In recent years, the research for innovative solutions for home furnishings has made it possible to enhance the value of leather, using it as a covering for different areas of the home. In addition to the classic sofas and armchairs, leather can also be used to cover the walls of
Beautiful spaces are carefully designed and decorated by experts to make the people who use those spaces feel relaxed, comfortable and surrounded by beauty. When you walk into an amazing hotel, or shop and are inspired by the decoration and the use of light and space that gives it personality,
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), launched the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners on 16 May 2019. The launch was
Desk Buzz, a new office furniture company, is planning to use Clerkenwell Design Week to launch its exciting new range of office space management solutions in the UK. The pro standard furniture, which is being manufactured in Slovenia, is being imported and distributed by Desk Buzz, a new brand, established
OnlineDoorStore.co.uk launches a new collection of elegant doors inspired by modern takes on classic design OnlineDoorStore.co.uk, the UK’s leading door specialist, has launched a brand new collection of elegant doors. The styles are set to inspire architects, self builders, renovators and home improvers with options for all house styles, from
GROWING property fit-out, refurbishment and bespoke joinery expert SJS has celebrated a record £12m year with a series of appointments and promotions. Craig Murie, the Managing Director who has steered the Edinburgh-based firm from £900,000 a year to its current record turnover in just eight years, says the new leadership
For bettering your business, you have to focus on each aspect regardless of how small it may seem. This applies to all kind of companies and furniture is not an exception. You probably think that provided you are waking up early, heading to your workshop and having as many pieces
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), will launch the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners. FIS and the Steel Construction Institute
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, have extended their hand to help the 75 staff being made redundant at Paragon Interiors. Iain Mcilwee, FIS CEO said “Paragon Interiors is a time served Gold award winning member of FIS and its tragic to
A mineral tile that is ultra-green, even by Armstrong Ceilings’ standards, and a bespoke version of a metal tile feature on the £1 million conversion of a former farm building into the headquarters of a wind farm developer. Community Windpower’s new head office in the old market town of Frodsham,
In recent years, the research for innovative solutions for home furnishings has made it possible to enhance the value of leather, using it as a covering for different areas of the home. In addition to the classic sofas and armchairs, leather can also be used to cover the walls of the rooms, giving each room a unique style and elegance. Through this short guide, we will embark on an interesting journey in the leather’s world, discovering the different types, their average duration, their advantages and disadvantages and learning how to clean it to keep it in excellent condition. How long does leather last? Being a natural coating, leather does not have a universally recognized average durability: in fact, its “longevity” is influenced by many factors, not least the conditions in which the animals from which it was derived used to live. In fact, different habitats can determine a different aesthetic rendering of the product: for this reason, it is advisable to inquire about the origin of the leather regarding the product with which it was made, with the aim of collecting as much information as possible about the origin of your furniture accessories. Another aspect to consider in relation to the durability of the leather is its natural evolution over time, due to both the use of the product, the type of leather with which it was made and finally, the maintenance. To give a concrete example, the covering of a sofa or an armchair on which you sit on often will wear out more quickly. Similarly, the use of cleaning products that are not suitable for cleaning the leather and the exposure of the product to atmospheric agents or direct sunlight may affect the durability of the upholstery. Types of Leather Not all leathers are the same; on the contrary, there are different types, which are distinguished by the quality of the raw material, but also by the processing method they have undergone, the colours and the finishings. The main types of leather are: Full grain: it is soft and resistant at the same time, it is the most valuable part of the hide, that is the outer layer. Natural/printed grain: again these are high quality leathers, processed naturally or printed. While some small defects may be visible on natural grain leathers, such as a scar, printed leathers are generally more uniform, since the pressing due to the printing process helps to give homogeneity to the surface. Nabuk: this term refers to a type of leather in which the first layer (skin) of the animal is preserved and subjected to a specific shaving. It is soft, delicate and extremely pleasant to the touch. Crust: this is the lower layer that is obtained by splitting the full grain leather. Regenerated: the lowest quality leather, made from waste leather of about 80% and the remaining 20% using mixed compounds. Advantages and disadvantages Choosing leather as a covering for your home is a decision that has many advantages, even if you have to consider some negative aspects. Definitely to be considered among the advantages are the versatility, the sturdiness, the elegance and the incomparable aesthetic impact that characterize a leather product, especially if it is made with high quality leathers, produced by professionals of the sector. Moreover, leather (unlike fabric) is also suitable for those who suffer from allergies to mites, because it does not absorb dust and lint. On the other hand, a product made of fine leather can have a high cost, requires special attention and meticulous maintenance and does not have a high degree of permeability. Maintenance and cleaning For leather upholstery, good maintenance is essential. Most leathers are cleaned by wiping them with a white cloth moistened with a few drops of mild soap and then drying them with a normal dust cloth. It is a procedure to be carried out only 3 or 4 times a year; the dusting, on the other hand, must be carried out on a weekly basis. As far as anilines are concerned, extremely valuable leathers that do not show any trace of chemical substances, in order not to alter their splendid beauty, a weekly dusting with a soft and dry cloth is sufficient. Finally, any substance that accidentally comes into contact with the leather product must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent it being absorbed.
