Refurb Renovation News - Issue 54

Issue 54 2022

FIT Show Set to Deliver Recordbreaking Industry Showcase

TRACPIPE® WITH AN INTEGRATED CONTAINMENT SLEEVE!

PELDON ROSE SUPPORTS GRANT THORNTON TRANSFORMATION

Contemporary City Living The Chelsea Townhouse Project with Havwoods

OSMO UK POLYX-OIL ORIGINAL

Studio Bua transforms 1920s wreck into a colourful and stylish home

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CARTER JONAS ACHIEVES PLANNING PERMISSION FOR ADDITION TO UNIVERSITY’S PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

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DOWN HALL ANNOUNCES £2.8 MILLION REFURBISHMENT TO LOUNGES AND GROUNDS

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CAN THIS NATIONAL PARK GET ANY GREENER? TAKING LOCHLOMOND TO NET-ZERO

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ASSAEL ARCHITECTURE RECEIVES GREEN LIGHT ON STAINES PLANNING DECISION

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INTERACTION DESIGNS NEW SHOWPIECE OFFICE FOR OSBORNE CLARKE

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FIT SHOW SET TO DELIVER RECORDBREAKING INDUSTRY SHOWCASE

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EARTHBORN PAINTS: SILICATE MASONRY PAINT FOR ALL SURFACES

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HIGH PERFORMANCE, HEALTHY BUILDINGS: GET THE TECH RIGHT

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HOWDENS DONATES 2,750 TREES AS PART OF PLATINUM JUBILEE CELBRATIONS

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MODERSOHN® STAINLESS STEEL: MARKET PRESENCE 2022 AS STRONG AS NEVER BEFORE

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STUDIO BUA TRANSFORMS 1920S WRECK INTO A COLOURFUL AND STYLISH HOME

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MAJOR REFURBISHMENT WORK TO HULL MARITIME MUSEUM GETS UNDERWAY

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DOORS OPEN FOR OFFICE TO HOME CONVERSION IN WOKING

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REVITALISED BANKING HALL NAMED FINALIST FOR THREE DESIGN AWARDS

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REIMAGINING THE WORKPLACE: PELDON ROSE SUPPORTS GRANT THORNTON TRANSFORMATION

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PROJECT: CANAL HOUSE AMSTERDAM

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ECOMERCHANT: RENOVATING A ROOF WITH NATURAL INSULATION

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PROJECT: EDWARDIAN TOWNHOUSE, HIGHGATE

BY LLI DESIGN

Contents Lapthorn Media Ltd

Issue 54 - 2022

Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@rrnews.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@rrnews.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Francesca Amato editorial@rrnews.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accountsdept@rrnews.co.uk

CT12 6PB

Sales Assistant Jane Parker jane@rrnews.co.uk

Publishing Director Paul Attwood paul@rrnews.co.uk

Tel: 01843 808 102

Designer Laura Whitehead laura@rrnews.co.uk

www.rrnews.co.uk

5-7 Ozengell Place Eurokent Business Park Ramsgate Kent

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very effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Refurb & Renovation News however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Latest News CARTER JONAS ACHIEVES PLANNING PERMISSION FOR SIGNIFICANT ADDITION TO UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD’S PROPERTY PORTFOLIO National property consultancy Carter Jonas has achieved planning permission on behalf of the University of Oxford for a new Humanities Building, to be located on a 1.4 hectare site within the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, in the centre of Oxford. The proposals received unanimous support from Oxford City Council’s Planning Committee.

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he addition to the University’s property portfolio will include academic faculty spaces, a 500-seat concert hall, a theatre, an experimental performance laboratory, a lecture hall, public engagement and outreach facilities, and new public and landscaped open spaces.

The exceptional building will house the faculties and libraries of the Humanities Division of the University of Oxford. It will create a strong visual identity and give expression to the world’s foremost centre for scholarship and teaching in the humanities.

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For the first time in the University’s almost 1,000 year old history, it will bring together seven Humanities faculties and their six libraries (to be combined into the new

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Bodleian Humanities Library), along with a high-profile new home for the Institute for Ethics in AI, the Oxford Internet Institute, the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments and a number of facilities for performance and public engagement.

Work is due to start in late 2022 and to complete in 2025.

In preparing the planning application, Carter Jonas worked with Hopkins Architects, CPC Project Services and Gillespies landscape architects.

BUREAU VERITAS URGES FIRMS TO TAKE HEED OF NEW PART F REGULATIONS, AS UK GOVERNMENT FURTHER RELAXES COVID RESTRICTIONS Leading air quality specialist Bureau Veritas has welcomed the recent updates to Approved Document F, which is part of significant changes to Building Regulations, as a step in the right direction for indoor ventilation – particularly as the Government announces its ‘Living with COVID’ plan, and an end to COVID-19 isolation laws.

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ecent research found that more than 12 million residents in the UK are living with health issues that can be exacerbated by air pollution, and three million working days are lost every year because the UK’s air pollution exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limits.

The last two years have highlighted the importance of indoor air quality and ventilation and the task at hand now, according to Bureau Veritas, is to take learnings from COVID-19 and the habits formed to manage air flow to

ensure compliance to new Part F regulations.

Under new Part F regulations, there is a requirement for whole building ventilation to meet a standard of 10 litres of fresh air per person per second, or one litre per second per square metre – whichever is highest (compared to only the former requirement in the past). Common spaces will also require natural ventilation under Part F, with openings equal to at least 1/50th of the floor area or mechanical ventilation to supply 0.5 litres of fresh air per second per m2 of the common floor space area.

Recent research found that more than 12 million residents in the UK are living with health issues that can be exacerbated by air pollution, and three million working days are lost every year because the UK’s air pollution exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limits.

Company News PULSE APPOINTED TO SIGNIFICANT SOUTHWARK REGENERATION PROJECT

LEADING EXPERIENTIAL & LIGHTING PROVIDER WINS EXCITING NEW PROJECT IN SAUDI ARABIA Ventola Projects, a leading provider of experiential & lighting solutions, has recently won an exciting new project with an FEC facility based in Saudi Arabia.

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ith the resurgence of the FEC industry after the Covid-19 pandemic, projects such as these are incredibly important to support the revival of businesses operating in this sector.

Utilising Ventola’s innovative VAvR lighting package, which incorporates colour-changing LED lighting and inbuilt UV lighting systems, the facility will be well-equipped with innovative technology to provide guests with a memorable experience from start to finish.

Furthermore, the VAvR technology is not only just what businesses need to provide guests with an immerse and interactive experience, but it can also reduce costs due to being a far more energy efficient option

Leading multi-disciplinary consultancy firm Pulse Consult has been appointed to lead a significant regeneration project of an old estate in the London Borough of Southwark.

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he Tustin Estate regeneration, located to the north of Old Kent Road, is part of Southwark Council’s commitment to creating 11,000 new council homes by 2043, and will involve the demolition of the existing estate, which was built in the 1960’s.

Speaking to Mick Ventola, founder of Ventola Projects about the project, he commented on his eagerness to get started with this huge new project:

Following phased demolition works, which will include residential homes, commercial units and a primary school, the development will be rebuilt to provide 200 replacement council homes, 220 new social rent and key worker homes and a further 220 private sale units (as well as a replacement primary school and commercial units) to further Southwark Council’s pledge to provide new, quality homes in the area.

“I’m delighted to be able to take on another big and exciting project for 2022”, Mick began.

“After already being recognised for our international works, I’m looking forward to getting started and having another fantastic project done and under our belt.”

Pulse was appointed to the project thanks to the team’s extensive experience in the management and delivery of mixed-use housing regeneration schemes within inner London. Previously, Pulse has worked on many London-based regeneration projects.

With this new project in the pipeline, and many others lined up for the rest of the year, we’re looking forward to seeing what else is in store for Mick Ventola and his team at Ventola Projects.

Pulse has procured the design team for the project, led by dRMM Architects and including Adam Khan Architects, JA Projects, Exterior Architecture, Heyne Tillett Steel, Greengage, Loop Engineering, Entran, and Beyond the Box as well procuring LinkCity as the developer.

for larger facilities that rely on lighting to come alive.

Established in 2009, Pulse has offices in Nottingham, London, Leicester, Birmingham, and Bristol, offering a personable and professional service to its clients across a range of sectors including education, the arts, tourism, leisure, and residential.

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Company News CAN THIS NATIONAL PARK GET ANY GREENER? TAKING LOCH LOMOND TO NET-ZERO Sustainable building services firm Viridis has been appointed by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority to support the organisations transition to net zero.

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iridis, which prides itself on adopting a pioneering approach to sustainability, will work alongside National Park staff to create and implement a route map for transitioning the organisation to net-zero and follows an initial feasibility study, which identified the Park’s direct energy usage across the entire organisation.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority has set an ambitious target, aiming

to lead by example and demonstrate best practice for reaching net-zero, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral ahead of the 2045 Scottish target. The Park Authority will work with a number of partners, including Viridis, to achieve this.

Viridis is committed to creating a greener, more sustainable future and specialises in providing building services solutions that incorporate renewable, low carbon, MEP systems for the built environment.

Old Ford car site converted into energy efficient affordable homes A four-acre site, originally part of the Ford Dagenham car plant, will provide a new home for 325 residential units in a series of five to ten storey apartment buildings. The Merrielands Crescent project is part of the London Riverside Opportunity Area, a 3,000-hectare regeneration zone designated in the London Plan for up to 26,500 homes across the borough of Barking & Dagenham.

The construction of the Merrielands development is managed by Inland Partnerships, on behalf of Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest housing association.

15,000m2 of the Wraptite® airtightness membrane from the A. Proctor Group features in the design.

Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane.

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For full details, visit www.proctorgroup.com

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Group

Company News EQUANS TO PROVIDE KEY DECARBONISATION WORKS TO 129 RUNCORN HOMES Following the recent allocation of Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), EQUANS is delighted to be carrying out work with Onward Homes as part of the funding being awarded.

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QUANS has supported Onward with its application for SHDF right from the very beginning, and is delighted to have now been awarded a contract for Pre-Construction Services to support decarbonisation works to 129 properties in Runcorn. This award comes after close collaboration between EQUANS and Onward, with the main scheme involving retrofit decarbonisation works such as external wall, cavity wall and loft insulation, replacement windows and doors, and mechanical ventilation.

With energy bills rising across the UK, EQUANS is on a sustainable journey to reduce carbon,

increase comfort and reduce fuel poverty in the area while doing so.

The scheme will take a ‘fabric first approach’ to improve the thermal efficiency of these homes and ensure they are PAS2030:2035 compliant.

A ‘fabric first approach’ involves upgrading the building to a higher spec, improving temperature controls and tackling fabric upgrades such as insulation and ventilation.

EQUANS is currently undertaking property and structural surveys, data gathering, design development, pre and post energy assessments and thermal imaging prior to the works beginning later this year.

PICK EVERARD ESTABLISHES NEW SHEFFIELD BASE Leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has expanded its UK-wide capability with the opening of a new office in Sheffield.

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he latest office – Pick Everard’s second in Yorkshire – further strengthens the firm’s commitment to its clients, its resources in the region and to pushing strategic growth nationally.

Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, the new office sees Pick Everard’s national property and construction expertise sitting alongside business leaders from other industries, including Rolls-Royce and McLaren.

The Sheffield office will be headed up by director Jon Wilson. He said: “It’s an extremely Andrew Almond, partner at Pick Everard

exciting time to be joining Pick Everard. We are opening with a really strong team and providing a South Yorkshire location for the wider business.

I very much look forward to working with the team, supporting success for our clients and driving strategic growth for the business.”

Pick Everard is one of the UK’s leading companies, supporting clients with multiprofessional property and construction consultancy. The firm’s clients hold leading roles across the public and private sectors of the UK. Pick Everard is focused on delivering better together with its construction industry partners to achieve excellence in quality and to successfully deliver against its clients’ objectives, which currently include safety and wellbeing, digital estate management, zero carbon solutions and effective capital delivery, all of which are underpinned by a culture of sustainability.

Offsite contractor M-AR is investing in a greener future by putting a comprehensive strategy into action as it works towards achieving Net Zero across the business.

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he first phase of the plan, which M-AR is already making headway with, focuses on three key elements - minimising waste, reducing energy consumption and specifying more sustainable materials.

Being a manufacturer as well as a contractor, M-AR has an advantage with greater control over production processes. For example, a controlled factory environment means that waste materials, which would typically be thrown away on site, can be easily segregated for recycling or later reuse.

As a contractor, M-AR is already working hard to reduce the number of miles travelled for each project by sourcing as much as possible locally around each site and investing into its electric company car fleet.

The company is also working closely with its wider supply chain, plant and equipment and site delivery teams to reach its ultimate goal of achieving Net Zero at every stage of a project from manufacture to delivery and installation, as well as taking into account the future life cycle of the buildings produced.

To find out more about M-AR’s current Net Zero policy you can download a copy here: https://m-ar.co.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2021/09/Net-ZeroPolicy-and-Plan.pdf

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“It’s an extremely exciting time to be joining Pick Everard.

We are opening with a really strong team and providing a South Yorkshire location for the wider business. I very much look forward to working with the team, supporting success for our clients and driving strategic growth for the business.”

