Refurb Renovation News - Issue 55

Issue 55 2022

Is conservation contributing to climate change?

Elisa premium shower brand launches in the UK

EUROBRICK: RENOVATE & REUSE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

LUXURY LONDON LIVING EATON PLACE BY HAVWOODS

ECOMERCHANT Waste not, want not?!

Winner of Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr transforms Beach Retreats’ Winnow as prize project

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GILBERT-ASH APPOINTED TO DELIVER MODERN OFFICE SPACE IN THE HEART OF MANCHESTER

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PROJECTL DESIGNER AND LIFESTYLE BLOGGER COMPLETES RENOVATION OF CHALET-STYLE CABIN

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WORCESTERSHIRE HOTEL COMPLETES £350,000 LODGE TRANSFORMATION

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FLOORING: THE SENSIBLE WAY TO LEVEL UP

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FORA OPENS THE RESTORED, 19TH CENTURY ARMY AND NAVY STORE - VICTORIA, GREENCOAT PLACE

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PROJECT: TRESCO ISLAND FINALISES REFURBISHMENT OF THE NEW INN

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REBECCA’S RED BY FRANCESCA’S PAINTS INJECTS COLOUR & PERSONALITY INTO THIS OPEN PLAN KITCHEN

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ARITCO COLLABORATES WITH ALEXANDER LERVIK & EVALINAKROON ON LIMITED-EDITION DESIGNWALL

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INTERIOR DESIGN: CLEVER STORAGE IDEAS THAT WILL HELP TO DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

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EUROBRICK: RENOVATE & REUSE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

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ELISA: BEAUTIFULLY ENGINEERED, BEAUTIFULLY SMART

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RESIDENTS BOWLED OVER BY REFURBISHED LEISURE FACILITY

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PROJECT: WINNER OF INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS WITH ALAN CARR TRANSFORMS BEACH RETREATS’ WINNOW

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INTERVIEW: MARKETA RYPACEK, A Q&A ON INDUSTRIAL DESIGN WITH INDUSTVILLE LTD

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GARADOR’S ASCOT AND WINDSOR ARE PERFECT FOR MODERN DESIGN ARCHITECTURE

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£3M REFURBISHMENT OF LIBRARY COMPLETED WITHOUT CLOSING MAIN SITE

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ALGOCLEAR: THE UK’S LEADING SURFACE CLEANING BRAND SET FOR ITS BIGGEST YEAR YET!

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IS CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

Contents Lapthorn Media Ltd

Issue 55 - 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.

Project News GILBERT-ASH APPOINTED TO DELIVER MODERN OFFICE SPACE IN THE HEART OF MANCHESTER £28million project will deliver CAT A facilities at Great Bridgewater Street

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ward-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out company, Gilbert-Ash, has been appointed as main contractor on a £28million project to redevelop Manchester’s Evershed House to provide over eight floors of CAT A office space and a basement car park.

The works, which begin later this month at 70 Great Bridgewater Street, comprise the reconfiguration of the existing building to provide a replacement of the existing façades, a complete internal refurbishment and the addition of two new levels of office area.

With a BREEAM target of Outstanding, works also include a new two-storey vertical steel extension, an atrium infill to the existing floor plates, full CAT A fit out to the existing and new areas and associated support spaces to the ground floor and lower levels.

The existing masonry façade is to be demolished and replaced with a new unitised curtain wall and aluminium cladding façade system. The building, which was originally constructed in 2001, is bounded by Great Bridgewater Street to the North, and by Rochdale Canal to the South and East.

Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company.

It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, education, science and technology, retail, residential and student accommodation.

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WORKS COMMENCE ONSITE AT NEW LUXURY DEVELOPMENT IN BRAMCOTE AS FIRST LOOK IS REVEALED

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Nottinghambased luxury home developer, North Sands Developments, has begun construction on its second prestigious residential scheme on the exclusive and sought-after Cow Lane in Bramcote, Nottingham, with the first look revealed.

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he development, which is located in the soughtafter Bramcote Village Conservation area near Beeston, is to be named The Grove and will comprise of three luxurious, large five-bedroom family homes, each with a white render finish and expansive windows.

Priced between £1.5million and £1.7million, each exclusive home will boast a clean, contemporary look and feel with high end functionality, and will offer large open plan living, kitchen and dining areas, ideal for modern family living.

The development is surrounded by a protected woodland and two of the homes feature their own private share of the woodland, offering a countryside oasis that reaps the benefits of having an address associated with the popular area of Bramcote; just 4.5 miles from Nottingham City Centre.

Having already cleared the site, North Sands Developments has started works on these dream homes, due to complete in Spring 2023.

A key feature of this unique development is that the purchasers will have the opportunity to tailor-make their home to meet their exact requirement by working alongside the North Sands Developments design team.

The purchasers will be able to select their own bespoke features such as high-quality kitchen and bathroom interiors, floor finishes, internal doors and tiling, to name just a few. The new owners will have the ability to be involved as much or as little as they would like to.

Nottingham-based North Sands Developments launched in 2009 and from the outset, its aim has been to create highly desirable homes and has garnered a reputation for quality, service and architectural brilliance.

Project News

HARINGEY COUNCIL SELECTS DIAMOND BUILD PLC FOR £2.2M SCHOOL REFURBISHMENT Diamond Build PLC has been awarded a £2.2m contract to refurbish and upgrade a primary school in London on behalf of Haringey Council.

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he project is the second phase of improvement works at Highgate Primary School, which will deliver external upgrades in addition to a new mechanical and electrical (M&E) package.

Diamond Build PLC will be responsible for refurbishing the façade of the main school building and carrying out a mix of roofing repairs and improvements, including replacing some pitched and flat roof coverings. The windows will benefit from new glazing to increase thermal performance, and the drainage system will be overhauled below and above ground.

To enhance energy efficiency and comfort, the newly installed M&E systems will consist of new distribution pipework, radiators, air conditioning and ventilation. Safety and security will also be enhanced through additional fire detection systems and CCTV. Located in North Hill, Highgate’s main school building was constructed in circa 1870.

The refurbishment is expected to be complete by November 2022. The first phase of improvement works was completed

by Diamond Build PLC’s sister company, Diamond Special Works. This included the installation of new suspended ceilings, electrical upgrades and new lighting.

Diamond Build PLC has worked with Haringey Council for four decades and has also been appointed to refurbish Chestnuts Primary School in the borough.

WORCESTERSHIRE HOTEL COMPLETES £350,000 LODGE TRANSFORMATION A rural Kidderminster hotel has opened its stunning new three-bedroom guest lodge following the completion of a major £350,000 refurbishment.

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rockencote Hall Hotel has transformed its original 19th century Gate House into a stylish lodge, marking the first major development at the hotel for a decade.

The original two-storey Gate House was previously used as staff accommodation and was in need of remodelling and a refresh.

Named Brockencote Lodge, the new facility includes three stylishlydecorated en-suite bedrooms, including a king-size master upstairs in the eaves with a separate dressing/make-up room, double shower and free-standing bath underpinned by an elegant design scheme.

Downstairs there is an open-plan kitchen, dining and long lounge area along with freshly-painted black and white exterior and revamped original

door, while a secluded private terrace and hot tub overlook idyllic countryside views.

It provides guests with a unique stay in Worcestershire and can be booked per room or in its entirety for a truly exclusive experience for wedding parties, staycations or family breaks – and even includes breakfast delivered to their front door.

The 21-bedroom Victorian country manor house hotel and awardwinning 3 AA Rosette restaurant, The Chaddesley, is surrounded by 70 acres of scenic parkland.

Brockencote Hall Hotel is part of the award-winning Eden Hotel Collection which also includes Mallory Court Hotel and Spa, Leamington Spa, The Arden Hotel, Stratford-uponAvon, The Greenway Hotel and Spa, Cheltenham and Bovey Castle, Devon.

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Project News FORA OPENS THE RESTORED, 19TH CENTURY ARMY AND NAVY STORE - VICTORIA, GREENCOAT PLACE

Flexible workspace provider Fora, is pleased to announce the opening of its latest location, Victoria, Greencoat Place.

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he transformed development brings 32,400 sq ft of light, bright workspaces for businesses seeking their own private floor. Organisations including Eton Bridge Partners and Virtuo committed to the workspace ahead of completion.

Welcomed in through a striking, double-height reception, the unique space makes a warming impression from the moment you step through the door. The interior design celebrates the building’s rich history and authentic materiality, complemented by contemporary features and finishes. The work also enhances sustainable operation through initiatives such as new glazing, a new VRF system and sensor control lighting.

Dating back to the late 19th century, the original building was formerly the warehousing, storerooms and food halls of the iconic Army and Navy store. The Squire & Partners and interior designs have reimagined the building with elegant gestures to its history.

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Striking, vaulted ceilings at the lower ground and cast-iron columns have been restored

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along with the original steel doors in the arched entryways.

Works have introduced additional glazing to the façade and a large, Victorian roof light has been restored to flood the space with natural light. The design also preserves the original, glazed and decorative tiles, and brickwork; in keeping with the iconic Victorian warehouses and red-brick, industrial architecture of the area. Additional, decorative moldings have embellished the building’s exterior.

A light colour palette has been used throughout, including tiles, stains and textures.

Timber paneling, terrazzo flooring and steel chequered plate flooring in the lift complement the industrial feel of the space. Materials have also been locally sourced where possible to reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Victoria, Greencoat Place creates a unique experience, uniting a collection of different spaces and work settings designed for comfort and enhanced productivity. With wellbeing in mind, the space features a fitness studio, secure cycle store and luxurious showers and changing facilities, and Fora’s signature, biophilic design.

The launch of Victoria, Greencoat Place is the latest affirmation of Fora’s current momentum.

From its first location in Old Street in 2017, the business has expanded across London and Reading with the announcement of an expansion into Oxford and Cambridge.

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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SNICKERS WORKWEAR LITEWORK TROUSERS – FOR COOL COMFORT THIS SUMMER Long-lasting, innovative new fabrics for comfort, sustainability and longevity.

REBECCA’S RED BY FRANCESCA’S PAINTS INJECTS COLOUR AND PERSONALITY INTO THIS OPEN PLAN KITCHEN A large wrap around extension was added to the rear of this Victorian townhouse, paving the way for a new open plan kitchen/living space, designed by Papilio kitchens for a young professional family.

Surrounded by contemporary Crittall windows and doors, the kitchen is bathed in natural light and enjoys direct access to the garden.

Website: www.francescaspaint.com

They’re great for working hard in the warmer months. Delivering superior flexibility and cooling comfort, these stretchable, lightweight work trousers provide efficient moisture transport, ventilation and sun protection.

They also come with CORDURA® reinforcements for extra durability and they feature a 4-way stretch fabrics, the patented Snickers Workwear KneeGuard® system and detatchable holster pockets if you need them.

As well as being street-smart they’re packed with functionality and are specially designed for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and delivering top class work on site.

For more information on Snickers Workwear’s LITEWork range and it’s sustainability philosophy you can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

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With a strong Scandinavian influence, the design features clean simple lines and warm oak furniture. Providing a vibrant contrast to the otherwise muted scheme, the centre cabinets framing the sink are painted in ‘Rebecca’s Red’ by Francesca’s Paints, helping to inject colour and personality into the space. Francesca says: “I love the use of my Rebecca’s Red with the dark blue and wooden accents in this kitchen

by Papilio. It looks balanced, inviting, and warm - exactly how you want a kitchen to feel.”

While Fabric, Functionality and Fit are hallmarks of Snickers Workwear, it’s the innovation and sustainable fabric technology in the design of the new LITEWork Work Trousers that really set them apart from other brands.

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INTERIOR DESIGN: CLEVER STORAGE IDEAS THAT WILL HELP TO DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE Neville Johnson reveals how to make your home feel more spacious and organised

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pring is the ideal time to declutter your space and get your home ready for the hosting season ahead. Whether homeowners are looking to maximise space in the living space or bedroom, premium home interiors brand, Neville Johnson, has a range of stylish storage solutions that will enhance any space in the home and ensure each room remains clutter-free.

Library with bespoke shelving Libraries provide the ideal space for homeowners to unwind in and enjoy reading their favourite novel. Installing bookshelves is the perfect way to avoid libraries becoming messy and cluttered. Consider installing bespoke shelving which can be adjusted to suit the style and size of your library to enhance time spent relaxing at home.

Alcove shelving is also ideal for smaller libraries. While it provides an optimal storage solution for books, shelving can also be used to display stylish ornaments to tie in with the interior décor of your home.

This modern library space painted in Sorrel White, for example, provides ample shelving for all storage needs, which makes the home feel minimalistic and tidy. Combined with sage green and a rustic oak finish, this uplifting and stylish design is an ideal option for Spring.

