Kydex XD03 is a robust thermoplastic sheet that can be moulded into different shapes to create fixtures and furniture, such as cabinets, workstations, table tops, exhibits and displays.
The pearlescent material is available in 32 colours, in thicknesses of 0.76mm to 1.02mm, it is fully recyclable and can be use with LED lighting or on its own.
www.roberthorne.co.uk
BioFelt is a PVC-free floor tile backing system comprising 82% recycled content suitable for commercial, retail and hospitality projects.
Manufactured by Chilewich, the system can be installed using adhesives or used in conjunction with the environmentally friendly Velcro Brand Hook Squares modular flooring system to eliminate odour, off-gassing and mess.
www.chilewich.com
Nottingham-based signage company Pearce Signs, founded in 1791, designs and fabricates signs nationally and globally. The firm’s UK bases offer space for prototyping and practice runs, essential when project secrecy or precision-timed installation is required. The company has new letter-making machinery, digital printing facilities and a router for precision cutting of large flat sheets.
www.pearcesigns.com
How we fixed it
Costa Coffee, Loch Lomond
Rob Mouser, MD of fine finishing firm Plastic Surgeon, on metal cladding repairs
What was the problem exactly?
During the final snagging of the coffee shop in wayside services, by the A82 on the banks of Loch Lomond, main contractor
Marshall Construction noticed scratches on 12 metal cladding panels on an overhanging canopy and other parts of the elevation. This is a common problem where overlapping trades in the final phases can lead to damage.
Why not replace the panels?
Manufacture and delivery of replacement cladding is both time consuming and costly compared with onsite cosmetic repairs. Marshall had to meet a project handover deadline to avoid incurring liquidated damages for late delivery. There is also the issue of waste minimisation, as removed panels would probably have ended up in a skip.
What was your approach?
The finishers used two-part fillers to bring the repairs back slightly proud of the surface before rubbing them back smooth. Even though individual areas of damage were small, because the canopy is so visible, it was necessary to entirely respray each 1.2m-long panel using high-volume, low-pressure spray guns. The replacement colours were matched by eye, then an identical paint was mixed onsite using a system in the back of a van. The highest quality automotive grade pigments are used to ensure that repaired areas do not fade in UV light.
Have you noticed more of this type of damage in recent years?
No, in fact as the construction market has slowed, the volume of damage has reduced because construction teams tend to have more time to complete projects. Still, the business has grown over past few years, mainly because of the increased need to control costs, which makes cosmetic repair a more attractive option.
