/overview

Officially opened in September 2023, Allscott Meads Primary School is primed to become a community hub for the residents of the Telford area.Built on the former Sugar Beet factory site, the new school has capacity for 150 students aged 3-11 and comprises 6 classrooms, a sports hall, kitchen, staff room, storage rooms, offices for 1-1 teaching support and interviews. The grounds of the school also contain an impressive 1.1 acre sports field and hard-surfaced sports court, as well as 40 bike spaces and car parking for staff and visitors. Tegula and Tegula Duo Block Paving were used to create a warm, inviting feel to the external landscaping on this project.  The ChallengeAesthetically pleasing paving options were required to establish a welcoming entrance to the Telford community hub.Following the deterioration of the Sugar Beet Factory that once stood on the site, the vision for Allscott Meads was to create a modern school in a beautiful setting, that would become a hub at the heart of the community. To reach a wide demographic, creating an inviting space was imperative and the use of warm tones were requested for the paving. A retaining wall solution for a small area to one side of the building was necessary to optimise space for parking in a manner that would elevate aesthetic appeal.The SolutionHydropave Tegula Cedar and Bracken were used to compliment the modern building. To create a space where students could flourish and thrive, it was important for the area to feel modern but welcoming. Hydropave Tegula 240 and Hydropave Tegula Duo Block Paving in the homely colours of Cedar and Bracken were ideal products to realise a traditional, warm feel.To reduce flooding and remove harmful pollutants, a sustainable drainage system was implemented through use of Tobermore’s Hydropave products. All walkways and car parking areas were paved, with delineation added so that specific areas were clearly visible. Secura Grand facilitated a seamless, tiered retaining wall solution that enabled additional parking to be added to the grounds, simultaneously increasing aesthetic appeal.

Gradus has provided LED Step Lighting solutions for a new cross-media venue based in Nottingham, creating an atmospheric lighting effect while aiding wayfinding.Confetti X, a £5m complex at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, part of Nottingham Trent University, offers students state-of-the-art technology for esports production, content creation and other emerging technologies like virtual production. The 100-seater venue features a large video wall for 4k broadcast complete with LED wings and hosts amateur and professional esports tournaments.The Gradus ATD121L Aluminium Step Profile was supplied and fitted on the steps in the seating area, featuring the company’s 5w Gradus Impression 3000k Warm White commercial-grade LED tape to ensure long-lasting reliability. A selection of control equipment was supplied, including an RF controller with a wireless hand-held remote, enabling the theatre to control and adjust the lighting as required.

On this high profile development project the Living Concrete team worked to very tight deadlines installing 580m2 of self-levelling FluidConcrete flooring throughout the house. FluidConcrete has a smooth, Polished-Concrete-like finish, that makes it perfect for a modern, minimalist design that can be easily combined with materials like wood and ceramic and it is also suitable for under-floor heating. It can be applied to interior surfaces, with no need for joins or breaks.The large format bespoke Plain and Corner concrete panels 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 panels were cut to fit around the staircase and walls and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof.The finished effect is a modern, spacious look that complements client’s design style and creates a truly unique and highly sophisticated space.

The Living Concrete team provided design consultancy and were selected to project manage the delivery of a new kitchen for a celebrity chef.The glass fibre reinforced concrete central island, table-come-workbench was manufactured using our special GRC BTX concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. We used our unique eco concrete mix technology with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The individual elements were precast in our workshop for assembly on site and then hand polished and treated with a specialist sealant. Large format GAP wall panels with concrete caps in Mist Rough finish completed the design.Living Concrete’s worktops and tables are extremely strong and durable and can be used indoors or outdoors. By using the best of modern technology, we have created a contemporary and elegant space that demonstrates how concrete can be both good looking and functional.

Churchill Square, a bustling shopping hub in Brighton, underwent a significant transformation in 2022, closing its main customer toilet area for a multi-million pound renovation. The refurbishment included not only updating the main toilet facilities but also adding accessible WCs, mother & baby areas, a prayer room, and a Changing Places toilet. Graham Construction, the main contractor, enlisted our assistance for the Changing Places toilet installation. Addressing layout challenges during the initial site visit, we collaborated with the Graham design team to ensure compliance. Our detailed drawings and management through the Trimble Construction One™ portal streamlined the construction process. The installation featured a GoLift ceiling hoist, a thermostatic shower, a Premium 200 shower bench, a height-adjustable basin, and a wall-mounted privacy screen. We provided training for key staff, facilitated the Changing Places registration, and achieved a fantastic finish on this noteworthy project.

