"wood preservation"

Architects Gradolí & Sanz designed Imagine Montessori School in Paterna, Valencia with a brief to minimise energy use throughout the lifespan of the building. As a result, the school is the first in Spain to achieve both BREEAM Excellent and GREEN 4 Leaves. Set within a pine forest, accessed through wooden walkways, the school forms a connection with nature at every level. In classrooms where learning zones are accessed freely by the children, the use of timber on both walls and floors sustain the relationship with nature and acts as a peaceful, unifying backdrop. Junckers’ Oak Variation two-strip flooring was matched by wood panelling in pine. The building makes use of building materials with the lowest ecological footprint. The design and carefully selected materials have enabled an energy saving of 70% being achieved compared to similar buildings. Wood, a material with a low carbon footprint, is used in the structure of the building, in the roof panel as well as in interior and exterior enclosures. All Junckers solid wood floors are FSC® and PEFC™ certified and we have recently completed EPDs for all our floors, providing data in relation to the environmental impact of the manufacture of our flooring. 

The Sonixx Soundsure 400 high performance acoustic underlay was selected for use below a 1/2" engineered wood floor, as part of a flooring refurbishment project in an office building.The installers had nothing but positive feedback on how quick and easy the underlay was to work with. The underlay facilitated a simple, clean and cost-effective installation.Comments in praise of the installation include: 'With the SS400 under, it feels way nicer than most wood floors I walk on' and the owner of the building said, 'We are loving the floor.... everyone comments on the floor when they walk in.'In addition, the underlay provides high quality comfort, stability and performance.The SS400 was loose laid to the subfloor with the 1/2" engineered wood flooring floated above. The tongue and groove joints were bonded using a PVA adhesive.Features of Soundsure 400:Environmentally Friendly - manufactured using recycled rubber crumb.Durable - provides long-lasting performance and will not deteriorate or collapse over time.High Performing - ideally suited for use with wood flooring and laminates, providing excellent impact performance in excess of the UK building regulations.Hygenic - naturally anti-microbial, anti-allergy and resistant to decay with low VOCs.Benefits of Soundsure 400:Exceeds the performance standards required in the Building Regulations for sound insulation.Suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.Manufactured using recycled rubber materials and fully recyclable.Recycled rubber crumb ensure long-lasting acoustic performance.Cushioned underlay to provide underfoot comfort.Will not deteriorate or collapse over time.Reduces subfloor preparation times as screed and smoothing compounds are not required.Green Label Plus accredited for indoor air quality and low VOC emissions.

Summer 2019 saw The Solid Wood Flooring Company work with Base Interior and other key suppliers to complete a refurbishment inspired by Scandi design in the affluent district of Kensington, London. Fitzhardinge House offers a crisp, clean and modern aesthetic, achieved by using our Light Brushed Fumed Raw Timber UV Cured Finish Flooring Suitable for underfloor heating, this 15mm thick flooring opened up the space to create a spacious area that would stand the test of time. This project demonstrated what can be achieved when trades and suppliers combine, creating a space that looks as impressive as it functions.

A bespoke up and over garage door designed and manufactured by Rundum Meir has brought 21st century functionality, access and security to a Grade II listed property in Belgravia. One objective of the renovation project sought to improve access to the garage, which faces a desirable residential street close to Eaton Square Gardens. The transformation had to be done in a way that was sympathetic to the local architecture and compliant with the house’s listed status. The garage doors of the properties lining this cobblestone street are fine examples of the 19th century coach house tradition.

‘The STEAMhouse building’, launched by Birmingham University is the winner of the Victorian Society’s Birmingham and West Midlands Conservation Award, in recognition of outstanding restoration.The STEAMhouse building dates back to 1899 and was seriously damaged by fire in 2007. Previously used as a manufacturer for the Eccles Rubber & Cycle Company this Grade A listed building undertook a £70m transformation to become the creative hub it is today. The space now supports businesses, academics, hosting companies and start-up businesses, supporting enterprise and industry. The Victorian Society was so impressed with the transformation of this historic building that it has been presented with the 'Birmingham and West Midlands Conservation Award 2023', in recognition of outstanding restoration.Mumford & Wood supported this transformation by designing and manufacturing 45 bespoke timber windows and door, tailored to fit the unique openings found on the façade of the building.Matthew Blaylock, Commercial Director, Mumford & Wood states:“We enjoy the challenges that listed buildings bring, and so with strict planning requirements in place, we understood the importance of replicating the detail of the original windows but offering the performance of a modern day product. Timber Casement windows were designed for the ground and first floor, and Timber Vertical Sliding Spring Sash windows to the second floor. These were chosen from our Conservation range and tailor-made to replicate the original frame margins and Ovolo profiles. It’s always an honour to work on a historic project like this, it’s what our products are designed for.”

