FC&A September 2013 Supplement by Red Hut Media Ltd

Supplement

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

September 2013 www.fca-magazine.com

Learning Commons Building, Manchester

Engineer of your creative vision Armstrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atelier team of multi-talented, versatile experts experienced in pioneering ceiling and wall solutions is committed to providing intelligent, efficient, cost-effective tailored solutions to meet revolutionary, state-of-the art interior project designs. Discover the newly-launched Armstrong Atelier team, as well as a dynamic new Atelier website.

www.armstrong-atelier.eu

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Nuclear AMRC, Rotherham

In association with

Welcome

...to our Floors, Walls & Ceilings special

Mixed Media Information Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232702, Fax: 01622 320020 www.fca-magazine.com www.mixedmediainfo.com

n this dedicated supplement, FC&A rounds up the latest solutions available on the market ranging from exterior surfacing solutions to acoustic ceiling panels. Unlike interior floorcoverings, outdoor surfaces are exposed to the elements all year round, meaning the product must be able to withstand a variety of conditions.

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702

In public areas especially, slip resistance and maintenance are top priorities. Dura Composites, for example, demonstrates how it is seeing a growing demand for composite decking thanks to its exceptional performance, longevity and ability to retain colour.

Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702

Meanwhile, ceilings can offer high sound absorption and add individuality, enhancing the quality of a room’s finish. An example of the end result can be seen on pg 14 where Armstrong Ceilings was specified for the refurbishment of a private members lounge at Liverpool Football Club.

Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com

For further enquiries about any of our contributors or if you wish to comment on a particular issue within this product area, please do not hesitate to get in touch at the usual address.

Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com

Hannah Frackiewicz

Artworker/Sub-editor Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com

Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Contents 5

Stay on track:

Innovation in fire safety:

Transform and protect:

Terms and Conditons:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Front cover:

Forbo Flooring Systems unveils the new floorcoverings added to its innovative guaranteed delivery scheme.

AMF demonstrates how ceiling systems can help an interior structure achieve best fire resistance performance. Flowcrete unveils its new microsite, which provides an informative platform for its decking system, Deckshield.

10 Engineered alternative:

Dura Composites looks at the growing demand for composite decking over traditional wood products.

12 The flooring movement:

CMJ stresses the importance of specifying movement joints in order to prolong the lifetime of a hard floorcovering.

13 Resilient surface:

Millboard uncovers a new generation of decking made from a unique blend of polymer resin and fibres.

14 Armstrong scores with canopies:

Armstrong Ceilings was recently specified for the refurbishment of a private members lounge at Liverpool Football Club.

A new world-class, 21st Century study space at The University of Manchester features the first use in the UK of Armstrong Atelier’s hookon metal wall panels. See pg 16.

16 World-class study space:

A flexible study area at The University of Manchester now benefits from Armstrong’s hook-on metal wall panels.

18 Smooth surfaces:

Instarmac unveils its comprehensive range of floorcovering solutions, developed to achieve that high performance finish.

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings PERFORMANCE CEILINGS M o re s c o p e f o r i n n ova t i o n

H % R ing 0 0 1 b bsor a nd sou able h s wa

THERMATEX速 AQUATEC THE SOUND ABSORBING CEILING TILE FOR 100% RH The new THERMATEX速 Aquatec has 100% Humidity resistance combined with a washable finish and Class A sound absorption. This makes Aquatec perfect for many applications such as swimming pools, shower rooms where high acoustic performance and washable humidity resistant finishes are required. Aquatec tile is also available with the Hygiene anti-microbial treatment to meet the strict hygiene requirements of heath care and kitchen environments. Different sizes, edge details are available as standard with an elegant smooth face pattern. For further information please contact us or visit our website www.amfceilings.co.uk

Knauf AMF Ceilings Ltd. Thames House, 6 Church Street, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 3NJ Phone 020 8892 3216, Fax 020 8892 6866 E-mail: info@knaufamf.co.uk, http://www.amfceilings.co.uk