M-AR IS ON THE ROAD TO NET ZERO

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Project News INTERACTION DESIGNS NEW SHOWPIECE OFFICE FOR OSBORNE CLARKE IN ONE OF THE UK’S GREENEST BUILDINGS Interaction, the strategic workplace design and build company, has won a multi-millionpound contract to design international law firm Osborne Clarke’s new flagship office in Bristol.

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The striking design also includes flexible meeting spaces with moveable walls and furniture that can be used for multiple different event settings.

Interaction has designed a highly flexible workspace for over 800 employees that will promote agile working and staff health and wellbeing, while meeting strict sustainability criteria.

As part of the design brief, Interaction met tough sustainability standards and Osborne Clarke is aiming to achieve a WELL building standard certification for the fit-out of the internal space at Halo, which has a BREEAM outstanding accreditation for sustainability.

nteraction has been commissioned to fit-out the law firm’s interior workspaces at Halo, part of the Finzels Reach regeneration project, which is set to be one of the UK’s greenest office buildings.

Osborne Clarke is taking the top five floors of the landmark Halo building which will provide 74,000 sq ft of grade A office space in total. Interaction’s innovative design includes destination points on each level and an informal creative space to encourage movement between floors and greater collaboration.

Key design features will include indoor gardens where people can work away from their desks, a yoga and spin studio, and a restaurant with a private rooftop terrace.

Interaction has worked closely with suppliers and specialists to source sustainable materials that are designed to enhance wellbeing.

The cutting-edge workplace design, which makes maximum use of natural materials and light, follows months of intensive consultation between Interaction’s design team and hundreds of employees across Osborne Clarke. Interaction has also won a contract to supply furniture for the new office.

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Interaction’s managing director, Dieter Wood

Interaction has designed a highly flexible workspace for over 800 employees that will promote agile working and staff health and wellbeing, while meeting strict sustainability criteria.

BELOW-LEFT

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External image of new Halo building – Image Credit Cubex

Interior image of Interaction’s office design for Osborne Clarke.

DIAMOND SPECIAL WORKS TO CREATE NEW YOUTH HUB Haringey Council has appointed Diamond Special Works to deliver a new youth facility for Haringey’s young people.

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he £1.1m project, which is now underway, will create the Rising Green Youth Hub in Lymington Avenue. The project will see Diamond Special Works refurbish a former retail unit situated within a mixed commercial and residential development.

“This refurbishment will create much needed space and support for young people in the area, helping them to reach their full potential.

Working closely with Haringey Council and young people, we are looking forward to playing a part in bringing this fantastic facility to the local community.”

The two-storey building, which has been returned to a shell and core, will be transformed into a dedicated space offering a vast range of activities and a new kitchen and café area. The fit out includes new internal walls and doors, the installation of mechanical and electrical services, and a new platform lift.

The new youth hub is scheduled to be complete by the summer and is aimed at young people aged 11 to 19 as well as those up to age 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Reuben Hayes, Operations Director at Diamond Special Works, said:

Diamond Special Works is part of the Diamond Build Group and specialises in public sector building work for projects up to £2m.

“This refurbishment will create much needed space and support for young people in the area, helping them to reach their full potential.”

Earthborn’s silicate masonry paint provides the ultimate protection

SILICATE MASONRY PAINT FOR ALL SURFACES For years, customers have asked if they can use Earthborn’s Silicate Masonry Paint on previously painted masonry. Well, now they can.

The newly formulated Bonding Primer can be used alongside Silicate Masonry Paint for exterior masonry surfaces that do not need to breathe. This means that the 48 beautiful shades can be used on all buildings. Bonding Primer provides a mechanical bond between a ‘sealed’ wall and the paint, allowing Silicate Masonry Paint to ‘stick’ to the pre painted surface.

And in places where there is a mix of painted and unpainted masonry, you can now spot prime the patches where the previous paint cannot be removed with Bonding Primer and prime the rest of the unpainted area with Silicate Primer.

The updated Earthborn product range means that Silicate Primer used on uncoated masonry with Silicate Masonry Paint will create a highly breathable and permanent chemical bond. On existing, sound, previously painted surfaces (that don’t need to breathe), Bonding Primer used with Silicate Masonry Paint will create a strong mechanical bond.

Earthborn’s new Bonding Primer

Earthborn’s Silicate Masonry Paint has been used on a wide variety of buildings including windmills, historic halls, new builds, seafront cottages and farmhouses. This new primer means it can be used on an even wider range of buildings, including those with a mix of previously painted and bare masonry, as requested by customers keen to achieve the best protection for exterior masonry.

Website: www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

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CRITTALL’S BRISTOL LONGSHOT Crittall windows have been installed in a refurbished historic tower in a harbourside location in the centre of Bristol.

The Cheese Lane Shot Tower, although only constructed in 1969, has more than one claim to fame. The 43-metre-tall reinforced

concrete structure was designed as a replacement for the very first such building ever constructed, the Watts Tower, built by a local man William Watts who in 1775 invented the process of manufacturing lead shot for pistols and muskets by dropping molten lead through a sieve vertically into a

tank of water. The molten metal forms into a spherical shape as it falls and solidifies in the water.

The original tower was demolished in 1968 but replaced by the present structure which became the last shot tower to be built in England. It was listed Grade II by English Heritage in 1995 thus saving it from demolition to make way for an office development. Instead, it was incorporated into the scheme as a local landmark.

The building is currently owned by the Workforce Development Trust that now occupies the first and second floors of the office building surrounding the tower which has since been refurbished.

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Crittall Corporate W20 vertical pivot and fixed windows with pressed metal cills have been installed in the 12-sided room at the top of the tower. This was originally the crucible room that housed a gas-fired cast iron cauldron where lead ingots were melted before the molten metal was dropped down the tower. The room, with its new fenestration, is now available to rent as a unique meeting space.

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Company News HOWDENS DONATES 2,750 TREES AS PART OF PLATINUM JUBILEE CELBRATIONS Howdens, the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, has donated 2,750 saplings as a Platinum Supporter of The Queens’ Green Canopy (QGC), a unique treeplanting initiative created to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee by inviting people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.

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s part of their support of the QGC, and their partner, Trees for Cities, Howdens supplied 2,750 saplings that were planted at The Lozenge in Hull, providing a fantastic extension to only a handful of natural woodlands in the city.

“It is wonderful to be working with Hull City council on this momentous occasion to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Urban trees make our towns and cities healthier and happier places to live and bring countless benefits to local communities.”

Rory Field, Corporate Partnerships Director at Trees for Cities, said: “It is wonderful to be working with Hull City council on this momentous occasion to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Urban trees make our towns and cities healthier and happier places to live and bring countless benefits to local communities.

They also provide a home to thousands of species essential to a healthy environment. Trees for Cities would like to thank Howdens, a Platinum Supporter of the Queens Green Canopy, for their fantastic support and funding of this project.”

Howdens became a Platinum Supporter of The Queen’s Green Canopy when it launched in 2021. In addition to planting new trees, The QGC is aiming to create a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the UK and to identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

CROWN PAINTS CELEBRATES NEW BARROW CDC OPENING WITH CHARITY DONATION Painting and coatings brand, Crown Paints, has opened its latest Crown Decorating Centre (CDC) in Barrowin-Furness. The new store, which has created four new jobs, is designed to be a one-stop destination for both tradespeople and at-home DIYers.

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o celebrate the launch and emphasise its commitment to the local community, Crown Decorating Centres has partnered with specialist care provider Creative Support, which has an office in Barrow. The not-for-profit organisation helps to promote the independence, inclusion and wellbeing of people with care and support needs all over the country.

The CDC has provided a donation of 100 litres of paint and some sundries, which will be used to help transform one of the group’s residential homes in the local area.

Crown Paints. It’s not just paint. It’s personal.

MARKET LEADING PAVING BRAND GEO-FIX® ONLY AVAILABLE FROM BOND IT From 15th February we are pleased to announce that Bond It have acquired the sole distribution rights for the market leading Geo-Fix® All Weather and Geo-Fix® Original Paving Jointing Compounds.

When Geo-Fix Original was first brought to market 25 years ago, the paving industry was a completely different landscape compared to today. With traditional cementitious jointing products causing huge problems for Local Authorities and contractors, it soon became clear that an alternative solution was required.

After listening to the needs of the paving industry, Geo-Fix® developed a new technology using sand polymers to create GeoFix® Original brush-in jointing compound – a truly original product that revolutionised traditional jointing methods. In 2013, the range was enhanced to include Geo-Fix® All Weather jointing compound, a superior brush-in sand that can be used in all weathers, and now offer a selection of beautiful coloured sands to complement all designs and tastes.

Geo-Fix® is a ready mixed jointing that is simply brushed and compacted in to joints with minimal effort. Available in 2 versions, Original in 20kg buckets in Buff and Grey and All Weather in 14kg buckets in Stone, Mid Grey, Anthracite, Graphite and Slate Grey.

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Bond It are a British manufacturer with 20 years’ experience manufacturing and supplying the construction, building and DIY markets.

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All Geo-Fix® products will all be available through Bond It through an authorised network of approved merchants and stockists throughout the UK and Ireland.

Contact 01422 315300 or email sales@bonditgroup.com for more information.

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Coatings, Sealants & Paints

Protects and Enhances

Natural Ingredients Highly Water Repellent Extremely Hardwearing Wood is Enhanced Environmentally Friendly!

Osmo uses carefully harvested natural oils and hard waxes for its finishes.

BRADITE SALES TEAM PRACTISE WHAT THEY PREACH When decorators’ merchants Brewers decided to repaint the floor of their large King’s Lynn branch with Bradite Floor-It, they got more than they bargained for. The job was undertaken by Bradite National Sales Manager James Burton, assisted by the firm’s South East Area Sales Manager Matt Tomkins.

“We saw this as an opportunity to give the product a proper test and allow us to apply it in a practical real-life situation,” explained James.

“As technical salespeople we offer advice on preparation and application daily, so it was nice to actually get out and put our knowledge to the test. Bradite Floor-It being a new product, it was good to get a feel for it and push it to its limits.”

James and Matt were faced with an original two-pack epoxy coated floor that had failed in a number of places.

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They cleaned the floor using Bradite TD39 diluted with nine parts warm water, scrubbed it using a nylon broom, and rinsed with clean water, then mopped it dry.

Loose material was scraped away back to a firm coating edge, and any remaining original coating was lightly abraded to provide a key for two coats of the Floor-It. The job was completed within two days.

Brewers Regional Operations Manager Marcus Elwin is delighted with the results. “This has proved a bit of a problem floor in the past and often had to be redone after 12 months. There are quite heavy carts going over it especially near the warehouse,” he said.

And how did Bradite’s own senior people come to take on the job?

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“They said they wanted to try it for themselves and were only going to do a small patch at first, but then I guess they just got carried away!”

DP9 Floor-It is an extremely durable product with first-rate adhesion and is mark, stain and petrol resistant and non-yellowing. It is ideal for use on internal and external surfaces such as wood, concrete, metal or asphalt as well as polyurethane, epoxy and chlorinate rubber coated floors.

Although Brewers King’s Lynn had sold some of the product before the re-painting, sales have increased since the job was completed.

“It’s a win-win situation,” says Marcus. “When customers say, ‘how does the product look’, we can say ‘you’re standing on it!’” www.bradite.com 11/03/2022 10:43:31

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DP9 Floor-It is a high-performance coating formulated for use on many suitably prepared substrates and is ideal for both domestic and commercial application, making it ideal for factory walkways and shopfloors. The low odour water based coating is touch dry in 30 minutes and re-coatable after one hour, qualities that were of particular importance to this sort of job as the shop remained open to customers while the repainting work continued, an aisle at a time.

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STUDIO BUA TRANSFORMS 1920S WRECK INTO A COLOURFUL AND STYLISH HOME Studio Bua has completely redesigned and extended a 1920s house in suburban South London to create a colourful and stylish family home. The four-bedroom house had not been altered since the 1960s and needed a major update.

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tudio Bua transformed the existing property, removing piecemeal and poorly constructed additions, whilst retaining as much of the original fabric as possible and consolidating the volume with a two-storey brick extension.

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Mark Smyth, co-founder of Studio Bua comments, “The clients, a financial advisor and a film editor, needed a space suited to family life where they could also entertain friends. They wanted to keep the idea of a defined house with separate spaces, but open things up and add colour and references to the property’s vintage throughout. We took their different needs, wants and styles and have created a home they both love.”

The brief was to add a generous master suite and larger family bathroom upstairs, and rethink and enlarge the ground floor living space to accommodate a new study, playroom and separate utility room.

The house benefits from a large plot but it was orientated to the street, with small openings to the rear.

Studio Bua’s addition flips the focus towards the rear garden with a series of slim aluminium glazed doors and a new terrace level with the internal floor. Although modern in form, the extension’s brickwork detailing and creasing tile sills refer to the existing house. There is a horizontal emphasis, reinforced with a triple stacked soldier course architrave inspired by the stacked card of an early physical model. The client wanted the spaces to be impressive without feeling oversized. The ground floor has been designed as a series of interconnected rooms with clearly defined zones to prevent it from feeling completely open. The spatial planning allows views to and from each of the interior spaces. It has been made very clear where the existing house starts and stops, with sliding barn-style doors between the old house and the extension to allow the clients to separate the zones if required.

The colour scheme was developed in collaboration with the client.