Beautiful spaces are carefully designed and decorated by experts to make the people who use those spaces feel relaxed, comfortable and surrounded by beauty. When you walk into an amazing hotel, or shop and are inspired by the decoration and the use of light and space that gives it personality, it is no accident. It is a feeling we often seek to replicate in our own homes. To create a place of beauty, that also reflects our personality while still being able to use it in a practical way with our family. This is more difficult than you might think, and to really get the look you want the only way is to hire a professional interior designer. A way to express yourself in the home around you You might be worried that by hiring a professional interior designer, that the finished space will lose some of the sense of your personality and likes, and start to reflect more the style of the designer themselves. This will not happen with a good designer. They will gently influence, after all with the experience they will know how to make the best use of light, and how to design a complementary colour palette, but this is all meant to enrich and enhance your own preferences. The customer comes first, and this means embracing your individuality in their designs and to ensure every step of the way that your expectations will be met. Most who use the services of a designer often find that the designer is able to suggest ways to represent your styles in a manner that you would likely never have thought of. Consider a designer like a specialist advisor and coordinator of your project. They will bring all their expertise to bear in what the latest trends are in the market, modern decoration and refurbishment techniques, how to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly and also how to make sure a space is practical for family life as well as beautiful. This advice and guidance is priceless. Getting help with a refurbishment project can save you time and money The big transformation of your house can be very complicated. It is not just the aesthetics, but the practical building work as well. Bringing together multiple workmen and suppliers and ensuring the overall vision and plan is followed can be quite daunting without the help of a project manager.Costs and delays can quickly turn the whole thing into a nightmare. This is why it is better to work with someone who can manage this for you, with consultancy, planning and also the execution of those plans. You also need someone who can find local, reliable quality workmen. Access to the best contacts and suppliers in the business When you work with an expert – like those at www.katrin-ackfeld-interior-mallorca.com, you know that you are getting the best in the business. With 29 years experience in interior design, and 14 years experience in refurbishment and construction, you know that they will be able to connect with the most specialist craftsmen and suppliers available, both on the island of Mallorca and all around the work. If you are looking to renovate your living space on Mallorca, and do not speak the local language, then this can be incredibly challenging and make it impossible to get what you need done. You also need to have knowledge of the local laws and regulation in terms of contracts and renovations, but someone with 20 years experience in Mallorca, that speaks three languages will be able to take care of all of this for you, and take much of the worry out of the works. You can have peace of mind, and just watch it all come together around you, then simply do what is meant to be done and enjoy your new space.
