Architect Projects - January 2026

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CONTENTS Featured Projects

Featured

Kéré Architecture Reveals Design for Public Library in Rio de Janeiro 14 - 15

Project News 04 - 05, 06

Innsbruck Airport Modernises Apron Lighting with ewo – A Sustainable System Renewal After 14 Years of Operation 22 - 23, 24 A Material That Connects: Lea Ceramiche’s Limitless Spaces 40 - 41, 42

Latest News 08 Company News 10 - 11, 12, 37 Events & Awards News 16 -1 7 Designing for the Brain: Inside Kinda Studios’ Neuroaesthetic Approach 26 - 27, 28 People on the Move 29 Material, Landscape, and Design: Cotto d’Este and the Rise of Neo-Mineralism 34 Training & Education News 38 - 39

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PROJECT NEWS

FRAMELESS GLAZING IN “PRECIOUS” RESIDENTIAL CUMBRIA Frameless glazing from IQ Glass enhances a Grade II listed barn in Cumbria with architects Gagarin Studio.

The 18th century stone barn was restored and upgraded by Gagarin Studio with architectural glazing from IQ Glass helping to maintain the original exterior appearance of the listed structure. By using a combination of structural glazing and slim framed aluminium systems, IQ Glass and Gagarin Studios upgraded the building structure to modern standards of thermal performance without altering the exterior skin.

Gagarin Studio updated the building by creating an ‘insertion’ behind the existing structure, allowing for the exterior to remain the same whilst implementing thermal insulation improvements. The architectural glazing slots into this new interior building skin with minimal fuss and framing.

Dan Borthwick, Managing Director of the Northern Region of IQ Glass, says “The barn renovation is a brilliant example of how a historical building can be repurposed for modern times.

"The glazing details used here were really interesting. My favourite is the sliding picture window behind the stone wall on the ground floor.”

EXPERIENCE CENTRE, INDIA

formalighting, working with DINTERPLAY Architects, has completed Precious, a residential experience centre developed to explore how architectural lighting influences spatial perception, comfort and atmosphere.

The project provides a controlled environment where visitors can engage with a wide range of lighting scenarios commonly applied in highend domestic settings.

The design is organised around two lounge areas with distinct functions but a shared visual identity.

Referencing familiar residential spaces—living rooms, lounges and

media zones—the layout allows visitors to assess different lighting configurations within a recognisable domestic context.

A primary design challenge was creating separation between the two zones while retaining a sense of continuity. DINTERPLAY Architects introduced a sheer curtain as a lightweight spatial divider, enabling acoustic and visual softening without closing off sightlines. This element allows one lounge to operate as a more immersive audiovisual space while preserving an overall connection between the areas.

Lighting plays the central role in shaping the environment. Fixtures were selected for their optical precision, controlled beam distribution and colour consistency, with the aim of demonstrating how subtle adjustments can alter focus, highlight materiality and influence spatial hierarchy.

Adjustable luminaires enable reconfiguration for different demonstrations, while recessed and track-mounted fittings support a restrained, integrated aesthetic.

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Taken together, the architectural and lighting strategies position Precious as a testing ground for domestic lighting applications, illustrating how layered, adaptable illumination can support varied residential uses and atmospheres.

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PROJECT NEWS

ABILITY FCUS INTEGRATED INTO MAJOR HERITAGE RETROFIT AT THE OTHER HOUSE, COVENT GARDEN The Other House’s new Covent Garden location occupies the Wellington Block, a cluster of seven early-19th-century buildings—three of them Grade II listed—brought together through an extensive retrofit led by Falconer Chester Hall. The project aims to balance conservation with modern buildingservices performance and has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ design-stage score of 78.9%.

To meet heating and cooling demands across the mixed-use scheme, 220 Ability by Dimplex fan coil units (FCUs) were installed. The system is supplied

by air source heat pumps and serves 146 apartment-style units in addition to public and back-of-house spaces. All FCUs are linked to a bespoke BMS for coordinated control and monitoring.

The project retained significant portions of the original fabric, which limited opportunities for exposed services.

FCUs were positioned to remain largely concealed while allowing adequate airflow and access for maintenance.

The approach enabled the climatecontrol system to be integrated without materially affecting the architectural character of the refurbished interiors.

Mechanical design was shaped by the constraints of the inherited fabric, including large single-glazed windows, irregular room profiles and varying floorto-ceiling heights. Introba, responsible for the MEP design, worked with Ability to determine peak loads and acoustic requirements appropriate for a dense, multi-use heritage site. Low flow temperatures from the ASHPs required FCUs capable of delivering the specified air temperature range without enlarging plant requirements or increasing noise.

Space constraints also influenced unit selection. Vertical FCUs were adopted where ceiling voids were limited, and compact units with multi-linked filters were used in tighter zones to maintain serviceability.

Ability provided technical data and design input throughout the specification

K-LITE ILLUMINATES HISTORIC DR. AMBEDKAR GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE, CHENNAI In October 2025, K-LiTE completed its façade lighting contribution to the Conservation and Renovation of Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, located within the Madras High Court campus on High Court Road, Parry's Corner, George Town, Chennai.

stages, supporting repeated iterations as the heritage constraints became clearer.

Manufacturing and delivery were phased to match construction sequencing. Derry Ltd managed procurement, installation and commissioning on site.

The Madras High Court is a landmark heritage building, inaugurated in July 1892, and renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architectural style - a distinctive blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Indian influences.

The 133-year-old heritage complex features red-brick façades, high ceilings, long corridors, ornamental tiling, carved ironwork, stained glass arches, and historic lighthouses with a kerosene-fuelled dome on the main building.

the façade of this restored building.

The design brief called for minimalistic luminaires that would remain discreet during the day while highlighting the intricate architectural features at night.

K-LiTE worked closely with the PWD Electrical Division team to determine the appropriate products, placement, and lighting strategy.

The project presented unique challenges, including a tight overall lead time of just 3 - 4 weeks for completion. Despite these constraints, K-LiTE successfully delivered a lighting scheme that accentuates the building’s historic details, ensuring that its architectural beauty is both preserved and celebrated.

This project showcases K-LiTE’s expertise in heritage façade lighting, blending technical precision with aesthetic sensitivity. By combining high-quality products with thoughtful design, K-LiTE continues to bring India’s historic landmarks to life.

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Architect Projects

The renovation project involved multiple expert teams aiming to restore the building’s structural integrity while preserving its architectural heritage.

K-LiTE was appointed to illuminate

Images: © The Other House

PROJECT NEWS

AN INTELLIGENT WIRELESS LIGHTING SOLUTION FOR THE NEW HARRIS ACADEMY SIXTH FORM WITH TRIDONIC UK Tridonic UK is pleased to have contributed to the successful completion of a major lighting installation at Harris Academy’s newest sixth form building, delivered in partnership with Marlow Integrated Designs (MID). The project showcases how smart, wireless lighting control can support both exceptional learning environments and ambitious sustainability goals.

Harris Academy, part of the highly respected Harris Federation, is known for its commitment to educational excellence and its strong track record in improving outcomes for young people across London and Essex.

For its brand-new sixth form site, the Federation sought a lighting system that would deliver high performance, adaptability and energy efficiency, while supporting its wider aims to

reduce environmental impact and achieve BREEAM accreditation.

To meet this requirement, Tridonic worked closely with MID to deliver a comprehensive package of solutions centred around its innovative Basic DIM Wireless system. With Casambiready components, the system enables seamless wireless control, allowing luminaires to adjust dynamically in response to occupancy and natural daylight levels. The BasicDim Wireless Sensor provides integrated presence detection and ambient light measurement, ensuring lighting is only used when required.

With this installation, Tridonic UK has helped deliver a modern, connected and energy-efficient sixth form facility that enhances learning, reduces environmental impact and supports

KRONOS HOMES ANNOUNCES FIRST LISBON MIXED-USE TOURISM PROJECT: MIMA LIVING Leading Iberian real estate developer Kronos Homes has launched its first mixed-use tourism project in Lisbon.

MIMA Living, a collection of 180 residential apartments spread across two 14-storey buildings, is part of Kronos Homes’ MIMA project – a €150 million mixed use development in the contemporary Parque das Nações district of Lisbon.

Architect Projects

MIMA Living is one of the central components of the MIMA development.

Designed by the prestigious Broadway

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the Harris Federation’s drive for outstanding educational spaces. The project stands as a strong example of intelligent lighting technology delivering meaningful benefits for both its occupants and the wider community.

Malyan studio to cater to new ways of living and working, it features a multifunctional lobby, lounge and coworking areas, a fully equipped gym, two swimming pools (for adults and children), private gardens, underground parking, and reception and security services.

The fully furnished and equipped MIMA Living apartments combine contemporary architecture, comfort and flexibility, offering an innovative urban experience that provides buyers with flexibility over how they use the homes.

The model encompasses professional tourism management, with buyers able to generate income from their apartments when not using them, should they wish to do so.

Designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, sophisticated and integrated accommodation solutions in a prime Lisbon location, MIMA Living introduces a new concept of urban housing to the Portuguese capital. The apartments combine the comfort of home with a dynamic hospitality offering in the city’s most contemporary district.

At Martina Ltd, client satisfaction is our top priority. Our team is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and aspirations, ensuring that every project exceeds expectations.

architectural

interiors

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hospitality

MARTINA

specialist joinery manufacturers

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martinaltd.co.uk

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LATEST NEWS

NEW PODCAST LAUNCHED FOR ARCHITECTS, SPECIFIERS, AND BUILDING PROFESSIONALS Building on the Rocks, a new podcast from ROCKWOOL Core Solutions, explores how architecture, engineering, and construction are evolving in response to global challenges. The series brings together leading international experts to discuss sustainability, digital design, offsite construction, and more.

‘AUGMENTING’ HUMAN INTELLIGENCE WITH AI SET TO TRANSFORM BUILDING DESIGN AI is already reshaping the building industry, enhancing creativity, optimising early-stage design, developing new materials, and delivering more sustainable buildings, explained Diego Padilla-Philipps, Director of Decarbonisation and Innovation in Building Structures at WSP, in his JCT Povey Lecture.

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His presentation, “Human-Centred, Evidence-Based, Augmented Intelligence in Building Design”, introduced Co-Design, a multidisciplinary approach combining architecture, engineering, and building services with data modelling, automation, and AI tools. This framework allows clients and design teams to make informed decisions early, optimising performance while maximising value, efficiency, and sustainability.

Diego emphasized that AI is not replacing human roles but augmenting intelligence: “It’s about putting engineers and designers at the centre, giving them tools to analyse, simulate, and evaluate buildings to deliver better projects. Upskilling, not deskilling, is key.”

The full presentation and Q&A are available to watch on demand at: corporate.jctltd.co.uk/povey-lecture-2025.

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Season 1 features guests including Professor Marco Imperadori (Politecnico di Milano) and architect Pankaja Bagul, covering topics such as:

• Offsite: The Evolution of

Construction – how prefabrication, modular thinking, and energy

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performance are reshaping design and building.

Closing the Loop: Sustainability in Practice – insights on circular construction and certification systems.

Designing Beauty with Purpose – exploring whether industrialised systems can be both efficient and inspiring.

Computational Design: Where Nature Meets Code – how algorithms and digital workflows are transforming creativity and performance.

Episodes are available on all major streaming platforms and on YouTube.

UK ARCHITECTURE SEES STRONG REVENUE AND PROFIT GROWTH, DRIVEN

BY INTERNATIONAL WORK The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its Business Benchmarking 2025 report, tracking the financial performance of UK-based RIBA Chartered Practices over the past year.

The report shows the profession achieving its strongest performance since before the pandemic, with total revenue reaching £5 billion, up 24% year-onyear, and profits rising, particularly among larger practices.

International work grew sharply by 67%, driven mainly by projects in the EU, Asia, and the Middle East.

