THE

ARCHITECTURAL
TECHNOLOGISTS
BOOK

DECEMBER 2019 WWW.AT-B.CO.UK

THE CONTENTS
PAGE 007
008
022
VISION - Design news from around the world
NEWS - Latest news from the building industry
INTERIORS AND INTERIOR DESIGN - The latest trends
036 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - HVAC news
040 DOORS, WINDOWS AND GLAZING - A product and project insight
050 THE GALLERY - A selection of stunning images and stories
058 PROJECT NEWS - The latest projects from the building industry

Front cover image courtesy of GEZE UK - www.geze.co.uk

Inside front cover image courtesy of Giovanni Nardi

Some of the colour photography used in The Architectural Technologists Book is provided and paid for by contributors. The publishers
do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. Designed in association with Jasper, Muz, Kenny, Mad Max, Jaz, and
Madame Peanut. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the
publisher's consent. Published by L2Media Ltd, Kingfishers Retreat, The Lodges, Dunston Business Village, Dunston ST18 9AB.
Tel: 01785 711591  Fax: 0845 862 8639 www.l2media.uk
 Always in tune with your style
a comprehensive range of rainwater systems to accommodate
all types of buildings and budgets

Choose from modern, traditional

and heritage rainwater systems,
available in Aluminium, GRP,
Copper, Zinc and Stainless Steel.

Aluminium GRP

For more information please call

0113 279 5854 Cast Iron Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel
or email
[email protected]
w w w. r a i n g u a r d . c o . u k

4
5
 ISG
ISG has secured an £89 million construction project to deliver the Cardiff Transport Interchange
building for Cardiff-based developer Rightacres at its flagship Central Square scheme. The
project is being funded by Legal & General and designed by Cardiff-based Holder Mathias
Architects.

6
T his project is a further development of the
relationship between ISG and Rightacres, that has
already seen ISG successfully deliver the new Foster
+ Partners designed BBC Cymru Wales headquarter
building and Nr Two Central Square, home to Hugh
James and Cardiff University’s School of Journalism,
and significant public realm improvements. This latest
win is ISG’s single largest UK construction project of
2019 and takes the contractor’s tally of work awarded
at Central Square past £200 million.

The mixed-use project is one of the largest

developments undertaken in the city centre, delivering
circa 500,000 sq ft of new space, which includes the
14-bay bus interchange with a covered concourse, 318
apartments for the Private Rented Sector and circa
90,000 sq ft of modern open-plan, quality CAT A office
space.

The scheme embraces the construction drive

toward efficient practices and modern methods of
construction, utilising off-site manufactured bathroom
pods and a slip form system to accelerate the
construction of the concrete cores of the new building.
ISG will use an enclosed four-storey platform on a
jacking system to sequentially form the reinforced
anticipated developments of recent years and
this announcement reflects real collaboration
and vision from all project stakeholders to
create a mixed-use scheme that delivers for
our city. Not only will this dramatically improve
connectivity for businesses, residents and
visitors to Cardiff, but alongside the iconic BBC
Wales headquarters, will transform this strategic
gateway site.”

Jason Hyett, Rightacres project director, commented:

“The signing of the build contract marks a great
landmark in the project’s timeline and is thanks to the
input of a great number of people. We look forward to
working with ISG and the project team to deliver, what
will be, another great building in the city”

Stephen Hill, Holder Mathias partner, said: “The

interchange is an extremely complex, challenging
and multi-layered project that, once complete, will
provide a modern, innovative and truly mixed-use set
of environments. Not only will it deliver Cardiff’s new
bus and coach station, but it will provide a landmark
residential offer in a key city centre location and
dynamic new office accommodation. We are delighted
to have the opportunity to implement our designs in
007
ATB

concrete frame and immediately weather proof partnership with Rightacres and ISG in a scheme that
each floor as the platform rises up the tower. Kevin fuses so many vital elements of the city together and
McElroy, ISG project director, commented: “The is the final piece of the Central Square regeneration
Cardiff Interchange has been one of the most highly development.” www.isgplc.com

7
MULTIPLY
BY WAUGH
THISTLETON
ARCHITECTS WINS
WOOD AWARD

8
 Photo credit: Ed Reeve

Waugh Thistleton Architects, in collaboration with the

American Hardwood Export Council and ARUP, has won
MultiPly provided an opportunity to push the boundaries
of CLT construction. Like a piece of flat-packed furniture,
the Small Project Category at the annual Wood Awards for its it arrives as a kit of parts and can be quietly
design of MultiPly. The project is a carbon-neutral, modular assembled in under a week. Designed around
cross-laminated tulipwood pavilion first unveiled at the V&A the principles: reduce, reuse, recycle, MultiPly
during the London Design Festival in September 2018. The demonstrates how panelized, CLT buildings can be
winners of the annual Wood Awards were announced at reused and reconfigured at the end of their life. The
009
a ceremony held on 19th November at Carpenters’ Hall in original pavilion was taken apart and reassembled ATB
London. in two different locations: in front of the Building
Centre in London, then onto Milan Design Week in
Established in 1971, the Wood Awards aims to recognise and 2019. It will be shown in a new iteration in Europe
encourage outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation in 2020.
using wood. MultiPly was one of London Design Festival’s
Landmark projects, and a collaboration between Waugh “The main ambition of MultiPly is to address how
Thistleton Architects, the American Hardwood Export Council environmental challenges can be solved through innovative,
and Arup. “MultiPly is the first ever structure made from affordable construction,” says Waugh. “We are at a crisis point
UK-manufactured CLT, and we are delighted the judges have in terms of both housing and CO2 emissions and we believe
selected it as a winner,” explains Andrew Waugh, co-founder that building in a versatile, sustainable material such as
of Waugh Thistleton Architects. The judges praised how its tulipwood is an important way of addressing these issues.”
simple design cleverly communicates the power of modularity.
“Waugh Thistleton Architects has been pioneering innovative
The vertical maze of stacked modules and staircases creates uses of wood in construction for decades. ‘MultiPly’ explores
labyrinthine spaces that intertwine, inviting people to explore a new, more sustainable way of building, bringing together
the use of wood in architecture and reflect on how we a readily available carbon-negative material – American
build our homes and cities. The pavilion has been shown in tulipwood – with modular design,” says David Venables,
three locations, each iteration taking a different form. The European Director of AHEC. www.waughthistleton.com
unassuming assembly of modules belies the engineering
challenges created by the thinness of panels, significant
cantilevers, and the complexity of designing a structure that
can be reduced to a set of parts.

9
 ARCHITECT HOLDS THE CODE TO
THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL
DESIGN PROJECTS
Design Haus Architecture, based in Nottingham UK, is pioneering the use of virtual reality (VR) technology borrowed
from the gaming industry to transform the architectural design process and allow clients to see if their the vision for
their project has been captured from the outset of the scheme. Design Haus, which was set up by James Brindley
in 2018, is at the forefront of a new era of innovative architectural design, incorporating VR into the design process,
allowing clients to step into the finished building and view it from all aspects before construction work has even
begun. James Brindley director and architect at Design Haus Architecture said: “VR removes the guesswork from
the design process, as clients are able to explore the proposed design from within, rather than simply imagining
the end result. “They can experience the changing effects of light and weather conditions, producing a faithful and
realistic representation of how the building will function once complete. This places emphasis on the enjoyment and
practicality of a space, rather than a purely aesthetic approach.”

10
 011
ATB
James has recently worked with a number of clients using day. It was used to specify the internal finishes and plan
the VR technology to bring their projects to life, including: the furniture. The VR technology allows clients to specify
Water in the Trees, a unique swimming pool design where different materials within the scene to see exactly how
a lightweight roof appears to float above the building a certain design choice will change the look and feel of
structure allowing natural light to flood the space. Frame- a room. The digital representation can also incorporate
less glass walls and doors connect the furniture and interior design, giving
interior with the wider environment clients the ability to plan the interiors
and an internal 'infinity edge' pool before completion and make informed
set against the glass wall gives the decisions.
impression that the person in the space
is at the top of a waterfall high in the Whilst firms such as Foster and Partners
trees. and Zaha Hadid Architects have used
VR on multi-million-pound projects,
VR was used from design conception James wants to bring the excitement
and throughout every design decision and versatility of this technology to
to allow the client to see exactly how clients of all sizes including residential
the space would feel from within. City extension projects which are a huge
Heights, in Nottingham, is a timber clad structure which financial and emotional undertaking for many clients.
sits against the existing property. VR was used to allow the
client to engage with the proposal from the various angles James said: “It’s hard to put into words the impact that
of the plot. It also helped the client decide on what type of the VR technology offers. It gives our clients a way to
furniture would be best suited to the spaces created. experience architecture at the design phase like never
before. Instead of looking at a flat drawing on a piece of
The Den in Keyworth, Nottingham is a modern building paper, they can walk around inside the finished design and
extension, VR was used to decide on the pitch and length experience it at full scale.”
of the roof canopy and the angles of the timber roof www.designhausarchitecture.co.uk
supports. Both permitting the maximum amount of light
into the new rooms. It also demonstrated how light and
shadows would pass through the building throughout the

11
12
13
 WORLD
INTERIOR OF
THE YEAR

J
CA Living Lab, a regenerated Japanese Colonial and sometimes contradictory needs of a young
house in Taipei city, Taiwan, by J.C. Architecture, has family. Every space can be negotiated and adapted,
been named as the World Interior of the Year for encouraging the house to be an incubator for
2019. The project has beaten over 90 finalists across positive difference in the family unit.’
nine categories to win the final accolade. The project
transforms a traditional house into a new type of They added: ‘local craftspeople were drafted in when
environment for urban living which embraces the needed and recycled elements were mixed freely with
layers of history embedded in the site whilst creating new. Ladders to the roof level encourage ongoing
a space adapted for modern living. hide and seek. Internal space leaks into a garden,
itself an outdoor room, whilst light penetrates in
Designed to provide an experience of joyful living, unexpected ways and occasional views of the sky
JCA Living Lab is a house designed with its residents offset the otherwise congested urban setting. Against
in mind, providing considered spaces for children to the background of rapid development in Taipei, this
run freely, but at the same time allowing for rest and project has the potential to be a 'prototype' that
reflection. Traditional craftsmanship is contrasted may help re-evaluate the existing stock of Japanese
against modern detailing, such as the circular light houses’. The award was presented at the finale of
feature hanging from the roof of the living room, INSIDE World Festival of Interiors, a gala dinner held
against the backdrop of preserved materials. at the historic Beurs van Berlage, a 19th century
former commodities exchanged designed by architect
The roof skylight shapes a path which acts as a Hendrik Petrus Berlage.
guide for the house, from the beginning to the
end. A red, exterior staircase also reaches up to the INSIDE World Festival of Interiors is co-located with
roof, connecting the ground to the sky. Additional the World Festival of Architecture and together they
communal spaces were added to the main house, form the largest live celebration of contemporary
including a kitchen and living room as well as architecture and design in the world. The festival will
flexible space for group gatherings, the arrangement reconvene in 2020 at a new location in Lisbon for
of spaces was designed to create connections its 13th edition. For more details on the WAF and
and interactions. Judges were impressed with how INSIDE Awards and the festival please visit: www.
‘the house is unusually in tune with the differing insidefestival.com, www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

14
 015
ATB

15
 REBUILT
AFTER
DISASTER

The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is a very special Green Pearl: Guests stay
at luxurious and sustainable floating tents in the midst of untouched
nature in Cambodia. After particularly heavy rains in July 2018, most
of the floating lodges were destroyed and had to be rebuilt.