MADE IN GERMANY

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Images: Above: Tessera Barcode Left: Flex Design loose lay tiles

Forbo enhances offering in delivery scheme When high quality floorcoverings are needed in a hurry, Forbo Flooring Systems offers a highly successful guaranteed delivery scheme that will enable you and your flooring contractor to schedule your installation without delay and stay on track.

orbo Direct now covers three of the most popular carpet tile ranges in the Tessera portfolio, and nine of Forbo’s Flex Design 50 x 50cm loose-lay vinyl tile designs. When contractors place orders for up to 500m2 of any of these products via the scheme, Forbo guarantees delivery within five working days. Under the Tessera Direct name, the initiative delivered tens of thousands of carpet tile orders in full, within the five working day window. Now Forbo has rebranded the scheme and broadened its scope to encompass Flex Design vinyl tiles, which co-ordinate well with other modular products in the Forbo portfolio.

These vinyl tiles are even installed using the same tackifier adhesive as Tessera carpet tiles, making the fitting process easier for contractors working on integrated schemes. So, Forbo Direct can now be used to ensure timely deliveries of Flex Design vinyl tiles in a range of decorative effects including concrete, stone, sand and even a contemporary metallic woven look, all with a 1mm wear layer with a PUR finish for durable protection and stain resistance. Customers looking for a guaranteed five working day delivery promise on carpet tiles can choose from three very different Tessera ranges, including the

24 most popular colourways of Tessera Teviot, an exceptionally versatile and popular low level loop tile, and the full range of Tessera Barcode carpet tiles, which delivers a fresh and modern twist on the linear trend. The third option is Tessera Mix, an attractive batchless, random lay carpet tile, which can be installed rapidly, with minimum installation wastage. Julie Dempster, Marketing Manager at Forbo Flooring comments: “Time is money in any new build, refurb or general fit out project. When the pressure is on to meet tight deadlines, Forbo Direct provides contractors and their clients an unrivalled service, with the ability to access some of our most popular modular floor coverings with a very quick turnaround.”

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Below: Tessera Mix

* info.flooring.uk@forbo.com 123 ( 0844 822 3928

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Designing for fire safety Ian Usher, Technical and Marketing Manager at Knauf AMF Ceilings discusses how ceiling systems can help an interior structure achieve the best fire resistance performance.

he Great Fire of London 1666 destroyed much of the city. Many buildings were rebuilt on their original plots â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the only difference being they were built of brick and stone rather than timber. Since then developments in materials, production and testing, and the tightening of legislation, mean fire safety has improved immeasurably. Knauf AMF has long played a leading role in these innovations. When designing a building it is essential

to know what will happen to the various elements of the structure during a fire. Understanding the difference between fire protection and fire resistance is key to this. Fire protection means preventing the outbreak of fire. Fire resistance describes how a material will prevent a fire from causing the structure to collapse or help control the fire passing from one room to another. Fire resistant materials allow occupants time to escape in the event of

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a fire, or enable fire fighters to enter the building without the threat of it collapsing around them. The performance characteristics of building materials are often key in determining whether a fire is able to spread quickly or is contained at the source. Suspended ceiling systems are subjected to rigorous fire protection tests and play a vital role in fire protection and fire resistance. In the UK, British Standard 476 dictates the appropriate fire tests for structures and materials and grades the level of fire resistance achieved. BS476: Parts 6 and 7 are used to classify the reaction to fire performance of building projects. Reaction to fire involves tests to materials which measure the extent to which internal surfaces contribute to the spread of flames. For ceilings with fire protection characteristics both the exposed and cavity surfaces of the system are tested. BS476: Part 7: 1997 is the Surface Spread of Flame test where the best performance is Class 1. BS476: Part 6: 1989 is the Fire propagation test that measures the combustibility of the product and gives a defined performance. Class 0 or Class 1 designation is the simplest classification for a ceiling that has obtained a reaction-to-fire rating. Ceiling tiles that meet the Class 0 requirement of Building Regulations will assist in minimising the contribution the

