EH Smith Architectural Solutions

Lying in the very heart of London’s most creative neighbourhood, The Atlas Building is architecturally striking with a series of staggered fins and a mix of contrasting facades.MAKE were the concept architects behind this scheme, while Scott Brownrigg had overall responsibility for the design and delivery of the project.EH Smith were brought in to assist with the brick element to this building. We were able to offer our GeoBrick range as a cost-effective alternative to the linear bricks that Scott Brownrigg initially considered.GeoBrick, exclusive to EH Smith, uses paving technology to repel dirt so the facade will remain crisp and clean.The stark, white, clean linear bricks juxtaposed with the living wall adjacent to them complimented the contemporary urban surroundings beautifully.

Arch View House is located in the heart of Wembley Park regeneration area, home to the world famous football stadium and newly built retail outlet centre. In addition to student accommodation at Arch View House, UCFB teaching, study and social facilities are also located within the building.Coloured ceramic rainscreen tiles are arranged in a subtle pattern across the building to express the football colours of the existing UCFB stadium campuses throughout England.At ground level a robust black brick base unifies the various parts of the development and a full height stair enclosure containing the UCFB logo in super graphics is featured externally on First Way. The building is designed with a central spine which links four wings varying in height from 7 to 11 storeys arranged around south-facing courtyard gardens.

This new Transport Interchange in the heart of Cardiff includes a 14-stand bus and coach station including associated concourse and retail outlets, a 230-space multi-storey car park and cycle stores, 318 BTR apartments and 120,000sqft net of regional head-quarters offices for L&G.The mixed-use development features offices and residential units on the upper floors, and the new public concourse opens directly on to the new public plaza on Central Square, creating an exciting new experience for visitors and residents alike.

Circle Square is an exciting new neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester.Working with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, we developed a bespoke colour to reflect the Victorian heritage of the surrounding red brick buildings. We also worked with the specialist contractor to design the tile configuration which was incorporated into pre-fabricated offsite fully glazed units.

This landmark development comprises of 597 student bedrooms and 12,000 sq. ft. of retail and commercial accommodation, set adjacent to Belgrade Theatre. The building rises in scale from 3 storeys adjacent the existing conservation area, up to 20 storeys on the east of the site.The combination of glazed and unglazed tiles with differing profiles and cruciform window pieces creates a rich textured façade.

In order to visually integrate the new three-storey clinic building with a usable floor space of 10,000 m² in its environment characterised by small-sized housing units and green areas, Murphy Phillips Architects in co-operation with the colour designer Frances Tobin developed an own colour concept taking into account the psychological effect of colours.An integral part of this concept is approximately 3,500 ceramic panels and 2,000 ceramic rectangular tubes glazed on all four sides with a cross-section of 60 x 60mm and lengths of up to 1,200mm, which were vertically installed in front of the curved glass facades of the access areas like a filigree curtain.An innovative solution was required to achieve the faceted baguette screen which led to a bespoke support structure being developed with our partners at Systea Pohl Gmbh. The six green and blue shades exactly defined by the planners were specially developed for this project in the glaze laboratory of AGROB BUCHTAL after extensive test series.

An exclusive and striking collection of eight 4 and 5 bedroom detached houses located in a well connected village close to the city of Bath. These design led homes have a modern open plan layout with heavily glazed elevations to make the most of the hillside position.Working with the Architect and Developer, our linear Geobrick range was chosen to give a crisp, hard wearing, modern looking façade.

Glade House is a bespoke 5-bed family home, located in a clearing in a woodland plot in Surrey. Designed by award winning architects AR Design Studio, Glade House aims to integrate the house within its verdant context, creating a home that seamlessly blends with the beautiful glade.Nature not only surrounds Glade House, but sits at the heart of the design itself. Four slender axial linear brick walls reach out into the plot, dividing the site into four distinctive garden spaces while defining spacious open-plan rooms on the ground floor. These walls create a connection between the interior and exterior, linking the outside to every room. Full height glazing spans the brick walls, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding greenery and allows floor finishes and levels to run to the outside patios.The slender brick walls support 4 large interlocking cantilevered slate boxes, seemingly floating above the ground below and lifting the occupance into the tree canopy above. This upper floor houses generous bedrooms with large picture windows carved out of the slate volume, offering stunning views of the landscape.

