Originally designing, supplying & installing resin bonded stone, then anti slip floor coatings and over the years moved into rubber surfacing and astro turf.

One of the longest established companies in the UK carrying out these types of surfacing works nationally.

The company prides itself on every attention to detail with a wealth of knowledge on not only the surfacing finish but the make up of groundwork’s to support this.

The rubber & plastic products used are based on the recycled element as much as possible and great care is used in creating projects that last and look perfect with the environment.

Having a great design is one thing but using the right products and making them fit to the surroundings is natural coatings specialty.

From internal rubber floors to outside football pitches & diverse products such as anti -slip step edging they will undertake.

Nationwide free surveys on Tel: 0800 043 0058. Or email: sales@flooring-services.com

www.flooring-services.com

The post Natural Coatings appeared first on Design Buy Build.

The £22 million project to create the Newcastle Sixth Form College has provided a state-of-the-art world-class learning environment. The 11,000 square metre building is the only dedicated sixth form college in the city of Newcastle. Designed specifically to meet the needs of 16 – 18 year old students, it incorporates specialist facilities including dance and drama studios, science laboratories and art/design workshops in addition to large social spaces such as a bistro and internet café.

Achieving the optimum indoor environment for learning was a key requirement for the new college. Equally important was the energy efficiency of the building, which has been designed with a number of sustainability features, including a ‘green roof’. A key challenge was how best to cater for widely differing occupancy levels in zones across the site throughout the day. Optimum comfort conditions for students and staff needed to be maintained whilst ensuring that the HVAC system could adjust to match demand to prevent wasted energy.

The HVAC products supplied to meet the demanding requirements included TROX Multi Service Chilled Beams (MSCBs) and variable volume flow rate controllers. The MSCB’s are based on the energy-efficient air-water technology of the popular TROX model DID632 active chilled beam. These units are ideally suited to areas with high cooling loads, combining the aerodynamic properties of ceiling diffusers with the energy benefits of load dissipation using water. They are suitable for both recessed and exposed installations in new buildings and for the refurbishment of existing buildings with clear room heights between 2.6m and 4m.

The chilled beams installed at Newcastle Sixth Form College supply heating, cooling and ventilation throughout the building as well as incorporating lighting. As the units are extremely easy to maintain and do not require cleaning they offer significant benefits for the demands of a busy academic site such as this.

In addition, TROX variable air volume flow rate controllers have been installed to ensure that energy usage can ramp up and reduce down in line with changing occupancy levels in each zone. The products supplied are TROX TVR and RN Models. The TROX type TVR is a circular flow rate controller for variable supply or extract air, suitable for almost all control, regulation and shut-off tasks in room air conditioning systems. The unit incorporates factory-fitted and tested mechanical and electronic components, and contains an averaging differential pressure sensor for air flow measurement, and a control damper. The control damper, with plastic seal, complies (when closed) with the air tightness requirements of EN 1751. The flow rate control is a closed circuit system with external power supply.

The TROX type RN is a mechanical automatic controller for constant volume flow systems which operates without external energy. Volume flows are set with an external pointer.

www.troxuk.co.uk

The post TROX CHILLED BEAMS AND VAV UNITS SCORE TOP MARKS AT NEWCASTLE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE appeared first on Design Buy Build.

We are delighted to introduce and launch our latest porcelain wood ranges which are all highly suited to commercial flooring applications.

“Our suppliers have been developing wood replications for a number of years now,” explains James Reed, the Companies’ Sales Director and Owner.

“Using HD technology the look, the feel, the warmth and the texture of the latest products really do resemble wood, there are no pattern repeats and all the tiles are available in plank formats up to 1800mm long. The great advantage with porcelain wood is that it can be specified in areas where natural timbers would not be considered including wet rooms, pool surrounds, decking and steam rooms”.

Reed Harris have been importing and distributing porcelain tiles since the 1980’s when the Italian Ceramic manufacturers first developed a hard wearing, fully vitrified tile – fired at 1200 degrees.

“It’s unbelievable how the product has developed over the last 30 years, we’ve seen basic small format plain coloured tiles in the early days change into larger stone, concrete and fabric patterns. As the tile sizes have become longer the advancement of timber replications is the next natural step for porcelain” adds James Reed.