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Left: Ceiling products are subjected to rigorous testing, successfully achieving BS476: Parts 6 and 7 Below: A suspended ceiling can make a contribution to the fire performance of steel beams Below left: A toy warehouse was installed with Thermatex ceiling tiles in a Ventatec Grid, both manufactured by Knauf AMF Below right: Suspended ceiling systems are subjected to rigorous fire protection tests and play a vital role in fire protection

In older commercial buildings timber floors are widely used. The low thermal expansion and conductivity of timber gives the material a certain resistance to fire; however this alone does not satisfy Building Regulations. The fire resistance performance of a timber floor can be enhanced by the use of a fire-protecting suspended ceiling. BS476: Part 21 is the test method used to assess the fire resistance of a complete floor assembly consisting of a suspended ceiling and floor structure. The floor structure is loaded during the test with the equivalent weight of furniture, equipment and people to replicate real-life conditions. Knauf AMF goes further than this with its own testing, loading the floor to 100% of its design specification.This and other advantages in value and performance characteristics over competitor systems make Knauf AMF a very popular choice for this type of installation.

Structural safety structure makes to the growth of a fire in a given space. Knauf AMF Ceiling products are subjected to rigorous testing, successfully achieving BS476: Parts 6 and 7 – conforming to Class 0. The type of building structure determines the type of fire protection required.

A suspended ceiling can also make a contribution to the fire performance of steel beams. The British Standard BS476: Part 23 defines the size of the purlins and monitors the temperature of the lower flange in a number of pre-determined locations. Using Thermatex Alpha ceiling tiles from Knauf AMF can provide 120 minutes of structural fire protection, when installed in a fire-rated exposed grid system, to both solid rolled and steel lattice beams in accordance with BS476: Part 23. For retail stores, offices, production facilities and self-storage units, mezzanine floors are often the ideal solution for companies needing to expand without the expense and disruption of relocation. Mezzanine floors require fire protection and this can be provided by a suspended ceiling. BS476: Part 21 is the test method that is used to assess the fire resistance of a complete floor assembly consisting of a suspended ceiling and floor structure. A toy warehouse was installed with Thermatex ceiling tiles in a Ventatec Grid, both manufactured by Knauf AMF, to meet the demanding fire protection requirements of the extensive two-tier mezzanine storage area. In addition 1000 AMF 600 x 600 light boxes were used to cover the luminaries. Creating openings for lighting within a ceiling can significantly

reduce the fire protection, but Knauf AMF light boxes have been specifically designed to overcome this issue. Only fire-resistant light boxes can maintain the fire rating performance under a mezzanine floor. Even the most specialist fire-protection ceiling system will not prevent a fire from spreading if it is not installed properly. Installation should take place in accordance with the system manufacturer’s guidelines. Knauf AMF Ceilings offer an installation service. Care should be taken to ensure the fit of the tiles is correct and complies with the tolerances used in the original fire test. Maintenance should be carried out by qualified contractor. A common fault found in some ceilings is that hold-down clips become dislodged or lost. Knauf AMF ceilings do not require hold down clips to achieve 60 minutes fire resistance. And Knauf AMF tiles are tested with both Ventatec and DONN grid systems. Loose tiles must be re-secured and damaged tiles replaced with tiles from the same manufacturer to ensure the system’s effectiveness in the event of a fire. Work in the ceiling void needs to be checked so that any debris is removed and loose cable runs and damage to tiles are fixed and not hinder the fire performance. Adhering to fire protection standards during planning and installation of a ceiling system can save lives. Knauf AMF Ceilings has been manufacturing specialist certified fire protection systems for decades. Their technicians can offer advice and support during the stages of a building project.

