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Rotpunkt light wood kitchens with new Loft Nordic Oak

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Rotpunkt
, award-winning designer and leading manufacturer of climate friendly German Kitchen furniture captures the rising trend for light wood kitchens with the launch of Loft Nordic Oak, a light-coloured laminate décor with the look and feel of contemporary natural wood.

Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says, “We continue to recognise the allure of Scandinavian-style in the UK home, with the latest kitchen interiors continuing to adopt a minimalist aesthetic, which is functional, inviting, and inherently close to nature. Quality raw materials are therefore the desirable choice for ultra-modern kitchen cabinets, and there is a strong emphasis on light-coloured wood finishes in kitchen living spaces, which are guided by hygge design principles.”

Get the Scandi-look in your home with a Loft Nordic Oak kitchen by Rotpunkt – Products include:

LOFT NORDIC OAK – Available in the company’s popular Zerox SY VER furniture, Loft Nordic Oak presents a light, honey-rich wood colour with fine woodgrain texture. FSC® Certified to provide a greener alternative for the UK homeowner, Loft Nordic Oak is part of the Loft Oak door range, and joins Loft Dark Oak as 1 of 2 brand-new oak effects by Rotpunkt in 2025.

TOKYO HANDLE – The just launched Tokyo handle brings visual impact and enhanced utility to this two-tone contemporary kitchen, helping to reimagine slab front doors so UK homeowners can choose to be subtle with this grip-style handle or make a feature by choosing the handle in an opposing finish. Tokyo is available in 15 wood colours and a ready to paint option, and it’s shown here in the same finish as the Clay Dark Memory FL Zero furniture. Alternatively, opt for the Tokyo handles in Loft Nordic Oak and make a feature of the handles while highlighting the light wood cabinets, which define this l-shaped kitchen.

XTEND UNITS – Wider and taller, Rotpunkt furniture lets you get more from your kitchen with a selection of XTend units, which offer special dimensions for greater planning options. Wider than traditional cabinets, the 750mm wide units mimic the proportions of professional-style kitchen and are shown here using a run of Memory FL Zero base units in Clay Dark. 2340mm extra tall cabinets are also shown using the new Loft Nordic Oak door range, and offer a series of full height units that surround a built-in single oven to create an ergonomic cooking environment with ample storage.

INVISIBLE STORAGE – Near invisible, the Loft Nordic Oak niche wall panelling includes two complementary wall units with new milled hinges, and the innovative wall panel system, which lets homeowners mix and match accessories. Featuring three 8mm coloured shelves, this customisable wall panel system is able to evolve with you and also serve as a multi-purpose splashback behind the sink or hob. Accessories include 8mm glass/2mm metal/8mm coloured shelves, tablet holders, wooden knife block, glassware holders, industrial hooks, slim-line storage caddy and foil dispenser, and each accessory is designed to clip straight on each wall panel for endless customisation!

6. Coffee Machine Unit (Carbon Grey)

COFFEE MACHINE UNIT – Save space and keep your worktops free from clutter with a hidden coffee station, complete with innovative pull-out coffee tray and integrated power supply. Able to provide optimum convenience in an open-plan kitchen, the new Coffee Machine Unit by Rotpunkt is designed to hide away small appliances like a coffee machine and toaster to create a dedicated breakfast cupboard that can disappear when not in use for a truly a modern and sophisticated look.

CLIMATE FRIENDLY – Creating climate friendly kitchen living interiors, 80% of all Rotpunkt furniture is made of Greenline BioBoard Gen2 made of up to 90% recycled wood, with all wood elements FSC® Certified in support of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable forestry.

Rotpunkt new kitchen concept in  Loft Nordic Oak is available now, and priced from £17,500+vat.

For more information, please contact Rotpunkt UK by email info@rotpunktuk.com or visit www.rotpunkt.co.uk (rotpunktkuechen.de)

Develon Wins Major New Machine Order from RJ McLeod

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– Comprises 12 new DA30-7 ADTs and six crawler excavators –

RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd, one of Scotland’s largest privately owned civil engineering and building contractors, has taken delivery of a new order for 16 machines from Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment.