While larger practices lead growth, smaller firms face challenging conditions, with 1–4 staff practices seeing flat revenues and slightly falling profits. London accounts for 67% of total revenue, reflecting the concentration of larger and internationally active practices.

Employment grew 3% to around

42,000, with Part 1 Architectural Assistants seeing the largest salary increase (+11%). Gender and ethnicity pay gaps remain at 17% and 10% respectively.

RIBA President Chris Williamson said:

“This report highlights a profession regaining strength and international reach. Record revenues and profit growth reflect architects’ resilience, but challenges remain for small practices and in closing pay gaps. Together, these insights help us support continued growth and address ongoing issues across the sector.”

A summary of the report is available on riba.org

03337 335 007

www.Innovex-group.co.uk

Info@innovex-group.co.uk

Design. Build. Deliver.

All Under One Roof.

We don’t just deliver projects, we own every stage of them. With in-house delivery, impeccable quality standards, and unrivalled communication, we make the complex feel seamless. Whether it’s a national office rollout, a cosy nursery, or a hotel that feels like a treat to stay in, we deliver full design-and-build schemes and planned maintebig ideas, sharp detail, and zero nonsense. Our team blends decades of experience with a relentless commitment to doing things properly, on time, on budget, and without drama. From first sketch to long after handover, we craft spaces that stand out, perform brilliantly, and leave a lasting impression.

Caer Rhun Hall Hotel - Conwy

Prestigious refurbishment blending heritage features with luxury guest facilities.

What sets us apart.

We don't just fit out. We stand out.

At Innovex, “good enough” doesn’t cut it. We deliver Design & Build, National Roll Outs, Property Maintenance, and Principal Contracting with the precision, pace, and professionalism that proper fit-outs demand. From inspiring Education & Early Years settings and turnkey Office Ready Solutions, to high-energy Sports & Leisure facilities,

Think of us as your go-to fit-out partner, always ready, always reliable. We deliver the highest-quality products, exactly when you need them, and we do it in a way that makes the whole experience refreshingly better.

ovations, we create spaces that work beautifully and feel effortless.

Every detail is all managed and delivered with our in-house trades and labour. Every standard is upheld, and every project is delivered with the same commitment: fit-outs done properly, every time.

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Transforming a 1901 listed bus depot into a premium padel club

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COMPANY NEWS

ABODE ADDS BOILING WATER TAPS TO MAIN BRAND WEBSITE Abode has integrated its award-winning Pronteau™ boiling water tap collection into its main website, creating a unified online experience across its full product range. Customers can now explore Abode’s complete selection of British-designed boiling water taps at abodedesigns.co.uk, alongside the company’s broader portfolio of kitchen sinks, mixer taps, bathroom brassware, basins, and accessories.

The Pronteau™ range offers multifunctional taps that deliver instant boiling water, cold filtered water, or both—designed for modern convenience, style, and everyday practicality.

The new site brings all Abode products together in one place, supporting easier product discovery and pairing across kitchen and bathroom projects.

PILKINGTON UK LAUNCHES TEXTURE

BY PILKINGTON™ FOR MODERN INTERIORS Pilkington UK, part of the NSG Group, has launched Texture by Pilkington™, a refreshed range of patterned glass designed to meet growing demand for privacy, light, and decorative design in contemporary interiors.

The reorganised range groups products into three collections—Any Room, Eternal, and Icon—making it easier for merchants, fabricators, and installers to specify the right glass for their customers. The designs blend heritage patterns with modern, biophilic-inspired textures developed with interior designer Oliver Heath.

LAPPSET LAUNCHES ITS NEW FLAGSHIP PLAYGROUND COLLECTION, PRIME Prime playground collection is based on Lappset’s Playful nordisk™ design, which balances form, function and fun in novel ways.

Blending tried-and-true Nordic design values with a sense of playfulness and wonder, the Rovaniemi-based family company has created a design language that makes Prime feel both grounded and uplifting at the same time.

What’s even more, the collection brings inclusive user-experience to a new level entirely. Introducing a

brand-new inclusivity ratings system – made in collaboration with the Finnish Paralympic Committee – Prime invites every child, of every ability, to move, discover, and connect.

Prime playground collection also strengthens Lappset’s commitment to sustainability. The new flagship collection is produced with locally sourced, renewable Nordic pine as well as renewable electricity – and continues to rely on long-lasting designs in its effort to leave a lighter footprint for future generations.

Each new Prime product comes with calculated and transparently available carbon footprint data.

Architect Projects

Furthermore, a key part of Prime is the customisation angle: the new collection is powered by Smart Modularity which means, in essence, that tailored, cost-efficient designs can be provided for every playground, big or small.

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• Any Room offers versatile patterns for soft light and privacy in openplan spaces.

• Eternal features classic, heritageinspired textures for retrofits and refurbishments.

• Icon delivers bold statement designs for partitions, entrances, and feature glazing.

Manufactured in St Helens on a new, efficient rolled glass line, every pattern includes a privacy rating from 1 to 5 and is available in toughened and laminated formats compatible with double and triple glazing units.

Pilkington UK supports the launch with trade marketing materials, counter displays, and an updated merchant brochure showcasing pattern visuals and privacy levels.

COMPANY NEWS

ATG ACCESS LAUNCHES RIBA-ACCREDITED CPD ON DESIGNING SAFER PUBLIC SPACES ATG Access, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of hostile vehicle mitigation systems, has launched a new RIBA-approved CPD on designing safer public spaces.

The CPD sets out why hostile vehicle mitigation systems were developed, how the threat landscape has changed over the past two decades and what that means for contemporary urban design.

It also breaks down the crash-test standards that govern physical-security products, an area that can be opaque

even to experienced specifiers. The aim is to give designers a clear grasp of how certification works and how it should be applied to real projects.

The CPD highlights design and specification considerations, making the case that protective measures need not undermine the character of a place.

Richard Ellis (pictured left), Managing Director of ATG Access, said: “Designers are being asked to balance open design with security in ways that would have been unthinkable twenty years ago. Our goal with this CPD is to cut through the complexity and give architects the clarity they need to make confident, designled decisions. Hostile vehicle mitigation doesn’t have to be an afterthought or a visual burden. When it’s understood and applied well, it can enhance public spaces rather than detract from it.”

JAMES LATHAM AND HALSPAN CELEBRATE 30-YEAR PARTNERSHIP James Latham, a leading UK and Ireland distributor of timber, panels, and decorative services, is celebrating three decades of collaboration with Halspan, a pioneering manufacturer of premium door components.

The milestone recognises the transformative impact their partnership has had on the fire door industry.

Halspan’s fire-rated door blanks, tested to BS, EN, and UK standards, removed costly barriers for joinery companies, allowing them to manufacture compliant fire doors with confidence. The combination of fire resistance, acoustic performance, and environmental certification created a new market opportunity, which James Latham leveraged to grow its door product offerings across the UK and Ireland.

Over 30 years, the collaboration has strengthened both companies.

Halspan supported the creation of James Latham’s dedicated door specialist team, enhancing technical knowledge and market reach. Ongoing product testing ensures compliance with evolving fire safety standards, reinforcing customer trust.

James Latham and Halspan remain committed to innovation, growth, and excellence, building on a partnership defined by reliability, shared vision, and a dedication to the construction industry.

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The relationship began in 1995 when Halspan introduced pre-tested, fire-resistant interior particleboard door blanks. Featuring a three-layer core designed for durability, screw retention, and versatile finishes, the range stood out for its rigorous third-party testing—a quality aligned

with James Latham’s commitment to stocking only the best verified products.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

RAISING THE STANDARD - WHAT QUALICOAT CERTIFICATION MEANS FOR TRUELINE PRODUCTS - AND FOR THE UK CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY For over 30 years, Trueline Products has established its reputation through precision engineering excellence, high-calibre craftsmanship, and robust, quality-assured manufacturing. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever as the company proudly announces its achievement of QUALICOAT certification - a significant milestone that reinforces Trueline’s position as a trusted leader in architectural powder coating and bespoke aluminium fabrication.

As façade design evolves and performance expectations increase, so too does the need for coating systems that can stand up to the demands of modern construction. QUALICOAT, the internationally recognised quality label for aluminium coating, sets the benchmark for consistency, durability, and long-term performance, ensuring architectural finishes not only look exceptional upon installation but continue to perform for decades.

house quality checks. We’ve really invested as a business - in our people, equipment, and processes, to ensure we continue delivering a high-quality finish on our powder coating products for the façade construction industry.”

This achievement reflects:

• Investment in advanced equipment, • • •

including high-precision application systems and controlled curing environments.

Enhanced surface preparation protocols, ensuring long-term adhesion and corrosion resistance.

Continuous training and upskilling, enabling Trueline’s team to operate to the highest technical and safety standards.

Robust quality-control procedures, embedded at every stage from material preparation to final inspection.

For Trueline, achieving this certification is far more than a badge. It represents years of structured investment, process refinement, and a business-wide commitment to doing things the right way.

QUALICOAT gives customers total confidence in the consistency, performance, and durability of Trueline’s architectural finishes, an assurance that’s increasingly important as building envelope expectations grow more stringent.

A Certification Built on Investment, Development and Discipline

Complementing ISO Excellence and Proven Manufacturing Quality

Commercial Director Josh Barrington describes the certification as a defining moment: “Qualicoat certification for Trueline has been a milestone and an achievement we’ve been working towards for several years. It goes hand-in-hand with our ISO certifications and our rigorous in-

QUALICOAT now sits alongside Trueline’s broader framework of industry standards, including ISO accreditation and its multi-stage inhouse quality system. Together, they form a comprehensive, transparent, and measurable approach to manufacturing excellence.

Elephant & Castle Project

products are relied on across residential, commercial, education, and publicsector projects throughout the UK. The addition of QUALICOAT approval further strengthens the company’s offering to system designers, main contractors, installers, and developers seeking long-term peace of mind and consistent performance.

As the UK construction sector continues to prioritise quality assurance and long-term building resilience, Trueline’s achievement reinforces its position as a manufacturer that not only keeps pace with industry expectations but leads the way.

Whether you’re designing a façade system, specifying architectural coatings, or delivering a complex project requiring quality aluminium fabrication and finish, Trueline’s team is ready to support you.

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With a fully integrated facility in Kidderminster, an experienced technical team, and a reputation for reliability among façade contractors nationwide, the certification reinforces what customers already experience High-quality, accurately fabricated aluminium products, delivered on time and manufactured to perform.

Jan Lukaszewski - Qualicoat Secretary, Matthew Pates, Trueline Products - QHSE Manager, Chris Mansfield, Chair Qualicoat, Luke Wellings – Trueline Products Director

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A Trusted Partner for Façade and Architectural Projects From copings, flashings, soffits and fascias to bespoke aluminium fabrications, Trueline’s powder-coated

enquiries@truelineproducts.co.uk Call 01562 823267 www.truelineproducts.co.uk

COMPANY NEWS

FISCHBACHER 1819 EXPANDS BENU RECYCLED COLLECTION WITH BOLD NEW UPHOLSTERY WEAVES Fischbacher 1819 is expanding its pioneering BENU Recycled collection with three new upholstery fabrics— BENU Bricks Recycled, BENU Bouclé Recycled, and BENU Globe Recycled.

Designed to complement BENU Velvet Recycled and BENU Velvet Stripe Recycled, the new additions reinforce the Swiss textile house’s focus on responsible innovation, refined texture, and contemporary colour.

Reimagining recycled yarns as luxurious, durable textiles, the designs introduce a bold yet timeless palette anchored by ochre and deep blue. Warm, grounded hues blend with cooler, more structured tones to create versatile combinations suitable for a wide range of interiors.

BENU Bricks Recycled FR A yarn-dyed recycled bouclé with an interlocking tile pattern, BENU Bricks adds quiet structure and architectural rhythm to upholstery.

Available in nine colours, it balances graphic precision with soft tactility.