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), launched the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners on 16 May 2019. The launch was well attended by industry partners and the guide will be an invaluable tool for all those working with Steel Framing Systems, designing and installing them. Iain McIlwee, CEO of FIS said “the development of this guidance is refreshing and we are so grateful to the SCI for their collaborative and open approach and to all the members who contributed to this work. Sectors evolve only through disruption and positive collaboration and this is a great example of the latter. The guide is collective wisdom of two organisations and vitally our members, sharing best practice to improve working practice – there is a better way than learning from our own mistakes, we can learn from each other’s! We hope it drives real improvement in the wider sector. It isn’t the end, it needs to be a live document and we need to continue to work together to improve support for those designing, installing and inspecting these systems. It is freely available on the website and we encourage people to use it and share it. At FIS we are committed to improving quality and competence in the interiors and finishes sector and this is another tool to do just that.” SFS is the lightweight steel frame used to create the inner leaf of an external wall, it’s been around for over 20 years but its benefits are just being realised, which is why so many projects are using it, but there are problems being created because of a lack of planning and knowledge. It’s the first thing you see, but often the last thing that’s designed in a building, and that’s the issue. SFS is seen as non-load bearing, not holding the structure up but it is supporting cladding, internal linings insulation and perhaps even services. There are significant implications should it fail, which could lead to the external cladding falling off. The guide will spread best practice, help raise standards and educate clients and installers, and because the sector is new there are still a lot of client’s, designers and installers who will benefit from an education process driven by the document. The guide will help avoid the issues caused by last minute changes. The guide is for anyone who designs and installs SFS infill walls, and anyone checking that the products are being correctly installed, such as a ‘Clerk of Works.’ It will help to raise standards, show clients what SFS is and how it works. It will get people thinking about what is expected of them, the design and the final installation. It will give installers the confidence to question designs and provide guidance to ensure the installation is as good as it can be. The document includes check lists as well as guidance that makes people stop and check that all the information that should be provided, is provided. As the landscape post-Grenfell develops, we envisage that it will be very different from the way in which buildings are being designed and constructed now, this guide will become the go to reference for all involved. Copies of the Steel Framing Systems guide are available to download from our website at: https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/sfsguide/
Desk Buzz, a new office furniture company, is planning to use Clerkenwell Design Week to launch its exciting new range of office space management solutions in the UK. The pro standard furniture, which is being manufactured in Slovenia, is being imported and distributed by Desk Buzz, a new brand, established in 2018 which has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for the Gonzaga range of furniture. Gongaza is an award-winning company that has been recognised by The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia for its outstanding business and entrepreneurial achievements. To launch the new company, Desk Buzz has taken a pop-up stand at Clerkenwell Design Week which is taking place in London between 21 and 23 May where it will showcase its full range of economy and executive desking, bench style desks, compatible modular storage systems, and innovative sound absorbing screens. Desk Buzz pop up showroom address: Design Fields DF51, Spa Fields, Northampton Road, EC1R 0DF Commenting on the launch of Desk Buzz, area sales manager Stephanie Hays said “We may be a new company, but the team has a wealth of knowledge of the office furniture market. We will be offering a wide range of furniture to suit every need, as well as providing quotations, space utilisation and floor planning advice, and an installation service.” All Desk Buzz products are bespoke and have been designed around the end user. Each design has been carefully crafted to help promote a healthy, productive and positive work space!
OnlineDoorStore.co.uk launches a new collection of elegant doors inspired by modern takes on classic design OnlineDoorStore.co.uk, the UK’s leading door specialist, has launched a brand new collection of elegant doors. The styles are set to inspire architects, self builders, renovators and home improvers with options for all house styles, from period designs though to on trend industrial-style internal glazed doors. OnlineDoorStore.co.uk has introduced the new collection to reflect the growing demand for designs that are a little out of the ordinary and make a bold statement. Available from May 2019, the new offerings will consist of 79 styles of internal and external doors, many of which can be made to bespoke sizes, all available for delivery across the UK. There’s an extensive collection of colour options available too, including Pearl Grey and Charcoal Black along with natural finishes such as Oak Wood Grain. All the doors are handcrafted from solid wood and benefit from heavy weight quality construction. In addition to the standard configuration, many of the designs have a glazed or fire door option as well. Highlights from the collection include: Knightsbridge This door has stately style and elegance, and is available in black or white. The Knightsbridge has a primed plus finish (a special lacquer to add lustre), and comes in a glazed option or as an FD30 fire door, too. Greenwich An Art-Deco inspired design with geometric glazed panels. This, almost completely glazed door, offers simple elegance and is the ideal choice to optimise light transfer between rooms. The door comes as a single, in pairs, or in various widths as room dividers. Tres A flush design that has three horizontal panels of woodgrain