The new equipment has been supplied by Castle Douglas-based James Gordon Ltd (Gordons), the Authorised Dealer for the whole of Scotland for Develon. The order comprises 12 new Develon DA30-7 articulated dump trucks (ADTs), together with six crawler excavators, including four DX225LC-7 models, a DX300LC-7 and a DX300SLR-7 super long reach machine.

Enhancing RJ McLeod’s In-house Plant and Transport Fleet

Acting as both replacement and fleet expansion units, the new Develon equipment has joined RJ McLeod’s in-house plant and transport fleet, part of the sizeable in-house resources at the company, which has a workforce of around 450 employees.

Jamie Corser, a Company Director responsible for business development at RJ McLeod, commented:

“For more than 70 years, RJ McLeod has excelled in delivering solutions for clients, often in logistically demanding locations. It is essential that the machinery we use is of the highest quality and we chose Develon, because our research showed that this brand of machinery provides the reliability, productivity, lower emissions and reduced running costs that we need.”

Righa Gauld, RJ McLeod’s Plant Yard Manager added:

“We’re delighted to take delivery of these new machines which is the first stage of significant investment in our expanding fleet.”

About the DA30-7 ADT

The DA30-7 is one of three models in the ADT range from Develon, comprising the DA30-7 and DA45-7 6×6 models, complemented by a new 4×4 version of the DA45-7. The DA30-7 6×6 model has a payload of 28 tonne and is powered by the Scania Stage V compliant DC09 9 litre diesel engine providing 276 kW (375 HP) of power.

Both the DA30-7 and DA45-7 6×6 models feature an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie ensures equal distribution of weight to each wheel and guarantees permanent 6-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and excellent performance particularly on all types of terrain. Collectively, the forward turning point, the unique tandem bogie and the sloping rear frame results in ‘best in class’ rough and soft terrain capabilities.

Operating in Scotland and Northern England

RJ McLeod carries out contracts throughout Scotland and Northern England, in a broad spectrum of civil engineering disciplines with resources spread across Scotland, including the Western and Northern Isles. Specialist areas include works in the energy, roads and structure, marine, infrastructure, streetscaping, waste and flood prevention industries.

RJ McLeod was created by Roderick John Macleod in October 1951. ‘RJ’ as he was affectionately known is remembered for his ability to get the best from all who worked for him and this – along with his business acumen – was instrumental in creating the successful company still flourishing today.

In June 2024, RJ McLeod was acquired by OCU Group, who are continuing to support the future growth of the Company.

Authorised Dealer for Develon for All of Scotland and Cumbria

Established in 1865, Gordons is a premier distributor of agricultural and construction equipment in Scotland. With six strategically placed depots, the company is committed to providing a fast and efficient local service for machinery, attachments and – most importantly – the best possible aftersales support. Gordons (www.gordonsconstruction.co.uk) is now solely responsible for sales and servicing of the Develon crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader, articulated dump truck, dozer and attachment ranges in Scotland and Cumbria in England.

Gordons customers benefit from a superb on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. The company’s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of all types of plant and machinery.

Develon is one of the world’s leading construction, quarry and mining equipment manufacturers, offering a broad selection of products including crawler and wheeled excavators (with operating weights from 1 to 100 t), wheel loaders (covering capacities from 1.9 to 6.4 m³), articulated dump trucks (with maximum payloads up to 41 t), compact wheel loaders (from 3.5 to 5 t), dozers (up to 15 t) and products with alternative power sources.

For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

New home plans surge by a third

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New figures provide a promising snapshot of planning activity in England, revealing that new home applications increased by nearly a third between April and June 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The data, from Planning Portal operator TerraQuest, will be welcomed by ministers as they push forward with reforms aimed at delivering 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliamentary term.

These figures were revealed in the latest Planning Portal Application Index for Q2 2025, which covers 95% of the planning applications made to local authorities in England. The report shows 69,597 new homes were applied for during Q2, up from 52,282 during the same period a year earlier.