16
4 Rivers Floating Lodge is famous for its unique swimming
tents on the river Tatai. The hotel had been welcoming
guests for nine years and was a retreat for relaxation and
wildlife adventure. The tents were constructed to handle
rising water up to a height of 2 metres. However, after heavy
rains in July 2018, the dam upstream was opened and the
hotel could not withstand the sudden water masses. The
platform broke into six parts, the tents swam down the
river, some up to eight kilometres, including the people in
them. Fortunately, the team, as well as the neighbours of
Tatai Village, acted immediately; they got the guests out of
the tents by speed boats and did all they could to stop the
tents from floating away. Still, the results were disastrous:
The lodge had to be completely closed and all reservations
cancelled – instead, a cost-intensive and protracted
017
reconstruction of the hotel waited for owners Valentin and
ATB
Anna Pawlik and their team.

However, there was also hope and a lot of gratitude for the
great support of all sides: the team, neighbours, partners –
everybody gave a hand. They collected the different parts of
the hotel along the river and began with the new building.
Fortunately, some parts could be saved: For example, some
tents which had remained intact on the broken platform
only had to be repaired. With the new building the location
was changed: Today the swimming tents are located on the
opposite shore as the current is less strong. The repaired
tents were recycled as family tents on the mainland and
added with a children's room. A new restaurant and platform
for the bar were built, so that 4 Rivers could welcome its
first guests five months later!

However, what would 4 Rivers Floating Lodge be without its

spectacular swimming tents? The previous metal construction
was perfect functionally but had a high maintenance effort,
so Valentin's idea even before the catastrophe was to use
swimming concrete blocks. However, this was and still is a
great challenge, because Valentin and Anna don't want to
use heavy devices on the river. For the first platforms they
used small cranes, but in the meantime, they have refined
their technique and now the concrete is being poured
directly on the water. However, the process is ongoing, tent
by tent they learn and slowly build their resort. For Anna
and Valentin sustainability plays a major role and besides
the already implemented initiatives, they further developed
their engagement: today 95% of the required energy is
sourced from their solar plant. www.ecolodges.asia

17
NEWS
Orientation Mark Enhances Classic
Ancon Serrated Washer Design
Ancon has made a
simple improvement
to one of its smallest,
but most utilised,
stainless steel
building components
to benefit installers
of its masonry
support systems. An
orientation guide, in
the form of two horizontal square ridges, has been incorporated
into the design of the classic serrated washer that Ancon
supplies with its masonry support brackets.
The square ridges, added to the back of the washer, correspond
to the line of the serrations on the opposite side that faces
away from the user during installation. The new design makes
it quicker and easier for installers to orientate the serrated
washer correctly. Users do not need to view the serrated face
before installing the washer and can quickly identify how best
to correct any rotation that may occur as the fixing bolt is
tightened. www.ancon.co.uk

A. Proctor Group win at Construction NEW GENERATION EXPANSION VESSELS

Marketing Awards Flamco has launched the new Flexcon range of new generation
expansion tanks with a huge 15 year warranty. The Flexcon
The A. Proctor Group received two awards at the prestigious CMAs benefits from a new and unique plastic membrane and offers
(Construction Marketing Awards) in London last month. The A. Proctor raw materials and energy savings. Flamco offers the new
Group won two categories: “Best Use of Advertising” and “Best Big Budget membrane for expansion
Campaign”. Their winning entry, a fashion-inspired campaign, featured five vessels from 2 to 80 litres
fantastic costumes that were made completely out of their high-performing in size.This new innovation
construction membranes. The Marketing Team at the A. Proctor Group worked makes expansion vessels
with students from the University of Edinburgh to design and construct these much more sustainable
outfits. in terms of environmental
The completed costumes were then professionally modelled and performance and durability,
photographed at the company’s Dunkeld Road factory site in Blairgowrie. while maintaining high
The purpose of the costumes was to create fictional “characters” that would quality. After intense reserach,
help explain the function and performance characteristics of the membranes, Flamco decided to replace
and to show where in the building the membrane would be installed during the traditional rubber
construction. CMA judges on the night of the award commented that A. membrane with one made
Proctor Group’s campaign was “innovative and exceptionally well executed.” of thermoplastic polyolefin
www.proctorgroup.com (TPO). TPO can be burned or recycled more efficiently into other
products of the same quality than is the case for rubber.
www.flamcogroup.com/uk

FIREFLY™ MEMBRANE WP OFFERS CERTIFIED

PROTECTION FOR WALL CONSTRUCTIONS
As an independently tested, proven-in-practice and versatile
construction material, Membrane WP from the Firefly™ range
is ideally suited for use within facade build-ups and other wall
constructions, where it will offer weather as well as fire protection
while allowing moisture vapour to be vented from the structure.
Developed in Australia and used worldwide, Firefly™ Membrane
WP is manufactured in the UK by Lancashire based TBA Protective
Technologies, while it has been certified as Class A2 Non-
Combustible under the challenging EN 13501-1 standard by industry
renowned Warrington Fire Laboratories.
This means the membrane will not support a flame, propagate
smoke, toxic gases, flaming droplets or particles and has achieved
a rating of A2, s1, d0. Firefly™ Membrane WP is supplied in 50
metre-long, 1.25 metre wide rolls with a nominal 0.2mm thickness,
woven glass substrate which is aluminised on one side. It is both strong and light to handle, weighing just 14 kg per roll. Although
the membrane must be protected from accidental damage during storage and not left exposed to the elements for long periods after
installation, it has been tested to withstand wind loadings equivalent to the UK’s most challenging climatic conditions. www.tba-pt.com

18
ESi – helping you remain in control of your heating Helifix showcase vast range of
repair techniques at
ESI Controls is taking a lead in offering the latest, quality heating controls. It now offers
its best-selling RTP4RF (Programmable RF Room Stat) with OpenTherm technology, London Build 2019
ensuring greater energy efficiency and cheaper energy bills whilst offering protection to
your boiler. ESi has further improved its 7 day, 5/2, 24hr programmable room stat, which
comes with key features that include landlord service safety and lockout capabilities. With
OpenTherm, energy efficiency can be improved by as much as 14%. The RTP4RF+ offers
an easy choice solution for all housing associations and social housing providers and
contractors. As the every-day home becomes ever
better connected to the homeowner, ESI Controls
is releasing a new Wi-Fi controlled thermostat,
enabling the homeowner not only to gain greater
control of their heating, but to be able to do so,
wherever they are.
The very latest RTP6 in a stylish choice of colours,
provide a clear interface for the user to remotely
control heating and water programs, all from one
simple app on their phone or mobile device. In
addition, these exceptional heating controls come with
a 3-year warranty. www.esicontrols.co.uk.

Helifix exhibited at London Build on the 27 th

Window of Opportunity for Natural Ventilation & 28th November 2019, displaying a vast range
A ‘window of opportunity’ has opened for natural ventilation with the launch of a new of products and repair techniques, illustrating
chain drive from GEZE. The Slimchain 230 V is the newest addition to GEZE’s Slimchain the variety of faults that Helifix products can
family of window opening drives that are cost-effective and easy to install. Its slim and repair. The in-house technical sales team
discreet look – just 25mm in height and 44mm depth - means that it can be integrated and external Technical Business Managers
perfectly into a façade design and installed on a window leaf or frame. The Slimchain were on hand to discuss specific projects
230 V is extremely adaptable. It can be fitted to wooden, plastic or metal windows and is and explain why Helifix repairs are often a
suitable for inward and outward more sustainable option. Helifix products
and their concealed, non-disruptive,
019
opening, bottom, top and side-
installation techniques play an important ATB
hung windows.
The Slimchain 230 V can also be role in preserving our built environment,
used in a building management from housing and offices to bridges and
system with the appropiate listed buildings.
connections. Its slender The sales and technical teams have
proportions belie its strength, considerable experience and technical expertise
with a holding force of 2000 N, to discuss your project-specific requirements
it can open windows with a leaf weight of up to 200 kg. The Slimchain 230 V also offers and answer any questions you may have. To
drive stroke with variable adjustment and can be configured in a left/right variant. The speak to a member of the team call Helifix on
Slimchain 230 V is available in anodised aluminium (EV1) or white (RAL 9016). 020 8735 5200 or email [email protected]
www.geze.co.uk

IBSTOCK HELPS RESTORE ICONIC

STOKE-ON-TRENT SKYLINE
Leading brick manufacturer Ibstock has teamed up
with property experts The Dog and Bone Group to
help recreate the iconic Stoke-on-Trent landscape and
rebuild 25 bottle kilns. Huge brick-built bottle ovens
and kilns were once the dominant feature of The
Potteries. In their heyday, around 4,000 bottle kilns
lined Stoke’s skyline. Today, however, only 47 remain,
preserved as listed buildings.
Ibstock worked in partnership with the Dog and
Bone Group to look at the designs of the bottle
kilns, developing a unique blend of bricks that would
fit effortlessly in to the city’s skyline and industrial
background, creating the standout that the bottle
kilns deserve. www.ibstockbrick.co.uk

19
 NEWS

020
ATB

Armourcoat Joins Surface Design Show To Celebrate The Best

In Innovative Surface Design
Decorative specialists Armourcoat will be exhibiting at The Surface Design Show in
February 2020, a must-visit event for architects, designers and specifiers looking
for material inspiration from the UK and around the world, with this year’s chosen
theme of ‘Close to Home.’ From restaurants, theatres, offices, classrooms, hotel
receptions and private residences the use of hard sound reflective surfaces such
as glass, wood and stone can cause excessive sound reverberation which leads to
unpleasant noise levels.

The correct control of sound can create a

CALMER AND calmer and more pleasant environment.
MORE PLEASANT Designed to optimise the acoustics of
ENVIRONMENT interior spaces, Armourcoat Acoustic
comprises of a special mineral wool
composite panel that is bonded onto the
substrate and finished with a seamless layer,
presenting an elegant marble-based plaster
finish while allowing sound energy to pass
through the surface.

Armourcoat will be recreating the hugely

successful ‘quiet zone’ on their stand at the
show to highlight the benefits of their acoustic system, recently granted the Quiet
Mark Award - the international mark of approval from the Noise Abatement Society
Charitable Foundation. For more information and to register for tickets, visit
www.armourcoat.com

20
An Evolution in GEZE Design

A popular GEZE product is now available in a new and improved

design as part of an eco-friendly, heat-saving solution.
The latest ECdrive T2 has all advantages of the previous ECdrive
but with enhanced features and is offered as a complete package
with the new thermally separated profile system – the GCprofile
Therm. Slimmer than its predecessor, the ECdrive T2 has a
reduced cover height of 100mm compared to 120mm. Its sleek
design is aesthetically pleasing, less obtrusive, provides
smoother running and can be installed in a wide range of
buildings.