BENU Bouclé Recycled FR Made from recycled flame-retardant yarns, this richly textured bouclé offers softness and dimension. Its versatile plain surface pairs naturally with patterned or structured designs in residential or contract settings.

BENU Globe Recycled FR Featuring a rounded geometric motif woven into a soft bouclé ground, BENU Globe provides a subtle, graphic option for upholstery. Also made from recycled flameretardant yarns and offered in nine colours, it introduces gentle pattern and visual interest.

Crafted entirely from recycled flameretardant yarns, all fabrics embody Fischbacher 1819’s commitment to technical performance, sensory appeal, and enduring beauty. Since 2009, BENU has been a benchmark for circular textile innovation, transforming post-consumer PET and industry offcuts into refined upholstery, drapery, and blackout fabrics.

The new BENU Recycled upholstery designs—Bricks, Bouclé, and Globe—are available now through Fischbacher 1819 showrooms and global stockists.

INTERPON EMPOWERS CUSTOMERS TO ‘OWN YOUR IMPACT’ AND TURN SUSTAINABILITY INTO A PERFORMANCE DRIVER Interpon, AkzoNobel’s powder coatings brand, is redefining how sustainability supports business performance with ‘Own Your Impact’—a holistic approach that helps manufacturers, architects, and designers translate environmental ambition into measurable operational and economic advantage.

Rooted in Interpon’s Value-Driven Sustainability philosophy, the initiative encourages customers to focus on the actions that make the biggest difference across their production

lines, from reducing energy use and waste to improving process efficiency and coating performance. Interpon provides the products, tools, and technical expertise needed to turn sustainability goals into practical, trackable results.

Through ‘Own Your Impact,’ Interpon helps customers in three key ways:

1. Sustainability that helps you perform

With ongoing innovation and strong partnerships, Interpon helps manufacturers stay ahead of regulatory and market change. The Interpon Eco+ range includes low-cure, bio-attributed, and long-life coatings backed by data. Collaborations with suppliers, technology partners, and AI-driven innovators continue to push powder coatings forward.

3. Sustainability that works for you Interpon enables customers to measure, verify, and communicate their impact through its Eco+ Services, including coating line optimisation tools like Flightpath Pro and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) offering transparent, thirdparty-verified data.

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Interpon offers solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and cost control. Tools like the Eco+ Cure energy calculator help identify opportunities to lower curing temperatures, reduce waste, and boost productivity. Singlelayer products further streamline processes, saving time, energy, and material while delivering highperformance finishes.

2. Sustainability that powers progress

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Northern View, © Kéré Architecture

Kéré Architecture REVEALS DESIGN FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY IN RIO DE JANEIRO From Little Africa to the world, Francis Kéré’s project pays homage to the Atlantic, African, and portside formations that have shaped this plural Rio — a home for all Cariocas.

Gathering place with a view of the monument of Zumbi do Palmares, © Kéré Architecture

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Francis Kéré / Kéré Architecture has revealed the design for the Biblioteca dos Saberes (The House of Wisdom) in Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade Nova neighbourhood. Commissioned by Rio de Janeiro City Hall and located at the heart of a new urban development, the library and cultural centre will serve as an anchor for the revitalisation of this historic district near Valongo Wharf and the Little Africa neighbourhood. The design was presented to members of the community in Rio de Janeiro on 20 November, the National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness in Brazil.

The Biblioteca dos Saberes will transform the city centre into a more accessible, walkable, and vibrant area, breathing new life into a neighbourhood best known for its celebrations during Rio Carnival. Central to the design is “the tree of knowledge”, a vertical cylinder inspired by trees native to the Tijuca Forest. It references both the natural landscape surrounding the city and the symbolic role of trees in Francis Kéré’s hometown of Gando, Burkina Faso, where they serve as communal gathering places. This structure connects the building’s three storeys, which house reading rooms, library stacks, workshops, exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a café. Activities follow a sequence progressing from quiet to lively: reading, sharing, gathering, performing, making, eating, and playing.

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Externally, the building is characterised by landscaped terraces, open-air areas, shaded courtyards, a canopied amphitheatre, a café, and a rooftop garden. A pedestrian bridge will connect the library to a monument honouring the anti-slavery resistance leader Zumbi dos Palmares. The perforated façade provides protection from the sun, while the roof gardens and tower contribute to cooling and passive ventilation throughout the building.

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PROJECT Francis Kéré with Mayor Paes & Deputy Mayor Cavaliere, © Marco Antônio Lima / Prefeitura do Rio

Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, said: “From Little Africa to the world, Francis Kéré’s project pays homage to the Atlantic, African, and portside formations that have shaped this plural Rio — a home for all Cariocas. A library of samba and of the people’s wisdom, it consolidates Rio’s legacy as the first Portuguese-speaking city ever named UNESCO World Book Capital — an honour that now becomes both a work and a symbol of our time.”

The Tree of Knowledge rising at the heart of the project, © Kéré Architecture

South West View, © Kéré Architecture

Francis Kéré commented: “The Biblioteca dos Saberes is a celebration of the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. I love its rhythm, its voices, its spirit flowing through the streets and along the waves of the Atlantic. This library grows from the city’s history and wisdom, from samba that moves the body to the poetry that moves the heart. It is a home for knowledge that belongs to everyone — a place where past and future meet beneath one roof, open to the city and to the sea that carries its stories to the world.”

The library draws inspiration from the rich cultural and historical context of Rio de Janeiro. Situated on the former Praça Onze — the site of Brazil’s first samba school — and adjacent to Oscar Niemeyer’s Sambódromo, it celebrates Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian heritage, oral traditions, and samba as a living form of knowledge. The building also reflects the area’s layered history, highlighting the city’s cultural diversity and its role as a meeting point of different communities. Drawing on Francis Kéré’s experience of building in Africa, it reimagines the Atlantic not as a divide but as a river of shared heritage linking Brazil and Africa, shaping a library and cultural hub designed to inspire and serve generations to come.

Francis Kéré with Gracy Mary Moreira and Mayor Paes, © Beth Santos / Prefeitura do Rio

Francis Kéré presenting the Biblioteca dos Saberes, © Marco Antônio Lima / Prefeitura do Rio

Architect Projects

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The library draws inspiration from the rich cultural and historical context of Rio de Janeiro.

Francis Kéré ahead of a lecture at Rio’s Capanema Building, © Léo Ripamonti / Prefeitura do Rio

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EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

LIGHT EXPO LONDON CELEBRATES ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL EDITION YET LiGHT Expo London returned for its fourth and most successful year, once again taking over the Business Design Centre on 19–20 November. As the UK’s only dedicated high-end lighting exhibition, LiGHT 25 welcomed a record 6,764 attendees, bringing together architects, interior and lighting designers, engineers, and specifiers with hundreds of leading architectural and decorative lighting brands. Visitors enjoyed over 60 talks, product launches, and curated networking across the two-day event.

A major new feature for 2025 was the Technical Zone, a dedicated showcase for urban and commercial lighting, controls, components, lamps and gear, and emergency lighting. In the Decorative Zone, a new VIP Design Tour introduced 23 top design studios to 10 key brands, receiving excellent feedback from both visitors and exhibitors.

The show also expanded its programme of education and industry engagement. Supported by Studio Due, the Associations Lounge hosted leading bodies including the DALI Alliance, The LIA, ILP, SLL, and the IALD, alongside the Silhouette Awards celebration, LiGHT Lunch, and two days of splinter talks. The CPD-accredited [d]arc thoughts series, delivered in collaboration with Lutron, explored topics from sustainability and circularity to wellness and the business of design, featuring speakers such as Willie Duggan and Surbhi Jindal.

Art Direction: Studio Palomba Serafini, Photography: Carlo William Rossi + Fabio Mureddu

New for 2025, visitors experienced Re:Vision, an immersive light art installation by Speirs Major with formalighting, exploring colour perception across species through custom spectral profiles and reimagined Ishihara patterns.

Managing Director Paul James said: “We are once again blown away by the positive response and record attendance. LiGHT continues to grow year on year, providing the perfect platform to discover new ideas, strengthen relationships, and stay at the forefront of the lighting industry.” [d]arc thoughts Programme Director Helen Ankers added: “The feedback this year has been incredible. From the new Technical Zone to the inspiring talks and stunning installation by Speirs Major, it’s been a fantastic edition. We look forward to celebrating our fifth year in 2026.”

LiGHT 26 will return on 18–19 November 2026, free to attend.

DOUBLE RECOGNITION FOR TUBES’ JJ: ARCHIPRODUCTS DESIGN AWARDS AND FRAME AWARDS 2025 The JJ heating accessory, one of the most recent projects unveiled by Tubes, has received a double recognition from two different design-world juries.

After winning over the panel of the Archiproducts Design Awards 2025 – who praised its design quality and conceptual strength – JJ has also been awarded the FRAME Awards 2025 – Winner of the Year in the Sanitary category. This prize is assigned by Frame’s Grand Jury, which each year selects the most innovative products worldwide for their ability to push the boundaries of design.

Architect Projects

Designed by Ludovica Serafini + Roberto Palomba, JJ is a warming shelf made of recyclable aluminium: when switched off, it serves as a practical surface for neatly folded towels or small bathroom objects; when switched on, it heats towels and offers a pleasant sense of wellbeing after a shower or bath.

Images: © Streeem

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The combination of these two recognitions confirms the solidity of the project and its ability to stand out both for its formal research and its innovative approach.

EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

PÒTA! WINS THE PRESTIGIOUS LIT LIGHTING DESIGN AWARDS 2025 The new Pòta! family of lamps has won the LIT Lighting Design Awards, one of the most prestigious international accolades dedicated to excellence in lighting design.

With this achievement, Pòta! establishes itself as one of the most innovative products of 2025, thanks to its balance of technological research, design quality, and aesthetic value. The jury, comprising industry experts and professionals, selected the winners from over 1,000 entries from 62 countries, evaluating criteria such as innovation, sustainability, and emotional impact.

Pòta! distinguished itself in this edition of the LIT Lighting Design Awards thanks to its distinctive features.

The collection introduces a new, handcrafted lighting units conceived to

enable new forms and compositions, where glass and brass are teamed with modern LED filament technology.

In the Pòta! series, light is the focal element around which slender and light, yet voluminous brass structures take shape, and in which the lighting units are arranged to create an interplay between order and disorder.

The Pòta! family is composed of three models. The pendant version features a spheroidal brass structure and is available in two sizes – a 50 cm diameter (with 18 ELV LEDs) and 85 cm (with 36 ELV LEDs), provided with a white hemispherical base and blue cable. The pendant version is also available in a plug-in version and a floor-to-ceiling installation system, enriched by a characteristic anvilshaped counterweight.

Finally, Pòta! is available in a wall version, in which slender brass rods intersect to create a dynamic geometric pattern. Equipped with 20 ELV LEDs and fitted with a wallmounted base and plug driver, this model can be installed individually or combined with other modules to create striking lighting compositions.

OVER

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Architect Projects

Reflex-Rol (UK), Ryeford Hall, Ryeford, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7PU Tel: 01989 750704 Email: info@reflex-rol.co.uk Online: www.reflex-rol.co.uk

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COATINGS, SEALANTS & PAINTS

SUPERDURABLE INTERPON POWDER COATINGS GIVE MESHTEC SECURITY SCREENS AN EXTENDED SEAL OF APPROVAL

Meshtec has earned a strong reputation for producing security screens that meet the highest performance expectations for safety, strength, and aesthetics. As an Interpon D Approved Applicator, the company benefits from AkzoNobel’s rigorous quality oversight and access to proven long-term coating technologies.

According to Managing Director Nopporn Khunyotying, the decision to use Interpon is driven by three core objectives: “First, to accelerate the production process. Second, to better control our costs. And third, to support our commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and using smaller quantities of powder.”