In further good news for the sector, seven out of eight regions saw more new homes applied for in Q2 of 2025 than in Q2 of 2024, with the West Midlands seeing especially strong growth of 71.7%.

Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, operator of Planning Portal, said: “There are clear signs of sector recovery, with our data revealing a notable rise in planning activity, contrasting with some of the less positive trends reported further along the development cycle, such as in construction. Because our data captures the very first step in the planning journey – often months before work begins on site – it provides a reliable early indicator of market sentiment. The recent uplift points to growing confidence among developers and housebuilders, likely driven by positive policy signals, including the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill currently progressing through the House of Lords.

“While the figures don’t yet align with the government’s target of 1.5 million homes, they do show a clear uptick in the planning pipeline.  This growth signals renewed market intent, as the sector lays foundations for increased activity while planning reforms take time to bed in.”

Planning and property experts weigh in on the application surge, its reflection in their work, and the impact of recent policy changes:

“We’re seeing an increase in planning and housing applications, especially in areas where Local Plans are under review or recently withdrawn. The December 2024 updates to the NPPF, including a softer housing delivery test and clearer support for brownfield development, have encouraged more speculative and strategic submissions. Developers also appear to be acting ahead of possible policy tightening in late 2025.

“There may also be pent-up demand following a subdued period post-COVID and earlier plan-making uncertainty. The revised NPPF’s more flexible approach to the five-year housing land supply has lowered risks for developers, making it more attractive to bring forward sites now.

“We’re noticing more pre-application engagement and design-led discussions, a positive sign of confidence. However, delivery remains patchy, with Build to Rent and strategic land sectors most responsive, particularly in urban extensions and regeneration areas with existing infrastructure.

Persistent challenges include delays in signing S106 agreements, nutrient and water neutrality requirements causing local delays, capacity issues within planning authorities slowing determinations, and infrastructure funding gaps limiting readiness.

“While some issues like nutrient neutrality delays are easing due to new mitigation strategies, new challenges have arisen from mandatory biodiversity net gain requirements and the Building Safety Act/Gateway process — both positive in principle but currently adding uncertainty, longer programmes, and increased costs.”

  • Mary-Jane O’Neill, Head of Planning Consultancy (London & South), Planning, Regeneration + Infrastructure, Lambert Smith Hampton

“Whilst new homes are the government’s focus, we’ve seen more than double the enquiry volumes across homeowner products this year – particularly for conversions, extensions, and other improvement works. The shift began tentatively in Q1 and has picked up pace as inflationary pressures ease and interest rate expectations stabilise.

“It’s encouraging, but not unexpected. Underlying demand for housing never disappeared, developers and homeowners alike were simply holding off amid uncertainty. What we’re seeing now is cautious re-engagement. There are green shoots, although delivery still lags behind. Construction costs remain a key friction point, and planning bottlenecks persist in some local authorities, especially those still grappling with post-COVID staffing challenges.

Interestingly, we’re seeing fewer delays around funding approvals, which is a positive change from this time last year. And there’s strong interest in commuter-belt projects, particularly where there’s a clear housing need and good transport links.

“Second charge mortgage applications for home improvements have more than doubled year-on-year. For many, improving an existing property has become more cost-effective than moving, especially with high house prices and limited stock. A second charge loan allows homeowners to unlock equity without affecting their existing mortgage – and that’s proving a smart route for those looking to adapt their homes to suit lifestyle needs.

“If current sentiment holds, we expect steady but measured growth over the next 6–12 months. Confidence is returning.”

— Tom Carmody, Managing Director, Pure Property Finance, a strategic partner of Planning Portal

The Planning Portal Application Index Q2 2025 is available to download here https://www.terraquest.co.uk/news-and-insights/q2-planning-application-index-2025 

LEICHT Contracts supply Japandi-style kitchens inspired by KYOTO

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LEICHT Contracts, one of the UK’s leading providers of German engineered kitchen furniture to the new build and regeneration construction market supply Japandi-style kitchens in homes across London, which are inspired by its iconic KYOTO range.