Stylish storage for smaller bedrooms

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Smart storage solutions are an ideal way of making smaller bedrooms look more spacious and in turn less

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ABOVE LEFT Dining Room and Library

ABOVE RIGHT

Contemporary Willow Bedroom

Opting for bespoke fitted wardrobes enables homeowners to create personalised storage space for clothing, shoes and accessories, which makes the process of getting ready more enjoyable.

BELOW LEFT Modern White Painted Library

Blue Fitted Wardrobes BELOW MIDDLE

cluttered. Not only can bespoke bedroom storage enhance your dayto-day living, but it can also make your room more stylish and inviting.

This contemporary bedroom painted in Willow, for instance, features practical, built-in headboard cabinetry and fitted wardrobes with an extensive vanity unit for a chic finish. This pretty, feminine design is the perfect option for homeowners looking to maximise space and enhance their bedroom’s interior décor.

Declutter your living space It’s a good idea to incorporate stylish storage solutions in the heart of the home to avoid the living space from becoming messy. Consider placing plants, books and vases on open shelving in the living space to keep surfaces clear and maximise space.

Neville Johnson’s Dining Room and Library, for example, offers a bright and airy living space with ample storage room for everyday essentials and stylish ornaments.

Bespoke fitted wardrobes Fitted wardrobes are an ideal way of keeping your clothes neat and

organised, while also maximising space in the bedroom. Opting for bespoke fitted wardrobes enables homeowners to create personalised storage space for clothing, shoes and accessories, which makes the process of getting ready more enjoyable.

These fitted wardrobes from Neville Johnson, painted in Lithadora Blue, for instance, offer bespoke storage and shelving, all wrapped up in a timeless and sophisticated design. If the blue Lithadora paint colour isn’t to your taste, this design is also available in more than 60 beautiful colours including Eucalyptus green, Dove grey and Arctic white.

Simon Tcherniak, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson, said: “The big advantage of fitted wardrobes is of course that it can fill the space and cope with any idiosyncrasies. It is amazing how much storage you gain by going high up the wall, and if you make it no deeper than it needs to be, your room will still feel spacious.

“If you need to access your higher-level storage on a regular basis, then a built in ladder can be useful. Similarly, pull out shelves will help you to make use of deep spaces.”

With over 35 years’ experience in designing fitted furniture, Neville Johnson is the market leader in bespoke storage solutions. Offering free design visits and free design brochures, the brand’s furniture renovations combine the flair of the UK’s top designers with the time-honoured skills of traditional craftsmen, all brought together with your personal selection of materials, colours, and finishes.

ELISA: BEAUTIFULLY ENGINEERED, BEAUTIFULLY SMART Elisa premium shower brand launches in the UK

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lisa, a new premium bathroom brand, has launched in the UK. First to be unveiled in the Elisa collection will be a range of heritage-style mixer showers and smart digital showers, designed for homeowners seeking a contemporary and personalised showering experience. Smart shower technology brings enhanced wellbeing to owners through its personalisation settings, while providing greater visibility of water usage for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Elisa Intuition and Incite smart digital showers Sophisticated, stylish and intelligentlydesigned, Intuition and Incite smart digital showers offer an exceptional showering experience for the entire family. With the accompanying ShowerMe Smart App, every member of the household can create their own personal profile for a fully tailored shower routine that meets their exact needs. Users also enjoy the luxury of voice control through their existing smart home system thanks to seamless connectivity with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

Elisa smart digital showers can be started remotely from anywhere over Wi-Fi, with the reassurance that the water is at the precisely desired temperature at all times. Furthermore, a bath fill option ensures the bath is filled to the perfect temperature and level every time, without the need to watch and wait. Providing simple on/

TOP RIGHT Elisa Intuition Brushed Brass Smart Shower BOTTOM RIGHT Elisa Intuition Matt Black Smart Shower

Launching at the same time as Intuition and Incite, the Valenteena mixer shower from Elisa adds a touch of heritage luxury to any bathroom environment.

Timelessly beautiful in its styling, and built from solid brass and the highest quality components, this premium shower delivers proven reliability and ultimate durability.

Elisa Valenteena Chrome Heritage Shower

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off operation, a convenient wireless remote control is included, and with Intuition, a motion-controlled proximity sensor activates the shower automatically when the user steps in.

Thanks to the ShowerMe Smart App, users have the ability to select the duration of the shower, helping to save water and energy, while an easy-to-use dashboard gives the homeowner a clear picture of individual usage and can monitor the volume of water being consumed by the family each day.

Powered by Elisa’s SmartValve technology, Elisa showers offer a wealth of options for installation in any bathroom size, shape or configuration.

The SmartValve also allows the maximum temperature of the shower to be set for added safety, and the flow rate switched to ‘Eco’ mode to reduce water usage further (by up to 33%).

Launching at the same time as Intuition and Incite, the Valenteena mixer shower from Elisa adds a touch of heritage luxury to any bathroom environment. Timelessly beautiful in its styling, and built from solid brass and the highest quality components, this premium shower delivers proven reliability and ultimate durability. For further peace of mind, this stunning classic-style shower features ultraprecise thermostatic technology to control the temperature of the water, and an automatic cut-off system, ensuring safer showering for the entire family every day. Available in an exposed or concealed design in a choice of chrome or gold-plated finish, Valenteena offers true customisation with a selection of overhead and adjustable shower head options. All Valenteena showers come with a five year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Elisa Intuition, Incite and Valenteena will be available from premier bathroom showrooms from April 2022. Further products in the Elisa collection will be announced over the coming months. For more information on the range, please visit: https:// www.elisabathrooms.com/

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An array of different options are available across the Intuition and Incite series, with a choice of fixed drencher head, adjustable handset and bath fill features. All models are fitted as concealed shower units for a discreet and elegant finish. Incite is available in a chrome colourway, while Intuition comes in a choice of chrome, matt black or brushed brass. Each model comes with a five year guarantee, for full peace of mind.

Elisa Valenteena heritage mixer shower collection

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UNIDRAIN ADDS CONTEMPORARY STYLE WITH THEIR BLACK FRAMED GLASSLINE SHOWER SCREEN Unidrain products were key in creating a totally new wellness space in an out-dated bathroom; the only one in the apartment; 12-square-metre and used every day by a family of four, which included two teenage boys – it was in dire need of an upgrade.

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he flooring, walls, toilet, and shower had to be stripped out and replaced, it needed a complete transformation encompassing a new colour palette through to designer drains. The family wanted something that felt luxurious and spa-like but with longevity too. Because it was an older, more traditional-style flat, they

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Preserving the natural light from the window was a key part of the renovation so the GlassLine shower screen was ideal. It allowed the light to flow through the room helping to create an open, airy atmosphere.

originally considered a more classic and nostalgic look, but ultimately, decided on a contemporary solution, prioritising exclusive materials and products that are as appropriate for a luxury hotel as they are for a home.

The finished bathroom has high tech solutions such as a programable shower toilet and an anti-fog mirror, but, the undisputed star of the room is the elegant shower screen, GlassLine

by Unidrain. Preserving the natural light from the window was a key part of the renovation so the GlassLine shower screen was ideal. It allowed the light to flow through the room helping to create an open, airy atmosphere.

The GlassLine shower screen with a black frame is 10mm of clear tempered glass, available in three sizes: 800mm 1000mm and a height of 2104mm, the shower screen can be mounted to the left or right and fits tile thicknesses up to 15mm for wall tiles and 20mm for floor tiles. It is installed discreetly and securely without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings, or joins.

The screen is lowered into a shower base located under the bathroom flooring, before being attached to the wall, creating a secure, stable, and watertight showering space. The black frame sits against the wall covering any edges generating a smooth finish, and the unseen groove-in-the-floor-flange meant that the installation of the

colour co-ordinating black line drain was both fast and efficient.

Colour was important for the overall look and style of the bathroom; the base tone was comprised of dark shades to induce a more luxurious feeling and add to the atmosphere, which combined well with the black frame of the GlassLine screen, However, as shown above a transparent version is available as black does not suit all bathrooms.

Enclosed in black powder-coated metal, the interior panel of each quality glass screen is treated with Cleantech nano-treatment, increasing hygiene standards, and ensuring it is extremely easy to clean and maintain a clear finish.

This colour co-ordination continued with accessories from Undrains Reframe collection including a shower shelf with magnetic wiper, towel hooks, toilet brush and toilet roll holder in black, creating perfect continuity.

NEW OSMO® F1 Concealed Cistern Manufactured in the UK, OSMO® F1 is a new innovative concealed category 5 cistern designed to be stylish, versatile and easy to fit and service with minimal disruption to WC furniture or panelling.

Front Access Cistern, easily serviceable within WC furniture & IPS panelling.

Fitted with Turbo Edge® & Hydroflo®, the world’s most compact syphon & guaranteed to be leak-free & quiet fill type AG Inlet Valve.

Unique Flush Handle, patented front access system, ergonomically tested design for optimum light touch operation.

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Images: © Elliott White Photography

WINNER OF INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS WITH ALAN CARR TRANSFORMS BEACH RETREATS’ WINNOW AS PRIZE PROJECT Hot on the heels of Banjo Beale being crowned winner of BBC One’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr [in the series finale on Wednesday 27 April], self-catering specialist Beach Retreats has unveiled newly transformed Winnow as the prize transformation project – available now for stylish holidays by the sea.

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ust moments from the beach at Watergate Bay, Cornwall, Banjo sought inspiration for the fourbedroom property from the kaleidoscope of natural colours and textures in abundance in the area. Bringing the outside in, Banjo has built on Winnow’s existing architectural features and natural light to create a holiday destination where families and friends can come back down to earth and relax away from their busy lifestyles.

Banjo brings a touch of Australia to Cornwall with his trademark casual, coastal cool design style. His signature approach to interiors can be seen throughout the property, with natural, vintage and reclaimed pieces mixing with a healthy

dose of biophilic design. Charred timber cladding, typically seen on the exterior of buildings, has been brought inside to create a natural, textural element and draw the eye back out to the view. A colour palette of orange, blue and green similarly reflects the wild Atlantic coast.

Vintage and designer pieces have been perfectly balanced to create a cosy blend of Cornish chic and Montauk seaside cool. From a lightshade made from an old Hungarian chicken coop suspended over a custom table from Galvin Bros to wicker parasols that had a former life on an Ibizan beach, and a woven Orkney Chair in the twin bedroom, unique touches sourced from the Antiques and Collectors Fair are sprinkled throughout the spacious

“Transforming Winnow to reflect the beauty of the county was an incredibly exciting challenge and I’ve loved working with the Beach Retreats team. I believe design doesn’t have to take itself so seriously, so I wanted to make a characterful space for colourful characters.” apartment. Foraged finds such as driftwood and barnacle bottles as well as an old lobster pot from a friendly Cornish fisherman also feature alongside bespoke elements. There’s wallpaper from fellow Interior Design Masters’ contestant and print designer, Amy Davies, and kitchen cupboards in a rough sawn oak from a local carpenter.

The environment sits at the heart of Beach Retreats, and Winnow’s design story represents Banjo’s exciting approach to sustainable design. Real plants to improve air quality have been woven throughout the property, and new pieces incorporate natural materials or innovative textiles. Living room chairs are made from Pinatex, a pineapple leather made from discarded pineapple tops, and other seating is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Banjo was chosen as the winner of the hit TV show’s third series by Head Judge and former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration magazine, Michelle

Ogundehin. Over eight grueling interior design challenges, he transformed cafes and shops, to hotel rooms and shepherd huts beating off competition from nine other design hopefuls to win the coveted Beach Retreats prize contract.

Prestigious guest judges included Matthew Williamson, Laurence LlewelynBowen, and Mary Portas.

Discussing his partnership with Beach Retreats and the Winnow redesign, Banjo Beale said: “Interior Design Masters was a rollicking rollercoaster around the country that ended in gorgeous Cornwall.

Transforming Winnow to reflect the beauty of the county was an incredibly exciting challenge and I’ve loved working with the Beach Retreats team. I believe design doesn’t have to take itself so seriously, so I wanted to make a characterful space for colourful characters. Anyone who has watched the show knows I create an eccentric personality for each design, and Winnow was inspired by a cool artist and marine biologist couple who travel the world, collecting art and ephemera before landing back in Watergate Bay in their large seaside abode. Winnow is a place for their children, grandchildren and dogs to reunite and share seafood feasts at long tables, before reading in pillowy armchairs and relaxing in daybeds.”

Andrew Easton, Managing Director of Beach Retreats, comments: “It’s been incredible to watch Banjo’s design aesthetic, which sits so perfectly with our own ethos, be applied to Winnow.”

Continued >>>

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“All of our retreats are within walking distance of a good beach and to see Watergate Bay’s stunning coastline reflected in such elegant design is wonderful. We are so excited to see our guests experience the beautiful home away from home that Banjo has created.”

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From the team behind Watergate Bay Hotel, Beach Retreats is all about being close to the best beaches, eating and drinking well, and exploring beautiful places. The dog-friendly property is just 250 metres from the sea and adds yet more diversity to Beach Retreats’ collection of beautiful properties which range from characterful cottages to contemporary penthouse apartments.