It also has capacity for moving increased leaf weights of up to

140 kg, is suitable for high traffic areas for standard, or escape
and rescue route doors, in all types of buildings. Like all GEZE
sliding door systems, the ECdrive T2 is capable of networking
and can be integrated via the GEZE DCU103 CAN bus interface
and the GEZE IO 420 interface module via BACnet™ into
networking solutions such as the GEZE Cockpit. This means
that it can be easily integrated into wider building management
systems – controlled from a central point or by using remote
devices for safety and security purposes.

The GCprofile Therm uses slim aluminium frames which reduce visible sightlines by approx. 30 mm – giving
designers greater ability to produce a clean design aesthetic while providing greater efficiency. The profile
system accommodates up to 32 mm glass thickness in either two-pane insulation glass with 2x ESG 6mm,
UG value 1.0, or three-pane insulation glass with 3x ESG 4 mm, UG value 0.8. With increased performance
for leaf weight of up to 140 kg, the GCprofile Therm also boasts improved air tightness (compared to other
ISO profile systems), better sound insulation and improved wet weather durability aided by its fit and an
optional floor guide with drainage.
021
It can be combined with manual and motorised GEZE hook bolt locks, without losing thermal separation and ATB
the appearance of the system remains discreet, even with locking. A new brochure has been produced to
explain the package. This is available by calling the marketing team on 01543 443015 or emailing info.uk@
geze.com. For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers
call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

Helifix portfolio of Masonry Repair Details continues to grow

Structural repair specialist, Helifix, has recently made

further additions to its extensive range of over 100
Repair Details, which give full technical and installation
information on how to overcome a wide variety of
structural faults. The new Repair Details give guidance on
how to connect a new timber frame to an existing masonry
wall, how to restrain rubble-filled stone walls and two new
methods of repairing failed brick arch lintels.

Every repair detail features drawings and provides details

of the required products and tooling, specification notes
and a step by step guide on how to undertake each repair
using concealed installation techniques. The full range of
Repair Details can be viewed, and individually downloaded,
on the Helifix website at www.helifix.co.uk/downloads.
The site also contains full Helifix product information,
brochures, applications, case studies and installation
videos. email: [email protected]

21
 INTERIORS

022
ATB
CM

MY

CY

Compac Quartz Worksurfaces Add A Tasteful Touch To CMY

Valencian Restaurant K

Vaqueta Gastro Mercat is a unique new restaurant situated

in the centre of Valencia, Spain. Entrance to the restaurant is
also unique - gained via a high end green grocery shop whose
produce is also used in the restaurant. Once in the restaurant,
clients are treated to a spectacular, flamboyantly decorated dining
area that can seat up to seventy-five, private dining rooms and
open plan kitchens also feature.

For tables, the open plan kitchen and areas of wall cladding,
DESIGN STUDIO REQUIRED architectural and interior design studio Janfri & Ranchal required
A MATERIAL THAT WOULD a material that would look spectacular, blend in with the use of
LOOK SPECTACULAR other natural materials and importantly, stand up to the rigors of
a busy restaurant. COMPAC’s quartz worksurfaces: Ice White, Ice
Black and Unique Marquina™ were selected for the project as
they met all the specification requirements.

Ice White and Ice Black are part of COMPAC’s Ice of Genesis
collection Inspired by the great ice lakes of the Artic. Unique
Marquina™, is part of their Unique Collection, a range of quartz
worksurfaces inspired by the colours, beauty and textures
found in the world’s great rivers, forests, lakes and mountains.
COMPAC’s renowned engineering skills ensures their quartz
worksurfaces have virtually zero porosity making them easy to
clean and maintain and they will continue to perform and retain
their beauty for a lifetime of use. www.compac.es

22
 ARCHITECTURAL SIGN SOLUTIONS

A WORLD OF SIGNS TO
TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
Signbox signs change everything. They’re transforming
buildings from functional structures into unforgettable
landmarks, turning settings into eye-catching scenic
masterpieces and bringing spaces to life like no other.

For over 30 years, Signbox has remained the first name in

aspirational signage solutions that push the boundaries of
innovation and challenge convention. It’s all thanks to our
great British design and engineering brilliance – and an
intrinsic desire to look at signage differently.

It’s a philosophy that works. Our award-winning signage

strategies are borne from a freethinking creative energy and
technical mastery of revolutionary materials and processes
and they’re hard at work for brands and clients around the
world for everyone to see.

Everyone has a story.

Signbox helps brands find the best way to tell it.

01784 43 8688 SAL ES @S I GNBOX .CO.UK WWW.S I GNB OX.CO.UK

23
 INTERIORS

024
ATB

SAFE ENVIRONMENT
SUPPORTED WITH
YEOMAN SHIELD
ANTI-LIGATURE
HANDRAIL SYSTEM

24
Yeoman Shield Anti-Ligature handrail
system is being utilised in a dementia
unit in South Wales. Ysbyty George
Thomas, as part of Cwm Taf Health
board’s Valley Life Initiative, has
recently undergone a refurbishment to
become a health and wellbeing centre
the full length of the back of the
rail eliminating any points that can
easily have a length of material or
cord wound around it, preventing the
possibility of harm to patients. To
ensure that the terminating ends of the
handrail are not used in a similar way,
for people with cognitive and memory a tightly fitted wall return is added
problems. Throughout the design to enclose the ends allowing no gaps
process of the new Dementia Unit, between the wall and rail.
comfort and functionality for clients
who would be accessing the area was Supplied in a dark grey colour to
paramount. contrast with the light wall colour
scheme, the Guardian Handrail
Not only were aesthetics taken into dovetailed perfectly into the wall paper
consideration with a stunning welsh design by resembling the top of the
valleys mural wallpaper installed depicted drystone walling.
in between bright colourful “front
doors” but safety aspects were of "We are exceptionally pleased with
a prime concern. For safeguarding the new Dementia Unit and the look,
measures Yeoman Shield’s Anti-Ligature quality and functionality of the Yeoman
Guardian Handrail was chosen, as Shield Anti-Ligature Guardian Handrail”
both a supportive and wall protection commented Jeanne Smith, Directorate
rail system, along the main corridor Support Manager, Mental Health, Cwm
of Ysbyty George Thomas as well as Taf University Health Board. For more 025
through the Dementia Unit. information go to ATB
www.yeomanshield.com
This Anti-Ligature handrail has a
continuous fixing block which runs

25
 INTERIORS

026
ATB

CHILDCARE INSTITUTIONS WITH SOUND DESIGN

The design of spaces for children why the products of specialist
is intriguing because of the manufacturers like Troldtekt are
permanent influence it can have specified to solve the problems of
on them. A new online theme by noise and reverberated sounds. If
Danish acoustic panel manufacturer acoustic absorption is ineffective,
Troldtekt explores through articles discomfort and irritation will result
and expert interviews how good from the reverberations. If it is
acoustics plays its part when designed well, the participant’s
IMPORTANT TO BE designing these areas. interest will increase, as many case
AWARE OF NOISE Of course, other factors such
studies for new and transformed
WHEN DESIGNING as colour, shapes, robustness
buildings prove.
FACILITIES and finish also have an impact The Danish education psychologist
but so does sound. Children are Mille Sylvest comments, “It’s very
noisy and active and the rooms important to be aware of noise
they inhabit are typically large. when designing facilities. Noise
Careful design considerations are affects stress levels for both
particularly important because a children and staff because nobody
child’s environment moulds their can endure spending long periods
perspectives for the future and the of time in a noisy environment.
development of the mind and body. Lower energy levels, more
sick leave and poorer learning
Studies such as Bronzaft and outcomes are the direct results of
McCarthy (1975) have shown the noise.” www.troldtekt.co.uk
effect noise has on wellbeing
and learning - this is the reason

26
UNIQUE BIANCO™ FROM COMPAC. A UNIQUE PERSONALITY.
Unique Bianco™ is an exciting new addition to COMPAC’s renowned Unique
Collection – a distinctive, elegant range of quartz worksurfaces whose designs have
been inspired by the textures, beauty and durability of nature’s rivers, forests, lakes,
mountains and landscapes. Unique Bianco™ has strength, movement and texture.
A worksurface with its own unique personality, featuring a complex yet natural vein
design reminiscent of gossamer thin leaves found on the forest floor. TRANSFORM SPACES
IN THE HOME OR
Unique Bianco™ is available in a polished finish that intensifies its surface colour, WORKPLACE INTO
or a new state-of- the-art crêpe finish which combines a fine roughness with a SOMETHING QUITE
unique delicateness to provide a pure, flawless, non- glare finish. Whether used EXTRAORDINARY
as a kitchen or bathroom worksurface or for cladding a wall or a floor, Unique
Bianco™ will transform spaces in the home or workplace into something quite
extraordinary. COMPAC’s Unique Collection, benefits from the company’s innovative
engineering skills which ensures a virtually zero porosity surface which is easy to
clean and maintain and will continue to perform and retain its elegance and beauty
for a lifetime of use. Unique Bianco™ - part of the Unique Collection from COMPAC.
compac.es

027
ATB

27
 INTERIORS

Bank of America is one of the world’s largest

financial institutions, serving individual consumers,
small and middle market businesses and large
corporations with a full range of financial and risk
management products and services.

“The coloured squiggle glass panels are a fabulous

addition to this stunning meeting space,” said
Andy Gibson, Style’s director for the north.
“They can be pulled into position, and clustered
together, for notes and ideas during meetings and
informal gatherings making them a really practical
solution, as well as a stylish and innovative one.
“Furthermore, they bring an element of colour and
flair to this beautifully designed meeting space
and, when used in conjunction with the two semi-
WRITABLE DIVIDING WALLS FOR automatic Variflex moveable walls, the room can
GLOBAL BANK’S UK OFFICES be used very flexibly, and with first class acoustic
integrity, depending on meeting requirements and
As part of a refurbishment project, Bank of America numbers.”
wanted to better maximise space at their Chester
Business Park offices. Style was contracted to work with Housed within black, powder-coated Dorma
architect TP Bennett and contractor Amspec, to design Varitrans profiles, perfectly matching the black
a partitioning solution that would allow the meeting powder coated head-track, these stunning panels
rooms to be used more flexibly, as well as encourage can be moved into any position along 30 metres of
collaborative working practices. track. www.style-partitions.co.uk

Two Dorma Hüppe Variflex, semi-automatic, white

028 laminate operable walls enable the main meeting room
ATB to be quickly divided into two separate areas. Boasting
an impressive 59dB acoustic integrity, the walls allow
concurrent meetings to run entirely undisturbed. Injecting
vibrancy and inspiring lively sharing of ideas and
information, Style also installed six brightly coloured,
moveable glass ‘squiggle’ panels, providing magnetic,
writable surfaces for use in dynamic discussions.