KYOTO is a premium furniture collection by LEICHT, defined by a stylish 3D relief frame, elegant integrated real wood handle, and Japanese craftsmanship. Appealing to two separate property developers, Silvercrow Developments and AF Build, each project required LEICHT Contracts to deliver high-quality modern kitchens, which are indistinguishable from its luxury KYOTO range but fall into Price Group 1.

Sarah Edwards, Managing Director UK at LEICHT Contracts explains, “As projects continue to be determined by a variety of direct and indirect costs such as materials and labour to inflation and supply chain dynamics, we need to be able to serve our clients that require quality products, in volume, at cost. With this in mind, we worked closely with both developers to provide a contemporary kitchen space which is shaped by one of the most structured and well-thought-out interior concepts in design, Japandi style.”

Family-run property development business, Silvercrow Developments, has built up an impressive portfolio from its base in South London, with a long list of satisfied buyers all around London including the recent development at Honor Oak Pak in London, called Evergreen Walk. Including a premium collection of six sustainable 3-bedroom family homes, this exclusive development is designed to bring high quality yet affordable homes to South London, which blend into the natural environment with a series of timber-clad structures surrounded by trees, long grass and urban plant-life.

Inspired by the Japandi-styling of KYOTO by LEICHT Contracts, each unit includes a 100% Carbon Neutral LEICHT timber kitchen using PRIMO laminate doors in Karst Oak with KYOTO veneered handles and CONTINO and BONDI handleless super-matt frosty white wall units. To enrich the hygge atmosphere, LEICHT niche lighting helps to create the perfect ambiance throughout the kitchen living space with LED striplights integrated under each wall unit for added illumination. 30mm Caesarstone Wyndigo stone worktops in honed finish align with the neutral and modern colour palette, with matt black single bowl sink and Nera Matt Black single lever mixer tap by Reginox, and premium integrated appliances including a BORA Pure 60cm Induction Cooktop with 80cm Pure Puru Induction vented hob, built-in BOSCH Series 4 Single Oven, Beko integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher, and BOSCH laundry appliances.

Artform is a design-led property development company in North London which has built almost 150 homes and commercial spaces in some of the City’s most sought-after locations. Having worked on a large number of projects together, LEICHT Contracts was commissioned to supply kitchens for AF Build, Artform’s construction arm, for a refurbishment development in the vibrant area of White City in West London. Located within The Curve on Bard Road, AF Build has transformed former offices into eight residential 1 and 2-bed new build properties for Green City Homes, which retain the building’s original industrial style.

Featuring exposed concrete ceilings and bare plastered walls, the client wanted a kitchen with Japandi styling to provide homeowners with a textured aesthetic that is minimalist, warm, and naturally shifts light. For this reason, LEICHT Contracts supplied its PRIMO range in Alpine natural oak with matching integrated wood handles to give the same look and feel as the company’s signature KYOTO range, plus an ORLANDO tall unit in Karst Oak and CERES Frosty White (PG1). Highly favoured in Japandi design, each kitchen is beautifully finished off with a range of white appliances and hardware, the kitchen wash zone offers a White Granite Matrix 1-bowl sink and Althia single lever kitchen tap by Abode, with the cook zone presenting Bosch integrated appliances including a single oven, dishwasher and fridge/freezer with Telescopic Extractor by Elica also in white. Designed for life, all surfaces are by Foresso and are finished in no-chip Pewter to provide a healthy and long-lasting choice in today’s luxury homes.

For further information, please contact LEICHT Contracts

t +44 (0)203 735 9430, e enquiries@leichtcontracts.com, w www.leichtcontracts.com

Unit E Taper Studios, 175 Long Lane, London Bridge SE1 4GT

Project Architect of the award-winning £3 million refurbishment of Handel Hendrix House has been shortlisted for the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2025

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Handel Hendrix House is very pleased to announce that Helena Tunbridge, who was the Project Architect on the award-winning £3 million refurbishment of Handel Hendrix House has been shortlisted for the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2025 which celebrates new architectural talent. The short list has been announced today (Tuesday, July 29, 2025) and the Award will be announced at the Stirling Prize Ceremony on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at The Roundhouse in London following a visit by the judges in September.

