Knauf UK

The 115,000 square feet, 12-storey office scheme Eden/A3 Bailey in Manchester is designed with the ambitious goal of becoming one of the most environmentally friendly offices in the UK.  This ambitious goal included one of the biggest green wall façades in Europe in accordance with Passivhaus principles. As such, it was imperative the products specified were both sustainable and high performing to meet the demands of the brief.The challenge would be to strike a balance between performance on site and sustainability in the long term. This meant suppliers who could demonstrate a commitment to sustainability within their supply chain were at an advantage. Combined with their quality and high-performance products, Knauf were chosen.Neil O’Toole, sub-contractor for Linear Projects elaborates: “Given the aim of the project, we needed to use specialist products. This combined with the familiarity we had with Knauf meant that they were specified for use within the building itself.”Rahul Vishwakarma, the architect for the project from Make Architects continues. “Knauf offered guidance not just on their own products but on overall wall build ups which assisted in making design decisions . Furthermore, we found that their sustainability credentials aligned with the project.”The specialist products used included Knauf Shaftwall. Designed to meet fire safety requirements and building codes, Shaftwall provides high levels of fire protection enhancing the level of safety within the building for occupants. Using Knauf Shaftwall also allows for greater space optimization, by allowing for the creation of fire-rated vertical shafts, including elevator or stairway enclosures and horizontal shafts for electrical and plumbing services. Ensuring centralized services within designated areas and freeing up space.What made Knauf Shaftwall really stand out for Rahul though was the versatility it offered. As he explains. “Knauf Shaftwall was perfect for use on this project because it can be adapted to different building designs and configurations. Giving us much greater flexibility in terms of the build-up and layout, thus allowing us to customize the system to meet the specific needs of the project. That it is durable and long-lasting was an additional benefit.”A range of Knauf High Performance Plasterboard was used to meet the acoustic requirements of the office space. Knauf Soundshield Plus and Performance Plus were used to ensure a quieter more comfortable working environment and to provide Knauf Performer wall types as partitions throughout the building.  Furthermore, Knauf boards contain Recycled Gypsum along with Natural and FGD gypsum to form a strong core and system performance.Knauf Encasement system with Fire Panel was used to meet the safety requirements for the building, by offering fire protection to encase the steel work throughout the building.Knauf Test Data was used to enable the boards to contribute to the holistic performance required. This was particularly attractive for the architects given the use of heat pumps throughout the building.Knauf Ready Mix Finish provided a sustainable addition to the products used. As not only did reduce the amount of water that needed to be introduced into the build, but it also reduced the amount of waste produced. This is because any unused product can be put back into the bucket and used for another project.Whilst these products assisted in the development of the Eden/A3 Bailey, there were challenges.Something that Neil elaborated on. “At the start there wasn’t a full design, which meant we had to be agile and smart with how we approached the build. We were having to adapt as we went along, something we were only able to do thanks to Knauf. Their familiarity with the systems we were using meant they gave us advice on the best way to put things together. And if we had any questions or needed help, they were always on hand to provide it.”Neil Shaw, Contractor at B&K expanded on these issues. “Initially, there were a few challenges regarding getting a fire system installed. We needed one that had fire test data to meet the requirements of the project and be compliant with regulations. We tested a few systems and eventually settled on Knauf Fire Panel as it was the system that best met our needs.”Throughout all these challenges, both Neils felt that Knauf were incredibly helpful and supportive.As Neil O’Toole explained. “I’ve known some of the team at Knauf for a long time. They were fantastic, they assisted with the design and provided site audits, ensuring that any questions we had were answered and any help we needed was provided.”Rahul agreed with the sentiment. “The project is quite a tricky one in terms of what we are hoping to achieve, but the team at Knauf are brilliant. It’s been really helpful being able to talk to the team at Knauf who are really knowledgeable about the field and are always quick to respond to any questions we’ve got.”The project is ongoing, but the signs are there that it will achieve its aim of being one of the most environmentally friendly building within the UK.

Knauf products have been used throughout the redevelopment of Carlton Academy, a secondary school in Nottinghamshire. The school was awarded £2.6m, an investment that allowed them to build ten new classrooms on site to house a wide variety of subjects and service a growing catchment area.