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Winnow sleeps up to ten guests, and costs from £1,888 for a minimum three-night stay. More information can be found at www. beachretreats.co.uk/self-catering/cornwall/watergate-bay/winnow.

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People On The Move LEADING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST APPOINTS NEW CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER Construction software provider Causeway Technologies has appointed Paul Madeira as the company’s new Chief Customer Officer.

where he managed key strategic relationships with many of Causeway’s customers such as Balfour Beatty, Kier, Aggregate Industries, Morgan Sindall and Galliford Try.

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His role will involve working with various teams within Causeway, enabling collaboration across the company to provide customers with a consistent and seamless service. Paul has over 30 years’ experience in the software industry, working in a variety of senior Director roles within sales, operations, Executive business development and marketing.

aul has moved into the newly created role to continue the organisation’s drive to become a truly customer-centric business. He will focus on strengthening Causeway’s relationships with new and existing customers and making sure they receive a great customer experience, a natural step forward from his previous role

AO BUSINESS APPOINTS NEW HOUSEBUILDER LEAD AO Business has announced a new lead for its housebuilder team. Roger Giles, previously Business Development Manager, has been promoted to the leading position of UK Sales Manager, as the B2B division of online electricals retailer AO continues to transform the way appliances are purchased for new housing developments.

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rior to joining AO Business, Roger Giles has worked in the contract kitchen market for over 25 years, supplying premium products to both national and regional housebuilders.

Most recently, he worked as a Contract Sales Manager at Omega PLC before joining AO Business in March last year.

Wayne Paskin, Business Development Manager on the housebuilders team, has also been promoted to a senior position.

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Being part of a large retail group with its own logistics network has meant that AO Business can provide a solution to the everyday challenges facing housebuilders and offer a fantastic next day delivery and installation proposition.

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Talking about his new position, Roger said: “I’m excited by the opportunity to grow the housebuilder business at AO and move forward with some of the positive changes we’ve been making in the industry.

Throughout my time with AO Business so far, I’ve seen housebuilders really waking up to the benefits of our proposition and I look forward to stepping up to this new role.”

With renowned customer service and over 20 years’ experience of selling electricals to the public, AO Business offer a unique proposition for time-pressed housebuilders.

SMEG UK APPOINTS TWO NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS Smeg UK is thrilled to announce it has appointed Michael Parry and Gary Nolan as New Business Development Managers.

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ith both Parry and Nolan having a background in the Kitchen Studio sector, they are set to be huge assets to the team.

In their new roles, Parry and Nolan will be looking after the North & Midlands and South respectively. The two will be joining Tim Taylor who takes care of the North East, North West, Cumbria and Scotland for the company.

“I am delighted to welcome both Michael and Gary to the Smeg family. Both Michael and Gary bring with them a wealth of KBB experience which will enable them to support our studio partners”, adds Kris Horley, Head of Independent Kitchen Sales.

Michael Parry joins Smeg from BioCote®, where he worked as a Business Development Manager. In this role, he was responsible for developing sales plans, whilst growing customers new and existing through the sales cycle. Prior to this, Parry was a regional sales manager for Deco Glaze covering the central region of the UK building business in the kitchen studio sector.

Gary joins Smeg with 8 years’ experience at Blanco where he started in customer service, rising to sales executive, and then to regional sales manager. In his role, Gary will take on the sales representation in the kitchen studio sector in the southern region covering Suffolk to South Wales, South West and South East.

Doors, Windows & Fittings

GARADOR’S ASCOT AND WINDSOR ARE PERFECT FOR MODERN DESIGN ARCHITECTURE With precision engineering and minimalist design, Garador’s exciting Ascot and Windsor garage doors offer the perfect addition for any modern home. ●� ●� ●� ●�

Garador’s wide profile garage doors are the ideal accompaniment to minimalist design architecture. As these trends are adopted for homes and garages the Ascot and Windsor, with their clean lines and smooth plain surfaces, are an excellent choice.

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Sunshade

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But it’s not just the one-off unique building styles that these doors attract, but rather they lend themselves to the uniformity and repetition of new build housing developments too. Architects and builders involved in housing developments and estates will recognize the great looks these doors can achieve.

The Ascot, with its horizontal wide panels, and the Windsor, with vertical panels, are available in a choice of 19 colours including neutral options to please even the purists of architectural colour design.

Find out more about these great new looks by visiting www.garador.co.uk

RRN522002- Garador- QP.indd 1

23/05/2022 16:16:45

Traditional Timber Window and Door Specialists

01344 868 668

www.sashwindow.com

RRNews - Issue 55

Beautiful timber windows and doors, designed to improve energy efficiency.

Tailor made solutions for your project. Supply only, supply and install, secondary glazing and draught proofing.

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TOUCH IRONMONGERY LTD

YEARS 82

EST. 19

www.atouchofbrass.co.uk 210 Fulham Road, Chelsea London SW10 9PJ

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS One of London’s leading Architectural Ironmongers

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riginally called “A Touch of Brass”, TOUCH changed their name in 2003 in reaction to advancing market changes in architectural Ironmongery to reflect the broader range of products and finishes that they sell.

In fact today Touch supply 20 different finishes including Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel, Copper, BMA, Antique Brass, Black, Pewter, Ceramic, leather, Stainless Steel, Satin Stainless Steel, Gun Metal & 4 different shades of Bronze and the list keeps growing. Whatever finish you require, Touch can help you get the right look.

Touch occupy their recently refurbished showroom at 210 Fulham Road, Chelsea, where they stock and display a vast range of their 5,000 products.

With a customer base including Architects, Interior Designers, Builders and private Individuals who are interested in the quality end of the Ironmongery market, the company also have a healthy export market to all corners of the world, namely the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

Touch Ironmongery’s owner and founder, Bill Benham, has 42 years’ experience in the Ironmongery trade, as does his colleague Jim Haselup. Saleem Qureshi is the newest member of our team and has 21 years’ experience, meaning their knowledge is unrivalled in this industry.

The range of products supplied

by Touch date from circa 1640 French (Louise XIV) and cover all subsequent periods (Georgian, Edwardian & Victorian), Art Deco and contemporary pieces also make up the product ranges.

Touch showcases the very best of British manufacturing; the best ranges are still produced in the Midlands by craftsmen in factories dating back 200 years or more.

Touch Ironmongery have recently become suppliers for Designer Doorware (Australia) Who have beautiful products with a cutting edge design Metal, Wood and concrete. We also have the exclusive rights to sell the Olaria (Barcelona) range in the UK. Olaria make all our bespoke products, they have incredible levels of workmanship.

Touch also sell European manufactured goods which are considered to be of a very good quality.

With trends continuously evolving new and innovative products are constantly under development.

Touch understand that keeping up with the fashion-shifts is imperative in order to provide every customer with the best solution for their requirements.

Ironmongery can be a difficult and complicated aspect of a building project, as a result Touch aim to take this awkward aspect and make it user friendly and clear to understand by offering an on-site service where they carry out a detailed door by door, window by window, room by room Ironmongery schedule, highlighting all requirements and identifying all requirements.

Restoration is a large part of the business Touch will undertake complete Ironmongery refurbishment projects, and can restore old paint covered door furniture to their former glory, looking as good as new again at a fraction of the cost to replace.

For more information about Touch Ironmongery or to arrange a showroom visit please call 0207 351 2255 or alternatively visit www.atouchofbrass.co.uk

BRITISH & EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS

SUPPLYING THE FINEST QUALITY IRONMONGERY Touch combine traditional skills with modern manufacturing techniques to produce the most beautiful, quality fittings, built to stand the test of time.

As well as specialist bespoke items, Touch supply over 1000 products, available in 23 different finishes to furnish high end residential and commercial properties, royal palaces, government houses, historic castles and stately homes.

Olaria, available from Touch Ironmongery

www.atouchofbrass.co.uk & www.olariabarcelona.com

SUSTAINABILITY SELLS: PROPERTY STAGING EXPERT EXPLAINS ETHOS BEHIND ECOPURCHASING DECISIONS With Zoopla forecasting that one in 16 properties in the UK were on track to have been sold in the past year, and the UK House Price Index valuing the average price of a property to be over £274,000 - reflecting a 10.8% annual price change - can sustainability create a buzz around your property amid the hot market while ascertaining value for money?

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bserving current price rises and the shift in eco-conscious consumer habits, Kirsty Fisher, business development manager at national home staging firm Lemon and Lime Interiors, believes that home staging with sustainability front and centre is an approach that can help increase a seller’s odds of attracting immediate and lucrative offers.

She says: “Sustainability is having a huge influence on the purchasing decisions of buyers. Whether it be long-lasting and energy-saving alternatives in a home or the presentation of upcycled furnishings on initial viewings, current buyers are finding themselves more drawn to ecofriendly spaces.

“The very concept of home staging is circular in its methodology. It’s about refurbishing and reusing over repurchasing. We have forged partnerships with furniture and wall art rental companies, we re-paint and upcycle our stocked furnishings, and we have even been known to use crates

“Adorning both your outdoor and indoor space with plants and eco-friendly designs, opening up dark spaces with lighter, more natural materials and creating cosy eco-hubs in your garden space is just one way to improve your home’s interest.”

BELOW

Kirsty Fisher

to stage a bed instead of purchasing something new to fit out the room.”

screening and ‘living’ walls made of plants and moss.”

“We will also look at what furnishings the home already has available to us, is there an item that can be recovered, should we be re-painting or adding to built-in wardrobes and units to improve their appeal, tying them into the overall look and feel of the home?”

The arrival of eco-homes

Kirsty says for vendors and developers, a sustainable model such as home staging often means for a more costefficient improvement to the home when putting it on the market, driving better return value.

“As home stagers, we cannot make wholesale sustainability changes like installing solar panels or a heat source pump, but instead we look to create a captivating living environment that demonstrates resourcefulness and longevity to the materials and items within its homely spaces.”

Sustainable living spaces With the working from home phenomenon still at the fore of buyers’ minds, home staging is about creating a space that feels natural and functional.

Kirsty says: “Adorning both your outdoor and indoor space with plants and ecofriendly designs, opening up dark spaces with lighter, more natural materials and creating cosy eco-hubs in your garden space is just one way to improve your home’s interest.

“If you’re looking to put your home on the market, spring is a great time to invest in your outdoor appeal. Wildflower gardens are great eco-systems for insects and breaking these up with long textural grasses and reed-like woven pots with muted tones can give a sense of relaxation.

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“We are also seeing buyers intrigue pique with wooden furnishings such as large dining tables created from repurposed parquet pallet wood, and private serene spaces in gardens created with bamboo

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Smart home technologies have also revolutionised sustainable homes over the past five years. Home automation systems such as Hive are becoming more commonplace, projecting to be integrated in over 45% of homes by the end of this year (Statista, 2022).

“As more people become accustomed to living with smart home technologies, buyers are increasingly seeking integrations in properties that they view - so they can relate to their current experiences or can envision themselves living within their new surroundings. To captivate attention, developers should be looking to cultivate sustainable ways of living - not just in homes but as part of a greater community. Gusto Homes are one such shining example, providing communal wellbeing spaces and allotments accessible to all residents. In this respect, with sustainability comes an added sense of community, something which can stand you apart from the competition.”

The introduction of the Future Homes Standard aims to make a tremendous leap in sustainable residential development, ensuring a 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions for new homes built from 2025. The increased uptake of Passivhaus principles to reduce energy demand also hopes to change what buyers can expect from new builds at their price point.

Kirsty adds: “Framing sustainable home and community features front and centre when putting the property to market albeit with smart technology integration and making use of natural resources - is a sure-fire way to captivate the attention of buyers.

“Sustainability is as a need, not a want from future buyers, as people seek greater value when parting with their cash - and therefore the process of staging and selling a property must shift accordingly.”

“Framing sustainable home and community features front and centre when putting the property to market - albeit with smart technology integration and making use of natural resources - is a sure-fire way to captivate the attention of buyers.”

ALGOCLEAR: THE UK’S LEADING SURFACE CLEANING BRAND SET FOR ITS BIGGEST YEAR YET! The AlgoClear Cleaning Process is a safe, economical and sustainable method of surface cleaning that has made the AlgoClear brand a true market leader.

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arge numbers of companies within the property sector are turning towards the same brand for safe, economical and sustainable cleaning solutions in 2022: This is AlgoClear.

AlgoClear is the most popular cleaning choice among modern architects, building surveyors, property managers, sports clubs and housing associations alike having developed an unrivalled industry reputation for results.

As the market leader in property maintenance and cleaning, AlgoClear is now forecasting one of its busiest years on record. 2022 requests are set to increase from 2021 which was another remarkable year, providing enough product to clean 4.8 million m2 of hard surfaces in the UK and Ireland.

