This month’s features:
Sector Reports:
• Retail Construction
• Roofing, Cladding & Insulation
Features:
• Lifts, Stairs, Balconies & Balustrades
• Ceilings, Partitions & Boards
Helping developers build kitchens that impress, perform, and last
• Bricks, Blocks & Lintels
• External Works & Landscaping
1.
Specifiers Guide to Render Solutions
A general introduction into specifying and using rendered finishes
Specifiers Guide to External Wall Insulation (EWI)
Reviewing the process of specifying the right EWI solution
A general introduction into the benefits of using lime render and plaster
Thousands of buildings with unsafe cladding are set to be fixed faster thanks to new legislation and over £1 billion of investment in social housing remediation.
The government has published a joint plan with the social housing sector to accelerate remediation across England, as well as setting out plans for a new law as part of the second phase of the Remediation Acceleration Plan.
At the heart of the joint plan on social housing remediation is a commitment by government to invest over £1 billion to give social landlords equal access to government funding schemes as private building owners. There is no time to waste, and today the Cladding Safety Scheme guidance has been changed so that the equal access policy can be implemented with immediate effect.
As part of this work, housing associations, local authorities and regulators are committing to accelerate work to assess and fix social housing buildings, and to improve support to social tenants before, during and after remedial works.
A new Remediation Bill is also being brought forward to make sure that landlords are held to account for fixing unsafe cladding and to tackle the slow pace of action across the sector.
Those who fail to comply without reasonable excuse could face unlimited fines or imprisonment. New legislation will also give named bodies, such as Homes England and local authorities, powers to remediate buildings with unsafe cladding if the landlord fails to do so.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said: “We have given social landlords access to over £1 billion to remediate unsafe cladding and make residents safe. The social sector is ready to rise to the challenge and make sure that residents are safe in their homes.
“We are sending a clear message to those responsible for a building still wrapped in unsafe cladding: act now or face the consequences.”
large appliance brand, Beko, to the
With tailored solutions for every type of
and industry-leading UK-wide support, Beko Appliance Partners help developers stay compliant and on budget whilst exceeding buyer expectations.
See pages 18-19 for the details.
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TSP Media Ltd, Grosvenor House, Central Park, Telford, TF2 9TW
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This summer’s heatwaves have reinforced the need for wider use of residential cooling, according to members of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).
The Association, which represents specialist firms who design, install and maintain heating, cooling and ventilation systems, said the rapid improvement in heat pump technology was an opportunity to provide cooling to more homes and address the “overheating crisis” that was now affecting a record number of people.
“We need an urgent rethink about how we cool and ventilate our homes, especially in our existing housing stock” said BESA technical director Kevin Morrissey. “Winter fuel payments were recently top of the political agenda, but a similar summer cooling scheme, targeted at vulnerable members of the population, now deserves serious consideration.”
He said BESA members had been sounding the alarm about overheating and poor air quality in buildings for many years, but the growing duration and intensity of heatwaves was making this issue increasingly urgent.
“A recent study found that up to 80% of UK homes now regularly overheat in summer and the government reports that UK summertime temperatures will be
between 1.3°C and 5.1°C warmer over the coming decades. This will have a hugely detrimental effect on people’s health, wellbeing and productivity,” said Morrissey.
Morrissey said the All Party Parliamentary Group for Healthy Homes and Buildings, which BESA sponsors, was providing expert guidance to the government and had suggested adapting several existing policies to address the overheating issue.
“Programmes like the Warm Homes Plan, Great British Insulation Scheme and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), are designed to improve heating efficiency, but these could equally be used to help people who are just as vulnerable to heat as they are to winter cold,” he said.
“Improving insulation is important for reducing heating bills and carbon emissions but, unless it is done in tandem with better ventilation and cooling, can lead to overheating, damp, mould and poor air quality – all of which can have a devastating effect on human health and wellbeing.
“It is a significant drawback that grant funding is not available for air-to-air heat pumps that provide cooling as well as heating. Not only could this help to tackle overheating but would also fuel additional market growth and help to reduce carbon emissions.”
Developed to support the growing number of people building their own homes, the Structural Timber Association (STA) has launched a comprehensive Self Build Starter Pack – providing a step-by-step guide to building in timber frame and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).
The appetite for custom and self build construction is strong, with around 12,000 homes completed each year – accounting for approximately 7-10 per cent of the UK’s housing market.
Structural Timber is an appealing solution for self builders, thanks to the numerous benefits it offers, such as faster build times, better cost predictability, superior quality control and greater design flexibility compared to traditional building approaches.
Intended to demystify the process of building your own home, the starter pack addresses the increasing demand for guidance in the self-build sector, providing essential information on the features, differences and benefits of timber frame and SIPs.
The pack also includes detailed information on the step-by-step build process from initial design through to completion, including planning applications and site preparation.
Foster + Partners’ latest project in Hong Kong revealed
Designs for Central Crossing – Foster + Partners’ latest project in Hong Kong –have been revealed.
Located at 118 Wellington Street between Graham, Gage and Cochrane Streets in Central, the new mixed-use development, a joint venture between Wing Tai Properties Limited and CSI Properties Limited, represents a rare opportunity to build on a significant site in the vibrant heart of the city that is known for its colourful street markets.
The site is the focal point of the triangle formed by three key historic attractions in the Central district – Tai Kwun, PMQ and Central Market. Central Crossing comprises an office tower and a hotel tower, both of which are positioned to align with the historic urban grid of the city.
Join the national conversation around the education estate
Education Estates® is the UK’s leading event dedicated to the funding, design, build, maintenance and management of schools, colleges and universities.
Join thousands of peers, including architects, designers, engineers, consultants and contractors, for two inspiring days focused on shaping the future of the education estate.
Explore innovative design approaches, product choices and specification strategies that drive high-quality outcomes in learning environments. Gain insight into the latest policy, standards and best practice, and connect with key decision-makers influencing the development of education spaces across the UK.
Be part of the national conversation around the education estate!
To request the floor plan or book your stand, please contact:
Rebecca Stratten Commercial Director
+44 1892 351626 (option 1) Or scan the QR code to email us
Andy Harris Senior Sales Executive
+44 1892 351626 (option 1) Or scan the QR code to email us
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*Private sector: Free exhibition pass or delegate access (early rates until 5 September). Public sector: Free access to exhibition and conference for those directly employed in schools, colleges universities, government and local authorities (including governors and independent schools).
The architectural professional institutes of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have formed a coordinated body – the Belfast Group – to ensure that architects across the UK and the Republic of Ireland have standardised guidance in fire and life safety design.
Its formation is one of several measures being introduced by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) and the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) to improve building fire safety in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.
The coordinated body will work to ensure that fire safety standards go beyond national boundaries and that architects working in all jurisdictions are equally competent to design buildings that conform to the highest levels of fire safety and life protection.
Belfast Group members have made a joint commitment to work with governments in their respective nations to push for architects to unfettered access to all the relevant national regulations, standards and technical information that they need to design the safest buildings possible in any of the five jurisdictions.
Along with standards for architects, the group will also develop guidance to help ensure construction professionals have
standardised fire and life safety information to enable them to make more informed decisions about procurement and overall resourcing of build projects.
In a joint statement, the five presidents representing the Belfast Group; Sean Mahon (RIAI), Karen Anderson (RIAS), Dan Benham (RSAW), John Lavery (RSUA) and Muyiwa Oki (RIBA), said: “The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report makes clear that more is required to ensure our buildings are as safe as possible.
“This is relevant for every architect. While each jurisdiction has its own regulatory framework, there are core competencies on designing for life safety that transcend political boundaries and project typologies.
“Therefore, the Belfast Group will share best practice, knowledge and information in design standards for life safety. This coordination will ensure that appropriate training and competency standards are implemented across each nation.
“We continue to work with our relevant governments to ensure that our members have access to all the regulations, standards and technical information they need whilst also providing guidance to clients on how to support the procurement and resourcing of projects, so life safety is at the heart of the appointment process.
“These steps will help deliver safer buildings for all.”
ASWS triumphs in Oxford Circus contract
Best known in recent decades as Topshop’s flagship store, 214 Oxford Steet has undergone a two-year refurbishment and restoration project.
It not only extends its working life as Ikea’s new London headquarters, but that also fully respects the building’s Grade II listing, with its unusually broad mix of window types which extend from street level bronze shopfronts to a trio of large circular steel rooflights set above a fourth floor mezzanine.
It has undoubtedly been an undertaking that London based Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) was able to successfully complete thanks to its long experience of working on heritage buildings, and the unrivalled array of trade skills in its armoury.
The new appointment will see Pick Everard supporting the MoJ’s focus on capacity expansion across the prison estate, including category A to D, and women’s facilities.
As the sole supplier, Pick Everard will lead the design of accommodation across the MoJ estate, covering new build works along with improvement works for existing assets.
It marks a continuation of Pick Everard’s longstanding relationship with the MoJ, which spans more than two decades.
In the past five years, this has included working closely on the New Prisons Programme (NPP) including work at HMP Five Wells, HMP Fosse Way, and HMP Millsike, with the latter being the first allelectric prison in the UK.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the winners of the RIBA National Awards 2025 for architecture.
The Awards, which have been presented since 1966, recognise the best of UK architecture and provide insight into the country's design and social trends.
Winning projects range across every corner of the country, from the Isle of Wight to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Diverse in
scale, from Astra Zeneca’s monumental curved “triangular” research facility (The Discovery Centre), and London College of Fashion’s striking “vertical campus” in Stratford, to the sensitive conservation of two dilapidated farm buildings in the Isle of Wight (The Old Byre) and the transformation of a former Battersea shop unit into a flexible home and office at Costa’s Barbers.
Commenting on the winning projects, 2025 RIBA Awards Group Chair, Simon Henley, said: “Congratulations to each of this year's RIBA National Award winners. Each of these 20 winning projects is a powerful testament to the diversity and depth of our profession. They demonstrate how architecture is not just a creative force, but also central in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
“This year’s winners reflect the many and varied ways architects are being asked to work, and their incredible motivation and breadth of expertise. As a profession, we now look to the past as much as the future, and to care and repair as we do to build. We continue to innovate but we also seek continuity, and in so doing to make work of every scale that
is engaging and thoughtful. The power of architecture to transform society and inform our way of life is on full display in every winning project.”
RIBA National Award 2025 winners will now be considered for the highly coveted RIBA Stirling Prize for the UK’s best new architecture, the shortlist of which will be announced on 4 September.
