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Bauder delivers first class roofing solution for British Airways

British Airways i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower and first vertical cable car. At the entrance of the attraction on Brighton Seafront is an accessible roof terrace area that features over 1,500m2 of Bauder’s reinforced, inverted hot melt waterproofing system with hard landscaping.

The futuristic British Airways i360 is a 531 foot tall structure located at the landward end of Brighton’s historic former West Pier. Eleven years in the making, British Airways i360 is the brainchild of architect-entrepreneurs David Marks and Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects, best known as the practice that conceived and designed the world-famous London Eye. Groups of up to 200 visitors will glide gently upwards to a height of 138 metres in a futuristic, fully enclosed, hand-crafted glass viewing pod to admire 360-degree views across Regency Brighton and Hove, the South Downs, the English Channel and the south coast east to Beachy Head.

Passengers board each flight via the alluring outside terrace deck, which features reconstructed tollbooths of the original iconic West Pier that now serve as a ticket office and café, where people can relax and socialise. Understandably this roof top area will experience significant amounts of foot traffic all throughout the year, so the client wanted to install a waterproofing system that was both robust and of the highest quality. Given these requirements, Bauder’s hot melt structural waterproofing system with hard landscaping was a natural choice. The system is designed to last the lifespan of the building and provides a monolithic, fully bonded membrane that is self-healing to minor punctures and ideal for use on protected roof areas. As part of the system approved contractor Accurate Roofing also installed inverted insulation, to deliver high thermal performance in exposed conditions and help retain heat within the beachfront building below that houses a brasserie, café and gift shop.

This new landmark is an exceptional example of how modern architecture and roof landscaping can revive a historical monument, which is expertly and intricately intertwined with over 150 years of history. British Airways i360 has already attracted significant interest and proven extremely popular, welcoming its 100,000th visitor just three weeks after it was opened to the general public in August 2016. The attraction was given a Royal opening by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in October.

For more information please visit www.bauder.co.uk.
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Reynaers brings simplicity and strength to Paris’ horizontal skyscraper, the Macdonald Warehouse

(Photo by: Eric Sempé – SPIKSTUDIO)

The redevelopment of Paris’ Macdonald Warehouse has transformed an urban logistics building into a vibrant and contemporary neighbourhood, using bespoke glazing systems from Reynaers.

This project integrates into The Grand Urban Renewal Project; Paris’ wider efforts to provide more homes and inject life into neglected areas that are cut off by industrial facilities and infrastructural networks. An industrial barrier in itself, the ‘Macdo’ was designed in 1970 by Marcel Forest. The impressive structure spans over 600m in length, earning it the nickname ‘une tour couchée’, or ‘the horizontal skyscraper’.

Pleated facades

Key factors in specifying a range of Reynaers products for lots N5 and S6 of the design were performance, costs and technical evaluation. The CF 77 system combines high insulation and comfort with visual appeal. It is a highly versatile product, with a range of available opening types and threshold solutions. The folding elements with hidden gaskets create a particularly clean appearance, proving to be both efficient and aesthetically pleasing for ceiling-high, foldable doors.

The clean, sharp design of Reynaers windows integrates perfectly with the rhythmically extruded façades. This pleated façade was designed by FAA and XDGA, which wraps around the entire ground floor, the bridge building across the tramline as well as the exterior spaces and two blocks of assisted rental housing.

Architect Milena Wysoczynska, Project Manager at Paris-based XDGA-FAA, said: “Seeking a simple yet strong solution, we developed a single pattern for both blocks, with three-dimensional panelling that reflected the sky and added depth to the façade.”

Desénclavement

A key concept in the renewal project is desénclavement, or ‘opening up,’ making the area less isolated and more accessible.

Once considered ‘ugly and difficult,’ the Macdo was developed and built upon by fifteen French and international teams. Co-ordinator Floris Alkemade, the Netherlands’ Chief Government Architect, explained that their aims are to respect the building’s heritage and enhance it with contemporary elements.

Alkemade, along with Belgian architect Xaveer de Geyter, established design guidelines to strike balance between coherence and creative freedom amongst the different plots. The result is a tidy North façade which overlooks the boulevard, juxtaposed against the more colourful and spontaneous South façade which overlooks a new train station and gardens.