Studio Bua interpreted their ideas, filtered them and came up with a curated narrative. The scheme was hugely influenced by the lithograph posters within the V&A exhibition Ocean Liners: Speed and Style, which explored the romantic and remarkable age of ocean travel, including glamourous ships such as the Queen Mary. Old 1920s Vogue covers, featuring pops of hot pinks, brass and blue references, also influenced the space. Bright pinks and greens have been paired with dark stained timber, marble and brass to emulate this style throughout. The self-build project was kept to a tight budget, with the client souring much of the lighting and period-appropriate second-hand items herself, including reclaimed stainless steel 1920s Art Deco fireplaces in the study and music room. The new extension features hardwearing, light grey stone

porcelain tiles with underfloor heating, which matches the porcelain slab used outside in the garden. A neutral pale grey has been used on the spine wall. The old rooms have been restored to their original state, with dark-stained engineered oak flooring. In the existing house, all the radiators were swapped for modern vintage-style fittings chosen to match the walls of each space.

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The existing entrance and stair hallway used to be drab and uninviting. Studio Bua kept the stair but had everything else stripped back. The space now features geometric tile flooring and dark walls. An existing door has been painted hot pink to add a pop of colour as soon as you enter. The moody atmosphere perfectly contrasts the bright and open extension. The door that originally led to the garden has been removed and the opening have been taken up to the ceiling and lined with brass. This creates a slot of light with views across the extension onto the garden. The stainedglass window, which was hidden behind secondary glazing, has been lovingly restored to add additional character and glamour to the space.

Continued >>>

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A rectangular sunken lounge sits at centre of the reconfigured plan.

Studio Bua stepped the floor level down to create a lounge with a sense of grandeur, higher ceilings and a completely different character to the rest of the house. The lounge is level with a new sunken terrace in the garden. Tall glazing further extends the feeling of bringing the outside in.

A rich teal colour has been applied to the walls and taken across the ceiling, which makes it feel intimate despite the 3m high ceilings.

The lounge is separated from the open kitchen and dining space by a screen wall with a three-sided fireplace, homework area and media unit. The positioning of the homework area allows the parents to keep an eye on the children’s screens from the kitchen.

The space has been painted dark petrol green and features brass details, including a peninsula island with brass doors and a brass splashback. The island and sink area are topped with stylish quartz worktops. The kitchen design is based on standard elements.

The units are off-the-shelf but have been sprayed a bespoke colour, which

A rectangular sunken lounge sits at centre of the reconfigured plan. Studio Bua stepped the floor level down to create a lounge with a sense of grandeur, higher ceilings and a completely different character to the rest of the house. allowed for money to be spent on the tapware, worktops and brass. To include the client-requested cocktail bar, Studio Bua recessed it into the spine wall and borrowed space from the utility room. The bar features antique mirrors and glass shelves reminiscent of the 1920s.

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In the new study, the dark grey walls are complemented by a wallpapered feature wall. A new playroom can be converted into a separate sitting room when the children have grown up.

The pale pink music room perfectly complements the teal lounge. A tiny WC under the stairs features powder pink palm print wallpaper with a teal base. All the wallpapers were inspired by the V&A exhibition.

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Upstairs, the four existing standard bedrooms have been upgraded to two large children’s bedrooms, a guest suite and a master suite. The existing extension was kept and an additional first floor extension was added that overhangs the kitchen and projects out. At the front of the house, the smallest bedroom was turned into a generous family bathroom. The two

largest bedrooms were converted into the children’s rooms and the smaller bedroom is now a guest suite. The new extension features the master bedroom and an en-suite bathroom.

What was previously the bathroom, is now a large walk-in wardrobe.

The colour scheme used upstairs complements the rest of the house and the metal work and light fittings are consistent with the black and brass used on the ground floor.

DOORS OPEN FOR OFFICE TO HOME CONVERSION IN WOKING Vicaima doors have been selected by a Surrey based contractor for new apartments in central Woking town location, converting former office space into smart contemporary living.

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he trend for re-imagining unwanted commercial and workspaces into modern homes offering flexible rental opportunities, has seen substantial growth over the past few years. One such example is the newly refurbished Cornerstone development in the heart of Woking town centre, where 94 new apartments from compact studio design to 3 bed living have been created.

The adaptive reuse in such developments often present both functionality and safety considerations which must be addressed. This is one of the reasons why the extended scope and certification compliance offered by the Vicaima range, provides

To enable a flexible colour scheme to be accommodated throughout the project, all doors were supplied in Vicaima’s revolutionary Primed 2 Go finish. so much appeal to contractors and developers looking to address design and technical challenges.

Surrey based specialist contractors Buxton, chose Vicaima Easi-Fit interior doorkits for apartment entrances, internal room division and corridor areas, offering as it does a rapid installation with easily assembled door and frame. In compliance with leading regulatory standards, apartment entrance doors supplied

by Vicaima, not only provided third party fire certificated assurance, but were approved to Secured by Design, for added peace of mind.

To enable a flexible colour scheme to be accommodated throughout the project, all doors were supplied in Vicaima’s revolutionary Primed 2 Go finish. With their ultra-smooth polymer faces that don’t require either face sanding or priming, excellent surface decoration can be consistently achieved.

For more information visit www.vicaima.com or to request samples/literature contact marketing@vicaima.com

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Easi-Fit door kits and Primed 2 Go finish are just two examples from an extensive selection of imaginative ideas from the Vicaima Collections, with performance and decorative solutions for a multitude of project types.

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REIMAGINING THE WORKPLACE: PELDON ROSE SUPPORTS GRANT THORNTON TRANSFORMATION The world of professional services has fundamentally changed over the last few years, and global leader, Grant Thornton, needed office spaces which reflect this transformation that provide a true destination for its teams. To bring this vision to life, the business turned to office design and build company Peldon Rose to redesign two of its existing offices into creative hubs that support learning, culture and collaboration.

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he way that Grant Thornton operates has been evolving for a number of years, driven by key changes in its sector and wider factors, including the pandemic, that influence people’s decisions over where they work.

It was vital that the company’s real-estate strategy was able to adapt to support this new way of working, which required a complete rethink of the value proposition of its offices. The spaces in Oxford and Reading needed true purpose and the ability to support agile working.

Creating the perfect strategy

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Grant Thornton wanted to truly understand the wants and needs of its employees and so carried out extensive interviews with over four thousand employees. This then gave Peldon Rose vital insights to help shape the reimagined workplaces.

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Ultimately, the findings showed the new spaces needed to be a home for learning, culture and collaboration, embodying the values of the company. Grant Thornton envisaged a network of creative ‘dropin centres’, rather than traditional office models, to build an environment where the office is a destination and place of connection. A key consideration was maximising the efficiency of the space, and by making every sq ft work harder through careful design, Peldon Rose was able to create truly versatile and flexible workspaces.

Creating connections Grant Thornton’s previous offices lacked the room to unite teams and facilitate smart working – two major considerations for the redesigned locations. With this in mind, Peldon Rose focused on two

A key consideration was maximising the efficiency of the space, and by making every sq ft work harder through careful design, Peldon Rose was able to create truly versatile and flexible workspaces.

Consistency across the business

human-centric spaces, which support a more collaborative, flexible and social workplace strategy. Advanced technology, open meeting spaces, and further designated areas where people can come together were integrated throughout, helping to foster a teamoriented environment and reignite that connection amongst teams, even if they are not physically present.

New graduates are a key part of Grant Thornton’s business, so understanding how to welcome them was a primary consideration. Peldon Rose focused on supporting a model of mentorship, where open, collaborative spaces are conducive to peer learning, spanning all levels of seniority and expertise.

Jim Rogers, Grant Thornton Practice Leader for Thames Valley and Southampton, said: “The way we work has changed so much in recent years, and being able to have spaces that offer true flexibility is exciting and supports the evolution of our business. We can see how colleagues will be able to learn from each other in these new offices and they provide a fantastic home for newer team members who we can nurture as they begin and advance their careers.

They are the future of our business and are responsible for a huge part of the innovation we’re constantly striving for, so being able to offer them a great place to work from, and learn in, is essential for our continued success.”

For those times when employees need a quieter space to concentrate, or for team members who are studying for their accountancy exams, library areas have been created, which allow people to work in private away from the standard desk sections. This not only offers a more secluded area away from the main office, but it also allows the space to be used flexibly, offering versatility for events and seminars as the furniture is completely moveable.

“The way we work has changed so much in recent years, and being able to have spaces that offer true flexibility is exciting and supports the evolution of our business.”

Cohesion was an important focus of the project, ensuring that both Oxford and Reading felt consistent, offering the same facilities and aesthetics, so employees can work from either location with ease. The colour scheme helps support this, with calming colours including soft pastels used across both sites, which helped to ensure consistency. With the environmental impacts of the design and build another key consideration, Peldon Rose upcycled existing furniture where possible, helping to reduce waste.

Georgia Nogas, Senior Project Designer at Peldon Rose, said: “We are delighted to see this project come to life. We approached it with a firm grasp on what Grant Thornton needed, two spaces that support this huge shift in the professional services industry while offering the flexibility needed. With the use of large, open communal spaces and the consistency across offices, featuring the same level facilities, employees have a clear choice between visiting either working location - knowing either way they’re guaranteed to have a productive day.”

To learn more about Peldon Rose’s full range of office design and build services, please visit: www.peldonrose.com/services

Whilst encouraging collaboration was a necessity, it was also important that the spaces catered for a variety of working styles.

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RENOVATING A ROOF WITH NATURAL INSULATION Unlike new build projects, a renovation project offers unique problems. Building orientation or proximity to surrounding buildings or vegetation can influence exposure rates of different elevations.

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dditionally the impact of the weather changes with site location, and all of this means that simple U-value calculations (which are a static processes) cannot fully assess, and account for, all the variables unless a full hygrothermal analysis is completed using appropriate modelling software such as WUFI or DELPHIN. Full hygrothermal analysis, and the associated costs, can be daunting but it is possible to incorporate some basic products and design principles, which will ensure a robust and condensation free construction.

Specifying a basic vapour control layer as close as possible to the inside is key as it limits the amount of water vapour that can enter the structure. Using a moisture vapour variable membrane such as Steico Multi Renova or Pro Clima Intello Plus ensures that any potential moisture trapped within the fabric can migrate back to the inside during warmer periods.

This is particularly relevant for renovation projects as it significantly limits the possibility of moisture forming close to the structural timber elements.

External ventilation is also key. This can be 50mm of ventilated airspace within the rafter depth or an external counter batten. This ventilation ensures that any moisture naturally evaporates from the outside face and hence the overall structure remains condensation risk free.

When considering the make-up of a replacement roof what insulation should you use?

There are many types of insulation you can use and there are some that we would suggest you really should not. We always encourage people to move away

Externally insulated barn rennovation roof using SEICOSpecial Dry sarking board, internally insulated between rafters with STEICOFlex.

Photo Courtesy Kithurst Builders Ltd

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Specifying a basic vapour control layer as close as possible to the inside is key as it limits the amount of water vapour that can enter the structure. Using a moisture vapour variable membrane such as Steico Multi Renova or Pro Clima Intello Plus ensures that any potential moisture trapped within the fabric can migrate back to the inside during warmer periods.

from the seemingly high performance PIR foil faced foam insulations partly to reduce the use of plastics and because they rarely perform as they should or create spaces that are particularly comfortable. Their imperviousness to moisture can be an issue in older buildings and when they shrink the performance of the roof decreases. We would strongly recommend that you use only vapour permeable insulation within your roof, which typically means some form of wool/fibre type product between the rafters with more above, or below.

Compressible and flexible products work best between timbers they are self-supporting as they are friction fitted between the timbers, this ensures there are no gaps, and you have a tight fit.

Other insulation benefits to consider are acoustic insulation and thermal mass.

Higher density insulations, such as wood fibre, absorb sound very effectively, ensuring the space within the roof is quiet. They also store large amounts of heat and can be used to shield spaces from hot summer sun as well as retain heat during the cooler months.

Where are you going to add the insulation?

Between and above the rafters?

Quite often in older buildings, the existing rafters are not deep enough to only add insulation between and achieve the levels of insulation required by Building Control. If you plan to re-cover the roof, this would be the time to add external insulation. Adding insulation above the rafters during this process is very simple and can mean that you do not need to use a breathable membrane over the rafters (as wood fibreboards do the same job) which is particularly beneficial if you have bats. However, this does mean that the roof covering will be uplifted by the thickness of the boards, which may not be an option on a semi-detached or terraced house, unless you have the brick party walls protruding through the roofline. Using the flexible wood fibre insulation such as Steico Flex between the rafters and an insulation board, such as Steico Special Dry, above the rafters gives the best performance overall. These boards change temperature very slowly and resist the high temperatures from the sun in the summer months, preventing this heat from entering your roof space, keeping it cool. See more below. They also retain heat and buffer sudden drops in temperature in the winter months.

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Refurbishing a roof externally with wood fibre insulation

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Figure 1.

1. First, remove any old inefficient insulation. The living space can remain unaffected by the work. Attic rooms can still be occupied.

2. Install flexible wood fibre batts between the rafters (3) which offers excellent protection against cold in winter combined with maximum heat protection in summer.

3. Existing rafters.

4. Installing a breather membrane means water vapour can pass through the structure but convected airflow is removed.

5. Install external sarking and sheathing boards above the rafters to protect against rain, wind and snow and can be temporarily exposed to the elements.

6. Batten and counter battens provide external ventilation layer beneath the roof tiles.

Between and below the rafters?