The 20 RIBA National Award 2025 winners are:
• 8 Bleeding Heart Yard by GROUPWORK
• Aldourie Castle Estate by Ptolemy Dean Architects Ltd
• Appleby Blue Almshouse by Witherford Watson Mann Architects
• Citizens House by Archio
• Costa’s Barbers by Brisco Loran and Arrant Industries
• Elizabeth Tower by Purcell
• Fairburn Tower by Simpson & Brown for The Landmark Trust
• Hastings House by Hugh Strange Architects
• Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing by Barefoot Architects
• HMP & YOI Stirling by Holmes Miller
• Hope Street by Snug Architects
• London College of Fashion by Allies and Morrison
• Niwa House by Takero Shimazaki Architects
• Sheerness Dockyard Church by Hugh Broughton Architects
• Sidcup Storyteller by DRDH Architects
• Student Hub, Queens Business School Belfast by TODD Architects
• The Discovery Centre (DISC) by Herzog & de Meuron / BDP
• The Old Byre by Gianni Botsford Architects
• Triangle House by Artefact
• Young V&A by AOC Architecture and De Matos Ryan
You may just see a roof. But by specifying a complete Marley Solar Roof System, you can be sure of a secure and robust solution, that also delivers more desirable, energy efficient homes. It’s more than a roof, it’s building to make a difference.
Project: National Gallery Sainsbury Wing
Architects: Selldorf Architects
Suppliers: Ecophon, Guardian, Knauf, Lucent Lighting, Schüco, Wicona
The Sainsbury Wing closed in February 2023 to undergo sensitive interventions to its external façade, foyer and first floor, to provide a better and more welcoming first experience to the National Gallery’s millions of visitors.
The National Gallery’s new main entrance has reopened to the public as part of the Gallery’s 200th birthday celebrations.
The new Sainsbury Wing was designed by New York-based Selldorf Architects, working with heritage architects Purcell.
At the entrance, some of the Gallery’s footprint has been given over to public realm, creating a 'square-within-a-square', and leading to a more spacious entrance to the Gallery. The original dark glass of the stairs up to the gallery spaces has been replaced with clear glazing, bringing daylight across the foyer while revealing subtle views of the 1830s National Gallery building by William Wilkins (1778-1839). The glazing also allows people in Trafalgar Square to see directly into the Gallery for the first time.
This entrance opens into a new doubleheight foyer, which is larger, more open, and brightly lit. A 12-metre wide, 16K screen shows astounding details of National Gallery paintings. Visitors will find a new espresso bar, 'Bar Giorgio', by Giorgio Locatelli, on the ground floor. 'Locatelli', the restaurant by the same chef, will be on the mezzanine level, alongside a new bookshop and spaces for meetings and events.
A bar will provide the to-date only publicly accessible space in London to enjoy a drink with views onto Trafalgar Square.
Facing the restaurant diners will be Paula Rego’s (1935-2022) Crivelli’s Garden (199091). Rego was the National Gallery’s first Associate Artist and was inspired to create the work by looking at Renaissance paintings by Carlo Crivelli (about 1430/5 - about 1494) for the Sainsbury Wing Dining Room on its original opening in 1991.
Also reopening is the recently renamed Pigott Theatre, on the lower ground floor. The theatre has been fully refurbished with a new colour scheme and refitted for increased comfort and accessibility, including level access to the stage.
The palette of high-quality materials used throughout the new spaces includes the same grey Florentine limestone (pietra
serena) employed in the Venturi-Scott Brown designed gallery spaces, along with Chamesson limestone from northern Burgundy, slate, oak and black granite. Wherever possible existing materials have been re-used, recycled or repurposed in other building projects. >>
>> The NG200 Welcome project has been made possible thanks to support from many generous donations, from both major benefactors and members of the public. In particular, The Linbury Trust and The Headley Trust which, together with The Monument Trust, funded the original establishment of the Sainsbury Wing 35 years ago, have been instrumental in helping the Gallery to realise the evolution of the building for its changing visitor needs.
Sir Timothy Sainsbury said: “The remodelled ground floor and mezzanine floor now provide a much larger and more welcoming entrance for the millions of visitors expected every year; a fitting introduction to the magnificent gallery spaces which remain unchanged.
“The Headley Trust and The Linbury Trust welcome the redesign and are pleased to continue to support the Sainsbury Wing towards its next 35 years and beyond.”
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, said: “The Sainsbury Wing will be the main entrance to the National Gallery.
Thanks to the reimagining of the exterior and interior spaces by architect Annabelle Selldorf, millions of visitors will be welcomed into the newly configured and subtly refurbished spaces, double height and brightly lit, and en route to exploring the Gallery’s superb painting collection from Giotto to Monet.”
Annabelle Selldorf said: “We are honoured to have contributed to making the Sainsbury Wing more welcoming and accessible and are looking forward to visitors enjoying a new light filled and seamless experience as they discover the magnificent collection of the National Gallery and all that it has to offer.”
Arts Minister Chris Bryant said: “The National Gallery is one of the best-loved members of our family of national Museums. It’s a delight to see any family member get a makeover, and this is no
exception. The new entrance will offer the best welcome anyone could imagine. And having seen some of the rehang, I know everybody will be amazed. I'm particularly grateful to the donors who have so generously supported this, enabling the Gallery to reimagine its space, reinterpret its collection, and open the doors wider to all communities.”
Aperfect aluminium window system seamlessly combines high-performance engineering with elegant design. Extruded aluminium frames, thermally broken with polyamide or polyurethane insulators, ensure exceptional thermal efficiency and minimise heat transfer, reducing energy consumption and preventing condensation.
Slim sightlines maximise glass area for optimal natural light, whilst precision-engineered mullions and transoms provide structural rigidity, even in large-format units. High-quality double or triple glazed units with low-E coatings and inert-gas fills, offer acoustic insulation and solar control, creating a comfortable, quiet interior environment without compromising on transparency or views.
Beyond core performance, the perfect aluminium window system prioritises durability, security, and customisation. Marinegrade finished profiles resist corrosion in harsh coastal or urban environments, while robust multi-point locking hardware and impact-resistant glazing enhance safety. A broad palette of powder-coat or anodised finishes allows architects and homeowners to tailor the aesthetic, whether a sleek, contemporary matte-black or a classic metallic sheen, without sacrificing long-term colour stability. Modular design and integrated drainage channels simplify installation and maintenance, while compatibility with smarthome sensors and ventilation accessories ensures that the window system adapts to evolving building standards and occupant needs over its decades-long service life.
By Wojciech Brożyna - MD Aluprof UK
Enter the newly launched MB-79N CSF aluminium window system from Aluprof, a slim-profile, outward-opening window system that blends minimalist aesthetics with robust thermal performance. With fixed‐frame sightlines as narrow as 35.2 mm and operable casement profiles from just 60.5 mm, it maximises glazing area without sacrificing structural integrity. Its threechamber, thermally broken profiles are offered in two insulation grades, the cost-effective ST variant and the high-efficiency SI variant with dedicated insulating inserts.
The ST variant offers a U-value of 1.42 W/ (m²K) using double glazing and 0.97 W/ (m²K) when using triple glazing, whilst the SI variant offers a U-value of 1.37 W/(m²K) using double glazing and 0.93 W/(m²K) when using triple glazing. Designers can choose between a flush exterior appearance, where sash and frame sit flush for a monolithic look, or a slightly extended casement for more pronounced shadow lines. The complete system accommodates fixed, side-hung and top-hung opening casements allowing a wide range of composite configurations.
Beyond its clean lines, the MB-79N CSF offers fabricators and end users tangible benefits in manufacture, security and longevity. A proprietary hybrid hinge supports casement weights up to 80 kg, enabling larger glass areas without compromising ease of operation or weather resistance. Fabrication is streamlined by dedicated tooling and optimised assembly workflows, whilst architects appreciate the wide colour palette of finishes and the ability to specify double or triple-glazed units up to 63 mm thick.
Homeowners and developers gain long-term peace of mind from burglary-resistant options (RC1–RC3), hurricane-impact testing to Florida Building Code standards, and marinegrade corrosion protection ensuring that the MB-79N CSF remains secure, efficient and beautiful for decades to come.
The MB-79N CSF window forms part of ‘Aluprof Living’ which is Aluprof’s dedicated residential range of high-performance aluminium framing systems, these are designed to bring expansive, uninterrupted glass walls and striking entrance features into any home without compromising on comfort or efficiency.
Each system in the range incorporates polyamide thermal-break technology with innovative insulating inserts to deliver excellent U-values that prevent thermal bridging, whilst slim sightlines maximise daylight and views. Homeowners and designers can choose from a virtually unlimited palette of RAL colours including wood-grain finishes for bespoke aesthetics.
Homeowners can benefit from Aluprof’s expert local support through a nationwide dealership offering specification support through to installation, ensuring both perfect aesthetic design and long-term, lowmaintenance performance.
Aluprof UK have been supporting specifiers in the UK and Ireland for nearly twenty years with advanced systems that include, high performance windows doors and facade systems. Many UK and Ireland based fabricators and installers supply these systems and are on hand to offer surveys and cost analysis as to what improvements can be made with likely paybacks.
Further information about the wide range of systems and specification support is available through the company website at aluprof.co.uk or for home improvement at aluprofliving.com and direct from their UK head office in Altrincham by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005
Aluprof – Enquiry 10
● Elegant partitioning with steel loft doors for maximum transparency
● Single- and double-leaf pivot doors with reduced profile view without door frame
● Carbon neutral as standard for all residential construction products, including steel loft doors and residential internal doors
For developers, creating kitchens that impress buyers and renters from day one, and maintain performance and appeal over the years is a growing challenge amid rising sustainability standards and mounting cost pressures.
That’s where Beko Appliance Partners come in, bringing the UK’s No. 1 best-selling large appliance brand, Beko, to the UK new housing sector. With a comprehensive range of reliable, stylish, and energy-efficient products, Beko supports specifiers in meeting the needs of today’s buyers and tomorrow’s regulations.
Recognised as Which? Best Value Appliance Brand for two years running, Beko is trusted for its commitment to quality, performance, and affordability, helping developers deliver greater value to customers while staying on time and on budget.
A tailored approach for every home
Beko recognises that every development has unique requirements, which is why they offer a flexible ‘Good, Better, Best’ specification model, allowing developers to select appliances that best suit the style, budget, and performance needs of any scheme. From robust, affordable housing solutions to premium models for high-end apartments, the range is designed to scale.
Understanding the priorities of today’s buyers and renters is crucial for developers looking to add real value to their kitchens. Beko’s HarvestFresh fridge freezer has been designed to appeal to wellness and sustainability-conscious occupants, with innovative light technology in the appliance’s crisper drawer designed to mimic the sun’s natural 24-hour cycle, helping preserve vitamins in fresh fruit and vegetables for longer.