With the residential aspect divided neatly into private and social housing, aesthetic standards ensure that no visible distinction can be made. As one of the biggest “live, work, play, shop” venues in France, the Macdonald Warehouse will offer more than 1,000 homes, expansive space for offices, shops and communal activities as well as two schools, a gymnasium and a bank across an incredible 210,000m2 of floor space.

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, a public sector financial institution, funded the €240 million development. Camille Picard, Managing Director of Paris Nord EST at the Caisse des Dépôts, said: “The scheme has a direct influence on the entire area; it enables everything that is happening in the neighbourhood. Without it, the construction of a new development zone across the street wouldn’t have started as they would struggle to sell flats and offices looking out on a warehouse.”

Lead architect: OMA, Paris
Local architects and project coordinators: XDGA + FAA (lots N5 and S6), Brussels
Contractor: Sicra, Chevilly-Larue
Investor: Caisse des Dépôts, Paris
Fabricator: Alu Concept, Chilly Mazarin
Reynaers system: CF 77

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Stunning Shingle Lodge for luxury Scottish hotel

Architect John Murray has specified Marley Eternit’s JB Shingles to create a stunning cottage annex for a luxury Victorian boutique hotel in Dumfries and Galloway. The aptly named Shingle Lodge, built by 3b Construction, has been wrapped entirely in the western red cedar shingles to blend in with its natural surroundings.

The owners of Knockinaam Lodge hotel wanted to create a separate cottage annex to cater for guests who require easy accessibility and self-contained accommodation. Situated in 30 acres of landscaped grounds, with its own private beach, the architect needed to ensure that all exterior materials for the hotel annex were robust enough to withstand the severely exposed conditions without deteriorating.

Marley Eternit’s JB Shingles were specified for both the roof and cladding of the annex, creating a stunning cottage that sits beautifully within its surroundings as a breath-taking piece of architecture. When viewed at a distance, Shingle Lodge has achieved what the architect intended by retaining its aesthetic integrity and blending into the coastal environment.

Architect John Murray, comments: “I could see that using shingles would maintain the character of the hotel, retain the unique sense of place of the cove and fit well with the abundant backdrop of vegetation behind the cottage. The real beauty of shingles is that they age gracefully. In just a few years, the aptly named Shingle Lodge will blend into the local area as if it has always been part of the natural landscape.”

Sarah Jackson, marketing product manager from Marley Eternit, adds: “The use of our JB shingles on this cottage annexe provides the perfect aesthetic for this location. Using the product for both the roof and cladding creates a striking contemporary, yet natural, aesthetic, which is ideal for its rural and coastal setting.”

With one of the lowest carbon footprints of any widely used building product, shingles are perfect for projects which are driven by sustainability objectives. Marley Eternit’s JB western red cedar shingles also offer the highest-quality ‘Blue-label’ grade and are accredited by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which ensures that the biodiversity and ecosystems of the forest are preserved.

JB Shingles are available with a clear preservative treatment called MicroPro® to retain the natural look of cedar, with a guaranteed minimum lifespan of 40 years. Many preservative treatments are alkaline and react with the natural tannins in the cedar, often leaving black or dark stains, or are prone to leaching (washing) out. However, MicroPro’s® unique formulation uses a suspended micronised copper-based preservative that leaves the shingle looking completely natural.

For further information on our range of products and services just ask ME at www.marleyeternit.co.uk or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit.
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Charcon to Sponsor Prestigious Landscape Institute Awards

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, is proud to sponsor this year’s prestigious Landscape Institute Awards.

The annual awards, which take place in November, are designed to recognise examples of outstanding work by the landscape profession.

Charcon is sponsoring the Urban Design and Masterplanning category, which celebrates excellence in area based regeneration projects led by landscape architects.

Mark Barter, Sales Director at Charcon, comments: “As a major manufacturer and supplier of commercial hard landscaping materials, we are delighted to be supporting the Landscape Institute. The awards recognise the excellent work of landscape professionals at the very top of their game, especially those demonstrating a high level of commitment to sustainability.