If you do not plan to re-tile or slate your roof, or cannot alter your roofline, then the only option would be to insulate between and below the rafters. You can still achieve the same U-values, same levels of acoustic insulation etc. but this may mean that internal head room is impacted. This can be critical for internal applications so overall thermal performance should be balanced against overall cost of insulation and usability of the internal space. The achievable performance can vary greatly depending on the existing structure.

Refurbishing a roof internally with wood fibre insulation (Fig 2.)

1. 12.5mm plasterboard 2. Vapour control membrane – moisture vapour variable 3. 50mm flexible wood fibre with battens @ 600mm centres (the amount of additional insulation below the rafter needs careful consideration based on the points raised above) 4. 50mm flexible wood fibre with cross battens @ 600mm centres 5. 50mm flexible wood fibre @ 400mm centres (38 x 100). Allows for 50mm ventilation zone within the rafter depth.

6. Bitumen felt above rafter, battens and tiles

Figure 2.

What if you have an old, non-breathable felt roof covering? In this instance, you need to make sure that you have at least a 50mm gap between any insulation in the rafter zone and the underside of the felt, see point 5 on the illustration. You will also need to ventilate at eaves and ridge level to ensure there is enough air movement to carry away any moisture.

The rest of the insulation is then fixed below the rafters as necessary to achieve the desired U-value as illustrated.

with the fact that it stores a significant amount of carbon this approach future proofs your home.

Figure 3.

1. Existing ceiling joist 2. Infill with Steico Flex flexible woodfibre batts 3. 140mm of Steico Flex woodfibre batts laid across existing insulation 4. Existing rafter – 50mm of ventilation is required within the rafter depth where the insulation is laid between the rafters at the eaves 5. Existing roofing felt 6. Existing roof tiles Heat protection?

Although we generally think about insulation as a way of keeping buildings warm during the winter, the right type of insulation can also keep it much cooler during the summer months.

Overheating has become a much more prevalent issue in housing as the new Part O (Overheating) approved document of the Building Regs lays out. Although not explicitly mentioned in this new regulation, the ability of the building fabric, and particularly the insulation material, to delay heat transfer can play a significant role. This process can be calculated and is called Heat decrement delay or ‘Phase shifting’.

The interesting, and often baffling, aspect of this phenomena is that structures which show a very similar U-value can have vastly different performance values during hotter periods. This is because U-values purely consider the ‘Thermal conductivity’ of a material, and not the Density or the Specific Heat Capacity.

These values contribute to a products ability to both store and ‘buffer’ heat and delay its progress through the structure.

Allowing for these two additional product characteristics means that we can properly assess the efficiency of a structure.

The images below show a roof make up of 240mm overall thickness with a variation in decrement delay (phase shift) achieved only by changing the insulation type, the thickness and overall section U value remain the same but the difference in phase shift is 5 hours between the maximum at 12 hours and the minimum at 7 hours. The overall U-value is the same at 0.17 W/m2K.

Insulating a loft with wood fibre insulation

Choosing and specifying wood fibre for your roof renovation will help you build spaces that are both warm in winter, cool in summer and quiet, even in urban locations. Natural insulations also bring with them other benefits in particular by acting as a carbon store locking away the carbon in the building structure making it a perfect choice for carbon friendly construction.

Internal temperatures stay low even during the hottest periods. When specifying insulation material you should always look for a U-value, condensation risk and heat protection value. This ensures that the structure works all year round and properly assesses the impact of external temperatures on the occupants of the building.

Do you need a vapour control layer if all the insulation is breathable? Yes. Always. Whenever you insulate you need to restrict the flow of moisture so that you do not create a situation where the levels of moisture within either the insulation or the timber rafters reaches damaging levels.

Winter is when most of this condensation would occur but also when it will dry out the slowest and with a well-ventilated structure, you can get damaging levels of moisture accumulating, even in wood fibre insulation. Vapour control layers do not have to be membranes, they can be plasters or OSB3, and are distinct from vapour barriers, which are effectively a complete vapour block. Vapour control layers slow the flow of moisture, not block it and in certain circumstances vapour barriers may cause a build-up of moisture, rather than prevent it. This is because vapour barriers block the movement of water vapour in any direction. A poorly installed vapour barrier will let water vapour through but then trap it within the fabric. This can lead to long-term degradation of both the insulation and even the structural timber.

What U-Values should I target? For existing domestic roof structures that are being refurbished, you should target a U-value of 0.18 W/m2K as a maximum. The new Part L of the Building Regulations is targeting even lower than this at 0.15W/m2K as they continue to try to improve the standard of our existing housing stock. You can go lower if you wish but unless you are insulating your walls as well, it is probably not necessary.

Choosing and specifying wood fibre for your roof renovation will help you build spaces that are both warm in winter, cool in summer and quiet, even in urban locations. Natural insulations also bring with them other benefits in particular by acting as a carbon store locking away the carbon in the building structure making it a perfect choice for carbon friendly construction. We are all aware of the rising cost of electricity and gas and anything that we can do to limit our usage can have a significant financial impact. Using natural wood fibre based materials also ensures a robust long-term solution, which limits our impact on the environment.

Even if you are not looking to fully renovate the pitched roof to create a habitable space, the inclusion of a natural wood fibre as a loft insulation has some key advantages over more traditionally used insulations.

Achieving this key performance value of 12 hours means that you can essentially delay the transfer of warm summer heat through the roof and limit its ability to influence the internal temperatures.

For more information on using natural insulation materials of all types or Steico wood fibre insulation for roof construction please call Ecomerchant on 01793 847 444 or visit www.ecomerchant.co.uk.

Also visit www.steico.co.uk

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The simple build-up shown in figure 3 provides a very thermally efficient solution as it meets new build standards.

It is also easy to use, as Wood fibre does not need any specialist protective equipment to install and does not collapse or slump over time. Coupled

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Project News

DOWN HALL ANNOUNCES £2.8 MILLION REFURBISHMENT TO LOUNGES AND GROUNDS 110-acre country house hotel and spa, Down Hall in Essex, continues its £2.8 million investment in the property with the development of its bar, lounge and outdoor facilities. The refurbishment is part of a continued commitment to develop and elevate the property following an extensive refurbishment of the hotel’s West Wing in August 2019, along with the reception area and Garden Room restaurant last year.

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aving begun work during the pandemic, externally a one-acre kitchen garden and apple tree orchard have been planted whilst a new landscaped wedding garden has been established. The hotel’s tennis facilities have been expanded with a new padel tennis court while a woodland trim trail experience has also been opened. A new 120-cover al fresco dining terrace will follow in May 2022, as an extension of the hotel’s recently renovated restaurant Garden Room.

Overseen by design agency, BESPOQE, the project will see the hotel’s bar and lounge renovated to create a luxurious and elegant

space that respects the rich history of the Grade II listed Italianate building, which can be traced back to the 10th century. Alongside carefully restoring and spotlighting the property’s period features, the new interiors will include a rich colour palette, bespoke furniture, new flooring, lighting and soft furnishings throughout.

The reimagined bar features a scheme of rich blues and dark woods with pops of red and orange detailing. An illuminated 12-foot-tall bar takes centre stage whilst custom-made furniture includes chairs upholstered in soft leather and plush sofas finished in Italian velvet.

In the adjoining lounge, a complementary palette features accents of a lighter periwinkle

blue and rose pink, with bespoke banquette seating finished in premium French leather.

The original antique marble fireplace has been carefully restored and a stunning art wall nods to the hotel’s expansive grounds with paintings of wildflowers, mythical creatures and a giant pear tree.

A spokesperson for Down Hall says: “This latest phase of investment is part of our longstanding commitment to establishing Down Hall as one of the finest countryside hotels and wedding venues in the UK. The property goes from strength to strength and we are determined to ensure that our food and beverage credentials are in keeping with tour established premium accommodation and events offering. Our new bar and lounge, alongside our recently renovated restaurant Garden Room headed up by Executive Chef Graham Noonan-Chatham, which will include a 120-cover al fresco terrace by May of this year, ensure we are well on track to help us meet this goal, and we are excited to unveil our beautiful transformation in time for summer.”

ELITE SCAFFOLDING PLAYS KEY ROLE IN CASTLE’S ROOF RENOVATION PROJECT A North Yorkshire scaffolding company is playing a key role in a major project being undertaken at a famous Yorkshire country house.

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aving already successfully completed projects at Knaresborough Castle and Allerton Castle, Thorpe Arch-based Elite Scaffolding is now playing a significant role in a major roof renovation project underway at Ripley Castle, near Harrogate.

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For its part, the Elite team spent four weeks scaffolding the exterior of the 14th Century, Grade I Listed building, home to the 6th Baronet Ingilby and his family, allowing specialist roofing contractors to carry out their work.

And whilst Ripley Castle is a private house, it and its grounds are open to the public. It is also a popular wedding venue. Last October, the Castle was one of 142 sites across England to receive a slice of the Government’s £35m Culture Recovery Fund.

Project News ASSAEL ARCHITECTURE RECEIVES GREEN LIGHT ON STAINES PLANNING DECISION

BRIGGSAMASCO EXPERTISE ENSURES SAFE, SMART DELIVERY OF HOSPITAL ROOF REFURBISHMENT The skill and flexibility of BriggsAmasco’s installation team was essential to the timely, high-specification completion of a roof refurbishment at a busy hospital site.

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he project involved supplying a watertight, thermally-efficient system for the long-term protection of ‘Appleton Wing’, a vital area of Warrington Hospital containing operating theatres and a range of acute medical services.

On behalf of the Warrington and Halton Trust, BriggsAmasco was required to repair the existing asphalt roof and install a high-performance bitumen membrane flat roofing system. The existing asphalt surface had reached the end of its lifespan and was starting to leak. As part of the repairs programme, BriggsAmasco’s team removed chippings from the roof in order to make good the asphalt. A new vapour control layer was then installed, followed by a tapered insulation system to enhance the

roof’s falls. The installation continued with an underlay sheet and was completed with an IKO UPXL waterproofing membrane.

This robust, fire-retardant solution, which comes with a 30-year guarantee, was sealed

by Briggs’ teams using hot air welders in a safe, torch-free application that negated the use of naked flame.

Despite the aforementioned challenges, BriggsAmasco completed the roof’s refurbishment within an agreed eight-week timeframe. Thanks to the diligence and workmanship of BriggsAmasco’s teams, the Appleton Wing of Warrington Hospital is now in possession of a roof which is longterm protected against the perils associated with water ingress for the safety and comfort of patients and staff.

On behalf of their client Inland Homes, Assael Architecture has won the appeal for a residential planning application for Elmsleigh Road, in Staines-upon-Thames, Spelthorne, following a previous rejection in June 2021. Working closely with Inland Homes, an established specialist in brownfield regeneration, the £30 million project will transform the currently unused site into a vibrant and well-connected destination of high-quality homes alongside dedicated amenity space and enhanced public realm

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he new scheme will consist of two mid-rise buildings, providing 206 sustainable homes, and reconnecting a currently undervalued area of the town centre into a dynamic and thriving extension of the high street. By facilitating pedestrian access, the development becomes permeable to the wider community, creating destination points and travelling routes, whilst prioritising pedestrians to create a safe and positive environment.

In addition to providing quality homes with 100% balcony provision, the buildings are connected by a landscaped podium at the first floor, providing residents with generous additional shared amenity spaces. Overall, 70 homes will be affordable, of which 65% of homes will be provided at affordable rent, and 35% at shared ownership.

The varying heights of the two buildings respond to the surrounding buildings, with chamfered forms offering dynamism and greater permeability of views. The material palette and tone across the building façades also respond sympathetically to the immediate context, extracting red and buff tones visible in the historic high street as well as picking up on the lighter tones of local modernist buildings.

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components products and services - FIT Show offers an unrivalled opportunity to get the brand infront of our 10,000 decision makers who are visiting the show specifically to purchase these goods.

FIT SHOW SET TO DELIVER RECORDBREAKING INDUSTRY SHOWCASE Organisers of FIT Show, the UK’s leading trade show for the glass, glazing, hardware and components industry, have announced record levels of industry support for its delayed 2021 event.

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IT Show will return to the NEC Birmingham from 10 - 12 May, 2022 and is set to bring together every link in the supply chain - from manufacturers and suppliers of the latest windows, doors, glass, hardware and components, right through to the specifiers and fitters of these products.

Visitor registration for the event is currently tracking at 50% above the same point in the campaign for FIT Show 2019 show, highlighting the appetite to get back to live events.

When FIT Show opens in May, it will be the first live European trade show for the fenestration industry in more than three years.

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Organisers have reported that there will be an exciting lineup with a

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“We really have hit the ground running this year and I am delighted to see so many exciting brands, both new and returning, added to the FIT Show 2022 lineup.”

combination of brand leaders, new and exciting start-ups, FIT Show first-timers and some well known brands who will be returning for the first time in several years.

In January, machinery giant Haffner Murat increased its space to 610sqm, making it the largest stand in FIT Show’s history, in order to be able to showcase more running machinery such as the Graf Synergy Range.

Fenestration industry recruitment experts Chase Taylor have also taken more space at the show, as did composite decking supplier Ronjack.

Debut FIT Show exhibitors who have signed up in recent weeks include bespoke metal door manufacturer, Strongdor and modular steel outbuildings manufacturer, Telluria.

They will be joined by FIT Show firsttimers ICB Fabrications, sustainable merchandise supplier Media HUT, Checkatrade and Solar Calibre Doors.