set in opposing directions to offer a calm and restful design. Choose from Pearl Grey, Charcoal Black or Walnut. Available as standard or as an FD30 fire door. Heta An intriguing design concept. A central panel with horizontal woodgrain is flanked on either side by curved vertical borders. Choose from modern Pearl Grey or a more traditional Oak Woodgrain. Available as standard or as an FD30 fire door. Vancouver Since its launch, the Vancouver has become a best-seller. There are two new additions to the Vancouver range with Charcoal Black and Pearl Grey finishes. There is a solid timber model and also a fully-glazed option for maximum light transfer between rooms. The solid door has an FD30 fire door variant, too. OnlineDoorStore.co.uk prides itself on not just being a website where you ‘click and collect’. Every potential customer can speak to a member of the team, on the phone or by email, where they will be given a personalised service no matter the requirements from style guidance to size and fitting recommendations. For more information visit www.onlinedoorstore.co.uk
GROWING property fit-out, refurbishment and bespoke joinery expert SJS has celebrated a record £12m year with a series of appointments and promotions. Craig Murie, the Managing Director who has steered the Edinburgh-based firm from £900,000 a year to its current record turnover in just eight years, says the new leadership team is vital for further growth. He added: “The team have done a magnificent job to deliver the scale of growth we have seen since late 2011. As well as hitting £12m in turnover our headcount has increased from 25 to 62. Despite the short timescale, it has been controlled growth. “While we are proud of everything we have achieved we also recognise that what got us to where we now are will not solely be what takes us to the next level. That is why we are creating a stronger leadership team and a structure that better suits the size of organisation we are in 2019, ensuring we are fit for the professional and business challenges ahead.” Craig, 48, has promoted three long-serving members of the team to Director level, while appointing a well-known industry professional as a fourth director on the firm’s new Leadership Team. They will now build on the stellar client list and professional reputation of SJS, which has carried out high profile refurbishments and fit outs of offices, hotels, leisure outlets, niche residential, universities, schools, shops, pubs and a wide variety of other developments. Alan Timlin and John Anderson, both of whom joined SJS in 2012, have earned promotions, with Alan appointed Commercial Director and John becoming Estimating Director. Brian Drake, who has headed up the firms Projects Division since 2014 has been elevated to Operations Director. Meanwhile respected industry professional Gary McGurk has joined the business as a Director to oversee the strategic direction of business development, client relationship management and marketing. Mr Murie added: “These promotions are a recognition of what these colleagues have put in and the passion they have to make us even more successful. It’s also about laying the groundwork to take us to the next level. “We have a talented team across the board and our culture is hugely important to us. We want people to be happy at their work and to create a great work environment with real career progression.” Beyond people and culture, Mr Murie says the firm’s exponential success has been built on the results they deliver. He added: “Our growth has been delivered by repeat business and recommendations. What’s behind our success is the simple fact we provide a highly professional, experienced and quality service. “When you start working with a client it has to be a genuinely flexible partnership. Virtually no project ends up exactly as it was at the design stage. Things change or need to be adapted, because of unforeseen circumstances or simply because a client changes their mind. We welcome that. “We have excellent, long-established relationships with various professional services partners, including architects, surveyors, project managers and other consultants. These partnerships have been crucial to our growth.” When Mr Murie joined the firm it was predominantly a bespoke, manufacturing joinery business. This was the foundation on which the business has developed and remains a key differentiator for SJS, and the highly-skilled CAD, joinery and French polishing team at its 25,000 sq ft production facility just outside Edinburgh, still accounts for around £3m of the turnover. Indeed, the highly-skilled joinery offering is used by a host of other major contractors with a current order to provide 384 bespoke sleeping pods for the new Code Hostel being developed in Dublin. It also undertakes a huge range of projects from creating bespoke office reception desks to customised furniture for hotels. However, under Mr Murie’s guidance SJS has quietly emerged as one of the most accomplished fit out and refurbishment experts in Scotland, working across multiple sectors and accounting for the company’s impressive growth. He says a key milestone in that transition was landing a refurbishment contract which included the design, manufacture and installation of customised language translation booths at Heriot Watt University, where he studied to Civil Engineering. On the back of that success the firm has developed an impressive reputation in Higher Education, earning further contracts with Heriot Watt as well as Edinburgh University, Queen Margaret University and Napier University. Another milestone project which helped put the firm on the refit map was a commercial office fit out for Knight Property Group at Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, which was the first million-pound contract for SJS. The refit of Laings flagship jewellery store in the capital was another landmark which showcased both SJS’s project expertise and quality bespoke joinery. The business is currently delivering a £1.2m commercial office fit out at Exchange Plaza, the heart of Edinburgh’s commercial and financial district, for a prominent Scottish business. New director Gary McGurk said: “I couldn’t have hoped for a better time to join the company, as there is no doubt that SJS is starting to attract a lot of attention for all the right reasons. All of the directors are extremely excited about this next chapter and the huge opportunities we have to continue the growth and expansion of the company.”