Today’s buyers expect more from their kitchens: smart features, efficient performance, and space-saving designs.
Beko delivers across the board. Its EnergySpin washing machines, for example, cut energy usage by up to 35% on commonly used cycles, not just the Eco setting, reducing overall household energy consumption. Meanwhile, the brand’s Which? award-winning AeroPerfect™ ovens deliver fast, even cooking while using less energy. It’s innovation like this that helps developers maintain quality across mixed-tenure developments without compromising cost efficiency.
For kitchens with tight footprints, Beko’s slimline, slim-depth and stackable solutions help developers make the most of limited space. Its Split & Cook® oven, which functions as two ovens in one, allows for simultaneous multi-dish cooking. Meanwhile, AirFry technology built into the brand’s ovens eliminates the need for additional gadgets, keeping worktops clutter-free.
For the second year in a row, Beko has ranked the highest among home appliance manufacturers, and in the Top 20 companies overall, on TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s Most Sustainable Companies’ list, a testament to its leadership in responsible, forward-thinking manufacturing. The company’s RecycledTub® washing machines and RecycledNet® ovens repurpose plastic bottles, fishing nets and other waste into durable parts, reducing reliance on virgin plastics and supporting circular economy principles.
For developers, these innovations support compliance with ESG frameworks, Part L regulations and the upcoming Future Homes Standard, while also aligning with buyer demand for more sustainable living and lower bills.
Beko appliances undergo rigorous testing and come with generous warranties, including optional 5-year labour and parts cover and 10-year parts guarantees. Should issues arise, Beko’s UK-wide service network of over 1,000 engineers covering 99% of postcodes ensures a fast, efficient response, helping developers keep customers satisfied long after completion.
For kitchens that impress at handover and perform for years to come, Beko Appliance Partners are the trusted choice. Discover more at appliance-partners.bekoplc.com
Beko Appliance Partners – Enquiry
Associated Steel Window Services ( ASWS ) has won the refurbishment project of the year category at the Steel Window Association Awards 2025 for the Dover street project in central London.
ASWS’ meticulous approach to window refurbishment has paid dividends on this challenging and prestigious project.
Connected to the adjacent 15 Berkeley Street via the basement levels, 35 Dover Street was historically home to the exclusive women-only Empress Club, inaugurated by Queen Victoria, purposebuilt for the opening of the club in 1887 and marking a new era in the history of Ladies’ Clubs.
Over 100 years later, 35 Dover Street has most recently been multi-let to office and luxury retail tenants, and the fit- out saw the repositioning of the building to create a workspace for today’s commercial market.
The building has been renamed Empress, a nod to its noble history.
ASWS was approached directly by Collins Construction to tender for the ‘light touch refurbishment scope’ to the original steel windows. At Dover Street, the team at ASWS applied between three and seven coats of the epoxy paste to the windows. Not only is the paint retained within the ‘poultice’, but the lead is neutralised and converted into a manageable form, which is bagged and removed by an approved waste management company.
They were then asked to provide a full redecoration of the frames including as full rust treatment; provided using the company’s five-coat system of hand painting by in-house decorators who have been specialising in the decoration of steel windows for in excess of 25 years. The windows were decorated in dual colour, with the windows white internally and black externally.
The actual repairs involved replacing broken hinges and some corroded frame sections and the overhaul and the fitting of new single glazing into the very shallow, 3mm upstands.
This meant that every pane of glass had to be measured in three places in height and width to make sure the glass was the correct size. The team even hand cut some panes of glass to varying sizes in height and width to get the coverage on the upstands.Intricate repairs with refurbishment of the ironmongery was also undertaken. Much of the ironmongery
across the four floors was still the original ‘blacksmith ironmongery’ as well as modern interpretations of steel window ironmongery that had been poorly fitted.
ASWS reused all of the ironmongery that was original, consolidating it to certain floors so the windows have a sense of continuity, and then they used a stock of heritage ironmongery to fulfil the remaining floors with ironmongery much more in keeping with the history and heritage of the building.
The SWA Awards judge, John Ramshaw, said: “ASWS’ meticulous approach to window refurbishment has paid dividends on this challenging and prestigious project. Its rigour and attention to detail has seen the building’s idiosyncratic turn-of thecentury fenestration lovingly restored and preserved for future generations to enjoy. This has played a key role in the overall success of the scheme; the façade being dominated by large, beautifully proportioned bay windows.”
ASWS – Enquiry 15
At Booghe Toys in Birmingham they specialise in some of the most exciting children’s toys on the market.
Delivering a durable and colourful flooring solution for their new sales floor was provided by international flooring specialist Gerflor who supplied 550m2 of their hard-working DLW Linoleum to help create a striking and contemporary space which would make a remarkable and breath-taking design statement and help deliver a ‘fun’ environment for children and adults alike.
Commenting on the project Lee Jacovou, Retail Key Account Manager, Gerflor said: “The designer contacted Gerflor looking for a broad colour palette of flooring options to achieve their desired design concept. I was able to make a proposal and suggested
the vibrant plain designs from both the DLW linoleum and Mipolam Affinity ranges. The client and the designer are both extremely pleased with the final result.”
The challenge of designing an interior space that would provide both fun and functionality was undertaken by Birmingham-based ATRIO design. Andrii Yeksarov, Co-Founder and Creative Partner at ATRIO said: “We specified Gerflor DLW flooring because of its high performance, its superior durability and aesthetic versatility. Both we and the client are extremely delighted with the outcome.”
We will certainly continue to specify, and install Gerflor products again in the future, as they consistently deliver both high quality and a stunning range of designs and colours.”
The installation was the responsibility of Macclesfield-based, Sylk Flooring. Matt Hopley, Director, Sylk Flooring commented: “We think the Gerflor DLW Lino flooring installed at Booghe Stores looks exceptional and modern.
At Gerflor, they believe that architecture has the power to improve people’s lives, and that nature is the greatest source of inspiration. With the DLW Linoleum offer, Gerflor provide architects, specifiers, and designers with a collection of 159 colours, which are all natural designs, enhancing the sustainability and creativity of all interior projects.
Gerflor – Enquiry 16
A mansard roof is a popular option when creating a traditional finish for heritage properties as well new builds. However, there are complexities to understand when it comes to the legislation. Here, Simon Hope, Product Manager at CUPA PIZARRAS highlights key factors to consider before specification.
Characterised by a steeper lower slope usually at 70 or 80 degrees, the mansard roof was popularised by architect Francois Mansard in the 17th century. It is an option that provides an ideal combination of strong visual elements and high functionality to sites where space is limited, whilst facilitating effective rainwater runoff.
Due to concerns surrounding fire safety, in 2018 changes were made to the building regulations – impacting the materials that could be specified for mansard roof installations. For this reason, it is essential that architects are aware of the changes, as slate cladding can no longer be fixed using timber battens.
The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018/1230 states that ‘any part of a roof pitched at an angle of more than 70 degrees to the horizontal’ is classed as ‘an external wall’. Consequently, any mansard roof that has a pitch of 70 degrees or more should be classed as a wall and comply with the regulations that pertain to external walls instead of roofs. Even though the regulations mention that this is only relevant ‘if that part of the roof adjoins a space within the building to which persons have access’, it is best practice for architects to follow the regulation, as a mansard roof is usually specified for the purpose of creating additional usable space.
Due to the differing requirements, it is crucial that architects devote their attention to the distinction between roofs and external walls.
This is because under Regulation 7 of the building regulations, it states that the use of combustible materials on external walls “at least 18 metres about ground level” has been banned, which includes mansard roofs. As a result, any project undergoing a change of use that now contains a flat, dwelling, institution or residential room must replace its traditional timber batten mansard.
Thankfully, there are now solutions that incorporate a metal subframe in conjunction with natural slate to create a rainscreen cladding system. Not only will this solution provide an identical traditional slate finish, but it will also ensure that the structure meets the criteria necessary for sign off from the fire safety officer.
from CUPA PIZARRAS combines handcrafted natural slate with stainless steel fixings and aluminium alloy brackets for a sleek aesthetic. All the main components of CUPACLAD are rated A1 non-combustible and have received approval by the relevant British Board of Agrément (BBA).
In addition to this, a metal subframe can provide superior durability compared to timber as it will not warp or degrade overtime and is better suited to impact damage and high winds. Systems like these are also available with both visible and invisible fixing systems – with invisible fixings systems providing the same layered finish as traditional cladding methods. CUPACLAD
Given the 2018 amendments to the building regulations, it is crucial that architects are well aware of the changes to ensure that they specify the correct materials for buildings. To guarantee that buildings remain within the guidelines when it comes to fire safety, it is recommended that architects specify non-combustible cladding for all mansard roofs.
A system of environmentally-friendly products made from absolutely natural resources—based on hydrated (Puracalce Line) or natural hydraulic lime (Ex Novo Line) —are used in construction of buildings for healthier living.
Because underlying the Fassa Bortolo philosophy is the need to build sites where natural life prevails, where the building itself is an integral part of the surrounding environment, where nature is cherished and preserved through the use of harmless and breathable building materials and finishes. To rediscover the balance between man and environment.
The Bio-Architecture System is completed by some of our bio paints, belonging to the various lines of the Paint System, as well as other eco-friendly lime-based products such as the base coat plaster KB 13.
TO FIND OUT MORE about Fassa Bortolo and its range of render systems and building products. Visit www.fassabortolo.co.uk or call 01684 218 305
New research has cast light on the urgent need for more industry education around tall building regulations, with 38% of architects saying they are spending considerable time educating their clients on the Building Safety Act (BSA).
Tall buildings have the potential to play a significant role in resolving the country’s housing crisis. However, the findings from URSA UK – which manufactures the only BBA-certified sheathing glass mineral wool insulation approved for ventilated cladding systems - highlights that industry-wide education is now required before the UK can begin building upwards at pace.
The impact of the knowledge gap has already manifested in a large number of high-rise projects being rejected by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) due to missing or inaccurate information, with structures over seven storeys facing lengthy delays at Gateway 2.
In URSA’s research, 58% of architects said they’ve experienced hold-ups on one to two projects due to Gateway 2 checks, while 22% said they’ve suffered delays on two to five projects. Only 16% said they haven’t been impacted at all.
Kevin Tolson, UK Business Development Director, Insulation Division at URSA, said: “There is a clear knowledge gap across the building sector right now – which is perhaps no surprise given we are experiencing the biggest regulatory shift for a generation.
“High-rise buildings will be a vital part of the UK’s building strategy moving forwards, particularly if the Government is going to achieve its proposed housebuilding targets. However, industry must pull together to ensure everyone involved in the development of tall buildings understands the intricacies and implications of the BSA.”