Being high quality and healthconscious, the AlgoClear Cleaning Process uses precise amounts of biocide to remove stains and fix damage on properties, with all solutions simple and easy to apply.

The cleaning method ensures the removal of surface contaminants such as lichen, bacteria, algae and

“Architects, building surveyors and property managers can all take advantage of the AlgoClear Cleaning Process and enjoy excellent results. We specialise in a pure, high quality approach which is being recognised as the best in the industry.”

other microorganisms, as well as the clearance of other elements such as pigments, metallic oxides, ground browning and tanin. The AlgoClear Cleaning Process also eliminates stains caused by soot, air, pollutants and ghost marks – completely restoring and transforming the aesthetic appearance of a building.

Francois Moal set up the parent company Thames Valley Specialist Product Ltd in 1999 and introduces the product AlgoClear to the UK and Ireland through two national distributors. Both ProGreen Weed Control Solutions Ltd located in Lincolnshire and Cropcare Amenity Ltd located in Co Wicklow spearhead the best roofing and surface cleaning processes nationwide.

Francois stated: “The company is moving from strength to strength. We are only in March and the season has started strongly already. We have been building our brand and reputation for the past decade and this will be another growth year for us.

“Architects, building surveyors and property managers can all take advantage of the AlgoClear Cleaning Process and enjoy excellent results.

“We specialise in a pure, high quality approach which is being recognised as the best in the industry.”

Learn more about the AlgoClear Cleaning Process and how to implement the technique by visiting the brand’s official website.

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PROJECT: DESIGNER AND LIFESTYLE BLOGGER COMPLETES RENOVATION OF CHALET-STYLE CABIN ON MINNESOTA LAKE

Once an early 70s kit home, the Minne Stuga House is now a weekend retreat and vacation rental bathed in natural light and clad in sustainable Kebony wood.

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idden away in one of Minnesota’s many lakeside forests, the Minne Stuga House is surrounded by local pine and cedar trees with secluded waterfront access. Clad in sustainably sourced Kebony wood, the cabin’s sharp lines, tight peaks, and sweeping roof are a dramatic addition to the forest landscape, with the wooden features and earthy tones providing a natural appearance.

Originally built in the 1970s, the A-frame cabin was renovated by Minneapolis-based designer and lifestyle blogger Melissa Coleman – The Faux Martha – alongside her husband Kevin, a child-psychologist.

Renovation of the cabin was undertaken by Grand Marais-based Taiga Design+Build, who helped maintain the cabin’s timeless feel, retaining 90 per cent of the original structure.

Where the original cedar siding was rotting, Taiga replaced it with Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable wood. The Norwegian company uses a patented technique to turn sustainably sourced softwoods into environmentally friendly Kebony wood, with hardwood-like qualities such as high durability and dimensional stability.

Kebony takes on a rich brown colour that has helped preserve the original aesthetic, keeping the cabin in close harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Continued >>>

Renovation of the cabin was undertaken by Grand Marais-based Taiga Design+Build, who helped maintain the cabin’s timeless feel, retaining 90 per cent of the original structure.

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Kebony also requires very little upkeep, futureproofing the retreat for the next generation.

Within the house, the interior is lined with the original, fifty-year old western red cedar panelling, bringing the character of the forest into the home, which it marries with a radiant, welcoming warmth. Roof & Board was tapped for interior furniture, and the original roof was replaced by Taiga, adding structural insulated panels for heat and energy efficiency. Awaken Skylights were integrated to provide extra natural light, completing the cabin’s 21st century transformation. With its rustic Kebony-clad exterior and

“We’re still pinching ourselves to believe we found this place. It’s our hope that our kids still have this cabin 70 years from now.”

homely interior, the cabin is a cosy sanctuary during Minnesota’s cold winters, where it averages 12 inches of snowfall in January.

The Minne Stuga House now opens out on to a gorgeous decking area, which was built with Kebony wood and furnished with Loll Designs.

From the decking it is a short path through the trees to the shore of Devil Track Lake, where guests can fish, kayak or have a quick dip. As spring turns to summer, the cabin bathes in natural light and the

lakeshores become the perfect warm retreat.

The Colemans use the Minne Stuga as a periodic weekend getaway for themselves and rent it out the rest of the time as a fully appointed vacation property through theminnestuga.com.

When asked why Kebony was selected for the project, Taiga Design+Build Principal Anton Moody explained: “I turned the Colemans on to Kebony, which performs better over time than cedar. It’s ageing and weathering nicely.”

Melissa Coleman, Owner of the Minne Stuga House commented: “We’re still pinching ourselves to believe we found this place. It’s our hope that our kids still have this cabin 70 years from now.”

Website: www.kebony.com Images/Videos: Kristian Alveo

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Architect: Taiga Design+Build, led

by Anton Moody

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Floors & Flooring LUXURY LONDON LIVING - EATON PLACE BY HAVWOODS Set in the bustling borough of Belgravia in London is Eaton Place. Designed by Mark Watson Architects, this stunning two-bedroom apartment has been recently renovated to create an enlarged kitchen, living and dining area alongside an extended family bathroom.

The design brief was to enhance the natural light and create a feeling of spaciousness in the main living areas. To achieve this, the space was updated to an open plan layout allowing a brighter and airier feel, with a new wood flooring solution commissioned by Havwoods.

Reflecting the light beautifully, Fendi Prime was chosen for its on-trend design and used throughout the downstairs of the property. Contributing to a seamless flow throughout, the contemporary herringbone planks create a feeling of calm. With its warm wooden hues and grey undertones, this beautiful floor covering pairs perfectly with the minimalist and monochrome interior.

In the hallway, Crittal glass doors were installed to give a more prominent feeling of space and flow into the kitchen. A clean, minimalist colour palette was chosen for the kitchen and living room, with darker accents added in the kitchen cabinetry, TV unit and sofas.

Styled alongside fluted wood and white walls – the boards help to create a large, airy open-plan space for contemporary living in a classical setting.

Website: www.havwoods.com/uk Email: info@havwoods.com Phone: +44(0)1524 737000 Photography: © David Butler

THE NATURAL CHOICE...

RIVEN BY RAWSON

+44 (0) 1924 382860

sales team for more information

www.rawsoncarpetsolutions.co.uk

and technical knowledge.

rcsales@werawson.co.uk

RRNews - Issue 55

Get in touch with our creative

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FLOORING: THE SENSIBLE WAY TO LEVEL UP Builders faced with levelling up a marked difference in floor height (maybe up to 50mm) between two rooms, for example the floor in a house extension and the floor in the original building or in a situation where an internal wall has been removed, would traditionally opt for a sand/cement screed to build up the lower floor level. While this ‘does the job’, there is a better alternative.

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eep base floor levelling compounds can be installed up to a depth of 50mm in one go and, what’s really impressive, is that they can be walked on as soon as 90 minutes after application. Carpets or ceramic tiles can be installed from only six hours after application.

Resilient floorcoverings, such as vinyl, rubber or lino can be installed after 24 hours (although if the thickness is above 10mm, it is recommended that the deep base compound is capped with a thin layer (3mm) of high performance levelling compound once it is ‘walk on hard’ and then left for 24 hours.

In contrast, a sand/cement screed used to level up a floor can take a day or two before it is ready to be walked on and, importantly, will take many more days to naturally dry out before a floor covering can be installed. These screeds will typically dry at a rate of around one day per millimetre depth of screed, which would mean around 50 days for a 50mm screed to become fully dry.

The temptation is to proceed with the flooring installation before the screed is fully dry, which is virtually guaranteed to lead to problems.

The temptation is to proceed with the flooring installation before the screed is fully dry, which is virtually guaranteed to lead to problems.

Moisture menace

Quick and easy

Indeed, moisture is such a problem for flooring installations (it is the number one cause of flooring installation failures) that screeds should be checked for the presence of moisture before any work is carried out. This can be done using a handheld moisture meter or, more accurately, using a digital hygrometer. You cannot reliably judge the presence of moisture by smell or touch. The maximum moisture level, measured in terms of relative humidity (RH), should be 75% RH or 65% if wood flooring is going to be installed.

If moisture levels are below the 75% (or 65%) threshold, the deep base levelling compound can be installed immediately, following priming and drying of the appropriate primer.

Priming ensures good adhesion between the compound and the substrate, providing a higher quality finish. It also helps to prevent pinholing and unacceptably rapid drying of the levelling compound when installed over absorbent subfloors.

Excess moisture is more likely to be present if the subfloor was laid before structural damp proof membranes (DPMs) became mandatory in buildings or if it is a newly laid screed and may have high levels of residual construction moisture as outlined above.

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If excess moisture levels are detected, a rapid set, liquid damp proof membrane can be applied over the screed, before the deep base levelling compound is installed, to provide a protective moisture barrier. The best performing DPMs will cure in around three hours at 20°C.

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If not dealt with, excess moisture can attack adhesives; leading to floorcoverings blistering or becoming detached from the subfloor, it can cause carpets to rot and wood floors to warp, and it provides ideal conditions for mould growth.

The water-mixed deep base levelling compound is then simply poured onto the area to be raised and allowed to flow into position, requiring only minimal work with a smoothing trowel.

The compound will typically have a working time of 20-30 minutes.

Substrate suitability As well as being suitable for use over sand/cement screeds and concrete, deep base levelling compounds are also suitable for use over nonabsorbent subfloors such as ceramics, granolithic, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, and ceramic and quarry tiles that are in sound condition and well adhered to the subfloor.

They have found widespread popularity in raising floor levels in conservatory extensions and for filling in trenches in floors where an internal wall has been removed to create a more open living space. Furthermore, they can be used over both wired and wet underfloor heating systems.

Specifying a CFA member for your next flooring project could mean the difference between success — or a flooring failure. Most of the UK’s largest and best known Manufacturers, Distributors, Contractors and Consultants are CFA members — and for good reason.

• CFA members promote high standards, knowledge and expertise • CFA members will maximize your investment and minimize costly flooring failures — which is good for your client, good for your reputation and also helps promote future business • All members have to pass a vetting process

See the “Downloads” section at www.cfa.org.uk and download our leaflet TODAY

Courtesy of Forbo Flooring UK Ltd

Tel: 0115 941 1126

Courtesy of Loughton Contracts plc

www.cfa.org.uk

Courtesy of Amtico International

Email: info@cfa.org.uk

PROJECT: TRESCO ISLAND FINALISES REFURBISHMENT OF THE NEW INN The New Inn, a Tresco island institution, has reopened following substantial refurbishment. The New Inn has long been the perfect base for exploring Tresco and the wider Isles of Scilly. This spring, the bedrooms and Pavilion got a fresh new look, echoing the character and charm that makes The New Inn the very heart of the island.

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he new look has been created by interior designer and friend of Tresco, Tania Streeter, who has personally overseen every design choice, from the furniture to the fireplace. Tania is the design visionary behind the interiors at island cottages Seabreeze and Cobblers, and is also leading the upgrade across the island’s one hundred holiday cottages over the next five years.

At The New Inn, The Driftwood Bar at the heart of the inn has had a refresh of paint and some new fabrics, remaining much the same and ensuring the charm and character loved by locals and visitors alike is upheld. The Pavillion has received the biggest transformation, making it the perfect cosy dining experience for a special evening out, blending beautifully with the lower area of the main bar. Features include zinc-topped and reclaimed wooden tables, a warming log burner, and walls decorated with treasures from the Tresco archives uncovered by Lucy and Eleanor Dorrien-Smith and interior designer Tania.

“We are incredibly excited to reveal the refurbishment of The New Inn – the heart of Tresco, and a key offering as we start the new season.”

Outside, a new terrace with Ox Grill sits beautifully alongside the existing beer garden – ideal for long and lazy summer evenings beneath the stars.

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For those in need of refreshment, The New Inn is the go-to place on Tresco at any time of day; from a nourishing breakfast to kick-start the day to indulgent morning cakes and pastries, long lunches, and afternoon bar bites to a hearty supper.

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The new menu has been crafted by head chef Liam Caves, with pub favourites such as the New Inn Burger and traditional Fish & Chips joined by the likes of half lobster with local chilli and herb butter, monkfish scampi or freshly-caught crispy skinned mackerel. In the summer months, the new outdoor Ox Grill will be fired up and food will be cooked over the coals, really bringing to life the flavours and aromas of the locally-sourced

produce. Market fish is led by the daily catch of islanders Jordan Penhaligon and Hannah Keith, who also work at Tresco’s Heliport and Cottage Department respectively. Seafaring is in Jordan’s blood – his grandfather, Jeff, was the Harbourmaster of St Mary’s for ten years.

Upstairs all 16 bedrooms are totally reimagined with all-new interiors, designed to bring a sense of the outside in, and to create a sanctuary after a purposeful day of island exploration. This creates a revived guest experience that’s both contemporary, comfortable, and reassuringly ‘Tresco’ in its style. Tania’s team handcrafted the wooden bedframes, and she worked with Fermoie to create a bespoke Tresco fabric for the blinds. Bespoke joinery, all-new bathrooms and little touches like USB chargers all complete the new, high-quality guest experience.