A stunning property on the Isle of Wight which was built around 1844 in the Italian style and situated within the Conservation Area of Ventnor. Lomax + Wood provided high performance, double glazed timber French doors and sash windows. The house combines quality wooden double glazed and weather-stripped Lomax + Wood windows and doors. The property was designed to be energy efficient with Celotex fitted in the majority of the house. This is another example of how well designed timber windows and doors can add to and enhance even the most sensitive renovation within a Conservation Area.

Mapei products for the installation of wood flooring were specified to install floor coverings including over 63,000m2 of Domus wood flooring throughout all of the residential and penthouse apartments at Battersea Power Station, London. The construction of over 850 apartments at this iconic site has been completed during the first phase of building. With Mapei’s adhesive Ultrabond Eco S955 1K to furnish every apartment in the prestigious development. Ultrabond S955 can be used with all types and sizes of engineered and solid wood flooring, hence it’s suitability for the installation at Battersea Power Station.

The Carnegie Library & Galleries in Dunfermline designed by Richard Murphy Architects features over 700m2 of Junckers solid oak flooring. The original library building and an adjacent former bank, both grade B listed, have been extended and integrated to form a spectacular, award-winning space. A new museum, gallery space, café, shop and reading rooms are linked to the original library building by an ‘internal street’ connecting new and existing spaces. To provide a continuous backdrop as well as visually and aesthetically link the old and new parts, Junckers 15mm Wide Board Oak finished in Ultramatt lacquer was specified throughout the building. The attractive grain pattern of the timber adds a natural element to the interior, which is flooded with natural light. Junckers’ solid wood flooring offers a durable surface even for high traffic areas. Pre-finished in a choice of hard-wearing, long-lasting lacquers and oils from Junckers’ own professional range of finishing products, a Junckers floor is easy to install and maintain and it will last a lifetime with the right care. Particularly popular with architects and designers, Junckers’ long-length plank flooring really comes into its own in a large open space. The flooring contractor was GL Floors. 

Made-to-order timber windows and doors from the Kensington & Chelsea range by Lomax + Wood have been specified for a high specification new build Georgian-style villa in fashionable Lancaster Gardens, Wimbledon, London SW19.

Baptist Health and MD Anderson have partnered to create a new $184 million cancer centre in Jacksonville, Florida, focused on treating all forms of adult cancer. The building is situated overlooking St John’s River in a beautiful and serene environment. The new nine-storey 332,000-square-foot center is designed to provide state-of-the-art care and will also host clinical trials for new drugs. The facility has a contemporary design enclosing a central courtyard. With open views to all aspects, abundant natural light streams into the interior, creating a warm uplifting atmosphere. The frontage of the L-shaped structure, facing south, is flooded with light, requiring extensive passive solar shading. The teams involved in the project design and construction, which included HKS Architects (Dallas), adopted an holistic approach ensuring that all aspects of the design, both exterior and interior, reflected the goal of creating a positive, calm and caring environment focused on the individuals who inhabit it, namely the patients, their families, and the staff. Levolux elliptical aluminium fins form the horizontal bands of solar shading running across the front of the building. In keeping with using materials to create a calming feeling of warmth and comfort, Powdertech Wood Finish™ was specified for the solar shading. Back in the UK Powdertech coated 2000 linear metres of 150mm by 50mm extruded aluminium in PWF 31, Black Walnut, a “warm” finish, which were despatched to Florida as a single delivery.

Jonathan Wilden, Chief Executive Officer for Folio Education Trust, speaks about the successful collaboration between Basketball England and DYNAMIK: “Folio Education Trust is delighted to have worked closely with both DYNAMIK and Basketball England to provide an inspirational court for the children of Coombe Wood School and others in the local community. Together we look forward to increased participation and the opportunity to support children discovering and then reaching their personal best in basketball.” For this project DYNAMIK installed over 800m2 of their Premium Engineered Sports Oak, with line marking focused on 3 main sports, Basketball, Netball and Futsal.

