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Fibre cement cladding panels from Marley Eternit helped architects Nightingale Associates meet the brief tio provide a day surgery unit in the shortest time possible. The lightweight Natura Plus through-coloured rainscreen panels in Anthracite were specified to clad, in an outsized planking effect, the whole of the 1,150m² site at Singleton hospital for Swansea NHS Trust. Richard Golledge of Nightingale Associates said: 'Anthracite was used because the backdrop of the building had a band of trees on the site boundary and dark grey actually helps the building recede into this green backdrop.' This approach, coupled with a partnering contract that brought the design team, contractor and client together at an early stage, ensured that the volumetric off-site units delivered and erected in just five days, with the whole project from inception to completion, took less than twelve months.

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A residential development in Ramsgate has adopted a very Kentish approach with local-style buff colour bricks and Colorplan Premier Weatherboarding cladding from Hastings-based CEP Cladding. But, instead of fixing the boards on a horizontal plane, they were installed at a 45 degree angle, contrasting with the traditional format. The cladding is wood based and reproduces the effect of traditional timber weatherboards. It comprises a solid core of sustainable natural timber chips bound with a synthetic resin, with additional components to protect from fungal decay. This composite core is protected by an impermeable layer and an acrylic surface. The product is available in 71 colours and seven textured wood-grain patterns.

Details for CEP Claddings Ltd

National building envelope specialist Lakesmere knew the pressure was on when it was appointed to carry out cladding works at the new O Arena, on the Millenium Dome site. The challenging project saw Lakesmere install the 'back of bowl' cladding using the new Kalzip XT system. The XT sheets, which were installed horizontally, standard Kalzip sheets and steel substructure, were designed to create a complex graduating 'corkscrew twist' effect where the pitch of the sheets changed by 22 degrees over a length of approximately 45 metres. Following completion of the works, contractor Sir Robert McAlpine conducted a post-project Key Performance report, awarding Lakesmere average scores of 71 to 90%.

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The Pavaclad and Diffutherm wood fibre board insulation systems from specialist Natural Building Technologies has been specified for the Park End Street development in Oxford. Fitted to the exterior face of the walls and roof of the apartments, and finished in a range of cladding materials including terracotta tiles and render, the systems were designed with energy efficiency in mind. As they are installed on the building exterior, they minimise thermal bridging and improve airtightness levels to further enhance the thermal performance of the building.

Details for Natural Building Technologies Ltd

Façades from Hunter Douglas are being used to complete Phase 3 of the Malvern Hill Science Park development. The architectural manufacturer has supplied a full range of products to complement the building's eco-friendly design. More than 1,800m² of its Sandwich Wall HP+ is being integrated with windows, doors and more than 400m² of louvres to create a building that is protected from solar glare and heat gain in the summer, while retaining heat during the winter. The wall can be installed from the top of the building downwards, which allows scaffolding to be struck as work proceeds. Solar-powered, hydraulic sun tracking brise soleil is being used to provide protection to the south facing façade, with the vertical blades able to follow the path of the sun, and the integrated façade also combines with the use of natural ground water to heat and cool the building.

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Crestwood College in Hampshire is the latest school to install Kalwall translucent cladding. The cladding diffuses natural daylight into the upper part of the entrance to the multi-purpose sport, drama and fitness facility. Kalwall was specified because of its ability to distribute diffused daylight evenly. Unlike conventional glazing, it eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. Even on cloudy days, the interior is said to be flooded with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting.

Details for Stoakes Systems Ltd

Concrete engineering company, Milbury Systems, has undertaken a fast track installation project at a china clay drying facility in Cornwall. The concrete specialist provided cladding and division walls for a Bugle Rocks test facility which, when completed, will be the largest of its kind in the world. In a contract worth £200,000 Milbury installed 2,000 square of prestressed concrete panels which form the external facade to the building up to 2,2m.

Details for Milbury Systems Ltd

Local handling specialists Hiab has opened a depot in Wisbech to provide mounting services, general servicing and sales support for customers in East Anglia. The move follows the unexpected closure of its local agent which had been previously responsible for providing a full range of services. The company has leased its former agents premises, purchased their service vans and tools and re-employed the staff to ensure, says managing director Ismo Leppanen: 'Our customers continue to receive technical support and service'. Wood-based panel manufacturer Kronospan, is said to be leading the way in sustainable practices at its manufacturing plant based in North Wales. Committed to improving environmentally friendly practices, Kronospan has reached its highest ever levels of recyling, use of FSC timber and reclamation of waste that would ordinarily be sent to landfill. The programme has seen Kronospan set new industry standards. One such example is the consumption of waste wood. The company uses 350,000 tonnes of waste wood each year, most of which is packaging waste, which would otherwise have been landfilled.

Details for Kronospan Ltd

Local handling specialists Hiab has opened a depot in Wisbech to provide mounting services, general servicing and sales support for customers in East Anglia. The move follows the unexpected closure of its local agent which had been previously responsible for providing a full range of services. The company has leased its former agents premises, purchased their service vans and tools and re-employed the staff to ensure, says managing director Ismo Leppanen: 'Our customers continue to receive technical support and service'. Wood-based panel manufacturer Kronospan, is said to be leading the way in sustainable practices at its manufacturing plant based in North Wales. Committed to improving environmentally friendly practices, Kronospan has reached its highest ever levels of recyling, use of FSC timber and reclamation of waste that would ordinarily be sent to landfill. The programme has seen Kronospan set new industry standards. One such example is the consumption of waste wood. The company uses 350,000 tonnes of waste wood each year, most of which is packaging waste, which would otherwise have been landfilled.

Details for Kronospan Ltd