"water meters"

8300 SQM of Optima FC+, Optima FC+ perforated panels and Optima IPC (soffits) have been used in the completion of the 23-storey New Bailey building in Salford Quays.Optima FC+ was selected for a number of reasons on this project.Predominantly, it is an incredibly user friendly system – panels can be quickly and easily adjusted on site and the system can be fixed top down, or bottom up with individual panel removal and replacement. This makes Optima FC+ a highly desirable choice for designers and installers.However, the panels were specifically adapted for this project to enable a completely secret fix system, as per the architects vision. Therefore the top return fold was increased to 50mm instead of 38mm. This allowed for the security fixings to be completely concealed by the panel above, allowing the customer to easily fit the panels from ground up.Sotech worked closely with the design team and installer at the very early design stages to make this modification possible. The teams used a 3D modelling route, which allowed the customer to comment and make changes to the model without physical cost.Optima FC+ perforated panels were chosen as an additional aesthetic feature and Optima IPC was selected for the soffit areas as the architect requested a secret fix system.A bespoke window reveal and bracket was included in the panel design. This allowed for an extended side return which was used to hook on the panels and enable a secret fix. The Optima IPC system was perfect for this part of the design as it enables hidden mechanical fixings and is a cost-effective solution using 2.0mm aluminium.Black PPC aluminium was used as backing trays to enhance the appearance of the perforations, prevent views through the perforations and close off the cavity.Optima FC+ has been independently tested and certified to meet CWCT rigorous specification for rainscreen cladding and has been fire tested to BS8414-2 and classified to BR135 for high rise buildings. This makes it the perfect solution for Plot C1, now the tallest residential building in the New Bailey plot.Plot C1, which features a six-storey podium with an exclusive rooftop garden terrace for the wellbeing of residents, incorporates a number of sustainability measures including surface water drainage attenuation, minimising off site spoil disposal, reduced water consumption.The project has been shortlisted in the 2022 Facade Awards UK for ‘Best use of a rainscreen system using aluminium’.

BackgroundOccupying a prominent position on the Kingsway, The Curve development is a portfolio of 27 apartments. The key requirement for Cube Homes was to offer residents high quality, low carbon, affordable and sustainable apartments.After extensive planning, K Systems specified a direct fix system with mineral wool insulation and a silicone render finish. Our Direct Fix system for steel frame structures is KIWA BDA certified and provided the ideal solution for these newly constructed mid-rise apartments.Our team designed a façade solution that delivered modern, thermally efficient and aesthetically pleasing homes, meeting the client’s requirements.Our ServiceDue to the number of fixings and the curvature of the property, this was a technical project which required bespoke detailing.In collaboration with Bowker Sadler Architects and our approved installer Profac, we designed a comprehensive specification and were on-site when required, offering Profac technical and installation support throughout the build.The Direct Fix system specified is a cost-efficient solution for steel frame structures, with fewer components for a simpler and faster install. Direct Fix generates exceptional insulation and with a silicone render finish provides high levels of fire rating (A2,s1-d0), allowing Cube Homes to deliver safe and thermally efficient homes.Technical Project DetailsThe EWI needed to be line and level with the ground floor brickwork. To achieve this specific requirement, 300mm mineral wool (which is deeper than available mineral wool) was specified for the project. This meant 110mm and 190mm boards were combined to achieve the required 300mm.This thicker mineral wool meant that the curved elevation on the building was difficult to achieve. The insulation was facetted around the curve and carefully installed by Profac to create a seamless façade. The 300mm mineral wool resulted in a low U-value of circa 0.10 W/m²K, meaning heating costs for the apartments will be minimal and carbon usage will be reduced to a minimum standard.For the finish, silicone render (TC 15) was specified to create a striking curved elevation. Silicone TC incorporates the benefits of silicone technology to provide a water repellent finish with a fresh and modern appearance. The silicone allows water vapour to pass freely through the render whilst allowing the finish to remain weather resistant, making it the ideal solution for a low maintenance, long-term finish.

Sixmile Boardwalk is a wooden walkway located in Ballyclare, a town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The boardwalk stretches for over a mile through Sixmile Water Park, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. The boardwalk is an accessible and family-friendly attraction that allows visitors to explore the park’s wetlands and wildlife, including ducks, swans, and otters. It is a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, as well as families and nature enthusiasts. The boardwalk also features several rest areas and interpretive signage, providing visitors with information about the park’s history and ecology.The second phase of the Antrim Boardwalk refurbishment project involved an extension and upgrade of the walkway, including the removal of existing slippery timber deck boards and replacing these with new anti-slip timber deck boards. For this, Gripsure’s non-slip Premier decking were carefully chosen for the new raised boardwalk and viewing platform area, installed by Martin Contracting Services Ltd.Primarily chosen for its safety benefits, Gripsure’s Premier profile achieves a PTV rating of 78 assuring a safe and comfortable walking surface for visitors, even in wet or damp conditions. Gripsure decking has been tried and tested on projects for over 15 years and is now trusted by many household names, such as Center Parcs and Samsung.In addition to the proven safety benefits, the Gripsure decking used at Sixmile Boardwalk is also extremely durable and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective choice for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The decking requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, ensuring that it remains in excellent condition for years to come.Overall, the Gripsure non-slip decking used at Sixmile Boardwalk has been a great success, providing a safe and sustainable solution that enhances the park’s natural beauty and functionality. The decking has helped to increase visitor safety and comfort, and has helped to make Sixmile Water Park a more accessible and enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages and abilities.The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb, said: “These refurbishment works will bring more footfall to Antrim town centre and help us tackle the challenges of climate and environmental change by encouraging active travel whilst also proving a local business with the contract.”All media is courtesy of Martin Contracting Services. ©2022 Martin Contracting Services