9 Marylebone Lane is a new-build high quality residential building comprising 2 basement levels, lower ground, ground and seven upper floors. The site is located in between Oxford Street and Wigmore Street.The Jubilee Line runs directly beneath the site and the acoustic consultant, Hoare Lea, specified that the building needed to be supported on Stravibase VHS elastomer bearings with a maximum natural frequency of 15Hz.The building is isolated at the base of columns and walls on top of the ground floor slab. Sensitive areas on the ground and lower ground floors are isolated using box-in-box constructions.The bearing stiffnesses were used in the structural analysis to ensure that the correct bearings were used at each support location.The three apartments and the gymnasium that were below the level of the main building isolation were built of Stravifloor Jackup concrete jack-up floating floors to create box-in-box constructions.

Stopgap subfloor preparation products from F. Ball and Styccobond F44 acrylic adhesive have been used to create a laboratory-standard flooring finish at a new facility for international laboratories operator Tentamus Group, at Pride Park in Derbyshire.Flooring contractors used Stopgap Fill and Prime and Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound to prepare 1500m² of metal raised access panels over two floors before installing vinyl sheet safety flooring throughout. Once the primer had cured, Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound was applied to create a perfectly smooth base for the installation of floorcoverings. Contractors then used Styccobond F44 acrylic adhesive to install Polyflor Polysafe Standard PUR heavy-duty vinyl safety flooring. Finally, Quantum PVC capping and coving was installed at the junctions between the floorcoverings and walls to produce a neat finish and allow for easy cleaning. 

Project DescriptionThe new £5.5m state-of-the-art Beacon building was created as part of a £40m investment in Staffordshire University’s City campus in Stoke-on-Trent. A three storey, metal-clad building, it features innovative learning and social spaces. These include 12 timetabled teaching areas and general teaching rooms, flexible, multi-sized space for lectures, IT labs, seminar spaces, and The Pavilion Café which offers a street-food style menu.Specific Project ChallengesMaintaining the critical system interface details from the SFSinstaller to the rainscreen cladding installer.Ensuring colour continuity from one anodised aluminimum batch to another.Unique project featuresA bespoke natural anodised plank system, designed to seamlessly facilitate linear vertical modules.New anodising finishing techniques, featuring etched, brushed and polished finishes.A fully designed and warrantied through–wall solution from a single manufacturer.

JD Gyms are a reputable company within the leisure industry. When they started to experience serious leakage problems across their estate (especially on mezzanine floors), they quickly realised that their existing shower construction does not live up to the standard of their service – and would need a reliable, guaranteed system solution.In order to allow for a straightforward and safe replacement of existing showers without the need to change the existing pipework, a grid platform constructed of 80mm XPS building boards was proposed . The showers then were fitted with XPS linear shower trays featuring dry-fit drain technology, 12.5mm XPS building boards on the walls and surrounding floor areas were sealed by proprietary sealing and decoupling membrane, all ready to tile after 24 hours. Up till now, 18 different sites have been completed and the shower system solution comes with one manufacturer’s guarantee on the whole installation. 

THE PROJECTThe Waterside Park project features multiple banks of a fire rated mailboxes that comply with the BS 476 Part 22 offering a one hour integrity rating that will ‘contain and form a break to a fire’.The bank of mailboxes are recessed into a wall and integrated with a finishing surround frame providing a high quality edging to the products, hiding any gaps between brick and mailbox and ensuring a high quality finish.The mailboxes feature an inward sprung flap, which is a standard feature across the fire rated mailbox range. An intumescent strip is placed on the internal side of the mail flap, which expands when the temperature increases and ensures that the flap is kept closed – stopping the oxygen flow into the mailbox and reducing the risk of fire spreading through the mailbox.Each mailbox used in this project has been fitted with a unique identification numbering vinyl with a black colouring to easily show the users (both residents and postal operatives) where each mailbox is situated.