Jonathan Wilden, Chief Executive Officer for Folio Education Trust, speaks about the successful collaboration between Basketball England and DYNAMIK: “Folio Education Trust is delighted to have worked closely with both DYNAMIK and Basketball England to provide an inspirational court for the children of Coombe Wood School and others in the local community. Together we look forward to increased participation and the opportunity to support children discovering and then reaching their personal best in basketball.” For this project DYNAMIK installed over 800m2 of their Premium Engineered Sports Oak, with line marking focused on 3 main sports, Basketball, Netball and Futsal.

Continuing its work at Wood Wharf development in Canary Wharf, Artform Urban supplied a range of bespoke Cumaru seating to Harbour Quay Gardens as finishing touches to complete an extensive phase of the project.Harbour Quay is a new development of residential blocks, office and retail buildings as well as extensive parks & green spaces located on the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is the first time residential properties have been built on the Canary Wharf site. This recent phase seamlessly connects to Artform's previous work at Wood Wharf opening up the waterside space with Cumaru benches and seats running in an impressive line alongside the edge of the docks. The benches and seats feature a traditional and minimal design with high consideration for quality and precision - Cumaru was selected for the benches to ensure consistency across the site, and to match with the boardwalk and existing street furniture. Additional security points were included in a number of seats at certain areas of the site to allow fixings for security barriers.As in the previous project, the seats are branded with laser etched cover plates that feature the Canary Wharf logo whilst also obscuring fixings. Alongside the Cumaru seating, Mooring Point units have been supplied with integrated timber seats on the top. These units securely house all the utility hookup points for boats mooring on the waterfront. The design process was incredibly prescriptive due to the close cooperation needed between the bespoke bench and all the specific utility connection points contained within - becoming one of the most complicated design and approval processes Artform Urban have ever been involved with. The bench consists of multiple internal compartments and individual access doors, some cleverly concealed within the timber cladding.As final additions to the project, Steely Can litter bins have been installed, a product that Artform have consistently supplied to Canary Wharf for over 10 years. The usual design, quality, and service provided by Artform Urban matched the expectations of the UK’s most prestigious developments by delivering high-quality street furniture to this vibrant and continually expanding new urban space.

The Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed steel windows from its W20 range for the Comet Works in Birmingham’s Princip Street. The original warehouse buildings in the city’s former Gun Quarter have been converted by building re-animator Javelin Block into 20 impressive residential units, including lofts, apartments and mews houses. The Clement W20 range was specified for its ability to provide an almost exact match to the existing metal windows while offering modern advantages such as double glazing and a very long-lasting polyester powder paint coating requiring minimal maintenance.

Hatfield Place, a luxury country house wedding venue, chose Junckers solid wood flooring fitted with Leveldek underfloor heating system for its newly developed building. The new foyer, ceremony hall and wedding breakfast room overlook the original walled garden, with views of the beautiful parkland to the rear. The redeveloped building is bright and airy with large feature windows and high ceilings. In the foyer, a spacious room with seating for up to 300 guests, Junckers 22mm Oak Variation flooring provides a warm and lively backdrop, adding character with its subtle colour variations and natural grain patterns. In contrast, the ceremony hall and wedding breakfast room were fitted with Junckers’ Oak Harmony plank flooring, a wide board floorboard which gives a more uniform impression required for the formal spaces. Both floor types were pre-finished in Junckers’ popular Ultramatt lacquer, a strong and durable finish with no surface sheen. Delivered pre-finished, the floors are ready to walk on as soon as they have been installed and will withstand years of dancing and dining with the correct maintenance. The floors in all three rooms were installed over Leveldek, Junckers’ fully integrated underfloor heating and levelling system. Working in partnership with Jupiter Heating Systems, the Leveldek system was developed to simplify the specification process to offer a versatile levelling system, underfloor heating and solid hardwood floor from a single point of supply. Underfloor heating is the most efficient way of heating a large, open area. Specifying Leveldek offered Hatfield Place an all-in-one solution whereas traditionally, installation of the heating system, levelling system and the floor itself would have to be separately sourced. The system is efficient and cost effective to run, ideal for use in a large space. For energy efficiency and fast acting warm-up time, the heating pipes are installed directly beneath the floorboards and the panels are insulated and reinforced for outstanding heat output. The system can be used on an uneven substrate as varying heights can be achieved with the stacking cradles. For more than 30 years, Junckers’ wooden floors have been recognised as the only type of solid hardwood flooring on the market stable enough to be guaranteed for use over underfloor heating. Junckers offers a full guarantee for the system, which is recommended for residential and commercial buildings as well as sports and dance. The flooring contractor was PICA Floorings. 