South Lanarkshire College (SLC) in Scotland has opened a new, ‘zero-energy’ teaching block on its East Kilbride campus. Specifically designed with first-rate environmental credentials in mind, it boasts a whole host of efficiency-enhancing measures – including highly insulated floors, walls and roofs, triple-glazed windows, low-energy lighting and electrics, rainwater harvesting and solar PV panels on the roof. The college approached NIBE Pro Installer Anderson Floor Warming and Renewables in search of a system that would meet the heating requirements of the eight-classroom block in the most sustainable, cost-effective and reliable way possible.The SolutionSLC already has a range of NIBE products in its on-site renewables training centre, which students use for practical sessions, so a heat pump from NIBE was the natural choice to heat the new block. Mike Anderson, director at Anderson Floor Warming and Renewables, specified, designed and fitted a NIBE F1345 40kW ground source heat pump (GSHP) system to complement the building’s water-based underfloor heating, which operates at similarly low flow temperatures.ResultsNow up and running, the NIBE system is so efficient that it has been awarded a rating of A+++ in line with energy labelling criteria under the ErP Directive. SLC’s new teaching block has become the first building in the UK to achieve a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Outstanding’, with the facility excelling in all 10 assessment categories – from energy, waste and water to health and wellbeing.Customer Testimonials“We pride ourselves on our forward-thinking approach to sustainability at SLC, and we couldn’t be happier that our new teaching block has been deemed ‘Outstanding’ by BREEAM assessors. The NIBE heat pump system and the solar PV panels combined generate enough renewable energy to meet the block’s entire heating and power needs, making it a ‘zero-energy’ building. It really is a huge asset to the whole college – not only from a resource point of view, but also as a real-life example of sustainability in action. As well as being a valuable learning space for our construction and energy students, it’s a place for us to bring local businesses and community groups, and showcase the benefits of low-carbon, low-resource buildings first-hand.”Stewart McKillop, principal at South Lanarkshire College

The Quartermile development is a cosmopolitan mix of luxury apartments, cafes and businesses in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. The masterplan for the new area is designed by Foster + Partners and enjoys views of some of Edinburgh’s greatest landmarks. The access to the new building (adjacent to the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site) is elevated from the North Meadow Walk pedestrian walkway and cycle route. The pathways and landscaped areas in front of the development needed a structural drainage solution and reinforced turf area that would be suitable for trafficking by maintenance and emergency vehicles when required.ABG’s high strength Roofdrain 60S+RX geocomposite was specified to provide sub-surface drainage across the base of the podium deck. The drainage board provides a high flow capacity void to channel water pressure to the surrounding perimeter drains. By utilising a 60mm drainage layer the need for much deeper and harder to install drainage stone layers can be minimised. The carbon footprint for the product is just 3.3 kgCO2e per m2 which is an approximate 50% saving compared to the embodied carbon of quarrying, transportation and installation of the equivalent thickness of drainage aggregates. Once installed the Roofdrain core is filled with pea gravel to provide a rigid sub-base beneath a bedding layer and resin bound gravel pathways. The drainage core features regular perforations to allow surface water to percolate and drain to the underside of the board. Adjoining rolls can be easily overlapped with the cups designed to slot  into one another. The Roofdrain was overlaid with a Terrex NW9 geotextile to prevent fines entering the drainage core. The Roofdrain can be stepped to cascade into lower sections to suit the landscaping layout. The main green area to the front of the building was cultivated using the Advanced Turf reinforced grass system. The Netlon Advanced Turf System (Netlon ATS) is a high performance, mesh-element reinforced natural grass rootzone system that provides a SuDS compliant free-draining grassed surface. It consists of a high quality, sandy soil rootzone into which thousands of playing card sized polypropylene Netlon plastic mesh elements are pre-blended. The composite mesh reinforced rootzone and selected turf are then delivered to site as a system. ATS was specified for this development to support loading by occasional MEWP vehicles such as cherry pickers, and in the event emergency vehicles need to traffic onto the grass.

The fit-out of a new primary school building in North-West London has featured the installation of half a dozen different configuration of high quality stainless steel work-surfaces within its teaching, staff and family areas, specified for their durability and visual appeal as well as the creation of hygienic, easy to clean and maintain facilities.The Edith Neville Primary School in Camden has been built by Orpington based Neilcott Construction for the London Borough of Camden with Hayhurst and Co. Architects leading the design team. Project Architect, Jamie Wakefield, commented: “I had seen GEC sinks on another project and we specified them as part of a full Stage 4 design for the Edith Neville Primary School, which has been built for the London Borough of Camden. Schools inevitably get some very heavy usage, but with stainless steel it is easy to clean the surfaces up and get them looking smart again and they’ll still look good in ten years’ time. The different GEC fabrications feature throughout the new school as classroom art sinks, tea-point countertops and in spaces such as the family centre. There is also one in the staff kitchenette and a special studio space. We’re very pleased with how they look and they are working well for the school.”The many and varied units supplied by G. E. C. Anderson include a total of 16 in varying sizes from 1440mm long x 600mm deep and up to 3073mm long x 650mm deep, all with flat surfaces for food preparation and stacking dishes, including ten units supplied with one full size sink and six with a full sink together with half sink, plus three with cut out for cooker hobs, while 300mm high splashbacks- again in stainless steel, help prevent water or waste material staining or damaging the walls. The tops also incorporate five different edge details for such purposes as preventing water run-off.Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.

Our technical team were invited to complete a roof survey and condition report of this residential project, where the existing roof area which was suffering from repeated leaks, failed repair attempts and significant standing water.ChallengesUpon inspection it was clear the roof covering had been recently renewed, but the workmanship, attention to details and drainage falls were sub-standard and no doubt contributory to the ongoing leaks and consequential ceiling damage to the areas below.Although the client preferred a robust torch-applied reinforced bitumen waterproofing system, our Safe2Torch assessment picked up some redundant roof plant, combustible cladding interfaces and complex penetrations which necessitated a localised flame free solution.Our team also carried out a level-survey to ascertain the existing falls, and what, if anything, could be done to alleviate the standing water without excessive cost.SolutionsOur comprehensive roof survey report included a dimensioned roof plan, identification of Safe2Torch areas/details, bespoke waterproofing designs for complex penetrations, and a thorough assessment of the existing roof make-up (via core samples) and drainage.Given the apparent age and good condition of half the roof area, it was left in-situ and overlaid with Hyranger single layer RBM system. Minor improvements to the drainage layout, via the introduction of a tapered insulation scheme central to the roof where the outlets where positioned, helped to significantly improve falls. Elsewhere, the rest of the existing roof covering and thermal insulation were stripped back to expose the original asphalt.The asphalt received a new air and vapour control layer before the same Hyranger system, including a mix of both flat board and tapered Hytherm ADH insulation, was installed to improve the falls and correct the thermal performance balance.A Safe2Torch abutment detail to existing cladding was identified early on in the Axter roof survey report as a fire safety hazard, so in accordance with our specification and recommendations, our accredited Axtershield Installer - N R A Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd - expertly installed a Hyranger Neo-Bitumen Flame Free membrane solution around a 900mm wide margin.The Axtershield Installer worked efficiently and to a very high standard to complete the project on budget whilst delivering an aesthetically pleasing and robust waterproofing solution.Systems in useHyranger®Neo-Bitumen® Flame Free

Long house is a modern interpretation of a Derbyshire Dales longhouse and houses three generations of their respective families. It was built to Passivhaus standards and to have minimal visual impact on its rural surroundings and featured in a September episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. On the ground floor, a combination of floor-to-ceiling windows and a completely open-plan layout fills the house with sunlight and creates a feeling of space and tranquillity. A shared sitting room for Sarah and Mike’s mothers is known as the ‘lady chapel’ and its oversized windows provide spectacular views across the valley.Energy efficiency, thermal performance and sustainability are all key when building to Passivhaus standards. The couple were also keen to meet the Royal Institute of British Architects 2030 Challenge targets for operational energy use, water usage and embodied carbon. Durability and security were also priorities.‘The windows are the stars of the show. The whole house feels full of light and life. The views are spectacular and in every room we feel part of the landscape, but without having to put a jumper on!’