“The calibre of entries is always incredibly high and we look forward to celebrating in the winner’s success on the night.”

Entrants in the Urban Design and Masterplanning category must demonstrate either one completed phase of a project or a strategy, development framework or master plan that is working towards or has achieved a planning status.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 24th November. To find out more, visit www.landscapeinstitute.co.uk/awards.

For further information about Charcon range of products, visit www.charcon.com or call 01335 372 222.
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Birmingham’s New Street Station crowned UK’s Project of the Year after £1bn revamp

Following a major £1bn redevelopment, Birmingham’s New Street Station has been crowned UK Project of the Year at the 2016 RICS Awards Grand Final.

The national RICS Project of the Year accolade is presented to the scheme which demonstrates outstanding best practice and significant benefit to their local area and wider economy. The redevelopment of Birmingham’s New Street station and Grand Central triumphed over 90 of the UK’s most impressive property schemes to gain the top award.

The Birmingham Gateway & Grand Central project – delivered by a team including Mace, Network Rail, Birmingham City Council and Turner & Townsend – was described by our judging panel as the most significant investment in regenerating Birmingham in a generation.

The new Birmingham’s New Street station and its former Pallasades shopping centre opened as Birmingham Grand Central in September last year. The £1bn scheme has transformed it into a popular retail and leisure destination and world-class station – five times the size of the original station – with a striking soccer pitch-sized atrium. Meanwhile, the new shopping centre – above the station – is now home to the biggest John Lewis outside of London and a mix of premium high street brands and eateries.

As one of Britain’s largest and most important cities, Birmingham deserves a station and shopping and leisure destination of this remarkable calibre. This investment in the city has created around 10,000 jobs and is expected to deliver around £2bn in economic benefits.

David Tuffin FRICS of Tuffin Ferraby Taylor LLP said “It is the catalyst for further regeneration in other parts of the city centre, which will create even more jobs. The team behind Birmingham Gateway and Grand Central should be extremely proud. 180,000 passengers continued to use the station during the works, yet they still managed to create a visually striking, yet practical international gateway into Birmingham, on time, from which the city, its residents and visitors will prosper from enormously.

“Each of these schemes is of an exceptional calibre. I’d like to extend a huge well done to the teams behind them as these projects are all positively contributing to their local communities and our country’s economy.”

Category winners from each of the 12 regional RICS Award ceremonies – held earlier this year – competed to win the national accolade in their respective category, with host, Gethin Jones, Broadcaster and TV personality announcing the winners.

The Grand Final winners:

  • Building Conservation: Mount Stewart, Newtownard (Northern Ireland)
  • Commercial: Landrover BAR America’s Cup HQ, Portsmouth (South East)
  • Community Benefit: Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool (North West)
  • Design through Innovation: Black Rock Quarry, Portishead (South West)
  • Infrastructure: Emergency Care Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead (North East)
  • Regeneration: Birmingham Gateway & Grand Central, Birmingham (West Midlands)
  • Residental: Romilly Quarter, Barry (Wales)
  • Tourism & Leisure: NT Future, South Bank (London)
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Radical concept for temporary floating Parliament unveiled

A new temporary Houses of Parliament located on the River Thames provides a solution for the long overdue refurbishment of the historic Palace of Westminster.

International architecture, design and planning firm Gensler has unveiled a radical concept that could reduce the cost and minimise the disruption of the comprehensive refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster.

The proposed modular structure located on the River Thames could provide a flexible and secure home that helps save the British taxpayer more than £1.8 billion, based on the House Committee’s own estimates, and allows the urgent repair works to proceed.

Gensler’s design accommodates all the principle components of the current Houses of Parliament within a new structure located alongside the existing Member’s terrace. The design maintains the relationship between both Chambers and their supporting Committee Rooms. The scheme includes a dedicated new entrance from the south side of the Palace of Westminster, adjacent to Victoria Tower Gardens, with an option to enable direct access to the existing Central Lobby if required.