Knauf Insulation has launched a free online 3D U-value calculator, allowing architects to instantly generate more accurate U-values for steel frame rainscreen façade
specifications. The tool is designed to help architects more closely reflect as-built performance in their designs and avoid costly over-specification.
“Ordinarily, architects might have to wait up to two days to get this information. Now they can use the tool at any time and get an instant result. And they can revise their designs as much as necessary to reach their target U-value,” explains Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager at Knauf Insulation.
Standard U-value calculations for rainscreen façades assume a default bracket configuration, applying a blanket correction factor for the build-up. This can lead to specifying needlessly thick insulation or result in a gap between designed and actual performance. The 3D U-value calculator works from the architect’s actual design to provide a more accurate result.
With regulations becoming increasingly stringent, the calculator helps architects ensure compliance by delivering a design more likely to perform as intended in the real world. The calculator also creates a detailed report that helps to meet regulations and protect the specification by showing the potential impact of inappropriate substitutions.
Brad added, “We’re always looking for ways to make it as easy as possible for architects to design buildings that perform in the real world. In time, we plan to add masonry and reinforced concrete rainscreen façades to the tool, so that architects have instant access to 3D U-value calculations for a broader range of applications.”
In an age where sustainable construction is no longer an option but a necessity, Fassa Bortolo continues to lead the way with its commitment to environmentally responsible building solutions - particularly through its lime-based products.
With a legacy rooted in over three centuries of expertise, Fassa has successfully merged traditional materials with modern sustainability goals, delivering lime products that are both ecologically sound and high performing.
Lime has long been valued for its natural composition, breathability, and aesthetic appeal, especially in heritage and conservation projects. However, its relevance has dramatically grown in the contemporary sustainability narrative. Fassa Bortolo’s lime products, including lime-based renders, plasters, and paints epitomise the company’s efforts to reduce environmental impact across every stage of the product lifecycle.
The sustainable credentials of Fassa’s lime range begin with the raw materials. Lime is sourced from abundant natural deposits and requires significantly less energy to process compared to cementbased alternatives. This lower embodied energy translates to a reduced carbon footprint, making lime a greener choice from the outset. Furthermore, lime absorbs carbon dioxide during its curing process, contributing to the natural carbon cycle and offering a measure of carbon sequestration - a valuable benefit in today’s carbonconscious construction industry.
Fassa Bortolo’s manufacturing processes are governed by rigorous environmental standards, supported by certifications that reflect the company’s commitment to reducing emissions and conserving resources.
The company’s vertically integrated production cycle enables careful control over energy use, emissions, and waste management, ensuring that sustainability is woven into every level of the business.
In application, Fassa’s lime products offer numerous environmental advantages. Their natural vapour permeability promotes healthy indoor environments by regulating moisture and preventing mould growth - key to improving air quality and occupant wellbeing. Additionally, lime’s flexibility and durability reduce the need for frequent maintenance or repair, saving resources over time and contributing to the longevity of the built environment.
The company also prioritises education, offering CPD seminars and technical support to specifiers, architects, and contractors on the sustainable use of lime in modern construction. This helps ensure that the environmental benefits of lime are fully realised in both restoration and new-build projects.
From conservation specialists restoring historic buildings to architects designing low-carbon homes, more professionals are turning to Fassa Bortolo’s
lime solutions as part of a sustainable construction strategy. The versatility and eco-credentials of products like Intonaco Macroporoso, Rasatura 718, and CalceGrasello make them a cornerstone of energy-efficient, breathable wall systems that respect both the environment and architectural heritage.
Ultimately, Fassa Bortolo’s dedication to sustainability through lime is more than a product feature; it is a philosophy embedded in the company’s approach to innovation, manufacturing, and education.
As the construction industry evolves, Fassa continues to set the benchmark for environmentally responsible materials, proving that traditional building wisdom can be a powerful ally in the pursuit of a greener future.
If you’d like to find out more about Fassa’s lime render products and systems, please call 01684 218305, or email our team at info.fassauk@fassabortolo.com
Fassa Bortolo – Enquiry 20
A stunning galvanised steel rainwater system from Alumasc Rainwater has been installed on a prestigious new residential development in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.
The development at Adrian Shinn Way, is the latest from local company SJG Homes, and designed by the Lincs Design Consultancy (LDC). It comprises twenty-five new four- and five-bedroomed homes, all of which have benefitted from the Infinity galvanised steel rainwater system from Alumasc, and have been complemented with Skyline Architectural Aluminium Copings, also from Alumasc.
Simon Blakey of MKM Building Supplies in Louth, is familiar with the Alumasc Rainwater range, and when considering his client’s requirements, he was confident that Infinity was the perfect solution. Simon says: ‘My customer wanted a product that would blend in with the contemporary style of the development they had planned, whilst also excelling in terms of performance. We were confident in suggesting the Alumasc Infinity galvanised
steel system, knowing that it addressed all of their requirements perfectly.’
The Infinity range from Alumasc is manufactured using the latest in material and manufacturing technology, and represents a competitive alternative to uPVC systems. It is available in ZMS coated steel, galvanised, quartz zinc, natural zinc and copper, all of which lend themselves beautifully to traditional and modern buildings in both new build and refurbishment applications. The striking metal finishes present an elegant yet bold aesthetic, to suit any architectural style, and
the galvanised steel option is available colour coated for enhanced aesthetics, protection and UV resistance (RUV-4).
Box gutter and half-round gutter profiles are available, with the half-round offering a ‘deep drawn’ design for greater flow rates. All finishes and profiles are installed with circular downpipes. Manufactured to ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 14001: 2015, the entire range is lightweight, durable and noncorrodible, resulting in ease of installation and low on-going maintenance.
Infinity is 100% recyclable, and supplied with a warranty of up to 20 years, depending on finish and distance from the sea.
Skyline Copings for the Perfect Finish
Skyline Architectural Aluminium copings perfectly complemented the Alumasc Infinity Rainwater System at Adrian Shinn Way, forming a robust yet stylish roofline across all of the properties in the new development.
Skyline is a range of stunning engineered solutions, designed to combine unrivalled protection and aesthetic appeal at the crucial interface between wall and roof. The range comprises Skyline fascia and soffits, copings, window surrounds, column casings, door canopies and planters.
Skyline is 100% recyclable, and bespoke manufacture makes it possible to realise virtually any architectural vision. Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes and Skyline Architectural Aluminium sit under the AWMS umbrella together with Wade Building Drainage; Gatic Civil Drainage & Access Covers; and Harmer Building Drainage. All five brands are well known for innovation, quality and longevity.
Alumasc Water Management Solutions is part of the Alumasc Group. For information call 01536 383810 or visit https://www.alumascwms.co.uk
Alumasc – Enquiry 22
EJOT UK’s product range and 360-degree service enables the maximum value and energy saving benefits to be leveraged from external wall insulation (EWI) systems.
The quality and performance of any building system will only ever be as good as its component parts, and this is increasingly being recognised in all areas of construction to achieve more stringent standards and minimum performance levels.
Hence why companies like EJOT, who are involved in the manufacture and supply of products for EWI systems, also known as ETICS (external thermal insulation composite systems), have such a crucial role to play.
EJOT manufactures mechanical anchors, fixings, profiles, beads and mounting elements for post-install items for built-up EWI systems. Any failure in these structural components could mean the built-up layers, including the insulation, are less effective at thermally upgrading the building and deteriorate prematurely, resulting in the need for costly remediation.
To ensure EJOT supports the sector most effectively, it has adopted a three-fold strategy encompassing comprehensive technical development and testing, optimisation of its processes to provide a streamlined and reliable product supply chain, and providing world-class support from design to installation.
Called EJOT UK’s 360-degree service, this starts at the design stage of a system or proposed EWI project when the company works closely with the design team to develop the most effective anchoring approach, as well as pre-dimensioning of mounting elements for planned
attachments. Both are critical in ensuring component use and thermal performance is optimised in the ETICS project. Working closely with EWI systems companies and contractors at an early stage also enables EJOT to specify the optimum suite of EJOT ETICS profiles and beads.
The choice of these products impacts on installation efficiency and long-term performance of the EWI system, which is why EJOT’s design team in Germany have created products with innovative detailing to make a significant difference to the quality of the rendered finish, particularly at corners and around reveals such as windows and doors. As part of EJOT’s on-site service, it also conducts adhesive tests with the
profiles and beads to ensure system and performance compatibility.
Offering all three product segments means EJOT can provide significant benefits to systems providers by streamlining their supply chain, simplifying ordering, reducing vehicle deliveries to sites and decreasing stockholding. But the advantages are also felt by property developers and landlords too, given the quality consistency and the guarantee of quality that comes with all the ETICS components that carry the EJOT brand.
Find out more at
www.ejot.co.uk/Expanding_ETICS_range
EJOT – Enquiry 24
At Great Charles Street in Birmingham, 722 build-to-rent homes by Moda Living are benefiting from the thermal comfort of airtight building fabric, thanks to the Procheck® A2 membrane from the Proctor Group.
Titan Interior Solutions, delivering the internal fit-out for blocks B and C, initially began using a different AVCL product, but switched to Procheck A2 after installation feedback revealed issues with handling and cutting. The switch resulted in faster installation and reduced risk of airtightness test failures—especially important due to the numerous penetrations in the internal airtightness line.
Catnic Urban redefines a rural residence
Meeting planning requirements and complementing the rural Oxfordshire countryside, Catnic Urban standing seam roofing and cladding have been installed at The Trail.
Set in an area of vast, active farmland, the neighbouring corrugated steel and wood farm buildings inspired the exterior design of The Trail. Echoing this agricultural theme, a combination of Catnic Urban steel powdercoated roofing and cladding contrasts with vertical timber boarding, a more sustainable alternative to the previous white render. With a 25-year Confidex Home Guarantee, Catnic Urban is BBA & UKCA certified.
Procheck A2 is a vapour and airtight membrane. Its composition gives the membrane a high degree of vapour controlling properties, as well as being airtight, which allows its use as an AVCL. It is also rated A2-s1,d0 when classified to BS EN 13501-1, meaning it is considered
limited combustible with no contribution to fire and can be used in relevant buildings and those over 11m/18m. Learn more at: https://proctorgroup.com/products/ procheck-a2
A.Proctor Group – Enquiry 25
Partnership to expand straw panel construction
In a significant move for sustainable construction, EcoCocon, a leading European manufacturer of prefabricated straw wall panels, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Ecological Building Systems, a well-established distributor of sustainable building materials in the UK and Ireland. The partnership will make EcoCocon’s innovative strawbased wall system more accessible to professionals across the UK and Irish construction markets — combining bio-based innovation with localised technical expertise.