Crossrail’s new station at Abbey Wood has been built over the railway tracks where the Elizabeth line terminates. From above, the building is shaped like a manta ray, its ‘wings’ extending into canopies sheltering staircases either side which swoop down to platform level below.Stretto-22 Soffit PanelsThe soffit panels for the staircases and elevated walkways were made from Stretto-22 pressure-locked grating, customised to a bespoke 66x22mm aperture to provide an enhanced level of visual screening. Each panel was exactly contoured to match the demanding serpentine shape of the footbridge canopies.Torino-22 Barrier FencingBarrier fencing was made for the platforms from Torino fence panels which were customised and engineered with a heavy intermediate framing bar at the loading point to comply with Network Rail’s specified requirement.DeltaBox-70 Louvred ScreeningStorage areas beneath the stairs were secured with DeltaBox-70 louvred screening panels.Torino-11 and Stretto-11 Protective Screens Lang+Fulton also supplied a Torino-11 screen to protect the overhead lines and track from the threat of thrown objects.An alternative access to the station was enclosed with a Stretto-11 anti-projectile screen.

The 5 year, £500 million restoration of the London King’s Cross Station roof completed circa. 2012 contains a 150 metre free spanning roof flooding the concourse below with natural daylight - an architectural achievement created using BB/BB grade Riga Ply birch plywood in 9mm, 12mm and 18mm.

Evinox will provide indirect heating and instantaneous domestic hot water to 176 apartments via our ModuSat® XR Twin Plate heat interface units. Our integrated Modbus® energy meters will connect to a third party data logger via a hard wired TCP/IP ethernet network for the collection of metering data.

Made-to-order Traditional Leaded Timber casement windows and doors from the Kensington & Chelsea range by Lomax + Wood, an approved supplier and installer of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust (HGST). Timber casement windows with traditional single glazed true leaded bars on front elevation Leaded lights and double-glazed timber casement windows to the side and rear elevations Made-to-order with 18mm 4/10/4 Krypton gas-filled slim units Custom Designs to replicate the existing windows Luxury Forged Bulb End handles Colour match F&B White Tie Supply and install service 25 casement windows 3 French doors

Timber Sash windows, casements and doors were supplied for these prestigious properties in The Bishops Avenue, considered to be one of the wealthiest streets in London and the world. High performance timber sash windows and doors from Lomax + Wood Kensington & Chelsea Range 60 traditional timber double glazed box sash windows with cords and weights. 55 flush wooden-high performance casements windows 50 French doors, single doors and entrance doors all made-to-order in premium engineered timber Sustainable Timber from Certified Sources Supply and install service so there is only one point of contact PAS 24 Security Standard

Dual finish wooden windows and doors were used in the renovation of this delightful 1900’s Arts and Crafts style property. The family chose from the Lomax + Wood made-to-order range of timber flush casements and doors. 42 Double glazed fully weather-stripped flush casement windows, French doors and entrance doors. Dual colour factory finished paint colour. White internally and Squirrel grey externally. Engineered timber for stability and durability. Espagnolette locking for security. Faceted bay windows. Polished chrome ironmongery.

