Linthorpe Developments , a commercial north east property company , is rejuvenating a 26-year-old office block in Middlesbrough using embossed pearl grey PVCu cladding from Deeplas , the UK manufacturer and supplier of calcium organic PVCu roofline products and building plastics . The colour , pearl grey , is a big factor because it provides the right upmarket facelift for a property that is being transformed into the Cleveland Business Centre , a high-specification serviced office space for up to 55 start-ups and expanding enterprises . Linthorpe founder and managing director Geoff Hogg says he chose Deeplas embossed cladding because it offered better

value for money , with lower maintenance costs and speedier installation than conventional alternatives . “ The architects would have liked cedar cladding but maintenance would have been an issue because cedar goes silver over time and I don ’ t want to have to have the cladding treated every five years ,” he explained .

“ Embossed cladding achieves a similar appearance but won ’ t lose colour . Also cedar would have been supported on tanalised laths which can ultimately rot , whereas Deeplas cladding uses plastic battens that won ’ t .” In Geoff ’ s view the original building was far too monolithic and the cladding at the gable ends

would break up the block-like appearance with columns and bands of colour . Some 140 pearl grey embossed double planks , measuring 6m x 300mm , have been installed as columns and will be set off by 600mm deep horizontal bands of fluorescent green cladding . The green cladding is constructed from 5m lengths of flat plank

PVCu board that has been powder-coated locally and , when completed , will be illuminated from within by powerful LED lights for an eye-catching effect that will make the building into a landmark . Deeplas building products director , Hazel Verschuere , said : “ This is an imaginative example of how cladding can help transform

a building into something of architectural and aesthetic merit , giving it a contemporary look and feel that will no doubt appeal to local businesses looking for office space .” Designed for easy installation , Deeplas PVCu shiplap cladding provides an attractive , low maintenance , weather resistant answer to replacing rotten timber cladding , concealing problem areas of brickwork or adding an interesting new feature to a property . The easy-fit , clip-together boards are available in a range of realistic embossed finishes to complement a range of styles from rustic timber-effect to crisp and contemporary . Colours available include : white , light grey , light ivory , mocha brown , sand , sky blue , pearl grey and cream .

www . deeplas . co . uk

Colour is the current big trend in composite doors . And that ’ s why Phoenix Doors , part of MASCO UK Window Group , has responded with the launch of its carefully-produced colour guide . Designed to complement brochures on its existing comprehensive range of GRP composite doors to suit all types of properties , the guide showcases the appealing range of shades available in both through-colour and standard painted options . In addition to the standard five through-colours on its County and Continental Collections , the Phoenix Doors ’ guide highlights the additional stylish heritage colour finishes - duck egg blue , Chartwell green , slate grey , very berry and anthracite grey – that are also available . These shades and more , including a softer French grey and mid grey , can also be

specified for the high-performance 70 mm double-rebated and triple-glazed Meridian composite doors . “ Our coloured composite entrance doors are proving very popular and it ’ s clear that homeowners are keen to personalise their properties with a front door that makes a clear statement ,” comments Haydon Statham , Phoenix Doors sales director . Recent expansion of Phoenix ’ s in-house paint spraying facility , catering for any specified RAL colour , means that further personalisation options of the Meridian Door are virtually limitless . Haydon adds : “ Since becoming part of the group more than three years ago , we have continued to invest across our business and tailor our service to suit the varied needs of all our customers , whatever their size , and to make their lives easier .”

www . phoenixdoorpanels . co . uk

Solidor , manufacturer of the secure composite door , has been shortlisted for two Construction Marketing Awards ( CMAs ). Run by the Chartered Institute of Marketing , the CMAs are the UK awards for marketing in construction . Solidor has grown fast in the last 12 months because of its investment in people , product , facilities , processes and marketing . Its marketing has been shortlisted for the CMA in Strategic Planning & Management and Best Use of Press and Public Relations .

‘ our share of the market is growing fast ’

Solidor CEO Gareth Mobley says : “ MRA Marketing ’ s marketing strategy and messaging moved Solidor up a gear and we grew faster . Installers are switching to Solidor because there ’ s no escaping the benefits of selling beautiful security and the real-life security homeowners want . So our share of the market is growing fast .

“ We have the right product and people , the right infrastructure , and now we have the right strategy and messaging too ,” continues Gareth . “ It ’ s great to be recognised at such a prestigious event . We ’ re looking forward to celebrating at the awards in London on the 1st December – good luck to everyone else who is shortlisted .”

To find out more about the secure composite door visit www . solidor . co . uk , call 01782 950 941 , or follow @ SolidorLtd on Twitter .