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Images:

* info@knaufamf.co.uk

( 020 8892 3216

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Coloured Movement Joints

Telephone: 01924 360 110 Email: info@dural.co.uk Website: www.colouredmovementjoints.co.uk

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Bespoke Movement Joints

VIEW OUR

NEW WEBSITE colouredmovementjoints.co.uk

Manufactured for your project

CMJ Standard Movement Joint

CMJ Coloured Movement Joint

Coloured Movements Joints produce bespoke joints for Hard Flooring, Natural Stone and Slate. We specialise in colour matching our joints to the grout or the floor finish creating a stylish designer look and a seemless finish.

• Colours to match the full RAL range • Designed and Manufactured to exceed BS5385 • Robust, Durable and can cope with heavy stresses • Distributes stresses evenly between the foundation and floor covering preventing “tenting” and “popping” • Prevents the conduction of noise from footfall and other bodies • Epoxy infill to provide movement accommodation • Resistant to puncture and has anti-bacterial properties • Available in Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Brass

Coloured Movement Joints Projects and Applications

Retailers 8

Car Showrooms

Domestic

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Transport

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

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The choice for style, speed and substance

accredited testing. Deckshield is also compliant with both BS and DIN standards as well as ASTM C957 The new microsite and brochure join a range of informative material from Flowcrete UK, which also includes a RIBA-approved CPD, entitled ‘Car Park Decking – Protection, Strength and Aesthetics.’ The CPD outlines the criteria used when selecting car park decking and the test methods available to evaluate such systems. Alan Dean, Managing Director of Flowcrete UK, says: “The new Deckshield microsite and brochure give an insight into the aesthetic and protective qualities of car park decking. By utilising the very best protective coating systems on the internal structure of a car park, visual appearance can be enhanced, light reflectivity improved, traffic movement regulated and ongoing structural maintenance kept to an absolute minimum. “Ultimately, Deckshield visually improves car parks, has a highly accredited fire rating and is exceptionally durable and hard wearing. These qualities make it the product of choice for today’s car parks, where first impressions count.” Images: Above: The new microsite and brochure join a range of informative material from Flowcrete UK Left: The new Deckshield microsite and brochure give an insight into the aesthetic and protective qualities of car park decking

Specifiers looking to select a high performance car park decking system can get a wealth of information online and in print with new guides from Flowcrete UK.

new ‘transform and protect’ microsite has been developed at http://www.flowcrete.co.uk/ campaigns/transform-protect/ transform-protect-campaign/ to give a comprehensive insight into the renowned car park decking system, Deckshield. Flowcrete UK is a pioneer in car park decking, with innovations including the fast-track installation system Deckshield Rapide included in its range of time proven Deckshield systems. Featuring product specifications and case studies, the microsite also includes a downloadable new brochure for

Deckshield. The new brochure has also been updated for 2013 and features a car park product selector guide, which gives an ‘at a glance’ guide to the types of Deckshield suited for different car park environments. A technical zone also highlights features including slip resistance, water permeability and speed of cure, while a sustainability section demonstrates key green attributes, including Deckshield’s VOC free formulation. Flowcrete UK guarantees the insitu performance of Deckshield and its credibility is verified by third party

* ukweb@flowcrete.com

( 01270 753000

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Demand grows for composite decking Stuart Burns, Director at Dura Composites, looks at the reasons why demand for composite decking is growing over natural wood alternatives.

Dura Deck is a timber composite decking solution. It features a high percentage of reclaimed hard wood which gives it such a natural look but its high density polyethylene content and other inhibitors and stabilisers means that it doesn’t suffer any of the pitfalls of natural wood decking. The great thing about an engineered product such as Dura Deck means that highly developed additional ingredients can be added at point of manufacture to stabilise the decking and protect it from various threats including moisture, mould and UV. This means that, unlike natural wood, it won’t crack, shrink, warp or rot. It is