There has always been a relationship between design and the marrying up of form, function and aesthetics. While popularity of materials and styles comes and go over the years, how products look, feel and perform is constant. This interesting interplay is explored in the latest online theme from Troldtekt A/S, the Danish manufacturer of acoustic panels. Comprising expert articles, white papers and interviews, the ‘Architectural Beauty’ theme looks at the concept of architectural beauty and the importance of aesthetics in leading certification schemes for sustainable building. It acknowledges that it is not always possible to harmonise the aesthetic with the practical but that there are some ways in which they can be combined to provide value to a building while enhancing its beauty. Australian artist and designer Jay Dee Dearness sums it up well - “Beauty is the melding of functionality and aesthetics in just the right proportions to achieve the desired result.’ Acoustic product manufacturers, such as Troldtekt, embrace this relationship and are at the forefront of practical, aesthetic and high performance products and design. Troldtekt’s wood wool panelling is a perfect canvas allowing architects and designers to realise their most creative schemes, safe in the knowledge that acoustical performance will not be compromised.Since 1903, Copenhagen has presented annual awards for beautiful buildings, landscaping and urban spaces within the city. The Copenhagen Building Award comprises four categories - new buildings, restoration, refurbishment and urban environments. “We present the awards to honour the architects, engineers and developers behind the projects. Also, we’re keen to support projects and urban spaces that are of particular benefit to the city and its citizens”, comments Camilla van Deurs, City Architect of the City of Copenhagen and chair of the building award jury.Copenhagen’s Grøndalsvængets School (pictured), is one of the winning projects chosen by the Copenhagen Building Awards 2020. The school has undergone thorough renovation and expansion, all designed by JJW Arkitekter. It now has a fully modern learning environment where the original qualities have been preserved – and where the indoor climate is exemplary. Like most schools, it used to be noisy by nature from the exuberance of children. Now, this stunning example of architectural beauty shows how large bright spaces, natural daylight and interesting design works well with aesthetic high performance products. It also shows how wood wool acoustic panels make such designs possible while dampening ambient and reverberated noise which would otherwise be unbearable for users.  Many buildings have unique challenges relating to acoustic issues but all can benefit from acoustic panelling to help contribute towards improving the interior environment. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from www.troldtekt.co.uk (tel 01978 664255). In addition, information on Troldtekt’s Architectural Beauty theme can be found at https://www.troldtekt.com/news/themes/architectural-beauty or https://bit.ly/3jvFmV2

McMillan House is a first class development providing luxury rental apartments to young professions in the local area of KT4. Built in 1950 it had been used as an office building for over 50 years. Now delicately restored, McMillan House will provide 46 luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rental apartments upgraded to the highest standards.After the main contractor won the project, we were requested to propose an acoustic solution that would comply with Building Regulations. As part of this 2,115m2 luxury conversion, the Soundis dryscreed board with a resilient layer of wood fibre was selected, this is a high quality, interlocking dry floor screed system using gypsum fibreboard technology.This system, was selected due to its high thermal conductivity allowing for the use of the proposed underfloor heating systems throughout the flats, but also for its main purpose of Meeting Regulations, where it’s incorporated Wood Fibre Resilient Layer effectively reduces impact sound transmission from footfall. As traffic can be taken immediately once the glue had hardened, on the low installation thickness acoustic board.

Dandi Wembley: A new kind of livingWe've been working with architecture and development specialists Dandi Living for 12 years. They wanted a cost effective way of retrofitting a 14-storey office block to accommodate 360 apartments with a hard wearing flooring solution.We've been involved on the York House project from the beginning. Existing floors have been assessed and levelled, and our Impervia White Washed Oak has now been installed.The project, known officially as Dandi Wembley, is located in the heart of North West London. It's designed to offer fully furnished studio and one bed apartments surrounded by elevated communal spaces for socialising, relaxing, working and revitalising. Their aim is to deliver a new kind of city co-living.The benefits of RetrofittingAs part of our commitment to providing the sustainable, safe and healthy choice for waterproof, fireproof, and formaldehyde free flooring, we adopt and promote retrofitting as part of the RetroFirst campaign.Originally developed as a response to the escalating climate crisis, RetroFirst is a campaign led by Architects’ Journal. The campaign’s objectives are simple: to prioritise retrofitting existing buildings over demolishing and rebuilding them.On the York House project, the cost saving of using Impervia®, because of the acoustic back layer and residential warranty of 30 years, was more than 35% of previous estimates.Impervia® is perfect because of its acoustic backing and a rigid core. It will be cleaner than the tiles which will have been professionally cleaned before fitting the Impervia® Flooring.Because there is no movement in the rigid core it means Impervia® can be installed right up to the skirting without the need for any trims. The look will be perfect as if it was the original floor.Floors for residential spaces like homes and hotels require a high level of resistance against mould, dents, water and fire. This is where Impervia® holds its own, boasting a range of features such as water & fire resistance and dent & mould proof.Why White Washed Oak flooring is perfect for residential projectsOur White Washed Oak flooring is finished with a heavy-duty commercial grade wear layer that is waterproof, stain and scratch-resistant. Using patented 5G-i push-fit locking system and built-in acoustic IXPE backing layer which reduces impact sound by 21dB; installation is quick and easy.It can be used with underfloor heating. With no PCPs or Formaldehyde, this rigid stone composite flooring has a textured surface just like real wood with the added advantage of being sustainable and healthy flooring.The white washed Impervia Oak floor creates a warm spacious feel for the apartments, so with a 30-year warranty, it's perfect for residential developments like this.If any boards do get badly damaged, they can be easily replaced as Impervia Flooring has its own acoustic backing and uses the latest push fit click system. No adhesives are needed and water spills will not damage the floor as it is waterproof and fireproof.It's available sizes include:1524 x 180 x 6.5mm (5mm plank + 1.5mm IXEP backing) 10 pieces per carton = 2.76 m21524 x 228 x6.5mm (5mm plank + 1.5mm IXEP backing) 6 pieces per carton = 2.086 m2‍1824 x 228 x6.5mm (5mm plank + 1.5mm IXEP backing) 6 pieces per carton = 2.5 m2If you'd like to discuss sustainable, luxury flooring for your next residential project, get in touch with us today!