Tolson's Mill, Tamworth is a new £16 million development consisting of 51 canal side apartments and 10 town houses. Set within a five-storey textile factory, each apartment and house is set to retain the industrial character of the grade 2 listed Mill building. Leading the project development was Brookland Group with subcontractors V&D Interiors fitting out each of the living spaces. In designing the building, Crosby Granger Architects placed safety and comfort as the main priorities for product specification.Given the listed nature of the building, ensuring the materials used met and exceeded safety needs was critical. Likewise, ensuring acoustic performance would be key given the luxurious nature of the apartments and town houses.    For Calvin Challis, Commercial Manager at V&D Interiors, using Knauf products was the sensible thing to do. “The goals of the architect were to ensure a quality, soundproof interior which meant that the product specification met and exceeded this expectation. That’s where Knauf came in. Not only were they always there to help and ready to listen if we had any questions, but their product were also the right choice to achieve the goals specified by the architect.” Attaining this level of performance would be achieved using Knauf performance systems products including metal partitions, which not only offer speed advantages on site, but enhance fire protection as well.Meeting the acoustic needs of the brief, standard 12.5mm and 15mm Knauf Soundshield Plus were used on the walls and ceilings. Soundshield Plus provided enhanced acoustic performance and excellent fire resistance. Importantly, Soundshield Plus can give up to 54Db acoustic sound reduction when used as part of a Knauf system. Getting the perfect finish throughout was achieving by using a mixture of Knauf finishing products. This included jointing tape, intumescent and acoustic mastic for their fire and acoustic performance attributes, and Knauf Fill and Finish. The result was a high-quality finish on partition walls with necessary performance built in.Ensuring consistency throughout the interior, Knauf Ceilings were specified for their acoustic performance and peace of mind both ceiling and wall systems would complement each other. “From a specification point of view, it was critical we knew that all products used would achieve the performance required. This was the main point for the architects but for us on site, having all the product come from a single supplier made it easier to source the right materials and know they’d install and work together easily” Calvin recalls. While efficiencies were gained on site by using Knauf systems, one of the biggest advantages this approach offered was the peace of mind through warranties. Calvin explained why this was so important: “The Knauf System Performance Warranty meant everyone knew the products would perform as intended for the lifetime of the system, with guarantees in place in the unlikely event of something going wrong.” “Having that security in place was vital for all involved, it meant we could get the support we need for installation and the main contractors and client would be protected going forwards. Especially on a listed building project, you need to have that peace of mind in place.”For added reassurance, Calvin recalls how Knauf would provide onsite support in the form of inspections “Knauf were brilliant, if we needed any help or assistance, they were more than happy to help. They came to the site a few times, to inspect the installation and provide some guidance if we were unsure of something. This was particularly helpful when it came to checking the acoustic ratings. They were able to check the acoustic ratings and ensure that they met the requirements, and that the client was satisfied.” The apartments that form part of the luxury residential development at Tolson's Mills and Tamworth were completed in November of 2022, with the houses scheduled to be finished in June 2023.

A range of acoustic ceiling products from Knauf are controlling noise in new classrooms, corridors, halls and kitchens of the St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham.

To ensure residents in this new luxury North London care home would feel entirely comfortable, the most efficient and futureproof materials were chosen. That’s why main contractor Wates specified Knauf Airless Finish for use throughout the development of the new Signature Care Home in Barnet.