Architect Projects

The single-coat application capability of Interpon D powder coatings plays a crucial role in this strategy. By applying a high-quality finish in just one layer, Meshtec increases its line efficiency and coats more square metres with less material. Every product manufactured in the company’s Chiang Mai facility— including stainless-steel mesh, perforated aluminium panels, and complete door and window units—is finished with

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With the support of the AkzoNobel team, the quality of our powder coatings, and the consistency of their performance over the longer term, we are helping Meshtec compete on a global scale.

coming years as global demand grows, with exports currently reaching 25 countries.

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Superdurable Interpon powder coatings from AkzoNobel are helping Meshtec, a leading Thailand-based manufacturer of high-performance security screens for doors and windows, deliver exceptional durability and long-term value to customers worldwide. By using Interpon D2525, one of AkzoNobel’s flagship architectural powder coatings, Meshtec can now offer warranties of up to 25 years on its finished products—an advantage that is strengthening its position in global architectural markets.

Interpon on one of two dedicated coating lines. While mesh and screens are commonly coated in black, finished doors and frames can be customised in a wide selection of architectural colours.

Meshtec evaluates coating performance holistically, measuring cost per square metre rather than price per kilogram. This approach considers the entire production cycle, including application efficiency, reduced rework, material savings, and higher customer satisfaction. With over one million square metres of stainless-steel mesh and a similar volume of perforated aluminium sheet already produced—and more than 200,000 finished doors and windows manufactured annually—the efficiencies gained from Interpon significantly impact operational performance. Output is projected to rise to 500,000 units in the

Sustainability is a major driver of innovation at AkzoNobel, and Meshtec is increasingly benefiting from these advancements. The company has already adopted Chrome Free pretreatment systems and is exploring the potential of Interpon D’s latest low-energy (Low-E) powder coatings to reduce energy consumption even further. Through AkzoNobel’s Interpon Technical Services team, Meshtec receives early access to new technologies, ongoing training, and expert support to help meet international architectural standards.

Regular audits under the Interpon D Approved Applicator programme further strengthen quality consistency—an essential factor for building durable, design-led products that must perform reliably in diverse climates around the world.

“With the support of the AkzoNobel team, the quality of our powder coatings, and the consistency of their performance over the longer term, we are helping Meshtec compete on a global scale,” says Şirvan Canıtez, Commercial Director South Asia, AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. “Together, we’re building the trust customers need to protect what matters most—their businesses, homes, and families.”

COATINGS, SEALANTS & PAINTS

ENVISION THE FUTURE OF POWDER COATINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS

ASHLEY BAXTER

Scan to learn more about our Architectural coatings

Stonemasonry Sculpture

Ashley Baxter Stonemasonry have many years experience of working in stone. We are happy to take on any new commissions involving the most intricate detail and can repair damaged architectural stonework.

If you wish to discuss any projects related to stone my email is ashley@ashleybaxter.co.uk mobile 07887 691008. We are based in Wiltshire.

Architect Projects

CONTACT Mobile: 07887 691008 Email: ashley@ashleybaxter.co.uk Website: www.ashleybaxter.co.uk 19

TERRACOTTA ‘TROMPE-L'OEIL’ – FACADE SYSTEM INNOVATION IN ALUMINIUM Architectural solutions specialist Aliva UK, has brought bespoke to another level with its company’s terracotta ‘trompe-l'oeil’ on an Ivy League university in the States, realising facade design intent fully, through another material.

Aliva’s rainscreen cladding system has all the look and feel of terracotta but is actually a customised, profiled aluminium system that’s pushing the envelope of architectural facade innovation, one that truly ‘deceives the eye’.

Architect Projects

It’s a material solution that has brought less physical weight to the elevations involved alongside greater cost efficiency for this flagship project at the Harvard Enterprise Research Campus, Massachusetts.

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ROOFING & CLADDING

This project was not simply a change of facade material, it included a complete rethink of the facade system.

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Reinterpret original facade design concept The Harvard Enterprise Research Campus is a prestigious Ivy League university campus in Boston’s Allston neighbourhood, a location that blends life sciences, retail and public space into a lively urban setting.

The facade for this project was originally designed using glazed terracotta, with large elements and a dynamic composition. However, the surge in energy costs, especially gas prices, which soared in 2022, made the originally selected material unsustainable for the investor.

The client, Tishman Speyer chose not to revise the design concept, but instead to reinterpret it by seeking a more sustainable solution, without compromising on aesthetics or performance.

Redesign in Aliva’s Alu.covering® system At this point, Aliva was brought in to redesign the envelope of two residential buildings in the campus in collaboration with the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, with a pivotal brief - to preserve the same design intent but express it through a different facade material.

The solution lay in Aliva’s Alu.covering® system, an A-rated facade made of extruded aluminium alloy, one that is 100% recyclable and composed of up to 80% recycled material.

This facade was uniquely designed to have all the look and feel of a terracotta system but Aliva’s customised Alu.covering® was a lighter weight solution for the height of the two elevations and more cost effective for the project’s supply, installation and build programmes.

Luscious greens fit for an Ivy League University The project shows Aliva’s customisation abilities off to another level. Two custom colour finishes were created with a three layer coating process that evoke the luscious tones of an Ivy League University. The shades custom matched the concept for each building: a dark green glaze for the mid rise building and light green glazed tone for the high rise building.

Both were achieved through a coating cycle consisting of a primer, a semitransparent coloured glaze, and a transparent protective finish. The final result is a shimmering, weather-resistant surface.

Fluted profiles created with custom engineering This project was not simply a change of facade material, it included a complete rethink of the facade system. The aluminium slats were designed with a vertical, concave and convex layout to recreate the original sense of movement envisaged from terracotta.

Aliva developed 16 different dies to produce a series of fluted profiles, each with specific dimensions, giving flair and shape to a truly bespoke architectural skin.

The engineering process took over 8 months of technical design, working in close synergy with the designers, client, and installer. Once the system was validated, production was completed in 6 months, with a total of 22,500 cladding modules created.

James Ormerod, Aliva UK’s MD, said: “This facade innovation preserved the project’s original identity through a tailormade solution that integrated aesthetics, sustainability, and performance. Our bespoke, A-rated and BBA certified Onda Lunga Alu.covering® in two luscious shades of green, tones befitting an Ivy League university, create a sense of flow, rhythm and unique identity for these two signature elevations.”

Architect Projects

www.alivauk.com 01183 240130 enquiries@gruppoivas.co.uk

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All images: © Oskar DaRiz, ©ewo GmbH-srl

Innsbruck Airport MODERNISES APRON LIGHTING WITH ewo

– A SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM RENEWAL AFTER 14 YEARS OF OPERATION In 2011, Innsbruck Airport became the first airport in the German-speaking region to illuminate its entire apron exclusively with LED floodlights — a pioneering step realised in partnership with South Tyrolean lighting specialist ewo. Fourteen years on, the airport has once again turned to the same trusted collaborator. The latest modernisation project shows how longterm infrastructure can be maintained sustainably through technical precision, strategic foresight and a stable partnership built over more than a decade.

Architect Projects

Continued Innovation in HighPerformance Lighting When ewo’s newly developed LED floodlights entered service at Innsbruck Airport in 2011, the installation was regarded as groundbreaking. At the time,

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PROJECT refurbishment during ongoing airport operations, avoiding interruptions to flight schedules or safety-relevant processes. Concurrently, the connected load was reduced, and light distribution and performance were further optimised.

“Relighting allows us to reuse around 80 to 90 per cent of the existing luminaires,” Wegscheider continues. “This results in less waste, fewer new materials, and significantly lower energy consumption — both in the manufacture of parts and in day-to-day operation.”

A Long-Term Partnership That Delivers

The Innsbruck project highlighted how much potential exists within longserving systems when you think ahead intelligently.

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Efficient Renewal During Ongoing Airport Operations

the adoption of LED technology for an entire airport apron was still considered experimental, making the project a bold demonstration of intent. Yet the results soon spoke for themselves: excellent light quality, significantly reduced energy consumption and exceptional reliability under the region’s demanding alpine weather conditions.

Fourteen years later, Innsbruck is once again attracting attention within the aviation and lighting industries.

As part of a proactive long-term maintenance strategy, the Tyrolean airport’s operating company elected to modernise the system rather than wait for performance to decline — a decision that reflects the airport’s commitment to sustainability and operational resilience.

Unsurprisingly, ewo remained the partner of choice.

For the relighting project, ewo developed a targeted modernisation strategy designed to maximise resource efficiency while minimising disruption to airport activities. Instead of replacing each large-format luminaire entirely, the renewal focused solely on the technically essential components — LED boards, lenses and control gear — while retaining the original housings, glass covers and masts.

This precise and economical approach made it possible to complete the

For ewo, the project represents not only a technical accomplishment but also a testament to the value of longterm collaboration. Marc Schreck, Sales Representative for ewo Austria, oversaw the project on site: “Innsbruck is a prime example of how trust, quality and dedicated service can endure across many years. The airport was a pioneer in 2011 and remains a pioneer today — this time in sustainable system renewal.”

The completion of the latest upgrade demonstrates that longevity and innovation need not be opposing forces.

The first-generation luminaires remained in operation for more than 40 per cent beyond their guaranteed service life, underscoring the durability, precision and build quality of ewo’s systems.

From Experience to Concept: ewoReLight Drawing on the experience gained in Innsbruck, ewo has now developed a dedicated service model: ewoReLight – Sustainable System Renewal.

Continued >>>

Architect Projects

“Although the luminaires were in use for considerably longer than their originally calculated service life, they continued to meet all lighting requirements,” explains Walter Wegscheider, Head of Electrical Engineering at Innsbruck Airport. “Nonetheless, with this relighting project we wanted to take a further step towards energy efficiency and sustainable operation.”

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PROJECT

"Our goal is to keep robust installations future-ready — technically, economically and ecologically.”

A Model for Sustainable Infrastructure Maintenance

The approach translates the principles of relighting into a standardised, even more efficient renewal system that can be applied widely across existing installations.

Architect Projects

ewoReLight embodies customer-centred system modernisation. Instead of replacing individual components on site with specialised ewo technicians, the company has developed a kit solution that allows the entire functional unit — LED board, lenses and control gear — to be exchanged as a single component.

This module is thermally optimised to enhance the performance and service life of the original luminaire.

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Crucially, the renewal does not require specialist ewo installation teams.

Electrically trained technicians employed by airports or certified contractors can undertake the upgrade directly on the mast, significantly reducing installation times and therefore overall costs. In many cases, the entire modernisation can be funded within the customer’s standard maintenance budget.

“With ewoReLight, we are making sustainable modernisation even more accessible,” explains Hannes Wohlgemuth, CEO of ewo. “The Innsbruck project highlighted how much potential exists within long-serving systems when you think ahead intelligently.

The relighting of Innsbruck Airport’s apron lighting demonstrates how technical excellence, sustainability and service quality can work in harmony. For the airport, the project delivers futureproof illumination, reduced operating costs and a minimised environmental footprint. For ewo, it reaffirms the company’s long-standing commitment to designing and supporting systems that endure.

In an era when sustainability is increasingly tied to the responsible management of existing assets, the Innsbruck project stands as a clear example of how forward-thinking collaboration can extend the life of critical infrastructure — without compromise.

LIGHTING

ZUMTOBEL AND THORN DELIVER FLEXIBLE LIGHTING PROGRAMME FOR CO-OP STORES Zumtobel and sister brand Thorn, lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, are delivering lighting upgrades for Coop food stores across England, Scotland, and the Highlands and Islands, aligning energy use, maintenance and customer experience across varied formats. With around 400 stores completed to date and further sites planned, including Funeralcare, the programme provides a scalable, repeatable approach that protects brand consistency while flexing to individual buildings.

Spotlight store: Telford Street, Inverness One of the largest stores in the programme, Telford Street showcases the full package, covering sales floor, back-of-house and car park. The site was implemented to the standard rollout specification, with DALI-addressable luminaires ready for integration by Coop’s controls partner.