EcoCocon’s modular wall panels are made primarily from compressed straw and timber, offering Passive House-level thermal performance while significantly reducing embodied carbon. The system is robotically manufactured in Europe to ensure precision, consistency and scalability — making it a viable solution for both singlefamily homes and large-scale developments.
With the addition of EcoCocon to its portfolio, Ecological Building Systems will provide full distribution and technical support, including design consultation, detailing, training, and on-site assistance. EcoCocon has been used in hundreds of projects across Europe, from schools and apartment buildings to custom homes and co-housing developments. The system is fully certified, supports circular construction, and is designed for fast on-site assembly, reducing build time and waste.
The EcoCocon straw wall system won the product award at the 2025 Exemplar Sustainable Buildings Awards (ESBA) in London.
As the popularity of external cladding on UK homes grows, Dan Redfern, Head of Marketing Communications at Marley outlines how its new CPD covering the specification of rainscreen cladding can help inspire fresh thinking and new design solutions.
Delivering visual kerbside appeal, enhanced building thermal performance, improved indoor comfort, low maintenance benefits and sustainable building design, rainscreen cladding is gaining traction as a flexible, durable and design-led solution to suit all tastes.
Renowned for its low maintenance, fire resistance and sustainable properties, a competitive and easy to install fibre cement external cladding system, such as Marley’s Weatherboard, is a high performing design option for specification professionals looking to deliver attractive and long-lasting facades for UK homes, as well as commercial, institutional and public buildings.
As the product continues to grow in popularity, it is important that specifiers gain a full understanding of its overall application and design potential, its most appropriate use and its longer-term performance characteristics.
To help specifiers, Marley has invested in the creation of a new CPD for its Weatherboard external cladding range – ‘Modern Design Considerations for Rainscreen Cladding’.
Devised to share expert knowledge and illustrate best practice scenarios for an increasingly specified solution, the indepth RIBA-approved course can support specifiers who are seeking to enhance their personal understanding of both Marley’s system solution and the wider benefits associated with specifying rainscreen cladding.
These benefits include design flexibility, weather and moisture protection, as well as enhanced thermal performance, and each area is examined in detail to deliver just what specifiers need to know.
The CPD covers all aspects of the Weatherboard fibre cement cladding solution – ranging from the origins and current variants of the system, through to best practice system application and practical examples of outstanding architectural uses. The programme also delves into the use of the system, highlighting why it should be specified and the prevailing technical standards that currently apply for its use.
For further details on Marley’s CPD ‘Modern Design Considerations for Rainscreen Cladding’, please visit www.marley.co.uk/ cladding/marley-weatherboard
Marley – Enquiry 28
• Dedicated project support team
• Project specific solutions
• Dedicated training and onsite support
• 60 years of independently certified test data
• Digital convenience inc. Product Passports, EPDs, DigiTrace
With over 60 years of global product development and 7 testing centres worldwide, you can be reassured with Reynaers Aluminium. Get in touch to find out how we can help you to reduce compliance delays.
Spiral UK have recently completed a feature stair for Victorinox, world famous for the Swiss Army knife, at their flagship new store in Oxford Street.
The helical stair links the ground and first floors seamlessly, sweeping through the space to form a sculptural feature.
The stair was manufactured with a steel substructure, then clad in stainless steel and stone to give a crisp modern appearance. The balustrade was formed from curved structural glass, topped with stainless steel handrail to compliment and match the Victorinox product range which is displayed around the stair.
Matching curved balustrade was supplied and installed around the balcony at the upper level, which gives glimpses of the stair from all angles. The stair soffit was finished in polished grey plaster, again to compliment the surrounding décor and goods on display.
Installation of the stair was particularly challenging, with the logistics and access being difficult. The Spiral team worked out of hours to move the large steel sections into
position and carry out the structural welding to join the curved sections.
The stair was designed with low riser heights and an intermediate landing to make it comfortable for all users, with the stone treads and risers incorporating contrasting nosings and non-slip strips for added safety.
For more information visit www.spiral.uk.com
Spiral UK – Enquiry 30
Level Access Lifts has increased its residential product range to provide its customers with two new innovative home lift products. The StepSaver offers a simple and affordable step lift solution and the DuraPorte is an excellent choice for customers users seeking a reliable and safe vertical home lift.
The StepSaver is a compact step lift which can reach heights of 0.5 metres. It can be easily installed indoors or outdoors to bridge small flights of steps providing access to different areas of the home and garden. The simple yet modern appearance of this product blends with contemporary and traditional environment, it can also be customised on-site with individual coverings to match an existing floor material.
The DuraPorte offers a flexible solution to reach upper floors, balconies and terraces of up to three metres. The glass-aluminium shaft features a full-size door at ground level and a half-height door on the upper level, making it ideal for low or sloped ceiling space. There is a further option to extend
the weatherproof shaft to accommodate a full-size thermally insulated door with an interlocking system to provide an alternative entry point to the upper level of a home.
With the StepSaver and DuraPorte onboard its product range, Level Access Lifts has extended its range even further to meet the individual needs of its customers, whether someone is looking to future-proof a property investment or improve their living space.
Muswell Hill Library is a historically significant community hub situated in the heart of North London, providing a welcoming space for study, learning, and access to essential resources and public services.
In a traditional early 20th-century building, the library is not only a focal point for community engagement but also an architectural landmark with period features and heritage value. However, the age and design of the building presented notable challenges in terms of accessibility, particularly for individuals with mobility needs.
The client wanted to enhance accessibility for all library patrons by installing a reliable and discreet platform lift that would blend into the library’s traditional interior while offering a practical mobility solution. They also wanted a glass atrium to let in natural light as well as provide a scenic experience for their guests.
Housed in a sleek glass atrium, this striking APL1 Elite Cabin Lift, compliant to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/ec combines modern engineering with the library’s traditional architecture. The design maximizes natural light while still preserving
Creating truly accessible environments is a key priority in today’s construction and refurbishment projects. Invalifts proudly supports this essential goal by delivering reliable, fully compliant platform lift solutions tailored precisely to the diverse demands of commercial and public spaces across the UK.
Working closely with architects, contractors, consultants, and facilities managers, Invalifts provides expertly tailored vertical platform lift solutions that integrate seamlessly into both new builds and retrofit projects.
Whether it’s a compact, space-saving platform lift for a listed building or a robust, heavy-duty goods lift for a busy retail unit, every product is carefully selected for outstanding performance, stringent compliance, and effortless
the building’s historic character, creating an open and inviting transition space. Alliance Platform Lifts successfully delivered a tailored accessibility solution, ensuring that Muswell Hill Library remains a welcoming and accessible space for all visitors.
It met the primary challenges which included: fitting within tight spatial parameters without obstructing existing pathways or compromising safety; adhering to all modern accessibility standards while respecting the integrity of the library’s architecture; and it needed to be intuitive, efficient, and easy to use for visitors of all mobility levels.
Alliance Platform Lifts – Enquiry 32
ease of use. Invalifts combine extensive technical expertise with a responsive, full-service approach, supporting clients from initial consultation, through design and installation, to ongoing maintenance. Ensuring the solution installed today reliably meets the evolving expectations of tomorrow’s users.
We also understand that design matters. That’s why our lifts are chosen not only for their superior accessibility and proven reliability, but also for their discreet footprint
and ability to complement a wide variety of architectural styles and environments.
If you are planning a project where accessibility, safety, and performance truly matter, get in touch with our experienced team today to find the right lift solution for your commercial space.
For more information, call 01827 286860, or visit our website www.invalifts.com
Invalifts – Enquiry 33
The ceiling at Middleton Hall, an events space in centre:mk, the modernist shopping building in Milton Keynes, had to be replaced when centre owner Hermes needed to upgrade the corroding fire system that had been in place for about 40 years.
Listed in 2010, the owner, Milton Keynes Council and Historic England spent about 18 months to create a ceiling that respected the integrity of the modernist building while also ensuring that it met stringent 21st century fire regulations.
Hunter Douglas, the global architectural products company, was specified to supply
Hunter Douglas Architectural was called on to supply a replacement ceiling at a Grade II listed building – decades after it supplied the original.
950m2 of TavolaTM baffles, which replaced the original Luxalon® ceiling.
TavolaTM baffles are ideal for visually reducing room height while maintaining original room volume and are particularly effective at diffusing daylight or artificial light entering from above.
Prized because it is a lightweight system, the Tavola™ Levels Baffle ceiling is a floating system that comprises boxshaped panels.
They are provided with black non-woven tissue glued over the whole perforated area and are available in a wide range of materials, colours and designs, including wood décor and steel. The baffles are made to measure and available in any length up to 4000m.
For this particular project, the design called for 50mm x 500mm baffles in ral 9010 (pure white) in 500mm module.
Jonathan Rice, senior designer at Rawls, which designed the new ceiling, said using 500mm deep baffles gave the impression of a full ceiling but with the benefit of a flexible, open design.
“It was incredibly complex to get the
co-ordination of the new sprinklers above the slats and maintain the same height as the original ceiling, which was a planning requirement within the Listed Building Consent,” he said.
He said the Hunter Douglas TavolaTM Baffle was ideally suited to Middleton Hall. “We wanted something in keeping with the ethos and minimal design palette of the original design, but that would allow greater flexibility for events in the space,” he said.
“The design kept the same format as the existing ceiling with five bays around the structure of the building. It was great to be able to use a Hunter Douglas product as that the original ceiling was also a Hunter Douglas Luxalon® product.”
Juliette Halliday, national sales manager at Hunter Douglas Architectural, said: “As we’d originally installed the ceiling, it was good that we continued our association with Middleton Hall.
“The scheme required large, deep baffles, which the TavolaTM system was ideally suited for. The Hunter Douglas baffles systems provide designers with maximum creative opportunities and because we can supply our ceilings in an array of colours and finishes, it is easy to create a dramatic finish.”
Baffle ceiling systems are designed to mask the plenum, they also provide easy access for the efficient installation and maintenance of climate control, audio, lighting and fire sprinkler systems. They meet fire classification plain A2,s1,d0 according en 13501-1.
For more details on the Hunter Douglas TavolaTM Baffles system, visit: https:// www.hunterdouglasarchitectural.eu/ uk-EN/product/luxalon-tavola-levels/
The new £33m National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, is a landmark laboratory created to drive quantum technologies for the future. Not only is the facility state-of-the-art in terms of technology but also in design.
Rated BREEAM Excellent, architects Hawkins\Brown has conceived a dynamic and versatile work environment designed to deliver transformative results.
At the building’s heart are non-laboratory spaces full of open-plan areas for collaborative working, interaction and innovation.