“Our primary design goal was to create a building that relates to and respects the surrounding historic city structure while providing a modern addition to the neighbourhood,” said SOM Director Kim Van Holsbeke.This has been achieved through a finely structured façade with large windows – a reference to the neighbouring old warehouse buildings and lofts with brick and natural stone façades. Regularly placed double windows are framed by a grid structure of rectangular ceramic baguettes from the KeraShape® system.The areas between this grid structure and the recessed window openings consist of facade tiles of the ventilated terracotta facade system KeraTwin® K20.This creates a detailed and contrast-rich picture. The elegant, matt black glaze of the terracotta creates a respectful interaction with neighbouring buildings – a contemporary interpretation of the typical Tribeca materials cast iron and stone.

In 2022, Cornell University received the "Higher Education/Research and Excellence in Safety Award" for Best Project and the title "New York Project of the Year". New halls of residence were planned as a campus extension by IKON 5 Architects: LEED Gold certified and with ceramic facades by Agrob Buchtal.A new 776,000 square meter residential complex has been built at Cornell University, providing accommodation for first and second year students with 2,000 beds on two separate neighbouring sites on the North Campus. This visionary plan - which envisaged first-year students living on the North Campus - was developed in the late 1990s by the university president at the time. His goal: to create greater cohesion and a welcoming experience for new students. His vision: a unified educational experience that would introduce the breadth of Cornell's intellectual environment and allow students to experience the diversity of Cornell's undergraduate offerings.In a synthesis of living rooms, a dining hall, collaborative learning and study spaces organized around courtyards, the newly designed complex by Ikon 5 Architects now provides this exceptional learning environment. In order to incorporate the adjacent campus, respond to the existing site conditions and promote the diversity of interdisciplinary exchange, they have divided the dormitories in their design into 3 to 5-storey courtyard buildings. At the centre is a 1,000-seat dining hall that accommodates a variety of micro-restaurants. The residential lounges are enveloped by ceramic façades of the Agrob Buchtal KeraTwin series: unglazed natural ceramics in a design ranging from salmon to golden red, they structure the campus like lighthouses. Surrounded by the residential blocks, the canteen stands out in contrast with a tonality of grey and black. A highly transparent first floor encourages social interaction with the entire ensemble.The five-building, 776,000 square meter student residence and canteen project was completed despite the global pandemic. This was made possible by the willingness of everyone involved to innovate and trust in partnership. Because construction sites, supply chains and skilled workers were largely paralysed by the pandemic, the team of construction participants from Ikon 5 Architects, Welliver and Architectural Polymers, together with Cladding Concepts - Agrob Buchtal's US partner - implemented an innovative prefabrication strategy.The KeraTwin facade system from Agrob Buchtal is actually a series for curtain walls. However, the customized ceramic panels of the residential buildings were embedded in precast concrete elements and installed as wall panels. This saved important time and costs during the pandemic and the architectural masterpiece in Ithaca, NY could be brought to a successful project completion within budget.It took the entire team to design, fabricate and place 69,371 ceramic panels of various sizes, colours and textures to meet deadlines and ensure completion before students arrived."It was a collective effort," says Ben Robertson, senior project manager at Welliver, the lead contractor, "with the design team expediting reviews and Cornell itself stockpiling materials in yards and warehouses - or on campus." Anne Welliver-Hartsing explained, "We've done a lot of really cool construction projects over the years. This particular project - the scale is something we haven't done in the past.... It was a tough schedule, it was a big project, it was very visible" .The design required a team of experts in their respective fields to bring the vision of breathtaking campus experiences to life with collective facade expertise. One of the largest projects in North America now stands and demonstrates the enormous possibilities that ceramic facades from Agrob Buchtal open up: with ceramic quality "Made in Germany", tested ceramic facade systems and local partners who have always relied on Agrob Buchtal.