Programme overview Co-op’s roll-out spans multiple store sizes and a high proportion of conversions, often older pubs or retail units, each with unique constraints. A model store concept establishes a robust baseline using Zumtobel TECTON on the sales floor, then adapts per site to maintain visual quality, efficiency and ease of maintenance. Designs are coordinated largely via Teams to support short programmes, on-site revisions and challenging logistics, including island deliveries.

“The brief is simple yet demanding: a consistent customer experience, high efficiency and quick, clean installs, delivered nationwide,” says Chris Batchelor, UK Retail Division Manager, Zumtobel & Thorn. “TECTON gives us a dependable backbone for the sales floor, while Thorn’s portfolio covers staff areas and external zones. The result is a fast-todeploy, easy-to-support kit of parts that meets Co-op’s standards.”

the estate such as PopPack, Omega Pro 2, Aquaforce Pro and Katona Square. Externally, coordinated Thorn luminaires, including Katona Round, Piazza, Aquaforce Pro 2 and ForceLED, cover façades, canopies and walkways, while R2L2 and Areaflood Pro address car parks and wider site lighting. Emergency provision is unified with Thorn’s Voyager family and Zumtobel’s RESCLITE PRO. The specification supports dimming control to reduce consumption while maintaining the right ambience for retail environments.

Challenges and delivery

Lighting solution At the heart of the sales floor, the TECTON continuous-row system with TECTON C luminaires delivers consistent presentation lighting across fresh aisles, ambient gondolas and perimeter runs.

Multiple mounting options support different ceiling types and layouts.

In staff and back-of-house areas, Thorn provides robust, easy-to-service illumination via products used across

Rolling out a single standard across multiple formats required a balance of consistency and local tuning of optics, rows and mounting to suit ceiling grids and merchandising. Legacy constraints, including structure, ceiling heights and asbestos finds, demanded rapid design revisions. The TECTON platform and wide-ranging Thorn portfolio allowed quick re-spec without compromising the visual standard. Remote and island locations were managed through early design freeze, consolidated shipments and digital-first workflows.

Results The programme delivers a consistent Coop look and feel, underpinned by energyefficient LED platforms and addressable control readiness. A proven product family reduces maintenance burden and simplifies spares. The TECTON architecture helps future-proof stores for later adaptation.

More: www.zumtobel.co.uk www.thornlighting.co.uk

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Architect Projects

John Bradshaw, Head of Engineering & Standards, Co-op Property, comments: “Our lighting upgrade gives us a consistent standard across formats, while letting us adapt to the specifics of each site. Building the sales floor around TECTON and pairing it with Thorn solutions for staff areas and exteriors delivers energy efficiency, improved store connectivity and simpler maintenance in one package.”

INTERVIEW

DESIGNING FOR THE BRAIN: INSIDE KINDA STUDIOS’ NEUROAESTHETIC APPROACH

HOW ROBYN LANDAU AND KATHERINE TEMPLAR LEWIS ARE RESHAPING ARCHITECTURE AND EXPERIENCE DESIGN THROUGH SCIENCE, SENSATION AND EXPANDED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS.

Co-founders of Kinda Studios, Robyn Landau and Katherine Templar Lewis sit at the forefront of neuroaesthetics — the study of how sensory environments shape the brain and body. Their latest project, Emergence, blends neuroscience, immersive art and adaptive technology to guide participants into expanded states linked to creativity and calm. Here, they discuss the science behind their work and how architects can design for wellbeing in a rapidly shifting sensory landscape.

Robyn Landau and Katherine Templar Lewis are the cofounders of Kinda Studios, a neuroaesthetics research and design studio translating neuroscience into practical tools for architects, cultural institutions and experience designers. Their work explores how sensory and aesthetic elements influence emotional, cognitive and physiological states. Their latest installation, Emergence, is a personalised, neuroadaptive journey into altered states of consciousness.

Can you introduce Kinda Studios and the concept of neuroaesthetics for our readers?

Architect Projects

Kinda Studios is a neuroaesthetics studio and lab that applies neuroscience to creative and spatial design.

Neuroaesthetics examines how art, design and sensory environments influence our nervous system, emotions and behaviour. Our brains constantly respond to the environments around us — even when we’re not aware of it.

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INTERVIEW

while Macro Abstractions slows the system with deep drones, low-frequency vibration and diffuse imagery. Because people respond differently to aesthetics, the spectrum allows multiple pathways into altered states.

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With deeper scientific insight and new technologies, architects now have the opportunity to design spaces that actively support wellbeing.

state. Each state has a neurophysiological signature. We map scientific research onto design decisions across spatial flow, form, rhythm, lighting, materiality, sound and scent. For Emergence, we studied hypnagogia, characterised by increases in alpha and theta brainwaves, and measured these patterns throughout the experience.

At Kinda, we translate emerging scientific insights into design tools for architects and creatives, helping them build spaces that actively support connection and wellbeing.

What inspired the Emergence project, and how did it come about?

Emergence grew from research into altered states of consciousness and their potential to unlock wellbeing. We often fall into repetitive patterns of thought, but new, aesthetically rich experiences can shift us into more expansive states, similar to deep meditation or even psychedelic experiences known to have therapeutic effects. With Emergence, we designed a multisensory journey — visual, sonic and haptic — that guides people into these states, opening space for creativity, presence and reset.

Could you explain the immersive elements of Emergence and their intended impact?

All sensory layers — visuals, soundscapes and vibroacoustics — were designed as a cohesive system. Research shows that coherence enhances enjoyment and effect. The 30-minute journey begins with a hypnosis induction and then moves through four sensory profiles, from energising to spacious. Each draws on research into rhythm, frequency and visual complexity.

For example, Harmonic Structures uses rhythmic pulses, harmonics and symmetry to support neural entrainment,

How does technology, such as EEG headsets, enhance the user experience?

Emergence is fully personalised using Kinda’s neurotechnology code and the Muse EEG headset. We capture each guest’s baseline brain activity, then track which sensory profile generates the strongest increases in alpha and theta brainwaves — patterns linked to expanded states. In the final phase, the experience adapts in real time, serving the visuals and audio each person responds to most. Guests receive a personalised take-home profile to deepen self-understanding and continue the practice.

How do you see neuroaesthetic design influencing wellbeing in everyday spaces beyond Emergence?

There is no neutral environment. Every space — home, workplace, retail setting, airport — shapes our cognition and emotional state. Negative sensory cues such as harsh acoustics, clutter or poor lighting elevate stress.

Continued >>>

How do you integrate neuroscience principles into the design of spaces?

Architect Projects

Our Science-Informed Design process begins with identifying the desired emotional or physiological state — calm, focus, energy, connection or, in the case of Emergence, an expanded, trance-like

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INTERVIEW

With deeper scientific insight and new technologies, architects now have the opportunity to design spaces that actively support wellbeing. As we spend around 90 per cent of our lives indoors, designing for the brain is becoming a necessity and part of what many refer to as the brain economy.

What challenges have you faced in translating complex neuroscience into accessible design?

Neuroscience originates in highly controlled laboratory contexts, while real-world environments are multisensory and complex. Translating findings requires cross-disciplinary thinking and careful interpretation.

Coherence across sensory inputs creates spaces that are more regulating, inviting and effective.

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“ We aim to distil evidence into design tools that guide rather than constrain.

Individual differences also make universal solutions difficult — responses to sensory environments vary widely. We avoid oversimplification, instead using science to refine intuition, validate design decisions and deepen understanding of how the built environment affects wellbeing.

public spaces. Emergence sits at the heart of this shift: personalised, multisensory and designed for both regulation and discovery.

How does Emergence fit into broader trends in experiential design and wellness spaces?

What advice would you give to architects and designers interested in neuroaesthetic principles?

As stress rises globally, people are turning to experiences as a form of medicine. Art and design can support nervous system regulation, emotional transformation and self-understanding.

Wellness is becoming more immersive, sensory and culturally integrated — not just confined to spas or retreats. At the same time, adaptive environments — dynamic lighting, responsive materials, intelligent soundscapes — are emerging across hospitality, retail, transport and

Start with the intended feeling, not the aesthetic. Define the emotional or physiological state the space should support, then design backwards using sensory cues — light, sound, form, rhythm and materiality. Think multisensorially: the nervous system responds to the whole environment, not just the visual field. Coherence across sensory inputs creates spaces that are more regulating, inviting and effective.

Are there upcoming projects or developments at Kinda Studios that you’re excited about?

Architect Projects

We’re developing a neurotechnology suite that powers adaptive environments — spaces that tune themselves to mood, emotional state and sensory needs in real time. These tools also help people gain insight into their own nervous system, supporting resilience and wellbeing.

We’re exploring applications in highstress environments such as airports and airlines, where neuroaesthetic design has the potential to transform everyday experiences for millions.

Photography by Beatriz Sokol © Kunning Huang / CKA

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

BDP APPOINTS NATALIA URIBE AS CITIES DIRECTOR Global multidisciplinary design practice BDP has appointed Natalia Uribe as Cities Director. In this new role she will strengthen the firm’s global commitment to strategic urban design, masterplanning, regeneration and sustainable citymaking.

VENTROLLA APPOINTS NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR TO DRIVE GROWTH Ventrolla, a market leader in heritage restoration and the renovation of timber sash and casement windows, has appointed Phil Jones as Commercial Director to drive forward a sales and account strategy to accelerate growth in the sector.

Phil brings with him nearly 30 years of experience in the window and restoration industry, specialising in premium project delivery and strategic account management. Prior to joining Ventrolla, Phil secured and oversaw high end large refurbishment contracts for some of the most prestigious buildings across the UK, including The Savoy Hotel and the Imperial War Museum.

Photograph: Phil Jones (left) and Mark Flanagan (right)

Natalia will also work closely with public, private and community partners to shape collaborative solutions that deliver more equitable, inclusive and resilient urban environments. Drawing on her extensive international experience, she will unite the practice’s global expertise in planning, architecture, landscape, infrastructure and civic engagement to create holistic, human-centred approaches to city design.

In her new role at BDP, Natalia will contribute to the expansion of the practice’s ‘The Good City’ initiative, focusing the consultancy’s global work developing city scale masterplans, guiding strategic urban frameworks, large-scale regeneration programmes and interdisciplinary planning projects across the globe. She will be responsible for embedding regenerative design,

MARK BURTON JOINS DIMPLEX AS HEAD OF RENEWABLES Dimplex, a leading UK manufacturer of heat pumps, electrical heating, and ventilation solutions, has appointed Mark Burton as Head of Renewables.

In his new role, Mark will lead the expansion of Dimplex’s renewables team, support specification teams across the UK, and oversee the development and launch of new heat pump products to grow market share.

Mark joins from Vaillant Group, where he served as Renewables Business Manager and National Partnership Manager. He helped major UK supermarkets transition to heat pump technology, worked with social housing providers to tackle fuel poverty, and designed systems for hard-to-heat properties on projects including the Chatsworth Estate, Welbeck Estates, and the National Trust.

Architect Projects

Phil also has significant experience partnering alongside building contractors, renovators and architects to deliver exceptional restoration projects nationwide. Building on Ventrolla’s strong growth trajectory, Phil will focus on further expanding the commercial side of the business, with an ambition to reach a £20 million turnover within the next three years. His strategy centres on strengthening the company’s operational foundations through streamlined, process-driven systems and expanding the commercial team to support increasing demand and future opportunities.

Natalia brings more than two decades of international experience on city-scale development across Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. As founder of Urban World Matters, she has championed regenerative urban futures, focusing on inclusive local leadership, youth engagement and systemic approaches to city development. Her career spans architecture, masterplanning and urban strategy, and she holds an Executive MSc in Cities from the London School of Economics.

impact investment, social value and sustainability principles into BDP’s urban strategies, helping clients respond to the complex challenges of climate change, social transformation and economic transition.