To control sound reverberation from the open areas and hard surfaces, Troldtekt’s wood wool acoustic panels were specified as floating clouds above the open break-out spaces and within the meeting rooms. These effectively maintain acoustic levels, leading to a more productive environment and promoting a healthy indoor climate.
Troldtekt’s wood wool acoustic panels are Cradle to Cradle Certified® at Gold level and manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC/09-31-030 and FSC®C115450), positively contributing to a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points. Panels can also be manufactured with FUTURECEM® which achieves an approx. 30 per cent lower carbon footprint than that of Troldtekt based on white cement. Depending on the panel specified,
Zentia offers affordable, durable, and high-performance ceiling solutions ideal for educational spaces. Zentia offers value-led solutions like the Fission family and Arena, tiles that are affordable yet still provide excellent acoustic performance and visual appeal. These tiles and grid systems are also manufactured in the UK and available through a network of UK distributors, meaning short lead times, fewer delays, and faster installation, perfect for projects scheduled over school holidays. As a UK-based manufacturer, it minimises transportation emissions and support a more sustainable supply chain, while ensuring faster delivery times.
reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.
Available in a wide variety of different structures and colours, they combine optimal sound absorption with an award-winning
design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards.
Troldtekt – Enquiry 35
Style worked directly with the Hastings & Bexhill Mencap Society, installing a practical folding wall in their recreation hall in St Leonards on Sea, allowing the space to be divided into two separate areas.
Style recommended a Stylefold folding wall, with simple manual operation. With a 46 dB Rw acoustic rating this affordable, yet highly effective, partition solution provides an essential acoustic barrier for when concurrent gatherings are taking place.
Michael Porter, Style’s group managing director, said, “The Stylefold is a truly versatile folding wall that is perfectly suited to Hastings & Bexhill Mencap Society.
“We install a large number of this type of folding wall in community centres, primary schools and churches due to the simplicity of operation, high quality acoustics and effectiveness in dividing room space.”
The Stylefold partition is light and easy to move in and out of position which means the Mencap facility can be quickly divided into two or opened back up for various activities, multiple times each day. Finished in a laminate melamine to complement the interior styling of the hall, the centre folding hinged panels being top hung with no requirement for a floor track.
M&S Eco Store in Sheffield is a perfect example of how Reclaimed Bricks & other recycled building materials can reduce the total carbon impact in construction projects.
Fire rated air bricks - custom designed
Vectaire offers custom Fire Rated Air Bricks to accommodate all installations. The Fire Rated Air Brick range comprises high performance, non-combustible terminals for low resistance use with powered mechanical ventilation.
The standard range is available in three sizes, 500mm or 100mm lengths, bezeled or nonbezeled and in five RAL colours.
Manufactured from galvanised sheet steel they achieve an overall fire rating of A2s1,d0 as required by Approved Document B. The 500mm length models are IPX3 rated for water ingress.
All have very low airflow resistances and complement Vectaire’s MVHRs, MEVs and DMEVs.
Vectaire – Enquiry 39
By using Reclaimed Bricks this project achieve BREEAM Rating of Outstanding.
The Construction Industry is the largest pollutant of carbon and greenhouse gases in the UK. By recycling and reusing building materials these pollutants can be greatly reduced.
Credit to M&S for taking leadership and having the vision on how to incorporate reclaim materials in commercial projects.
Please contact us with your project requirements today to see how our professional team can help you create this look. Visit our website for more information:
www.reclaimedbrickcompany.co.uk
Reclaimed Brick Company –Enquiry 38
Phoenix Brickwork delivers on new acute mental health units
Work on two landmark projects to create two mental health units in Derbyshire, has been completed by Phoenix Brickwork.
The specialist in brickwork, scaffolding and steel frame systems (SFS), delivered the full masonry package to the newly opened Derwent Unit, which is based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in Chesterfield.
At the Carsington Unit, which sits in the grounds of Kingsway Hospital in Derby, Phoenix, which has offices in Pinxton, Derbyshire, and Northampton, provided masonry and BMH
Scaffolding supplied all the scaffolding requirements to support the new 54-bed facility. Work was carried out for client, Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – an alliance between Sir Robert McApline and VINCI Building UK – and the combined package totalled £5m.
Christian Watson, Group Chairman at Phoenix Brickwork (UK) Ltd, said he was excited to deliver on these two mental health units in Derbyshire: “These momentous projects were carried as part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation’s Trust’s £150m Making Room for Dignity programme.
“The Phoenix Group embraced the work at both developments, which ushers in a new era of care for people in Derbyshire with acute mental health needs.”
Phoenix Group – Enquiry 40
The Government has published new detailed design standards for sustainable drainage, but it has fallen short on giving them the mandate that would realise their many benefits.
The Government’s decision to publish new, robust standards for how sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be delivered in all new developments is a long-overdue breakthrough that should help tackle England’s growing flood and pollution crisis.
Management Act 2010 provides a solid route that has been in stasis for 15 years now.
“But If Government isn’t willing to take this legislation forward, we believe there is also a credible third way: mirroring existing highway infrastructure approval
SuDS are a common sense, nature-based solution that mimic natural drainage to reduce surface water flooding, relieve pressure on overloaded sewers, cut storm overflows, and support biodiversity in our urban spaces.
But without a mandatory, rules-based delivery model, this progress risks being more cosmetic than transformative.
The CIWEM’s Alastair Chisholm said: “The new National Standards for SuDS are a major upgrade, offering developers and planners clear guidance to design multifunctional systems that manage flood risk, improve water quality, and make towns and cities more climate resilient in the face of mounting pollution and climate crisis.
“However, relying on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which only suggests SuDS ‘should’ be used, is simply not strong enough. That kind of ambiguity has already led to years of poor implementation, developer pushback, and delays to development because of planning appeals.
“The Government must now choose how SuDS are delivered and maintained – and fast. Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water
“We welcome the direction of travel –but now is the time to finish the job. If Government wants to build flood-resilient homes and infrastructure fit for the future (which it must), it must back SuDS not just in principle, but in practice.”
The introduction of an improved British Standard guidance document can offer local councils a solution for tackling the highways maintenance backlog, says Brett Landscaping.
The publication of BS 7533-102 could hold the key to highways repair regimes for local councils over the next decade, as councils must publish annual reports on road maintenance progress.
It has been estimated that local authorities require £16.8bn to bring the road network up to existing ‘ideal’ conditions, with 52% of the UK road network under local council control having less than 15 years structural life remaining. This is more than 106,000 miles of road across the UK.
and harnessing water company drainage maintenance funding that developers and local authorities are already familiar with.
“This – or Schedule 3 – would give SuDS the enforcement teeth and long-term oversight they urgently need, ensuring they are built to standard and maintained in the long term, but without the need to set up entirely new approval bodies and processes. ”
Brett Landscaping is advising that alongside the update of BS 7533-13: 2009 “Guide for the design of permeable pavements constructed with concrete paving blocks and flags, natural stone slabs and setts and clay pavers” Local Authorities have been provided with practical solutions for the surface layers for adoptable estate roads which dramatically reduces the risk of potholing. >>
>> The use of CBPP and other modular paving systems over less robust systems offers greater surface water management. They act as a source control if water can infiltrate back to ground, they can attenuate the surface water discharge, as well as clean the water and discharge at a controlled rate once a storm event has passed.
CBPP pavements have the ability to replicate the natural environment by absorbing a 5mm rainfall event with no discharge from the system and cleaning the surface water flow via their two levels of water treatment.
Subterranean irrigation systemMona Pluvia
Green-tech has launched the latest evolution of its renowned Mona irrigation system – Mona Pluvia, the first closed-loop subterranean irrigation system.
Building on over 40 years of research and development, Mona Pluvia transforms water management in urban environments, ensuring efficient and sustainable irrigation while minimising water wastage. This cutting-edge system includes technology that futureproofs a tried and tested irrigation method into a more intelligent use of water fit for our changing climate. The system cleverly collects and utilises rainwater to deliver essential hydration directly to tree and plant roots in urban areas.
At the core of the Mona Irrigation System is passive irrigation technology, a natural, low-maintenance method of watering that includes processes such as capillary action. The subterranean yellow Mona tanks act as underground reservoirs, storing water at the root level and releasing it gradually as needed.
Planting in urban environments is a key contributor to improving biodiversity within cities and towns.
By harvesting and recycling rainwater, resources are utilised to reduce the impact of flooding by removing water from the sewerage network.
Mona Pluvia works with the planting's natural feeding pattern while recovering water that ordinarily enters an urban drainage network. This ensures a more natural hydration cycle for trees and plants and supports long-term sustainability in urban landscapes.
Specially designed sensors detect when the tank's water level drops below a set threshold, prompting the pump to refill the Mona yellow tanks with harvested rainwater.
This closed-loop system reduces water wastage while promoting a more natural and sustainable irrigation process.
With increased demand for permeable paving to address issues of SUDS, many driveways, access roads and car parks are now adopting grass paving alternatives.
With more than 50 years of grass paving installations, the Grass Concrete policy is to guide clients to the most appropriate system: in-situ-concrete, pre-cast concrete or plastic systems
Incorporating SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage system) using grass permeable paving helps mitigate the implications of surface water run-off and its implications for the local storm water network. It’s not simply about getting water from A to B, it is about what you do with it along the way.
Smart Permeability, using source control to manage the rate of permeability both mitigates downstream impact and provides essential root nourishment for grass coverage. Sustainable grass cover is best achieved by a system that promotes permeability. The depth and shape of the soil pockets can have a critical part to play.
Both Grasscrete and Grassblock offer substantial capacity for soils and root systems to promote maximum grass coverage.
A grass reinforced systems can permeate at up to 90% the rate of natural grass, this lag time is beneficial in the prevention of flooding and can be extended by introducing an underlying drainage blanket across the full extent of the paved area and can be used to attenuate permeation
to the water table or be a vehicle for rainwater harvesting. GRASSCRETE always the smart choice when compared to Block Paving. To find out more Talk to the experts in grass permeable.
In November 2015 the Heavitree Brewery Plc wanted an extensive new paved beer garden as part of the brewery’s refurbishment and redevelopment of the George & Dragon Pub in Dartmouth to a ‘Destination Venue’.
The GS Architects design for this area of ~200m2 was created using 25mm calibrated, random-sized, Black Limestone paving, with a central Millboard walkway and 100mm Granite Sett paving for the Main Entrance & Drop Kerb to the road.
Following complex structural issues the restoration of the historic stone building that formed the base of the redevelopment, the project was somewhat delayed, but the brewery and their tenants still wanted to aim for the original VIP Opening in November, ahead of the busy Christmas period. As a result, the building contractor needed to finish pointing and complete the paving, ready to open within just 2 days, or the date would have to be postponed.