Bedside tables created by Alfred Newall – a Brother of The Art Workers’ Guild – are home to the beautiful vintage styling of Roberts Radios.

Tania has put real thought into making these rooms a cosy sanctuary, perfectly reflective of their island location. Hues of plum and bracken beautifully accent turquoise tongue-and-groove panelling; the Fermoie blinds a bespoke colourway to highlight stunning views.

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Nick Halliday, CEO of Tresco Estate, says: “We are incredibly excited to reveal the refurbishment of The New Inn – the heart of Tresco, and a key offering as we start the new season. As part of our wider design refresh across the island to further enhance our already exemplary guest experience, The New Inn reopens after one of the strongest years on record for bookings. Throughout the season, which runs from March until October, occupancy is almost at 100% across all accommodation, and we cannot wait to welcome so many guests back to the island.”

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WASTE NOT, WANT NOT?!

This century’s old English proverb has been routinely ignored for far too long.

Our homes are wasteful, they guzzle increasingly expensive energy and many of them provide inadequate comfort. At the same time, many of them built in the last half-century are so poorly constructed that there is no prospect of the longevity we routinely expect from the Victorian and Edwardian housing stock.

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or those wishing to improve their homes, especially on a limited budget, careful planning and preparation are essential, avoiding the understandable urge to make something happen, to see results quickly.

We need a national programme of research into refurbishment – what is the existing situation, what measures work or don’t work, how do discreet improvements interact, what are the barriers to success – and then training and delivery programs, area-wide regeneration schemes, grant aid and innovative and exciting schemes to encourage and enable good refurbishment.

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Instead, what do we get? A proposed program of new nuclear power stations will only impact the energy supply situation in a decade or more. We do not have an Energy Policy in England; we have an Energy Supply Policy! The situation is noticeably better in the devolved countries, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, perhaps because their executive branches have not been corrupted by the influence of major construction and industrial companies.

These conglomerates are going to be the true beneficiaries of new nuclear, not the consumers forced to pay over

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The modern aim is to reduce unwanted air movement. We can reduce air travelling to the outside of the building which is known as exfiltration, unwanted if it involves taking away warm air. We can reduce airflow to the inside, infiltration, which is commonly experienced as draughts BELOW Internal thermographic image whilst house depressurised, with the corresponding photograph, showing substantial cold air leakage (dark blue) around and through the letterbox mounted in a replacement door

the odds for their warmth and light for decades to come. Ironically, one immediate response to new nuclear is to go off-grid entirely, to disconnect yourself from the problem, but of course, this is only an option for a fortunate few.

When considering how to improve our homes, one factor that has been routinely ignored for too long is airtightness, minimising the escape of expensively warmed internal air and preventing the ingress of cold and uncomfortable draughts. Airtightness is important because too much air leakage is bad for our wallets, bad for our comfort and bad for our health.

And the moisture that is carried through our walls and roofs along with escaping warm air is bad for our buildings, giving rise to condensation, mould and ultimately rot.

Controlling air leakage by making our dwellings and other buildings more airtight is essential for delivering sustainability in the UK. Our national zero-carbon targets for 2030 and 2050 cannot be achieved without a sustained and rigorous effort to make the building stock more airtight.

‘Build tight, ventilate right. For over a decade now, this mantra has been the rallying cry of energy-efficiency

experts but, until recently, it seemed to be landing on deaf ears. With our heavy reliance on gas to heat our homes, rapidly rising energy prices, and gas supplies under threat, we all need ways to mitigate the cost and at the same time benefit from reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Improving the airtightness (energy leakage) of new and existing buildings is one of the fastest ways of making UK homes warmer and less wasteful to heat.

Existing Buildings Many buildings are not airtight, either because they are old and were never meant to be sealed, or because they have not been constructed well. There are holes in the fabric: gaps around the pipes and cables that pass through the walls, floor and roof, draughts around windows, and spaces between the roof and the walls where they do not join up correctly. Airtightness testing measures the rate at which air can flow through a home or other building. In effect, we find out the rate at which the wind can whistle through the building fabric. Imagine filling a leaky house full of warm air. If it has a leakage rate of 6 air changes per hour, all this precious heat can be carried away by the whistling wind in ten minutes.

Good buildings need to be built with as little leakage as possible, but, of course, they also need to be well-ventilated.

To many in the UK, the concept of ‘airtightness’ seems somehow alien and unwelcome. ‘I don’t want to live in a hermetically sealed plastic box’ is a typical response. Or ‘I always sleep with the windows open, so what’s the point?’ They fear that an airtight house will be an unhealthy one, full of stale smells and condensation. No one wants an unventilated house, so of course, you can have your bedroom window open, but the house will be much healthier if it is built well-insulated and well ventilated

LEFT Internal thermographic image whilst house depressurised, with the corresponding photograph, showing very major cold air leakage (dark blue) around the loft hatch, particularly on the lefthand (hinged) side

thoughtfully, rather than simply relying on random acts of opening windows.

The modern aim is to reduce unwanted air movement. We can reduce air travelling to the outside of the building which is known as exfiltration, unwanted if it involves taking away warm air. We can reduce airflow to the inside, infiltration, which is commonly experienced as draughts. Some air leakage can provide uncontrolled ventilation, but most UK homes are too leaky when the wind blows and poorly ventilated on still days. Ventilation is provided through a variety of means, including extract fans and ultimately heat recovery ventilation systems (MVHR).

The classic Victorian house was built leaky to expel coal smoke: with rattling sash windows, draughts through the floorboards and open fireplaces. This, our forebears thought, was healthy. But perceptions are changing. In an airtight house, air quality is planned. These days we have become more concerned

about our internal environments – not surprisingly when a large majority of us spend most of our time inside. The desire for good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) causes us to avoid using polluting products and to be concerned about electrical appliances and equipment in our homes. In a more airtight dwelling, pollution could linger, so, to ‘Build tight, ventilate right’ we need to add “and keep the pollutants out”. Hence the increased popularity of environmentally friendly products, such as natural insulation, organic paints and non-toxic cleaning products.

Protecting the building fabric is perhaps the most important benefit of airtightness since a building that rots because of moisture in the wrong place is neither sustainable nor healthy to live or work in. Moving air carries moisture and moisture is bad for our buildings, as well as bad for our health.

Industry experts put the percentage of defects in buildings caused by ‘water ’ at between 75 and 80%. Many of

There are three essential elements to a lowenergy home: significanthigh-quality insulation; airtightness; and a whole-house ventilation system. The first won’t work without the second; the second won’t work without the third; but if all three are combined, the result will be a low energy, comfortable home with good indoor air quality and a building which has a greatly reduced likelihood of rotting.

these also cause health problems for the occupants. Surface condensation and mould are unsightly and give rise to health issues for many people, but it is interstitial condensation (moisture condensing within the build-up of a wall or roof ) that is the real threat.

Air leakage allows moisture to percolate into the wall and roof fabric of buildings, which in turn leads to significant reductions in the durability and viability of the structure. This is usually hidden until significant rot or other problems reveal themselves, typically many years later and with more costly repairs than necessary.

So, to summarise: Airtightness is achieved by sealing up a building.

There are three essential elements to a low-energy home: significant-highquality insulation; airtightness; and a whole-house ventilation system. The first won’t work without the second; the second won’t work without the third; but if all three are combined, the result will be a low energy, comfortable home with good indoor air quality and a building which has a greatly reduced likelihood of rotting.

Where do buildings leak?

This illustration (Figure 1.0) shows some of the myriad ways in which air leakage occurs in our homes. Whilst leaks around doors and windows are unsurprising to many of us, who expects significant air leakage to occur around a boiler flue, or through an external meter box? And what about the leaky letterboxes we routinely see on new front doors installed as part of upgrading peoples’ homes. Air leakage is driven by the wind, so the more exposed your property is, the worse you are likely to be affected – and of course, climate change means that extreme winds are getting more common. Air leakage is also driven by the “stack effect”, warm air rising, which can mean that a poorly fitting loft hatch in an existing house can be the most significant leakage point of all, with surrounding gaps and cracks allowing warm air in the house to escape into an unheated loft. There is a corresponding vacuum effect, sucking in cold air at a low level in the house, giving rise to uncomfortable draughts.

With thanks to Paul Jennings from Aldas and Ecomerchant for this introductory article on airtightness issues.

For more information on airtightness materials please visit www.ecomerchant.co.uk For more information on airtightness testing and leakage issues visit www.aldas.co.uk Figure 1.0

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Read the full article at https://www.ecomerchant.co.uk/ news/why-airtightness-is-important/

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GAS CALL SERVICES MARK THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL PERIOD IN THE COMPANY’S HISTORY, AND IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE EXPANSION WILL CONTINUE Following the acquisition of Gas Call Services by Duality Group in 2018, Gas Call Services have gone from strength and strength, almost trebling turnover in 4 years, whilst overcoming unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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ue to Gas Call Services strong working ethic, they have marked one of their most successful periods in the company’s 26 years history retaining existing contracts that came out to tender in this period, expanding their footprint across the UK and their expertise in energy efficiency works, along with further acquisitions.

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In August 21, WRB Gas (Contracts) joined forces with Gas Call Services, via acquisition, helping to strengthen Gas Call Services presence across the country, providing sustainability and additional opportunities.

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“Gas Call Services continues its growth strategy with the recent acquisition of WRB Gas and the collaborative rollout and expansion of the GoldStar Gas Cover offering across Scotland.”

WRB Gas (Contracts) Ltd are based in Dundee and operate across Fife and the East Coast of Scotland, with their services similar to Gas Call Services in delivering heating and hot water services to homes, 24/7 every day of the year. WRB has over 40 years of experience in delivering services to homeowners, social housing landlords and private landlords/tenants, currently meeting the heating needs of over 15,000 properties.

In late 2021, WRB Gas and Gas Call Services jointly launched the GoldStar Gas Cover scheme, offering a super-affordable complete heating system cover plan to

homeowners. The scheme provides an unwavering commitment to quality, competitive pricing, and a reliable service, doing what we say we’re going to do and being there when we’re needed most. This scheme has been received well with over 10000 subscribers.

Since the acquisition, WRB Gas, supported by Gas Call Services have tendered for and been awarded the following social housing contracts: • c£2.5m Heating Service and Maintenance contract with Perth and Kinross Council.

• c£2.1m Heating Services and Maintenance contract with Angus council.

WRB Gas Managing Director, Norrie Campbell stated “These are exciting times for WRB Gas with our Goldstar Gas Cover brand going country wide and our Social Housing department continuing to grow. The backing and support which Gas Call Services has afforded WRB Gas has allowed us to go for a wider scope of works and to continue to expand our services. The Social Housing contracts we have won, together with the growth of Goldstar Gas Cover will ensure continuity of employment for years to come for our employees in our traditional market as we venture into the renewables sector opening new avenues to succeed in.”

For more information, please visit www.wrbgas.co.uk.

Gas Call Services, alone, have retendered for three of their existing contracts/frameworks with The City of Edinburgh (two contracts) and Kingdom Housing Association in which they were successfully re-awarded all three.

Securing over £5M works for a further 4 years for the company.

Gas Call Services Managing Director, Mike Donnelly stated “Gas Call Services continues its growth strategy with the recent acquisition of WRB Gas and the collaborative rollout and expansion of the GoldStar Gas Cover offering across Scotland.

The contracts awarded to Gas Call Services are: • 3* Service, Maintenance and Installation contract with Canterbury County Council.

• 3* Service, Maintenance and Installation contract Dover District Council.

• 3* Service, Maintenance and Installation contract Folkestone and Hythe district council.

• 3* Service, Maintenance and Installation contract Thanet District council.

• Service, Maintenance and Installation contract with Maryhill Housing Association.

• Heating Installations contract with North Lanarkshire Council.

• Compliance Services contract with Home Group South-West England.

• Heating Installation contract with Winchester City Council.

We have also successfully been awarded on to five Heating Framework Contracts across the UK, ranked in top positions.

In 2021 Gas Call Services were also awarded social housing contracts for the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps, with Reading City Council and Yorkshire Housing Association, diversifying their expertise into renewable technologies.

Gas Call Services are fully aware of the monumental challenge faced by Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) to improve the energy efficiency of their housing stock and their own responsibility as a contractor

“Together with all our combined contract extensions and new wins in Scotland and our successes in England, Gas Call Services have become the ‘go to’ Company. We are extremely proud of the services we offer to Clients and look forward to continuing, positive growth and success across the UK”

to support RSL’S in meeting their targets.

This has led to further development within the Group, where they have come together with their sister company, Dyson Energy Services, working in tandem to offer a ‘whole house solution’ to RSL’s, which is now proving highly effective in practice, with a growing number of Housing Associations and Local Authorities contracting the both Companies to undertake seamless, one-stop retrofit programmes.