Ceramics reinterpret traditional architectural styleInnovative living concept for the future: A multi-generational house in Madrid combines traditional architectural style with a modern VHF ceramic façade.In the middle of Madrid's lively backdrop stands a small architectural jewel that is much more than just a residential building. The project "Beyond the Family Kin Housing" stands for the values and visions of a modern, multigenerational society. This multi-generational house embodies a concept for lifelong living in all the details of its design principles characterized by durability and flexibility. The choice of ceramic façade and tile design was not a random decision.Developed by Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects, this house was created with the aim of meeting the needs of different generations and enabling lifelong living. The open room design, characterized by seamless transitions, invites a variety of alternative forms of living and at the same time promotes a sense of community.Striking façade designThe bold exterior of the house is justified by its screed roof and the blue ceramic façade of the KeraTwin system by Agrob Buchtal, contrasted by the striking appearance of corrugated steel plates. The façade is not only for aesthetics. It combines several tectonic and technological strategies to bring energy efficiency and environmental quality to the project. In order to ensure the longevity of the house, the builders opt for a rear-ventilated ceramic façade on the recommendation of the architects. It is robust and durable, but at the same time can also be flexibly dismantled and converted. Construction and ceramic slabs offer the resilient basic concept of architecture by Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects the best suitable basis for sustainably connecting the present and the future. The movable windows in the roof are coupled with automatic blinds that control heat and lighting to create a well-ventilated and comfortable interior. Solar panels, supported by the distinctive green steel structure on the roof, support the operation of underfloor heating throughout the house.Energy-efficient tile designWith its focus on energy efficiency, barrier-free design and aesthetic design, the builders are largely relying on the combination of underfloor heating with thermally conductive tiles in the interior. This contributes 100% to the energy efficiency of the house, because compared to parquet or other floors, tiles allow heat to be transferred to the room faster and more efficiently. The duo is easy to install, sustainable in use and unbeatably efficient in terms of service life. In summer, the tiles are nice and cool and welcome and often used, especially in warm countries like Spain. With the natural modern material tile, the architects make a comfortable and healthy room atmosphere possible for residents of all ages in their showcase project.Inclusive room conceptModern design is a central theme that is considered in both the interior and exterior of the house to promote the inclusion and participation of all residents. While new buildings in the area tend to shift most of social life to their rear terraces, they promote the formation of communities and social connections with a courtyard, among other things. The open design of the ground floor, with a direct connection to the street, also stimulates the neighbourhood community. A short ramp leads from street level to the entrance. Inside the house follows a seamless sequence of spaces that can meet all needs, from toddlers to seniors, from scooters to "wheelchairs", can be explored and inhabited comfortably and safely: on each of the three floors in varying degrees of autonomy and community.In this innovative project, the architects saw ceramics not only as façade, wall or floor coverings, but as an integral part of inclusive healthy architecture. Last but not least, it will be thanks to the curtain wall and rear-ventilated ceramic façade that the house will be able to adapt flexibly to the different lifestyles of its residents and changing needs in the future, if necessary.

This breathtaking development is characterised by three statement residential buildings and a brand new public realm offering 170,000 sq. ft. of quality retail, dining, lifestyle and leisure options, including luxury health club and a cinema. The principal building is an internal conversion of a magnificent Edwardian masterpiece with the façade and entire external structure retained and refurbished, whilst another hybrid building preserves the Edwardian exterior structure at ground level with new-build framing on upper levels. Completely the Square is an all-new contemporary design, which is anticipated to become one of Islington’s most iconic buildings.CZWG Architects have taken the former Royal Mail sorting office under its wing and presented a forward-thinking vision of London living rarely attained in modern designs.EH Smith worked with CZWG to select and supply the bold mauve coloured rainscreen from our Partners Agrob Buchtal and worked with the specialist cladding contractors, Openwood and Commercial Roofing, to provide the bespoke engineered support system with our partners Systea.