Chubb choose Benif Interior Film to ensure a perfect finish

Chubb is the largest publicly traded property insurance and casualty insurer
in the world. As part of a recent refurbishment project at their London
headquarters, Chubb selected Benif Interior Film exclusively supplied
by leading surface material distributor David Clouting, as the preferred
material to help transform a large number of flush office doors, architraves,
splash backs and washroom paneling which had become dated. Specialist
contractors WRAPT used a Benif Interior Film modern oak finish to carry out
the work over seven floors of the building which is set in the heart of the
financial district.
Manufactured by LG Hausys, Benif is a self-adhesive, architectural film that
can be quickly and easily applied to almost any interior surface. The results
of the Chubb office refurbishment were not only visually pleasing but also
extremely cost effective and practical thanks to the Benif’s low maintenance
requirements, longevity of performance and importantly, none of the
existing doors, splashbacks and paneling had to be scrapped. With over 400
Benif designs and finishes to choose from, walls, doors, paneling, skirting
and architrave can be quickly transformed without the need for costly
replacements. www.davidclouting.co.uk

28
 DRU Passo Eco Wave Gas Stoves Now
Available In 6 Colour Finishes 029
ATB
The DRU Passo Eco Wave is a sleek, cylindrical gas
stove with a large, wrap-around viewing window
framing a gorgeous log fire bed. It is operated by
the exclusive DRU Eco Wave app for tablets and
smartphones, has an A energy rating and is over 90%
energy efficient. The Passo is a balanced flue stove, a
technology that was originally developed by DRU and
now used for millions of gas appliances worldwide.

It does not need to be connected to a chimney, so can

be installed in a variety of locations around the home.
THE PASSO IS A Air is drawn from outside the building for combustion,
BALANCED FLUE with waste gases expelled through the same concentric
STOVE flue. This enables high, impressive flames, high
efficiency and no depletion of air from within the home,
resulting in safe and comfortable heating.

Due to the success of the original Nero black version,

DRU has now produced the Passo in an additional 5
colour finishes: Titan, Pearl, White, Turquoise and Light
Grey. So, there are stoves to suit any kind of interior
décor, a real choice for consumers, architects and
designers. It is available from approved DRU fireplace
retailers throughout the UK. For further information,
visit www.drufire.com

29
 INTERIORS

Breathtaking Stepped Divide for University Auditorium

Newcastle University’s Frederick Douglass seat lecture theatre, a range of seminar
Centre is a £34 million flagship building that rooms and exhibition spaces, as well as the
delivers state-of-the-art teaching and learning 750-seat auditorium. Style was brought in
facilities. Seating space in the impressive at a very early stage by Sheppard Robson,
stepped auditorium is maximised thanks to offering detailed advice on possible
Style’s installation of a world-first, bespoke moveable wall solutions.
set of moveable wall systems, that divide the
SURPASSING room into two separate lecture halls, each As a result of this, Style worked with
THE CLIENT'S seating 500 and 250 students. manufacturing partners, Dorma Hüppe,
DEMANDS to design two bespoke, fully automated,
FOR ACOUSTIC Style worked in close collaboration with stepped acoustic moveable walls, based on
PRIVACY architect, Sheppard Robson, and contractor, the Variflex Comfortdrive K system. These
Sir Robert McAlpine, to design a solution are deployed back-to-back, with automatic
that is fully automatic, concurrently moving acoustic seals engaging as each panel meets
a double skin of Dorma Hüppe sliding the next, perfectly closing off the tiered
wall panels, up through the tiered seating. elements and delivering acoustic privacy
Surpassing the client’s demands for acoustic that far exceeds anyone’s expectations. A
privacy between the divided areas, the sophisticated impact safety system ensures
final installation delivers a phenomenal staff and student safety during panel
59db Dntw, on site tested performance. The movement. www.style-partitions.co.uk
Frederick Douglass Centre accommodates
up to 2,200 students and includes a 200-

030
ATB

30
Kaldewei Puro
Set Wide
Kaldewei’s Puro Set
Wide bath is the perfect
solution for bathing
and showering, with
a centrally-positioned
waste outlet and
extra wide rim, giving
maximum freedom for
positioning taps and
fittings.
With an ergonomic
backrest and extra steep
walls on three sides,
Puro Set Wide offers
reclining comfort and
optimum legroom while
bathing and freedom of
movement and excellent
underfoot safety while
showering.
The generous standing space without intrusive waste cover can also be fitted with an extra large
anti-slip coating on request. Available in left or right-fitting versions, it offers great versatility for
different installation layouts. Kaldewei’s superior steel enamel is extremely durable, hygienic and
scratch-resistant. All Kaldewei steel enamel bathroom solutions; shower surfaces, washbasins and 031
baths are 100% recyclable and are supplied with a 30-year guarantee. www.kaldewei.co.uk ATB

Salice Pocket Doors

Power Ahead
In keeping with its policy of continuous product
improvement, Salice has introduced an updated
version of its industry–standard pocket door
system. Designated Exedra, the new version
incorporates a linear magnetic damper that
gently controls the movement of the door as it
moves smoothly and silently into and out of its
recess.

In addition, a Smove piston cushions the

door as it closes onto the cabinet. Walter
Gosling, Branch Director for Salice UK Ltd
commented, “All our pocket door systems are
now supplied in the Exedra version and like the
previous systems, are made to measure and
fully assembled ready for installation. Their
customer friendly features have seen a healthy
month-by-month increase in sales in 2019”.
www.saliceuk.co.uk

31
RAISING
EXPECTATIONS

32
CEILING DESIGN IN THE
EXPERIENCE ECONOMY
Armstrong Ceiling Solutions' marketing communications manager Isabel Blanco
reflects on life in the era of the experience economy: a time where every activity,
every transaction and every surrounding is an experience.

33
Raising
Expectations:
Ceiling Design In The
Experience Economy

034
ATB

W
e live in the era of the experience economy: a time
when even the most commoditised space is subject
to shared experiences and open feedback. A time
where great experiences become the expectation, not
the exception. And thanks to the democratisation of
the internet and social media, for whatever space you
find yourself in, you'll find an online mirror of it. This
isn't necessarily a bad thing. It fosters competition
and drives the creators and facilitators of these spaces
to try harder and create positive experiences for
the end-user. In every space within this experience
economy, design and architecture must play their part
in improving the experience. And the ceiling space is
central to this ambition.

Elevating experiences through the ceiling - Ceilings

can fundamentally shape people's experience of a
space. They bring in light, sculpt the soundscape and
enhance air quality - transforming a simple, functional
space into a world-class experience. Materials and
design choices are crucial to achieving this. Modern
mineral tiles ceiling systems deliver cutting-edge
performance in light reflectance. High-white finishes
help bathe indoor spaces in natural daylight. This
boosts occupants' experience, in everything from
increased productivity and concentration to happiness
and general wellbeing.

34
Similarly, suspended ceiling solutions can create The use of passive inhibitors offers a first level
a more pleasing visual environment, some by of protection as well as contributing to the
concealing services above and some by creating greater technical performance of a space. But
a more vibrant sense of space, effectively over and above this, by inhibiting the growth
shaping and directing sound. Providing a and spread of bacteria, they enhance the
balance between acoustics and aesthetics, experience of a space. It's another example
which helps ensure that teachers are heard of how the technical performance behind a
in classrooms and students in lecture halls, space can contribute to the experiential factors
means students can learn more effectively. They in people's minds. The experience economy
transform the wards of hospitals into welcoming coincides with a growing trend for responsible
spaces for healing to happen, or ensure office consumerism; for thinking beyond ourselves to
workers can concentrate on quiet working as our impact on the planet. By securing points in
much as they can collaborate. It all combines to terms of sustainability, we can kindle that trend
elevate experiences beyond the spatial element and align our spaces with a more positive eco-
of the environment. But what part do regulations experience. Using Cradle to Cradle Certified™
and standards play in this context? solutions is one way that this can be achieved.

The push for credits - BREEAM and green The symbiosis of environment and experience
building certifications increasingly characterise - User-centred design and keeping wellbeing
our spaces - how they're designed, built and front of mind are essential to creating
function. These programmes are characterised great experiences. Just think about retail
by credit systems. That's all that separates, for environments: supermarkets undergo regular
example, a BREEAM Outstanding project from in-store reshuffles as they seek to improve not
one that is Good. Across every category, from simply the environment but the experience.
energy and innovation to wellbeing and waste, By doing so, they transform these hubs into
there is a continual push for credits at every desirable destinations. The same applies for
stage of the design and build process. Here, work environments and hospitals that are rated
the ceiling contributes again: visual, acoustic for comfort as much as capability. Ultimately,
and thermal comfort, the minimisation of VOCs every space is a shop window - how it appears,
(volatile organic compounds), recycling and how it sounds, how it feels and how it performs, 035
hygiene - all play their part in securing credits. its impact on our planet, and its potential for ATB
This essentially improves the experience of the future generations. All of this combines into how
environment for everyone involved. a space becomes an experience. And with this in
mind, is how we need to design.
Behind the experience - Designers need to get www.armstrongceilingsolutions.co.uk
the fundamentals right to score the essential
points needed to create a great experience.
Safety and hygiene are two examples. In terms
of safety, ceiling solutions must conform to
all relevant fire resistance/reaction standards.
Equally, the use of ‘anti-seismic' solutions
adds reassurance to projects in earthquake
areas. These features do far more than simply
safeguard lives. They also add reassurance to
the overall experience. In environments like
hospitals, schools and public or retail spaces,
bacteria and infections can also present risks.

35
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

036
ATB

Rinnai And The Art Of Zen + Zen Plus

Rinnai, global leaders in continuous flow hot water heating products
and systems, is introducing the Zen and Zen Plus home hot water &
heating system which marries established and proven manufacture
durability with new technologies to offer great energy efficiencies,
user control and, importantly, unparalleled level of comfort.

THE SYSTEM WILL The Rinnai Zen and Zen Plus system will increase comfort and reduce
INCREASE COMFORT energy usage whilst also providing a highly economically solution for
AND REDUCE today’s changing marketplace. Some of the features of Zen & Zen
Plus are: IOT controller as standard; Fast heating mode; DHW pre-
ENERGY USAGE
heat function - saving wasted water; Energy monitor function allows
user to monitor energy usage; flue runs up to 30 meters, Rinnai boiler
App for android and IOS; constant temperature-accurate hot water
delivery at continuous flow rates.

There is also smart Wifi controller and App benefits; The Rinnai app
seamlessly connects to the controller in the property; the user can
control the boiler remotely adjusting temperature, setting weekly and
daily programmes, receiving alarm functions, monitor energy usage
and set limits. The Wifi and boiler controller also uses GPS from
the user’s mobile to bring on the heat when you are getting close to
home to ensure the house is warm when you arrive. Rinnai Zen & Zen
Plus are available for use with both natural gas and LPG.
www.rinnaiuk.com

36
TAILORED UFH AND AIR SOURCE
SOLUTION FOR SEAHOUSES
SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Carlisle based heating sector specialist,
Tailored Heat, has delivered an in-screed
underfloor heating system and air source
heat pump package for the redevelopment
of old, hard-to-heat social housing
properties in an off-gas area on the North
East coast.

Bernicia, a leading affordable housing

provider in the region, is building nine new
energy efficient dwellings at Seahouses in
Northumberland intended for local people,
including some who had been residents in
the old properties.

Presmac from Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the

mechanical services contractor responsible for the design and installation
of the heating systems, including Mitsubishi Ecodan QUHZ-W40VA heat
pump with Mitsubishi EHPT20Q- VM2EA hot water thermal store. and the
easy to lay staple UFH system from Tailored Heat.