An essential element of the refurbishment proposals for the House of Parliament requires total decantation of the building for an estimated six years. The challenge has been to find a suitable location within Whitehall that can accommodate Parliament in an efficient and cost effective manner. This concept offers a unique opportunity to co-locate the House of Commons and the House of Lords together with all their supporting committee rooms in a purpose built structure at the centre of the Whitehall estate.

By using the River Thames, Gensler’s design creates a completely new temporary Parliament under one roof in the same world famous location in the heart of Westminster avoiding the dispersion of core parliamentary activity to multiple locations. The concept overcomes some of the initial concerns about a river location by ensuring the structure does not interrupt the navigable channel along the centre of the river. It also incorporates a number of security measures that supplement the natural defence provided by the river itself.

The design takes inspiration from the magnificent hammer-beam roof of Westminster Hall, which was commissioned by Richard II in 1393 and is the largest medieval timber roof in Northern Europe. The 250-metre-long structure would be built on a series of steel platforms and the building above would be a dramatic, high-tech, wooden-framed structure covering 8,600 square metres, which would provide all the necessary environmental and acoustic containment. The new modular structure could be built in less than three years in shipyards across the UK and floated along the Thames to be secured and assembled on the river some 10 metres from the Palace of Westminster.

Ian Mulcahey, Managing Director at Gensler, said “The concept provides a simple solution to what is a very complex problem. The challenge has been to find a location that enables all the key components of Parliament to be located together in close proximity to the wider Government estate in Whitehall. The objective has been to minimise disruption and reduce the cost of the refurbishment to the taxpayer. The Palace of Westminster is one of the most important symbols of democracy in the world. This scheme provides a powerful expression of continuity and reinforces the UK’s world-leading creative expertise.”

Duncan Swinhoe, Regional Managing Principal at Gensler, said “This not only provides a fitting short-term solution to the relocation issue it also provides some exciting long-term opportunities. Once the refurbishment of the Palace is complete, the modular structure could be relocated and adapted to provide a permanent legacy such as a Museum for Democracy or alternatively a new parliament for an emerging overseas democracy.”

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Armstrong Ceilings’ TechZone™ system has been enhanced

Armstrong Ceilings has further simplified its ground-breaking TechZone™ system, which was the industry’s first easy-to-specify-and-install ceiling solution with integrated technical services, to be offered as a standard solution.

TechZone™, which was pioneering when it was launched in 2009, is now available as four standard layouts which easily organise lighting, air diffusers and returns into 100mm and 150mm wide technical zones.

A range of compatible fixtures from Armstrong’s partner companies for the building services elements (Trox for air diffusers and XAL and Zumtobel for lighting) have also been prequalified for fit and finish to give a clean, monolithic look using standard ceiling panels and suspension systems.

All specifiers have to do is design the layout from either Armstrong’s CAD/Revit library or their own imagination, then choose the field panels, technical panels, suspension systems and perimeter treatments.

Field panels are Armstrong’s Ultima+ and Ultima+ OP, Perla and Perla OP 0.95 and Optima mineral tiles and planks with Microlook 90 or SL2 edge profiles. These tiles and planks deliver environmentally and acoustically as Perla OP 0.95 was the first mineral tile in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, the Ultima+ range was the first mineral ceiling tile range in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, and the suspension system – the Prelude 15 XL2 grid – is now also Cradle to Cradle certified, making the complete system (tiles and grid) the ultimate green ceiling system. In addition, Perla OP 0.95, Ultima+ OP and Optima all deliver to sound absorption Class A.

The improved TechZone™ system has enabled Armstrong to meet the growing trend for linear lighting.

At the same time, Armstrong has teamed up with XAL Lighting to launch the On Centre linear lighting solution. It makes it even easier for architects and specifiers to create inspiring ceiling designs with higher ceiling heights, zero plenum interference and on-centre continuous or non-continuous layouts.

The unique solution is designed to be installed as a full new system but it can also be retrofitted to existing 600mm by 600mm ceiling modules to bring an even cleaner monolithic visual to open and closed-plan spaces in buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals and retail outlets.

