INTERIORS AND INTERIOR DESIGN - The latest trends

VICAIMA dESIGN BOWLS THEM OVER AT THE HEyfORd HOTEL

A new and stylish Boutique Hotel at the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside has specified Vicaima trend setting door designs to complement the mood of its relaxing and entertaining interiors. With its select and elegantly appointed rooms, The Heyford Hotel provides a refreshing visitor experience in the picturesque and rural Oxfordshire location of Upper Heyford, yet less than 30 minutes’ drive from the City of Oxford. Situated at the heart of the famous former military airbase and with a nod to its past American connections, the hotel includes its own bespoke bowling alley and themed bar for those wishing to enjoy tastes from across the pond.

Developers Dorchester Living have collaborated with Vicaima over many years, in their transformation of the former RAF and USAF Upper Heyford airfield. Therefore, it was only natural that they should chose Vicaima for this jewel in their crown. With a reputation for close attention to design detail and ability to reflect the desired blend of contemporary decor, yet sympathetic to the project’s historic heritage, Vicaima were able to realise the harmonious interiors. Working in conjunction with partners ABL Doors on this phase, Vicaima products included third party accredited and rigorously tested and certified FD30 Fire doors, which Vicaima supplied as popular Portaro® Door Kits. These completely matching door and frame assemblies; designed for easy and rapid installation, were factory finished in Crown Cut Ash veneer with a Marina Grey semi-translucent tone. This attractive face finish also included a final addition, with the inclusion of two vertical and parallel black inlays, positioned close to the doors closing edge. Supplemental to doors and frames, Marina Grey toned skirting boards were also supplied by Vicaima, thereby completing the overall theme.

Portaro® door kits and Marina Grey finish from the Naturdor® stained range are just two examples from an extensive selection of imaginative ideas from the comprehensive Vicaima Design Collections. With performance and decorative solutions for a multitude of hotel and leisure projects, Vicaima offer everything from standard and ‘off-the-shelf’ to completely bespoke designs via their Infinity Brand. For more information visit www.vicaima.com or to request samples/literature, contact marketing@vicaima.com

CRITTALL'S T60 WINdOWS MEET OxfORd CHALLENGE

A theatre seating 200 people, study bedrooms for students, teaching rooms, kitchens and ancillary space have been created in the new threestorey building whose stone-faced elevations have been finished in honey coloured ashlar limestone to complement its heritage setting. The building also features a pitched, slate covered roof.

The T60 windows are set within stone surrounds and finished in an attractive bronze coloured Duralife polyester powder coating. Many are fitted with trickle ventilation. Triple glass is installed in the windows of the theatre auditorium for improved sound attenuation. T60 features an advanced highdensity polyurethane isolator as a thermal barrier that together with double or triple glazing surpasses the requirements of current regulations.

The cold formed steel profiles nevertheless retain Crittall’ s hallmark slender sightlines that ensure maximum light ingress. The Levine Building project also features cold form doors and internal fire screens on ground and first floors. www.crittall-windows.co.uk

PAddINGTON STATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS SUITABILITy Of STOVENTEC GLASS fOR TRANSPORT SECTOR APPLICATIONS

The specification of a StoVentec Glass cladding solution at London’s new Paddington Elizabeth line station has highlighted the growing popularity of this system for use at transport hubs such as rail stations and airports. Paddington is the latest in a growing list of transport sector projects where StoVentec Glass has been installed, and it underlines the system’s ability to satisfy the very specific and demanding requirements of this type of application.

Specified by Weston Williamson + Partners, the StoVentec Glass system was installed in a large public area which leads onto the main station concourse, and the StoVentec Glass panels were screen-printed with a circular, patterned design. “Transport infrastructure projects impose a fairly rigid set of requirements on any construction material, and that is particularly true of glass,” comments Sto’s Product Manager, Greg Astill.

“Safety, sustainability and the ability to accommodate a wide variety of design requirements, especially on refurbishment projects where existing structures are involved, are just some of the key requirements, and StoVentec Glass is able to satisfy all these, and many more.” Recently relaunched, the next generation StoVentec Glass A is suitable for use either as an external rainscreen cladding system or as part of an interior design scheme, and is the only UK system with a BBA certificate for all standard applications. This includes independent assessment of wind loads, reaction to fire, safety and durability.

Rigorous testing under extreme conditions has proved that StoVentec Glass A meets NHBC standards and Building Regulations, including a reaction to fire classification of A2-s1, d0, and has a minimum durability of 30 years - an important factor for high profile projects such as Paddington Station.

“The system is perfect for use in high traffic areas as the glass has passed all industry standard soft-body and hardbody impact tests, in accordance with CWCT requirements,” adds Greg.

It also has excellent impact performance and has passed stringent bomb blast tests in accordance with the latest ASIAD, SIDOS and CPNI requirements. In terms of sustainability, StoVentec Glass A façades are extremely hardwearing and weather-resistant, with the panel carrier boards manufactured using natural perlite.