"The most modern and largest municipal archive in Europe", Cologne proclaims, is now in their city. The future of the city archive had been uncertain for decades: first due to a lack of space, then came the collapse in 2009. The repository with its fragile treasures lay in ruins. No one expected this kind of new beginning. Through the office Waechter+Waechter Architekten, a new building was erected on a different site. With its opening, the rescued archives, the staff and the users are making a comeback - and a successful one at that. For the architects mastered the merging of two opposites. The transparency and openness of a civic archive is now in harmony with an indestructible security wing for the archives. Bronze and glass enclose the façade, of which there are actually two, because the building consists of an outer and an inner cuboid. The core houses the treasures, while the shell houses the offices, laboratories and workshops, the lecture hall and the foyer, whose interior glass façade provides a view of two atriums and the bronze body of the magazine.The staff offices and the lifts are covered with grey linoleum flooring, because Waechter+Waechter value the flooring as a sustainable and ecological product that meets high hygienic as well as aesthetic requirements and is hard-wearing at the same time. On the outside as well as on the inside, the beautifully ageing material of bronze is used again and again, as great importance is attached to the fact that the materials used haptically tie in with the task of preserving significant testimonies of time. Waechter+Waechter speak of their idea of connecting the areas through the repetition of the materials. This attention to detail is also reflected in the use of linoleum. The stair treads and the custom-made tables made of Douglas fir wood, the benches and the shelves have received an inlay of furniture linoleum "in a pastel moss green" (Bauwelt issue 20.21). Protected, the archival material is placed on gentle material for viewing, the colour tone has a soft effect, which gently dictates the handling of the treasures.

For the beautiful penthouse atop one of the buildings in South Bank Place, located next to the London Eye, the designers wanted a feature floor with a bespoke colour finish. We worked with the designers at Goddard Littlefair and decided on the timeless design of the Versailles parquet pattern. The designers wanted a show-stopping colour for this floor. We created the Belvedere colour finish; using a mixture of fumed, European Oak and pigmented hard wax oils to create a dark colour tone with red and golden highlights.To ensure a uniform and quick installation on site; we creating metre square panels with the Solid Oak Versailles pattern positioned by hand onto Birch plywood backing. Having discussed the fit-out process in detail with the fit-out team from SJ Eastern Joinery, we grooved all four sides of the panel and supplied the tongues loose. This gave the fitters flexibility to lay the boards as they saw fit on site. Once we had assembled the panels, the bespoke colour finish was applied; after completing multiple coats the panels were stored to fully cure and harden.Once the team from SJ Eastern had fitted the flooring on site, they protected it with a soft breathable cover and topped that with hardboard and taped the edges. This allowed the other trades to snag without damaging the floor. Once snagging was complete, the floor protection was removed. As anyone who has been on a building site knows, dust and debris are everywhere and sure enough the flooring needed a final clean and buff with oil to increase the lustre and make it perfect for the wow factor needed in such a stunning project.The expert team lead by Bardhyl Miskiqi of BRB Flooring came in and cleaned the floor thoroughly, removing plaster dust and other debris by vacuum and cleaning the floor down using a solution of Blanchon Natural Soap and hot water. Once the floor was suitably clean, they applied Blanchon Hard Wax Oil Satin on to the floor and buffed a coat into the floor using a buffing machine equipped with a white buffing pad. This fed the Oak another coat of oil which bolsters the protection against every day use and increased the lustre of the wood highlighting all the colours from that bespoke colour that had been applied at the factory.Once the oil was properly buffed in, the penthouse door was closed and the floor left to dry and cure. Once curing had completed the furniture was placed in the room and made ready for viewing by the client and new owner and a lifetime of happy memories.Please call 01666 504015 for more information.