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omposites still represent less than 10% of the overall decking market but demand is growing at a rapid rate as end users and contractors realise the benefits to them. This is thanks to two factors – enhanced product quality and an emerging willingness from key timber distributors to offer it alongside timber alternatives. To demonstrate, Dura Composites struck a distribution deal with national timber importer and merchant Arnold Laver and its Dura Deck is proving popular at all of their depots nationally where its products have been socked since April 2012.

also highly resistant to light degradation thanks to UV inhibitors added during manufacturing, which ensure Dura Deck retains around 90% of its original colour after a massive 5000 hours exposure, and then remains colour stable throughout its entire life cycle. Many don’t realise that Dura Deck is just as ‘green’ as traditional wood. In fact, it is made of 87% recycled materials and can also be recycled after use. In addition, Dura achieved a world first earlier this year when we became the first timber composite supplier to become FSC 100% certified, guaranteeing the use of FSC certified forests in our production chain when this option is ordered. The biggest advantage of Dura Deck has to be the incredible cost-savings that it can bring. Dura Deck comes with a warranty of up to 25 years, 10 years longer than the average life of hardwood decking and more than 15 years longer than the life of softwood decking. When looking at initial outlay, Dura Deck is slightly more expensive than traditional wood decking but it is often cheaper to use because it lasts so much longer and doesn’t require any painting or staining. In fact, an independent report that compared whole life cycle costs over a 25 year period confirmed that a square metre of Dura Deck is £136.14 cheaper than softwood and £381.18 cheaper than hardwood. Specially designed subsurface fixings make the deck quick and easy to install, not to mention barefoot friendly. A deck installer can lay the deck very quickly and thanks to the 6mm spacer clips will deliver consistent gapping much more easily than natural wood planks. These characteristics mean that Dura Deck is suitable to be specified on large or small projects, be they commercial or residential and is why we the customer base ranges from the largest contractors to private individuals. * info@duracomposites.com 127 ( 01255 423601 Images Above left: Dura Deck Type 225 Charcoal at Park Hyatt hotel in Dubai Left: Dura Deck Type 295 Charcoal at Golf Club in Perth, Australia

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CMJ produces bespoke joints for hard flooring, natural stone and slate. The company specialises in colour matching its joints to the grout or the floor finish creating a stylish designer look and a seamless finish.

ll hard flooring moves independently by expanding and contracting at different rates so it is a requirement for flooring installations to have Movement Joint protection. Movement Joints are an effective way to protect ceramic and other hard floorcoverings from the stresses that cause cracking, tenting or popping on the surface. Clients generally do not like Movement Joints because it is felt that they can be obtrusive and spoil the aesthetic appearance of the carefully chosen floor. Specifiers and installers know that Movement Joints need to be used to absorb the natural movements in the floor. Architects are required to specify products that are fit for purpose and conform to building regulations and installers have a duty to provide good

advice and workmanship. What ever your job title, the team of friendly and experienced staff at CMJ are on hand to help guide specifiers though the requirements of their projects. CMJ Movement Joints have been specified on many projects including retail, commercial, transport, education, hotels, sport & leisure, prisons and even Terminal 5 at London Heathrow. Major car brands including Ford, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagon to name a few have used CMJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movement Joints because they create a high class finish and also a seamless designer look which is a preferred finish in car showroom areas. Movement Joints are also used in the workshop areas because of their ability to handle a wide range of loadings and their durability. Movement Joints are available in PVC,

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â&#x2013;

Enhanced floor protection with CMJ

Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Brass. CMJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice is that unless cost is an overriding issue, it does not recommend the use of PVC profiles. They are a short-term solution and lack durability that is needed for tiled flooring. Using aluminum-based profiles adequately protects the majority of projects. Stainless Steel profiles provide the greatest strength but are the least visible due to the manufacture and design of the profile. Not only can CMJ Movement Joints cope with heavy stresses and distribute them evenly between the foundation and floorcovering, they can also prevent conduction of noise from footfall and other bodies. Even floors subject to heavy stresses remain in better condition for longer when its Movement Joints are specified. All CMJ movement joints are designed and manufactured to exceed the requirements of BS 5385 and can be used with Slate, Natural Stone and Ceramic tiled floors. CMJ also provides highly competent advice and support. No matter how complex the application, the company can provide the perfect solution, including both products and service.

