Family Hub Choses Style Again for Folding Partitioning Wall

Christchurch Family Hub provides essential, early support for local families. In 2003, Style installed a folding wall with pass-door to enable the Hub to divide its main activity and family room into two separate areas, as and when needed. Twenty-two years on and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council again contacted Style, this time to replace the old wall with a modern system with enhanced operation and improved acoustics.

Finished in a beech laminate, the new Dorma Huppe Variflex moveable wall is smooth and lightweight to manoeuvre, allowing the space to be easily opened up, or divided into two rooms, many times a day. If preferred, the dividing wall can be left in place for extended periods thanks to an integrated pass-door and, with a 49dB acoustic rating, activities can comfortably take place either side of the wall undisturbed.

“The original wall at the Christchurch Family Hub lasted over two decades, with regular servicing and maintenance from our after-care support team,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group managing director. “The fact that it continued to deliver smooth operation for such a long time is testimony to the quality of the original installation and also to the expertise of our technicians.”

Style’s after-care service team offers tailored maintenance plans to suit each customer’s unique site requirements, from one-off visits to fixed annual contracts. Fully accredited and experts in health and safety compliance, Style engineers are trained to work on all moveable walls, including automatic and semi-automatic systems.

The Variflex system installed at the Christchurch Family Hub brings improved acoustics and the latest operational features. One such benefit that is particularly relevant for this busy activity centre, is that the Variflex panels are manufactured separately to frame. This means that the individual panel linings can be easily changed if one should become scuffed or damaged, saving a considerable amount of money compared to replacing the entire wall. www.style-partitions.co.uk

A Timeless Ensuite Transformation

A beautiful high-end residential project located in a serene and picturesque area of Huddersfield saw the transformation of a principal ensuite into a masterpiece of design and luxury. The original space, last renovated in 2002, featured high-end materials, from solid Carrera marble and gold Versace tiles, but lacked the attention to detail beneath the surface. In 2024, the ensuite underwent a complete renovation, creating a timeless design that seamlessly blends elegance, luxury, and practicality.

The homeowner trusted Chris Halifax, director of CTH Creations, with the support from Adam McEwan, director of Sussex Wetrooms, to bring their vision to life. Both Chris and Adam are Schlüter Registered Installers, bringing specialist knowledge and proven experience to every aspect of the installation.

With a goal of crafting a space that was both visually stunning and built to stand the test of time, Chris knew he could rely on Schluter-Systems products to ensure the ensuite not only achieved a flawless aesthetic but also delivered unmatched durability and functionality for years to come. Having used Schlüter products since 2021, Chris praised their high quality and practicality, noting that the on-site support provided by Schlüter's technical team and sales consultant, Philip Cutts, was "second to none."

A key challenge was to create a design that was both timeless and elegant while delivering an immediate wow factor. To achieve this, Chris incorporated elements like heated walls and a heated shower tray, adding an extra layer of comfort. These features, combined with a sleek, modern design, ensured the room felt as opulent as it looked. The addition of a steam room added a touch of wellness to the ensuite, with KERDI-DS providing vapour proofing for the curved walls of the steam room, creating both a functional and a visually striking feature. Adam McEwan's expertise with Schlüter products, especially KERDI-DS played a key role in ensuring a flawless installation, further enhancing the space's practicality and design.

The project used an array of Schlüter-Systems products to guarantee a flawless finish. To ensure comfort, DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS was installed beneath the floor, providing efficient underfloor heating while also offering sound reduction. This solution not only improved the overall comfort of the space but also streamlined the installation process, making it a practical choice for Chris. 

KERDI-SHOWER-LTS, alongside a KERDI-LINE-G3 drain was installed to ensure seamless and reliable drainage throughout the shower area. DITRA-HEAT-E was also used for additional heating coverage on the walls, making the entire space warm and inviting. The use of the KERDI-BOARD system as a solid, waterproof substrate was crucial for ensuring that every tile laid had a durable and long-lasting foundation. KERDI-COLL sealant adhesive and KERDI-FIX installation adhesive were applied throughout to ensure secure connections and abutting joints.

The client was also keen on achieving a visually stunning space while incorporating efficient storage. A variety of KERDI-BOARD-N niches were installed, creating a practical and aesthetically pleasing feature. To complete the en-suite, stunning large-format (1200 x 600mm) TAU Ceramica Varese tiles were installed, perfectly capturing the luxurious tone the homeowner envisioned.

The homeowner was thrilled with the transformation, resulting in a sumptuous, timeless ensuite that perfectly combines style and practicality. The success of the project showcases the importance of thoughtful design, quality materials, and reliable products. With Schlüter-Systems solutions, the ensuite meets the highest standards, blending modern luxury with timeless elegance, setting a new benchmark for residential renovations. For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

West Fraser's CaberMDF In The House

From furniture to architectural mouldings,  and radiator covers to panelling, MDF  can be seen, or unseen, in many places around the modern  home. When it comes to consistency,  quality and ease of use, West Fraser's CaberMDF leads the way with its legendary performance and popularity; the brand was first produced in 1966.

Photograph courtesy of Unsplash

CaberMDF is designed as a  cost-efficient, versatile alternative to hardwood, without the inherent knots or grains. Stable and dense,  the panels have a high-quality surface, are strong, resist impact and accept fasteners securely. They  are easy to work  and can be  sawn, drilled, shaped, and routed cleanly with minimum fuss, using hand or machine tools. When it comes to appearance, quality finishes are easily achieved, and the smooth surface of the panels is ideal for painting, veneers or  paper foils.

CaberMDF can be used  to form architectural features,  fascias, shelves, fitted units, wardrobes and kitchen and bathroom furniture - including door and drawer fronts as well as carcassing.

West Fraser's comprehensive five-strong CaberMDF  range allows the perfect matching of panel to application. For general purpose use, CaberMDF Trade is a  versatile, lightweight board, which is ideal where weight is a factor.  CaberMDF Trade MR offers the same benefits  but with the added advantage of moisture resistance for wet or humid environments.

Where there is a need for premium quality and detailed working, CaberMDF Pro provides incredibly consistent density,  ensuring cutting and routing need minimal finishing. CaberMDF Pro MR offers the further benefit of moisture resistance.

The ultimate product in the range is  CaberMDF Industrial which is  moisture resistant and designed specifically for the production of high-grade furniture and fittings. It is ideal for deep routing and its consistent close-grained texture ensures clean edges and surfaces that will take advanced finishing techniques.

Beyond the advantages and practicalities of using CaberMDF, the materials and processes used to manufacture the product offer the reassurance of being sustainable. West Fraser's range of board products is available in a wide selection of sizes to minimise  waste. All timber used is responsibly sourced and FSC certified.

The panels are manufactured in the UK from locally grown timber and are  net carbon negative.  Additionally,  all of West Fraser's UK mills have obtained the coveted ISO 14001 environmental accreditation. Samples of all West Fraser construction panels can be ordered on the website Uk.westfraser.com.  For further information, please call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com