The integrated system allows the high-performance XAL Leno Grid Led luminaire to be installed from below to eliminate the requirement for ceiling re-work when it is specified with factory-finished Armstrong ceilings panels (Ultima+, Ultima+ OP and Perla OP 0.95) and the Prelude 15 XL2 suspension system. It also integrates with Axiom pre-engineered perimeter systems and transitions and can be incorporated into canopies.

Architects and designers simply follow the TechZone™ specification phases of choosing a standard layout or creating their own, then choosing their panels, suspension systems, perimeter treatment and accessories. Armstrong’s 600mm by 600mm mineral tiles are typically used throughout, with the 600mm by 550mm brought in when there is a linear light to fit. Lighting strips can be as long as 2,400mm.

The new premium system gives an ultra-contemporary visual with the narrow 100mm linear lighting centred on the grid using standard ceilings and suspension systems to create custom looks. The lighting goes between and parallel to the grid main runners so only requires an additional hanger for installation, making it as quick and easy to install as standard systems.

TechZone™ incorporating linear lighting has its own dedicated CAD drawings available from Armstrong’s Architectural Specialities office and is covered by Armstrong’s 30-year system warranty*.

*For the Armstrong components, not XAL’s.

For more information please visit www.armstrongceilings.co.uk.
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Encasement keeps on running with Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre

An extension to the Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre at Farnborough Sixth Form College, to provide additional facilities for students, is using Quadra pre-formed plywood column casings, which were supplied and installed by Encasement, to conceal structural steelwork and improve interior aesthetics.

Originally opened in 2007 in honour of the British double Olympic gold medallist, this latest expansion of the college’s wide-ranging sports and P.E. facilities is designed to link the Dame Kelly Holmes Centre with a separate sports hall, while also providing much needed additional recreation and social space for students.

The new annexe, which also incorporates a large foyer area, uses extensive glazed curtain walling that extends for more than 50 metres from the new entrance along the full length of the building and is supported by 16 structural columns, which are concealed by the rectangular Quadra casings.

Manufactured from strong 8mm thick pre-formed plywood, 15 of the casings measure 368mm x 200mm, while the final one is 368mm x 350mm to accommodate a double structural support. Each casing is finished in durable Formica ‘Dusty Jade’ matt green laminate. The casings also incorporate matching infill strips to give an integrated finish to the vertical joints and feature 100mm high brushed aluminium collars at ceiling and floor level.

While most of the Quadra casings stand 3.0 metres high, during installation Encasement needed to trim and tailor some casings to allow for two changes in the level of the floor, which increases along the building’s length of the extension by approximately 300mm.

Encasement’s Managing Director, Martin Taylor, explained: “This is an ideal application for Quadra casings, as they’re not only strong and durable, for use in high traffic public areas, but can be finished in virtually any colour to integrate or contrast with a building interior.”

He added: “Our Quadra and Circa pre-formed plywood column casings are just part of our extensive range, which also includes Forma metal casings and Vecta wall lining solutions, all of which are widely throughout the education sector in public areas, classrooms and lecture theatres, as well as for main entrances and foyers.”

For more information please visit www.encasement.co.uk.

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CMS delivers for groundbreaking Northumberland housing development

Leading window and door designer, manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has completed work on a pioneering housing project in the north-east of England, which offers older and vulnerable residents the opportunity to retain their independence while providing them with the support services they require.

With Northumberland’s population ageing faster than that of England as a whole, the 58 modern apartments in Weavers Court development in Alnwick represent a sea-change in accommodation for older residents, offering improvements in lifestyle and support whilst not compromising on the quality of their living space. Led by housing company Isos, the £5m scheme enables those with chronic and other health conditions to live in the community, preventing admissions to residential care whilst giving residents and their families the reassurance that help is always on hand.

Brought to the project by main contractors Galliford Try, CMS was contracted to manufacture and install casement windows, as well as single and double doors for the development. A highly energy efficient specification was required to maximise the cost-saving benefits of the installation for residents. Additionally, to ensure that Weavers Court would be a desirable and attractive place to live, it was important that the aesthetics of the works package would complement the rest of the building design.