* info@dural.co.uk

( 01294 360110

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Images: Above: CMJ Movement Joints can create a high class finish and a seamless designer look Above left: Movement Joints are an effective way to protect ceramic and other hard floorcoverings from stresses that cause cracking or tenting

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Exquisite external flooring Millboard is the new generation of decking. Completely wood-free it has been specifically designed to eliminate the shortcomings often associated with timber decking; such as on-going maintenance, slippery surfaces and rot. Renowned for specialising in exterior flooring solutions, Millboard has further enhanced its portfolio by being appointed distributor of porcelain stoneware brand, Esterno. Millboard is a complete external flooring solution, providing composite sub frame systems, composite and stainless steel railing, pedestal systems for roof terraces and accessories for a complete decking project. Ensuring it stays one step ahead in the external flooring market, Millboard has also recently been appointed as distributor for Esterno – the new lowmaintenance, external porcelain flooring where charm and technology merge. Created to meet the needs of planners who are looking for continuity and integration in outdoor projects, Esterno offers a broad range of quality products that are highly reliable and impeccable in terms of aesthetics and technical performance. Eco-friendly and long lasting, the singlepiece porcelain stoneware with anti-slip surface finish offers four installation solutions; raised, traditional adhesive and laid on grass or gravel. Thanks to a few easy steps, these functional, easy to fit 20mm thick tiles are the ideal solution for residential gardens, parks and commercial outdoor venues. Perfect for use on terraces, balconies and gardens as well as restaurants, bars, swimming pools and leisure resorts, the possibilities are endless. Installation can be carried out in total safety without the need for specialist equipment or qualified laying technicians.

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illboard’s innovative antislip and maintenance-free external flooring looks as beautiful and warm as natural timber, but with no wood content. Made in the UK, its unique blend of polymer resin and fibres is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional timber. With the company’s 25 year residential warranty, Millboard’s innovative resilient hard wearing boards are the perfect choice for any project. Millboard expertly captures the charm of real wood but eliminates its shortcomings for outdoor environments. Due to its wood-free content, Millboard does not host algae growth. What’s more, with its non-porous nature, unlike wood, Millboard does not stain from food or drink, swell or rot. Millboard’s unique Lastane surface is highly resistant to scratches or marking and its UV stability resists fading. Having been awarded the highest classification for anti-slip and certified to BS79.76, Millboard is the safest choice on the market. Perfect for piers, balconies, roof terraces, paths, gardens, children’s play areas, with Millboard, the company can make it possible. With a huge range of profiles, boards, finishes and colours, the solutions on offer enables a client’s vision become reality.

Images: Above: Esterno is a high quality, eco-friendly and elegant porcelain flooring Left: Millboard expertly captures the charm of real wood but eliminates its shortcomings for outdoor environments

* sales@millboard.co.uk

( 02476 439 943

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Armstrong Ceilings has International appeal Renowned for their acoustic and aesthetic qualities, hexagonal canopies from Armstrong Ceilings were specified for the refurbishment of a private members lounge at a Liverpool football club.

one canopy can absorb up to 88% more sound than the same visible surface area of a traditional wall-to-wall Optima ceiling. At Anfield, some of the Optima Canopies feature lighting elements and are complemented by 136m2 of 600 x 600mm white fine fissured mineral tiles in the reception area. They were installed by W Braithwaite & Son during the closed football season. The club’s brief to 20.20 was to provide an inspirational space for private members based on the theme of its international players. Michael Sebti, Project Designer at 20.20 commented: “We met the brief for ‘The International’ room by designing a bold creative environment. A major part of this was to have a striking ceiling treatment with the use of hexagonal tiles against a black slab behind. “Other quality materials and design

details helped us achieve this quality. The rest of the space included graphic stories about Liverpool players’ international achievements over the years. “We wanted to have an acoustic solution and a hexagonal decorative effect that suited the concept. The Armstrong system was simple and easy to install which suited not only our design criteria but the tight timescales of the project installation.” Luke Braithwaite, himself a LFC supporter, said: “It was a very challenging project as there was £1.2m worth of work to complete within 7.5 weeks but the Armstrong products performed well.”