The high specification of the nine new properties, including optimal

insulation standards and the energy efficient, renewable heating package
from Presmac and Tailored Heat, will offer residents continued comfort and
affordable warmth. www.tailoredheat.co.uk 037
ATB

LG PROVIDES AIR CONDITIONING

FOR NEW ENGIE HQ
The occupier of new offices in Hatfield inherited
background air conditioning but through the
dividing up of the floor plate of the second floor at
Titan Court into smaller offices and meeting rooms,
needed additional air conditioning that could be
controlled room by room.
The solution was an LG 3 pipe Heat recovery Multi
V 5 VRF system connected to twelve indoor ceiling
mounted cassette units - each individual room
sporting the name of a famous Arsenal footballer
from recent history – rather giving away the
allegiance of the company’s owner!
Rooms in the new building are named after the
likes of Bergkamp, Henry, Merson and Adams! LG used its advanced LATS CAD software to
display the concept of the installation to the client prior to the decision to select LG equipment
for the task. LG Air Conditioner Technical Solutions (LATS) CAD 2.0 is a fast and effective way to
create drawing plans for LG Air Conditioning Technologies systems.
There are separate tab for LATS on the Autodesk® AutoCAD® ribbon bar and this tab takes you
to two menus for easily navigating various features of LATS. In addition, the system selected
included the specification of an LG AC Smart 5 Central Controller as well as wireless controls
for each room. For more information, head for partner.lge.com/uk, or you can email LG at
[email protected].

37
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Stelrad’s Low Surface Temperature

Radiators Contribute To Special
Housing Development

Stelrad Radiators low surface temperature radiators

038 (LST) have been selected for a housing development
in Torfaen in South Wales, designed for people with
ATB physical and mental disabilities. 42 LST radiators
have been supplied for the project, the majority of
which are the latest LST i Plus models. There are also
14 LST i Plus Xtra Protection models, designed to be
used in areas that experience high humidity such as wet rooms.

The Ty’r Hen Ysgol development, at the former Ysgol Panteg Primary
LOW SURFACE
School site in Pontypool, features seven new bespoke apartments
to meet multi-disciplinary needs across many diverse physical and
TEMPERATURE
mental disabilities. Experiencing the wide range of features that
RADIATORS OFFER
have been incorporated in these apartments to keep the tenants
'SAFE TO TOUCH'
safe and comfortable is extremely moving and highlights high level
HEATING
understanding of the needs of this group of potential tenants.

Low surface temperature radiators offer ‘safe to touch’ heating and

are being specified increasingly across the UK for situations where
the heating needs to meet NHS Guidance for ‘Safe Hot Water and
surface temperature’ – in hospitals, care and nursing homes, as well
as sheltered housing, schools and nurseries as well as an increased
amount of housing that may be used by vulnerable people during
that home’s lifetime.

LST radiators are designed to ensure they offer as much protection

as possible to those for whom they are designed to provide heating.
As well as ensuring the casing never exceeds 43 degrees C, they also
include rounded corners and edges to the design to avoid damage
from sharp edges. www.stelrad.com

38
 The three high-rise blocks also use SE Controls
mechanical smoke extraction, but in a duplex
push-pull system that enables smoke to be
removed from corridors through one of two
smoke shafts, depending on the location of the
This must be just like fire, to keep escape routes clear. Each of the
living in Paradise! main stair cores in the tower blocks are also
protected with roof mounted automaticlouvre
A £52 million student accommodation vents, which allow smoke and heat to be
development in Coventry is using smoke and vented, keeping them clear of smoke and
heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) systems from hot gases to aid escape.
SE Controls to enhance fire safety by providing
smoke free escape routes for almost 1000 The system is designed so that every 039
students living at Paradise Student Village. The tower incorporates two smoke shafts, ATB
new building incorporates three towers with 10, each of which is connected to a duty and
12 and 14 storeys respectively, together with an stand-by SHEVTEC smoke extraction fan
extensive 3 storey town house structure that set capable of running in either direction.
is arranged in a ‘wall’ below the towers and In the event of a fire, both duty fans will
adjacent to the city’s ring road. start with one shaft extracting the smoke, while
the other fan runs in the opposite direction,
DEDICATED To meet fire safety and smoke ventilation which helps purge smoke by pressurising the
SMOKE CONTROL requirements, the buildings are separated into other shaft and corridor.A key advantage of
SOLUTIONS six individual fire zones with dedicated smoke this approach is that the direction of operation
control solutions from SE Controls serving each
SERVING EACH is dependent on the location of the fire so
zone, which protects stairwells and corridors
ROOM by keeping escape routes clear of smoke if a
that the extract fan shaft is always closest
to the source of a fire and the pressurised
fire should occur. The town house is separated replacement air is supplied by the farthest
into three zones with the ‘cluster corridor’ in shaft for more rapid and effective smoke
each being protectedby a mechanical smoke removal.
ventilation system, using duty and stand-
by SHEVTEC® fans, with replacement air Each corridor incorporates a SHEVTEC lobby
supplied by automatic opening lobby dampers damper at each end as well as an automatic
connected to a natural air inlet shaft. smoke door by the lift lobby, which open when
a signal is received from the building’s alarm
In addition, two of the town house zones also system.The control of the complete smoke
have a stair lobby, each of which is protected ventilation and extraction system is handled
by an automatic louvre vent at the head of the by 12 SE Controls OS2 SHEVTEC controllers
stairs. Once triggered by a fire alarm signal, with integral failsafe battery backup, which
the corridor dampers on the fire floor open, are linked to a series of OSLoop Coordinators
together with the stair louvre, allowing smoke throughout each of the six fire zones. OS2
to be extracted from the building. Also, Manual MCPs and tamperproof MCPs are also installed
Control Points (MCP) are located throughout to allow the fire service to manage the system’s
the townhouse zones, which enable the system operation and reset it after any fire event.
to be managed and reset by fire service www.secontrols.com
personnel.

39
 DOORS, WINDOWS & GLAZING

INNOVATION
FROM
ALUPROF

040
ATB

I
nnovation comes from the ability to continually review products and services whilst
possessing the agility to quickly introduce new systems into the market. Crucial for
all companies who wish to be successful, Aluprof now takes this to the next level by
continually pushing the boundary of what is currently being achieved in the fenestration
market and raising the bar through innovative design. By way of example, Aluprof was
the first company to introduce the insulator ‘Aerogel' into their aluminium profiles to
increase thermal efficiency with very little weight gain.

Aerogel is a synthetic, porous and ultralight material which is derived from a gel, where
the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas. The resultant material is
still a solid, but with an extremely low density and low thermal conductivity. The ‘MB-86
AERO’ system by Aluprof was the world's first aluminium window and door system to
use aerogel offering a Uf value from 0.57 W/(m 2 K) and UW up to 0.8 W/(m 2 K). At
just 86 mm wide the system is capable of carrying quadruple glazing to easily achieve
passivhaus standards. Pioneering fire rated aluminium systems for both internal and
external use, Aluprof have for some time incorporated both ceramic and gypsum cores
within their profiles with various mechanical fixtures to offer screens which give EI120
fire protection for the most robust installations imaginable.

40
System design focusses on narrow sightlines and
where required can always be matched in sightline
with standard systems for non-protected areas of
the building giving specifiers free reign on design.
Pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Aluprof
have recently worked with high specification glass
processors of fire rated glasses to test and achieve
glass-to-glass joints within fire screens.

This Aluprof innovation allows specifiers to achieve

longer runs of glazing which are not interrupted
by mullions. Staying with innovation in fire rated
system, but this time in external curtain wall
systems, Aluprof are the first company to design
and test a ‘cap-less’ stick curtain wall system which
achieves a fire rating of EI60. The ‘MB-SR50N EI
efekt’ system has been used on various schemes
across the UK where fire needs to be contained
with the added benefit that the system can be
seamlessly linked in with non-fire rated areas of
curtain wall, again giving specifiers the freedom of
design whilst meeting strict safety issues.

One of the most recent innovations is the

development of new transom to mullion fixing
arrangements on the company’s popular ‘MB-
SR50N' curtain wall system. Aluminium joints
between mullions and transoms are often the
limiting factor when using large glazed units in
curtain wall. With the dead load being transferred
from the transom to the mullion there is also
a large turning moment as the glazed units sit
to the front of the structural transom. The new
development from Aluprof caters for a safe transom
to mullion carrying capacity of 550 Kg at each of
the transom, potentially allowing for a glazed unit
of over 1 tonne in weight being accommodated
into the MB-SR50N curtain wall system.

This carrying capacity far exceeds many of the

curtain wall systems currently available on the
market. The key to Aluprof’s innovation is the
adoption of a group-wide iterative process
that requires feedback on real project designs,
requirements and installations, which is then
brought back into the design department. Over
time, product is enhanced and improved, and,
along the way, every so often an innovation or step
change will naturally follow. It will be interesting
to see what the new decade brings for Aluprof’s
systems.

Since setting up the Aluprof Project Office at the

Business Design Centre in London the systems
company has rapidly grown their specification
influence in the UK with their high performance
and innovative architectural aluminium systems.
www.aluprof.co.uk

41
 DOORS, WINDOWS & GLAZING

Hospital Installs Yeoman Shield to Help Maintain

Fire Doors

Stockport NHS Trust runs both community NHS services and Stepping Hill
Hospital, which serves people across the areas of Stockport and the High Peak.
With the responsibility of the safety and comfort of so many patients and staff,
it is important that the trust maintain a high-quality standard within the built
environment.
THE LIFE When fire doors in the ground floor corridor
CYCLE OF THE of the hospital were identified as having
DOORS WILL BE minor damage to edges and panels, the
EXTENDED trust engaged with Yeoman Shield to
provide a solution to stop the damage from
becoming a major concern.
Left unchecked this type of impairment can
lead to the non-conformity and malfunction
of a fire door. Yeoman Shield supplied
and installed fire rated FD30 Door Edge
Protectors to the leading and hinged
edges of double swing door sets along the
corridor.
Door faces were fitted with Yeoman Shield 2mm thick FalmouthEx protection
panels, to guard against impact damage mainly caused by the movement of
wheeled and motorised trolleys. Now that the hospital’s fire doors have Yeoman
Shield protection fitted, the life cycle of the doors will be extended, avoiding the
costly task of replacing them. Yeoman Shield door protection products have been
042 fully fire tested to the current standards required. www.yeomanshield.com
ATB

42
Notes from the Comar
design team... Large 62mm glazing
pocket for acoustic
or triple glazed glass.
BIM ready.
Slim sight lines for
both the casement Fast-track semi unitised
With thermal foam and and tilt/turn. construction for floor to
triple glazing, U-values are ceiling glazing.
reduced to 0.77, creating a
future proof solution.
Windows hang direct from
the Comar 9P.i Frame as
well as rebated doors.
The latest thermal
break technology
including foam.

comar 5P.i ADVANCED

Latest Thermal Break Technology Produces the
Next Generation of Windows.
Comar’s Design Team brief was to specifically meet architectural demands; low For more information about
U-values, matching slim sight lines for both the casement and tilt/turn windows, comar5P.i ADVANCED please contact us:
large glazing pocket for acoustic glass, Secured by Design and large sizes. For our
Tel: 0208 8685 9685
fabrication and contractor partners, performance with built in fast-track fabrication
Email: [email protected]
and installation.
Web: www.comar-alu.co.uk
The technology from the Comar 9P.i system has been incorporated into the Comar 5P.i
window range. This ensures the Comar 5P.i Advanced Casement and Tilt/Turn window
system integrates seamlessly into Comar 9P.i framing and creates the option for standalone
high performance windows, up to 2.5m high with U-values as low at 0.77. BIM Models
available at Comar Partners: www.comar-alu.co.uk/login/.