This exemplary development inserts 76 new homes into a conservation area in a historic market town and preserves a lime-tree avenue and a listed water tower, creating a beautiful setting for popular homes. In addition to large detached houses, it includes affordable family houses and smaller homes for the over-55 market. Saffron Walden is one of England's most beautiful market towns and the design of 'The Avenue' uses this existing context to brilliant effect.In this development Arrive and Enigma were used. Arriva stands out as an exceptionally versatile doorset featuring an outward-opening action. When positioned in front of the concealed flush side, the door gracefully swings open towards you, adding to its user-friendly and adaptable design.Enigma Pocket Doors are recognised space savers and allow the occupiers to use the full footprint of the rooms where they are installed. A conventional door will need a radius of around three feet to open which means around 10 square foot of space needs to be kept free for the door to function. This is all space that could be used for something else.

REQUIREMENT: The planned site improvements included relocating the loading bay and installing compliant access steps to the post room.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: CAD and technical drawings were designed in-house and based on site measurements taken.END RESULT:We installed the modular access steps within a few hours. Once the installation was complete, the system was instantly usable. This allowed the post room to open within a quick turnaround time.The access steps are fully compliant with documents M & K of the building regulations.FEATURES INCLUDED: Infill Handrail - this product prevents users from climbing or falling through gaps.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of each step. Additionally, it helps users distinguish any level changes.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.

Cellweb®TRP is a cellular confinement system specifically designed for tree root protection. The system creates a stable, load bearing surface for traffic or footfall whilst eliminating damage to roots through compaction and desiccation. The distinctive cell size, cell depth and cell wall perforations combine to create the tree root protection system.The Cellweb®TRP system comprises of the three specific elements, Cellweb®TRP, Treetex™ pollution control geotextile and an infill of clean angular stone.Features and benefits:Guaranteed cellular confinement system.Independently tested.No dig solution - loads placed upon it are laterally dissipated rather than transferred to the soil and roots below. Prevents sub soil compaction.100% success rate.Continued water permeation and gaseous exchange, ensuring that nutrient supplies to the tree roots are maintained.Prevents surface rutting; optimising long term performance and aesthetics of the final surface.Simple to install.Complies with BS5837:2012, APN 12 and Tree Preservation Order (TPO) guidelines. 

For almost a decade, ESCREO whiteboard paints have been helping companies transform their workplaces, making them more creative, organised and open to collaboration. Creativity and innovation are embedded in the DNA of the company and its team from the very beginning. Thanks to this, they manage to find a solution to a problem that negatively affects our productivity and well-being, namely poor air quality. This is how ESCREO Clean Air was born - the latest addition to ESCREO's carbon neutral portfolio of functional paints. ESCREO Clean Air is an interior air purifying paint, which reduces air pollution by more than 90.1%. One of the magic components is an enhanced mineral which attracts and neutralises harmful pollutants, incl. VOCs, odours, air chemicals and CO2. The non-toxic environmentally friendly water-based formula is a great collaboration between modern technology and a clever "problem-solving" approach, through which ESCREO can help commercial building owners use hitherto passive areas such as walls to further purify the air indoors, making the premises more attractive to current and future users.

The ChallengeA former industrial area along the south bank of the Union Canal in Merchiston, Edinburgh required transformation with the expected outcome of becoming one of the places to live in the city centre. A housing development was to provide a stylish addition to the already thriving growing community.The development consists of 11 stylish, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The apartments feature high quality engineered flooring, bespoke kitchens, designer bathrooms and fitted wardrobes, and each has a terrace or balcony enjoying open views over the canal.It was important that the building materials used were sympathetic to the local sandstone buildings.The SolutionThe original intention had been to use extruded bricks for the project, however, it was decided instead to use Forterra’s buff, stock thrown, Belgravia Gault Blend from its Ecostock range. A total of 55,000 bricks were used in the construction of Horne Terrace.The BenefitsBelgravia Gault Blend complemented beautifully the sandstone aesthetic of the buildings in the locality, while at the same time delivering great technical specification of low water absorption and low embodied carbon.

Total Traffic Exopave (TTE®) is a distinctively designed permeable paving system which combines strength with versatility. Made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the interlocking pavers can be filled with either grass or gravel providing a SuDs compliant solution. TTE® is a particularly suitable heavy duty paver for permanent and overspill coach or HGV parking applications. TTE® has both high compressive strength and high shear strength, enabling it to withstand much higher loading, accelerating, braking and turning forces than standard heavy duty pavers.Features and benefits:Withstand weight of up to 40 tonnes.Filled with either grass or gravel infill. SuDS compliant.Easy to install and maintain.Designed for HGV traffic.Reduced sub base depths required.High shear strength reduces limitations whilst accelerating, braking and turning.Textured surface for improved grip, and as a result improves user safety.Wheelchair regulations compliant.High water permeability.Alternative to concrete and tarmac surfaces.Sympathetic to the natural environment.

Knowle C of E Primary School in Solihull has undergone phase two of their major washroom refurbishment. Phase two of the refurbishment included additional washbasins, taps and final installations such as lighting and flooring. As one of the chosen washroom manufacturers in the final phase, Franke Water Systems provided:·        1 x SOLX1800T Miranit washtrough ·        3 x F3SV1001 self-closing tapsThe washtrough and taps were provided to complete the final phase of the project. Maintaining a high standard of hygiene is a key element to consider when specifying school washrooms. Franke’s composite washtroughs and basins are seamlessly moulded in Miranit, an advanced resin and granite composite with a gelcoat, providing a non-porous, robust and hygienic finish. Miranit is several times stronger than ceramic, highly impact-resistant and virtually shatter-proof, making it ideal for busy school washroom environments. Also provided were three F3 self-closing taps, the F3S range of taps combine functionality, robustness, and maintenance-friendly design which is ideal for highly frequented school washrooms.  