EH Smith worked with CZWG Architects to develop a bespoke mauve coloured ceramic rainscreen. We are able to match any RAL colour in glazed tiles, so the exact colour that was desired was achieved.We were also able to work with the specialist contractors on the project to design a bespoke engineered support system to accommodate the unique geometry of the façade.

Standing either side of the Stirling Prize-winning Media Centre by Future Systems, the new stands were designed to replace the Compton and Edrich Stands at the historic London stadium.In total the new stands will have a capacity of 11,500 spectators – 2,500 more than the existing stands – increasing the ground’s overall capacity to 30,500.EH Smith were contacted to provide a fluted ceramic tile to clad the rear of the stands and worked closely with Alsecco to provide a fully insulated walling system which went on to win the “Architectural Design” award at the 2021 INCA (Insulated Render & Cladding Association) Awards.

Designed by Edgley Design, this contemporary house was designed using our exclusive linear format Geobrick. With a hard wearing natural stone face and clean clinical lines, Geobrick was a natural choice for this luxury home.

HYTECH - For Permanently Attractive Facades The expenses associated with cleaning facades can be astronomical. It was not without reason that building cleaning companies in Germany, for example, recorded turnover of almost 20 billion euros in 2019 – with several millions of those euros entailing the cleaning of facades. Hytect can significantly reduce these expenses, saving on the running costs for property operators.The self-washing effect achieved by Hytect keeps facades cleanDust, dirt and other particles are infiltrated every time it rains and simply washed off the facade. With the result that building shells retain their attractive appearance for many years. Furthermore, ceramic facades featuring Hytect are also very resilient. Graffiti can be easily removed using the corresponding methods and without damaging the surface. This ensures that Hytect facades remain attractive and presentable over the long term. The costs of mechanical cleaning are practically dispensed with altogether.Protection from moss, fungi and algaeThermal insulation on buildings has both positive and negative effects. For example, moisture precipitates on insulated outer shells during dew periods. And it can stay there for a considerable amount of time. If there are also dust, dirt or other organic substances on the facade, a practically ideal breeding ground is created for microorganisms, such as moss, algae or fungi. This can lead to unattractive stains on the facade.But the possibility of such stains is practically excluded on facades featuring Hytect ceramic where neither dirt nor dust can gain a permanent foothold. What’s more, the photocatalytical effect triggers the generation of activated oxygen, preventing fungi and moss from even growing on the facade in the first place. But this process is particularly decisive when it comes to algae. After all, they do not require a classic breeding ground but merely nutrients from the air to survive. Accordingly, they can grow practically anywhere – just not on surfaces featuring Hytect. Thanks to Hytect, the use of biocidal products can be dispensed with entirely and cleaning agents minimised – not only on facades but in all risk areas in buildings. Due to the fact that they are permanently and reliably protected by clever Hytect technology.How the self-washing effect worksTitanium dioxide is baked onto the ceramic surface at high temperature. As catalyst, it effects a reaction activated by light with oxygen and air humidity. In this way, activated oxygen and a hydrophilic, water-friendly surface are produced. The activated oxygen now fulfils two decisive functions. On the surface of the ceramics, it decomposes microorganisms such as fungi, algae, moss or germs and inhibits their growth. This saves maintenance costs in the life cycle of a building. Air pollutants such as, for example, nitrogen oxides from traffic or industry are reduced. Hytect permanently improves the ambient air of the building.The hydrophilic ceramic surface effects that rain drops spread to form a thin film and infiltrate the dirt. This self-washing effect prevents the adherence of dirt. This minimizes the cleaning costs. Active support at every weather – sun and rain perform the effective and environment-friendly cleaning free of charge! Hytect keeps facades clean.