Returning brands include machinery experts Emmegi, bespoke timber window, door and fire doorset manufacturer West-Port Timber, window and door manufacturer Force 8, and hardware manufacturer J Banks & Co Ltd. FIT Show event director, Nickie West comments: “We really have hit the ground running this year and I am delighted to see so many exciting brands, both new and returning, added to the FIT Show 2022 lineup.

“The lifting of UK restrictions and delay of Fensterbau have boosted both exhibitor and visitor enquiries, making the UK a safe haven for those looking to connect their brand with the market, en masse, via a trade show. We’re proud that FIT Show will be the first major European trade show for the entire industry, postpandemic.

“For manufacturers and suppliers of the latest glass, glazing, hardware and

“For those who specify or install these products, whether that be on small domestic projects right through to multi-site and complex commercial builds or retrofits, a trip to FIT Show will allow them to see the latest products on the market. We’ll have every link in the supply chain under one roof allowing visitors to speak directly to manufacturers, network and connect with colleagues and suppliers old and new.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes on our learning programme, which is taking shape at pace. We’ll be delivering the very latest information about key industry issues, including presentations about the Approved Documents F, L & O covering the upcoming changes to Building Regulations, which are to come into force from 15th June.

“We’ll also be looking at sustainability, offsite and modular construction and content that helps our audience to do better business when they leave the show. From finding the most sustainable product offerings and managing their supply chain, through to improving efficiencies.”

Over 200 brands will display the very latest products and materials for use across domestic, commercial, private and public sector building and renovation projects. Visitors can expect to see the likes of door manufacturer Doorco, glazing experts Glazpart, window systems giant Kommerling, Roseview Windows, lantern roof experts Made For Trade, Morley Glass, Ultraframe, VEKA and Victorian Sliders.

2022 NEC BIRMINGHAM 10-12 MAY 2022

FITSHOW.CO.UK

THE COUNTDOWN

TO FIT SHOW IS ON

NEC BIRMINGHAM, 10-12 MAY 2022 Meet these exhibitors and much more at FIT Show 2022. Scan the QR code to register for FREE. #FITShow22

HIGH PERFORMANCE, HEALTHY BUILDINGS: GET THE TECH RIGHT

By Erik Boyter, CEO, WindowMaster

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espite its seismic social impact over the past 24 months, the pandemic was only one of a string of events which has highlighted the importance of high indoor air quality (IAQ) and optimal energy efficiency, particularly in commercial buildings.

Other factors, including Cop26, imminent changes to building standards, and the ongoing energy crisis, have all helped make a clear case: high performance, healthy buildings must become a key aim for specifiers.

Whilst the fabric of the building plays an important role, delivering optimal IAQ and energy efficiency primarily comes down to the quality of the systems incorporated throughout, particularly for HVAC. Unfortunately, a misconception persists that high-quality ventilation is, by default, mechanical. This could not be further from the truth.

Modern, automated natural ventilation has evolved significantly over the last decade. Now able to integrate with building management systems (BMS), it can be supported by low-energy smart technology to introduce fresh air into a space while releasing stale air, without any manual intervention or interruption to building occupants.

Unlike mechanical-only ventilation it’s incredibly energy efficient, achieving a far smaller carbon footprint.

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Here, it’s important to caveat that in some instances, such as warm climate location, a hybrid system might be more appropriate to deliver optimal IAQ efficiently. What’s clear is a solely mechanical solution is not always the go-to one, and the latest technology is now helping to unlock the full potential of natural ventilation. It’s a big step in the right direction.

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A traditional approach to automated natural ventilation is relatively simple in the first instance, comprising the BMS, weather station and room sensors to monitor conditions inside and out, a keypad input to the BMS allowing user override, a raise-lower device and a power supply – for each bank of windows. With each additional bank, the system becomes very complex with a lot of different components. This in turn requires considerable design work, maintenance and additional devices for monitoring. It also takes up valuable space.

Operational tolerances for a traditional approach, with lots of devices across lots of field cabling, also means there is often less accuracy with window positions.

Erik Boyter, CEO, WindowMaster

ABOVE

Modern, automated natural ventilation has evolved significantly over the last decade.

Now able to integrate with building management systems (BMS), it can be supported by lowenergy smart technology to introduce fresh air into a space while releasing stale air, without any manual intervention or interruption to building occupants.

With Net Zero 2050 goals at the front of everyone’s minds, I suspect we’ll see technology play an increasingly integral role in the passive delivery of high IAQ. However, not all tech is created equal and, for RRN readers new to natural or mixed-mode ventilation, it’s crucial to get your digital systems right from the outset for operational effectiveness. Let me explain.

Fortunately, modern controllers are available which bring a level of precision, monitoring and simplicity, unattainable with traditional systems.

The latest technology also streamlines the task, allowing the operator to replace 25 individual components with a single network-based controller. Each controller has up to 10 motor outputs, each of which can connect up to 4 actuators, for a higher level of building performance, lower cost and reduced design time, while simplifying the system architecture considerably.

Complementing this approach with high-quality actuators will help ensure accurate window openings, variable speeds to meet different needs and minimal noise disruption. Further, the right sensors and BMS will help optimise set points for temperature and air quality based on what occupants find the most comfortable. If you can’t monitor it, you can’t manage it.

Energy efficiency and the desire for high-quality, fresh air aren’t passing trends, nor are they at odds with one another. Natural ventilation offers the potential to achieve both in an environmentally friendly way. Further, specifying the right supporting technology will deliver a highperformance system, ensuring building occupants are comfortable and healthy now and for years to come.

MODERSOHN® STAINLESS STEEL: MARKET PRESENCE 2022 AS STRONG AS NEVER BEFORE Spenge. Wilhelm Modersohn GmbH & Co. KG relies on a strong market presence in times of crisis.

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n times like these, it is more important than ever for manufacturing companies to maintain and strengthen their customer relationships. “With stability, reliability and an unwavering presence, we want to confirm to our customers the trust they need to place in us for their project business,” justifies Wilhelm Modersohn, managing director and owner of the stainless steel processing company. Neither the pandemic nor the shortage of materials were able to divert the company from its continuing course of success last year.

BELOW

Wilhelm Modersohn

The manufacturer’s market presence abroad is also to be further expanded.

Proactive investments for 2022 will focus on the expansion of digital technologies. Even better IT security systems and specially created multilingual software programmes and interfaces will ensure more effective and sustainable customer relations.

The online shop for fastening accessories and standard parts made of duplex steel was already launched in August 2021 and is to be established more intensively this year as a special customer service.

With its own test laboratory, including a test engineer and test equipment for comprehensive material analyses and product tests such as hardness, roughness, sealing and mechanical load tests, quality assurance at Modersohn was also significantly strengthened last year in favour of customer satisfaction.

Sustainability of Modersohn products is also a topic that will be made transparent for the business customers of Wilhelm Modersohn GmbH & Co. KG.

Environmental product declarations are currently being prepared for the most popular products, the MOSO® support anchor brackets and the MBA CE anchor channel. The proof of a so-called EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is increasingly requested by architects and planning offices in the field of sustainable building, for the construction of “green houses”.

One can also look forward to the introduction of product innovations and further developments. In addition, the company announces that further investments in new production machines and the construction of additional production halls are already being planned for 2023.

Company description: Wilhelm Modersohn GmbH & Co. KG is known in the field of stainless steel processing and the production of fastening elements above all for manufacturing series and special products from high-alloy and special stainless steels. For years, the company has been focusing on duplex steels, in particular the so-called “Lean Duplex” steels (1.4062, 1.4162, 1.4362), whose market launch in the German construction industry has been personally championed by Managing Director W. Modersohn since 2002.

Website: www.modersohn.eu

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Thus, the 2021 financial year, with a record turnover of just under 22 million euros, saw an increase in turnover of 16 %. “In the last 20 years, we have quadrupled our turnover, and we have invested the profit primarily in the expansion of our site, in new machinery and equipment and, last but not least, in qualified personnel,” reports W. Modersohn, looking back wistfully to the old days. “In 1970, my father, Wilhelm Modersohn senior, founded the company and started producing the first MU anchor in a chicken coop. He only had two employees, and I helped out with pre-assembly when I was a boy.” Today, Modersohn is one of Europe’s largest suppliers in the field of manufacturing

“With stability, reliability and an unwavering presence, we want to confirm to our customers the trust they need to place in us for their project business”

and distributing heavy-duty fasteners for masonry and precast concrete façade systems, made of stainless steel and Lean Duplex steel. With 145 employees, the company manages to constantly expand its area of expertise and thus also its market position.

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THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR TIMBER-ALTERNATIVES The glazing industry used to be about cheap white plastic windows; that’s no longer the case. Heritage and timber-alternative windows are now wellestablished and popular, for both refurbishment and new build projects.

And nothing typifies this movement more than sliding sash windows.

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ash windows have been a significant part of British architecture since the 17th century. Their popularity peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, before dipping in the mid-1950s. But the UK’s aging housing stock means that there are a huge number of older properties out there undergoing renovation, and as a nation our renewed interest in traditional and heritage architecture means that suitable and authentic replacement windows are in demand.

Buckinghamshire-based Roseview Windows has been manufacturing sash windows for over 35 years. As the first UK company to specialise solely in uPVC sash windows they have been involved in this part of the heritage market longer than anyone else.

Roseview currently estimates that the overall UK sash window market represents more than 8,000 units per week – higher than it has ever been.

TIMELESS STYLE With the demand already there, modern timber-alternative sash windows are well placed to fill the gap.

First and foremost, they look and operate exactly like traditional timber sash windows.

Advances in materials, finishes and manufacturing techniques mean that a wellmade, well-designed modern sash window is indistinguishable from a timber original, both from the kerb and close-up.

You have to choose the right model though, as details can make a big difference. Some models are best-suited to new homes, with thicker profiles and sculptured lines that work with modern architecture. Roseview’s Charisma Rose sash window is one example of this type.

Ultimate Rose is designed specifically to improve upon original sash windows. At 137mm deep its dimensions match those used by traditional box sashes, and it’s designed to be installed behind a building’s external brick or stone face, as original box sashes were. It has customised chamfered profiles, including – at 35mm – the slimmest meeting rail of any modern sash window.

At the other end of the scale are windows that go all-out for traditional authenticity, with slim profile lines, traditional butt joints, chamfered putty lines and glazing bars, and all-important continuous sash horns. Roseview’s premium Ultimate Rose sash window is a great example of how far timber-alternative windows have come in terms of authenticity, winning awards for design and innovation along the way.

Ultimate Rose is designed specifically to improve upon original sash windows. At 137mm deep its dimensions match those used by traditional box sashes, and it’s designed to be installed behind a building’s external brick or stone face, as original box sashes were. It has customised chamfered profiles, including – at 35mm – the slimmest meeting rail of any modern sash window.

There are no PVC welds anywhere on the window - all sash and frame corners are mechanically butt-jointed to give a joinery finish. Essentially every detail has been designed to match a timber sash.

MODERN PERFORMANCE

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The attraction of timber-alternative heritage windows isn’t just a result of their appearance. Once you have a window that looks right, a host of modern benefits come into play.

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Firstly, there’s cost. An authentic premium modern sash window will typically cost around 20% less than a modern softwood equivalent. Hardwood is more expensive still. For that cost timber-alternative windows provide levels of security, energy efficiency and sound-proofing that far exceed those of original windows.

Then there’s maintenance. uPVC windows are virtually maintenance-free, with no sanding, filling, staining or repainting required. Over a window’s lifetime these cost and time savings make the timberalternative version even more attractive.

Consumers are naturally concerned by the lifetime and sustainability of uPVC, especially in light of some of the misinformation that has been spread about the material.

The reality is that modern uPVC windows are currently rated as having a lifetime of at least 40 years, and this expectation is growing. Modern uPVC doesn’t rot, degrade or discolour, and doesn’t require regular maintenance. It simply needs to be cleaned occasionally, using standard detergents. On top of this uPVC is fully recyclable up to ten times, and is remade into new windows – called closed-loop recycling.

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME With the market for heritage windows and doors booming, and a new generation of products that focus on design and performance, Roseview director Mike Bygrave feels that there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

“The design and authenticity of uPVC sash windows has come a long way in the last 35 years.” Mike comments. “The vertical sliders from the 1980s and 90s quietly and gradually changed the uPVC window market, by providing functional alternatives to casements in buildings designed to have sash windows.

However, while they matched the style and function of original sashes, it was obvious that they were uPVC. The authenticity wasn’t there.

“That’s all changed now - today’s premium sash windows can stand side-by-side with timber originals and be virtually indistinguishable. They’re not just equivalent to timber windows, in many cases they’re a better solution. They look right, offer all the modern thermal and security benefits you’d expect, and cost less.”

Visit sashwindowsuk.com to find out more about Roseview’s range of sash windows.

QUITE SIMPLY, THE UK’S MOST AUTHENTIC TIMBER-ALTERNATIVE SASH WINDOW Ultimate Rose

A Rated

Acoustics

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Icons with borders are standard features. Ones without borders are options.

01234 712 657 www.sashwindowsuk.com

Project News DBR AWARDED CRYSTAL PALACE SUBWAY RESTORATION CONTRACT

MAJOR REFURBISHMENT WORK TO HULL MARITIME MUSEUM GETS UNDERWAY Thanks to investment from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a multimillion-pound refurbishment of Maritime Museum got underway at the beginning of January 2022

by Yorkshire based company, Simpson.