Architect/Designer: BenedettiLocation: London Project OverviewFront of house refurbishment including developing bespoke signage and hardware to meet the client and architect’s requirements. ServiceFull hardware scheduling service. Bespoke signage & ironmongery. Project Details 3v worked alongside Benedetti architects to provide a full interior hardware package for the beautiful refurbishment of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts headquarters at 195 Piccadilly. This project included development of bespoke signage panels and hardware designed to complement the overall design aesthetic for the refurbishment of this Grade II listed building.The Expansion includes new top floor by raising & restoring two large Victorian rooflight structures & decorative plasterwork considered ‘lost’ for 40 years, from the original 1883 Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours Gallery, built in ‘opposition’ to the Royal Academy across the road.Facilities include: doubled capacity, two cinema theatres, banqueting hall, multipurpose event and exhibition spaces, members’ bars/restaurant/club, roof terraces, judging/meeting rooms and offices.

AJ Wells designed, manufactured and installed just over 1000m2 of vitreous enamel wall cladding with a metal ceiling to modernise the public areas of Three Bridges Station and provide easy access to hidden electrical and telecommunication services.The metal soffit was designed and installed to act as both a water management system and create an aesthetically pleasing ceiling in the subway and platform access areas. The ceiling also incorporated inspection hatches so that the underside of the rail bridges could be inspected periodically by the relevant parties.AJ Wells carried out the installation work under extremely challenging conditions as Three Bridges station is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. As a result the majority of works could only be carried out during the evening and in the early hours of the morning when customer traffic flow was at a minimum.AJ Wells worked closely with the other trades on the project in order to ensure that all interfaces achieved their required purpose.KEY FEATURES:• Vitreous Enamel Cladding system• PM13 ceilingA.J WELLS SERVICES:• Design• Manufacture• Installation

Ridgeway Views is a collection of 490 flats set within 47 acres overlooking fields of Totteridge Valley. These energy-efficient homes offer village life coupled with city living. The development includes a gym, bar, parking, charging points, landscaped gardens, fitness trail, concierge, café, car club and play area. The National Institute for Medical Research was originally designed in 1934 by Maxwell Ayrton, with the buildings all being named after pioneering researchers from the institute (Dodson & Wolff House), with the main cruciform named as Ayrton House. This building has been recreated with a green copper-roofed centre, village pond, 3 storey workspace and restaurant.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XPERi was specified by Julian de Metz of dMFK working with Hawkins\Brown & RMA Architects due to its closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption and high compressive strength, making them ideal for external basement lining applications.Barratt Homes was supplied 112,500m² of Cellecta products to develop these flats in the Mill Hill conservation area.

The Scope of the project was to provide a structural waterproofing solution to a private dwelling with new build extension.The property, situated on a sloping site gave the opportunity for the waterproof design to utilise the properties environment to allow for natural discharge of any potential water ingress.The property was detached and retaining to the front and side elevations where the retaining ground slopes down and away from the property to a garden that continues to slope down to a small stream. The retaining walls on either elevation rise at their highest point to approximately 1500mm above the internal floor level.The internal walls of the property were original brick to the front and new cavity built concrete block. The floor to what was the original house is of solid concrete construction joining on to a newer block and beam floor construction.When designing the most appropriate waterproofing system to any given situation, various design factors require addressing such as (but not limited to), final use of the building, the grade of waterproofing requirement under the British Standard, structural considerations based on the form of construction and in some cases, satisfying the requirements of building warranty providers.

Liquasil's BBA Approved Metalseal 20 roof coating and Gutterseal system were specified for use on the Airspace Trampoline Park in Wolverhampton. The whole roof was pressure washed and a historical cut-edge corrosion treatment was removed before application; the cut-edges were treated with our SWT Corrosion Primer, with additional reinforcement to the mid-laps through the installation of Liquasil's optional HP Butyl Tape.The whole roof was then coated with Metalseal 20 in Goosewing Grey at a filmweight of c. 300 microns to provide a protective, aesthetically pleasing finish.The gutters were cleaned out and dried before being primed with our SWT Corrosion Primer. Once touch-dry, the joints could then be sealed using our Non-Sag Sealer and a single coat of Liquasil One was applied to the entire gutter. Liquasil One can be immediately applied over the top of Non-Sag Sealer, meaning no time is wasted waiting for it to cure before the works can continue.The end result was a revitalised metal roof with a protective, water-resistant coating that is guaranteed for 20 years.

Nestled in the natural beauty of northern Athens, “Adventure Farm Forest” is an inspiring outdoor playground that beckons families from all corners to come together and have fun!Themed playground in Athens, GreeceDesigned with a harmonious blend between nature's wonderland and creative play activities, it will surely excite imaginations while thrilling your little adventurers. Its centerpiece attraction – Polka - draws many children seeking thrills amidst elastic tiles covering its entire area. For younger kids, there are multiple interactive games such as Mole's Wood adventure or Little House for infants plus several benches for tired parents waiting nearby. A refreshing marble fountain supplies cool water under sunny Grecian skies topped off by a cozy municipal coffee shop only steps away when you need refueling after long hours of family bonding moments within this special place - truly a one-of-a-kind spot in Greece!The project was executed by our local channel partner Intec S.A. in 2012.

Holland Park Villas has set a new benchmark for quality in the super-prime central London residential development market. Unparalleled interior finishes combined with exceptional landscapes to show what a truly world-class team can deliver.On arrival, an impressive 30 year old Acer Palmatum tree takes centre stage. Granite paving, hornbeam trees, ornamental planting and a water wall further add to this sense of elegance and quality.This level of quality and attention to detail continues to areas not easily seen by the new tenants. Around 13,200 m2 of Soundis High density dry screed panels able to span between joists were installed by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems as a raised access floor system. Chosen primarily for the ease of maintenance and future extensions of the underfloor network, the system is also an integral part of the underfloor heating system.Not only does this system demonstrate its practical heating properties, but the new apartments will also benefit from the pleasant acoustic characteristics provided from the floor system.

DCM Surfaces installs synthetic surfacing at Butlins new pool complex in Bognor Regis.The project, which took two years to complete, accommodates almost 1,000 guests and has unique seaside and fairground-themed rides, a wave pool and a special area for toddlers.Kier was the successful bidder for the contract. Following a rigorous selection process based on quality, cost and Health and Safety, selected DCM Surfaces to install synthetic surfacing for three main areas around the complex.DCM Surfaces was in a unique position to deliver all elements of synthetic surfacing, which included the installation of an Artificial Grass safety surface, Resin Bound Gravel pathway, and Rubber Mulch, which was used to fill several tree pits. A core requirement of the installation was that each surface would be permeable, allowing water to drain through and ensure that it could be used all year round.A Rubber Shockpad was installed beneath the Artificial Grass to give children a soft, impact-absorbing layer to run and play with.The installation, completed on March 19, covered an area of over 1000 sqm.

Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate has been successfully trialled in a ground-breaking analysis project at Coventry University assessing the feasibility of ‘greening’ landscapes with ecological beneficial habitats.  With the objective being to research the benefits and plausibility of incorporating green space and wildlife-friendly habitats into heavily built-up areas, Coventry University handpicked Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate based on its nutrient content, weight, and the inclusion of a water supply in chambers beneath the sub-base.The majority of green roofs in the UK fall into the ‘extensive’ category and are based on a low growing succulent, Sedum, which only requires a few centimetres of substrate to grow, whilst intensive green roofs provide a deeper soil depth and can support a more complex plant system. To this end, Coventry University wanted to explore the advantages of intensive green roofs, which offer greater biodiversity, often create accessible spaces, and offer the best insulation properties and storm water management. The organisation partnered with SEL Environmental, who provided its intelligent water management systems for the project.Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate boasts greater organic content than extensive substrates, meaning it supports larger plants and can be installed at greater depths, varying from 100-500cm. IN1 provides a stable growing medium for wide variety of plants in intensive green roof installations, including green roof lawns, shrubs and trees.Depending on the substrate depth and plant type, permanent irrigation systems (above or below ground) are sometimes installed with this substrate to as a backup for extended dry periods. They are not required for everyday irrigation, as the substrate has the ability to hold onto sufficient moisture during ambient conditions. The project, funded by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and headed up by Sophie Barron-West, followed plant growth for four years from 2017, with a break due to Covid 19. Dr Stephen Coupe and Dr Liz Trenchard from the University’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) offered their research expertise.CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe says: “The technical requirements of Boughton IN1 were a big part of why we chose it. We also wanted the chance to get as many wildflowers in the space as possible. The nutrient levels were perfect because it wasn’t too rich. In fact, it was a ‘just right’ formulation that wasn’t going to overstimulate but would also deliver enough nutrients for what we needed. Ultimately it was going to be perfect for long-term sustainable plant growth.”He continues: “Reliability was another consideration because we knew we could get it delivered on site on time and, because of Boughton’s location in Kettering, we weren’t concerned about lead times, so that was a plus. It’s safe to say it was a studied choice.”Ground-breaking resultsAccording to the University, the trial resulted in ground-breaking analysis into how different types of green roofs can be created and maintained, as well as what their benefits would be alongside others in a built-up area.  The project successfully demonstrated the ecological impact of placing retrofit green roofs onto existing infrastructure, even with a focus on wildflower species and a relatively short development time. An independently-conducted ecological survey recorded five insect species that have national and local rarity value, including two species of bee that are deemed ‘nationally scarce’ and ‘nationally rare’. Of 457 preserved specimens taken on the green roofs at Coventry University, a total of 120 different insect species were recorded, including wasps, sawflies, hoverflies, beetles, and as many as 11 species of bee.  Coventry University’s findings revealed that the innovation in green roofs has improved and increased the total constructed habitat for rare insects. Research has also enabled better water management alongside habitat enhancement. This research has been incorporated into SEL’s product range, where green roofs are now used across four sites in Coventry, London, Aylesford and Blackburn. CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe said: “Ecology, biodiversity and wildlife are largely forgotten by planners, designers and builders in developments. Most green roofs installed in the UK are based on sedum, and, while there are additional features that can be added to these green roofs to improve biodiversity, they are rarely incorporated. Our findings, using Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate, are that the retrofit of green roofs is feasible and, more than four years into development, IN1 has supported verifiably diverse green roofs. The plants on these roofs supported several insects that have rarity status in the UK, which is very positive.” Dr Coupe adds: “Whilst it is probable that substrates take many years to develop anything like the maturity comparable to natural soil, after just four years, IN1 went from having no recordable eukaryotes, to a concentration of organisms, including worms, soil mites and rotifers.”  Boughton Business Development Manager, Jason Lock comments: “Boughton was delighted to be part of this groundbreaking project and buoyed by such positive findings. Our products have been used successfully in a number of iconic green roof developments around the country over the years but it was a pleasure to be involved in such an important trial that would deliver verifiable results assessing the potential for green roofs to create new habitats in urban environments and enhancing local ecological diversity. Boughton offers an extensive range of green roof substrates and we welcome any research that helps further innovation around the application of green roofs.” The experiment at Coventry University is ongoing and the team are set to feed back again at the end of the summer about how prolonged dry weather has affected results. Dr Coupe says: “The beauty of this project is that there is no general timeline for a piece of green space. We need funding to support our ongoing investigations but there are options and opportunities for long-term research. It can last for the lifespan of the site and I think we will see really interesting developments. There is no reason why, over time, these green spaces would be indistinguishable from an existing habitat.” Boughton’s portfolio of green roof substrates are specifically engineered for different types of roof greening, both for domestic and commercial projects. A full product specification is available for each of Boughton’s Green Roof Substrates, and other landscaping products, making exact specification simple and straightforward. There’s also a section on each product listed online, titled ‘to specify (copy & paste)’, designed to make your job even easier. To enquire about your next project, contact Boughton by calling (01536) 510515 or email sales@boughton.co.uk.

Our Partner, Fast Floor Screed Ltd, pump-applied self-levelling, Südanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed in this new wonderful Passive house, A1 rated self-build in Cork. The delivery, completed using their mobile screed factory, enabled our Alpha Hemihydrate flooring solution to be installed quickly and efficiently over the entire project. The architect Wain Morehead Architects, described the screed ‘the response time in your screeds also helps maintain comfort – verified during this week during monitoring/testing’, which we knew but are delighted to hear this also from Wain Moore Architects.This CE marked, self-smoothing, self-levelling screed is the most technologically-advanced floor screed available, complying with the performance requirements of EN 13813.Südanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed’s advanced composition means that it reacts with water quickly – providing consistent, reliable drying characteristics and considerably faster drying times – enabling following trades to proceed without delay.The major delivery, completed using their mobile screed factory enabled our Alpha Hemihydrate flooring solution to be installed quickly and efficiently over the entire project. The Fast Floor Screed Mobile Screed Factory – is a unique system. The lorry mounted rigs carry Sudanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate binder, sand & aggregates and water in separate compartments. The automatic production process ensures materials are precisely weighed, fed to the mixing bin, and into the pump for easy, mess-free installation. This ensures the Fast Floor Screed Mobile Screed Factory produces Sudanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate floor screed to a consistently high quality. Have a look at some previous projects we delivered to Fast Floor Screed Ltd.The floor is remarkably quick to walk-on – applied at 500m² per day and walkable within 6 hours and it’s particularly suitable for use with UFH, fully encapsulating pipes and services – increasing the performance of underfloor heating.Did you know…?This Alpha Hemihydrate Screed can be installed in a heated floating-floor screed construction, uniquely, with the commissioned underfloor heating system up and running @ 25°C?!Smet Building Products Ltd in partnership with Fast Floor Screed Ltd, demonstrates, once again, a superior level of customer service, both pre and aftercare. Whether your job is self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation, design, commercial or an industrial venture – we have a floor compound suitable for you.Contact Smet Building Products Ltd for any advice regarding your substrate.