Helena, who is an Associate Architect at Peregrine Bryant Architects, said:
“I am delighted that the Hallelujah Project has been shortlisted for this prestigious prize which is awarded to the best project led by an early career Project Architect and supports the next generation of architects. The project as a whole has been such a joy and a privilege to be a part of.”

Simon Daniels, Director of Handel Hendrix House also added:
“We are delighted to hear that Helena has been shortlisted for this award. Handel Hendrix House also won two awards in May 2025 at the RIBA London and Conservation awards, so we are thrilled that this wonderful project and those involved are continuing to be recognised.”

The Hallelujah Project, which was completed with the re-opening of the Handel Hendrix House in May 2023, delivered the full restoration of Handel’s house at 25 Brook Street and added new supporting exhibitions at the former home of Jimi Hendrix in the adjoining 23 Brook Street. The project included the removal of a 20th-century shop front at Handel’s house, and the careful rebuilding of the original Georgian façade of the building. New exhibitions, museum shop and event-catering facilities were also added, accessibility improved, and the museum’s infrastructure was upgraded to make it more sustainable and resilient.

Company launches eco-bricks that ‘absorb carbon’

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A start-up company in Sheffield has launched environmentally-friendly bricks which absorb and permanently store greenhouse gases.

Materials developer earth4Earth, based at Sheffield Technology Parks, said the bricks capture carbon dioxide from the air around them but are also manufactured using methods which do not produce it.

The first batch is now being used in pilot projects across Sheffield.

Co-founder Theodore Hanein said:
“We are incredibly excited about how our work is going to help construction projects achieve net zero and the huge difference it will make in restoring planetary health.”

‘Fully recyclable’

Support manager Anna Simmons explained the bricks were created using soil excavated from construction sites which would otherwise go to landfill.

This was then combined with a newly-developed binder to make the bricks stronger.

However, Mr Hanein said the binder was not like the kind used in traditional bricks which is created by heating limestone to about 1,000°C to create a material called lime.

He said this process created carbon dioxide as a by-product as well as requiring fossil fuels to be burned to reach the very high temperature.

Instead, he said his team had developed a way to create lime at room temperature which released carbon in a solid form instead of a gas.

Ms Simmons added the bricks were “fully recyclable” and, after being crushed, could then be turned into new bricks or used in soil as a fertiliser.

They are currently manufactured in Wuhan, China, then imported into the UK.

However, she said the company was planning to move production next year to further reduce its carbon footprint.

‘Huge impact’

John Grant, senior lecturer in climate change and sustainability at Sheffield Hallam University, said it was “critical” to find ways to reduce the impact of the construction industry on the environment.

He said he believed it “consumes more resources and produces more waste than any other single industry” and the creation of common building materials — such as traditional bricks and concrete — was having a “huge” impact.

He said he supported the concept of a lower-carbon brick like the kind developed by earth4Earth but that the company would have to prove the strength and longevity of the bricks.

Mr Grant added that a “vast number of different technologies” would need to be used to negate the amount of pollution from construction.

“We have created a society based around the emission of carbon but we need to pivot on that to something that doesn’t,” he said.

SC Lowy completes $250 million real estate financing in Seoul

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SC Lowy actively fundraising for third Asia-Pacific private credit vintage, which is on track to exceed the $500 million target

SC Lowy, a leading private credit alternative asset manager, is today pleased to announce the successful closing of a $250 million residential apartment inventory financing transaction for a completed luxury development in the prestigious Gangnam district of Seoul. The transaction represents a landmark short-term bridge financing deal in one of Asia’s most sought-after residential markets.

