SPRING NEWSLETTER

We have recently designed a complete rooftop balcony solution utilising our composite decking and frameless glass balustrade, installation to take place later this Spring

“Thank you for your excellent and responsive customer service”

WELCOME TO OUR SPRING NEWSLETTER

We have had a very busy start to 2016.

Following the launch of our complete glass balustrade and composite decking package solution in 2015, we have had an excellent response to the products and have been lucky enough to be part of some spectacular build projects.

Earlier this year we officially launched the Qwickbuild Decking Sub-Structure to the trade industry by attending the EcoBuild 2016 Exhibition at ExceL London. Since then we have been designing bespoke solutions for both new build and restoration projects throughout the UK.

We have also found the time to launch a new design in our frameless glass balustrade portfolio: an edge mounted mini post system allowing us to work with a larger variety of installation scenarios.

On a final note, our installation team has been travelling up and down the country completing all shapes and sizes of projects and our Summer calendar is getting booked up very quickly. So if you are contemplating ordering one of our systems make sure to book in your installation with us very soon.

As always, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a very busy Summer.

Many Thanks

David Martin | Managing Director

EXHIBITION NEWS

Homes: what makes good housing, design and quality, must valued aspects of a new build, the future of sustainable housing, urban planning and successful regeneration of cities, what makes housing fit for the future

Architecture: innovative design, the changing roles of architecture, successful timeless design

Next Generation: a look into the UK construction industry, its impact on people and planet, sustainable construction, inspiring young talent, next generation skills, technology for smart buildings

In March we took part in the EcoBuild 2016 Exhibition, a trade only event dedicated to the construction industry. This was the first time our Qwickbuild Decking Structure had been on display at the show, following the launch to the domestic market at Grand Designs Live in 2015.

The decking construction method turned out to be very popular among all the visitors across the three days at the event. Architects, contractors, builders, landscape designers, garden designers and professionals looking to work on their own homes all showed interest in the revolutionary decking system, understanding the major benefits it brings compared to traditional building methods.

EXHIBITION NEWS

AS SEEN ON OUR STAND AT

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PRODUCT NEWS

NEW FRAMELESS GLASS BALUSTRADE PROFILE NOW AVAILABLE

Joining the mini post systems portfolio is an exclusive edge mounted solution, designed specifically by us to meet a wider variety of installation requirements in the market.

Strategically manufactured to fit seamlessly with our composite decking solution, the mini post bracket is fabricated from duplex stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance when installed for an outdoor balustrade system.

THE MINI POST PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

The mini post balustrade is an economical solution for a frameless design without compromising on quality and safety, available with an optional modern design for a mini rail which can run over the top of the glass panels.

PRODUCT NEWS

FIRST COMPLETED PROJECT

CUSTOMER VISUALISATION PRIOR TO MANUFACTURING

INSTALLATION COMPLETE

SPRING GARDEN TIPS

EARLY SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR GARDEN AND GETTING IT READY FOR THOSE PRECIOUS SUMMER DAYS

PLANT YOUR FLOWERING BULBSNow is the time to plant your summer-flowering bulbs such as Lilies, Gladiolus and Ranunculus to create a lovely summer garden full of vibrant colours.

INSTALL A WATER BUTTIf you haven't already got one, you may want to consider having a water butt installed to collect seasonal rainwater; perfect for watering your plants and flowers and doing your bit for the environment by saving on tap water.

GENERAL TIDY-UPThose fresh sunny Spring mornings are ideal for carrying out a general tidy-up of your garden and visualising Summer in your outdoor space. If you are considering carrying out any renovations, adding planters, flower beds, looking into a new decking or including a seating area, adding a water feature, BBQ space, kids play corner, you should now be putting a plan of action in place and as soon as the summer sun comes out you can spend more time enjoying it rather than working.

SOW YOUR VEGETABLE PATCHApril is the month for filling the vegetable patch with crops you’ll be picking throughout the Summer and Autumn. Clear any signs of weeds, fork the soil over, sprinkle some fertiliser and you are ready to go. The best vegetables to sow now are carrots, lettuce, rocket, spring onions, spinach, leeks and beetroots. Always make sure to leave some room for planting frost-tender vegetables that can’t go outside until late May.