This strategy has proven results in keeping costs down and disruption to tenants being kept to a minimum.

All these benefits whilst supporting housing providers as they strive to meet, and surpass, their Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards targets.

For more information including the locations we operate from visit www.gascall.co.uk

Gas Call Services – Helping to shape the future of the Gas Services Industry All of the companies under Duality Group are recognised Real Living Wage employers, ensuring their employees are paid higher than the minimum wage and the national living wage.

“Together with all our combined contract extensions and new wins in Scotland and our successes in England, Gas Call Services have become the ‘go to’ Company. We are extremely proud of the services we offer to Clients and look forward to continuing, positive growth and success across the UK”

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Along with the successful retendering for existing contracts, Gas Call Services have been active in tendering for new Heating Service, Maintenance and Installations works across the whole of the UK, in which they have successfully secured over £25,000,000.00 worth of work via this process since 2018, simultaneously expanding their footprint across Scotland and into England.

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EXPERTS STATE ‘HYBRID HEAT PUMP INCENTIVES ARE NEEDED TO DECARBONISE HOME HEATING’ The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is calling for greater support for hybrid systems in the Government’s net zero strategy, in order to provide a practical method of achieving low-carbon heating for consumers.

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aunched in October last year, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) Heat and Buildings Strategy outlined the key technologies in the UK’s transition to net zero. The £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme was the centrepiece of the development, offering homeowners grants of £5000-£6000 for the installation of heat pumps.

However, this scheme only extends to all-electric systems at present, with hybrid set-ups currently ineligible for funding. Following the conclusion of the Renewable Heat Incentive in March 2022, this now means that there is no subsidy scheme in place for those looking to install a hybrid system.

Stewart Clements, Director at the HHIC, said: “The supporting initiatives surrounding heat pumps demonstrate the key role that this technology will play in the nation’s decarbonisation efforts.

Hybrid Heating & Hot Water

ABOVE LEFT Elizabeth Wilkinson ABOVE RIGHT Stewart Clements

“It’s important to acknowledge that transitioning directly to all-electric technology simply isn’t going to be an option for many consumers.”

“However, as this legislation does not currently extend to hybrid systems – in this case an air source heat pump and gas boiler, operated by an intelligent control system – we feel that BEIS has effectively discontinued support for one of the most viable routes to achieving low-carbon heating. It’s important to acknowledge that transitioning directly to all-electric technology simply isn’t going to be an option for many consumers. For this reason, it’s vital that this level of support is extended to hybrid systems too as a means of bridging the gap.”

The case for hybrid heating systems has been set out in the HHIC’s latest whitepaper, Hybrid Heat Pumps: A Flexible Route to Decarbonise Heat.

Within the whitepaper, the HHIC raises the point that opting for a hybrid system allows for an immediate reduction in carbon emissions for those unable to transition to allelectric heating at present.

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From a practical perspective, homeowners can then make gradual improvements to the fabric of their property for increased energy efficiency, before making the full switch to an all-electric system at their convenience. Hydrogen fuelled boilers may also be an option in the longer term so consumers have the flexibility of different fuel options including off grid bio-fuels.

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Hybrid Heat Pumps A Flexible Route to Decarbonise Heat

Elizabeth Wilkinson Head of Domestic Product Management at Groupe Atlantic and Chair of the HHIC Hybrids Group, advised: “The UK’s ambitious Net Zero targets mean there is a real need to decarbonise our homes and buildings. With the varied and complex

“The UK’s ambitious Net Zero targets mean there is a real need to decarbonise our homes and buildings.”

housing stock in the UK, it is imperative that we take a pragmatic view and utilise every available option.

“It’s clear that we will see significant diversification of technologies used to supply homes with heating and hot water. Hybrid heat pumps can play a role in this by providing a consumer-friendly stepping stone to full decarbonisation, whether that’s through decarbonisation of the gas grid or an upgrade to a full electric solution. Hybrid heat pumps are a practical solution that enable carbon reduction in homes now, and with recommendations in this paper, such as clearly defined standards for hybrid control to ensure carbon savings, they should not be overlooked in policy as a route towards Net Zero.”

The whitepaper also raises the issue of skills and training, with an emphasis on understanding the effect that building fabric and insulation has on thermal performance and heat demand. This can be measured through room-by-room heat loss calculations, which now form the basis of many training schemes offered by manufacturers within the HHIC. Stewart concluded: “While it would be fair to say that more manufacturers are launching all-electric systems, the key challenges to uptake here are accessibility and attractiveness to the consumer. In this sense, hybrid systems may serve an effective intermediary between traditional gas boilers and low-carbon heating so we hit the Governments shorter term goals. For this reason, the HHIC strongly advocates that the Government adopts a revised position on this technology, as we believe it to be one of the most practical routes to net zero.”

For more information on the HHIC and to read the new whitepaper, visit www.hhic.org.uk/resources

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Project News WELLINGTON HOUSE REFURBISHMENT DELIVERS MODERN OFFICE SPACE FOR WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY HALF A MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN THE COMMAND HOUSE, CHATHAM The Command House, Chatham will open its doors to guests once more early in the new year, following a £512,000 investment. The new chapter in this landmark pub’s story sees 40 new jobs created in the local area.

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uilt in the 1800s, this grade II listed building, steeped in military history, has period features, bags of character and a splendid view over the River Medway. Keeping all of its traditional charm firmly in place, the newly refreshed Command House is making the most of its historic building and unrivalled location.

Inside, The Command House is all about marrying traditional character with modern style. The building boasts features including brick vaulted ceilings in the basement bar, recessed windows and period tile and flagstone floors. The Command House is, however, not a relic of the past. An eclectic mix of old and new come together to create a warm, welcoming environment. With seating options at every turn, from quiet, secluded nooks to family tables – there is the perfect space for every get-together.

Outside, the generous garden area has also had a facelift. The traditional picnic-style tables have been renewed and refurbished.

There is even no reason to return inside with the garden bar meaning you can order a drink while enjoying the sunshine. The garden bar is served by its own dedicated beer cellar, so has The Command Houses full range of drinks available. Perfect for enjoying an afternoon tea in the sunshine.

The team can’t promise the weather, but they can guarantee the proximity to the River Medway and beautiful local scenery.

Come for the views and stay for the food, drink and hospitality.

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After its short closure, The Command House reopens with a brand new, delicious menu.

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Willmott Dixon Interiors has announced the completion of an £8.05 million project to refurbish the headquarters of West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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he fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has transformed 48,300 sq ft across all five floors of Wellington House, a 1980s office building in Leeds city centre.

The phased project has delivered high-quality, flexible office space and a collaborative working environment, with its energy performance rating improved from D to B.

There is something to delight every day of the week with afternoon tea available daily, when pre-booked. Choose the Classic or why not indulge in the Tipsy Afternoon Tea with two glasses of prosecco or two cocktails per person, to accompany your delicious sandwiches, scones and desserts.

On Sundays, The Command House is now serving Sunday roasts with all the trimmings and bottomless Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy. With all your favourite cuts of meat and a hearty mushroom wellington, there is something for everybody at the table.

A new start means a new team and the brand-new Command House team are raring to go.

The Command House will mark their reopening with a special VIP event. The local community, businesses and dignitaries are invited to welcome back the new look Command House. Expect an evening of live music and community. Once reopened, The Command House will be welcoming community groups through their doors, including the local mother and baby club.

Visitors will benefit from a reconfigured entrance lobby and internal layout, as well as improved accessibility and modern conference rooms for public meetings.

Externally the structure has been re-roofed and photovoltaic panels installed to improve the building’s energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.

Originally constructed in the early 1900s, Wellington House was rebuilt following fire damage in the late 1980s. Willmott Dixon Interiors was chosen to deliver much needed improvements to the building in the summer of 2020.

The contract was awarded to Willmott Dixon Interiors via Major Works England and Northern Ireland - part of the Scape National Construction framework - and was delivered by a project team that included Faithful+Gould and NPS Leeds Limited.

The refurbishment of Wellington House has coincided with a sustained programme of community engagement activities delivered

by Willmott Dixon Interiors, that has benefited local students, jobseekers, businesses and community groups.

The contractor has hosted a virtual careers carousel for students at Tong Academy, mock interviews at Co-op Academy and Outwood Grange, and a business focused trading game and mock interviews for students at Beckfoot Oakbank Academy. Other activities have included an apprentice workshop for 30 young people, careers sessions for students at Barnsley College and a green energy challenge with Beckfoot Upper School.

Willmott Dixon Interiors has also donated more than £3,500 to good causes, including MENCAP and local food banks, and provided support for the Horsforth Shed Community Project, including project planning, construction of a new access ramp, new external lighting, entrance handrails and signage.

LEFT (Front, L-R) Phil Davies, Faithful+Gould; Mark Woollen, WIllmott Dixon Interiors. (Back, L-R) James Paterson Faithful+Gould; Chris Hall, WIllmott Dixon Interiors; Phil Tovey, Faithful+Gould; Phil Sanderson, WIllmott Dixon Interiors.

ARITCO COLLABORATES WITH SWEDISH DESIGNERS ALEXANDER LERVIK AND EVALINA KROON ON LIMITED-EDITION DESIGNWALL Award-winning Swedish lift company Aritco has launched a new DesignWall called Geometric for its fully customizable Aritco Home Lift in a limited edition of just fifty units.

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eometric is the result of a collaboration between Alexander Lervik, one of Sweden’s top designers, and young graphic artist Evelina Kroon. Lervik developed the original concept behind Aritco’s homelift in 2016, using light and the latest technology to make it adaptable to modern ways of living and the smart homes of the future.

“I am very proud of Geometric which is my favorite DesignWall to date.”

Kroon is a cross-disciplinary creative who often uses tape to create an eclectic aesthetic that she applies to paintings and set design.

Aritco already offers a range of nine DesignWalls with a Scandinavian aesthetic, but the company commissioned Lervik to create a new design for its most exclusive clients.

As he thrives on collaborations with other creatives from different disciplines, he sought out Evelina Kroon who had already established a distinctive aesthetic which draws on graphic patterns from wallpapers and prints from the 1960s and early 1970s.

“I was inspired by the scale of this design as it’s one of the biggest patterns I’ve worked on so far,” says Kroon. “It was a fantastic experience to collaborate with Alexander. We wanted to make a clean, timeless and graphic pattern, focusing on shapes and materials rather than colors. I’m so happy with the result – it’s a sober and calm design that’s modern with a retro touch.”

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Kroon began the design process with a wood fiberboard layered with tape and different materials to create repeat patterns. She then sent a series of six sketches over to Lervikwho developed the pattern further by adding in circular shapes and creating a digital file. They shared and modified the design several times before settling on a final version in a range of colorways. Aritco then selected one colourway and sent it to specialist production company Stockholm Print who manufactured the bespoke glass wall.

“I am very proud of Geometric which is my favorite DesignWall to date. I even have it installed in the Aritco HomeLift in my own home in Stockholm,” says Lervik. “It’s important that this is a limited edition as our clients want a design that is unique and has roots in the Swedish aesthetic. Working with Evelina was fantastic – collaborating with other creatives is crucial for my evolution as a designer,” he adds.

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Lighting & Electrical

Bromleighs

Anything Less is a Compromise

Email: info@bromleighs.com

Phone: 01208 79490

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RRN120093 Bromleighs HP.indd 1

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Website: www.bromleighs.com 17/12/2019 15:55:06

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EUROBRICK: RENOVATE & REUSE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE People are becoming more aware of the global climate emergency and questioning the role of the built environment in challenging this issue, particularly in terms of renovation and converting redundant buildings.

“Eurobrick products and systems have been used on many renovation and conversion projects over the last 30 years helping to bring redundant buildings back to life.”

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hile policymakers have long focused on reducing emissions from operating buildings, this is just a part of the story. There is a growing realisation that converting or renovating older buildings can be better for the environment than creating something new. The cost to the environment of demolition and rebuild is greater than renovation as there is embodied carbon within the structures of buildings. In light of climate change, is it time to consider extending the useful life of our existing stock of buildings rather than replacing them?

Extruded brick slips typically use only 30-40% of the energy used

Renovation projects reimagine the old to breathe new life into communities. Whether converting or refurbishing an existing building, there is often a way to make better use of what is already available to us. And if that helps with climate change too, surely it should be the way forward?

For more information on Eurobrick systems and products, please call 0117 971 7117 or email info@eurobrick.co.uk.

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Eurobrick products and systems have been used on many renovation and conversion projects over the last 30 years helping to bring redundant buildings back to life. With flexible brick slip systems to suit any project, they can provide solutions that not only transform the appearance but also offer excellent energy saving benefits as well as creating a healthier environment for occupants’ wellbeing.

to produce standard full sized bricks. They are also considerably lighter which helps to save on transportation, foundations and other structural elements. If you add to this that the insulation panels in Eurobrick’s X-Clad system can achieve significant improvements to U-Values, it shows that Eurobrick offer excellent solutions for sustainable renovation projects.