For bettering your business, you have to focus on each aspect regardless of how small it may seem. This applies to all kind of companies and furniture is not an exception. You probably think that provided you are waking up early, heading to your workshop and having as many pieces completed in a day, you are good to go. Have you thought about cleanliness? Nothing beats the power of a clean working environment. It is beneficial to both your employees and incoming customers. There are some great vacuums on the market these days, ones that are prefect for office use, check out these recommendations from SpotlessVacuum.co.uk The furniture industry involves lots of dust which can be hard to handle especially if you lack the necessary equipment for the job. Luckily with dust extractors, you are good to go. A clean and dust free environment will not only attract people to your space, but also, it enhances the overall efficiency and productivity of your employees. It minimizes the risks for falling sick and in return reduces absenteeism. You should, however, note that with the numerous vacuum systems in the market, you should take your time to select the system that fits your business. How do you that? Here are some crucial aspects to consider when getting a dust extraction system to ensure that you find one that suits your needs. What are your dust control needs? Every dust extraction situation is different. In your case, you will be collecting wood chips, and it is, therefore, essential that you understand the dust and the process of creating it. This can help you determine how much air volume is required to control and capture the produced dust. For example, is the dust generated continuously or is it only present under upset conditions? How many hours per day do you run the process associated with dust production? Considering these aspects will help you determine the capacity of the vacuum system required to control the dust fully Consider convenience The primary goal of getting the extractor is so it can help you eliminate the dust chops faster and more conveniently. You do not want to work with something that only makes the experience harder and enables you to save no time. The right vacuum system will integrate each component to make it super operational meaning that it is self-contained and with only one command, you are good to go. Get a system that can conveniently help you eliminate all the dust as you work on maximizing your productivity. Check the safety measures Machines can be complicated. Being a carpenter, you may not understand a lot regarding such equipment such as dust extraction system. Ensure that what you choose is easy to use and has not safety complications. You do not want to put your workplace at risk. Remember that you will be having workers and customers coming in time to time, and the last thing you want are accidents as that will lead to further unplanned expenses. Cost The cost will always be a factor to consider when getting any items. Get a system that you can comfortably afford. Furniture business will involve a considerable running capital and if you can minimize such costs by getting a reasonably affordable vacuum system for the furniture industry, the better. With these factors in mind, you will undoubtedly get a system that perfectly works for you, and you can be assured of a convenient working environment which will in return increase production and sales.
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), will launch the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners. FIS and the Steel Construction Institute have been working with the FIS Steel Framing Systems (SFS) working group and industry to update guidance for the sector. “SFS is the lightweight steel frame used to create the inner leaf of an external wall, it’s been around for over 20 years but its benefits are just being realised, which is why so many projects are using it, but there are problems being created because of a lack of planning and knowledge. It’s the first thing you see, but often the last thing that’s designed in a building, and that’s the issue. This development of this guide is a great example of how the supply chain can work together to share knowledge, support training and deliver quality, we are grateful to all involved.” Joe Cilia, Technical Director at FIS. SFS is seen as non-load bearing, not holding the structure up but it is supporting cladding, internal linings insulation and perhaps even services. There are significant implications should it fail, which could lead to the external cladding falling off. The report on the collapse of the brick cladding at Oxgangs Primary School Edinburgh on 29th January 2016 highlighted that there was a failure in the correct installation of a simple element -wall ties- and although there are no direct examples of this happening where SFS has been installed, it highlights the danger of ignoring the correct installation process. , this guide will help to ensure that everybody from designers to installers are clear about what is required. Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH Telephone 0121 707 0077 Email info@thefis.org Website www.thefis.org The guide will spread best practice, help raise standards and educate clients and installers, and because the sector is new there are still a lot of client’s, designers and installers who will benefit from an education process driven by the document. The guide will help avoid the issues caused by last minute changes. The guide is for anyone who designs and installs SFS infill walls, and anyone checking that the products are being correctly installed, such as a ‘Clerk of Works.’ It will help to raise standards, show clients what SFS is and how it works. It will get people thinking about what is expected of them, the design and the final installation. It will give installers the confidence to question designs and provide guidance to ensure the installation is as good as it can be. The document includes check lists as well as guidance that makes people stop and check that all the information that should be provided, is provided. As the landscape post-Grenfell develops, we envisage that it will be very different from the way in which buildings are being designed and constructed now, this guide will become the go to reference for all involved. The SFS working group meeting will be held at Plaisterers’ Hall Offices, London on 16 May from 14:00–16:30. This will be followed by the launch of the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide. The launch event will run from 16:30-18:00. Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. To register please follow this link: https://www.thefis.org/events/sfs-working-group-meeting/