NEW PLANTINGAlthough autumn is traditionally the time for planting anything with bare roots, April is ideal for getting started on pot-grown plants. Two in particular benefit from being planted in spring: evergreens and perennials, giving them time to establish ready for their first season.

SPRING LAWN CARELawns take a serious beating over the winter period with heavy rain washing away vital nutrients. Use a wire-toothed rake or a powered lawn raker to pull moss out of the lawn. If you have hanging basket it is useful to keep some to create liners.

HOME RENOVATION TIPS

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT TAKING ON A HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT HERE ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS AND IDEAS TO PREPARE AN EFFECTIVE PLAN OF ACTION

TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO THE PLANNINGAs Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs TV presenter, once said:

“Everyone approaching a large renovation project should spend 3 years on the planning and 6 months on the

expensive bit - the build”

If you have a properly thought out plan in place before starting the building work, everyone on site, including yourself, will feel in control of the project and know exactly what is happening, what needs to be achieved and the steps to achieve it. Once the building work starts that’s when the costs start ticking over and it won’t be fun paying for work that has to be stopped due to lack of planning and decision making. Patience is a virtue, combined with motivation to get the job done and good organisation over the budget, you will be able to renovate a house into your dream home.

DIY OR PROFESSIONAL BUILDERSIt is very exciting to think you can build your own home, however it is recommended to tackle the DIY route only if you are confident in your capabilities, you have the time available and a support network around you. When deciding to bring in professional help it is always good practice to collect between 3 or 4 quotes for the work, together with past customer’s testimonials and a gallery of completed projects. When talking to the professionals it is worth asking them about their current workload so you can gain a picture of when they can start the work and also the amount of dedication they can give you.

ADDING NATURAL LIGHTA renovation project is the perfect opportunity to add natural light wherever possible. This can be achieved by including skylights to the roof or replacing a wall with large glass windows, an especially great idea if you have stunning views than can be enjoyed from inside the property.

EXTEND UPWARDS If you want to include a home office to your property it is worth considering adding a loft area: this will provide you with extra living space but keeps it separate from the home itself, so you can switch off from work when it’s family time. Always think about how easy the access is going to be to the area and the height when standing in the room. This idea can also work for an extra bedroom, a kids play area or a grown-ups place to relax with a book and a cup of coffee.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2016 BD ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR WINNERS

Refurbishment Architect:Takero Shimazakiwww.t-sa.co.uk

Sport & Leisure Architect:Panter Hudspithwww.panterhudspith.com

Housing Architect:Levitt Bernsteinwww.levittbernstein.co.uk

Individual House Architect:Jamie Fobert Architectswww.jamiefobertarchitects.com

Small Project Architect:Stonewood Designwww.stonewooddesign.co.uk

Education Architect:Cottrell & Vermeulenwww.cv-arch.co.uk

Infrastructure Architect:Hawkins\Brownwww.hawkinsbrown.com

Interior Architect:Haptic Architectswww.hapticarchitects.com

Sustainability Architect:Feilden Clegg Bradley Studioswww.fcbstudios.com

Masterplanning Architect:JTPwww.jtp.co.uk

Office Architect:Bennetts Associateswww.bennettsassociates.com

Public Building Architect:Reiach and Hallwww.reiachandhall.co.uk

Young Architect:Feilden Fowleswww.feildenfowles.co.uk

The Schueco Gold Award:Cottrell & Vermeulenwww.cv-arch.co.uk

2016 FLOWER SHOWS

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW: 24-28 MAY

Highlights:

- flower arch to celebrate the 90th birthday of the RHS Patron, HM the Queen

- the RHS Garden for Health, Happiness and Horticulture designed by Ann-Marie Powell

- the Modern Apothecary Garden designed by RHS Ambassador Jekka McVicar

- Poppie Tribute by Phillip Johnson

- An acustic garden inspired by world-leading percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie

RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW: 5-10 JULY

Highlights:

- wonder through the Butterfly Dome with thousands of free-flying butterflies from Indonesia and South America

- Family Saturday, enjoy activities such as sowing, fun trails, story telling and cookery classes

- The Capability Brown Gardens will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the 18th century landscape architect Lancelot Brown

- The City Gardens category will showcase what can be achieved in a small outdoor space

HARROGATE SPRING FLOWER SHOW: 21-24 APRIL

Highlights:

- some of the best show gardens designs

- a new Plant Pavillion showcasing fantastic nursery displays all under one roof

- How2 comes to Kitchen Garden Live with a series of practical talks and demos on up cycling elements of your garden to create a pottage

- BBC Big Allotment’s Jonathan Moseley performing live demonstrations in the Flower Art Marquee

RHS FLOWER SHOW TATTON PARK: 20-24 JULY

Highlights:

- host to the RHS Young Designer of the Year

- contemporary designs from the new Evolution Garden category where three designers will each interpret the theme with conceptual or futuristic design

- Water Garden category will be back this year with plenty of ideas to take home

- Family Day on Saturday 23 July including a big screen adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The BFG

CASE STUDY: DECKING AND BALUSTRADE ACCESS SOLUTIONS

Recently we took part in the renovation of an existing build that had been affected by flooding of the River Thames in Chertsey, Surrey. An enthusiastic architect took on the project to create a flood resistance property by raising the ground floor by one level adding a flood chamber underneath. The customer then required an access solution at the side and back of the property. Utilising our Qwickbuild aluminium structure we were able to create a balcony platform resting on timber posts. We then manufactured timber frames for the steps and completed the flooring with our Resortdeck composite decking boards.

A frameless glass balustrade was then specified for both access areas running along the sides of the balcony and down the steps, secured in place using grade 2205 duplex stainless steel standoff clamps, offering superior corrosion resistance for this type of outdoor environment.

“ Resortdeck composite decking is the most natural timber alternative currently available, a moisture resistance decking solution perfect for areas affected by flooding “

Once the customer approved our design solution we were able to prefabricate the majority of the project in-house before starting on site. The attention to detail during this project was second to none: for both access sections we had to make sure the timber sub-structure for the steps was perfect and integrated seamlessly with the Qwickbuild frame used for the balcony flooring. Our composite decking fascia boards were utilised to create a stylish and modern look around the side profiles of the steps and the balcony, with the standoff glass clamps then fixed securely in place ready for the frameless balustrade. All the glass utilised was specified as toughened and laminated even though a stainless steel handrail was included for the access area at the side of the property, providing the client with the choice to remove the rail in the future.

A frameless glass juliet balcony was also installed on the top level of the property, remaining consistent with the design by securing one glass panel in place utilising the same stand off clamps and stainless steel handrail as the balustrades.

Thanks to an expert in-house design and project management team and a product portfolio working in perfect harmony together, we are able to take on bespoke projects such as this one and dedicate our full attention in making sure we meet customer requirements exactly.

BACK OF THE PROPERTY SIDE OF THE PROPERTY

INSTALLATION

BOOK OUR EXPERT INSTALLATION TEAM IN TIME FOR SUMMER

Spring is great for planning any outdoor home improvements and making sure the work can be completed in time for the space to be enjoyed during the short months of the famous British Summer

We are getting booked up very quickly so this is the time to let us know if you want to pencil in an installation date: even if you are not ready to confirm your order just yet, with a small deposit we can plan ahead in our diaries and secure your work this Summer

INSTALLATION

SOME OF OUR RECENT INSTALLATION PROJECTS

QWICKBUILD AND COMPOSITE DECKING FLOORING ON A ROOFTOP TERRACE

QWICKBUILD AND COMPOSITE DECKING FLOORING WITH A FRAMELESS GLASS BALUSTRADE

FOLLOW US ON …

Elite Balustrade Systems | Elite Outdoor LivingPart of SMUK Solutions Ltd

Unit 1 Waterfall Trade ParkStancliffe Street, BlackburnLancashire, BB2 2QR, UK

T: 08000 385185E: sales@elitebalustrade.com

www.elitebalustrade.com