SC Lowy successfully contributed $150 million from its managed funds and syndicated the remaining capital across 22 leading South Korean institutional investors. The deal underscores the strength of SC Lowy’s local partnerships and its proven ability to structure and distribute complex, large-scale transactions in the region.

Soo Cheon Lee, co-founder and CIO of SC Lowy, said:

“This transaction is a testament to both the depth of Korea’s institutional market and the confidence our partners place in our structuring and syndication capabilities. We’re proud to play a leading role in enabling sophisticated financing solutions for high-quality assets in Asia’s key urban centers.”

The closing comes as SC Lowy continues fundraising for its third Asia-Pacific private credit vintage, which is on track to exceed its $500 million target by the end of the year. The success of this capital raise reflects the firm’s disciplined growth strategy and its continued focus on generating value for investors through differentiated credit opportunities across the region.

Soo Cheon Lee continues:

“The success of our fundraising reinforces our growth strategy and commitment to delivering long-term value for our partners. With deep regional expertise and an innovative approach, we’re well-positioned to navigate complexity and provide tailored credit solutions that meet investors’ evolving needs.”

EQUITONE responds to UK industry growth with new optimisation service

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With the construction sector forecast to grow steadily through to 2027, EQUITONE by Etex has unveiled a new optimisation service designed to support architects in delivering high-performance, low-impact façade designs.

As demand for sustainable architecture, advanced building performance and innovative design becomes more widespread, manufacturers are being challenged to deliver more than just products. In response, EQUITONE, design-led fibre cement façade brand from Etex, has introduced a new optimisation service for architects and developers to support them in designing and delivering projects with less waste, lower carbon impact, and greater efficiency.

The launch comes as Glenigan publishes its Construction Industry Forecast (2025–2027), which projects sustained growth across the sector, with activity expected to rise by 3 per cent in 2025, 10 per cent in 2026, and 11 per cent by 2027. And, as growth picks up across commercial, education and mixed-use schemes – among other markets – there’s an increasing need for sustainable design solutions that are compliant with building safety standards, while also meeting the needs of tomorrow.

EQUITONE’s optimisation service directly addresses this and represents a strategic evolution of its technical services, aligning its offerings with the changing needs of architects, façade engineers, and contractors.

The service provides architects with tailored technical guidance from the early stages of the design process. Available for projects over 2,000 m², the service gives design teams in architect practices access to EQUITONE’s technical specialists, who review façade plans and identify opportunities for material efficiencies; to reduce waste, cut embodied carbon, and improve project outcomes through more considered sizing, layouts and installation strategies.

Up to 55 projects across Europe have benefited from using the service which has helped to avoid 15,000m² of surplus material and reduced embodied CO₂ by 155 tonnes, highlighting the benefits of smarter specification on both environmental and operational fronts.

“With construction momentum returning, there’s a renewed opportunity to make low impact design the standard, not the exception,” commented Matthew Castles, Technical Support Manager at EQUITONE. “This service is about helping architects realise their vision more efficiently by reducing unnecessary waste and supporting smarter use of materials from the outset.”

With the UK generating around 60 million tonnes of construction, demolition, and excavation (CDE) waste per year, there is a growing demand for waste minimisation and low-carbon development. EQUITONE’s optimisation service aids architects in proactively reducing waste by addressing sustainability and cost-efficiency from the early design stages.

EQUITONE’s façade materials are Cradle to Cradle Certified® (Bronze) and engineered for long-term durability; they are tamper-resistant, graffiti-resistant and designed for longevity. The Optimisation Service therefore helps to reduce raw material use, limit offcuts and improve environmental performance over the building’s lifecycle – all while complimenting early collaboration and circular thinking.

Matthew continued: “We’ve always encouraged architects to engage with us in the early stages to ensure compliant system design, reduce risk, and prevent costly rework. But early engagement goes beyond compliance, it’s also where the biggest sustainability gains can be made. By collaborating with our technical team from the outset, architects can unlock smarter ways to reduce waste, lower embodied carbon, and maximise the efficiency of their façade design.