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DBR Ltd, one of the UK’s leading heritage construction contractors, has announced it has won the contract to undertake restoration works on the historic Crystal Palace Subway.

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his follows a recent decision by the London Borough of Bromley’s Executive to award the work to the conservation specialists, with valued partners Historic England and the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway also sitting on the panel that assess the applicants.

Commencing soon, the restoration works, estimated at £3.2m, on the Grade II* listed subway will include rebuilding existing walls and the construction of a new roof over the courtyard.

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Significantly, the project will see the repair of the Victorian subway, including the

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rebuilding of existing walls, construction of new parapet walls, and a roof structure.

The proposed new roof will be visible from Crystal Palace Parade, with the subway exterior being made from glass and stainless steel, and the gable enclosed with Corten steel. The estimated £3.2m cost of restoring the Subway follows successful grant allocations of £2.34m from the City of London Strategic Investment Pot and an additional £639k from Historic England.

Contributions to the works are also coming from the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway.

The subway first opened in 1865 and is located to the edge of Crystal Palace Park under the Crystal palace Parade and is one of the last original Crystal Palace structures and is much loved by the community, with its own dedicated Friends’ group.

London Borough of Southwark continue to be involved in the restoration project. A planning application covering restoration works to small parts of the subway that lie within the borough of Southwark has also been submitted to the Council.

he transformation will see major changes to the building and exhibitions, offering residents and visitors a much-improved experience and secure the museum’s future well into the 21st century. More of the Victorian architecture revealed for the first time, the second floor will open to the public as well as access to one of the building’s domes, offering views across the city skyline.

A new three-storey foyer will draw people into the heart of the building, providing a visually stunning and thematic introduction to the galleries beyond. This will be created by reopening up the original light well that helped to illuminate the Victorian dock offices.

New galleries and control systems will allow the museum to host the very best national and international exhibitions. Physical accessibility to the building will undergo major improvements whilst remaining sensitive to the original architecture, including a new entrance ramp and stairs, lift and changing place.

Expected to re-open in early 2025, 50 per cent more objects will be on display, along with new exhibitions and stories, an extended gift shop and a brand-new café area will also be created.

The specialist works will be undertaken by award-winning heritage contractor Simpson based in York, who have a proven track record in delivering prestigious restoration and refurbishments projects like the Hull Maritime Museum. These include the Grade I listed World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral, Grade I listed Ledston Hall, York Art Gallery, Bowes Museum, Cliffords Tower and Castle Howard.

Project News

HOWDENS COMPLETES REFURBISHMENT OF RICK STEIN’S COOKERY SCHOOL The UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, Howdens, has completed the refurbishment of the kitchens at Rick Stein’s Cookery School in Padstow, Cornwall.

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owdens has supplied Navy doors from its Chelford collection, with Natural Oak cabinets, along with White Arabesque Marble Quartz worktops, Lamona sinks and taps, and brass accessories giving the school a homely and welcoming feel for its guests to enjoy.

One of the UK’s most beloved chefs, Rick is author of 24 cookery books and star of several cookery series and documentaries

as well as owning and running restaurants across the country, retail shops, accommodation, and the cookery school in Padstow alongside his business partner and co-founder Jill Stein.

Nick Evans, Head Chef Lecturer at Rick Stein’s Cookery School and Restaurants, says: “Howdens was a natural fit for the refit of the cookery school as their product offering is vast and we were able to get exactly what we wanted. It was important that the cookery school retained its charm and that the products we chose provided a welcoming feel but also were built extremely well as they have to withstand a lot of use. Howdens were able to deliver on all these ‘must haves’, and we are very happy with the finished result.”

Emma Dolman, Interior & Event Designer at Howdens, says: “We worked closely with the team at Rick Stein’s Cookery School to

ensure the design met their brief. As well as fixed cabinetry, there was a need for mobile workstations and sinks to allow flexibility in the layout as required.

“Our designers were able to create units that matched the overall look and feel including the use of quartz worktops to guarantee longevity, as well as several practical features.

“It was a pleasure to design and the Howdens team can’t wait to attend one of the cookery events in the near future!”

Howdens is the exclusive supplier of the UK’s best-selling integrated appliance brand, Lamona. Offering a wide range of cooking, cooling, laundry and dishwashing appliances.

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Events & Awards News REVITALISED BANKING HALL NAMED FINALIST FOR THREE DESIGN AWARDS One of Nottingham’s most recently refurbished spaces is a finalist for three awards at this year’s British Council for Offices (BCO) Midlands and Central England Awards.

GENERAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT DELIVERED DURING PANDEMIC SCOOPS INDUSTRY AWARD The extension and refurbishment of the General Intensive Care Unit (GICU) at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), delivered during the pandemic, has been recognised with a prestigious construction industry award.

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he £22 million state-ofthe-art GICU, designed by architect Stride Treglown and delivered by BAM Construction, was named ‘Best Non-residential Extension or Alteration of the Year’ at the 2021 LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence Awards.

The GICU is situated on the first floor of a four-storey extension at the front of the UHS’ main site, Southampton General Hospital, with close links to other critical care departments, operating theatres and diagnostics.

The facility was designed following extensive consultation with the clinical staff that highlighted the impact that internal environment can have on patients’ wellbeing and recovery, with emphasis placed

on the use of natural daylight to create a sense of connection to the outside. The unit’s requirements of observation, privacy and flexibility are also balanced with a mix of open bays and isolation rooms, including a specialist burns room with humidity control.

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rchitecture and interior design firm CPMG Architects oversaw the internal refit of the Grade II listed property in St. Peter’s Gate, Nottingham, which started life in the 1870s as the headquarters of the British Waterways Company.

The building later became the Standard Chartered Bank, followed by a life as several bars before sitting vacant for several years before CPMG took it on.

Now serving as a flexible office workspace for CPMG’s awardwinning team, which moved into the space in the summer of 2021, the building has a new lease of life and is set to

welcome the award judges in February.

The new interior space has a single studio environment complete with a new mezzanine level, which has been created within the building’s doubleheight space. Meanwhile, the former bank vaults are now home to meeting spaces and a break-out zone. The ground floor entrance space incorporates a co-working zone with coffee bar and a central flexible space for the team’s social events.

The British Council for Offices Midlands and Central England Awards will take place at the ICC in Birmingham on 20 May.

BAM worked closely with the Trust’s Estate Project team, who provided P22 Project Management and Supervisor roles and who instigated a robust BIM and asset modelling requirement to facilitate the project’s maintenance and future management.

The construction of the GICU extends BAM’s association with UHS, that dates back almost 50 years when it built some of the hospital’s original buildings.

BELLWAY NORTH LONDON’S ADAM SIMMS WINS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR An aspiring site manager from Uxbridge who discovered a passion for construction after helping his dad with a house extension during lockdown has been named Bellway’s Apprentice of the Year.

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dam Simms, 19, was selected from the national housebuilder’s cohort of 178 apprentices across the UK to receive the coveted award.

The apprentice assistant site manager, who is currently based at Bellway’s Waterside at Riverwell development in Watford, was nominated for the prize by his manager and other colleagues who praised his commitment to the job, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.

Adam, who joined Bellway’s Ruislip-based North London division in September 2020 after finishing his A-Levels, said: “It was a complete shock to get the call saying I had won the award.

My manager and the technical manager on site both said they’d put a nomination in as a thank you for my work, but I never thought I would go as far as to win.”

“I was taken aback but very grateful. It’s always nice to be recognised for the hard work you put in.

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People On The Move SMARTROOF PROMOTES THREE KEY STAFF The UK’s leading manufacturer of offsite, panelised ‘room in roof’ systems Smartroof is delighted to announce some key appointments within its rapidly expanding UK team with Tom Wright as Design and Technical Director, Jamie Bremner as Head of Contracts and Matthew Horwood as Contracts Manager. Tom brings 8 years experience in panelised roofs and Jamie has 5 years behind him.

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om Wright, Jamie Bremner and Matthew Horwood have taken up their new positions following the busiest 12 months in the company’s history. The promotions demonstrate Smartroof’s continued commitment to support and invest in its people and expertise as it continues its growing presence across the UK. The final promotion sees Matthew Horwood taking up the role of Contracts Manager having joined the company 13 months ago as contracts supervisor within the Contracts Department.

From left to right: Matthew Horwood (Contracts manager), Tom Wright (Design & Technical Director), Jamie Bremner (Head of Contracts)

MICHAEL GRUBB STUDIO WELCOMES RACHAEL FLINT AS NEW ASSOCIATE Prominent lighting design practice Michael Grubb Studio has expanded its expert team with the appointment of Rachael Flint.

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oining the practice as an Associate, Rachael brings with her more than a decade’s experience in the lighting industry. Having worked for consultancies in London, Oxfordshire and Sydney, Rachael understands the differing challenges of national and international projects.

As well as spanning continents, Rachael’s experience has ranged from hospitality to residential, cinemas to heritage and commercial developments. Tourism has also played a role in her portfolio, having worked on lighting designs for cruise ships and airports.

Rachael is a previous winner of the Young Lighter of the Year accolade, as well as being named as one of Lighting magazine’s ‘40 under 40’ industry achievers.

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Demonstrating her commitment to the lighting industry, Rachael has been a judge for the Lighting Design Awards and the SLL Young Lighter. She has also spent time assessing papers for PLDC and has delivered a number of PLDC industry talks – including ‘Task Lighting at the Hospital Bed’ and ‘Lighting in Sydney’.

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Rachael will be joining the team on a phased-basis as she returns from maternity leave. This is demonstrative of Michael Grubb Studio’s commitment to flexible working, and the need for a worklife balance.

GT3 ARCHITECTS BOOSTS ‘PEOPLE ARCHITECTURE’ INVESTMENT WITH NEW SENIOR HIRE Leading architecture firm GT3 Architects has bolstered its team with a new client relationship and development lead. Stephen Parker will join the practice, working with a national remit and forming part of its leadership team.

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ith more than 35 years’ experience in the business sector, Stephen joins GT3 after more than a decade working for tier one contractor Willmott Dixon as its national leisure and hotel sector lead. The two firms, GT3 Architects and Willmott Dixon, have previously worked together on a number of award-winning sport and leisure schemes as well as the latter’s new Weybridge offices.

Stephen will support GT3’s designated sector leads, which were announced last year, helping them to deliver their objectives and mentoring members of staff across all levels.

The firm recently won the prestigious Constructing Excellence ‘People Development’ award for its focus on personal and professional development, led by its designated ‘people champion’.

People On The Move FOUR NEW APPOINTMENTS BOLSTER THE SEVENHOMES TEAM SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has strengthened its land team with four new appointments to help drive forward its ambitious growth plans.

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aresh Laxhman joins the business as Associate Land Director, bringing over 15 years of industry experience and having worked with companies including Homes England, Taylor Wimpey and Bermac Properties. In his new position, Paresh will be instrumental in acquiring development opportunities throughout Birmingham, Warwickshire, and Oxfordshire.

With over five years’ experience in consultancy and acquisition, Joe Gilday joins SevenHomes as Land Manager. Having held positions with businesses including Montague Property Group and Quinta Group, in his new role Joe will be responsible for land acquisition across Worcestershire and the Black Country.

Callum Richards adds further strength to SevenHomes having been appointed as Land Buyer.

With a demonstrated history of working within the commercial, retail and residential housing sectors, Callum will support the wider team in identifying and delivering new land opportunities across the Black Country, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Finally, Alex Simpson has been appointed as Land Buyer. After studying at Birmingham City University and gaining valuable industry experience as Land Acquisition Assistant for Damson Homes, Alex will focus on identifying new land opportunities across Birmingham and Warwickshire in his role at SevenHomes.

SNICKERS WORKWEAR – WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU FOR CLIMATE CONTROL New styles from Snickers Workwear deliver winter warmth and cooling comfort when you need it.

Not only will you stay warm with Snickers Workwear’s 37.5® Technology clothing, you’ll look and feel cool too. With styles for both professional tradesmen and women, they excel at ventilation to keep you cool and moisture transportation to stop you getting cold. They work together to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on site.

The 37.5® Technology fabric is a very quick-drying material that captures and releases moisture vapour – like your sweat - for superior coolness and dry working comfort. It’s integrated into selected Snickers Workwear base- mid- and top-layer garments to keep you working at your best whatever the weather.

After all, keeping a balanced work temperature is not just about staying cool and in great shape, it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety.

GARADOR OFFERS PERFECT FIT With modern house designs, many garages are taller, wider or have individual specifications. This is why leading UK garage door manufacturer Garador offers an extensive range of both standard and purpose-made garage door sizes all the way up to 5000mm wide.

With a comprehensive range of purpose-made up & over garage door sizes, you can specify a garage door that fits perfectly every time. No need for adjustments or for infill, offering a real saving in time and cost as well. Furthermore, when using a quick-fit steel frame the door can go straight onto the brickwork, saving time and effort constructing a timber sub-frame.

Garador also offer an extensive range of standard sized up & over garage doors, which includes new heights of up to 7’2” in its popular Carlton and Horizon models.

For more information on Snickers Workwear’s Climate Control garments visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk alternatively, call the Snickers Workwear Helpline on 01484 854788.

Find out more about Garador’s complete range of garage doors at www.garador.co.uk or call 01935 443 722.