43
ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS
 PAS with Flying Colours
A ‘whole door system’ which combines secure 125kg and is virtually silent in operation. GEZE
locking with failsafe emergency evacuation UK worked with Jack Aluminium Systems, one
features has been introduced by GEZE UK of the UK’s leading aluminium glazing systems
to meet the rigorous PAS 24 standard. The companies, to develop the new system for
Slimdrive SL NT PAS 24 System achieves automatic sliding doors. The PAS (Product
outstanding security – one of the best on Assessment Specification) 24 test standard
the market, whilst still meeting ever-greater was introduced by the British Standard
044 demands of building requirements. The system Institute (BSI) in collaboration with industry
ATB enables 24-hour access control and has been stakeholders and Secured By Design (SBD). A
designed and tested for continuous use. With 2016 revision incorporated additional doorset
GEZE’s unique, robust locking system that is and window types including non- domestic
hidden from view – the Slimdrive SL NT PAS 24 ranges and changes to some test methods and
System makes it even harder for opportunist criteria.
burglars to identify points of access.
Said Kaz Spiewakowski, managing director of
GEZE’s proven Slimdrive SL NT technology, GEZE UK: “This is a landmark system in the
THE PERFECT together with the enhanced security testing fight against crime. It incorporates enhanced
ENTRANCE required to achieve PAS 24 accreditation, adds security features without compromising on the
SYSTEM WITH NO up to the perfect entrance system with no functionality and aesthetic benefits for which
COMPROMISES compromises - security, accessibility, access our products have become known.”
control and great aesthetics. Under PAS 24
a series of tests are performed including Jeff Pearson, sales director of Jack Aluminium
manual attack, in which the test engineer uses Systems added: “It has been a honour to work
a range of tools anywhere on the door over with GEZE UK to develop this system which
a 15-minute period, impact testing of both combines safety and security in line with the
‘soft body’ and ‘hard body’ objects, and force PAS 24 standard. It will no doubt prove to
testing in which loads are applied for up to 5 be of real practical benefit within a variety of
minutes. publically accessed buildings bringing with it
peace of mind to those who live and work in
The door must withstand all of the tests to the places where it is installed.“
pass and achieve PAS 24 certification. These
security enhancements are fast becoming key A new brochure has been produced to explain
features for buildings where security with the system in detail. This is available by
escape routes are a high priority: such as calling the marketing team on 01543 443015.
hospitals, airports, train stations and banks. For more information about GEZE UK’s
The system uses GEZE’s proven Slimdrive SL comprehensive range of automatic and manual
NT automatic sliding operator. At just seven door closers call 01543 443000 or visit
centimetres it is the slimmest on the market www.geze.co.uk
enabling it to be almost invisibly integrated
into the façade. It can move leaf weights up to

44
Crittall screens at
the heart of new
innovation centre

An ambitious project to boost the

creative industries sector in the
north-east of England has used
Crittall Innervision steel screens and
doors as a key design element.
A former Grade II listed post office
in Hartlepool’s Whitby Street has
been transformed to become The
BIS, the town’s new hub for business
start-ups offering a range of office
and workshop spaces augmented
by specialist support. The £4million
project, backed by Hartlepool Borough Council and the Tees Valley Combined
Authority, is viewed as the catalyst for an innovation and skills quarter in a
Victorian conservation area close to the town centre.
Leeds-based architects Group Ginger have retained the existing post office
building and augmented it with a modern two-storey extension.
The two parts of the building are linked by a covered courtyard, described as a
multi-function open social space which is where Innervision steel screens and
doors, based on Crittall’s Corporate W20 profiles, have been used. Acting as
glass walls for individual workspaces, they also look out onto the social space
to encourage collaborative partnership working and interaction between the
new occupants of The BIS. www.crittall-windows.co.uk 045
ATB

Comar Launch the ECO LT

Window & Door Systems
Comar profiles have thicker walls providing extra
strength and durability for the British market, ensuring
that Comar performs. Designed specifically for the
British Market and offering a truly British engineered
solution.
Comar ECO LT is a newly launched aluminium window
and door system designed for the trade and installer
market, where a competitive price yet the highest
installed performance is required. Sightlines have been
minimised whilst not sacrificing product performance.
Large sizes come as standard from the same range of
profiles.
With low U-values, energy ratings of A++ and Document
Q compliance with Secured by Design status this
is a feature rich system which guarantees a quality
installation. Comar ECO LT is a lightweight version
of the ECO range, but the aluminium profiles wall
thickness has not been sacrificed, ensuring guaranteed
long-term performance. Due to Comar’s robust British
design the size and weight limitations surpass the
competition on a size by size basis.
www.comar-alu.co.uk

45
 DOORS, WINDOWS & GLAZING

Neaco’s design input enhances

luxury apartments
A development of luxury retirement properties in Swanland, near Hull, has utilised
Neaco’s design and manufacturing expertise for an pecification of glass balconies.
Designed by Loroc Architects, Stapleton Court is a collection of spacious one and
two-bedroom apartments from retirement housebuilder, McCarthy & Stone. Neaco’s
EXTENSIVE Clearview walk-on balconies have been installed throughout, providing extensive
TERRACES ENHANCE terraces to enhance each property with generous outdoor space.
EACH PROPERTY
The terrace decking is manufactured from Neaco’s Neatdek aluminium decking, an A1
Fire Rated system which is fully compliant with the latest fire safety regulations. Neaco
worked with Loroc and McCarthy & Stone to develop a bespoke balcony solution for
Stapleton Court, but the company also supplies pre-assembled modular balconies
comprising a range of standardised components, including Neatdek aluminium
decking, toughened glass panels and aluminium handrails and stanchions in a non-
chip powder coating that provides a maintenance-free finish.

The systems are manufactured and assembled off-site for fast installation. Neaco
also designs and manufactures a range of other architectural products, including
glass Juliet balconies, stainless steel balustrade, industrial balustrade, structural
glass balustrade, adaptive bathing facilities and aluminium open grilles for screening,
cladding and solar shading. All products have a Lifetime Guarantee. www.neaco.co.uk
046
040
ATB
ATB

46
Retractable Kalwall
Allows Open Air Swimming
Kalwall® translucent cladding, exclusively
available in the UK and Ireland from
Structura UK Ltd,has been used for a
clever retractable roof system at Club
One in Maryland, USA. Kalwall and its
subsidiary, Structures Unlimited, worked
with SEI Architects to engineer at 40 x 25
metre enclosure for Club One’s aquatic
centre comprising six-lane swimming pool, warm water leisure/therapy pool and a kid’s pool with
slide and beach entry.
The pre-engineered aluminium frame pool enclosure system features a Kalwall translucent panel
roof system with two unique openable roof systems. The retractable roof systems help create
an atmosphere that allows the facility to be operated as an outdoor pool in spring, summer and
autumn and as an indoor pool in winter months. With diffused natural daylight and resistance to
solar gain, coupled with significant reduction in ventilation, cooling and dehumidification energy
costs, energy-consuming artificial lighting and air-conditioning costs are dramatically reduced.
Kalwall is a popular choice for swimming pools and leisure installations and offers many advantages
over traditional glazing. The unique ability to transmit large amounts of usable light with relatively
low levels of solar heat gain means less radiant energy transmitted and this, coupled with diffusion,
does away with the hot spots and glare. Glare on a swimming pool surface is a common concern
with dazzling rippled sunlight bouncing off the surface. www.structura-uk.com/kalwall
047
ATB

Warmer and quieter offices for

the Master and Staff
Situated on the corner of Trumpington Street and Mill Lane, in the quintessentially English university city of Cambridge,
three neighbouring buildings forming part of Pembroke College’s estate have recently been renovated, which was no
easy task. Selectaglaze was contacted early in the design process,
which made the incorporation of the secondary glazing far more
efficient.
One window in particular posed a bigger challenge. The main
view out of the corner of the building on Mill Lane, was an ornate
large curved on plan sliding sash. Fortuitously, Selectaglaze has
just finished developing a new Series 25 vertical sliding curved
on plan unit; previously it was only available as a casement.
This new product proved to be the best solution, as it matched
the sightlines of the original perfectly and glides effortlessly
within the frame. Over 60 units were installed throughout the
buildings. On the rear of the building the glazing was mainly for
thermal and one intricately etched large window overlooking a
flat roof, had a large Secured by Design unit installed for added
security.
A range of styles were included in the design including, Series 10 - 2 and 3 pane horizontal sliders, Series 20 vertical
sliders and series 45 side hung casements (plus more). Some windows had arched heads, so special timber grounds
were produced in the workshop, with a great deal of scribing and care taken during installation on site. Contact
Selectaglaze on 01727 837271/e mail: [email protected] or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk

47
 DOORS, WINDOWS & GLAZING

GEZE
DOORS HIT
THE RIGHT
NOTE
GEZE’s automatic doors have hit just There are also environmental benefits
the right note in the development of to the Slimdrive SCR selection – having
a London building which is the new only one set of doors open at a time,
home of Universal Music. Two automatic reduces heat loss and air pollution.
circular sliding doors create a chart-
topping entrance to 4 Pancras Square Emergency buttons on reception were
- one of a cluster of new buildings that also added to immediately close the
048 have led to the emergence of Kings doors and prohibit the building being
ATB Cross as a creative hub. surged by fans in the wake of a visiting
celebrity!
They are a statement piece to the
11-storey angular building which reflects There is also bespoke lettering in the
the area’s lineage as a former goods canopy of the Slimdrive SCR which was
yard to King’s Cross railway. With an laser cut by GEZE UK and bespoke
exposed weathered steel frame, Eric bronze lettering was added. Other GEZE
Parry Architects’ building echoes the products used around the building
industrial revolution which enabled the include a Slimdrive SL NT automatic
expansion of London. sliding door with access control.

Positioned side by side, the two

Slimdrive SCRs provide a 360° drive
solution combining high performance
with unobtrusive operation – the
drives are just 7 cm in height and
very discreet – and as pass doors are
not needed, they maintain the clean
aesthetics of the glazed façade.

Focchi undertook the installation of the

façade: glazing, entrance and building
envelope and worked with GEZE UK
to identify the right solution – moving
away from an original design featuring
revolving doors which would have
prompted requirements for pass doors.

48
This allows workers to access a
cycle ramp, meaning that they can
ride straight up to a cycle store – an
ideal solution for city commutes. The
Slimdrive SL NT is a good solution for
buildings with high levels of footfall
and a continuous flow of people
moving in various directions.

Almost invisible, it is virtually silent in

operation and can move leaf weights
of up to 125kg. In addition, there are
eight pairs of TS 550 floor springs fitted
to retails units within the building.
This provides an option to automate
the entrances in the future – effectively
‘future proofing’ them. Extensive rooftop
gardens were added to the office
block, which were intended to evoke
a ‘windswept moorland’ and provide a
peaceful oasis in the midst of the city
with panoramic views across London.