CMS met the brief with high-performance units to help create an energy-efficient building envelope, eliminating draughts and reducing heat transfer to create a comfortable environment and ease residents’ heating costs. Smart grey PVCu casement frames from Sheerframe’s 8000 range ensured a sleek, modern appearance, with the layout of glass panels in the building envelope helping to create a light, bright interior for the building and ensure fantastic views towards the south of Alnwick.

Ensuring a secure building envelope was also crucial to the project: besides the primary benefits conferred by good security, an overarching priority for Weavers Court was to create homes in which residents could feel safe, protected, and in charge of their own space. CMS responded to this need by using products accredited by Secured by Design, a police-led initiative promoting superior safety specifications for building materials, to exceed security standards and ensure residents’ peace of mind.

CMS’s work on the Weavers Court project was completed in June 2016, with the development opening officially in mid-2016. CMS’s Managing Director, Andy Kerr, welcomed its completion: “Weavers Court represents a really unique opportunity for older and vulnerable residents of Alnwick, and demonstrates that the needs of this sector of society are being increasingly well catered-for.

“The pairing of high-quality housing and on-hand care facilities is an ideal solution to helping residents maintain their independence for longer while ensuring they are enjoying the quality of life they deserve. The support that the Extra Care scheme offers to tenants is invaluable, and it was a real pleasure for CMS to be able to contribute to its creation.”

Mark Massey, senior partner at idpartnership, the architect of Weavers’ Court, said: “The design of Weavers Court reflects best practice in inclusive design and design for well-being. The scheme will be a “step-change” in housing for the elderly, enabling them to become the focus of the community, offering a hotel-like environment in which an active and positive old age can be enjoyed.”

For more information about the project, please visit www.cmswindows.com.
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Phoenix balustrading rises to the occasion

Architectural ironmongery specialist Cooke Brothers is making a significant investment in the launch of a comprehensive modular stainless steel handrail and balustrade system: The Phoenix Range. Phoenix is innovative balustrading and handrail solution undergoing testing to all relevant European standards and Building Regulations. Because it is an entirely modular system, the Phoenix Balustrading range allows complete design flexibility with a huge range of tubes and infill panels to suit any interior design scheme.

Balustrading often forms an integral part of a building’s interior design scheme and is also increasingly used to link indoor and outdoor space, improving aesthetics and increasing security and safety. The modular nature of the Phoenix system, with myriad tube and infill panel options, means that it can be adapted and bespoke manufactured for any design scheme with ‘mix and match’ solutions. For instance, the Phoenix rail can be matched up with high quality wood, composite or polymer hand rail systems, or made with sleeved options to combine high strength with warm-to-touch railings. Thanks to the company’s manufacturing competence, bespoke components can be easily made for exclusive one-off designs such as cantilevered handrails.

The basis of any balustrade design is the tubing and the Phoenix range is available with round, square, rectangular or bespoke profiles in satin or mirror stainless steel. The choice of infill panels is almost limitless. From the cool sleek minimalism of glass, to wood, bars, mesh or metalwork, the Phoenix balustrade system can match any project’s requirements, both safety and aesthetics.

Safety is a vital consideration in the specification of balustrading which are rated under BS 6180:2011 according to the loading at which 25mm horizontal deflection at 1100mm height is reached. Different specifications are required for domestic and commercial settings as well as areas where people may congregate. This is in addition to other areas of compliance such as dimension, clearance between the handrail and any adjacent wall surface, rotation of fittings and, in certain cases a requirement for rails to be warm-to-the-touch. Phoenix balustrading from Cooke Brothers is undergoing extensive testing to reach and exceed all British and European standards, codes of practice and Building Regulations.

The new Phoenix Balustrading system will be in show for the first time at the 100% Design Exhibition on 21-24 September at London’s Olympia on stand E228.

Best known for its range of quality hinges, Cooke Brothers has been established since 1872 and in that time has built an enviable reputation for manufacturing and supplying hinges for standard and bespoke applications, at home and overseas. In recent years the Cooke Brothers product portfolio has expanded to include other architectural ironmongery ranges such as vision panels, inset handles, and letter plates. Based in the West Midlands, Cooke Brothers occupies a 5-acre site dedicated to manufacture, testing and distribution.

For more information please visit www.phoenixbalustrading.co.uk.
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