THE PROJECTThe Safety Letterbox Company are the UK’s leading manufacturer of mailboxes with a standard range of over 130 items, but also providing bespoke storage solutions for projects where a specific product is required.We were approached in early 2015 by a client requiring a specific solution that was to be manufactured using corten steel. Corten steel is a material that will change and adapt over time, starting with a darkened grey finish and progressing through to a unique rustic orange finish. The front panel of the mailbox which is located external to the property is finished in Corten Steel, also found on large proportions of the property.The mailbox is a through the wall product, with mail posted into the front of the item and securely stored until being retrieved on the rear side of the mailbox with a coded key. The front side of the mailbox features the corten steel panel integrated with an intercom system for communicating with the residents of the property.This project was featured on the Grand Designs program in October 2015.

Ward Firth 9 at The Northern General Hospital underwent a complete refurbishment as part of an essential maintenance project recently which included redecoration and new flooring as well as the installation of Yeoman Shield Wall Protection Panels and Guardian Handrail.After the work was completed the ward lookedsmart and refreshed which left the originalNurses Station lack lustre, as pictured to the left.Yeoman Shield were able to offer a solution to theworn work-unit with the application, to the sidesof the desk, of 2.0mm thick FalmouthEx protectionpanels in light grey to match the surrounding décor.The tops of the work stations were covered withYeoman Shield Satin Pastel Smooth panels in thecolour Clay.Not only did the covering of the nurse’s stationwith Yeoman Shield products reflect the newsmart décor of the wards but also gave them anextra lease of life with a durable impact resistantand easy to clean hygienic finish.

The newly completed 122 Waterloo Street development in the centre of Glasgow offers its occupants floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout, with almost uninterrupted views thanks to the latest Schüco curtain-walling system designed, manufactured and installed by Edinburgh-based façade specialist Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd.But, impressively, the landmark building – which will be the Glasgow headquarters of global financial services firm Morgan Stanley – will also be one of the most energy efficient buildings in Scotland, thanks in part to high-performance glass coatings from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited.The scheme has been certified BREEAM Excellent, and achieved an ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the latter based on a detailed assessment of the building’s energy performance. The glazing helps to minimise this by reducing energy emitted from the building, as well as the heating effect of the sun, both of which can make maintaining a comfortable interior climate more energy-intensive.A glass for all seasonsThe scale of the building and the large area of glass used means that excessive radiation of heat from the building could lead to rapid heat loss during colder conditions, requiring an increase in heating to keep the interior warm.To mitigate this effect, the glazing features a Pilkington Optitherm ™ S1 Plus low-emissivity coating which reflects radiated heat back into the building.The second issue that can affect buildings where most of the envelope is glazed is excessive heat build-up when the sun is shining directly into the interior. This can present a challenge for building managers, often requiring high levels of energy-intensive air conditioning.To combat this, a solar-control coating has been used, reducing the amount of heat energy that is able to enter the building while maintaining high levels of transparency. Michael Metcalfe, commercial sales manager at Pilkington UK, said: “The Pilkington Suncool™ 70/35 T coating selected by the design team offers high visible light transmittance, reduced solar transmittance and excellent low-emissivity all in one product.“This means the floor space will be brightly lit by sunlight but won’t suffer from overheating on warmer days.”Clear viewsThe coatings are not the only innovative part of the glazing used in the project, as the glass is held in place by the latest structurally bonded curtain wall system from manufacturer Schüco. Each unit contains a large pane of clear glass and a smaller pane of opaque, coloured spandrel glass, creating horizontal lines across the façade between each floor of the building.Michael Metcalfe continued: “The metal carrier frames in which the glass sits are extremely low profile, so the edges of the panes of glass are very close to one another. This removes the mullions normally associated with unit-based glazing systems, creating a flush glass surface with almost uninterrupted views.”The clarity of the glazing was further improved by the use of Pilkington Optiwhite™ true low-iron glazing throughout, which significantly reduces the slight green tint that is inherent in standard float glass.On the ground floor, Pilkington Optilam™ laminated glazing was used to provide protection against manual attack and increase the security of the building.Completed in December 2017, the nine-storey building also includes 155,000 sq ft of Grade A office space.Project: 122 Waterloo Street, GlasgowClient: HFD GroupArchitect: Micahel Laird ArchitectsCurtain walling supplier: SchücoInstaller: Charles Henshaw & Sons LtdImages courtesy of S G Photography