The benefits of Porcelain Wood include:

• Fire resistant
• Totally UV resistant – no colour change
• Non Porous, stain-proof and waterproof – no sealing needed
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Extremely high levels of wear resistance and durability
• Excellent range of timber replications – created using the latest HD technology.
• Manufactured in plank formats – suitable for walls & floors.
• Ideal for under floor heating
• Perfect for internal & external locations – dimensionally stable.
• Available with a slip resistant finish for external or wet locations.

Please give us a call on +44 (0) 20 7736 7511, to discuss your project and any further technical information you require and we will be delighted to provide you with a quotation.

Our new Architectural website, architectural.reedharris.co.uk

also has a detailed description of the ranges, additional technical information, coupled with PDF and DWG files – you are also able to enquire over our website and order samples.

To all interior design and architectural practices: To arrange a presentation to your design team on our latest commercial and residential porcelain ranges, please contact our architectural division on +44 (0) 20 7736 7511.

The post Reed Harris appeared first on Design Buy Build.

The post Doubly active against climate change appeared first on Design Buy Build.

This was the challenge for the UK’s leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, GEZE UK, when it was asked to supply and fit new doors for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  The school is an international centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health and with over 3,500 students and 1,200 staff, its main entrance is busy throughout the day.

Originally opened in 1929 by the Prince of Wales, the client specified that any new doors needed to be completely in keeping with the building’s historic character.

GEZE created a bespoke design using the Slimdrive SC GGS, an automated all-glass curved sliding door with high grade stainless steel fittings and a glass roof.  It was fitted to the existing entrance to create an elegant semi-circular lobby and the curved sliding glass doors ensured more space and light.

As with all products in the popular Slimdrive range the entire drive unit is only 7 cm in height.  The main advantage of the Slimdrive SC GGS in listed buildings is that it removes the need for unsightly rails, maximising transparency and enhancing the detail of the building.  The very low construction height enables almost invisible integration into the façade and the final result allows maximum light into the School’s busy reception area.

Normally a track is installed in the floor, however in this installation the marble floor could not be lifted or altered for obvious reasons, so instead GEZE’s specialist team created a solution whereby a 15mm thick surface mounted stainless steel track was attached to the stone floor.

The Slimdrive SC GGS can be used with door leaf heights of up to 2500 mm and weights of up to 120 kg.  It is approved and certified in accordance with DIN 18650.

John Kinsella, Estates Project Manager at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine commented: “We are very proud of the building and any alterations needed to be completely in character, as well as practical.  The final result is stunning.  We also needed the building to remain open during the refurbishment, and the GEZE team worked with us to ensure the safe operation throughout the project.”

www.geze.co.uk

The post GEZE DOORS ARE JUST THE TONIC FOR LONDON SCHOOL OF HYGIENE AND TROPICAL MEDICINE appeared first on Design Buy Build.

Hear it from the professionals!

Senior Designer Monique Tollgard from Staffan Tollgard Design has commented:

“We find Focus SB very enjoyable and nice to work with. Their products are good, and value for money. Also, I think they have a full range and know their product well. They have breadth as well depth.”

Bespoke electrical accessories are what we do best. We tailor-make electrical accessories to the highest of quality.

We are medium size manufacturers that bridge into the design sector. So, our products look stylish, are very well made and highly functional.

If you want finishing touches that leave a lasting impression on your interior, specify Focus SB!

• Contact head of sales, Barry Partridge, for more product information: Tel: 07710 088912, barryp@focus-sb.co.uk

• View our products on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/focussb/boards/

• Chat to us on Twitter

• Visit our website: http://www.focus-sb.co.uk

• Email: sales@focus-sb.co.uk

If you are London based, you can view our products in Staffan Tollgard’s new Design Store. 

The post A few reasons to specify Focus SB appeared first on Design Buy Build.

Maintained by Serco Leisure Ltd, Manchester Aquatics Centre comprises of a 50m swimming pool, a 25m diving pool and a leisure pool with two water flumes and is home to the City of Manchester Swim team and the GB water polo team. There is also an additional 50m training pool used by the GB disability team, which played host to teams from Australia and Brazil during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The need to refurbish and upgrade the dehumidifiers arose during discussions around routine maintenance. Andy Dove, Munters Service Area Manager says “Ensuring humidity is maintained to 55% relative humidity (RH) helps to protect the building from costly damage and ensures a comfortable environment for swimmers.”  Accurately controlling relative humidity levels in and around the pool is essential to preventing condensation on walls, ceilings and windows, which can lead to mould growth and result in unnecessary building maintenance and repairs.