Center Parcs Whinfell is an award-winning village located on the edge of the stunning Lake District National Park in Cumbria. Offering one of the most picturesque destinations for short break holidays, it is a haven for nature-lovers and provides countless activities to keep the whole family happily. New to the village is The Pancake House, an all-time guest favourite restaurant offering sweet and savoury pancakes in traditional Dutch style. Center Parcs needed to replace their well-used decking area outside of the restaurant which forms a main thoroughfare around the the village's eateries, overlooking the water. Gripsure's Classic deck boards were specified for this public walkway to ensure the safety of their guests; with 3 non-slip aggregate inserts, our Classic deck boards achieves the highest non-slip safety rating on the market. Not only that, this profile has a smooth board offering a stylish and contemporary finish, in keeping with Center Parc's modern facilities. In addition to this, Gripsure's Boardwalk Heritage profile was specified to replace a decked bridge connecting the eating quarters to the rest of the village. This innovative profile features 100m wide aggregate insert, offering excellent coverage whilst managing to retain the feel of using a natural product. The finishing touches to the project were applied to the steps connecting the different deck levels. For this, a custom profile was created for stair nosings using bold and contrasting coloured aggregate to alert guests and staff of the height change, whilst maintaining a sophisticated look. The high aggregate coverage ensures optimum safety for little feet running around at speed, big feet which have just been in the water, and friendly paws along for the ride. A representative for Center Parcs said "Center Parcs have been working with Gripsure for over 6 years. A great relationship has evolved in that time and they have not only worked with us to put together a standards document for the different areas that we use decking products, but they have also developed products for us to overcome specific challenges. The team at Gripsure are great to work with and they have also delivered CPD sessions to key managers within our business. We specify their products for use across all of our villages because of the range of products that can be applied across different areas, from boardwalks and bridges to decks and steps and the non-slip performance and quality are excellent." Gripsure previously worked with the team at Center Parcs Longleat to replace its iconic wooden boardwalk. You can take a look at the case study here.

The National Physical Labratory, the UK’s National Metrology Institue, was due a washroom upgrade and Dart Valley Systems provided products for the project. Developing and maintaining national primary measurement standards, the NPL has been responsible for building eliable and successful measurment foundations that help towards evolving antibiotics to tackle resistence, more effective cancer treatments, superfast 5G and unhackable quantum communications. The range of products provided are as follows: • 40 x AT03-011 Aquarius DM A45 tap spout only in s/steel with pex hose • 40 x WC02-013 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 1 ½“ • 40 x WC03-013 Low voltage WC flushvalve with programmable sensor (1 ½“ base c/w mains PSU) • 17 x WC02-001 Concealed plastic cistern – cistern only – 1 ½“ • 17 x UC00-002 Auto-Syphon for cisterns – 8 ¼“ x 1 ½“ BSP • 12 x AT00-007 Two station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR • 3 x AT00-003 Two station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR • 1 x AT00-002 Single station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR • 1 x AT00-004 Three station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR • 2 x AT00-006 Single station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR • 2 x AT00-008 Three station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR • 7 X UC01-024 Flushmatic downlighter kit for suspended ceilings in White - Mains • 24 x AC17-047 Thermostatic mixing valve 4in1 15/22mm Our DVS no-touch WC flushing system is an electroincally operated drop valve which replaces the traditional syphon and delivers a measured volume of water from the cistern to the lavatory bowl. A simple wave of a hand past the fitted sensor will acitivate the electronic Flushvalve.The system typically saves 30% on water costs, is vandal proof and easy to install a maintain. For over a hundred years, the NPL has worked with it’s customers to convert scientific proficiency into economic success, proficent employment and the enhanced quality of life. As an insitute that has aided in saving lives and protecting our enviroment National Physical Labratory has played a huge role in helping the British public feel safe and secure. 

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s newest high-performance water-mix smoothing underlayment, Stopgap 1500 AquaPro, and Styccobond F48 PLUS temperature tolerant fibre-reinforced adhesive have enabled a fast-track LVT installation as part of barn conversions to create three holiday cottages in rural Nottinghamshire.Flooring contractors installed floorcoverings in bedrooms, open-plan living and dining areas and corridors of three previously disused farm buildings of varying size, a total area of over 200m2.Work began by sanding down the new concrete bases, which had been installed as part of the renovation of the properties, by mechanically preparing them, removing any laitance, contamination, dust and debris, to leave a solid, sound, micro textured surface to receive floor preparation products.A moisture test was undertaken by one of F. Ball’s technical representatives to ensure that the building’s subfloors were dry enough to receive floorcoverings. Surfaces were then primed using Stopgap P131 general-purpose primer to promote the application characteristics of subsequently applied subfloor preparation products.Stopgap 1500 AquaPro was applied to create a perfectly smooth base for floorcoverings. Fast-setting and fast-drying, it is walk-on hard in as little as 60 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from just four hours. The product uses the latest technology to offer a water-mix smoothing underlayment that can be applied over old adhesive residues, including bitumen, carpet tile tackifiers and ceramic tile adhesives. As it is moisture resistant, it can be applied to damp subfloors prior to the application of a waterproof surface membrane.Flooring contractors then used Styccobond F48 PLUS to adhere 7-inch wood-effect vinyl planks in each of the three cottages. The temperature tolerant adhesive holds floorcoverings in place when subject to high temperatures, which may be an issue as a result of solar gain caused by large patio doors. This can cause tenting and gapping at the edges of vinyl floorcoverings as a result of repeated expansion and contraction over time. Fibres in the adhesive also provide high initial grab, a benefit when installing LVTs.Commenting on the project, Anthony Holmewood, fitter at Forester Flooring, said: “Using Stopgap 1500 AquaPro meant that we could complete the work in less than a week. We opted for Styccobond F48 PLUS to install LVTs mainly because we like the adhesive, but also for the reason that floorcoverings are exposed to direct sunlight in some areas.”