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

The Project  Friargate One is a 150,000 sq ft, 13 storey, low energy building forming part of a £700m project to create a new business district in Coventry.  The building sets the standard for the remainder of the 37 acre Friargate scheme that will include 13 more office buildings, two hotels, homes and shops all set to transform the area around the train station. This project is the largest development in the West Midlands Combined Authority.   The Challenge Deliver a product to satisfy the architects design & meet the highest standards offered within the industry. Provide a full range of accessories to compliment the system. Manufacture bespoke boxed out mirror units complete with rebated lighting strip. Ensure the system is installed to highest standard to create a seamless fronted wall of cubicles and superloos across varying floors.  The Solution Floor to ceiling Flush 44 system installed throughout male & female washrooms and unisex superloos situated over two floors.   The system encompasses a 44mm MR core with a hardwood rebated edge detail. The overall finish is modern and sleek creating a seamless flush wall of cubicles with complete privacy and comfort for the users.Close management of each phase from site survey through CAD drawings, call up and manufacture ensured we had complete control of the project and were able to accurately survey the areas and install the seamless system desired by the client.SpecificationProduct Range: Flush44 HPLDoors: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPilaster: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPartition: Partition: HPL bonded onto 38mm MR Core, Formica Folkstone F7927Ironmongery: Stainless SteelAvailable Finishes:These Systems Are Available In The Following Finishes:• Natural Wood Veneer• High Pressure Laminate• High Gloss LaminateAccessories Product Range W/C'sSpecificationProduct Range: AccessoriesMirror Backing Panels: Blanc Menuires B015 with 4mm Safety Backed MirrorsWaste Bins: Prestige Waste BinOther:Paper Towel HoldersWaste BinToilet Roll HoldersSoap Dispenser

Project brief:A monumental restoration project for the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral spanning 15 years and costing £40 million. It was the first comprehensive restoration project that the Cathedral has gone through and this extensive cleaning, repair and renovation programme was one of the largest of its kind ever in the UK.The Project:It doesn’t get much more high profile than this when it comes to historic building restoration. As part of the London skyline for over 300 years, the requirement was for materials that perfectly balanced the strength and performance to do the job with the delicate nature of working with such a fragile and weathered structure. The sheer scale of the project also dictated the need for an extremely consistent product.Help from Tarmac Building Products – St. Pauls Grout Mix:Pozament, from Tarmac Building Products Ltd, boasts the heritage range of Limelite Grouts and Mortars specifically designed for such tasks. Yet in a project of such epic proportions and with the stakes so high our technicians instead produced an all new low strength blend of PFA, lime and special additives, that was capable of penetrating the fine voids and fissures in the Cathedral’s structure, whilst remaining sympathetic to the existing materials.The new grout, now named St. Paul’s Grout Mix, is easily mixed and in addition can be placed using gravity feed techniques, which are often used to ensure low pressures that are needed to avoid damage to delicate structures, such as in the case of St. Paul’s Cathedral.St. Paul’s Grout was designed to achieve a low strength of approximately 2.0 N/mm2 at 28 days, which was sufficient to strengthen and fill voids in the heartening of the masonry walls at St. Pauls Cathedral. The mix also contains a special plasticiser/wetting aid, so that when used at a water solids ratio of 0.4, a very fluid mix capable of penetrating fine voids and fissures is produced.Outcomes:The St. Paul’s Restoration project was finally finished in June 2011. To this day Tarmac continue to produce the St. Paul’s Grout when required and since then, it has been used successfully on many similar restoration projects including York City Wall, Winchester Cathedral and other English Heritage projects.

OverviewThe Mayson, a new boutique hotel in Dublin’s regenerated Docklands, consists of two protected buildings on the city’s North Wall Quay – a traditional dockers’ pub and a 19th century timber warehouse. Features include Ryleigh’s rooftop restaurant, and a boutique barber shop set in a traditional pub, The Bottle Boy.Project criteriaA critical aspect of the design was to restore and knit the two buildings together in a way that preserved their industrial character. The hotel is a landmark feature in the Dockland area, sitting on North Wall Quay overlooking the River Liffey, a testing marine environment for architectural metalwork, making their protection paramount. A Corten-like finish had been suggested for the exterior metal fins, to look like rusted steel, but the designers wanted to avoid run-off from storm water drainage staining surrounding structures.The SolutionPowdertech Evolution™ finishes emulate metal patination but with no run-off and staining. A range of ‘rusted’ ‘Corten’ finishes is included in the Evolution range, all of which conform to ISO 12206 and Qualicoat specifications.The client chose one of the brightest – ‘Sahara’. As the images show, the colour changes depending on the light, and looks particularly stunning in full sunlight, complementing the red brick of the former dockers’ pub. Powdertech coated 2,100 linear metres of box-section aluminium to form one hundred and fifty vertical fins of 14m in length extending on the upper storey of the building. A marine-grade epoxy polyester primer was applied after a high etch-rate pre-treatment and before the Sahara coating in order to ensure excellent protection. The building retains its heritage and brings a distinctly warming glow to the entire area, even on a dull day.BenefitsThe Evolution range has up to a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Colour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatingPowdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