Knauf Airless Finish spray plaster has provided a flawless, sustainable interior wall finish and contributed to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating at the new unified breast unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr Hospital.According to Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), the local health board of NHS Wales for Gwent, the breast units in its area are the busiest in Wales, seeing over 6,000 patients yearly.So, to better meet the healthcare needs of the people of Gwent and improve the quality of service and care for patients, ABUHB is building a new state-of-the-art unit in Ystrad Mynach that will bring together its breast cancer services.Leading the project development is BAM Construction with subcontractors, including Richard Kemble Contracts Ltd, who recommended using Knauf Airless spray instead of traditional methods, such as the full taping and jointing finish which was originally specified, or traditional gypsum plastering.Mathew Kemble, Director, Richard Kemble Contracts, explains: “I’ve completed several projects using Knauf Airless Spray Finish and have been impressed with its excellent application and finish, so I recommended we use it at the unified breast care unit. This project really showed the system’s value compared to a full taping and jointing finish in both time and money. Here, it worked out cost neutral as it didn’t require a primer sealer.”A traditional tape and jointing finish to BS 8000-8:2023 involves bedding paper joint tape into jointing compound, followed by two further stages of increasing widths of jointing compound (including drying time between each layer). A primer/sealer is then needed before a decorative finish. Knauf Airless Finish can be applied instead of the additional passes of jointing compound in line with BS 8000-8:2023, after bedding the Knauf Paper Joint tape and filling to shoulders of the taper, saving time and materials, with no primer necessary before spray applying Knauf Airless Finish.Applied internally to the plasterboard partitions at the new centre, Knauf Airless Finish is a spray applied alternative to traditional gypsum plaster. The ready-mixed finish is quicker to install than traditional methods, provides a high-quality finish and brings significant health and safety benefits, including less dust inhalation due to it being pre-mixed, and less strain on the body.Mathew Kemble continues: “When you compare it to traditional plastering methods, it’s quicker to apply, and there are fewer defects, so it saves a lot of time on snagging. The end result is a high-quality, fine finish that’s far better than traditional methods.”Rhodri Price, Senior Site Manager, BAM Construction Ltd agrees, saying: “The quality of the finish combined with the speed was fantastic. From a health and safety point of view, there are fewer people on site and less sanding is required making for a safer site. It’s been really impressive on site and is something we’d definitely like to use going forwards.”A further benefit is that the product comes ready-mixed, which minimises water needed on site, compared to traditional gypsum plastering which uses around 1.15 litres of water per M², which has helped contribute to the centre’s ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating.Due for completion in 2024, the new unified breast care unit will be a ‘centre of excellence’ for breast cancer, comprising diagnostic, treatment and counselling rooms, administrative and staff facilities, a reception and waiting area, a volunteer café, outside landscaped spaces and parking. The new purpose-built facility will be connected to the existing main Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr Hospital, which BAM Construction delivered in 2011, via a glazed link bridge.

When it was decided the world-famous Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews would have a multi-million pound facelift, only an exceptional product would be up to the job.

Early collaboration with Knauf enabled delivery architects TW-2 to achieve specification by integrating Knauf specialist drywall systems into the overall design of a prestigious residential and commercial development in London. Triptych Bankside in Southwark is a mixed-use development designed by London architects Squire & Partners. Three striking, sculptured buildings with undulating curves comprise two residential towers featuring 169 high-end, luxurious apartments with outdoor spaces and private amenities, an office building, and retail and cultural facilities. This was a complex project with multiple contractors, manufacturers and designers. For the interiors, proper integration for the wall systems and the overall design was critical. Through early engagement with Knauf, TW-2 was able to successfully create a specification which streamlined and simplified installation.The support from Knauf was invaluable as Vikki Knight, Architectural Designer at TW-2 explained: "After the initial wall specification with Knauf, the technical advisors and Project Design Manager, Stuart McNeil, remained on hand to answer my queries relating to changing design requirements and provide useful details and wall spec updates throughout the project." As a result, a combination of Knauf products has been installed in the residential towers by drylining and façade specialist Conneely Group. Knauf Soundshield Plus has been used on the ceilings to enhance acoustic performance and provide the necessary levels of fire resistance.  Richard Cockerton, Contracts Manager from Conneely Group agreed on the benefits the Knauf system brought to the build. “All the products worked seamlessly together, both in terms of specification and installation. It made meeting the strict building safety requirements easier. When it came to working on site, having the Knauf team available to answer questions on wall detailing or systems was really helpful.”The Knauf Isolator system divides the individual apartments and communal spaces. This twin stud system combines high performance plasterboards to ensure the maximum acoustic performance. The fully integrated Independent 'I' Stud wall lining system has been used in limited access areas for services and pipes, and to improve wall acoustic and thermal levels. Inside the apartments, Knauf Performer partition systems were specified between rooms with staggered partitions constructed between kitchens and bedrooms or where sound reduction was needed. Different board solutions, including AQUAPANEL® for wet rooms and areas with tiles and PIR laminates, complete the drywall systems and achieve enhanced levels of thermal insulation.Externally, the Knauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Outdoor was specified as the substrate for a render finish in some external areas, such as where service risers went through the rooftops or in separated plant areas. The product is unaffected by water and offers the levels of noise and fire protection required by high-density residential buildings such as Triptych. Vikki Knight concluded: "Knauf was integral in assisting us with ensuring high standards were met and Building Control requirements achieved through the correct allocation and technical detailing of their products." The development's name reflects its distinctive architecture with the three sculptured buildings. It is based on the meaning of Triptych - a set of three associated artistic, literary or musical works intended to be appreciated together. Photos: Triptych Bankside by JTRE London