The National Physical Laboratory, the UK’s National Metrology Institute, was due a washroom upgrade and Dart Valley Systems provided products for the project. Developing and maintaining national primary measurement standards, the NPL has been responsible for building reliable and successful measurement foundations that help evolve antibiotics to tackle resistance, more effective cancer treatments, superfast 5G and unhackable quantum communications. The range of products provided are as follows: ·       40 x AT03-011 Aquarius DM A45 tap spout only in s/steel with pex hoses ·       40 x WC02-013 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 1 ½“·       40 x WC03-013 Low voltage WC flush valve with programmable sensor (1 ½“ base c/w mains PSU)·       17 x WC02-001 Concealed plastic cistern – cistern only – 1 ½“ ·       17 x UC00-002 Auto-Syphon for cisterns – 8 ¼“ x 1 ½“ BSP ·       12 x AT00-007 Two station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR·       3 x AT00-003 Two station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR ·       1 x AT00-002 Single station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR ·       1 x AT00-004 Three station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR·       2 x AT00-006 Single station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR  ·       2 x AT00-008 Three station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR·       7 X UC01-024 Flushmatic downlighter kit for suspended ceilings in White - Mains ·       24 x AC17-047 Thermostatic mixing valve 4in1 15/22mm  Our DVS no-touch WC flushing system is an electronically operated drop valve that replaces the traditional syphon and delivers a measured volume of water to the lavatory bowl from the cistern. A simple wave of a hand past the fitted sensor will activate the electronic Flush valve. The system typically saves 30% on water costs, is vandal-proof, and is easy to install and maintain. For over a hundred years, the NPL has worked with its customers to convert scientific proficiency into economic success, proficient employment, and an enhanced quality of life. As an institute that has aided in saving lives and protecting our environment, National Physical Laboratory has played an enormous role in helping the British public feel safe and secure. 

About Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Milton KeynesHotel MK is a Hilton-branded hotel built into Stadium MK, home of MK Dons FC and 2015 Rugby World Cup venue. It has 304 bedrooms as well as multiple event spaces. Its conference space regularly accommodates up to 700 people for banquets, 1,000 for conferences and up to 2,500 on match day. Consequently the urinals in the conference area can experience very high usage. The hotel operates under the Hilton brand and so must comply with Hilton’s brand standards. It also takes part in Hilton’s Lightstay programme, designed to reduce energy and water usage throughout the Hilton portfolio.In 2016 Sue Dawson, the hotel’s Operations Director, was tasked with arranging the refurbishment of the two blocks of toilets in the hotel’s conference area. Waterless urinals were already in use in the Stadium and the hotel was keen to reduce its water usage further by installing them in the conference areas.Why did Hotel MK choose waterless urinals?Waterless urinals offered several benefits to the hotel. The conference area is not used every day so moving to waterless urinals means no water is used on the days that the conference area is not used. The hotel also needed to ensure that the installation fitted with Hilton’s brand standards for design. Waterless urinals offer an aesthetic advantage as the waste from them simply runs directly into the drains, eliminating the need for ugly pipes on show or any need to box pipes in. Draining into a wide pipe, rather than a narrow pipe as is the case with traditional urinals, also means that waterless urinals are highly unlikely ever to block.Why did Hotel MK choose URIMAT urinals?"I searched online for waterless urinals but none of the ones I looked at were particularly nice looking and it was very important to us to get something that fitted with the overall look of the facility and with Hilton’s own brand standards. When I came across Ecoprod I felt that their products were much more attractive and fitted with the clean look we wanted to achieve. They ticked all the boxes for us.The key selling points were the fact that the urinals were eco-friendly and the aesthetics of their design – that’s what sold me."Sue Dawson, Operations DirectorSmooth and quick installationThe installation was done by the hotel’s in-house team of builders and joiners in conjunction with external plumbing contractors and took only a few days to complete."I liaised with Edward at Ecoprod and together we agreed a plan and a delivery date. Everything went very smoothly. The products were all delivered on time. We arranged a split delivery so that one set of urinals could be installed while a second set remained in use."Sue Dawson, Operations DirectorPositive feedback from staff and customers"There have been no operational issues at all since launch. Edward came down to demonstrate the cleaning regime and everything is really hunky-dory. Ecoprod has been very helpful and on the case the whole time, very diligent and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed on time and knew what we were doing the whole time."Sue Dawson, Operations Director"Conference people notice the new urinals, and we do a lot of show arounds. They look so much better – much more hygienic than standard urinals.The cleaners have also noticed a difference. These urinals are mounted onto a wood board rather than tiles, so there’s no grout or other areas where dirt and residue can accumulate. The wood is much easier to wipe around. The hotel design is all driven by making things easier to clean so this is a really important consideration for us."Mark Watson, Operations Manager."It’s a very modern-looking facility – we’re very happy with the results – it feels fresh and modern."Sue Dawson, Operations Director

Museum of London - Visionary RoofSynopsisThe Museum of London opened in 1976 on the historic London Wall and is a few minutes’ walk from St Paul’s Cathedral. A visionary approach to roofing had been adopted on a building that, will not only green as much of the exposed roofs as possible, but also provide a strong research aspect for future green roof projects. As with many buildings, the original roofs needed to be upgraded or replaced, at the same time as being brought up to date using environmental and sustainable solutions.Through the recommendation of waterproofing and green roof manufacturer Bauder Ltd, the Museum invited Dusty Gedge, one of the UK’s leading independent green roof consultants, to work directly with them to design 3500m² of varying habitats that encompassed the museum’s sustainable vision. and help in the provision of environments that would attract a range of wildlife, as well as being able to help the city adapt to climate change.Bauder Building BoardProject:Visionary roof, Muesum of LondonLocation:LondonProject type:RefurbishmentRoof size:9512m²Specifier:Museum of LondonRoofing contractor:Russell Trew LtdThe specificationAn independent consultant had previously carried out an energy model on the Museum of London buildings. When the museum inputted the green roof specification, it showed a potential energy saving of 10% per year, as well as a reduction on the future replacement costs of the heating and cooling plant. Some of the green roofs were funded through Drain London, a partnership project led by the Greater London Authority and funded by Defra. The project aims to better understand surface water flood risk across London, with a view to promote interventions (such as green roofs) to reduce surface water flooding. The museum has used the Bauder green roof system and worked closely with Dan Costen of Bauder and the roofing contractor Russell Trew Ltd, to deliver the various green roof spaces.These include:The refurbishment of the lower garden in the central courtyard with hard landscapingThe installation of Bauder’s new wildflower blanket to the upper garden in the central courtyard (funded through Drain London)Plug planting the roofs of the recently completed garden and terrace rooms that provide high quality corporate hire (matching the colour scheme chosen for the rotunda garden refurbishment and integrated with the new rainwater harvesting system funded by Renaissance London)An integrated sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS)Plug planting in other individual small roof areas including outside the boardroom and committee roomsTwo different planting schemes on an area of the main museum roof where the Drain London Project aims to carry out water attenuation researchThe resultRetrofitting green roofs will help to realise the Mayor of London’s ambition, to increase green cover in central London by 5% by 2030. The Museum of London is one of the largest retrofit green roof projects in the City and is certainly to be commended for allowing its roofs to be used for research purposes. Not only will it provide a benchmark for best practice, but it also demonstrates that retrofitting green roofs onto existing buildings is both environmentally and economically viable and is the way forward in helping London adapt to climate change.System installedBauderflex Green 1 BauderPLANT E 42A torch applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet. This product features chemically treated bitumen to deliver superior root resistance which has been tested and approved by the FLL2 BauderTEC Sprint DUOA self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen underlayer with DUO lap technology. This product has a glass fleece reinforcement feature for stability and strength.3 BauderPIR FA-TEFlatboard insulation boards containing rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR).4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.XF 301 Sedum System1 BauderGREEN XF 301Sedum vegetation blanket instantly providing at least 90% coverage on an extensive green roof. Integrated water retention and filter layer.2 BauderGREEN AL 4040mm high perforated edge/drainage trim frames and retains the Bauder XF 301 sedum system.3 BauderGREEN SDFMulti-functional drainage and filtration layer which prevents the roots of sedum plants from becoming waterlogged.4 BauderPLANT ETorch-on root-resistant capping sheet green.AdvocacyGavin McCourt MRICS, Project Manager for The Museum of London said:“In producing the business case for installing green roofs, reference was made to the extensive published documents on the benefits of green roofs. In this case as the museum building had already been energy modelled by outside consultants, it was decided to input the green roof specification into the model. The results showed a potential energy saving of 10% per year, as well as a reduction in future replacement costs for heating and cooling plant. These factors, combined with the longer life cycle replacement of green roofs compared with normal felt roofing systems, enabled me to produce a robust business case for green roofs. With increasing energy prices the economic benefits of installing green roofs can only become more viable”Dusty Gedge added:“One of the major issues that London faces is flash floods during the summer, when sudden rainfall levels overwhelm the current drainage network. With the support of Drain London we will be researching the rainwater run-off for different green roofs. This will help us validate the kind of roofs and depth of substrates that will negate the costly effects that the sudden rainfall has on the infrastructure of the City.”