Their research led them to NCC Streetscape, and the decision to use GftK vdw 850plus was primarily made for two important reasons:
Firstly, the contractor needed to install the jointing and complete the paving, in just two days, despite the cold, wet November weather – GftK vdw 850plus was the only solution able to meet this onerous requirement, as it can be applied quickly and easily in wet weather, even in the pouring rain, as happened on the day – No problem with GftK - You can’t use too much water with this unique jointing material!
Secondly, the brewery and their tenants needed a paving jointing material that was tough and fully able to resist exposure to frequent pedestrian traffic, including high heels, plus frequent accidental spillages of food and drinks, as well as being fully resistant to de-icing salts in Winter, and of course, the necessary frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene for alfresco dining, by high pressure jet-washing, daily in the Summer Season – Again GftK vdw 850plus was a ‘No-brainer’ for the job!
The use of GftK vdw 850plus also allowed all 200m2 of the paving jointing works to be prepared, applied, cleaned off, and completed, in less than 3 to 4 hours in the rain!
Additionally, the main street entrance and dropkerb to the Pub is paved in 100 mm granite setts with 25 mm wide joints, which seems crazy, but again, they only had the setts on site, and the job had to be finished, so the contractor spaced them out to fit!! Not ideal - BUT - look at the terrific performance of the GftK vdw 850 in these crazy wide joints, after being fully exposed for 10 years to high pedestrian and regular vehicle traffic for access, delivery and parking, plus de-icing salts daily in winter, and daily jet-wash cleaning in the summer season from May to September.
Now, 10 years later in July 2025, the daily jetwashing continues, and the paving jointing is good to continue for many more years – Now that is a sustainable choice.
NCC Streetscape have also produced a video Case study, which is also a good 'Proof Statement' of the GftK vdw 850plus jointing performance and durability, given 10 years of the area in daily use by customers, with frequent events and live music, plus the frequent jet-wash cleaning etc.
On the NCC Streetscape YouTube Channel there is a video short in HD mobile format (portrait) here: https://youtube.com/shorts/oj-EU1SLNMA
Plus, the full 3 minute version, in standard HD format for full screen viewing on Desktops / Laptops, here): https://youtu.be/z-_e0C0P-GU
NCC Streetscape – Enquiry 45
• Keep jointing in cold (> 3oC)
• Keep jointing in wet weather
• No delays - No waiting to joint
• No concerns over water in joints
• No waiting to clean off
• No washboy required
• No haze & No efflorescence +
• Easy wet-slurry application
• Very high flow & self-compacting
• No tooling or finishing required
• Fast curing & hardening +
• No shrinkage cracks
• Highest joint performance
• Optimum strengths & flexibility
• Fully resistant to traffic, de-icing salts, and jet-washing
Cleantech company Kenoteq is addressing this challenge head-on with the low carbon K-BRIQ and K-SLIP, revolutionary materials transforming landscape design using genuine circular economy principles.
Kenoteq addresses the root cause of environmental impact by turning almost 100% recycled construction and demolition waste into durable, low-carbon construction materials. Sam Chapman, Kenoteq's cofounder, explains: "We deal with the cause, not the symptoms. Whereas everybody else is digging material out of the ground, we're offering alternatives so finite materials aren't used in the first place."
Recent high-profile projects demonstrate how circular materials enhance both aesthetic and ecological value. At RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival,
Landscape design and traditional construction are experiencing a sustainability revolution. With embodied carbon accounting for over 50% of a building or exterior's total carbon footprint, the materials we choose matter more than ever.
K-BRIQs formed the sculptural wall in Mike McMahon Studio's multi-awardwinning Subaru Cocoon Garden, sweeping awards including Best Show Garden and Environmental Innovation Award. The perforated wall served multiple functions – beyond aesthetic value, the natural holes acted as insect hotels for pollinators while the sustainable material choice underscored environmental responsibility.
At Bord Bia Bloom in Dublin, K-SLIP paving formed part of The 3D Gardener and Conquest Space's gold-winning "Renewed Blooms" Garden for the European Commission, focused specifically on circular economy principles.
With BBA certification recently secured, the ultra-low embodied carbon products – 95% lower than traditional fired clay bricks –are highly sought after both in the UK and internationally.
Available in 12 colours as traditionally shaped bricks or slips using recycled pigments, Kenoteq offers architects and landscape architects aesthetic flexibility without compromising environmental performance. For technical specifications, visit www.kenoteq.com
Kenoteq – Enquiry 47
Situated on the edge of the Solent, Gosport Harbour has long been defined by its rich maritime history.
To mark the millennium, a distinctive family of bespoke lanterns was commissioned, bringing both character and light to the quayside. Now, 25 years on, this coastal landmark’s lighting story continues with more than 100 replacement lanterns that preserve the design of the original scheme while delivering improved efficiency and control.
DW Windsor was approached to deliver a lighting upgrade, providing a like-for-like design that combines heritage detail with contemporary performance.
The original lanterns featured a bespoke design, taking inspiration from nautical elements and echoing the form of a ship’s masthead. Today, that same spirit lives on, with replica lanterns engineered to retain their distinctive form while offering all the benefits of LED technology.
One of the biggest challenges lay in translating a design conceived for lamped technology as a highperformance LED solution. The original version relied on two separate light sources: a SON lamp for functional white light and a metal halide lamp for decorative blue illumination.
The result is a luminaire that enhances the harbour’s distinctive night-time identity. Designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment, the lanterns combine durability with long service life.
The new version mirrors this approach with two dedicated LED sources — a precise white light directed to the ground through modern optics, and a soft blue core that creates the signature glow defining the lantern’s character.
Marine-grade paint finishes, high-grade stainless steel, and robust gasketed seals protect against salt corrosion and weather extremes.
Installers are often faced with the challenge of maintaining fire barrier integrity when passing services through raised access floors. AIM – Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing’s new technical solution combines its Raised Access Floor Barrier (RAFB) with Rockwool Ablative Batts to provide a tested, cost-effective solution.
RAFBs prevent the passage of flame and smoke through underfloor cavities for at least the period of fire rating specified. The AIM RAFB is used to subdivide large uninterrupted cavities, maintain partition fire ratings when aligned under a partition, reduce flanking transmission of sound through underfloor voids and create plenum chambers.
However, passing services, including cable trays and pipes, through the RAFB can compromise the barrier’s vital primary function if not completed in line with the manufacturer’s standard tested details.
Now, AIM provides installers, specifiers, fire consultants and RAF system holders with a solution. When penetration is required to pass services through the AIM RAFB, two Rockwool FirePro® Coated Batts, the same height as the AIM RAFB, are placed on either side of the barrier. The services are passed through both the RAFB and ablative batts with any small gaps around the penetrating component filled with Rockwool FirePro® Acoustic Sealant, pipe sleeves and pipe closers.
The AIM RAFB is tested to BS EN 1366-4 and the principles of TR31 and can provide
up to 120 minutes integrity and insulation. The addition of Rockwool Ablative Batts, to allow services to penetrate the barrier, does not denigrate or reduce the overall fire resistance of the AIM RAFB.
Without this assessment, the installer would need to seek approval from a competent person, such as a fire engineer, to run services through the RAFB or, which is most common, they replace the whole barrier with a full run of Ablative Batt, which is an expensive response.
“The many services required in modern offices are usually run through raised access floors, so must pass through dedicated fire barriers,” explains Ian Exall, AIM’s commercial director.
“AIM’s improved technical solution for accommodating services combines our RAFB with Rockwool Ablative Batts. It is tested and cost effective compared with building the whole fire barrier from an Ablative Batt.”
An additional advantage of AIM’s new solution is that the services do not need to be installed as the barrier is installed. The Ablative Batt and services can be installed at a later date providing a retrofit solution.
AIM sells the Rockwool Ablative Batt along with the AIM RAFB, but installers can also source the batt from their usual sources.
AIM’s RAFB also reduces airborne transmission of sound by up to 51dB Rw when tested with an access floor system.
Made from high density Rockwool stone wool slab faced with impervious foil facing on both sides, it is available cut to size or in slabs for cutting on site.
The AIM RAFB datasheet is available at: https://www.aimlimited.co.uk/solutions/ raised-access-floor-barrier/
Part of the Performance Technology Group, UK-based AIM - Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing has over 30 years of experience in the design, testing and manufacturing of high-quality fire, thermal and acoustic barriers.
The company produces a wide variety of bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard products. Find out more at: www.aimlimited.co.uk
AIM – Enquiry
Experts in innovative door lock solutions, FUHR is launching the autosafe 837, an automatic multipoint locking system designed for buildings requiring automatic locking and monitored access.
Paul Balfe, Business Development Manager for FUHR UK, explains:
“There’s growing demand for added security within specific areas of a building - such as data centres or bank rooms containing sensitive information or assets.
Understanding damp and mould through expert surveying and atmospheric diagnostics
Cornerstone offer significant experience in surveying structural and atmospheric moisture mechanics with a demonstrable independent expert surveys for reported damp, condensation and mould indicating 91% of all the structures surveyed were dry hence were experiencing atmospheric related issues.
Their independent expert driven assessments serve to deliver key aspects linked to a number of root causes and not a single problem providing credible solutions to the issue – for the long term. Cornerstone are sharing their respected knowledge with accredited CPD training for all interested parties seeking to learn more of the problems alongside credible cost-effective solutions. For more information, contact us now on 0344 846 0955, info@cornerstone-ltd.co.uk or visit our website www.cornerstone-ltd.co.uk
Cornerstone – Enquiry 51
In these spaces, access control is essential to protect occupants, resources and networks.
Limiting access to authorised personnel while monitoring entry reduces risk significantly.”
“The autosafe 837 guarantees automatic door locking via FUHR’s DuoSecure technology which features a latch and hook bolt combination that securely engages every time the door is closed. Access is restricted as the outside lever handle (or both outside and inside if required) is activated only by using access control or the cylinder key.”
Fail-secure as standard, the door remains locked in a power cut, protecting the space at all times.
However, it can be configured to fail-safe in emergencies. The autosafe 837P also integrates a panic function, allowing safe escape and fire service access, if needed.
Paul concludes: “As you would expect from FUHR, the autosafe 837 is capable of meeting the highest security standards, including PAS 24, and is also certified to EN 179 and EN 1125 for emergency and panic exit compliance.”
FUHR – Enquiry 50
Terracotta tiles - a Mediterranean classic with Tile of Spain
Terracotta, celebrated for its rustic charm and deep ties to traditional Mediterranean interiors, is experiencing a stylish revival.