A new residential complex in Manchester city centre is benefitting from full Knauf drywall systems to provide high-quality homes for its new residents.

Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International in Manchester, is a groundbreaking £226m culture centre designed to host diverse activities, including theatre, dance, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. With a standing capacity of 5,000 and 2,000 seating, this multi-faceted 13,350m2 space required a unique sound insulation and acoustic design approach. Designed by OMA with delivery architects Ryder Architecture, the new venue is built on the former Granada TV site. It features a hexagonal-shaped theatre and a vast 21m high warehouse space with moveable partitions that can be configured in multiple ways. This enables the two spaces to be used simultaneously for different events. For example, the warehouse space could host a concert while the rest of the building is split into intimate theatre areas. However, sub-dividing such a sizeable volumetric space presented a complex acoustic challenge for the project’s executive architects, Ryder Architecture. This was further exacerbated by planning restraints around noise levels due to the building’s proximity to residential blocks. As Drew Wiggett, Architectural Director, Ryder Architecture, explained: “Both the theatre and warehouse are a box-within-a-box construction. This is quite a common design for theatres, where an inner box, which is the main internal space, is encased by an outer box. The internal box is acoustically isolated from the outer one, where heavyweight materials help dampen external low-frequency noise and vibration. Normally, you would have one theatre space with this design; you wouldn’t do it in a space of this size, so we were on uncharted territory.”Ryder Architecture collaborated closely with Knauf and subcontractor Mansell Building Solutions during the design stages, speaking daily and often meeting weekly to ensure the complex specification requirements were met. As many products would be used in a non-standard scenario, Knauf suggested possible stud arrangements for the partition. Acoustic specialists then calculated these options to verify whether the proposed products would work.  In addition, as up to six boards were going to be used instead of the standard two, a structural engineer calculated the steel framing system as no one knew if the weight of the heavy board would pull the frame down or whether the screws would hold. The final result has been a combination of Knauf products, specified primarily for their acoustic performance. These include Knauf Vidiwall high-performance plasterboard for the partitions, Corridor 400 and Heraklith® wood wool acoustic panels for the ceilings and walls in the warehouse area and Solopanel for the theatre.  “Installation wasn’t straightforward,” explained Barry Stoddart, Contract Manager for Mansell Building Solutions. “The box-in-a-box design in the main warehouse area created some confined spaces, particularly the cavity between the two boxes. This was 2m wide by 30m high, so the walls had to be constructed in a tight space.” Knauf Vidiwall board was used in these restrictive spaces to meet the strict acoustic and fire performance requirements.  The theatre’s shape was also challenging as the hexagonal design created complicated radius walls and bulkheads. Knauf Solopanel was installed in some of these areas as the product’s continuous perforations provide a striking, monolithic surface and exceptional acoustic absorption.  “We were pushing products to the extreme,” concludes Drew Wiggett. “It was a really intense period, and we spoke to the team at Knauf once or twice a week and were constantly emailing. We asked a lot from them, but their service and products were excellent.”The project highlighted the importance of collaboration throughout the supply chain, from initial specification and design all the way through to product delivery. Knauf worked closely with distribution partners Encon & Nevill Long to supply product throughout the project. Simon Mutch, Business Unit Manager - Interiors, Encon & Nevill Long North West, explains: "Our excellent supplier relationships really came to the fore, as we worked closely together to overcome challenges and keep this ambitious project progressing smoothly. Consistent communication with Knauf and Knauf Insulation allowed us to secure the necessary products and make first drop deliveries to site five days a week. Flexibility on all sides was paramount in keeping this project moving forward to completion." The Aviva Studios officially opened in October 2023 with the premiere of Danny Boyle’s immersive performance, Free Your Mind, based on The Matrix films.