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ore than 60 of Armstrong Ceilings’ Optima mineral canopies were specified by strategic design consultants 20.20 for The International private members lounge at Liverpool Football Club, part of a refurbishment of the club’s corporate hospitality suites and associated public areas. The Armstrong 1170 x 1010mm white canopies, which are highly light-reflective at 87% and are manufactured with 82% recycled content, perform acoustically to Sound Absorption Class A. This high sound absorption performance helps to reduce reverberation time and background noise level. Optima Canopies provide greater sound absorption than a continuous ceiling of the same visible surface area because the sound is absorbed from both the front and back surfaces. This means

Images: Above: The high sound absorption performance helps to reduce reverberation time and background noise level Left: The Armstrong system was simple and easy to install which suited not only the design criteria but the tight timescales of the project installation

* sales-support@armstrong.com 131 ( 0800 371 849

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BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market. With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal. | Bespoke, reader-friendly features tailored to professionals on the move | | Timely industry news delivered at the touch of a button | | Manage print & digital subscriptions | For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

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Armstrong tops flexible study space

and other common building components such as plasterboard or standard panelling systems.” He added: “Armstrong is a well-known brand which we are well aware of and familiar with but in this instance the contractor brought them to the table on a design and build contract due to the commercial benefits their systems offered to the construction process and programme.” Sound Interiors’ Graham Flynn said: “This project was completely unique as it comprised a multitude of different bespoke products enabling horizontal to vertical transition.” The Learning Commons concept was first developed in the US and Australia to describe a building where students could get together and learn, either on an individual basis or by working collaboratively in groups.

A new world-class, 21st Century, 24/7 study space designed by Architect Sheppard Robson at The University of Manchester features the first use in the UK of Armstrong Atelier’s hook-on metal wall panels.

erforated WH-1000 tiles feature on the top half and plain WH1000 tiles feature on the bottom half of the vertical elements of the balcony floors lining the four-storey atrium at the £24m Alan Gilbert Learning Commons. These are linked to a series of bespoke and demountable T-Clip F metal perforated ceiling planks by Armstrong’s metal atrium upstands in 80% gloss and transition bulkheads in a variety of colours. Some of the planks in communal areas on the first and second floors feature an acoustic fleece, others 80% gloss to maximise light reflectance. A total of 1500m² were installed on the 5614m² redevelopment, which has achieved a BREEAM HE Excellent rating, over nine months by a team of 30 from Armstrong-approved Omega specialist sub-contractor Sound Interiors for main contractor Wates Construction. Designed by Architect Sheppard Robson and managed by the University Library, the Learning Commons building boasts more than 1000 flexible study spaces and an inspiring range of equipment and

furnishings for individual and group study. There are 400 PCs, laptop charging lockers, 30 bookable group study rooms, Skype area and media screens for presentation and group work. The wifi available throughout the building extends to the space outside and to the groundfloor cafe which is open to the public.