Munters engineers worked closely with Manchester Aquatics Centre to adapt the proposed solution to use polypropylene instead of stainless steel for the reactivation exhaust ductwork at the customer’s request.

The refurbishment has ensured a comfortable environment for swimmers and, by retrofitting Munters Energy Recovery Purge, predicted energy costs are reduced by 20% per year compared to the previous solution.  By precisely controlling relative humidity to 55% all year round, the building is protected and call outs and maintenance costs will be significantly reduced, saving thousands of pounds per year. “Without this work taking place, we would not have been able to invest in new equipment” says Paul Rogers, Technical Manager for Serco Leisure. “I was also impressed by the Munters Service team, who carried out the work faster than I expected.”

For the full case study or for more information about Munters, visit www.munters.co.uk/pools-uk

Features:

• Ensure long term protection against humidity damage
• Reduce running costs by 20%
• Consistent control of relative humidity year round

The post Munters reduces maintenance and energy costs at Manchester Aquatics Centre appeared first on Design Buy Build.

With a strong client base including Universities, Schools, Hotels and Housing Associations, Taplanes modular showers overcome the inherent problems associated with conventional bathroom areas.

Both one-piece and sectional enclosures are provided by Taplanes. The sectional designs are aimed towards the refurbishment sector allowing the units to be maneuvered into the most restrictive of locations with speed and ease. Alternatively, and if the build process allows, the one-piece pods could be considered.

Durability and speed of installation, together with a guaranteed ‘leak proof’ construction ensures Taplanes are the preferred choice within their chosen sectors.

Additional information about the services and products provided by Taplanes can be found at www.taplanes.co.uk or call Taplanes direct on 01423 771645.

The post “No leaks, no tiles, no fuss……” appeared first on Design Buy Build.

With advances in technology allowing us to work while on the move, many people are spending long hours hunched over laptops using furniture that is no longer fit for its purpose.  As people adapt to a new way of working, so must the furniture we design and buy.

A new set of resources, launched at 100% Design in September, aims to provide furniture designers, specifiers and interiors designers with the tools to ensure that products are safe and fit for purpose.

The Furniture Design Toolkit (FDT), created by the Furniture Industry Research Association, helps designers to incorporate ergonomics, user trials, Standards and legislation into the design process. It also acts as a useful point of reference for specifiers and interior designers to help them understand how furniture can better suit its environment and intended users.

The Toolkit is the only design resource to contain this highly valuable information, provided by industry experts.

It has a dedicated section that specifically looks at contract furniture, which alongside hospitality settings, includes furniture for government buildings and all other non-domestic environments.

Sukhneet Assee, Design Ergonomist for FIRA International, says: “The FDT is a really excellent resource for anyone involved in designing or choosing furniture. Using a hotel room as an example, we know that the way people are using furniture is changing and so some standard hotel furniture may not cater for someone who wants to work for longer hours and stay comfortable.

“Choosing furniture that has been ergonomically assessed and has undergone user trials is likely to be more comfortable and this can be used as a unique selling point to potential customers and encourage repeat business. Understanding furniture Standards is also useful when purchasing or specifying furniture, as the standard height for a desk in an office is 74cm, but a desk in a hotel room may be too high or too low and make it uncomfortable to work for prolonged periods. Regardless of where you want to work, ergonomics and good design are essential for creating a comfortable and efficient workplace.”

The FDT details the correct Standards and legislation for different types of seating, tables/work surfaces and storage furniture for a range of environments. It provides information about ergonomic design principles that go beyond the Standards and explains the benefits of using anthropometrics, user trials and task analysis.

The Toolkit also has dedicated sections on office and educational furniture design.

For more information please visit fira.fdt.co.uk, email info@fira.co.uk, or call +44 (0)1438 777 700.

Credit: OrangeBox

Credit: Haworth

The post Do you design or specify contract/hospitality furniture? appeared first on Design Buy Build.