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Lighting & Electrical RESIDENTS BOWLED OVER BY REFURBISHED LEISURE FACILITY Darlington Borough Council invested in a £1.7m redevelopment of the Dolphin Centre, which it hopes will improve the town’s leisure offer and bring in future income.

The underutilised, double-height space of the squash courts provided the perfect location to install the much-demanded bowling alley, creche, and Cafe. While the Under the Sea soft play area was both upgraded and extended.

Davies Tindale Associates (DTA) approached the Zumtobel Group lighting brands Zumtobel and Thorn to assist with a lighting design for the refurbished areas. The end customer wanted a fun, dynamic lighting scheme that staff could adapt to different events and occasions.

Project team: Consultant - Davies Tindal Associates, Stockton Client - Darlington District Council Architect - Michael Johnson, Darlington Council Contractor - Lytestream Electrical, Darlington

Jordan Wilkes, Electrical Associate at DTA Consulting Engineers, comments, “For this project, the client wanted complete lighting control, from scene-setting to colour changing.

I knew that the Zumtobel Group would provide everything DALI enabled to achieve the desired results.”

The main challenges were integrating a complete controls system, including scenes and dynamic colour change. Furthermore, the ceiling design added complications, the Zumtobel range of TECTON continuous lines of light overcame this situation, offering a unique zero glare optical performance from the asymmetric beam attachment, full wiring containment, including the colour changing controls. The products were finished in black as standard to allow the installation “disappear” into the ceiling void space.

The scheme also consisted of Zumtobel’s MICROS, PANOS infinity downlights and ONDARIA. The soft play and playrooms feature Thorn’s Glacier pendent, Omega Pro 2 recessed, and Chalice downlights.

Jordan continues, “The new lighting and the refurbishment have modernised and revitalised the space, creating a leisure facility at the heart of the community. It looks fantastic. The client

RRN522013- ZG Lighting UK Ltd- HP.indd 1

is over the moon, and the feedback from the local community is excellent.”

The scheme delivered a superb lit effect with colour change control, good colour rendition, and low energy consumption.

For more information on Zumtobel Lighting please visit the website https://z.lighting/en/zumtobel/, for or Thorn Lighting www.thornlighting.co.uk.

Photography: © Joss Guest Photography 13/05/2022 14:57:30

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♦ Ideal for energy-saving automatic lighting control ♦ PIR occupancy switches with built-in photocells ♦ Free-to-download DANLERS iOS and Android app ♦ Easy-to-use; optional security settings ♦ Versions for switching & for DALI & 0-10V dimming ♦ Programmable setback light levels and fade rates ♦ Upgradeable via over-the-air updates for extra features such as group control and asset tracking

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Made with the customer in mind, every light comprises of wellappointed components using ethically-sourced raw materials, ensured for longevity and durability for multiple installations. The metal components for each light are machined in the London workshops using clever machinery and proficient artistry.

Available in a curated collection of states with customisable elements, each state presents a personality of their own, showcasing intricate contemporary designs and allowing for endless possibilities.

Celebrating the sculptural flair and artisanal craftmanship, Empty State brings customisation to high-end designs.

The brand’s six collections draw inspiration from contemporary architectural designs and styles from throughout the ages. With attention to detail and the highest precision, the products are cleverly crafted with the utmost technology and skill, mastering bespoke designs each time which are suitable for all projects from residential to commercial to hospitality.

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INTERVIEW: MARKETA RYPACEK A Q&A on Industrial design with Industville Ltd

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hat is industrial design in interior design?

Industrial style decor comprises of stripped back architectural details, including the use of exposed brick, concrete, raw metal and wood, as well as salvaged materials. Industrial design takes inspiration from the lofty look of warehouses and factories, creating the perfect juxtaposition of rustic and modern, rough and homely. In terms of interior design, it is all about achieving a raw edgy style that looks unfinished, yet cohesive and unique.

Where did the aesthetic come from?

Was it a reaction to something? Any idea what year it became prominent or when it was popular?

It was back in the 1970s when the now infamous industrial style really took hold. At that point, many warehouses, mills and factories were turned into homes for people to live in and rather than concealing the raw elements such as the rough bricks, exposed metals and pipework, Interiors Designers decided to embrace them. People loved this new honest, authentic look with its clean lines and open spaces, and 50 years on it remains as popular as ever. In today’s busy, frantic world, this pared back, simplistic and unfussy style provides a much-needed calm feel to

“Searches for ‘Industrial Décor’ have doubled in the past 5 years alone, proving the look is certainly standing the test of time – another feature which makes it so appealing.”

our homes, something we all welcome at the end of a hectic day. Searches for ‘Industrial Décor’ have doubled in the past 5 years alone, proving the look is certainly standing the test of time – another feature which makes it so appealing.

Were there any founding figures of the style?

Although it’s very difficult to pinpoint, many people often consider the first industrial designer to be architect Peter Behrens, who was noted for his influential role in the development of modern architecture in Germany.

Beginning in 1907, Behrens was the artistic adviser for AEG, for which he designed not only industrial buildings but also small electrical appliances.

Another influential figure is considered to be Albert Kahn. He led a change in industrial design that brought factories, warehouses, and industrial spaces more in line with what we

know them to be today. In the earlier days of manufacturing, different operations were often housed in different buildings. Kahn called for more efficiency and used new building materials to create massive structures that could house all operations under one roof.

How does industrial décor make a space feel? What does it achieve in an interior?

Industrial decor blends seamlessly with any style, be it sophisticated, traditional, or contemporary.

The clean lines and statement elements of industrial spaces act as a perfect contrast to whatever they counterpoint. It’s neither too cold nor too warm, but rather helps strike the perfect balance. Despite its simplicity and minimal design, industrial style manages to create a statement interior. The juxtaposition of modern vs. vintage makes for a great, layered and considered living environment.

Industrial style décor gives the homeowner the opportunity to customise the look using furniture and decor that are completely unique them and to their home, creating a beautiful and personal space.

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How can a space be made to look industrial? Where to start?

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The industrial look remains a timeless style for any interior and can effortlessly add a character to any room. Industrial interiors look their best when they embrace a unique finish that highlights individual character.

Once you’ve stripped your interior bare, make sure you add touches of your personal style to transform it into a place that reflects you.

When creating an industrial style interior, ‘raw’, ‘exposed’ and ‘unfinished’ are key themes and if you keep these in mind you won’t go far wrong. In terms of colour, a neutral toned-down

palette works best for this look but don’t be afraid to add in the odd splash of black or dark grey, which looks great when set against metallics. Leave walls naked too, celebrating the raw brickwork or concrete, harking back to those original industrial buildings of the 1970s.

Focus on keeping the layout as open as possible. It makes the room appear spacious and more reminiscent of the industrial era. To prevent the space from looking overwhelmingly large, thoughtfully arrange industrial style furniture in groups to break up the space - this also helps to achieve the popular broken-plan living trend.

Quality natural materials play an essential role in making the interior authentic, so stick to functional materials such as metal, timber, bricks and tiles found in the industrial era.

These will all help to create that allimportant balance between rough and smooth textures, another key element in industrial style. To achieve the industrial look with your furniture, look for pieces with exposed legs or arms that enhance its bare functionality.

Dark toned materials, such as leathers and woods, also pair particularly well with metal industrial features.

“Living areas are particular spaces where you should be able to relax comfortably; it is possible to make a warm, welcoming environment even if practicality is prioritised. Make use of a few key textures while sticking to a cool, neutral colour palette.”

Lighting plays an important part in industrial style interiors too and can be used to highlight features such as exposed brickwork, wooden beams or visible pipes. Our vintage style industrial lights take inspiration from those used to illuminate factories in years gone by, and our ribbed glass shades, cool metallic colours and bulb cages are popular choices by those wanting to create an industrial vibe.

Alternatively, for a true minimalist look, try a bare bulb, complete with exposed wires, which can be hung either singly or also look great in a cluster.

Industrial style is relatively undefined meaning that you can have fun becoming your own industrial interior designer.

The industrial look is all about practicality and versatility; this is what gives industrial interiors their unmistakable flavour. So, when deciding how to decorate your space, the practicality of your chosen pieces

When it comes to furnishings, an industrial interior requires features to be practical and uncomplicated.

Clean lines, simple forms and stark contrasts are a must, but this simplistic approach does not mean you have to compromise on comfort.

Living areas are particular spaces where you should be able to relax comfortably; it is possible to make a warm, welcoming environment even if practicality is prioritised. Make use of a few key textures while sticking to a cool, neutral colour palette. Try to avoid too many accessories, like an excess of cushions.

It should go without saying, but metal fixtures are a vital component of this look. Depending on your overall theme, handcrafted metals can add to the feel of rough, exposed loft spaces brilliantly but can also provide a sleek, refined look perfect for a range of spaces.

How has industrial style evolved?

Industrial style has evolved over time due to its flexibility to mix well with other interior design styles and we often see industrial elements being brought into different, sometimes contrasting styles. For example, blending elements of industrial style with a Scandinavian interior design works seamlessly as they both have common traits such as neutral tones, mixing textures and functionality.

Japandi interior design also blends well with the industrial style as raw materials such as brass help to create that tranquil feeling that Japandi is renowned for.

Is industrial design still in style/going out of style?

“There are many ways the dark interior trend can be incorporated into homes without the risk of dating the interior in years to come. The trend lends itself well to a timeless design, as it can include classic features which never go out of style, such as lighting.”

Industrial design is timeless and will never go out of style, but it is constantly evolving. There is less emphasis on the rusty and rough, with a clear shift towards the premium, luxurious and high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.

Recent events have given homeowners the chance to appreciate every aspect of their homes a little bit more. While we have always cared for our home interiors, we have seen much more attention focused on creating the much sought-after inside/outside look and how we can strengthen the connection from our home to our outside space.

With more time being spent at home, we demand more from our spaces, both inside and out. The expectations for our outdoor living space now hold the same design opportunities as our home interiors and consequently we have seen an emerging trend to take the industrial look into outdoor spaces.

There has been a huge demand for IP65 rated industrial lighting being used to create chic outdoor kitchens, bars or garden terraces for example.

Marketa Rypacek Managing Director, Industville Ltd Phone: 020 7971 7871 Website: www.industville.co.uk

Some of the latest designs for interiors are all about embracing a dark, luxurious feel, which also works brilliantly with industrial style design.

It’s simple enough to create at home, whether it’s for a complete renovation project or updating a few elements within a scheme. For best results, careful attention to the lighting is key.

Matt black designs are ultra-versatile and can complement any interior style – classic, contemporary, Scandi, mid-century, industrial and everything in between; it’s like a piece of jewellery that accessorises and blends seamlessly within any décor.

There are many ways the dark interior trend can be incorporated into homes without the risk of dating the interior in years to come. The trend lends itself well to a timeless design, as it can include classic features which never go out of style, such as lighting. Raw materials, especially high-quality metals, is one of the main features of industrial design that is here to stay.

The latest trend combines the raw and rusty, with the sleek and modern. This transition freshens up the signature industrial aesthetic, providing an

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What does industrial interior design look like?

excellent opportunity for creative expression. When it comes to creating a feeling of luxury, dark tones are where it’s at. We see dark kitchens being on the hot list, as well as dark-toned living areas and bathrooms too.

should always be at the forefront of your mind.

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PROFILE: SIBLING-PRESENTERDUO TAKE PROPERTY AND BROADCAST CIRCUIT BY STORM Scarlette and Stuart Douglas are the presenting duo and property experts making major moves on our television screens with their valuable expertise and likeable personalities.

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he siblings have always had a passion for property and their interior design and renovation business has proved to be successful and rewarding for over 15 years.

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The respected pair have now become the go-to voices in the sector across multiple television channels. As well as co-hosting Channel 4’s brand new property show ‘Flipping Fast’ with George Clarke this Spring, Scarlette and Stuart will be hosting their own show

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“Property has been our passion for many years, and we are excited to be able to share our love for redeveloping spaces with the masses.

We have honed the skills of redesigning properties for over a decade, and we look forward to offering advice that’s accessible to both budding entrepreneurs and the general public alike.”

for the channel, ‘Worst House On The Street’. This follows Scarlette’s lead on Channel 4’s ‘A Place In The Sun’ and the pair fronting ‘Love It or List It’ for Channel 4’s ‘Black to Front’ project.

Scarlette’s property journey began when she bought her first flat at the age of 24. She became an awardwinning television presenter with ‘A Place In The Sun’ [2015] and since then, has been a regular reporter for BBC’s ‘The One Show’ as well as presenting her own prime time Channel 4 show ‘Holiday Secrets: Is Last Minute Best?’

[2020]. Scarlette has maintained this momentum and is currently filming her brand new 16-part series ‘My Dream Derelict Home In The Sun’ for property channel HGTV, set to air in 2023.

Former professional footballer Stuart bought his first property in 1999 - a converted hat factory in St Albans.