RRN1121004- Snickers Workwear UK- QP.indd 1

22/10/2021 RRN32200213:19:40 Garador- QP.indd 1

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So, to make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the Climate Control garments from Snickers Workwear that work together to suit your workday.

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10/03/2022 16:11:16

RECLAIM YOUR SPACE WITH SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS THAT WILL KEEP YOUR KITCHEN CLUTTER FREE Over the last couple of years, we found new and inventive ways to store away our clutter.

From the expected kitchen wares like pots, pans, and ingredients to cleaning products and even office supplies, our kitchen storage needs have evolved as we adjust to the ever-changing landscape of homeworking and family life.

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inead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager, LochAnna Kitchens is here to help with expert advice on how you can clear away clutter and reclaim your space.

A beautifully aesthetic kitchen that doesn’t work on a practical level won’t stand the test of time, so when designing a kitchen storage must be one of the most crucial elements to consider. Don’t fall foul to the mistake of leaving storage to the last minute.

Instead, when you’re first designing your kitchen space think about how you and your family use the kitchen on a day-to-day basis and how your needs might evolve and grow in the near future. You can then use this information to select the ideal storage

A beautifully aesthetic kitchen that doesn’t work on a practical level won’t stand the test of time, so when designing a kitchen storage must be one of the most crucial elements to consider.

and design the rest of your kitchen around these elements.

Build storage that suits your lifestyle It is important to choose the storage solutions that suit your lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on style. Whether you’re planning around pets and children or simply want to ensure that you have all the space you need for your hobbies, the Lifestyle larder is a great way to tailor storage to your individual needs. With 1600mm of vertical space, the Lifestyle Larder is an elegant solution to storing bulky items like ironing boards and vacuum cleaners.

Built in storage is also a great way to hide away the plethora of toys, treats and everything else that comes with owning a pet.

Use pantries and dressers to hide or display appliances

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In smaller kitchens all available surface space is crucial. So, whether you want to display or hide away your small appliances, dressers and pantries are a great option. Instead of wasting critical surface space, appliances like toasters, mixers and blenders can be kept in a pantry or displayed in a glass door dresser. By keeping usable surface space open, you not only give yourself more workspace but gives an overall chic and clutter free look to the room, where all the chaos is hidden behind closed doors.

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Install a pull-out pantry Maximising your space with pull out storage is a really fantastic way to make sure that you have all your essentials close by, without having the clutter of surface storage. Keeping

cooking must-haves neatly tucked away and yet easily accessible is also a wonderful way to use odd spaces that might otherwise be overlooked.

If you want to add extra flair to your pull- out storage, try transferring your spices and baking ingredients to matching, labelled jars for a uniform effect that keeps everything in order.

Get creative with a corner larder Corner larders offer clever solutions that allow homeowners to use areas of the kitchen which are often under-utilised, by being placed on the diagonal the need for stretching around dark corners and reaching in odd angles are eliminated. Instead, you can simply see everything you have stored at a glance and access becomes as simple as stepping inside.

For even more convenience, install a shelving unit that slides out, delivering your essentials to you!

The Blind Corner Larder for Le Mans uses every inch of space, whilst keeping everything organised on four individual shelves.

Bespoke your boot room Why not create a bespoke boot room that clears up clutter in your hallway or utility room. The Washington Dust boot room combines Dust Grey bridging units and panels with Solutions White Oak shelving.

This custom solution gives you the perfect place to store boots, coats, umbrellas, and anything else you need in one place, making sure you have everything you need for an impromptu outing. You could even install a boot brush and doormat to prevent tracking dirt throughout the house after muddy walks.

LET’S GET SUSTAINABLE: LINCOLNSHIRE HOUSEBUILDER’S TOP TIPS FOR UPCYCLING FURNITURE Making the house a home is one of the most exciting things about moving to a new property and putting your stamp on the décor is important to make settling in a lot easier.

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uying all new furniture can be costly and personal taste can make it difficult to find furniture that fits the vision.

According to the British Heart Foundation, just under a third of people (30%) have thrown away furniture, electrical items and homewares in good enough condition that they could have been re-used, sold or donated.

Therefore, leading housebuilder Barratt Homes is helping new homeowners add a quirky twist to their décor with a guide on how to upcycle furniture. Whether it’s a minimalistic and modern look or a completely unique theme that’s the aim, the homebuilder is on hand to offer advice.

2. Prep the furniture for painting Before going all in with the repainting, it’s important to prep the furniture so your upcycling efforts last and there is no need to redo it in the future.

Jan Ruston, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “Whether you’re buying your first home or a property to last you a lifetime, it’s extremely important that you make it your own and turn it into somewhere you can settle down and feel comfortable. The advantage of a new home is that you have a blank canvas to work with and you can easily personalise everything to your own taste, so we’ve come up with our top tips for upcycling furniture for a truly unique style.”

Be sure to start any painting project by sanding the area, whilst being careful not to gouge the surface, so the paint has something to adhere to.

1. Finding the furniture of your dreams

If you have neutral walls, maybe consider painting the furniture in a

3. Find design inspiration If you need ideas on how you’d like your furniture to look, visiting mood board sites such as Pinterest is the best port of call as there is a plethora of home décor and design ideas for a range of different home styles.

For a more modern look, go for simple and clean lines such as straight legs and flat-front drawers. Look out for solidly built pieces and make sure that the furniture you’re putting your time into painting is worth upcycling.

striking colour to add a focal point or choose a softer muted tone if the wall colour is bold.

4. Finish off with some final touches The little touches can make a huge difference to furniture, such as replacing door, dresser, cupboard and wardrobe knobs.

Matching these to colours in the room is a nice way of tying everything together or mismatched doorknobs of different colours and patterns can create a farmhouse shabby chic look.

Barratt Homes is building in the county at its Bourne development.

For more information, call the sales team on 0333 355 8472 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.

The first step is finding a piece of furniture that fits the purpose you’re looking for. Whether it’s for storage, decoration or simply to fill a blank space, there is an abundance of ways which you can sniff out a good deal.

Facebook marketplaces is a great place to start as they are regularly updated with various furniture pieces – many of them advertised as less than half of the retail price or in some cases for free. Websites such as Gumtree and Preloved are also good ways of finding furniture for sale in your local area.

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For a more modern look, go for simple and clean lines such as straight legs and flat-front drawers. Look out for solidly built pieces and make sure that the furniture you’re putting your time into painting is worth upcycling.

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HOME STAGER REVEALS HOW ART CAN INFLUENCE YOUR HOME SALE Dressing a home to put on the market can feel like a difficult task, but with the right furnishing and a small investment, you could increase the offer value it attracts by up to 15%.

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laine Penhaul, interiors expert and founder of award-winning, national home staging company Lemon and Lime Interiors, says that renting paintings from artists can provide developers and house sellers the ability to effectively illustrate a luxurious and stylish lifestyle for the potential buyer, and help buyers realise a home’s potential.

In a hot property market, figures from November 2021 showed buyer numbers were up by 41% on 2019, and are expected to stay high throughout 2022. Artwork is an efficient way to create a statement without transforming an entire wall, says Elaine.

Art speaks a universal language Art makes a home more human, bringing life into a room without having to change the fundamental surface of a wall, it is a cost-efficient way to draw the eye to an interesting feature.

Often associated with an emotion, how a painting makes you feel can truly change the way a living space is viewed. No matter where you live, what language you speak, art is a universal language that can connect people, therefore should truly be considered in spaces whereby you are entertaining guests or first stepping into a room, such as a hallway. Art not only tells a story but also resonates with buyers and sellers who associate with it a familiar memory or location.

Art pushes beyond the boundaries of the canvas or frame it is mounted within. It extends into the other décor in our home, and even connects the outdoors with the indoors in some cases where nature is the subject.

Mixed media, colourways, patterns and worldwide artistic influences will all help on the decision for the materials and patterns used across additional

accessories and furniture to create the finished look.

In a bedroom for instance, something soulful and serene should be selected to create a feeling of calm. Soft washy abstracts in blues or greens and tranquil landscapes work well against soft white and natural coloured bed linen. Be sure to stray away from aggressive colours such as reds and oranges here as they exude energy.

L-R: Elaine Penhaul, Lemon and Lime Interiors, and Amy Harrison, Castle Fine Art ABOVE

“If you’re looking for an instant way to improve the saleability of your home value, then invest in artwork.

It helps to offer home buyers an immediate sense of homeliness, and will help your home stand out.”

homewares. Cushions, throws and even furniture can be chosen to co-ordinate with a favourite piece of art which adds to the finished look and breathes personality into a room.

The impact of art when selling a home Art can be the guiding framework of a room, assisting the overall layout for placing furniture and maximising the space available. It more than just an aesthetic – it’s about understanding people’s behaviours and evoking an emotion in the potential buyer – that’s what sells.

Larger more painterly pieces give proportion and scale to a room, while smaller framed images and prints pulled together to form an interesting gallery wall. This can lengthen the room in either direction, drawing the eye to a cluster of exciting images.

Art embellishes a home adding to its character and appeal. Making a space more interesting it absolutely adds value – whether that’s adding colour and texture to a space or ensuring the house feels cohesive in its entirety – art gives the impression of luxury and value as it might be considered an antique or collector’s item.

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It’s not just paintings that should be considered – sculptural studies should also be implemented to give depth to a room, allowing it to become more multi-dimensional which helps to transform dull, plain and square spaces into something more interesting and functional.

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Picking art for a variety of rooms Each room has an individual purpose so it’s important to curate the space to reflect its function. When chosen well, artwork can transform any room helping to tie together the cushions,

In a dining room you can feel confident to go bigger and bolder, the more interesting the better as it can be a conversation starter as you entertain guests. Experiential and multimedia works could really stand out in a space such as this, and sculptural centrepieces could also be used to dress the table.

Living rooms and hallways lend themselves better to gallery walls adding to the architectural shape of a property. The collaged effect can extend the rooms dimensions whether it’s situated above a stylish sofa, or defining a structural staircase - using art to define and shape a space can really add value.

Don’t forget to adorn workspaces and shelving units with miniature studies, prints and intriguing photographs, this can really make small living spaces like offices feel more fascinating.

A top tip when using dark colours on the walls is to keep a sense of light and space by hanging eye-catching art works in elaborate frames. If you’re feeling unsure about taking the plunge and re-decorating, a great way to create this look is by using dramatic print rugs or over-sized art pieces.

It’s imperative that no matter the work it is finished with the right framing showcasing quality and craftsmanship throughout. Something that can completely transform a piece, is the frame, complementing metallic accents, or adding a warmth and depth to the artwork.

Gary Turpin, head of manufacturing at Castle Fine Art added: “As well as changing the dimensions of an artwork, a frame can also become the focal point: ornate details can draw the viewer’s attention, while a rustic finish will make a room feel cosy and inviting.

If the artwork comes with a frame included, this has often been chosen by

a specialist; however, many galleries will offer a choice of frames.

“A frame will also affect the size of the artwork, while unusual presentations such as a triptych (a painting made of three sections) or a circular shape will allow them to get creative with their display.”

Selecting the right artwork The UK’s leading retail gallery group also offered their advice around selecting the right art for your home.

Amy Harrison, brand influencer and relationship manager from Castle Fine Art said: “The beauty of art is that it is so subjective, but that does mean that it can be tricky to guess what people will like.

“The more you view and engage with art, the more fun you will have making your selection. You could also listen to podcasts or follow artists, curators and critics on blogs and social media. Subscribing to galleries’ mailing lists is another great way to keep up-to-date with all of the latest art.

“When choosing art, you could consider a range of details, including your home décor, hobbies and

interests, and any memories you want to capture. You could also think about how you want the art to make you feel: do you want to remember fast-paced nights in the city, or feel tranquil in your living space?”

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choice available, it may be time to talk to an art consultant. As it’s their job to have their finger on the pulse, they are best-placed to talk you through the different finishes and styles, and help you to discover emerging contemporary artists, or international, diverse and indigenous artists whose work may not be in the limelight.”

Elaine said: “If you’re looking for an instant way to improve the saleability of your home value, then invest in artwork. It helps to offer home buyers an immediate sense of homeliness, and will help your home stand out.”

“When choosing art, you could consider a range of details, including your home décor, hobbies and interests, and any memories you want to capture.“

CONTEMPORARY CITY LIVING - THE CHELSEA TOWNHOUSE PROJECT WITH HAVWOODS This luxurious boutique townhouse in the beautiful London borough of Chelsea has recently been renovated to create a spacious, contemporary and environmentally conscious home.

To maximise the available natural light, a large extension was added to the rear of the property and the first-floor terrace was extended to create a completely new configuration with a bright, airy and more open feel.

Designed by Nancy Gouldstone Architects, Havwoods was specified to provide a comprehensive wood flooring solution that would align with the desired aesthetic and RRN322040- Havwoods- HP.indd 1

Used throughout the property, the wooden floor is complemented by dark wooden fitted furniture, gold light fittings and a marble

kitchen; clean white walls accentuate the stunning floor covering whilst creating a feeling of spaciousness.

As the property needed to be suitable for renting, the wood floor needed to be robust and able to withstand wear and tear, in order to look its best for many years to come. The lacquered finish of the Alsace planks provides stain resistance but in a more subtle way.

Compatible with underfloor heating, Alsace is a versatile choice and therefore an ideal surface option for many modern homes.