High-performance products from the A. Proctor Group, experts at solving condensation, airtightness and energy efficiency problems in buildings have been selected for use in the construction of a British Antarctic Survey building.The BAS Signy Cummins Hut is designed to provide a fully fabricated, fit for purpose hut, which can be easily erected to provide short-term accommodation for two British Antarctic Survey operatives to carry out incredibly valuable research in extreme polar conditions.Main Contractor, Mike Robinson of Rothwell Robinson, Manchester explained. “Due to the extreme conditions, we wanted to ensure that only the highest performing products were used on the project. In light of the extreme temperatures involved, we approached the A. Proctor Group who carried out a full condensation risk analysis.“Following the risk analysis, the recommendations adopted included Roofshield® for the roof and Procheck® 500 as a VCL for the walls.”“Another key factor was that the chosen components needed to be lightweight to be carried from the shore to their final location on the island.”Roofshield is an air and vapour permeable, highly water-resistant roofing underlay that has been made to the same high specification for over 20 years. The products reliable performance has been demonstrated in the toughest locations around the world. Its characteristics allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe, without the need for air gaps or secondary venting.Many vapour and air permeable underlays use an airtight VP film layer to achieve their performance, whilst Roofshield’s patented SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) structure allows high levels of airflow, in addition to the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of condensation in the roof space virtually impossible. It has an extremely high degree of vapour permeability, as well as air permeability, so will still perform in conditions in which air tight alternatives will not.Procheck 500 is a strong reinforced polyethylene vapour control layer, for use within roof and wall constructions to prevent warm, moist air escaping from inside the building and condensing within the insulation. The woven extruded polypropylene multifilament scrim reinforcement provides exceptional tear resistance and robustness to withstand the toughest conditions.

Nestled within the innovative hub of the Royal Docks Centre of Sustainability at The University of East London, a groundbreaking addition has been made to enhance inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals. The introduction of the hygiene room marks a significant milestone for accessibility in the area. Currently, there is only one other Changing Places facility available, making this new facility a crucial addition to meet the pressing needs of individuals with diverse mobility requirements within the Royal Docks community and its surrounding areas.Hygiene Room EquipmentAt the core of this facility lies the meticulously selected equipment:Astor ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash Basin: This basin prioritises comfort and convenience during personal care routines, with its height-adjustable feature catering to individuals with varying mobility levels.Astor OT200 Overhead Ceiling Track Hoist: The hoist facilitates secure and efficient transfers within the hygiene room.Astor Shower Trolley: Offering individuals with mobility challenges a comfortable and dignified showering experience.KwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy Screen: Incorporating privacy and discretion, this screen empowers individuals to create a personal space within the hygiene room.Power In PartnershipLocated within the Royal Docks Centre of Sustainability, this Changing Places hygiene room reflects a harmonious collaboration between the University of East London and Astor Bannerman. Beyond meeting the highest accessibility standards, this facility seamlessly integrates into the university’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.As students, staff, and visitors navigate the dynamic campus of the University of East London, they can now do so with the confidence that accessibility is a priority. The establishment of this hygiene room signifies a significant stride in cultivating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and able to fully participate in university life.For institutions seeking inspiration or guidance on implementing similar initiatives, the University of East London’s Royal Docks Centre of Sustainability serves as a shining example of how collaboration and innovation can create inclusive spaces that reflect a commitment to both accessibility and sustainability.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.