Capella Development, Handyside, Kings Cross LondonDeveloper: ArgentMain contractor: Laing O’Rourke Architects: Chapman TaylorSub Contractor: InstaGroup120 newly built residential apartments received InstaCoustic's 'dry' cradle & batten system combining under floor heating & topped with Knauf GifaFloor FHB25.Original plans were to install a T&G chipboard to finish the acoustic floor system, however it was determined that there were deflection risks around the proposed large format tile finish.As a result, the chipboard was replaced by the high density, gypsum fibreboard Knauf GifaFloor FHB25. This resulted in:Quicker install & less use water than a wet screed systemImproved acoustic performanceImproved fire performanceImproved thermal efficiency resulting in reduced energy costs for the end userHigher loading performance, creating a solid substrate for the finish to be applied directly toReduction in overall embodied carbon & installation of a product that offers a high recycled contentLifetime guarantee of the buildingClick the link below to read the full case studyhttps://www.instacoustic.co.uk/case-study/kings-cross-london-n1c/

IssueA 15-year-old bathroom in a housing development was looking tired and dated and the owner wanted to refresh the area with minimal disruption in a quick timescale. The bathroom had three walls of ceramic tiles, and a sink splashback, which were in good condition but were unfashionable and required high levels of maintenance to remove limescale and mould.The property, a first floor flat, had easy access but no lift, so equipment, materials and any waste needed to be carried up and down the stairs.Approach“We wanted to replace the ceramic tiles, without having to re-plaster the bathroom walls which would mean a complete renovation and redecoration project,” said Helen Green, the owner. “We live in an area with hard water and limescale is a real problem so a wall that is easy to keep clean would be ideal.”SolutionAfter liaising with Altro customer services, the new Altro Walls ShowerKit was recommended as being the ideal solution as the wall panels can be installed over existing ceramic tiles and provides ease of maintenance for residents. There is also no requirement for construction materials or heavy equipment as Altro Walls ShowerKit is lighter to transport than ceramic tiles.

Located in Tower Hamlets, Gayton House and Sleaford House are managed by housing association Poplar HARCA. Following amendments to Building Regulations, which banned the use of combustible materials in external walls of high-rise buildings above 18m, StoTherm Mineral K was specified to replace the existing EWI system.BBA-certified, StoTherm Mineral K comprises mineral fibre insulation boards and the system is classified with an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.Working on behalf of Westminster Building Company, Square 1 Architectural Solutions was responsible for removing the existing EWI and installing the StoTherm Mineral K system onto four elevations on each 23-storey block. The non-combustible mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the existing concrete substrate using adhesive and mechanical fixings, and without the need for additional expansion joints.A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards. This was followed by the application of 1.5mm stippled StoSilco, a silicone resin render that provides high levels of water repellence to protect the walls from weathering.

Cannon Park Shopping Centre in Coventry has undergone a significant transformation. Led by MPR, the redevelopment project includes refurbishment of the existing shopping centre, construction of a new 780-bed student residence, and the addition of a new 400-space multi-storey car park. Biotecture was brought on board to incorporate living walls into the development.In 2021, Biotecture installed a 690 square metre green wall on the multi-storey car park as part of the project’s first phase. We then continued to collaborate with the project’s architects, Urban Innovations, and landscape architects, Parkhood, on phase 2; 9 living walls on the student accommodation phase. The vertical greening was an important part of the scheme, helping to help soften the development, improve air quality, contribute to biodiversity net gain.The living walls are integrated into the building fabric. We worked closely with the design team to ensure that the living walls not only aligned with the desired aesthetics but also met the technical requirements.We used our BioPanel system which uses Grodan® as the growing medium. Grodan is dimensionally stable, chemically inert, and water retentive resulting in healthier and longer-lasting plants.

Built on a largely derelict gap site, The Works is a development of 34 two-bedroomed apartments in the popular Yorkhill / Finnieston area of Glasgow, offering panoramic views over the city and the River Clyde. To accommodate the site’s slope, the development comprises a four-storey north side and a six-story south side.The development had to overcome a number of issues, including planning issues around daylighting and massing, and the challenge of building immediately adjacent to the Yorkhill railway tunnel.PROJECT INFOThe Works provides residents with off-street parking and use of a large communal garden, with ground floor properties having private rear gardens. Design emphasis is on open-plan layouts and generous room sizes. To take advantage of the views, the apartments feature south-facing and Juliet-style balconies.Ecostock Belgravia Gault Blend was selected to meet the requirements of both the client and planning for a high quality, light buff brick with grey tones that would match the surrounding buff sandstone tenements. The sustainability credentials and technical performance of Ecostock, with its low water absorption suiting the wet weather typical of the west of Scotland’s, also contributed to the selection decision.