“Sustainability is central to everything we do at EQUITONE, and this service is about enabling – and empowering – architects and developers to deliver buildings that perform better for people, and for the planet.”

Now available for eligible projects, the service forms part of EQUITONE’s wider Relentless Pursuit of a Vision campaign, a commitment to supporting architects in transforming design challenges into low impact, high-performance solutions. To learn more or to engage with Equitone’s technical team, visit: www.equitone.com/en

Gradus XT Stair Edgings provide premium finish to beachfront restaurant

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As part of a high-spec refurbishment ahead of the grand opening of The Yacht Torquay, Gradus supplied stair edgings that not only met the practical demands of hospitality design but also delivered on a precise and elevated aesthetic.

At The Yacht Torquay, a bold new venture by East Street Pub Company, Gradus stair edgings played a pivotal role in the hospitality project where every detail was curated with intent and precision.

Design-driven collaboration
In partnership with visionary design studio Gutxi and supported by Gradus representative Brendan Lovett, and Charles Mitchell, Main Contractor at Flooring Matters, the team delivered a striking staircase installation that seamlessly connected the vibrant bar area with the exclusive lounge above. This architectural transition demanded both aesthetic flair and technical performance.

The featured Gradus XT profiles ASXT20 and GXT11 were specified in black anodised channels with satin bronze inserts. The contrast was intentional, dark and cinematic, yet warm and refined, with tailored metal accents that elevated the overall interior palette.

Commenting on the installation, Charles Mitchell, Contracts Manager at Flooring Matters, said:

“We achieved the exact finish we envisioned with the new XT range. With both aesthetic and technical requirements met, the result not only fulfilled expectations but set a new benchmark for stair integration in luxury hospitality settings.

“It was an easy decision to select Gradus. The XT nosings delivered the high-end finish and visual integration we needed. There’s nothing else like it on the market.”

XT Stair Edgings: Designed to define spaces

For designers seeking solutions that combine visual impact with performance, Gradus XT offers a compelling proposition:

Customisable aesthetic

  • Mix-and-match channels and inserts to align with your project’s narrative, delivering complete creative control without compromise.

Safety meets style

  • The patented profile design ensures high-performance slip resistance at the leading edge, engineered specifically for stair safety in commercial spaces.

Flawless integration

  • Precision-engineered profiles pair effortlessly with adjacent flooring materials, creating clean lines and crisp junctions with no visual disruption.

Expanded finish options

  • A wide range of anodised metal effects, bronze tones, and architectural-grade textures allows designers to match or contrast with surrounding surfaces.

Specification confidence

  • Gradus provides on-site product reviews, measures, and tailored support, ensuring design fidelity from concept through to completion.

Why it matters for specifiers
The Yacht Torquay is more than a design success; it’s a statement on how architectural details can shape immersive experiences. With Gradus XT, specifiers no longer have to choose between performance and visual impact — they can have both.

Ready to specify for your next project?
Gradus XT is the edge you’ve been looking for. Contact the team today to find out more about how Gradus can enhance your next project.
Call 01625 428922 or visit www.gradus.com

CASE Construction Equipment Introduces Evolution E-Series Midi Excavator Range, From 8-10 Tonnes, With A Model For Every Application

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Mono and two-piece booms, fixed boom and boom swing, short radius and zero-tail swing, the Evolution E-Series delivers for every customer, on every jobsite.

CASE Construction Equipment continues to expand its compact crawler excavator range, to suit the needs of every customer, whatever the application. The latest additions to a line-up that includes more than 20 individual models, are the E-Series midi models that cover the 8-10 tonne operating weight market.

Boom Choice
Those customers looking for a zero-tail swing design with a fixed mono boom, similar to a full-size crawler model, can opt for the CX85E, with an operating weight of 8,830kg. For businesses that prefer a boom swing solution like a mini excavator, for improved access on constricted sites, the CX90E weighs in at 9,210kg. The ultimate flexibility, with a longer horizontal reach and higher dump height, comes with the CX100E. This 10,080kg model offers a zero-tail swing design, with a two-piece articulating boom (TAB) and boom swing.