CANYON AND KAIJO Light and shadow as natural stylistic elements of facade architecture.Agrob Buchtal has expanded its range of three-dimensional façade ceramics with the two new surfaces Canyon and Kaijo: they were created in close cooperation with the product designer Markus Bischof, are deliberately contrasting and thus offer an architecturally attractive range of designs.Despite the deliberate stylistic difference, both novelties share a number of common features: The characteristics of Canyon and Kaijo are particularly accentuated in the unglazed earth tones of the Natura collection. In order to use reflections as an additional stylistic device, numerous glazed variants are also available in the nuances of the SpectraView colour system specially developed for façades.The world of formats is similarly versatile and individual: both surfaces can be produced in different grid formats (heights from 15 to 60 cm and lengths up to 180 cm) depending on the project. Thanks to the intelligently designed KeraTwin K20 fastening system from Agrob Buchtal, they can be used horizontally, vertically, as a bond (e.g. half bond) or even diagonally in extreme cases using a special solution.Canyon: The Perfection of the ImperfectIrregularly fine steps and grooves in combination with striking ridges create a charming dialogue that is abstractly reminiscent of the delicate yet rocky-grey stratifications and plateaus of the Grand Canyon in the US state of Nevada.Canyon translates this unbridled power of nature and the interplay of the elements over millions of years into ceramic form. In the surface, the whole thing then comes together to form a made-to-measure ceramic suit that conveys sovereignty and homogeneity thanks to the special design: On the one hand, because the joints along the individual tiles recede into the background and are barely perceptible, and on the other hand, because a harmonious overall appearance is created despite the asymmetry of the profile.The distinctive design creates changing effects depending on the time of day and the position of the sun: Light and shadow thus become natural design elements.Kaijo (Japanese for "to shape"): Pulsating dynamics In Kaijo, three-dimensionality is created not by elevations but by depressions. The surface is oriented towards archaic handicraft techniques. Through "ordered irregularity", embossments of different lengths and depths with constant width and direction result in a ceramic curtain façade in a double sense, namely in relation to the construction principle ("curtained") and the visual impression, which in the broadest sense evokes associations with a curtain or a drape with partially woven-in thickened threads or other nobly veiling textures.The result is pulsating dynamism of a discreet kind that does not impose itself in a shouty manner: Restrained from a distance, the fine rhythms become more and more apparent as one gets closer. Particularly in an urban context, this can lend buildings an individual face, even in narrow urban canyons, which captivates with its gentle charms and yet integrates coherently into the respective environment.FIRE PROOF, LIGHTWEIGHT AND CREATIVE!Façade systems from Agrob Buchtal are not only efficient, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, but also enable stringent fire safety requirements to be met. They satisfy the highest standards for classification (A1 Euroclass rating) as ‘non-flammable’ and also fulfil the additional requirements for no smoke development and no dropping or dripping while burning. Even in the event of a fire, no fumes or toxic gases are released.This allows peace of mind for the client, specifier and contractor.Coupled with the huge design flexibility with the range of shapes, sizes, colours and textures available the KeraTwin , KeraShape and KerAion ranges have it all!We love finding creative solutions so contact us with your project details on facades@ehsmith.co.uk / 0121 713 7200

Working with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) we were able to provide a solution for the bricks and ceramic cladding for this Weston Homes development in Greenwich.The site was formerly a Telegraph Works where the first transatlantic telegraph cable was built and where transatlantic submarine cables were still built until 1975.The bespoke colours of the A1 fire rated cladding were developed by our partners Agrob Buchtal to the Architects' specification.

The historic Boswells department store in Oxford has been given a new lease of life by Reef Group as a new lifestyle hotel with 101 rooms, a destination bar and restaurant, rooftop bar, restorative spa and spaces to work, relax, discover and explore. The project adapted and extended the existing 1920’s Edwardian building and transformed the building into a contemporary and comfortable hotel, whilst respecting the unique heritage of the building as a much-loved and historical department store.EH Smith worked closely with the project team to develop a solution using the KeraTwin K20 New Wave ceramic cladding and baguettes to form the upper level façade.

This extension to the Tate St Ives nestles into the beautiful surroundings of the Cornish town. In reference to the history of ceramicists in St Ives, such as Bernard Leach, the building is clad in shiplapped ceramic tiles from our partners Agrob Buchtal, which were then hand glazed in the UK by glazing experts Froyles.Architects, Jamie Fobert, selected these tiles as the clay is pale sandy yellow with blue and green glazes that capture the ever-changing Cornish weather and blend into the hues of the sea beyond.The end result is a sensitive exterior which reflects the craftsmanship contained within.Tate St Ives was awarded the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year and shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2018.

England’s home of Rugby has been given an impressive face lift with bespoke aluminium shingles and engineered ceramic granite rainscreen cladding materials supplied by EH Smith.2,350m2 of interlocking cladding panels were manufactured from aluminium alloy 3005H45, 0.9mm – 1.2mm thickness with a precoated Aluquartz zinc brushed finish. These were all supplied to a tight site programme of works and installed whilst the stadium was still operative having a fully concealed clip / bracket fixing support system.In addition to the shingles, EH Smith Facades supplied 500m2 of specialist Italian engineered ceramic granite cladding panels in three different formats; 6mm traditionally bonded, 12mm rainscreen panels on a secret fix aluminium support, and 6mm thick material incorporated into the spandrel panel of the curtain walling. All the ceramic panels were supplied with a Hytech impregnated coating which gives a self cleaning mechanism and air purification through a phototcatalytic reaction.EH Smith in conjunction with our Engineering partners Systea worked closely with the cladding contractor Prater to provide a full static calculation and indicative setting out and fixing details for the structural aluminium support grid to provide a cost effective support solution for this unique cladding façade.Project: Twickenham StadiumPlace: LondonCountry: UKBuilding type: Sports + Culture + RecreationType of construction project: RenovationCompletion: 2018SYSTEA wall bracket: Aluminium-L-BracketSYSTEA profile system: ALWI-V and UBE NGCladding material: Aluminum shingles and ceramic panelsFastening: ConcealedArchitect: KSS Design, LondonPhotos: EH Smith Specialist Facades

Designed by AHR Architects, the new UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton has won numerous awards including the BCO National Awards Corporate Workplace Award and Best of the Best Award 2020 and a Regional RIBA Award, RIBA Sustainability Award and RIBA Client of the year 2019.The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office is the UK’s agency for providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world. The UKHO is a trading fund of the Ministry of Defence and is located in Taunton, Somerset with a workforce of approximately 900 staff.We worked with the Architects, Client and Contractors to select one of our exclusive GeoBrick range for this prestigious project. The clean sleek lines and hardwearing stone finish provide a stunning façade to this landmark building. The warm texture of the brick also gives depth and character and softens the mass of the building.“The design principles of the building called for a linear brick which was modern and unique whilst complimenting the landscape and a variety of existing brick buildings surrounding the new HQ. The EH Smith Geobrick brindle bricks stood out from all the rest and we are delighted with the results. Personally, this is my favourite material used on this project!”- Johanna Funnell New Build Project Manager - UKHO

As a central part of the Wintringham Park 205ha Masterplan, Wintringham Primary Academy is a three-form entry school comprising a two-storey building that accommodates 708 students alongside 60 teachers and support staff.The glazed ceramic Keratwin panels from EH Smith draw inspiration from the seasonal colours found within nature and provide wayfinding and identity to the different year groups. The ceramic products offer a robust, colourful and fireproof façade and with the innovative Hytect coating the colours will stay crisp and clean as the tiles self-clean with rainfall.TESTIMONIAL"We were impressed with the support and assistance we received from EH Smith throughout all stages of the project. Their support ensured that we could deliver on our aspirations for the design and quality of this exemplar school project. The distinctive colour palette was all possible within the Keratwin 20 system and economically viable even with relatively small quantities. A huge thank you to EH Smith for their help in the successful delivery of this wonderful new school."- Philip Marsh Founding Partner, dRMM