High spec zone Sheppard Robson’s Jimi Estévez said: “The Armstrong systems offer concealment to services and provide considerable acoustic attenuation. They also reflect natural light deep into the building section due to the high gloss finish to the vertical panels in the atrium. “They offer a clean, homogenous and seamless installation across different systems while catering for substantially different performance criteria on the various locations, from challenging open area ratios for ventilation to demanding acoustic performance and light reflectance values. “The comprehensive systems Armstrong offers cater for all possible interfaces between their own systems

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Images: Above: The Armstrong systems offer concealment to services and provide considerable acoustic attenuation Above left: A total of 1500m² were installed on the 5614m² redevelopment, which has achieved a BREEAM HE Excellent rating

* sales-support@armstrong.com 133 ( 0800 371 849

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Ultra Floor has it covered

subfloors, yet still retaining all of the characteristics of Super Dry. To ensure that these solutions are applied to the highest standard, Ultra Floor boasts bespoke indoor training areas, specially developed for the flooring market. These are ideally suited for practical work and developing product knowledge and confidence. Facilities include a demonstration area, where installers can gain handson experience of using a range of Ultra Floor products as well as enhancing their skills and competencies, and a number of meeting rooms that provide an ideal environment for presentations and theory. All of their training is closely supervised by a member of the Technical Support team, who have extensive knowledge of the flooring industry. They demonstrate how products can be used to enhance a project or overcome issues and will help users to practice and perfect their skills to give them the competitive edge.

Ultra Floor’s smoothing and levelling compounds offer a range of solutions for the modern contractor looking to achieve a high performance installation every time.

ooking for a leveller that builds depth? Try Level IT one HDB, the rapid hardening water mix smoothing compound: the original leveller designed to build depths of up to 50mm. Need a rapid drying industrial wear surface? Level IT HD Top is designed as a finished floor surface and can be used between 5 and 15mm. It is ideal for heavy duty trafficking and has excellent abrasion resistance. Want superior flow? Level IT two has been called the “easiest latex” to apply and offers superior flow and handling characteristics. Its excellent surface strength will tolerate foot traffic with minimal damage whilst waiting to receive the floorcovering. Short time frame? Level IT super30 is the original ‘Level and Lay in a day’ product that sets to walk on in as little as 30 minutes whilst enabling impervious floorcoverings to be laid after just 3

hours. It’s perfect for use in areas where it is necessary to carry out an installation within a tight time frame. Need a flawless finish? Level IT SmoothFlow has been developed to give the smoothest possible finish. It gives no grin, so is perfect for vinyl, rubber and linoleum installations. Looking for versatility? Level IT three is Ultra Floor’s innovative multi-component bag & bottle system consisting of a polymer modified cementitious powder which can be used with either Super Dry liquid or Super Bond liquid depending on sub-floor requirements. When mixed with Super Dry, it is suitable for use over existing traditional latex smoothing compounds where higher strength products can often be too strong for the substrate.When mixed with Super Bond, it can be used over sound, thin applications of old adhesive residues as well as being ideal for dimensionally stable, mechanically fixed plywood

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Level IT SmoothFlow has been developed to give the smoothest possible finish

* info@instarmac.co.uk

( 01827 871871

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Dura Deck

Timber Composite Decking

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ARRANTY W Y E

87% Recycled Materials

-FRIENDL CO

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LOW

INTENA MA N

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SUB S

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FACE FIX UR

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Colour Stable

Barefoot Friendly Photo shows Dura Deck Type 225 Charcoal at Penthouse on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

enquiries@duracomposites.com www.duracomposites.com

Up to 25 years Warranty

-FRIEND L CO

Floors, Walls & Ceilings +44 (0)1255 423601

FACE FIX I UR

www.fsc.org FSC C108450 The mark of responsible forestry Now Available as 100% FSC Certified on Request

Strong and durable, Dura Deck looks and feels like timber and its unique formula provides longer lasting decking that is environmentally friendly, easy to install and requires minimal maintenance.

...designed for the future Industrial Online Enquiry 136

Marine

Landscaping

Architectural

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Online Enquiry 137

esterno. Where technology and charm merge High quality, eco-friendly and elegant porcelain flooring. Esterno is the perfect choice for any external project; terraces, balconies, swimming pools and gardens in beautiful ranges and colours.

02476 439 943 | www.millboard.co.uk | sales@millboard.co.uk