Said GEZE UK sales and marketing

director Andy Howland: “Music is so
important to our cultural landscape,
so we are delighted to be opening
doors for Universal Music which will no
doubt benefit from its move to such
an exhilarating part of the capital and 049
present an inspiring environment from ATB
which to work.”

The relocation puts Universal amongst

a vibrant set of neighbours, including
Google, global media company
Havas, Louis Vuitton and PRS, as
well as Central Saint Martins, the
world’s leading fashion college. For
more information about GEZE UK’s
comprehensive range of automatic and
manual door closers call 01543 443000
or visit www.geze.co.uk

49
 THE GALLERY

SOUNDING OUT
1950’S DESIGN

A
n intriguing new Milan styled Italian café has opened
on Essex Road, Islington designed by well-known Italian
studio Vudafieri-Saverino Partners. The 240 sqm ‘Latteria’
is inspired by Milanese culture and style with a warm and
informal atmosphere in white and red. This is complemented
by Troldtekt wood wool panels on the ceiling painted white
to blend in and used to soften the acoustics and reduce
background noise.

Troldtekt panels are frequently used in this kind of open

plan environment to combat noise generated by the kitchen
050 machinery, staff and customers which is exacerbated by
ATB bouncing off the hard surfaces. This is particularly true in
this project where the design harks back to the 1950’s and
features an open-plan kitchen coupled with hard surface
lacquers and laminates, polished and satin-finished steel,
tiled walls and marble floors.

Troldtekt’s acoustic panels absorb both direct and

reverberated sound. They help to strike the balance between
a lively and welcoming environment and an experience
where the venue is uncomfortably loud. This is important
because customers’ comfort and a willingness to spend time
and money is decreased in a noisy 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.

This high performance is recognised by their Cradle to

Cradle certification at Silver level. Available in various sizes
and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels
can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.
www.troldtekt.co.uk

50
 051
ATB

51
 THE GALLERY

COMPAC ADDS THREE MORE

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGNS TO
THEIR UNIQUE QUARTZ

I
WORKSURFACE COLLECTION
nternational surfaces company COMPAC, has added
three new inspirational designs to their renowned Unique
Collection – an elegant range of quartz work surfaces
whose exclusive designs have been inspired by the textures,
beauty and durability of nature’s rivers, forests, lakes and
mountains.

Unique Bianco ™ has strength, movement and texture. A

worksurface with its own unique personality, featuring a
complex yet natural vein design reminiscent of gossamer thin
leaves found on the forest floor. Unique Carrara™ a surface
able to move you and is unique in every respect. Combining
style and originality with a subtle meandering vein design
that will illuminate any space in the home or workplace.
052
ATB Unique Pietra™ is as mysterious as it is inspirational; its
intense almost volcanic background will awaken your senses,
a unique worksurface featuring a combination of defined and
wispy strands of cloud running across its surface. Available
in a polished finish* that intensifies surface colours, a glacé
finish providing a smooth soft sensation to the touch, or
a new state-of-the-art crépe finish which combines a fine
roughness with a unique delicateness to provide a pure,
flawless, non- glare finish, these three new worksurfaces will
transform spaces in the home or workplace into something
quite extraordinary.

COMPAC’s Unique Collection, benefits from the company’s

innovative engineering skills which ensures a virtually zero
porosity surface which is easy to clean and maintain and will
continue to perform and retain its elegance and beauty for a
lifetime of use. http://en.compac.es/coleccion-unique/

52
QU
 Unique Pietra ™

053
ATB

ARTZ 53
 THE GALLERY

FRESH IDEAS FOR

INTERIOR DOORS
IN 2020

054
ATB

A
s a new decade commences, professionals everywhere are seeking fresh inspiration
for interiors, whether for commercial spaces or residential living. This desire for
innovative performance and trend-setting designs is most notable when it comes
to interior doors, whose influence upon a room can have a marked effect on the
surrounding décor, lifting and invigorating adjacent space. Bringing clarity to this
process is Vicaima, who have just launched their 2020 Interior Door Selector. Packed
with ideas this brochure is an essential tool for every specifier.

54
Now an annual and eagerly anticipated event,
the 2020 edition of the Vicaima Interior
Door Selector has over 100 pages filled with
doors and doorsets that suit a multitude of
applications, tastes and budgets.

Its simple to navigate layout has been

designed to make the selection process
straightforward, with at a glance guides
to form, function and fire, or indeed other
desired performance criteria. Every range also
shows a simply Price Indicator, allowing easy
comparison between potential options for that
perfect specification. Vicaima have introduced
some pioneering products that are certain to
gain wide appeal.

These include: Primed 2 Go, a revolutionary,

polymer faced door for painting that requires
no surface sanding or priming, saving time and
money on site. Deep Textured Finish, creating
the authentic touch of an open grain in a matt
finish that can be applied to a selection of
veneered and stained veneered doors.

An extension to the Visual Sensation foil

door range, introducing 4 new matt finishes
and new horizontal grain options in both the
Naturdor Stained and Dekordor SD Foil ranges. 055
Naturally, it’s not just about great design and ATB
trend setting aesthetics.

As specialists in performance products, Vicaima

set the benchmark for fire certification, coupled
with security and acoustic solutions. With a
growing market awareness of the needs of
providing peace of mind when it comes to
fire safety, specifiers gain confidence from a
supplier like Vicaima, who achieved 54 minutes
during recent MHCLG testing of their 30-minute
door assemblies.

This, coupled with Secure By Design approval

and FSC environmental certification, makes
Vicaima the obvious choice for demanding
locations. Download a copy of the 2020
Interior Door Selector today by visiting
www.vicaima.com

55
 STO
THE GALLERY

StoVentec boards with a StoColor metallic paint finish have been used
in the design of a unique new building which has revitalized part of
London’s industrial heritage. Sto supplied the adjustable mounting grid,
StoVentec R carrier boards, Stolit K render and a StoColor metallic paint
finish for the external soffits of the Coal Drops Yard project in King’s
Cross.

056 The Coal Drops Yard complex originally consisted of two adjoining
ATB Victorian coal warehouses. The design brief required the two disused
buildings to be completely renovated, and brought together in a way
which would create a new public space for the area.

Rather than designing a traditional box structure which would clash

visually with the existing buildings, project architects Heatherwick
Studio of London created a design which extends the original form of
the two roofs towards each other so that they meet to form a new upper
storey, and a focal point for the development. The two new roofs feature
some 800m2 of upper level suspended soffits, for which Heatherwick
Studio wanted a bespoke finish with a warm and metallic surface.

56
This would blend with the character of the warehouses
and would also shine as it reflected the light.They worked
very closely with Sto, who provided a variety of different
samples with varying grain finishes and metallic colours.
Sto’s knowledge and expertise were central to being able to
identifythe perfect solution and successfully translate the
architect’s design into reality. The StoVentec R system uses
an engineered sub-construction which offers a high degree
of adjustment, making it ideal for this type of refurbishment
project where uneven substrates may beencountered.

This also gives the system a high degree of installation

flexibility, and this was a particular benefit for this project,
as the redesigned soffits were required to follow a series
of sweeping curves which are central to the new design
of the two buildings. The StoVentec carrier boards are
manufactured from recycled glass and can be factory
formed to accommodate curves,whilst providing an
excellent base for Sto’s acrylic render finish. This ventilated
cladding system allows a continuous air flow to discharge
any moisture that is present, and so enable the substrate
to dry quickly and easily. The boards were finished with
Stolit K – a protective render which provides an attractive
stippled finish.

Stolit K is weather-resistant and extremely water-repellent,

to prevent the growth of algae and fungus. For Coal Drops
Yard, Stolit K was applied to create a coarse-grained surface
which was then coated with StoColor paint in a bespoke
metallic platinum 4 colour. This allows the soffits to blend
with the overall colour palette of the development, and
makes an attractive feature for the design. www.sto.co.uk

57
 SPACE SAVING
A2 INSULATION
IMPROVES
THERMAL
PERFORMANCE

58
59
 PROJECT NEWS

060
ATB Space saving A2 insulation improves thermal
performance of Balfron Tower apartments
The A. Proctor Group’s Spacetherm® SLENTEX® A2 Aerogel Blanket has been chosen for
its superior thermal performance, flexibility and suitability for space-critical applications in
the refurbishment of 146 high-rise apartments in Poplar, East London. The Balfron Tower
project involves the upgrading and refurbishment of the Grade II* listed 1960’s building
in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, originally designed by the renowned architect
Ernö Goldfinger. The re-design of the 27 storey tower block is part of a development led
by architects Studio Egret West, who has sought to bring the fabric of the building up to
modern-day standards in terms of fire, acoustic and thermal performance.

THERMAL In addition to the Spacetherm SLENTEX® A2 blanket, foil encased

PERFORMANCE, Spacetherm A2 (CBS) Cold Bridge Strip was also included at window
FLEXIBILITY AND and door junctions to address areas susceptible to cold bridging.
SUITABILITY Spacetherm SLENTEX® A2 is the result of extensive research and
development to produce a vapour permeable membrane with an A2
fire rating classification. The new insulation is classified as Class A2,
s1 –d0 according to the Euroclass system, which classifies the reaction
to fire performance of building products. Spacetherm SLENTEX® A2 is
a flexible, high-performance, silica aerogel-based insulation material
of limited combustibility suitable for use in exterior and interior
applications.

Supplied in a variety of finishes, the substantial layers of Spacetherm

SLENTEX® A2 meet the requirements for A2 classification (insulation, MgO and plasterboard).
The product optimises both the thermal performance and fire properties of façade systems,
enhancing the thermal performance of the ventilated façade and addressing thermal bridging
in the façade. It is also useful in minimising thermal bridges around windows in areas such
as window reveals. www.proctorgroup.com

60
 Rainguard Aluminium –
The Perfect Match for
Grade II Listed Church

Needing to replace an old

cast iron rainwater system,
Hatherlow Church’s list of
“must haves” was not a small
one. Elder of the Church,
Mat Simpson explained
“Hatherlow Church is a grade
II listed building, and as
such we were looking for
a system that would be in
keeping with the mid - 19th
century building, as well as
matching existing gutters and
downpipes already installed.
061
The product would also have ATB
to cope with the vast amount
of water that flows from the pitched roof when it
rains. “Being budget conscious, we also required
the lowest cost possible, for an aesthetically
pleasing, long lasting and highly functional system.
Yeoman Rainguard managed to tick all the boxes.”

To accommodate the large water flow levels from

the pitched roof, 130 x 100 mm Deep Flow XL A SYSTEM IN
Aluminium Gutters were installed to the front side KEEPING WITH
of the Church. These were complemented with the THE BUILDING
addition of 100mm dia. XL Aluminium Downpipes,
sufficiently wide enough to cope with the amount of
water captured in the deep flow gutters.

The installation, carried out by Yeoman Rainguard’s

team, was completed with attractive Bellvue cast
aluminium rainwater hoppers to either side of
the Church’s porched entrance. All of Yeoman
Rainguard’s XL Aluminium products have a durable
powder coated finish which not only looks stylish
but offers 30 years plus maintenance free service.

For more information on Yeoman Rainguard’s range

of gutters and downpipes suitable for ecclesiastical
and listed building projects go to
www.rainguard.co.uk or call 0113 279 5854.