He redesigned, refurbished, and eventually sold it for a healthy profit.

This proved to be the catalyst for him to buy and develop in the locations of the football clubs he played for.

With Scarlette’s candid input, he developed and sold numerous properties which naturally assisted his seamless progression into the world of broadcast.

Stuart, a talented and natural broadcaster, was soon nominated for Best Debut Presenter at the New Voice Awards 2022. A successful property developer-duo off camera, and a dynamic, personable duo on camera – is there anything Scarlette and Stuart Douglas cannot do?!

Scarlette and Stuart Douglas comment: “Property has been our passion for many years, and we are excited to be able to share our love for redeveloping spaces with the masses. We have honed the skills of redesigning properties for over a decade, and we look forward to offering advice that’s accessible to both budding entrepreneurs and the general public alike.

“We don’t always agree on the same methods but when it comes to achieving the best results, we are always on the same page.

“We hope we can inspire people to enter the property game and can offer some insight, tips, and tricks.”

Project News

£3M REFURBISHMENT OF LIBRARY COMPLETED WITHOUT CLOSING MAIN SITE Work on the refurbishment of a major office space in Enfield has now been completed, being delivered on time and within budget for Enfield Council.

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he £3 million refurbishment of the Edmonton Library Housing Hub, which has been in the works for more than six years, is a part of Enfield Council’s ambitious plans to provide a 21st century library experience for all of its residents. The two-storey library has been carefully designed to maximise productivity and will include extra study spaces for children and students, free Wi-Fi, a customer access kiosk, as well as a dedicated local history and museum space to celebrate the area’s rich history.

Leading independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard, operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration was appointed by Enfield Council through SCAPE’s Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework to provide architectural and design support, while also supporting with mechanical, electric and project management services.

Alongside the obvious benefit to the learnings of local children and students, there has been a range of intentional decisions from Pick Everard to benefit the

Furthermore, an emphasis was placed on sustainability throughout the project. All of the lighting designed implemented into the space is energy efficient and utilises smart controls, amongst many other benefits, including automatic adjustment to suit the environment changes to stay at peak energy efficiency. As well as this, the project ensured that existing doors were either reused or repainted throughout the development and

Maintaining a close collaboration with Wilmott Dixon Interiors throughout, Pick Everard was able to deliver the project with a highly responsive service, quickly and efficiently adapting to changes in the programme requirements during the construction.

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Maintaining a close collaboration with Wilmott Dixon Interiors throughout, Pick Everard was able to deliver the project with a highly responsive service, quickly and efficiently adapting to changes in the programme requirements during the construction. Using NEC changemanagement mechanisms, Pick Everard was able to act cooperatively and openly to develop solutions that minimised the impact on timings and costings.

local community. This has included the employment of local people to work on the site, while the wider development team has placed emphasis on education by supporting staff to develop and upskill and visiting schools in Enfield.

Pick Everard’s design of replacing the existing gas-fired heat pumps with electric heat pumps was a notable contribution regarding sustainability.

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Preventing sympathetic refurbishment

Before

There are 350,000 Grade II listed buildings in the UK, which, along with the conditions of local conservation areas, means we have a huge volume of properties that cannot benefit from upgrades to the building fabric in order to become more energy efficient and robust.

In an effort to rectify the mistakes of the past and prevent any further loss of our architectural heritage, are we at risk of actively discouraging the sympathetic refurbishment of heritage buildings?

IS CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

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e have seen some tragic destruction of our architectural heritage over the years. Crafted features, such as joinery, fireplaces, architraves and tiling, have been covered over or ripped out, to be replaced with alternatives that have left a legacy of poor quality and questionable taste.

Hale’s own HQ in Surrey provide a useful example.

It’s a sad history that has now, thankfully, been addressed, both by architects and construction professionals who respect the artisan builders of the past; and by heritage and conservation rules. But not everything that’s being protected in the name of heritage really warrants such vociferous protection. Sometimes, keeping an original feature or material, or being required to replace it on a like-for-like basis, actually conflicts with the aim of extending the lifespan of the building and fails to consider the net carbon zero agenda.

Sadly, the answer is sometimes yes.

Onerous heritage requirements often mean potential refurbishment projects fall at the first hurdle because they are simply not viable. The costs can escalate, materials can be difficult to source, and, in some cases, the required outcome is simply not achievable.

The architect, the developer and the construction company may want to do everything they can to protect the building’s original design and building fabric, but the project also has to work commercially, otherwise a developer simply cannot take it on.

And alongside the properties that are slowly slipping into dereliction because heritage-compliant restoration is too complex and expensive, there is also an issue of developers choosing to sidestep the system.

With just a little more pragmatism on the part of heritage officers and conservation regulations, collaboration between design and construction professionals and the heritage community could deliver commercially viable outcomes that are best for both the building and the environment.

Pragmatism in practice If the rules were applied as principles rather than with a monochrome approach to permitted or not permitted, perhaps we’d be better able to do what’s right for each project and each building, rather than aiming for a tick in a box.

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Hale’s own HQ in Surrey provide a useful example. A Grade II listed building, it has undergone various modifications down the decades. As a result, many of the original features have already been removed and the interior bears little resemblance to what the building would have looked like when first constructed.

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As part of a recent refurbishment, we needed to replace an existing staircase and the heritage officer was pragmatic in allowing us to install a new replacement but stipulated that the stairs needed to start and end in the same location, making it impossible

for us to remodel the space in a more efficient and user-friendly way for our business.

More frustratingly was the stipulation that we would need to change the sliding sash windows that were replaced by the previous occupier. Whilst these were traditionally-made timber sliding sash windows, they were double glazed and we were instructed to replace them with single glazed, using putty. This seems ridiculous given the current climate crisis - and also that the windows are good quality and no more than 10 years old.

Single glazing not only encourages heat to escape during the winter, driving up our heating bills and carbon footprint, it also leads to condensation, which could result in issues with damp and mould.

As a construction company with a considerable track record in heritage refurbishment, we know that it is possible to achieve an installation that looks virtually identical to the original, while enhancing the building for the future - but cumbersome heritage rules do not allow for this.

Streetscapes without compromise Heritage is not only about protecting individual features and buildings; it’s also about protecting traditional streetscapes. But maintaining the streetscape doesn’t have to mean keeping the buildings exactly as they have always been; what lies behind should have the potential for modification to meet the needs of new occupiers, new technologies and the climate crisis.

For example, if the building has limited headroom on the ground floor, why should we not be permitted to lower the floor to provide more suitable accommodation? This would also allow insulation to be installed as part of the floor build-up, alongside suitable interior wall insulation and aesthetically appropriate double or triple glazing. This could be done in a manner that

allows the building to look the same from the outside, and very similar from the inside, but the ground floor would become user-friendly and thermally efficient.

Living history We have historic buildings that need to be protected as museum pieces due to their importance, but most heritage buildings are simply remnants of a bygone era, and our goal should be to ensure they remain in use. We might want to keep every tile and every cornice, but if the tiles are laid on uninsulated floors and the cornices decorate lathe and plaster walls that were never built to last this long, we’re not really protecting the building; we’re allowing it to decay.

To be functional in the 21st century, buildings need electrics, lighting and data, and the irregularity of old walls and joists is often incompatible with those services because they simply didn’t exist when the property was built. So, instead of hanging on to sentimental ideas of heritage, let’s ensure that buildings survive by updating them, rather than being a slave to the past.

By Christian Hale - Fine Building Company, Hale

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A Grade II listed building, it has undergone various modifications down the decades.

As a result, many of the original features have already been removed and the interior bears little resemblance to what the building would have looked like when first constructed.

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A. PROCTOR GROUP NEW RIBA APPROVED CPD SEMINAR – BUILDING REFURBISHMENT The A. Proctor Group, synonymous with technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane solutions for the construction industry, has introduced a RIBA Approved CPD seminar titled “Building Refurbishment, Systems for Retrofit & Conservation.”

Aimed at architects, specifiers and contractors, attendees will receive technical advice from A. Proctor Group technical experts, providing the latest guidance on British and European Standards, compliance with Building Regulations, and learning on how to maximise performance and avoid potential failures.

Building Refurbishment, Systems for Retrofit & Conservation Iain Fairnington, Technical Director, commented, “This session provides an overview of the factors to consider in refurbishment and conservation projects, including the basics of building physics as related to hygrothermal design.

“It also provides an overview of the standards, regulations and frameworks involved in designing for retrofit and conservation.”

By the end of the session, attendees will have gained a greater understanding of: • The retrofit and conservation considerations • Knowledge of hygrothermal material properties and good design practice • Introduction to hygrothermal assessment standards • Introduction to PAS 2035 design framework • Reducing condensation risks in pitched roof refurbishment

professionals involved in the design and construction of buildings.

“Through the CPD series, we aim to provide technically accurate learning based on best practices, innovation, and project examples to help individuals make informed choices when specifying product solutions for their projects.”

Please get in touch with our technical department for more information on our CPDs or book a CPD on the ribacpd.com website.

The CPD serves the following RIBA Core Curriculum areas • Design, construction, and technology • Legal, regulatory, and statutory compliance • Knowledge level: General Awareness In summary, Iain Fairnington adds, “our CPDs have proved invaluable to Visit our website at www.proctorgroup.com

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RRNews - Issue 55

Environmentally Friendly!

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

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SPRING STORAGE!

With everything from garage shelving to storage boxes, garden units to wheelbarrows, sheds to ladders – BiGDUG has got you covered.

SORT OUT YOUR HOME, GARAGE AND GARDEN THIS SPRING FOR A CLUTTER FREE SUMMER

BELOW: BiGDUG x TB Davies 3 Way Combination Ladder

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he storms have finally subsided, the wood pigeons are going berserk and your neighbour’s strimmer won’t shut up – it must be SPRING! Time to dust down that garden furniture, clean off your BBQ set and power up ready for warmer, longer and lighter days.

Hoorah!

The only issue is, your garage looks like the inside of a skip, your shed contents are covered in cobwebs and last year’s gloopy paint pots are toppling over like the leaning tower of Pisa. You can’t find the set of screws you set aside in September (you definitely put them in ‘safe place’) to put parasol back together, and don’t even get us started on the state of the lawn seed – the floor looks like something out of Fern Gully.

You need to sort your storage life out.

And what better time to do it than at the beginning of the season before all of the additional surf boards, ping pong tables, buckets and spades, bikes and cushions are thrown into the mix.

With everything from garage shelving to storage boxes, garden units to wheelbarrows, sheds to ladders – BiGDUG has got you covered. So you can access everything you need in a jiffy, all summer long, leaving you more time to relaaaaxxxx.

1. Garage & Shed Shelving – MD4B Range 3 units from £113.99 Keep the clutter at bay using our extremely popular, multi-purpose & easy-build shelving bays. The costeffective storage solution for garages and workshops.

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MD4B Range

You need to sort your storage life out. And what better time to do it than at the beginning of the season before all of the additional surf boards, ping pong tables, buckets and spades, bikes and cushions are thrown into the mix.

BiGDUG Essentials Garage Shed Workstation RIGHT:

BELOW LEFT: Value Plastic Storage Boxes

BELOW:

Louvre Panel Kit

2. Storage Boxes – Value Plastic Storage Box Mega Deal 15 for £65.99 Save money with these fantastic Value Plastic Storage Box Mega Deals. An ideal solution for organising around the home, loft, garage, shed or any space.

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Semi-transparent box for visibility of items stored Boxes are fully stackable when in use Tapered sides allow neat, secure nesting for when boxes are not in use Clip-lock lid closing keeps contents free from moisture and dust Boxes made from virgin polypropylene

3. Garage & Shed Workstation – BiGDUG Essentials Garage Shed Workstation from £42 An incredibly robust entry level workstation rated for loads of up to 300kg UDL*. Perfect for use in the garage, shed or around the workplace.

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Load Capacity: 300kg UDL* per level Shelf material: 7mm MDF Frame material: 1.2mm steel Powder-coated blue or red finish, or galvanised option Working height of 900mm. Width choice of 900mm, 1200mm and 1500mm

4. Ladder – BiGDUG x TB Davies 3 Way Combination Ladder £128.62 The 3 Way Combination Ladder is ideal for tackling decorating and garden tasks by quickly converting from a step ladder into an extension and stairwell ladder.

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Use as an extension, A-frame and stairwell ladder Strong but lightweight box section stiles Wide horizontal stabiliser bar Max load 150kg Conforms to EN131 Professional standards

5. Storing Parts & Components – Louvre Panel Kit from £97.99 Designed for storing parts and components on the workshop, garage or shed wall – our cost saving kits are available in a number of panel size and part bin combinations. Louvre

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Panel includes pre-drilled fixing points and is finished in a greaseresistant, powder coated blue. Bins are manufactured from premium grade, impact resistant thermoplastic.

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For more information, visit: https://www.bigdug.co.uk

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