Solus

One Centenary Way is a landmark 13-storey building in Birmingham’s Paradise development, a major UK urban regeneration project. Designed by Howells, delivered by Weedon Architects, and built by Sir Robert McAlpine, it spans the A38 Queensway Tunnel like a bridge, linking Chamberlain and Centenary Squares. Due to the tunnel below, traditional foundations were not possible, so Arup and Howells engineered a solution using sixteen Vierendeel trusses to transfer the building’s load. The steel exoskeleton structure provides workspace for a team of 3500 people, and includes an outdoor terrace and street-level amenities, exemplifying innovative design and engineering. Read about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eQPjYnY9

Redefining Work & Breaking Perceptions 💭 "Do you wear overalls?" 💭 "Isn’t it just a dusty tile shop?" 💭 "What do you even do?" Ian Hamilton and Sam Frith from Solus hear it all the time. People assume his job must be dull, transactional, predictable. But when they actually see what he does, the reaction flips— "That looks incredible! Can I work there?" And that’s the thing. Work isn’t supposed to feel like a grind. It’s not just about tasks, deadlines, and clocking in. It should be about energy, passion, and doing something that lights you up—something that doesn’t feel like work at all. 👉 So why do so many industries still operate as if work has to be rigid, outdated, and draining? In my conversation with Ian and Sam, we talked about breaking the boundaries of what work ‘should’ look like—not just in the tile and construction industry, but across the board. ⚡ Work can be creative. ⚡ Work can be inspiring. ⚡ Work can be somewhere people actually want to be. It starts with challenging outdated mindsets about leadership, workplace culture, and industry norms. If people don’t get what you do, maybe it’s because you’re redefining the game. 📢 Tag someone who is breaking the mold & changing the way we think about work! And make sure you listen to the podcast linked in the comments, like and share. Let's change how we do things round here....

This week marks a very special milestone… Dan Hamilton celebrates 20 years at Solus! Dan first started back in 2005 in a Sales Support role, and quickly established himself in the team with his knowledge, kindness, and quick wit. Dan now leads the Sales Support team, and is a pivotal part of the success of Solus. Jo Prestage, Operations Manager, summarises the past 20 years of working with Dan: “20 years… That’s gone frighteningly quickly! In this time, Dan has become legendary for his uniquely terrible jokes and infamous IT struggles. Though on par with a cheesy Mr Bean, Dan’s jokes have kept (most) of us entertained throughout the years. Despite his knack for technological calamities, he has a heart of gold. He’s been kind to those who have struggled, along with cheerleading individuals’ success and happiness. Cheers to another 20 years of giggles and unforgettable moments!” Big thanks to Dan for everything! Here's to many more years ahead... 🥂

Over the past couple of months, we’ve hosted a series of Slip Resistance workshops in our Manchester Studio.    The purpose of these sessions was to help educate architects and designers on the importance of slip resistance, the different types of testing methods, and how Solus can help our clients make informed decisions on the best tiles for their projects.    Thank you to the 130+ clients who joined us! We’re looking forward to rolling the sessions out to our clients across the country. 

Last week, our Elements series in collaboration with Florim Ceramiche and Stiff + Trevillion Architects concluded with Fire, in which we explored parallels between the food system and architecture/construction.   Douglas McMaster of Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant, joined us to reflect upon his attempts to challenge the waste inherent in the food system. He recycles the energy of waste food scraps into compost, which then returns to the fields that provide produce to Silo.   He told us fascinating stories of making flour and butter from scratch to make the best shortbread he’s ever tasted, and encouraged us to ponder the metaphysical implications of the bin. We watched his short film about the genesis of Silo, 'A Failure of the Imagination'.   Chiara Carpi from Florim Ceramiche, spoke about how all four classical elements, Earth, Air, Water, and Fire create ceramic, and how Florim is always looking for ways to conserve the energies and materials inherent to the process. She gave the example of heat captured from the kiln being used to dry pre-fired clay. Dr Leo Soul and his amazing band played the evening in with an immaculate jazz set. Food inspired by Silo restaurant was served by 5 Incorporated. Our MD, Ryan Bennett thanked our partner Florim Ceramiche, installation creators Stiff + Trevillion Architects and the Solus team for all their hard work on the series.   From the hubbub of conversation and convivial atmosphere, it was clear to see that the audience had been inspired by these twin innovations to reimagine systems by Silo and Florim. As Douglas’s film declares, waste truly is a failure of the imagination, and ultimately an inefficient way to run a planet. Let’s continue to interrogate the elements of our systems to create a more sustainable future!

We have 30 years of experience sourcing the best tiles from the best factories. Our RIBA-approved CPD, Firing Earth, is a culmination of this experience, and gives a comprehensive overview to help you select the best, most sustainable tiles for your project. You will learn about: ✔️ The different types of tiles, the history of tiles, and the raw ingredients ✔️ Sustainability, EPDs, and how tiles can help shape sustainable environments ✔️ The different fixing methods ✔️ Slip resistance values and testing methods ✔️ The role of Light Reflectance Values in creating inclusive environments Find out more here, or contact your Account Manager for more info. https://lnkd.in/eVitTmHM

This week, Kenneth Graham, our Sustainability Manager, delivered the 200th presentation of Moving Earth: Sustainability and Ceramics! 🥳 Since joining Solus, Ken has carried out in depth research and analysis into the industry and its products. Our RIBA approved CPD, Moving Earth: Sustainability and Ceramics, is the result of that research, and addresses the environmental impact of the industry and the role that ceramics can play in creating sustainable environments.    Find out more and register your interest here: https://lnkd.in/e3GVswrg

Margo restaurant: A feast for the eyes, soul, and appetite. Glasgow’s culinary scene is served a new course thanks to Scoop Restaurants Group Ltd and mosaic architecture + design. We worked closely with Stuart Black, Head of Interiors at Mosaic Architecture, to bring his design vision to life. Terracotta in Potters brings a sense of earthy charm, while the vibrant Colour Bar in Golden brings a sophisticated warmth to the space. The result is a thoughtful, inviting and elegant space that perfectly complements the culinary aesthetics of the restaurant. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/excs2nfg

From Kiln to Kitchen: The Zero-Waste Revolution 🔥 Join us for the finale of Elements, in collaboration with Florim Ceramiche and Stiff + Trevillion Architects, as we explore the journey to zero-waste, from kiln to kitchen. We will be joined by Douglas McMaster, Chef, Author, and Owner of Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant, as he shares his vision for a new food system and his short film 'A Failure of the Imagination'. Music from Dr Leo Soul and James Mason. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eHbFRxn9

We're celebrating one year since launching our Manchester Studio, and what a 12 months it's been! Jazzmine Barrett, Studio Manager, sums up the first year: "The past year at our Solus Manchester Studio has been a year of deeply rooting ourselves in the essence of Manchester, embracing it's energy, and further spreading the Solus message across the North. We’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people, forge new connections, and strengthen the relationships we already value so much.   "A particular highlight was the success of our creative workshop series, Solus Sessions, and winning the Mix Award for Product of the Year: Surfaces for Spolia was the perfect way to end our first year at Solus Manchester.    "Working in such a beautiful space has been a true pleasure and i'm excited about the ambitious plans we have for 2025!"