Proposing the Regal range of colours – developed by Knauf for its Presto render range – has enabled Cavanna Homes to work closely with South Hams District Council’s planning department to achieve a pleasing external aesthetic at its Origins development, set in the heart of the Devon village of Dartington.

A combination of passion from the homeowners and experience from suppliers has helped London couple Joe and Lina to build one of London’s smallest, and sustainable, two-bedroom homes near Canary Wharf.

Birmingham’s Grade II listed Municipal Bank, a significant historical site, had sat unoccupied since 2006 before being purchased by The University of Birmingham which planned to convert it to a civic space that could benefit all.Built in the 1930s by T. Cecil Howitt, a refurbishment and extension of the building was planned to provide the University with a brand new city-centre based campus. The bank’s redevelopment has since created a learning space for students as well as exhibition and event spaces, meeting rooms and public areas, including a café.Architect, Glancy Nicholls designed the extension and refurbishment. The build was complex, having to accommodate and preserve many heritage features. Main contractor, Galliford Try chose to specify Knauf for a number of internal elements, including Knauf Shaftwall and Knauf plasterboards, due to their experiences of using Knauf products. Drywall Contracts were responsible for the installation of Knauf products, which proved highly compatible with the build’s heritage elements. Honouring the Bank’s historical architectural standing was at the core of the project’s design and construction. “Working around historic architecture, there were a lot of bespoke elements to this project. It was key that modernisation didn’t take away from any historic features and working with Knauf products helped achieve the project with that mindset,” said Jon Jacznik, Director of Drywall Contracts.  For example, a technique called Ashlar plastering was used to create a tile affect that mimicked heritage designs on Knauf boards and partitions. Freddy Maxwell-Heart, Site Manager at Galliford Try, noted that “Knauf successfully worked with heritage plasterers to achieve this effect consistently.”Another integral aspect of the build was the need to bring the 100-year-old building up to modern specifications so that it could meet today’s building regulations. Several Knauf high performance boards were used on this project, their characteristics lending themselves to the practical and regulatory requirements of the build.Knauf Impact Panel, for example, was chosen for use in areas of The Exchange which are open to the general public due to its impact resistance and robust qualities.Being a mixed-use space with offices and events spaces, thorough sound proofing was needed in places. For this, Knauf Sound Panel and Shield Plus was used to ensure a suitable and comfortable environment throughout the building.Knauf Fire Panel also featured heavily in this project. This helped ensure the building’s fire standards met stringent regulations, especially given its Grade II listed status.Construction of The Exchange took place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 during a nationwide lockdown. This was a challenging time for the industry, but Jon remarked that “Knauf continued to supply systems to ensure client requirements were met with as little disruption as possible.”Similarly happy with the level of support Knauf offered, Freddy observed that “Knauf were very helpful throughout and, Project Technical Manager, Tom Chamberlain was particularly helpful in addressing technical issues.”Jon agreed, adding that “Tom worked closely with the contract manager to overcome all the nuances and oddities the building threw at us. There was a lot of coordination between parties and frequent changes to the plans which Knauf responded to promptly.”Opened in September 2021, the re-developed Exchange offers a significant contribution to the heart of Birmingham and the city’s wider Arena Central masterplan.

Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School are being redeveloped on the existing site of the high school which was demolished. The new buildings are located to the rear of a Grade II listed school building which was retained as part of the development. The £36.1m project forms part of the Government Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).