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DOORS, WINDOWS & FITTINGS

MAINTENANCE MATTERS: HOW TO KEEP DOOR HARDWARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY

By David Knollman, Brio business development manager, Allegion UK As modern architecture continues to embrace open plan living, space-saving convenience and indoor and outdoor interconnectivity, sliding and folding doors have surged in popularity. These systems deliver style and versatility across a variety of projects, but behind the seamless operation lies a simple truth: like any precision mechanism, they demand regular care and maintenance.

The difference between doors that look good upon installation and those that perform smoothly for longer periods lies in how you care for the hidden parts, explains David Knollman: “Hardware is a core component of any door system, a fact perhaps more evident with sliding and folding doors. From the tracks, rollers and pivots to the hangers, hinges and bolts that hold them all together, each part is instrumental when operating the contemporary systems found throughout our residential and highend commercial spaces.

“However, even the most durable door hardware is subject to deterioration.

Everyday use can impact a system’s condition, with hardware becoming even more worn and tired in harsh and demanding settings. With this in mind, there is value in developing a greater understanding of the common issues and correct care and maintenance procedures that can extend the life of sliding and folding door systems.”

Routine care and maintenance

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A proactive approach can significantly extend the life of door systems. Regular inspection, cleaning and adjustments are highly advised, David continues:

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the door may need to be raised by hanger adjustment nuts. Hinges and flush bolts should be cleaned and dried in the same way. For hinges specifically, it’s recommended to apply a light corrosion preventative over three-month intervals.

For flush bolts, users can apply a light application of lubricant to internal mechanisms and bolts by using a suitable nozzle-spray.”

Unique considerations

“Generally, it’s recommended that visual checks are performed over six-month periods. Users should inspect all fixing bolts, looking for loose attachments, misalignment issues, signs of rust and other elements of visible wear. High-traffic or exposed systems may require more frequent checks, and if a part is excessively worn, it should always be replaced.

“When it comes to tracks and rollers, it’s practical to keep the door’s track free from obstruction by removing debris and any build-up of dirt and water. Visible surfaces can be cleaned using a soft brush, damp cloth and a mild non-abrasive cleaner – and don’t forget to dry, as moisture left in the track or hardware can accelerate rust and corrosion.”

Hangers, pivots, hinges and flush bolts also require attention: “On trusted hardware products, hangers are fitted with lubricated ball-bearings or plain bearings, which require no greasing. If doors ‘settle’ and clearance is reduced,

David concludes: “In high-stress environments such as coastal areas or industrial settings, the recommended period for maintenance rises from six months to three months, with close attention needed for all metal components. Wash with soap or a mild non-abrasive cleaner and warm water, followed by a rinse with clean cold water before wiping dry.

“When using lubricants or corrosion protection compounds, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Harsh cleaners can scratch finishes and degrade protective coatings and seals. If a door feels stiff, over-tightening or forcing parts can cause further damage, so refer to the manufacturer’s documentation and fitting instructions.

“Ultimately, the reliability of sliding and folding door applications may begin with accurate specification and installation, but the systems that perform for decades are the ones that have been maintained with care. Whatever the project, maintenance must always remain part of the plan.”

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FLOORS & FLOORING

A HIGH-QUALITY FINISH AT ST GEORGE’S HEALTH AND WELLBEING HUB FROM GERFLOR AND GRADUS!

Gerflor’s notable contribution to the project included their highly specialised Mipolam EL7 permanent dissipative flooring, Taralay Impression Compact heterogeneous floor coverings, and Tarasafe Ultra Safety Vinyl. These innovative products were installed throughout the building, covering areas such as clinical spaces, consulting rooms, dialysis and renal units, as well as toilets, bathrooms, showers, corridors, and stairs.

Entrance flooring and stair safety were also a key consideration for the project.

To compliment the specification and provide a complete solution to the end user, Gradus supplied their Mat-in-A-Box entrance matting system and a range of XT stair nosing’s.

Chris Pursey, Gerflor Key Account Manager for Healthcare said, “This project is a remarkable example of

Gerflor and Gradus working together in partnership to deliver a full, specificationled solution that meets all the performance criteria required by the Trust and its users.”

The project success was accelerated with the involvement of Loughton Contracts who worked in harmony with both the Trust, Gerflor and Gradus to bring the design vision to life and perfectly executed the project on time and to budget.

Project Manager Lucian Munteanu of Loughton Contracts commented, “We’d absolutely specify Gerflor and Gradus for similar healthcare projects. I’m also thankful to Dan Bowen, from the Gerflor specification team for his continued support throughout. The project was delivered on time, on budget, and our client is extremely delighted with the results.”

Dan Bowen, Specification Sales Manager added, “We have been working with Loughton Contracts for many years. They have delivered an outstanding installation at the St Georges Healthcare Hub, using our world class Gerflor and Gradus products.”

Key to this iconic project was the need for a comprehensive range of flooring solutions that would future proof the facility for many years to come. St George’s Hub had stringent requirements for finishes that would deliver outstanding durability, optimum hygienic, and safety. Flooring was a critical component, and in this case,

Gerflor and Gradus were able to deliver a complete solution tailored to the technical and safety requirements of the specification, whilst meeting the aesthetic needs for the Trust.

Dr John O’ Moore, GP Partner at St George’s Country Park Surgery, which moved from its previous Upminster Bridge location, shared his enthusiasm: “We were excited to be the first service to open at the hub. After 20 years at our old site, the move into this purpose-built premises has allowed us to offer a more spacious and integrated environment for our patients. We are pleased with the interior finish which is welcoming and comforting for the local community users of this much needed Healthcare Hub.”

Architect Projects

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We’d absolutely specify Gerflor and Gradus for similar healthcare projects.

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The brand-new St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hornchurch, Essex, brings together a wide range of health and care services under one roof. Over 5,000m2 of world class flooring products from international interiors specialists Gerflor was specified, alongside Gradus entrance matting and stair nosing’s as a complete solution for the healthcare community building.

CASE STUDY

MATERIAL, LANDSCAPE, AND DESIGN: COTTO D’ESTE AND THE RISE OF NEO-MINERALISM Cotto d’Este is emerging as a leading interpreter of Neo-Mineralism—a design movement that reconnects architecture with the expressive honesty of stone. From the luminous new Solaris collection to established surfaces such as Limestone, Lithos, and Blend Stone, the brand is redefining how materiality shapes contemporary spaces.

2. Melbourne Villa: Texture as Atmosphere Mos Architects – Melbourne, Australia Mos Architects employed Blend Stone Light (Natural finish, 14 mm) to define a poolside setting designed for both durability and emotional impact. The ceramic’s layered mineral expression— combining limestone grains with piasentina-style halos—creates a surface that feels natural yet quietly elevated.

The material’s weather resistance ensures longevity in an outdoor lifestyle environment.

Neo-Mineralism: A Return to Authentic Materiality Characterised by earthy palettes, tactile richness, and an emphasis on natural imperfection, Neo-Mineralism reflects a renewed architectural interest in materials that feel grounded and enduring. Trend forecaster WGSN identifies 2025 as the moment this sensibility becomes central to interiors and architectural finishes.

Cotto d’Este has positioned itself at the forefront of this movement.

Its collections reinterpret natural stone through advanced porcelain technology—balancing organic expression with technical precision, large-format versatility, and the brand’s integrated Protect® 24/7 antibacterial technology.

Solaris: Mediterranean Light as Architectural Surface Presented at Cersaie 2025, Solaris draws inspiration from the sun-washed stones of the Mediterranean. Offered in four tones—Ostuni, Trani, Spalato, and Rodi—and formats ranging from ultra-thin Kerlite slabs to 20 mm outdoor pavers, Solaris allows designers to create cohesive, multi-surface schemes that transition smoothly from interior to exterior.

3. Villa Tree: Architecture in Dialogue with the Landscape StudioGest SA – Lake Lugano, Switzerland

Heritage Collections, Contemporary Expression The brand’s collections Limestone, Lithos, and Blend Stone complement Solaris, each elevating the expressive potential of stone. Depth, chromatic nuance, and tactile authenticity provide designers with tools to enrich material narratives across hospitality, residential, and landscape projects.

Architecture in Practice: Three Projects, One Material Vision 1. A Boutique Hotel in Medieval Monpazier ERA Studio – Monpazier, France In a medieval village founded in 1284, ERA Studio has transformed a historic building into a 5-star hotel that bridges centuries through material continuity.

Cotto d’Este’s Limestone collection in Oyster was chosen for both exterior and interior applications:

• 90×90 cm, 20 mm slabs for the

courtyard, preserving the rugged texture of natural stone.

• 90×90 cm, 14 mm tiles with a Natural Architect Projects

matte finish for the spa, pool, and bathrooms.

The result is a seamless sensory flow in which the material becomes the narrative thread—linking past and present while amplifying the hospitality experience.

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Overlooking Lake Lugano, Villa Tree uses Lithos Desert to articulate more than 440 m² of indoor–outdoor living.

By alternating 14 mm and 20 mm thicknesses and combining natural and bush-hammered finishes, StudioGest achieves uninterrupted visual continuity.

Lithos becomes the mediator between architecture, light, and landscape— adding depth without overpowering the site’s natural drama.

Conclusion: Material as Design Intelligence Across these projects, Cotto d’Este demonstrates how advanced ceramics can transcend traditional cladding roles to become an integral architectural medium. In an era rediscovering the beauty of authenticity, the brand’s work exemplifies how technology, craft, and material honesty can coexist—and how the language of stone continues to inspire contemporary architectural imagination.

CERTIFICATE 22/6185

HEATING, VENTILATION & INSULATION

MIND THE GAP The FS5 is a simple way to improve airtightness, meet building regulations and achieve a consistent finish across every flue penetration, says Mike Morris at Talon.

Airtightness may seem a small thing, but with the Future Homes Standard edging closer, new homes expected to deliver lower emissions and regulators insisting on photographic proof for the BREL report, it has become a closely watched part of a build.

The gaps left around boiler flues and pipe penetrations are a common source of heat loss in homes, forcing heating systems to work harder and increasing energy bills for homeowners. Even minor cavities around a flue can disrupt SAP performance. Traditionally, installers have relied on mortar, silicone or airsealing tape to seal around flue pipes, but these are far from ideal; mortar can crack over time, sealants degrade and air-sealing tape can be costly and fiddly to apply.

Since 2021, Part L of the Building Regs have mandated the use of pipe seals and grommets to reduce air loss and improve insulation. PipeSnug and FlueSnug, the only all-in-one airtight seal for pipes and boiler flues, meet this demand directly.

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The FlueSnug 5” FS5 for example, has been designed specifically for 5-inch boiler flue penetrations, improving the airtightness of buildings in both new and retrofit projects. It slots cleanly into

a 127mm core-drilled hole so there’s no need for enlarging the opening or packing it with extra materials, speeding up installation time and reducing disruption for building owners.

Compliance is also easier to evidence.

Thanks to the product’s distinctive appearance, Building Control and SAP Assessors can quickly identify a compliant seal in photographs, reducing the likelihood of queries or delays during sign-off. Across a large project, the FS5 also adds real uniformity. Gaps, rough edges and visible patchwork can make even the best installation look untidy.

The FS5 leaves a clean, consistent highquality finish wherever it is installed.

The need for tighter fabric performance means details that were once overlooked now play a much bigger role in design. The FS5 helps a building stay airtight, gives installers a reliable and fully compliant way to seal flue penetrations and keeps a build looking sharp and performing well over the long term.

For more details visit https://talon.co.uk/product/fs5-100mm-flue-fittings/

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COMPANY NEWS

MULTIPLEX AWARDED £250+ MILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO DELIVER 75 LONDON WALL Malaysian engineering, infrastructure and property group, Gamuda Berhad and London-based real estate investor, Castleforge have signed a main construction contract valued at over £250 million with global construction leader Multiplex for the redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London.

The contract, signed on 6th January 2026, marks a major milestone in the £1.2 billion landmark project, with Multiplex set to commence main construction at the beginning of 2026 following extensive enabling and demolition works led by the Erith Group.