If customers require additional stability and lifting capacity, the CX85E and CX90E can be ordered with an additional 440kg counterweight, which is standard on the CX100E. Mounted internally, the additional weight does not impact the zero tail swing overhang, maintaining the compact dimensions of these 8-10 tonne class machines. All three of the machines can also be equipped with an external 900kg additional counterweight if required.

Performance Levels
All three of these excavators are powered by a 53.7kW (73hp) diesel engine. With a variable displacement hydraulic pump, there are three operating modes available, including Economy for maximum fuel efficiency. Along with the three factory presets: Economy, Standard and Power, it is possible for the operator to program an Individual setting, adjusting the speed of each hydraulic function to suit their preference.

The machines benefit from up to three auxiliary circuits, that can be set to match the flow requirements of different attachments, to provide maximum operating efficiency and performance. Electro-proportional roller switches in the joysticks provide fingertip control of auxiliary functions.

Cab Control
CASE has also introduced a joystick travel mode, allowing the operator to control all tracking functions from the left-hand joystick. This is particularly useful when using the dozer blade for backfilling applications and travel. These three models are equipped with dual-speed transmission, with automatic shift-down when required, delivering perfect traction in all situations.

The operator will also enjoy the premium cab environment, with three types of seating on offer, including mechanical or pneumatic suspension and seat heating. Ergonomically-designed joystick levers with intuitive push buttons and electro-proportional roller controls maximise productivity and reduce fatigue for the operator, while the multi-function computer display provides access to control menus, diagnostics and hydraulic adjustment screens.

Air conditioning components have been located within the rear roof spoiler, which rotates within the counterweight dimensions. This location maximises visibility from the cab, while rear view mirrors and cameras offer the operator an all-encompassing view around the excavator. LED lighting completes the visibility package, ensuring maximum vision in all light conditions and weather.

Easy Access
CASE midi excavators are built to work, and the 8-10 tonne models have wide opening access doors and a tilting cab, to allow easy access to all service and maintenance points. A reversible fan drive can be used to blow out dust and debris from the cooling pack and all filters and fill points can easily be reached from ground level.

Service Guarantee
CASE midi excavators are built to work and the 9-10 tonne models have wide opening access doors and a tilting cab, to allow easy access to all service and maintenance points. A reversible fan drive can be used to blow out dust and debris from the cooling pack and all filters and fill points can easily be reached from ground level.

E-Series midi excavators are covered by all existing services offered by CASE and its dealers, including CASE Protect extended warranty and the CASE Care planned maintenance program. This offers various durations and application coverage, as well as payment options, significantly reducing the total cost of maintenance. These services can be combined with personalised services such as fluid sampling and periodic inspection, provided by expert technicians at CASE dealerships.

The excavators come equipped with integrated telematics modules, enabling real-time data transmission and smart alerts for dealers, customers and operators. This connectivity gives everyone useful insights into machine performance and health. CASE employs artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms to ensure uptime and enhance productivity.

For CASE dealers, this means complete visibility and remote access to machine status. Alerts, reminders, and notifications help to proactively address customer needs. If a potential issue is detected, an alert is sent to the CASE dealer with specific recommendations and actions to resolve problems before they escalate.

On the customer side, CASE offers myCASEConstruction, a dedicated app and portal that goes beyond traditional fleet management. More than just a tracking tool, it provides a centralised platform for accessing machine insights, managing jobsites, and reviewing performance reports, enabling smarter decisions and greater control over operating costs.

CASE Construction Equipment sells and supports a full line of construction equipment around the world, including backhoe loaders, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, vibratory compaction rollers, crawler dozers, skid steers, compact track loaders and forklifts. Through CASE dealers, customers have access to a true professional partner with world-class equipment and aftermarket support, industry-leading warranties and flexible financing. More information is available at www.CASEce.com.

CASE Construction Equipment is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNH) a world-class equipment, technology and services company. More information about CNH can be found online at www.cnh.com