Lomax & Wood are delighted to have been involved with the window installation for 1 Warwick; the latest members’ House from the Maslow’s family, housed in a Neo- Baroque mansion on the corner of Warwick, Brewer, and Glasshouse Street — a slice of London that has played muse to writers, artists, poets, and musicians over the centuries.At 1 Warwick, Maslow's theory of human motivation and happiness serves as the inspiration behind the design of the six-storey mansion. The space features a range of beautifully designed workspaces, members' lounges, event spaces, a studio, and a gym. Guests can also indulge in a tempting array of culinary delights throughout the venue, all overseen by executive chef Tom Cenci. The rooftop restaurant, bar, and terrace Yasmin is exclusively available to members and offers a delicious Middle Eastern menu. Meanwhile, Nessa, a playful neighbourhood bistro and bar located on the ground floor, puts an imaginative twist on British classics.

We were approached by Lindi Reynolds Interiors who was looking for a statement wood floor for their clients home in Surrey. The brief was for a wow-factor floor with a warm, dark hue to the Oak and a unique pattern to the floor.As we worked with the designer to identify the ideal colour tone, the TW-E931 Fumed Oak herringbone hit all the right notes for the colour, but the client wanted something more than a herringbone pattern. Drawing on experience with another project for a large development in London we suggested a basketweave parquet pattern. Our basketweave is made using our 120mm wide herringbone flooring (such as TW-E931) and a square centre piece that measures 240x240mm. By laying these components in the basketweave pattern you create a stunning statement floor. In this particular project, the client chose to lay the boards in a diagonal; creating a unique look. The engineered boards are fully bonded to the subfloor using our SW-890 adhesive. As the board construction is engineered, it’s suitable for use with underfloor heating. The expert team of BRB Flooring were able to quickly complete the fit-out according to the clients wishes and hide the perimeter expansion gap under the skirting for a sleek, professional finish.Whether for a private home, commercial space or residential development; the commercial grade UV Oiled finish is hardwearing and easy to maintain making it ideal for any setting. If you’d like to discuss basketweave parquet for your project please get in touch on 01666 504 015 or info@thesolidwoodflooringcompany.com. 

Wireworks London approached us looking for a modern industrialised Oak to clad onto a winding staircase in a beautiful London home. Amongst the options we presented was our CH-E780. This a White Oak with a brushed and band sawn surface giving it a clean yet worn texture. The rusticgrade Oak allows for some knotting to appear without it overpowering carefully detailed floorboards.These boards are finished with a commercial grade UV cured oil that makes it hard wearing and easy to maintain. This particular product has also been fitted throughout the busy, modern offices at 3 Shortlands, Hammersmith. It is easily one of our most popular surfaces and finishes.Wireworks didn’t want a separate stair nose component, instead opting for mitring the length of the boards to a 45-degree angle and jointing them together with a biscuit and high quality PVA glue. The effect is a stunning cascade of band sawn Oak which looks like it was purpose built in a specialist workshop or factory. This an excellent example of the ingenuity of the team at Wireworks and the adaptability of wood flooring.Would you like to see this type of cladding in using a herringbone parquet? Then please see our case study: Cladding Stairs in Engineered Herringbone Parquet

New primary school is ready for the future with a fabric first specification including Kooltherm floor insulation

The Latvian National Museum of Art, located in the Capital, Riga, is host to the richest collection of national art in Latvia. Reconstruction of the museum was completed in 2015, transforming the space inside to maximise the viewing experience. The ceiling was constructed using 5,578 FR treated Riga Prime boards cut, machined, and primed "in house" by Latvijas Finieris. The finished panels were then attached to a steel frame with concealed fixtures.