The redevelopment, which will preserve and strategically enhance the building’s core infrastructure while expanding capacity by over 50 per cent, is now expected to achieve practical completion in Q1 2028.

Over the past year, under a PreConstruction Services Agreement (PCSA), Gamuda and Castleforge have led the project’s planning and design, drawing on their expertise in sustainable and

innovative development, with Multiplex providing specialist technical input and construction solutions to support the delivery.

The formal contract signing follows the successful completion of enabling works, which have set a new benchmark for efficiency and innovation in the City. The Erith Group’s groundbreaking work on heavy demolition, structural strengthening, new foundations, and core extensions has progressed well throughout 2025, supported by three tower cranes installed earlier this year.

Its successful delivery of Gamuda Berhad and Castleforge’s ambitious concept has demonstrated how adaptive reuse can deliver exceptional results in constrained environments.

The scheme’s progress comes as London office construction starts have fallen to their lowest level since 2010, with just 2.5 million square feet beginning construction from January to October less than half the previous year’s figure and a quarter of pre-2016 levels.

The project’s momentum is being matched by exceptionally strong interest from prospective tenants. The calibre of interest reflects the growing demand among blue-chip institutions for premium, sustainably certified workspaces that can attract and retain top talent in London.

Upon completion, 75 London Wall will deliver over 450,000 net square feet of cutting-edge office space, achieving toptier sustainability certifications including BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Core ‘Platinum’, and NABERS UK 5 Star Design for Performance.

Designed by renowned London-based architects Orms, the scheme will provide premium amenities with enhanced daylight levels whilst maintaining a significant proportion of the existing building to minimise embodied carbon.

The ground floor will feature new commercial units alongside a cultural forum space for events, performances, and public speaking. The scheme will also include Priors Garden, a lush public green space designed by award-winning landscape architect Andy Sturgeon that connects seamlessly to Austin Friars.

The strong institutional support demonstrates investor confidence in both the project and London’s continued position as a global destination for commercial real estate investment.

The redevelopment marks a major milestone for both partners. For Gamuda, it represents its largest single investment in the UK to date, forming part of its £1.5 billion gross development commitment since 2022 across prime commercial offices, residential developments, and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation nationwide. For Castleforge, 75 London Wall is its largest investment in London to date and aligns with the recent launch of Castleforge Partners V, which has secured an initial £150 million commitment. The fund is focused on prime Central London office opportunities and will mobilise £1 billion in total asset value into the market over the coming years. Together, the joint venture underscores both partners’ longterm confidence in the fundamentals of London’s commercial real estate market.

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TRAINING & EDUCATION NEWS

AYERS SAINT GROSS OPENS UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SCOTTSDALE CENTRE AS A NEW CAMPUS EMBASSY

AUTODESK REACHES 150 MILLION STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS WORLDWIDE

Architect Projects

Autodesk now provides free access to its software and technology to more than 150 million students and educators, preparing the next generation of designers, builders, and makers for the future of work. For over a decade, Autodesk has offered its professional-grade tools at no cost to accredited institutions and verified learners, giving students the same technology used across architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and creative industries.

As workforce needs evolve, access to current technology is critical.

Autodesk’s State of Design and Make report shows 58% of professionals cite a lack of skilled talent as a barrier to growth, and 61% struggle to find

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candidates with the right technical skills. AI-related job listings have surged more than 640% since 2022, yet nearly half of college students don’t believe they’re learning the AI skills they’ll need.

Autodesk supports learners at every level with the tools, real-world projects, and career pathways needed to succeed in Design and Make fields.

Autodesk has also surpassed 100 million Tinkercad users. The free, browser-based 3D design tool introduces millions of young learners to STEM and creative problem-solving, often serving as a first step toward professional tools like Fusion and Forma.

Autodesk is extending its free software offering to include Autodesk Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio) for verified students 18+ and educators.

Flow Studio brings AI-powered VFX and animation tools to emerging creators by automating complex tasks such as motion capture, camera tracking, and character animation—enabling students to focus on storytelling while producing professional-quality results.

Through technology access, certifications, partnerships, and career opportunities, Autodesk’s education ecosystem helps students develop the skills that will shape the future of Design and Make.

As industries rapidly evolve, Autodesk remains committed to equipping every learner — architect, engineer, or artist — with the power to design and make anything.

TRAINING & EDUCATION NEWS Ayers Saint Gross has completed the University of Arizona Scottsdale Centre, a 15,600-square-foot hub that connects the main Tucson campus with students, faculty, alumni, and community partners in Scottsdale.

Purchased by the University of Arizona Foundation in 2022, the Centre celebrates the university’s legacy while supporting its future growth.

Located in Old Town Scottsdale, the Centre houses admissions, government and community relations, alumni outreach, a multi-use event space, offices, collaboration areas, and hoteling options for visiting university members.

“The Centre aligns with our goals to create places that promote engagement, foster exchange of ideas, and advance universities’ missions.”

“We are proud to have designed a space that connects the University of Arizona to its larger community,” says Joel

Fidler, President of Ayers Saint Gross.

“The Centre aligns with our goals to create places that promote engagement, foster exchange of ideas, and advance universities’ missions.”

Designed as both an embassy and immersive brand experience, the Centre emphasizes connection. A topography wall maps the terrain between Tucson and Scottsdale, while custom terrazzo floors embed lyrics from the alma mater. Angled divider strips and a sculptural wood ceiling symbolize the links between campuses, disciplines, alumni, and students.

Experiential graphics—university colours, photo displays, a picture flap wall, a lenticular wall, and achievementfocused visuals—reinforce the U of A brand throughout.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, Ayers Saint Gross has created a celebratory, forward-looking space that supports the university’s mission to expand human potential, explore new horizons, and enrich life for all.

NEW OPEN COHORT OFFERS LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR MANAGERS ACROSS SECTORS Realise has opened its Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship to any employed individual, expanding access beyond businessspecific cohorts. The programme helps professionals build confident, inclusive leadership skills while learning to manage teams, deliver operational plans, and drive performance aligned with organisational goals.

Realise works with employers to ensure apprenticeships deliver measurable impact through defined KPIs, learner progress tracking,

and evidence of improvements in performance, engagement, productivity, and other operational outcomes.

The open cohort is funded through the apprenticeship levy, with non-levy employers receiving a 95% government contribution.

Developed by Realise’s leadership and management specialists, the qualification blends management theory with practical learning, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and realworld application.

Core topics include team leadership, operational and project planning, resource management, performance monitoring, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and compliance.

ABLOY UK CALLS FOR STRONGER SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL IN SCHOOLS Abloy UK is urging schools, colleges, and universities to strengthen their approach to security and access control as new data highlights rising risks across the education sector.

A survey of 500 schools shows 80% experienced criminal activity—such as theft, vandalism, or trespassing—in the past year, a 15% increase.

Digital threats are also escalating: government data reports cyber incidents in 60% of secondary schools and 44% of primaries. In higher education, 91% of universities and 85% of colleges faced breaches or attacks in the last twelve months.

At the same time, more institutions are preparing for emergencies, with research indicating that over a third of secondary teachers and more than a quarter of primary teachers have conducted lockdown drills.

These rising physical and digital threats add pressure to already complex estates that must balance robust access control, compliance with fire and emergency escape regulations, visitor management, and sustainable, cost-efficient operations.

Schools and universities are beginning to adopt such integrated approaches.

At Rhymes Nursery, a tailored escape door system improved protection and response times. At the University of St Andrews, 1,700 wireless locks enhanced security while delivering major energy efficiencies.

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The 16-month programme, followed by an End Point Assessment, includes online classes, webinars, one-to-one support, and practical assignments. Participants must be employed to enrol.

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Nextone

A MATERIAL THAT CONNECTS: Lea Ceramiche’s Limitless Spaces The 3-Tech Project: a design language of continuity, coherence and creative freedom

Architect Projects

Lea Ceramiche has long stood at the forefront of interior design innovation, combining aesthetic refinement with technical performance. Today, with the introduction of its exclusive 3-Tech Project, the Fiorano Modenesebased brand responds to a growing desire among architects and designers for fluid, interconnected spaces. From interiors that transition naturally towards the outdoors to the rising Tile Drenching trend — where colour and material envelope surfaces seamlessly — Lea Ceramiche offers a complete system that dissolves boundaries and creates immersive, harmonious environments.

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CONTINUITY AS A CONTEMPORARY DESIGN LANGUAGE At a time when design is rediscovering the aesthetic, spatial and emotional power of continuity, Lea Ceramiche elevates it into a sophisticated language rooted in balance, material coherence and expressive freedom.

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Unveiled at Cersaie 2025, Pulse is more than a collection: it is a declaration of creative intent.

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Pulse

PROJECT

Inspired by limestone, Intense captures its authentic materiality through fine grains, fossil inclusions and delicate mineral details.

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Concreto

The 3-Tech Project embodies this vision.

By integrating three advanced ceramic technologies — ultra-thin large-format Slimtech slabs, traditional porcelain stoneware, and L2, the 20 mm stoneware ideal for outdoor applications — the system offers designers a unified material palette in multiple thicknesses and formats. Floors, walls, and even bespoke furnishings can now share a single aesthetic identity, allowing spaces to unfold with uninterrupted coherence.

The result is a complete design ecosystem that supports architectural expression from the micro-scale of furniture surfaces to the macro-scale of expansive exterior zones.

floors, walls, interiors and exteriors, adapting effortlessly to both residential and public spaces. It embodies the equilibrium between technical rigour and aesthetic delicacy — a new classic for contemporary architectural surfaces.

Anthology

COLLECTIONS IN HARMONY WITH SPACE Pulse – The Ideal Stone, Imagined Not Found

Concreto – Cement as a Design Language Designed by Fabio Novembre, Concreto celebrates cement — a foundational material of modern architecture — elevating its raw power into a refined design language. Offered in four nuanced shades and a wide variety of formats, Concreto merges solidity with elegance, transforming a humble material into a surface of architectural significance.

The Slimtech Concreto series has been internationally recognised with the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum, affirming its contribution to design culture. Concreto is cement distilled into emotion: where material becomes form, and form becomes style.

Unveiled at Cersaie 2025, Pulse is more than a collection: it is a declaration of creative intent. Rather than replicating an existing stone, Pulse imagines a new one — a dynamic material that synthesises the marks of earth, irregular fragments and layered textures into a distinctive, contemporary aesthetic.

Continued >>>

Thanks to the 3-Tech Project, Pulse enables the creation of fluid, cohesive spaces where material itself becomes narrative. With Pulse, surfaces are no longer static backdrops; they become architectural protagonists. A living, expressive material capable of redefining what ceramic stone can be.

Nextone – The Perfect Balance of Technique and Aesthetic Sensibility

Versatile and sophisticated, Nextone creates visual continuity across

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Nextone is the result of an advanced design process in which four stones from different quarries were blended and reinterpreted through a modern lens.

The outcome is a stone-look ceramic with a refined, understated elegance and a natural, harmonious style.

Intense

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PROJECT

Anthology – Nature and Technology in Perfect Symbiosis

nature’s expressive character into a modern architectural surface.

Anthology is born at the intersection of stone and marble, blending mineral patterns with subtle chromatic shifts to create an immersive sensory experience.

The collection is marked by intense tactile realism and visual depth, offering a contemporary interpretation of nature’s unpredictability.

Intense – Pure Material Strength and Essential Beauty

Included in the ADI Design Index 2021, Anthology is a testament to ceramic innovation. It balances the authenticity of natural material with advanced technological precision, translating

Inspired by limestone, Intense captures its authentic materiality through fine grains, fossil inclusions and delicate mineral details. The collection expresses a refined, understated beauty and is available across all three 3-Tech technologies, ensuring perfect continuity between floors, walls and furniture.

The Slimtech Intense ultra-thin slabs expand creative potential, bridging the qualities of natural stone with contemporary architectural language.

The result is a nuanced dialogue between light and texture — revealing the expressive power of modern ceramics.