The Knauf ThroughWall system has been specified for use on the Roxburghe Hotel in Kelso, on the Scottish borders. Designed by ISA Architects with Sharkey as the main contractor, the Roxburghe Hotel extension will provide 58 additional bedrooms, as well as spa and conference facilities. The project team at Sharkey were impressed with the technical knowledge and support of the Knauf Team. “Knauf really stood out from a technical point of view – we’ve had the same point of contact at Knauf throughout this project. Even during Covid they demonstrated the technical components of the systems that have been used, took us through the brochure and handling the Knauf products”.A one-stop shop for a completely warranted (system performance warranty) exterior infill wall panel system, Knauf ThroughWall is BBA certified and combines a range of high-quality products into a single solution. Knauf ThroughWall is designed to meet required building performances whilst allowing for a diverse range of exterior finishes to be applied.Furthermore, the Knauf ThroughWall system can be used with a selection of internal finishes, such as Knauf Airless Finishes. Highlighting the efficiency benefits of Knauf products and systems, the team at Sharkey continued: “the ThroughWall System was ideal for this project. It received a good response during the design approval process and offered the most cost-effective design. The ThroughWall guarantee is also a big plus.” This guarantee would provide the added peace of mind and protection the client and contractor were looking for. The hotel is situated within rural Scotland, so ensuring the building materials are protected from the elements was essential. Integral to the Knauf ThroughWall system is Knauf Windliner, a 12.5mm specialist paper-faced gypsum sheathing board designed to provide protection against the weather for the outer face of the Knauf SFS frame.It has a fire and moisture resistant core and is faced with treated terracotta coloured paper to reduce moisture ingress. Left exposed to the elements, it provides protection to the building during the typical construction programme of up to 6 months.Having come under new ownership in 2018, the hotel needed to be modernised with a breath of new life. By employing these modern methods, the team have been able to ensure a cost-effective, high-quality and efficient construction to bring the hotel into 2023. 

Saracens High School in Colindale, North West London is set to benefit from a brand new building constructed using the Knauf ThroughWall system. The new building will become a hub for the local area including pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.

The Ladderswood Development is a regenerative project based in the London Borough of Enfield. There are 112 properties, all overlooking a central sculpted landscaped area within the development. Given the interior shape and goal of creating comfortable living spaces, both contractor and installer agreed that Knauf offered the performance they needed. The project was award to drylining specialists S&R London Ltd. in April 2022. Interior work began in January 2023, and they were tasked with bringing the internal aspects of the development up to specification. Elion Mucaj, Quality Manager for S&R London explains. “When we got the project at Ladderswood early last year, we were initially asked how we were going to ensure it was completed to a high standard that would make the development attractive to future residents. We explained our operating process, and what we were aiming to do to ensure that the client’s needs were met.”“Once the client was satisfied, they mentioned they wanted Knauf products used internally because of their previous experience using their range. Coincidentally that was our thoughts too! We knew when we saw the specification, we wanted to use Knauf throughout to hit those performance targets.”Meeting the brief.Being a residential development, fire performance and safety was one of the key considerations for product choice. To achieve this, it was decided that Knauf Fire Panel should be used, with Elion commenting. “Knauf Fire Panel was brilliant; it has the fire performance we needed for the project and of course the warranty it comes with means that we had peace of mind that the product would be secure.” To achieve the level of acoustic performance and comfort for the apartments, Knauf Soundshield Plus was put to good use. “We knew we needed a solution which would ensure minimal sound transfer between the homes. From using the product before and speaking with Knauf, we opted for Soundshield Plus. It was ideal for use within the main walls of the properties.” To round out the overall performance of the properties, Knauf Moisture Panel was used in each of the bathrooms. Chosen for its excellent moisture resistant properties, Moisture Panel helped to minimise any potential damp-related issues and reduce snagging.“Knauf Moisture Panel was the first thing we thought of when it came to the bathrooms. We knew that it is perfect for places that get very humid, and with its material makeup it can really reduce the amount of damp related issues that could develop in the properties. In the long run, it would save everyone a lot of hassle.”Supporting factors.When looking back over the reasons for specifying Knauf for the interior, Elion recalls it wasn’t just the performance guarantees which helped swing the decision.“We have used Knauf in the past and the benefits of using their products are many, but the key thing for us is the technical support. It’s phenomenal and is available as and when we need it.”“Whenever we had questions, we’d get in touch with Knauf and they’d happily answer, no matter how big or small. They also made regular site visits to make sure that everything was going well and that we were all on the same page.”With performance being at the heart of the offer, Knauf was the first choice for both S&R London Ltd. and the client, Mulalley. However, it highlights the importance of the support behind the products which can make the difference on site. Being able to quickly answer technical queries, offer visits to site, and performance guarantees, all adds up for a compelling manufacturer offer.