Tile of Spain’s manufacturers’ latest collections offer a fresh take on this timeless colourway, combining the signature warmth with innovative design details for a look that feels both nostalgic and thoroughly modern. From bold geometric patterns to glazed accent tiles and richly textured appearances, manufacturers are reimagining terracotta in ways that bring a subtle retro edge and sun-drenched warmth to contemporary interiors.
Whether used as a statement floor, kitchen splashback, or feature wall, this redefined terracotta palette proves its versatility. Ranging from softly sun-washed tones to richly pigmented, clay-like finishes that replicate a baked effect, these tiles suit any space where style, warmth and trend are key. Honouring terracotta’s earthy roots while unlocking new design-forward possibilities, these collections offer a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic for today’s homeowners, specifiers and designers.
Representing 125 ceramic tile manufacturers across Spain, Tile of Spain promotes the incredible quality and values worldwide of the Spanish tile industry.
Just a handful of stands left for SPATEX 2026
The much-anticipated BIG 30th anniversary edition has broken all records as the UK’s dedicated water leisure show has never sold out of exhibition space so fast.
The few remaining stands are there for the taking but hurry to avoid disappointment.
“The response from the industry has been incredible,” says a delighted SPATEX Organiser, Michele Bridle. “This special 30thedition has captured the imagination of our exhibitors, with many new companies throwing their hats into the ring, alongside the many familiar names. With its threedecade track record, SPATEX has proved itself as first for water leisure.”
SPATEX – Enquiry 53
Freefoam unveils ambitious sustainability targets
Freefoam has announced its Sustainability Targets as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating long-term value for stakeholders while addressing environmental and social challenges.
Freefoam has always been at the forefront of best practice and continuous improvement, holding ISO’s 9001, 14001 and 45001 in addition to an Ecovardis rating in the top 6% of companies. These goals are the natural extension to Freefoam’s long-standing commitment to quality and sustainability.
The newly unveiled targets are designed to be achieved by the end of 2030, unless otherwise specified, and focus on two key categories: Operations and People. These initiatives underscore Freefoam’s
commitment to responsible business practices and align with its vision for a more sustainable future. Ethical standards also remain a top priority, with targets to ensure 100% of employees with company email accounts receive IT security awareness training and to maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and bribery.
“These targets represent a bold step forward in embedding sustainability into the core of our business,” said Aidan Harte, CEO “The simplicity of our goals gives us transparency and ensures they are relevant and clear to our teams and our customers. By acting today, we are building a stronger, more resilient company for tomorrow.”
Freefoam – Enquiry 54
DAB Pumps has launched H2D, a next-generation smart platform that transforms how to manage hydraulic systems.
Replacing the company’s longstanding DConnect system, H2D introduces real-time remote control, advanced diagnostics and detailed consumption insights, all from your desktop or mobile.
H2D is designed to give both professionals and end users greater visibility and control. Available in two tiers, the free version is designed primarily for homeowners and building owners and managers. It provides easy access to essential monitoring data and simple functionality, including the ability to trigger features like power shower boost, a temporary pressure increase from the pump set, ideal for peak usage periods.
Users can also connect the platform to home automation systems such as Alexa, enabling voice control for specific functions.
For engineers and building services contractors, H2D delivers a significant leap forward in efficiency, allowing full system parameters to be monitored and adjusted off-site. That means faster fault-finding, quicker resets and fewer callouts, saving time, cost and unnecessary travel.
The system is also proving a powerful tool for facilities managers and maintenance planners who can now access real usage data on water and energy consumption, enabling more accurate scheduling and a shift from time-based inspections to usage-based servicing.
After suffering from years of poor heating performance, the owner of a five-bedroom, barn conversation property located in Newquay, Cornwall, decided to switch out their existing heat pump system for a new Ariston NIMBUS Pocket 150 air source heat pump (ASHP). The installation process involved a complete rehaul of the old ASHP, including a rewiring of the system, set-up of zoning in the house and the installation of the new Ariston ASHP and associated controls. BoilerTech, a long-standing Ariston partner covering the whole of Cornwall, was called in to take on the project.
– Enquiry 56
Gilberts’ talent for problem-solving has helped cut decibels in one of Europe’s noisiest cities whilst taking steps to address London’s severe housing shortage.
Higgins Partnerships was commissioned by London Borough of Hackney to redevelop derelict garages in Wimbourne Street Hackney to create two new blocks of 59no mixed tenure flats with commercial and community space.
The first, the six-storey South Block, is now complete, with eco building services including MVHR, air heat source and photovoltaic panels to optimise energy costs for tenants. To minimise noise pollution from the roof-mounted plant, Higgin Partnerships turned to Gilberts
Adveco Reimagines FUSION For Lower-Carbon Water Heating
Commercial hot water specialist Adveco reimagines its award-winning low-carbon FUSION packaged electric water heater system with new models that take advantage of the more powerful ADV-W air source heat pump (ASHP), enhanced controls, and a greater choice of backup immersion heaters. For organisations that rely on 24/7 sink-led hot water supply Adveco’s new FUSION TW and TWplus leverage greater preheat to cut DHW carbon emissions by up to 68% compared to equivalent gas systems and 48% in equivalent direct electric systems. Find out more at https://adveco.co/
Hamworthy Heating launches new website
Adveco – Enquiry 58
Hamworthy Heating has redesigned its website to meet the needs of customers, with the updated site featuring a modern, user-friendly design with enhanced functionality, making it easier than ever to find the right heating, hot water or low carbon solution for your commercial building needs.
The new website features an intuitive navigation system, allowing users to quickly and easily access essential product information and services. It also offers valuable resources, including case studies that can be filtered by product or building type, highlighting the versatile applications of Hamworthy Heating products across various industries.
Hamworthy Heating – Enquiry 59
for acoustic plant screening. Gilberts devised a holistic and co-ordinated answer for the design considerations by utilising specialist Bigfoot for the ALS/10 acoustic louvre enclosures each up to 3.5m high and 7.8m long.
The Bigfoot system supports the louvres without penetrating the roof waterproofing below thus eliminating risk of weather penetration through fixings in the roof to the building below. Class A weather-rated, the screens will ensure free flow of air to maintain the consistency of temperature around the plant whilst preventing rain and snow penetrating the area.
Gilberts’ acoustic panels (ALP100) specifically manufactured for areas subject to heavy noise have been fitted behind the acoustic louvre screens to further modulate sound disturbance from the concealed plant and heat source pump. Preferred installers J Campey and Sons used the on-site crane to manoeuvre the screening as high as possible, with the team then physically lifting the screens onto the roof for fixing to the Bigfoot system.
Gilberts – Enquiry 57
Ideal Heating Commercial sails to success
Three Evomax 2 120kW wall-mounted condensing boilers from Ideal Heating Commercial have been installed in cascade at Hayling Island Sailing Club in Hampshire, as part of an upgrade to the heating and hot water systems serving the main clubhouse’s busy shower facilities.
J&B Hopkins selected three Evomax 2 120kW boilers to be installed in cascade, delivering a total output of 360kW. The boilers are mounted on an Ideal Heating low height frame and header kit and installed with plate heat exchangers (PHEX) and preformed insulation kits for complete separation between the primary and secondary circuits.
Ideal Heating – Enquiry 60
Milbank GDeck is the smarter suspended flooring solution helping contractors and developers meet the demands of fast-paced, sustainability-driven projects.
Combining prestressed concrete T-beams with lightweight EPS infill panels, Milbank GDeck delivers a fully insulated ground floor system that’s fast to install, Part L ready, and future-proof.
Each EPS panel weighs under 2kg, allowing quick manual placement with no need for lifting equipment. The integrated top sheet creates an instant, walkable surface - no temporary boarding, no curing time, and no delays for follow-on trades. From a performance perspective, Milbank GDeck
Compact floors with a powerful punch
supports U-values as low as 0.09 W/ m²K (spec-dependent), helping residential schemes align with the Future Homes Standard 2025, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75-80%.
But the benefits go beyond just energy. With up to 25% lower embodied carbon in the beams, EPS made using 15% recycled content, and delivery via HVOpowered vehicles, Milbank GDeck supports decarbonisation at every stage - ideal for ESG, BREEAM, and planning targets.
Backed by over 75 years of precast expertise, Milbank’s in-house team offers projectspecific layouts, loading designs and technical support from start to finish.
Smarter, faster, and built with carbon in mind - Milbank GDeck helps you deliver more, with less.
Learn more at milbank.co.uk or call 01787 223931.
Milbank – Enquiry 61
Cost-effective floors that support tenants
With the Iperform 70 and Adriatico 70 compact sheet vinyl ranges from IVC Commercial, you can unlock heavy-duty performance for a floor that never lets your customers down.
Building better homes with Valspar Trade
For its Loch View development in Glasgow, Nicolson Homes needed a high-quality paint that delivered on coverage, durability and finish. In Valspar Trade, the team found a reliable solution that cut down on touch-ups and delivered a standout white in fewer coats.
The ideal solution for projects where wearing out isn’t an option, these floors are the perfect choice for schools, communal areas in housing, healthcare and much more. The secret lies in the 0.70mm wear layer, compact core, glass fibre stability layer and high-density backing. In combination, they deliver the strength and stability to endure the busiest of areas: bustling corridors and busy receptions, these are floors that can do it all.
Commercial – Enquiry 62
As part of a product trial, Nicolson Homes chose to use a range of Valspar Trade’s emulsions throughout the new development, including Valspar Trade Tough Matt in Pure Brilliant White, Contract Matt and Acrylic Wood & Metal Satin. Valspar Trade Tough Matt is specially formulated for walls and ceilings in high traffic areas, being stain resistant and scrubbable.
Valspar – Enquiry 63
Cost-effective sheet vinyl flooring solutions from Beauflor help social housing providers to deliver supportive environments for their tenants. When managing tight budgets and high expectations, selecting the right flooring is critical. Beauflor’s flooring delivers a uniquely cost-effective solution, balancing low total cost with performance, compliance and satisfaction.
Along with a low purchase price reducing the cost of installation significantly improves the provider’s total expenditure on flooring within social housing. The textile backing of Beauflor Quintex ensures fast glue-free installation on top of existing floors and poor condition subfloors. The floor allows quick fitting in new properties as well as refurbish at voids.
Beauflor – Enquiry 64
Extensions that flow without fail
No worries about potential basement flooding
Larger projects command bigger solutions
For the precise solution... Go with the Saniflo
Over 60 years experience lift water up to 11 m
2 year warranty
If you're looking for underground solutions for removing waste water from extensions or buildings, clearing flood water from car parks or adding extra toilets to offices, Saniflo have the ideal product.
Our macerators and pumps open up more opportunities and help you find the perfect solution to get the job done.