Waterfall – The Ever-Changing Voice of Stone Waterfall reinterprets the timeless character of slate, an ancient material shaped by geological evolution. Its tonal range — from the deep drama of Dark Flow to the luminosity of Ivory Flow — reflects the stone’s natural oxidation process, capturing its constant transformation.

Architect Projects

Pulse

Waterfall

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With its striking visual depth and authentic mineral character, Waterfall introduces a powerful, elemental soul to interiors and exteriors alike. It is a surface that tells a story — of nature, of time, of continual renewal.

MATERIAL AS THE UNIFYING PRINCIPLE OF THE PROJECT With the 3-Tech Project, Lea Ceramiche offers far more than a curated selection of collections. It presents a comprehensive aesthetic and technological system designed to accompany every stage of an architectural project — from conceptual inspiration to technical execution.

It is a vision built on research, design, performance and innovation, unified by a material language capable of adapting to diverse scales and contexts. A versatile and timeless approach that supports architects in shaping spaces where coherence is not imposed, but naturally achieved.

Lea Ceramiche continues to inspire design culture worldwide, reaffirming material as the most powerful connective element of contemporary architecture — a medium through which spaces become limitless.

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SAFETY & SECURITY

BALCONY FIRE HAZARDS REVEALED IN NEW REPORT

As the only UK-wide analysis of balcony fire data, the report provides crucial insight for residents, developers, housing providers and fire safety professionals.

Architect Projects

Richard Izzard, Managing Director of AliDeck, said: “Balcony fires have risen by almost 100 incidents since 2023–2024, indicating a worrying level of complacency in our urban outside spaces.

The leading cause is smoking-related and demonstrates a need for residents to take care, however the combustible materials that balconies are often made of means even a small fire can become a high-risk incident.

“With many developments still relying on combustible decking and cladding materials, residents need to be aware of the risks, and providers need to ensure lessons are learned and changes made before more lives and properties are put at risk.”

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The report shows that 136 of the incidents (44%) were linked to smoking, while electrical faults—including faults involving vapes—accounted for a further 33. Barbecues, candles and other heat sources also contributed to the total, highlighting how easily routine activities can escalate when balconies contain combustible components.

The majority of fires occurred in London, with 164 incidents—more than half of all UK cases. Other significant hotspots included the West Midlands (17), Greater Manchester (13) and Scotland (13).

Tragically, the analysis also records one fatality in London and eight injuries in the West Midlands over the past year.

The report reinforces the urgent need to replace combustible elements with non-combustible alternatives to prevent fire spread. It also recommends routine inspections, improved maintenance regimes and stronger resident awareness campaigns.

Izzard added: “There are many things building developers and owners can do to improve the safety of balcony structures, including ensuring all materials and processes meet the latest fire safety standards. But we also need to ensure

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The majority of fires occurred in London, with 164 incidents—more than half of all UK cases.

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The ongoing danger of combustible balcony construction materials has been thrust back into the spotlight as a new report reveals a sharp rise in UK balcony fires. The Balcony Fires Report 2024– 2025, compiled by AliDeck, shows 310 recorded incidents in the past year—an increase of almost 50%.

balcony users have the right information.

They need to understand the risks posed by the materials of the balcony—and therefore the risks of their own activities such as smoking, vaping, cooking, using electrical equipment or even lighting a candle.”

Kent-based AliDeck manufactures Made in Britain–certified non-combustible aluminium decking, drainage systems, soffits, balustrades and fencing. The Balcony Fires Report provides a detailed overview of national incident patterns and recommendations designed to reverse the rising trend.

For more information or to download the report, visit alideck.co.uk.

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OPINION PIECE

AWAAB’S LAW: RAISING THE BAR FOR HEALTHY HOMES – AND WHY MATERIAL CHOICES MATTER MORE THAN EVER

For landlords, facilities managers, and building managers, Awaab’s Law is both a challenge and an opportunity.

The requirement to remedy health and safety hazards—often within just 14 days of being reported—means reactive maintenance is no longer enough. A proactive, specification-led approach is essential. Building fabric, ventilation, and moisture-control strategies must work together to prevent damp before it develops.

For architects and interior designers, this introduces a new design imperative: choosing materials that support longevity, hygiene, and resilience without compromising aesthetic intent.

The specification phase now directly influences compliance and tenant wellbeing, placing renewed importance on the materials used in bathrooms, kitchens, and communal areas—spaces where humidity levels are consistently high.

Architect Projects

Specifiers should therefore look closely at material quality and certification when designing for high-moisture environments. Products should be

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Specifying materials that actively reduce the risk of mould growth is one of the most effective ways to meet these new standards and safeguard residents’ wellbeing.

This proactive approach helps reduce maintenance costs and tenant turnover, while strengthening professional reputation and trust.

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The introduction of Awaab’s Law in late 2025 has marked a pivotal moment for the UK housing and construction sectors.

Named after Awaab Ishak, whose tragic death in 2020 was linked to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the new legislation sets strict timelines for social landlords to investigate and repair damp and mould issues. Beyond compliance, it signals a cultural shift: a renewed focus on accountability, preventative design, and healthier living environments.

tested to recognised standards such as BBA certification, demonstrate proven water resistance and mould prevention, and align with building regulations and emerging housing quality standards.

Durability, ease of cleaning, and lowmaintenance performance are key to ensuring long-term resilience. Crucially, materials should provide robust moisture protection while allowing rapid installation, supporting swift remediation without compromising safety or design outcomes.

While Awaab’s Law currently applies to social housing landlords, its principles will soon be felt across the private rented sector. Government plans to introduce similar requirements for private landlords mean that adopting best practice now—through regular inspections, early intervention on damp, and the specification of waterproof, hygienic materials—will futureproof properties against incoming regulations.

As one example of materials helping to prevent mould, Fibo panels combine a 100% waterproof surface with a sealed Aqualock tongue-and-groove system and no grout—eliminating a major source of mould growth. Installation is up to five times faster than tiling, reducing downtime in occupied properties and helping landlords meet repair deadlines efficiently. Their low-maintenance finish also supports long-term performance in both new builds and refurbishments.

“Construction and design are now about rethinking how we create and maintain homes for healthier living,” says Scott Beattie (pictured above), Managing Director at Fibo UK. “Specifying materials that actively reduce the risk of mould growth is one of the most effective ways to meet these new standards and safeguard residents’ wellbeing.”

As the industry adapts to Awaab’s Law, forward-thinking professionals will see this as an opportunity to champion better building practices. Fibo will continue to support architects and landlords as they navigate the changing regulatory landscape—helping to create homes that are safer, cleaner, and built to last.

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TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE

FULL BODY³ TECHNOLOGY: MATTER IN ITS MOST EVOLVED FORM Full Body³ is the exclusive innovation by Iris Ceramica Group that redefines the very nature of architectural surfaces.

This patented, cutting-edge technology blends craftsmanship, ceramic expertise, and advanced industrial processes to create a unique material: compact, homogeneous, durable, and visually consistent throughout its entire thickness.

At the heart of Full Body³ lies its ability to transform surfaces from simple coverings into true, full-bodied material elements. Because the composition runs deep and uniform through every layer, the slabs retain their aesthetic integrity and technical performance even when subjected to impacts, wear, or partial damage. This intrinsic solidity also carries

meaningful environmental value: each slab contains at least 40% recycled raw materials, underscoring Full Body³ as a conscious and responsible design choice.

The result is a material that goes beyond surface appearance—a solid body in which aesthetics emerge directly from the substance itself, offering an immersive sensory experience, both visual and tactile.

Two standout Fiandre collections exemplify the expressive potential of Full Body³. Pulsar captures the visual and tactile strength of stone while embracing the unpredictability of natural formations. Each slab is unique, authentic, and materially rich. New this year is a 20 mm thickness option, ideal for outdoor settings and for creating seamless continuity between interior and exterior spaces. Pulsar is available in five shades—Snow, Graphite, Gravel, Silt, and Dune—and three exclusive finishes: Silky, with its smooth, velvety touch; Natural Plus, featuring a subtle, textured character; and Structured, which uses relief and shadow to enhance depth and three-dimensionality.

The Veneziano collection draws inspiration from traditional Venetian terrazzo, reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens with a refined, mineral-rich, and subtly textured design.

Available in six colors, five formats, and two finishes (natural or polished), Veneziano adapts effortlessly to modern architectural contexts, enabling broad design freedom and custom solutions on request. In its Active Surfaces® version, it also delivers antibacterial, antiviral, anti-pollution, and self-cleaning performance—positioning the collection at the intersection of heritage, material innovation, and sustainable vision.

Architect Projects

With Full Body³, Iris Ceramica Group offers architects and designers a new frontier in ceramic materiality: surfaces that are not merely seen, but experienced—enduring, responsible, and expressive from the inside out.

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TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

COMMON PITFALLS IN LUXURY RENOVATION — AND HOW TO AVOID THEM With more than 40,000 projects completed—from compact urban extensions to some of the most ambitious builds featured on Grand Designs—IDSystems has amassed deep insight into what can make or break a luxury renovation.

Technical Sales Manager Edward Stobart highlights the most common issues he encounters on high-end projects, and how professionals can avoid them.

1. Too Many Points of Contact A fragmented supply chain is one of the most frequent causes of delay. Stobart explains: “In my experience, one of the most common sources of project delays is a disconnected supply chain. If you have a supplier buying from a fabricator and subcontracting the fitting, there is so little control over responsibility and quality.

“One of the main reasons we manufacture, supply, and install ourselves is so we aren’t reliant on third parties to make or fit the products.”

Architect Projects

Architect Duncan Foster agrees: “The general rule I always think with glazing is the more you can get wrapped up in one contract, the better. There’s one point of contact for the client, one for me, and one for the contractor. It was critical that all the glazing systems we wanted here

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could be supplied and installed by one manufacturer.”

• Security • Thermal performance

Takeaway: Consolidate contracts wherever possible—particularly for technically demanding elements like glazing—to maintain accountability and streamline communication.

Selecting the wrong solar-control coating, for example, can leave a space overheating in summer. While some retrofits are possible, prevention is far more cost-effective.

2. Lack of Specialist Installers

4. Non-Compliance With Planning & Building Regulations

Another frequent pitfall is assuming any contractor can install specialist products.

“It isn’t just skilled glazing installers—it is installers experienced with that particular product,” says Stobart. “There’s a huge difference between fitting simple rectangular windows and handling a large sliding door system. Once the doors are in, adjustments become exponentially more problematic.”

Takeaway: Use installers who know the specific system you’re specifying, not just the product category.

3. Incorrect Product Specifications Choosing advanced glazing without fully understanding technical requirements can lead to poor performance. Key considerations include:

• Wind exposure • Solar gain

Regulatory oversights can cause major delays and client frustration.

“Be on the lookout for projects that ignore necessary features because they impact aesthetics,” Stobart warns. “Finding out at sign-off that the doors don’t comply because they lack trickle vents or security laminate glass can be hugely frustrating.”

Proactive communication is essential: “Giving homeowners accurate and honest information upfront is crucial. They rely on your expertise.”

Takeaway: Make compliance an early and ongoing conversation. It protects the project and strengthens client trust.

Luxury renovations are complex by nature, but anticipating these common pitfalls can make the process smoother, more efficient, and far less stressful.

The Only C5 Water-Based Coating: RD Monoguard Ideal Applications

Advantages

Industrial Facilities & Production Plants

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Bridges, Steelwork & Platforms

Environmental Friendliness

Refineries, Coastal & Marine Environments

Cost-Effective

RD-Monoguard has achieved C5 Very High (VH) certification, meaning it can provide more than 25 years of protection in harsh coastal and industrial environments

The water-based formula and low VOC levels make RDMonoguard a more environmentally responsible choice than traditional solventbased coatings.

By combining primer, intermediate, and topcoat in one, RD-Monoguard streamlines application and may lower costs, making it more efficient.

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