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, have extended their hand to help the 75 staff being made redundant at Paragon Interiors. Iain Mcilwee, FIS CEO said “Paragon Interiors is a time served Gold award winning member of FIS and its tragic to learn the deal with Red 7 Property has collapsed. We care deeply about our membership base and recognise that staff are the most valuable asset of any organisation. We have worked with our colleagues at Paragon Interiors for a long time and for this reason we would like to help them secure employment in other organisations through our contacts and networks” FIS have reached out to their colleagues at Paragon Interiors, their MP, local employment groups and their membership base to see if they can find new employment opportunities for those impacted. Staff at Paragon Interiors can email FIS their details at info@thefis.org and we will endeavour to help them through discussions with our industry networks and on social media. About FIS is the representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK. The FIS has nearly 500 members drawn from contractors, manufacturers and distributers of ceilings, facades, partitions, plastering, drywall and specialist interior fit-out and refurbishment businesses. Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH Telephone 0121 707 0077 Email info@thefis.org Website www.thefis.org FIS exists to support its members, improve safety, minimise risk, enhance productivity and drive innovation in the sector. As well as specialist publications, technical support and expert helplines, FIS is a dynamic network that brings the sector together through a range of events, awards and specialist working groups, all aimed at sharing best practice, setting standards and advising Government, that help its members to improve performance and win work. Members of the FIS are subjected to an audit and vetting process when they join and then again, every three years that underpins the values by which the organisation operates. To drive quality and ensure the future sustainability of the sector, FIS has a dedicated skills and training team and works with a number of Approved Training Providers to attract new people to the sector and deliver a fully qualified and competent workforce. FIS is dedicated to collaboration in construction and a proud member of BuildUK, the Construction Products Association and the Passive Fire Protection Forum.
A mineral tile that is ultra-green, even by Armstrong Ceilings’ standards, and a bespoke version of a metal tile feature on the £1 million conversion of a former farm building into the headquarters of a wind farm developer. Community Windpower’s new head office in the old market town of Frodsham, Cheshire, uses 300m2 of the new Dune eVo MicroLook tile in the back offices and canteen, and 250m2 of acoustic mineral tile Perla 0.95 dB (which performs to Sound Absorption Class A) in closed cell offices, both on the ground floor. In addition, 900m2 of metal MicroLook 1800mm x 300mm metal lay-in planks have been used in open-plan areas and corridors on the first floor. The new fully-recyclable Dune eVo tile and grid, the first ceiling system in the industry to gain Cradle to Cradle accreditation, provides Class C sound absorption as well as a brighter white aesthetic and excellent durability due to a reinforced fully-painted edge. The metal tiles at Community Windpower were specially over-perforated so their ultra-micro perforations continue around the edges of the plank to give an even greater aesthetic and acoustic performance. The highly light-reflecting Armstrong systems were specified for the 20,000ft2 steel-frame building by Community Windpower managing director Rod Wood on the recommendation of specialist lighting manufacturer XAL who provided lighting throughout the new office. The precision of the Dune eVo and Perla tiles was particularly needed to maximise the indirect illumination from XAL’s scheme, notably the suspended Mino linear system upstairs and XAL’s ultra-slim Task office system in the downstairs boardrooms. He was looking for ceiling systems that were “modern, artistic and bespoke” to complement the lighting systems. “They are one of the key features interfacing with modern lighting designs,” he said. “The linear panel works well with the rectangle structure of the building and their clean and bright features also help with this. They have accommodated pitch issues well as well as light wells, air-conditioning and lighting. “Armstrong had products that suited our building and the contractors were confident they could be installed. I’m very happy with the result.” The Armstrong systems were installed over two weeks, on the upper floor to sloped internal eaves, by a team of up to eight from Heatons Ceilings who are a member of Armstrong’s Omega national network of approved specialist sub-contractors. Chris Heaton said: “The metal ceiling is at high levels/atria in the building which made it challenging to install but it really does look amazing from the ground floor. There are not many jobs with this specification in such long planks, especially as they were sloped to both sides. Instead of having a 10mm border the edges were perforated edges for aesthetics as well as acoustics. It is a little special and kind of a one-off. The Armstrong products worked and performed well to give a fantastic end result.” Community Windpower is at the forefront of wind energy development in the UK with over 800MW built, under construction and in development. As proven renewable energy specialists, the business is experienced in the identification, design, development, construction and operation of onshore wind farms and currently has six operational wind farms in Scotland, with a further three approved for development. More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