From a design perspective, the ability to specify any RAL or custom colour, bespoke sizes and shapes, and to screen-print logos and designs onto the glass provides the sort of versatility and flexibility that is often desired for transport station projects.

The manufacturing process includes the fusing of colours on to the back of the glass, before the toughening process. The colour melts into the glass providing permanent coloured glass panels that will not wear, scratch, fade, or incur water damage.

“Sto’s technical and design team offer great support, right from the initial stages through to the completion of the projects,” adds Graham Chadwick of Craft Interior, Sto’s authorized applicator who installed the StoVentec Glass system at Paddington station. “

As everything is manufactured on a bespoke basis, including the subconstruction design, joint detailing and penetrations, this helps remove any problems before they arise and ensures that the projects run smoothly.”

Craft Interior have extensive experience of the StoVentec Glass system, having installed it on a wide range of transport sector projects ranging from internal ticket halls to external lift shafts. www.sto.co.uk

THREE THINGS TO CONSIdER WHEN SPECIfyING ROOf ACCESS HATCHES

When choosing roof access hatches for commercial or residential projects, there are a number of factors that must be addressed at the initial design stages in order to not only achieve a successful specification, but also deliver safe and sufficient access for the entire lifecycle of the building. Here Tony Stevens, Technical Estimator at Bilco UK, discusses which factors should be taken into consideration when selecting Roof Access Hatches:

1) Purpose for access - Whether for the education, healthcare, leisure or commercial sectors, roof access hatches are required to provide permanent and secure access to the roof area. In order to make sure you’re choosing the correct system to meet your project’s unique requirements, you must first identify the main reason for requiring access to the roof.

Is it purely for maintenance reasons? Or will a safe means of access also be required for the regular installation or removal of equipment from the roof? Here you should also identify what tools and equipment will need to be transferred through the access hatch, or whether it will just be the individual themselves that is conducting the necessary work.

2) Frequency and product specification - Once you have established your reason for requiring safe access to the roof, you will then be able to make an informed choice regarding which roof access hatch and corresponding ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of your project.

It is important to specify the correct Roof Access Hatch and Ladder combination to ensure that access from the ladder, through the roof access hatch, is as safe as possible. For example, a small roof access hatch should be accessed via a fixed vertical ladder, which is also the most suitable option for projects where space is limited. Alternatively, if you use a companionway ladder or a retractable ladder, the roof access hatch length must be extended to around 1500 mm to provide for easy and safe access.

However, here it should be noted that a minimum head clearance of 120mm is required and that the maximum single climb is no more than three metres, in accordance with BS4211- 7.2. Regardless of the size of the roof access hatch, the system should be operated easily and safely with one hand, in accordance with the requirements outlined within the Manual Handling Regulations, enabling the individual to maintain three points of contact with the fixed ladder.

During the installation process, the ladder must be positioned opposite the hinge to ensure safe and unobstructed access. If access to the roof is required on a regular basis for professionals that will have to transfer tools and equipment through the hatch, a Fixed Staircase Roof Access Hatch, also known as a Service Stair Roof Access Hatch, should be specified with a Companionway Ladder or a Fixed Staircase.

It should here be noted that the roof hatch must be sufficient to maintain a head clearance of 2000mm, as detailed in Building Regulations Part K.

3) Bespoke requirements - To ensure all the criteria are successfully met, you should also consider whether a custom made roof access hatch should be chosen to ensure each of these areas is adequately fulfilled.

This includes options such as Bilco UK’s SKY Flatglass, which functions as both a Roof Access Hatch or a Smoke Ventilator, and is supplied with a clear, translucent lid to enable natural daylight into specific areas of the building, without impeding the functionality and accessibility of the hatch. Increased access opening sizes or double leaf configurations should also be explored where access is required for larger items of equipment or tools. Motorised options also allow the individual to safely maintain contact with the ladder when entering or exiting the hatch. All installations should be subject to individual Risk Assessments.

Comprehensive training should also be provided for all professionals, supported by Method Statements regarding safe and correct use of the access solutions installed. For further information on Bilco UK’s roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

For advice on how to specify the correct ladder, visit: https://www. bilcouk.co.uk/news/specifying-ladders For further information on specifying the right roof access hatch for your upcoming project, download Bilco UK’s free guide: https://www.bilcouk.co.uk/ files/downloads/choosing-the-rightaccess-hatch-bilco.pdf

HOW TO SPECIfy OUTdOOR POWER dISTRIBUTION UNITS TO MEET ANTICIPATEd dEMANd

Adding a power supply infrastructure to an outdoor public space, such as a courtyard or enclosed garden, is an excellent way to unlock the potential for holding events and creating more revenue-generating space. But how can you ensure that the proposed power supply will meet the demands and needs of the site given the versatility that comes when an outdoor space is power-connected?

Over-specifying the services infrastructure and distribution units could be a costly mistake. But under-specifying could result in the need to hire temporary generators or run lengthy trailing cables from adjacent buildings, creating avoidable trip hazards.