From sustainability point of view, the timber is FSC® (FSC-C009500) certified which means that it was able to meet the design criteria desired by the homeowner and architect for an environmentally conscious home.

Website: www.havwoods.com/uk Email: info@havwoods.com Phone: +44(0)1524 737000 Photography: © Simon Kennedy 23/03/2022 12:33:07

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The design brief was to create a home that was simple but sculptural, bold but in a more subtle and understated way. To achieve this, a pared-back, clean, minimalist colour palette was chosen for the interior scheme, with tactile materials that would add comfort and a level of softness to this contemporary living space.

contribute to a seamless flow throughout.

Alsace Rustic in a Herringbone design was chosen for its natural, light colouring and beautiful textured grain.

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People On The Move NEW DIRECTOR FOR CPW AS FIRM ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS AT ALL LEVELS International M&E consultancy CPW has announced the appointment of Jim Frisby to director as part of a significant number of promotions announced by the firm.

Jim Frisby

J

im joined CPW in 2015, operating in the consultancy’s Leicester office. His new role will see him maintaining the existing strong relationships with clients, team management as well as promoting the growth of the business.

His promotion is one of several across CPW’s 11 offices, with 19 other team members being rewarded for their hard work and dedication.

Jim has worked on a host of high-profile schemes from the Leicester office over the past year. This includes the Hotel La Tour, which is due for completion in March 2022, the zero carbon St. Margaret’s bus station and the ground-breaking GKN aerospace global technology centre.

Paul Titmus

Other promotions include Paul Titmus and Keith Terry moving up to associate director roles in the Solihull office, and Gareth Whittaker, Hannah Beirne and Alex Skidmore being named as associates in Leeds, Solihull and Nottingham respectively.

REHAU EXPANDS SALES SUPPORT IN THE NORTH As part of its ongoing business investment, REHAU has appointed Robert Benn as Commercial Sales Manager for Window Solutions, North.

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obert comes to the polymer solutions provider after more than five years as an Estimating Manager within the fenestration industry. Bringing skills from his previous role, Robert’s new responsibilities involve assisting installers on both residential and commercial projects in the north of the UK. Robert Benn

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CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 240 staff based across 11 offices – including Bristol, Derby, Huntingdon, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Nottingham, and Solihull as well as Poland and India – and specialises in designing and integrating a full range of responsible and innovative building services solutions into existing and new buildings.

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PROJECT: CANAL HOUSE AMSTERDAM Amsterdam based studio i29 converted a neglected 17th century canal house into a bright home with unexpected views and room for discovery. The house is located along the canals near Amstelveld, originally constructed in 1675. Over the years the house had been fallen into almost a complete ruin, the renovation took more than 2 years and was executed in collaboration with a team of specialists.

T

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he new interior highlights different areas in color which gives a new perspective on the monument. Original details are variously exposed or hidden in colorful rooms.

To create unexpected sight-lines and a spatial experience, the different spaces are connected by allowing color or finish to continue from one space to another. In contrast to the existing structure, new interventions and finishes by i29 are clearly recognizable.

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The kitchen space on the ground floor is finished in white concrete, light walls and a custom designed oak kitchen and dining table. As you walk through, a green glass volume marks a hidden guest room that is fully equipped with an en-suite bathroom and access to the garden.

CREDITS Client: Private Interior design: i29 Object: Canal House Amsterdam Size: 115 m2 Restoration: Kodde Contractor: G.K. Visbeen & Co. Interior builder: Schneider Interieurbouw Photo’s: Ewout Huibers

The kitchen space on the ground floor is finished in white concrete, light walls and a custom designed oak kitchen and dining table.

As you walk through, a green glass volume marks a hidden guest room that is fully equipped with an en-suite bathroom and access to the garden. The kitchen is visually connected to the study room above through a gray stained oak wall, which also forms a beautiful entrance to the rooms above. The same gray continues in the living room but in a fabric wall covering for acoustics. Behind the rotating book wall in the living room is another hidden area completely in a calming blue finish to read or relax.

Upstairs you enter the sleeping quarters, where the design radiates comfort and luxury like a true hotel experience. The master bedroom with its original roof construction is separated from the bathroom by a mirrored volume that encloses both the stairwell and shower area. The shower walls are constructed with two-way mirrors, which gives a direct view of the canals. The adjacent bathroom has a traditional Japanese bath and freestanding matching sink in wood. All new and clearly designed interventions are tailor-made for this 17th century house, so it fits completely within the existing environment, but also raises the house to a higher level and is ready for the next generation.

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GRAND DESIGNS LIVE RETURNS TO EXCEL LONDON IN 2022 The UK’s premier event for home building, renovation and improvement makes a welcome return to London for the first time since May 2019.

Hosted by TV presenter and design guru Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs Live will run over nine days from 30 April – 8 May 2022.

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he show is set to include exciting new exhibitors and features, which will join the long-running favourites that have made it popular with the many thousands of visitors who have walked through the doors during its 17-year history. Whether you want to build or renovate your own home or simply redecorate a room, you’ll find plenty of brilliant ideas and inspiration at Grand Designs Live.

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New for 2022 is The Green Zone, an entire area dedicated to showcasing eco-friendly products and services from companies that put sustainability at the very heart of their business. Spread over 2000 sqm, The Green Zone includes exhibitors with expertise covering all aspects of the home as well as personal transport. You’ll find products such as eco building materials, insulation, heating and renewable systems, furnishings, and electric car-charging equipment. Plus, championed by Kevin McCloud, a selection of the most innovative eco ideas can be found in the Kevin’s Green Heroes feature, which is a perennial favourite

Whether you want to build or renovate your own home or simply redecorate a room, you’ll find plenty of brilliant ideas and inspiration at Grand Designs Live.

with visitors looking for groundbreaking, planet-friendly products.

The Green Zone Theatre and Advice Hub is devoted to issues surrounding sustainability where you can discover how to make your home eco-friendly.

You can enjoy talks and panel discussions from experts on topics such as how to plan an eco-build or refit a house, as well as get advice tailored to your project.

Always popular is the Ask an Expert arena, where you can book to discuss your build and renovation plans on a one-to-one basis with specialists in architecture, construction, finance, interior design and more. The Grand Theatre is an entertaining and informative platform where you can hear from the likes of Kevin McCloud, Kunle Barker and various Grand Designers. And you won’t want to miss the Room Sets, where designers get the chance to display their creativity in overcoming an interior design challenge set by the organisers of the show. Finally, The Upcycling Hub is the place to find designers who are experts in turning objects and materials into beautiful furniture. You’ll even be able to buy or commission handmade pieces, as well as gain an insight into their craft through live demonstrations.

With the dedicated Build, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Gardens and Interiors sections, there is more to look forward to than ever before at Grand Designs Live in 2022.

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PROJECT: EDWARDIAN TOWNHOUSE, HIGHGATE-LLI DESIGN LLI Design have recently completed a total refurbishment of a 3 storey Edwardian town house on a leafy residential road in Highgate, a desirable residential area of North London.

Our clients wanted to create a warm, comfortable home with modern touches. Although the house was in reasonable condition, the joinery and fittings throughout the house were dated, had been well used and looked tired. Many of the period features had been stripped out and those that remained had not been maximised.

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he house lacked character and personality although it benefited from ‘good bones’, nicely proportioned rooms, a delightful garden and a handsome exterior. LLI Design felt that more could be made of the period features, enhancing some and reinstating others to bring out more of the Edwardian feel of the property. The brief was to create a warm, comfortable and welcoming home referencing and emphasising the house’s Edwardian past as well as adding more contemporary elements to the scheme.

Although the entrance hallway was a good size it lacked character. We reinstated the stained glass in the fan light window above the front door and side window, in a bespoke design, bringing light, colour and texture into the hallway.

Layout

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The house comprised of c. 2500 sqft / 230 sqm spread out over 3 floors including a cellar and a lovely rear garden. The ground floor comprised of a generous hall leading to 2 connecting reception rooms and at the end of the hall an extended kitchen. There was a small WC and stairs down to the cellar. It was decided to leave the cellar as it was and use it for additional storage. The first floor is divided into 2 bedroom suites.

Continued >>>

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The Master Suite; comprising a good size principle bedroom with steps down to an en suite and off the master bedroom, a small dressing room. We created a Nursery Suite at the front of the house comprising of a sizeable bedroom and an ensuite bathroom.

On the half landing up to the second floor is a kid’s bedroom and on the top floor a Family Bathroom, Guest bedroom and a generous Study Room.

The kitchen extension, although a good size, was rather dark, with a wall of folding sliding doors on one side at the back overlooking the garden.

The architectural style was traditional and in keeping with the architecture of the house.

Ground Floor-Entrance Hallway Although the entrance hallway was a good size it lacked character. We reinstated the stained glass in the fan light window above the front door and side window, in a bespoke design, bringing light, colour and texture into the hallway. The original tiled floor had long been removed so we re-tiled the whole of the entrance hall in crisp black and white period tiles with a border pattern. This immediately visually increased the size and lightness of the hall area.

Considering the overall size of the house almost no provision had been given to coats storage, so as not to compromise the size of the hall we nibbled a small amount out of the generous dining room adjacent to the hall in order to create a generous cloaks cupboard. This created a small return in the dining room; so that this wasn’t visually intrusive in the dining room we ensured that the coving, skirting and dado detail wrapped

seamlessly around the new return. The new return had the added advantage of creating an alcove for a sideboard, thus making the whole alteration seem natural. We commissioned Nigel Tyas to produce a dramatic copper and glass pendant light in the stairwell that hung from the top floor ceiling down to the ground floor, giving a visual connection and really creating a wow factor.

Ground Floor-Living & Dining Room In the living and dining rooms we specified new light greyed oak parquet floors and traditional white marble fireplaces, in one of which we installed a wood burning stove.

Bespoke pale grey lacquer joinery was designed and installed either side of the fireplaces in both rooms, incorporating plenty of storage, with asymmetrical shelving which we lit with individual accent in joinery spotlights. At the side of one of the fireplaces we incorporated a black steel log store. Both the dining and living rooms had the original ornate plaster ceilings, however they had been painted white throughout and were visually lost. We really brought this feature out by painting the plaster relief in close, but contrasting, tones of grey to emphasis the detail.

Ground Floor-Kitchen

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The kitchen extension, although a good size, was rather dark, with a wall of folding sliding doors on one side at the back overlooking the garden.

The architectural style was traditional and in keeping with the architecture of the house. We enhanced the rear extension by adopting a contemporary aesthetic, installing folding sliding doors in dark grey aluminium on 2 sides, which allowed in copious amounts of light and gave a real sense of connection with the garden.

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We redesigned the existing kitchen to suit the family. Creating a bespoke joinery kitchen in lacquer with walnut drawers and interiors. The styling is contemporary classic in soft colours with plenty of storage, including a generous larder and breakfast cupboard to house a kettle

and toaster as well as a small wine fridge. Thus eliminating all clutter with everything being behind doors when not required. We specified a boston sink along with a composite worktop and added colour with ceramic deep blue tiles as a back splash. We designed and fabricated bespoke metal brackets from which to suspend 3 glass pendant lights which hover over the island below the glass skylight.

The master ensuite, which overlooked the garden, was re-designed and fitted with a large double wall hung vanity unit, with elegant composite basins on a thick natural stone shelf with a lacquer vanity unit underneath, wall mounted taps and double mirrors above.

First Floor-Master Suite-Dressing Room The dressing room was re-designed with bespoke oak full height units to make the most of the space.

First Floor-Master Suite-Master Bedroom

First Floor-Master Suite-Master Ensuite The master ensuite, which overlooked the garden, was re-designed and fitted with a large double wall hung vanity

First Floor-Nursery Suite (Bedroom 2) The Nursery suite was redesigned, with playful illustrated cloud roman blinds and a colourful water colour dot wallpaper. The ensuite bathroom was redesigned featuring a wall hung vanity unit with deck mounted basin and a bath with a shower over.

Continued >>>

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We stripped back and reinstated deep alcoves either side of the bed, giving them lacquer interiors and a shadow gap around. Delicate downlights in the shelves add interest to the room.

An accent ceiling light was added for dramatic effect.

unit, with elegant composite basins on a thick natural stone shelf with a lacquer vanity unit underneath, wall mounted taps and double mirrors above. A sculptural composite free standing bath sits near the window. We specified a large matt tile for the floor, steps and walls, with a contrast ceramic polished narrow rectangular tile for the shower enclosure. Dramatic lighting under the vanity unit and in the shower alcove add to the sense of well being.

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Linda Levene, Design Director, LLI Design

LEFT

“We have achieved a harmonious and calm aesthetic throughout with modern touches within a timeless design.”

Second Floor-Bedroom 3 We created a fun playful childs bedroom on the half landing featuring a playful illustrated fox roman blind.

Lighting Design To enhance the interior design a new lighting scheme was designed and specified including new fittings and garden lighting which adds the feeling of the garden and terrace being an additional “Outdoor room”. An Intelligent Lighting system was installed in order to create moods, ambience and timed events internally and externally, controlled from wall mounted keypads and also by iPads / iPhones.

Summary By subtle changes to the spaces and by adding texture, color and interesting material choices we were able to create a warm, comfortable and welcoming family home. We have achieved a harmonious and calm aesthetic throughout with modern touches within a timeless design. As with the majority of LLI Design’s projects, the construction, joinery, home automation and landscaping were carried out by our in-house vertically integrated teams-Pegasus Property.

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