Danish manufactured Troldtekt panels are commonly specified throughout the UK and Europe to improve the interior acoustic environment. Two recent Danish projects are the transformation of an old building into a car dealer’s offices for Karvil Biler, while the other is an extension of Randers Architects’ own headquarters into a mix of offices and exclusive residential units. Both projects use Troldtekt® line with its perfectly symmetrical vertical lines to balance walls and ceilings with great aesthetics, conveying warmth and providing a modern look coupled with high performance sound absorption.For the Architects’ washrooms, Troldtekt® line was chosen to add visual vibrancy to the rooms. It also exhibits different appearances depending on the angle from which the wall surfaces are viewed. The edges have been milled where the panels meet the ceiling, around electrical sockets and switches and also at floor level where bamboo skirting has been integrated. All have been elegantly cut to ensure a neat finish and fine detailing.In the car dealers, Troldtekt® line was selected in order to enhance and benefit the whole indoor climate. “We wanted to create a coherent look. The milled grooves have a visually calming effect and contrast well with the new raw concrete floor,” the project manager explained. Troldtekt® line forms nine acoustic solutions that make up the “design solutions” range which combines the best ideals of form and function. Founded on the Cradle to Cradle design concept, 100% Troldtekt’s natural wood wool panels are manufactured in a new state-of-the-art production facility. With a variety of different surfaces and colours, they can be supplied in the FSC® 100% category (FSC®C115450) contributing to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED rating. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, the panels offer high durability and low cost life cycle performance, as well as inherent sustainability. They are also a natural, breathable material which can absorb and release moisture, which is why they have been awarded an Allergy Friendly Product Award by Allergy UK. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from tel 01978 664255 or visit www.troldtekt.co.uk

Arstiderne architects, a division of architectural and engineering consultancy Sweco, has transformed a large industrial building into a stunning open plan office to house the 180 Sweco employees at a location near Aarhus in Denmark.  The clever design retains much of the heritage of the old building, including its curved sawtooth roof and skylights, while insulating it to high standards and transforming the interior to meet the key objective of fulfilling UN Sustainable Development goals. The architects are particularly proud of the way the old building has responded to conversion into an employee and client-friendly showplace with a unique energising ambiance. While the majority of staff work in large open plan spaces they benefit from several smaller self-contained rooms in the centre of the building. These box-like structures, bathed in daylight from the skylights and facade windows, are used for a variety of purposes from a quiet workspace to meetings and socialising. Their design on the original concrete floor contrasts well with the precise finish on their walls. These are clad with Troldtekt acoustic panels in an ultrafine finish creating a high performance and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The ceilings and some walls are clad with standard acoustic panels, while specific areas have been decorated with Troldtekt® line which forms part of the award-winning design solutions collection. The lengthwise surface grooves form a continuous pattern across the partitions and reception areas adding interesting texture and depth. Troldtekt was specified across the scheme for its sustainable characteristics coupled with superior acoustics to provide a comfortable working environment. Thus the overall redesign of the interior strikes an impressive balance been the original industrial construction on one hand and human scale on the other, with the textured surfaces creating a sense of companionship.  Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk

TECHNAL GLAZING SYSTEMS PROTECT THE 47TH G7 SUMMIT VENUE FROM COASTAL STORMSThe stunning Carbis Bay Hotel in Cornwall, venue for the 47th G7 Summit, had a host of tried and tested TECHNAL glazing and curtain walling systems installed, all specified for their outstanding weather performance.Exeter-based Harmony Architectural Aluminium, a specialist glazing fabricator and contractor well experienced in helping develop high-end properties around the windswept coasts of Devon and Cornwall, designed and delivered the Dualframe 75 Si, Elegance 52 curtain walling, Crown Sliding Folding doors and other products in a £400K contract for the Carbis Bay Hotel. Having employed TECHNAL systems on projects from Bristol down to Cornwall for more than three decades, Harmony proposed a package of systems including the Dualframe 75 Si doors and windows to create eight beachfront lodges and a three-storey wedding venue at the landmark destination.  The Carbis Bay lodges and beautiful wedding venue are a stand-out project for us: not just because of the challenges to the location, literally right next to the sea, but because it also demonstrates TECHNAL’s value as a one-stop shop. We have the range of systems to fulfil any contract from volume housing through to the ‘Grand Designs’ type properties and commercial work.For locations such as this, systems like Dualframe, C160 Sliders and Crown Sliding Folding doors work at the scale to maximise the views while delivering the necessary resistance to wind, air and water.The fabricator, which operates a 20,000 square feet facility at Pinhoe, put forward the TECHNAL systems for the prestige project, primarily on the basis of their excellent weather performance and resistance to the aggressive marine environment. While all the systems offer a stylish appearance, the Crown Sliding Folding and C160 Lift and Slide doorsets also provided the benefit of permitting taller than normal opening heights.We were one of three companies invited to meet the owner of the Carbis Bay Hotel, Steve Baker, and his project manager, Mark Senton, following a recommendation from one of our clients in Cornwall.  We then put forward the Dualframe and other TECHNAL products on the basis of the level of support, as well as performance, the manufacturer offers.  I have been using TECHNAL systems since 1989 for contracts across the South West including schools, hospitals and other PFI projects.Harmony AA Construction of the MUV (Multi Utility Venue) building and the eight lodges was split into two phases, but ended up running concurrently: which increased the logistical challenge as the hotel remained open through the year-long period of works – including for weddings on the beach.  The fact that the buildings are right down at the level of the beach inevitably increases the glazing systems’ exposure to salt spray as well as driving rain when the weather is bad, so we relied on TECHNAL’s technical department to supply all of the relevant testing certificates to verify the corrosion resistance, wind pressure ratings and other specification requirements. There were a lot of meetings regarding this project, while deliveries to our Pinhoe plant near Exeter were kept up throughout.Harmony AAHarmony’s package for the Carbis Bay project included the design, manufacture and installation of 29 sets of two or three panel C160 Sliders: all 2700mm high, installed in the seaward facing elevations of the eight luxury lodges. Accommodating up to eight people, these also feature Dualframe 75 Si entrance screens, into which the client installed timber doors.The ground floor to the MUV building is given over to three retail units, the entrance to each of which is formed of a Crown Sliding Folding doorset standing 2600mm high. On the floor above are guest bedrooms with seven sets of 2800mm tall C160 Sliders, as well as Dualframe residential doors, giving access onto the balconies.The top floor of the venue then offers panoramic views of the bay through a series of Elegance 52 screens, with automatic opening, top-hung vents providing easily controllable ventilation while the glazing throughout is SKN 176 solar control. The curtain walling includes a run that is faceted to follow the curve of the building’s end wall, while more C160 Sliders are set behind ‘Juliette’ balconies to open out onto the stunning seascape view.Stylish in design while offering multiple opening configurations, the TECHNAL Dualframe 75 Si range is proving very popular across many sectors, including social housing and education. Not only does the uniquely designed polyamide break help it offer U-values down to 0.9 W/m2K, but Dualframe was the first aluminium system to achieve an A++ Window Energy Rating with its tilt before turn window. Additionally, PAS 24 has been achieved on every style including tilt-before-turn and pivot. Andy Hart, Account Manager at TECHNAL

Conversion of listed Cotswold coach houseDesign Storey architects are thrilled with the transformation of this curtilage-listed coach house located in a walled garden within a conservation area in a small Cotswold town. The task was to extend the ground floor of the property to create a new boot room and dining room, increase the amount of light into the property and improve connection of the house with the garden. The project proved particularly tricky due to the listed and conservation status which made selection of materials especially sensitive. Having specified Lindab guttering for these reasons and for its longevity and minimal appearance, the architect was assisted with samples so that the client could choose their colour palette on site. They opted for Anthracite Metallic coated finish gutters and downpipes and square hoppers which the architect said, “contributed to the overall quality of the build and visual appearance of the final building”. Following this, Design Storey are using Lindab guttering on a number of further projects including a school extension and a family home, stating that Lindab, “provide a quality range of products to suit a number of solutions.”

To create a Blob... CHALLENGE For the design of a Texaco service station on the highway near Antwerp the architect decided he wanted to create a Blob (Binary large objects) architectural design. The service station consists of three functional lobes that together look like an oil stain. The actual gas stations are covered with 4 lobe-shaped canopies. To accentuate this futuristic design the architect wanted to create liquid formed shapes in a metallic look. As the walls of the main building were planned using a polurea metallic finishing coating the architect sought a suitable compatible material to finish the rest of his Blob roof surfaces. SOLUTION Synthetic roofing membranes are the most flexible materials on the market and are suited to waterproof almost all possible roof shapes. For this particular project the silver coloured RENOLIT ALKORPLAN membrane was the best solution. This silver membrane is produced with a protective coating creating a roofing membrane that is easy to clean. The RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Metallic membranes combine excellent durability with added aesthetical appearance.