Whether you are a site owner or an architect or landscape architect working to enhance an outdoor space, the starting point is to ask three basic questions about demand and needs: 1) How do you envisage that your proposed power unit or power distribution system will be used? 2) How many power sockets will be needed? 3) Would the location also benefit from a supply of water or data connectivity? The type of power unit you choose will depend on how the site will need to look or be used when the space is not being used for events, catering, etc. Both the pop-up and in-ground units can be hidden away when they are not in use, with the only evidence being a cover which can be designed to match surrounding surface materials.

A power bollard has a permanent presence, but the designs available from Pop Up Power Supplies® are elegant to avoid the utilitarian appearance that would be expected with a typical feeder pillar.

What should each power unit provide? - Consider what the electricity demand will be for the equipment that is to be connected to ensure the power supply units can handle the load. This is an area where Pop Up Power Supplies® has a wealth of expertise to help, given our experience of providing power units for a diverse range of sites across the UK, from Caerphilly Castle visitor centre to Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge pitch.

The retractable power units available from Pop Up Power Supplies® can be specified to provide a total power supply from as little as 63 amps right up to 600 amps. In ground units offer the option of 63 amps or 125 amps and power bollards provide up to 125 amps. The sockets in all can be configured to suit usage requirements.

These units can also be designed to provide a water supply or data connectivity. Access to water can be particularly useful for ground maintenance and cleaning purposes, so consider that too and the units can become extremely useful assets. www.popuppower.co.uk

Designing-in versatility - Equipping any outdoor space with a power infrastructure is going to add a great degree of flexibility of use to the location. But when designing the power supply, it is important to have a picture of the typical and maximum usage that will be required.

Going back to basics, why is the site going to benefit from a power infrastructure? For a business such as a restaurant, bar, café or hotel, the outdoor space could add additional areas for eating and drinking primarily. Such uses would typically require the power distribution to provide access to sockets for lighting, till points, AV equipment or outdoor serving

points such as mobile counters or drinks dispensers. But is that the limit to such a site’s potential? Could it also be used as a stage are for outdoor music performances and other entertainment, for example. And if so, would your proposed power supply solution accommodate these requirements too? Also think about the location of the power units in relation to how they will be used.

If the site is to be used for market stalls, where will the stalls be set up on site and where will the main pedestrian routes be? Installing power units in the correct locations will help reduce the risk of trip hazards as cables trailing across the main footfall areas can be minimised or avoided completely.

Once you have a picture of how the site could be used, it is time to consider how you feed power to the locations across the space. This can be achieved with the installation of a Pop Up Power Supplies® power distribution unit in one of three forms: 1) Pop up, retractable power unit – this is submerged in the group until it is needed, and raised/lowered using a turning handle. 2) Flip-lid, in ground power unit – this is permanently submerged in the ground with access provided via a flip-lid which can be used while the lid is locked down. 3) Power bollard – a street furniture element which has power sockets integrated, accessible as required behind a lockable cover.

A HISTORIC SLATE INSTALLATION fIT fOR LEAdERS Of THE WORLd AT THE G7 SUMMIT

CUPA PIZARRAS has been specified across a major development and refurbishment at Tregenna Castle. The company’s products were selected for their ability to endure extreme local weather and provide an exceptionally long lifespan. Delivering spectacular views of the St Ives coastline, the Castle Approach Estate is a new collection of lodges built in the grounds of the historic Tregenna Castle Resort.

Looking to complete the exclusive lodges, roofing contractor, Summit Roofing Solutions utilised a number of CUPA PIZARRAS’ products. Likewise, the project team also chose to use the company’s natural slate to complete a renovation of Tregenna Castle’s original roof. The lodges and castle are subject to difficult coastal conditions, including extreme winds and sea spray.

Given Tregenna Castle’s status as a Grade II listed property, the team had to ensure that any selected products were able to deliver a traditional aesthetic, whilst still providing modern performance. Fortunately, CUPA PIZARRAS natural slate was able to meet all the desired criteria.

Therefore, roofs on the lodges at Tregenna Estate exclusively used CUPA PIZARRAS’ 400mm x 200mm CUPA 12 natural slates, fixed using 100mm stainless steel hooks that were also produced and supplied by CUPA PIZARRAS.

Notably, Summit Roofing Solutions was able to install the natural slate as a closed mitred hip system. In doing so, the project team ensured that all slates lined up perfectly with one another, which is only possible on account of the products’ uniform size and quality.

This was particularly important on the lodges, where sections of roof were stepped down in certain locations and visible from ground level. The Tregenna Estate played host to key stakeholders attending the G7 Summit in Cornwall, including the Prime Minister and US President Joe Biden.

CUPA 12 was chosen for this prestigious project as it is a high quality dark grey slate with a smooth finish.

With a life span of more than one hundred years and very little maintenance required, natural slate is a durable, weatherproof product, un-matched by artificial alternatives. CUPA 12 has also received approval from Snowdonia National Park as a Welsh Slate alternative and has been certified by BRE Global as A+ for its quality, transparency, and sustainability credentials. www.cupapizarras.com/uk/