61
 PROJECT NEWS

062
ATB

Kalwall Leads The Way In Retrofit Design

Kalwall® translucent cladding, Kalwall’s insulation properties mean
exclusively available in the UK ‘U’ Values of up to 0.28 W/m2K
and Ireland from Structura UK Ltd, can be achieved. This is as energy
has helped transform a former efficient as a normal cavity wall and
marble processing plant into an four times better than insulated
amazing space for the University glass units. Kalwall is a popular
of Tennessee in Knoxville, USA. choice for retrofit projects. The
Designed by Cope Associates, the strong and lightweight panels are
INTERIOR IS NOW new Facilities Services Complex has factory prefabricated to the exact
BATHED WITH totally revitalised and refreshed the size needed for each project.
DIFFUSED SUNLIGHT original 1908 building and the use
of Kalwall has helped the projects They are easily be retrofitted
LEED Silver Certification. into existing spaces and can
often use the existing substrate
The project has proved so saving both time and money on
successful it was named the removal and new fabrication. This,
Collegiate Citation winner for coupled with the low maintenance
historic preservation in American colour stable, UV resistant and
School and University’s annual self-cleaning surface, has the
Educational Interiors Showcase additional advantage that ongoing
Award. The interior of this 8,500 maintenance is kept to a minimum.
sq metre building is now bathed www.structura-uk.com/kalwall
with diffused daylight through
the Kalwall panels fitted into the
original clerestory encircling the
central hall.

62
 MAKING CHRISTMAS MARKETS A RUNAWAY SUCCESS
As the British appetite for Christmas markets managers to provide a dependable power source
continues to grow and they increasingly become with lids which are recessed to accommodate any
a fixture in the annual festivities for towns and infill surface material, whether it is stone, paving
cities right across the UK, there has never been or grass.
a better time to invest in the right power and
services infrastructure to allow for hassle-free When retracted, this ensures that units blend
staging of these footfall-driving events every year. seamlessly with the local environment, upholding
the appearance of town urban landscapes.
Primarily, the staging of Christmas markets can Safety is assured with pop up and In-Ground
MADE SIMPLER be made much simpler with fewer safety risks by Units. Traditional outdoor power supplies, such
WITH FEWER having access points for power, water, gas and as power generators, are hazardous in their
SAFETY RISKS other services installed permanently, but hidden operation, and trip hazards come through long
away in the ground until they are needed. That’s lengths of trailing power cables. Generators take
the principle behind the retractable, Pop Up up space too and allow members of the public to
service units and In-Ground service units available get too close to what is a potential electrocution
from Pop Up Power Supplies®. The UK company hazard.
offers a wide range of solutions that are available
on demand, thanks to units that are designed With In-Ground or Pop Up units from Pop Up
to be sunk into the ground and accessed by Power Supplies®, safety is optimised as the
authorised operatives only when setting-up and power source is discreet to minimise the potential
hosting events like Christmas markets. for accidental contact. The cables that connect
into the units are generally short and can be
By installing a number of units across the chosen placed near the power units, and these are
site, such as a town centre square, hooking up covered with ease by cable protectors.
wooden huts, market stalls, stages, food vending www.popuppower.co.uk
units, fairground rides and other attractions to
services will be quick, easy and safe every year.
The units from Pop Up Power Supplies® provide
063
the scope for local councils and town centre ATB

63
 PROJECT NEWS

Yeoman Rainguard Plays A Part

In Bringing Listed Mansion House
Back To Former Glory
A grade II listed Mansion on the in maintaining the authenticity of
outskirts of Ulverston, Cumbria, the façade of the building. In areas
has respectfully been restored where replacement gutters were
and developed by housebuilders, required to match up seamlessly
Charles Church, Lancashire. As a to the original gutters, Yeoman
way of protecting the future of the Rainguard were able to replicate
mansion, planning permission was exact size and profiles with their
granted for it to be converted into manufacturing capabilities using
19 apartments and the gatehouse GRP material.
into a bungalow. Charles Church
ensured that the conversion work
Cast iron soil pipes were provided
carried out was sympathetic to
from the Rainguard TX range
the Scottish baronial style whilst
providing a highly durable, easy
respecting the original features.
to install waste water drainage
solution. The gatehouse, tastefully
These qualities also needed to converted into a bungalow, was
HIGHLY
be reflected when it came to the fully fitted with brand-new Yeoman
FUNCTIONAL FOR replacement of the rainwater Rainguard cast iron MOG gutters
HERITAGE BUILDING systems on both the mansion and round down pipes. Finished
PROJECTS and the gatehouse. With over 40 in a classy gloss black paint the
years’ experience of providing rainwater system was befitting of
aesthetically appropriate, yet the buildings design and heritage.
highly functional rainwater systems www.rainguard.co.uk
for heritage and listed building
064 projects, Yeoman Rainguard were
ATB the perfect choice to provide a
suitable system for the restoration.
On the mansion house gutters
that could not be refurbished were
replaced with Yeoman Rainguard
MOG 25 x 100 mm cast iron gutters
finished in Light Aircraft Grey
colour along with complementing
rectangular rainwater pipes. The use
of Yeoman Rainguard ornamental
ear bands and corner ear bands for
the cast iron pipes played a part

64
MAGPLY SHINES AS RENDER BACKER
FOR ONE-OFF DARTFORD BUNGALOW
DEVELOPMENT
High performance Magply boards have been
selected as the substrate for a bright white silicone
render system, used as a striking finish to a
single-storey, modularised domestic property on
a greenfield site in Kent. The new home, built on
land at Dartford, takes the form of a two-bedroom
bungalow with spacious living accommodation,
beneath a low pitch roof structure. The timber
frame modules, which form the core of the dwelling,
have been unified behind an outer sheathing of
12mm Magply, fixed over a batten cavity, with the
multi-layer K-Rend proprietary render system having
been applied by specialist sub-contractor Fullers
Plastering.
Despite offering good adhesion for the decorative render system,
Magply boards are very moisture stable thanks to their modified
MgO formulation that also represents an environmentally friendly
alternative to conventional plywood or OSB sheets. The production
process keeps the chlorine content to just 0.01 % , enhancing
long-term durability. Magply boards carry a variety of internationally
recognised accreditations including the recent award of a BDA
Agrement certificate, confirming their fitness for new build homes
such as the one at Dartford. www.magply.co.uk

065
ATB

A former hotel in the Polwarth area of Scotland’s capital is the

subject of a complex conversion and reconfiguration project,
where Marmox Thermoblocks have been specified by the
project consultants to address the critical floor/wall junction
within the new extensions being constructed. Edinburgh based
MARMOX THERMOBLOCKS SPECIFIED FOR architectural practice, Morgan McDonnell is renowned for both
EDINBURGH HOTEL CONVERSION its new-build and refurbishment work across the city and ‘Old
Town’.
In the case of the Ettrick Hotel, its client – developer
Northumberland Street Mews Ltd. Is creating 6 new residential
units within the existing building plus a further 4 across the
two extensions. At the base of the new perimeter walls, the
block-layers have used a total of 117 of the 140mm wide.
Thermoblock units each one 600mm long and 65mm high. In
addition, the merchant stockist involved, St. Andrews Building
and Timber also supplied a carton of 10 Marmox MSP 360
Sealant for the purpose of completing the stepped joints. Each
section of Thermoblock is comprised of ultra-high performance
XPS insulation, encapsulating miniature columns of concrete,
while the top and bottom are covered by alkali resistant glass-
fibre mesh, retaining a surface of fibre reinforced polymer
concrete to facilitate bonding.
The concrete columns have a very low conductivity so do not
present thermal bridges themselves and when coupled with
the highly insulating XPS insulation core, a combined thermal
conductivity of 0.47W/mK is achieved. www.marmox.co.uk

65
 PROJECT NEWS

IN SAFE HANDS
WITH SCHÖCK
AND BROOKSBY
AT WEMBLEY

L
ocated in the heart of the vast new Wembley Park regeneration
project, the two residential buildings that make up the Landsby East
and Landsby West development (Danish for village) are contemporary
in design, with apartment interiors that continue the Scandinavian
066 theme. Externally there are roof terraces and first floor level podium
ATB gardens, along with 280 generous balconies that add a stylish and
aesthetic feel to the exterior finish of the building.

Their appearance is
undoubtedly pleasing,
but inevitably there were
technical challenges
involved in both initial
installation and long
term performance of the
balconies that had to be
addressed – among them
safety, precision, reliability
and thermal efficiency. It
needed a collaborative
approach from two of
the leading companies in
the business, Brooksby
Projects Ltd for its balcony
technology and Schöck for
its load-bearing thermal insulation solutions.

Wates, the main contractor on the project, were very specific in

requesting cantilevered, slide-on balconies and FlightDeck® balconies
from Brooksby Projects Ltd offered the ideal solution. FlightDeck®
balconies do not need to be fixed from a balcony below, which
reduces the on-site health and safety risks. In addition, this ability
to install from the top down, means that the balcony system saves
crane time and requires no scaffolding or other external access. On
a large high-rise project with multiple elevations, the installation
time saved is considerable when compared with traditional bolt-on
balconies.

66
An additional challenge was that the building’s design
demands required that many of the 280 balconies
installed involved subtle design adaptations and in total
thirteen different variations were supplied to meet the
Landsby project requirements.

Thermal break elements are key - A key element in the

structural and long–term insulation performance of the
balconies was the installation of Isokorb structural break
units from Schöck. Early involvement was necessary to
ensure that the connectors were accurately cast into the
building during the mainframe construction phase and
Brooksby provided installation templates to ensure the
line and level of all balcony connections were precise. A
Brooksby stub bracket was attached to the Isokorb units
prior to the concrete being poured. The balcony cantilever
support arm was then attached (same depth as the
balcony) to the stub and the fully pre-assembled panel
glass balcony chassis slid on to the cantilever arm and
locked into position.

067
ATB

The Schöck Isokorb units are structural, but their other

long-term purpose is to minimise the risk of thermal
bridging. Ineffective insulation at the connection points,
especially with 280 balconies involved, means local
heat loss, resulting in more energy being required to
maintain the internal temperature of the building. This is
a major consequence of thermal bridging, but there are
other issues too. Low internal surface temperatures in
the area of the thermal bridge can cause condensation,
which leads not only to structural integrity problems
with absorbent materials such as insulation products
or plasterboard, but the potentially serious occurrence
of mould growth. So for any project involving balcony
connectivity the prevention of thermal bridging is a critical
issue.

Success is about teamwork - The success of this project

has been very much about teamwork and this was
recognised at the London Construction Supply Chain
Awards in late 2018. Hosted by Wates, to acknowledge
sub-contractors with whom they have worked throughout
the year, Brooksby were awarded ‘Best New Supply Chain
Partner’ for the Landsby project. Brooksby Managing
Director, Simon Goodenough commented: “It was great to
have won this award which reflects how hard the whole
team worked on the project to ensure that at all stages
we delivered an excellent product, backed by exceptional
service”. www.schoeck.co.uk

67
SCREENS & PARTITIONS - CUSTOM & STANDARD
We design and manufacture a wide range of contemporary screens and
partitions using high quality materials and finishes, with great attention to
detailing on our custom and standard designs, all produced in our UK factory.

T. 01923 818282 . F. 01923 818280 . E. [email protected] . www.shopkit.com MADE IN THE UK