Accoya was selected by real estate giants, Long & Foster, as the ideal material for 5 listed new row houses on N.Columbus Street, Alexandria. The homes have four levels of living space & are approx 3,350 square feet each. Cromley’s background in development spans projects from historic renovations to loft conversions to new construction. Accoya was the perfect fit as a sustainable product for this project as each of the homes are LEED rated & use 50% less energy than traditional houses. LEED for homes is a rating system that promotes the design & construction of high-performing green homes.

With over 22,000 square foot and 8 bedrooms, we manufactured in total, 13 Casement windows, 46 Spring Sash windows, bi-fold doors, 17 Conservation doors, two entrance doors and side doors.The client was keen to keep the windows and doors classy and elegant, and opted for 'Signal White' across all the windows, apart from the Japanese roof garden, where the Casement Windows were painted 'Anthracite Grey'.The huge entrance doors were finished in 'Jet Black' on the outside, with a high gloss finish, and Signal White on the inside, to match the interiors.We worked very closely with Croft Ironmongery as the client wanted a specific aesthetic achieved. Together, we developed lever handles on a rose, rather than a backplate, to bespoke fit our doors.With indoor pool and jacuzzi, tennis courts, lifts and staff quarters, this was truly a luxurious project, fitting perfectly with our hand-finished products.

Timber casement windows - renovation projects

We supplied Bear Wood in Bristol with over 17,000 ln/m of Gripsure Classic for their immersive boardwalk. This elevates visitors above the forest floor, putting them right in the heart of the forest. It gives panoramic views of the woodland and the unique species that live there. Bear Wood, set in 7.5 acres of ancient woodland, tells the story of British woodlands, taking visitors on a fascinating journey starting 10,000 years ago to the present day. The exhibition has re-introduced native species, which once roamed our woodlands. These include European brown bears, European grey wolves, Eurasian lynxes, and wolverines. Gripsure took a brief from the zoo and developed a specification to achieve: Longevity in a wet and damp woodland environment by providing boards treated to Sector Scheme 4 treatment classification (30 years) Certified FSC timber, ensuring materials are from sustainable sources and blend in with the natural woodland A low slip risk for the anticipated high volumes of visitors. This was achieved by using three non-slip inserts which have been tried and tested at other attractions Pushchair- and wheelchair-friendly surfaces achieved through a smooth profile to avoid discomfort. This is also easy to maintain. Non-slip decking boards cross-cut to the width of the boardwalk to minimise waste and speed up installation. Gripsure's Classic deck boards were supplied across a number of scheduled deliveries to Elmtree Garden Contractors. This meant they could keep to their construction programme and limit the amount of storage space required on site. "The great thing about using Gripsure boards, and Gripsure as a company, was that you can communicate with them and they delivered on time every time" - Director, Elm Tree Garden Contractors. As well as the large and impressive boardwalk, Gripsure Graphics were also supplied where custom-made infographic boards created bespoke time-hop sections. The imitation of roots around 'Steve the Tree' help tells the story of the UK's woodlands and the species and habitats within them. "It was all here on time, it looks really good and we were really pleased with the service that we got" - Exhibit Development Manager, Wild Place Project.

Smet Supported Partners, Capel (CS) Ltd, completed the floor screed application of SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed within the improvement works at Harold Wood Station.  A number of improvements were delivered at Harold Wood station in preparation for the new Elizabeth line service, including:A new footbridge over the tracks with new staircasesThree new lifts to provide step-free access to every platformPlatform extensions to accommodate the new, 200m long Elizabeth line trainsNew platform lightingNew station signage, help points, customer information screens, and CCTV.SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is a high-quality pumpable, factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate.German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available. Made from specially selected aggregates - means it’s 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and can be laid in reduced thicknesses. The screed offers a high yield, 43kg per m2 @ 40mm.German-made LiteFlo® is unique, in that it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed. Made from specially selected aggregates, makes it 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and therefore 70% lighter than traditional sand & cement – ultimately this means less is required per m2. Another plus is that that screed made from Calcium Sulphate has naturally substantially lower embodied carbon emissions than a sand and cement screed. LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie