"fire protection"

Asset management firm, BAML has signed-up to use FireDNA’s Fire Door and Doorset Monitoring Software and Mobile App.With the introduction of Regulation 10 back in January 2023 which requires the owners of buildings over 11 metres to carry out quarterly inspections on all fire doors. The FireDNA software and Mobile App allows users to undertake on-the-spot audits and inspections, capturing the data in real time; the data is then stored and managed through the FireDNA cloud.The programme is being rolled-out in 10 developments across London, managed by BAML, including Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms, Wardian London’s iconic two towers in Canary Wharf, Royal Wharf in the Royal Docks area and the Brentford town centre regeneration project adjacent to the River Brent.“We are delighted to be awarded this contract and look forward to working in partnership with BAML.” said Tony Millen, FireDNA’s Operations Director. “Across the 10 developments, our FireDNA Inspection Partners will inspect, tag and monitor 25,000 Fire Doors using our Mobile App, making the inspection process efficient and compliance easier.”(About BAML – BAML is a property management organisation providing customer-focused services to residents in more than 11,000 homes across London. This includes managing the planned maintenance, capital expenditure programmes and financial accounting and onsite services).

The children’s hospital is the largest centre for child heart surgery in the UK and one of the largest centres for heart transplantation in the world. The hospital is constructing a new building which will contain an Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance suite as well as physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities. The suite will enable surgical teams to check whether complex procedures have worked, before patients wake up.Dortek supplied our specialist hybrid doors which are hygienic, lead-lined, fire-rated, automated and hermetically sealing. Our doors are specifically constructed for high hygiene areas and are completely free from timber or other organic materials which can harbour bacteria. The doors play an essential role in preventing cross-contamination as well as providing certified fire and x-ray protection and ensuring safe and efficient access for patients and staff.

Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School based in Kingstanding, just outside Birmingham, took advantage of a quieter time, with the majority of pupils home schooling, to undertake interior wall protection work with Yeoman Shield. Catering for 700 pupils aged 11- 16 the school has corridors and break-out areas throughout the school where walls and corners especially are exposed to marking and impact damage caused by the everyday movement of pupils, staff and equipment.The damage not only detracts from the smart image the school strives to up hold in all areas, but also becomes a strain on the maintenance budget with constant requirements of repair and redecoration. With the aim to reduce such damage and expenditure, after research and receiving samples, Head Teacher, Robert Swanwick, contacted Yeoman Shield to supply and carry out the installation of a complete wall protection system.Following strict Covid guidelines throughout the process, Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives installed Yeoman Shield FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels, (after boarding-out some of the brickwork to provide an even finish), at 1250 mm high to corridor and dining areas in a Dusty Grey colour to complement artwork decoration applied to the upper walls.Staircase walls were also fitted with the wall protection panels with the addition of Yeoman Shield 50 mm Dia. Guardian Handrail in Timber with attractive Stainless Steel accessories.Vulnerable wall corners were protected with 75 x 75 mm corner protection in a matching colour and Yeoman Shield 110 mm White PVCu cover over a solid timber core skirting was added.This full Yeoman Shield wall protection system will abolish the future need for repainting walls and skirting with cleaning being the only maintenance required, reducing budgets spends. The rigid PVCu material that Yeoman Shield products are manufactured from are easy to clean, do not promote the growth of bacteria or mould and are not affected by the use of commercial cleaners, assisting in the up keep of high hygiene standards.Mr Swanwick commented “the quality of the product is exceptional. It has been installed for six months in some places and shows no signs of wear or tear yet. I also cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism of the installation teams, who understand the challenges of working in a school environment and get on with things quietly and efficiently. I am a very happy customer.”For more information on how installing wall & door protection products can help save on building maintenance and help keep interiors looking smart and clean get in contact on 0113 279 5854, info@yeomanshield.com or go to www.yeomanshield.com

Plumtree Court, also known as The London Development Project (LDP), is Goldman Sachs' new European headquarters located in Farringdon Street, London. This nine-storey building, replacing the historic Fleet Building, offers 78,000m² of advanced, low-energy office space for nearly 10,000 workers. The project, a collaboration with Multiplex Construction Europe and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, features three fire curtain systems providing varying integrity ratings to ensure safety without disrupting the open-plan design. Challenges included stringent security measures, complex logistics due to narrow roads, and adherence to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme standards, all of which were successfully navigated to complete the installation efficiently.

Overview Cladding on a student accommodation block needed replacing to comply with current standard and regulations. Our powder coating finishes passed stringent tests.Location: Bournemouth      Sector: Education/Residential.   Client: Metalline.  Specification: C4M Urban, A2,s1-d0  Main Contractor: Starfish   Area coated: 6000sq m.The RequirementExisting cladding on a student accommodation block at Bournemouth University International College needed replacing to comply with current standards and regulations, key amongst which is the ‘Reaction to Fire’ rating, A2, s1-d0. Also important was the need to impact futureproofing of the building by improving the building façade lifespan in its exposed coastal site, close to the Bournemouth seafront.The designers proposed a robust replacement system, which, on completion, would exceed current high-rise cladding legislation. More detail on this project can be found on the Starfish website HERE.The Powdertech Solution‘Peat Fire’, a finish from our Rust collection, a Powdertech Wood Finish shade and a RAL shade were selected by the client to be used across the building façade. These were applied as marine grade with great attention paid to metal protection pre-treatment.The building owners insisted on complete and independent fire testing of all the chosen products for the cladding. A fire barrier system was set up in Belfast under a BS 8414 testing criteria, to be conducted before acceptance of the proposed design and fixing solution. The three Powdertech finishes selected by the client were all pre-tested on the Metalline aluminium cladding and final inspection readings demonstrated full compliance. Meeting with the main contractor, Starfish, and Metalline ensured a good level of understanding and communication throughout the project.Read more on our powder coating and reaction to fire regulations HERE Why Powdertech?We offer a wide range of unique finishes; those chosen here provided the popular ‘aged and weathered’ look.All finishes are rated A2, s1-d0 for reaction to fire.Our finishes offerExcellent corrosion protection and weather resistanceHigh level of colour and gloss retention and high performance abrasion resistanceFinishes conform to BS EN 12206-1 and Qualicoat specificationsA 25-year warranty was provided for all three finishes used in this project with an expected 40-year lifespan.

A comprehensive fire door replacement programme throughout the 5-storey Ladywell Unit which provides mental health services including a psychiatric intensive care unit.Advanced Timber Systems supplied fully PVC encapsulated ‘Vanta-form’ Door-sets and specialist anti-ligature hardware to give a robust, compliant and durable solution in this complex environment.Glazed Side screens were supplied with toughened security glass to enhance the safety for patients and staff without compromising visibility through corridors.

Standing at an impressive 140 metres high, Vestas’ wind turbine stands at the Danish National Test Centre for large wind turbines, where it is producing electricity for around 7,500 homes. The impressive structure – which has a rotor area the size of three football fields – needs a robust coating system to protect it from the corrosive saltwater atmosphere. As a long-standing Vestas supplier and development partner, it was natural that Vestas ask us to provide a protective coating system for the V-164 8.0 MW prototype.Due to the tower’s size, special vehicles are required to move the pieces. As well as anti-corrosive protection, the coating system has to deliver excellent abrasion resistance in order to protect the tower during transport and installation. Vestas chose to use our standard protective coating system for wind turbines, which is proven to deliver excellent anti-corrosion performance, robust abrasion resistance and lasting weather and UV resistance.Vestas chose a highly durable protective coating system for both the interior and exterior surfaces. The exterior surface is categorised as C5-I (high) according to ISO 12944, and our coating system comprised Hempadur 4774A, a self-priming high-build epoxy, followed by a layer of Hempathane HS 5561B, a two-component, aliphatic polyurethane finish. The internal surfaces have a lower corrosive categorisation and were coated with two layers of Hempadur 4774A.

Is an upcoming development by Damac Properties, that will be located in the heart of Business Bay, Dubai. The development will be home to an impressive mix of residential units, hotel rooms, and office space. Fire safety was a priority on this project. It was used the Effisus Vapour FR System, that works as a vapour control layer, protecting the building from condensation risk and improving the airtightness and consequently the energy efficiency, and the Effisus Bonding KF+P, an innovative bonding solvent free, with exceptional properties of adhesiveness, waterproofing and UV resistance.

A new ferry terminal on Brodick Bay, created as a tourism and community gateway to the Scottish Isle of Arran, has been fitted from stem to stern with door and window systems supplied by GEZE.Maritime design and modern comfortThe ship-shaped terminal, designed by the renowned architectural firm Norr of Glasgow, is part of a £30 million investment which aims to update the harbour, get it ready for 21st century travel, and improve passenger comfort.Natural ventilation thanks to automated windowsThe generously sized lounge with its double height and large wall of windows on the western façade offers visitors a breathtaking view of Brodick Bay. The large windows, which are automatically opened and closed by 30 GEZE Slimchain chain drives, give the reception area at the main entrance to the building a bright and spacious feel. The uniquely slim and understated look of the Slimchain window drives integrates perfectly into the unique façade design of the Brodick ferry terminal.The Slimchain window drives were installed not only on the large windows in the lounge, but rather throughout the entire two-storey building – with the exception of the upper ventilation openings: Powerchain chain drives are used there. These especially powerful window drives were chosen to operate the larger windows, since they allow for large opening widths – which is important for quickly venting smoke in case of a fire.The window drives are connected to a GEZE MBZ 300 SHEV control panel for smoke and heat extraction drives, which is integrated into the building management system of the terminal. This makes it possible to easily control and monitor the complex natural ventilation system.Ventilation, smoke and heat extraction, and emergency exit protectionThe windows in the staircases are also equipped with Slimchain chain drives. If needed, the window systems also allow for natural smoke and heat extraction: In case of smoke and heat, the smoke extraction solutions open the windows and control fresh air openings, so that lifesaving escape routes remain smoke-free and safe to use in case of an emergency. In addition, GEZE OL Line manual fanlight openers provide supplementary natural ventilation.Door systems for accessible fire protection doorsBeneath the glazed western elevation are two automatic swing doors to either side. These are powered by GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F door systems, just like another door on the side façade of the building. The electro-mechanical swing door drives for single leaf fire and smoke protection doors are extremely versatile: They provide power assisted opening and can be initiated using the operating button with constant opening and closing speed. Integrated obstacle detection also identifies potential obstacles and stops the opening or closing process if needed. By doing so, Slimdrive EMD-F drives also ensure easy and safe access for people with mobility issues.Understated design and high access convenienceFrom the main entrance, a glazed corridor leads to a bi-parting sliding door powered by a GEZE Slimdrive SL NTsliding door system, which leads into the foyer of the main reception area. The Slimdrive door drive fulfils two key stipulations here at once: It is suitable for interior and exterior doors with high levels of footfall, and ideally suited for glass façades with high design standards – such as the Brodick ferry terminal – due to its low operator height of just 7 cm.

Ahmarra manufactured fire doors for Brunel University London, on behalf of the main contractor.Manufactured from sustainably timber, these doors are faced with Formica’s stylish Terril (F2297) dark grey high pressure laminate.As with all of our Education Range, these pre-hung doorsets were supplied with factory-fitted stainless steel ironmongery, ensuring full compliance.

Ahmarra manufactured Q-Mark certified FD30 fire doorsets for Octavia House School, an independent specialist therapeutic school in Great Baddow, Essex.Selected from our Education Range, the pre-hung doorsets were manufactured from sustainably sourced timber and supplied with fully compatible ironmongery.The client chose colourful Formica F6901 Vibrant Green, F8820 Leaf Green, F4177 Lime and F8755 Lemon high pressure laminate facings, in line with the Octavia brand’s colour scheme.

Castell High School in Flintshire supplies co-education to 1300+ students promoting strong levels of well-being.The original school building was established in 1958 and as the student intake grew extensions were built in 1974 and 1992 to accommodate.2021 saw the latest extension, Y Celtec building, completed. Problems soon became apparent with the walls within the new area being clean and damage free.The school’s Site supervisor, Paul Muncey explained “Keeping the white painted walls clean was becoming a nightmare for our cleaning team and within 12 months of the building coming into use the walls along the corridors required repainting.”Business Manager Emma Manning had come across Yeoman Shield wall protection solutions in a previous position and got in touch with regards to protecting the new building’s wall before the impact damage became too great.Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives installed Mid-Grey FalmouthEx, 2500 x 1250 mm wall protection panels along the corridor walls.The panels once in place not only protect from damage but are easy to clean down and will prove over the years to reduce repair and maintenance costs. They also look good sustaining a bright, clean, and welcoming environment for staff and pupils at all times.Paul Muncey concluded, “I was very pleased with the quality of work provided by the Yeoman Shield installers who showed consideration to the environment that they were working in.”

London Fire Brigade chose Jewers Doors to design and manufacture 46 setsof fast acting exit doors for emergency vehicle bays at nine new Fires Stationsas part of a £51 million refurbishment program.

Barry Fire Station / Altro case study

Pembroke College Cambridge has various historic buildings. Some of the doors in the college range from between 150, and 200 years old. To maintain the aesthetic, Sealmaster Fireface, Adhesive and Masterseal is used to line to inner face of the doors to retain their original appearance. Intumescent and perimeter seals such as Sealmaster delta and Sealmaster GRS graphite strip are used to ensure the college is compliant with fire regs.

For what is one of London’s tallest residential towers, Siderise, leaders in the development of fire, thermal and acoustics insulation solutions, has provided cavity barriers and perimeter fire seals as part of the glazed curtain walling system for the Landmark Pinnacle Tower.

HAG took great pride in being selected to install industrial doors at the new headquarters of Dorset Fire Service, a project envisioned by Prince Charles, now King Charles. This £3 million architectural marvel embodies grand neo-classical design, complete with a mock balcony, presenting unique challenges for our installation team. With meticulous attention to detail, we ensured that our industrial doors seamlessly complemented the three-storey fire station's aesthetic while delivering the high levels of security and user convenience demanded by the situation.Our industrial Q Doors emerged as the perfect solution, striking a harmonious balance between breathtaking aesthetics and the structural robustness essential for this prestigious undertaking. This collaboration exemplifies HAG's commitment to marrying form with function, enriching architectural masterpieces with innovative security solutions tailored to meet the most exacting standards.

Deptford Fire Station is a Grade II listed building in Lewisham having been originally constructed in 1903. Bolton Gate supplied the folding appliance bay doors in the 1960’s and although still functional after fifty years, they were in need of replacement due to frequent usage. Since the building is listed, every effort was required to replace the doors on a like for like basis and Bolton Gate were engaged to supply new folding shutters to the same design which were installed and handed over recently. This is the latest in a list of several fire station contracts undertaken in London.

In the heart of Franciacorta, at the top of the hill overlooking Bornato, sits the historic headquarters of the Società Agricola Monte Rossa srl. Owned by the Rabotti family since 1972, the Winery is famous for its fine wines that can satisfy even the most demanding palates. Producing 500,000 bottles per year and with 70 hectares of managed vineyards, Monte Rossa is considered a leader for the quality level of the Franciacorta wines it produces.Last May, the new Winery by Monte Rossa was inaugurated - just a few kilometres from the historical headquarters. This was an ambitious project, using the latest in wine making technology, that also included an innovative fire detection system designed with the support of the installation company Eurodue srl of Brescia, a leading distributor of fire-fighting equipment and Hochiki dealer.Just like many other wineries in Italy, and indeed around the world, Monte Rossa is made up of different buildings for processing, storage, and packaging, which are mostly made of reinforced concrete and masonry. In terms of fire, the room that is the most at risk is the storage and packaging areas, since copious quantities of combustible materials are often stored in this room. In the wine industry, substances (such as nitrogen) contained in pressure vessels (cylinders) are commonly used, so particular care must be taken when using them, and the produces must ensure the room can be sealed in an emergency, to avoid explosions and fires.The new fire detection system was to cover an area of 20,000Sqm, divided across four levels with indoor and outdoor areas. The automatic and manual fire detection systems were installed in offices, laboratory, vinification areas, the Barrique cellar, the “sur lattes” bottle ageing rooms and the disgorging and bottling areas. The new Hochiki fire detection system also controls the fire doors of the compartmentalised processing and production areas of the building.Products chosen to protect the building, contents, staff and visitors include Hochiki’s SCI Sensors which are part of the ESP (Intelligent Range) which are trusted worldwide to reduce false alarms and allow systems to be tailored to achieve optimum performance.Ezio Danese, Project Manager at Hochiki Italia explained:'The UNI 9795 standard requires the installation of a short-circuit isolator for each zone in a building. SCI detectors with integrated isolator and various installed devices such as call points and I/O modules with double isolator ensure that the system complies with the regulatory requirements, without having to install additional isolators. This is definitely an advantage for the installer."Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) were also installed. These were a key component to the install because they provide a visual indication of an alarm condition, essential for areas where the public might be visiting, or in areas where staff might be wearing ear defenders.Filippo Piubeni, co-owner of Eurodue srl, commented:"It is always a pleasure to be able to complete such an important fire detection system project. We are proud to have made secure a site such as the Monte Rossa Winery, which is not only technologically advanced but equally linked to the winemaking tradition of the Franciacorta region. This top-quality system will provide the best possible protection for staff and the facility's many visitors. The system was installed by the company Bignetti Salvato and carefully programmed by FYS srl di Gregorelli Francesco, Hochiki's Technical Assistance Centre, which was able to optimise the various operational requirements in accordance with the project and current regulations.The Hochiki fire detection system installed at Monte Rossa is a feather in our company's cap for the foreseeable future."

Sto has supplied the StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system with StoLotusan render for the new Day Case and Eye Unit building at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. Specified by Gilling Dod architects of Chorley, who worked closely with the main contractor Tilbury Douglas, the StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with excellent fire protection characteristics. With an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, the non-combustible mineral fibre insulation is fully bonded to the substrate and therefore no additional firebreaks are required. Ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects, its efficient single-leaf construction also means that interior space within the building is not reduced.  For this project, the system’s mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the lightweight steel frame and sheathing board substrate with mechanical fixings and StoLevell Uni adhesive and levelling mortar. A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards, with StoLotusan and StoSilco renders used for the final finish on different sections of the building, using light colours from Sto’s architectural colour range.  StoLotusan is the only render available that uses Sto’s patented Lotus-Effect® technology which delivers impressive water and dirt repellence. It forms a unique surface texture, similar to that of the lotus leaf, that causes the rainwater to run off the render quickly and easily, removing any dirt or dust as it goes. Providing outstanding resistance to the growth of algae and fungus, the building will retain its looks for many years to come.  The new Day Case and Eye Unit is the result of a major £17.5 million investment in developing enhanced ophthalmology and day case services. The new Day Case and Eye Unit now offers an extensive range of diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients with medical eye conditions.

The £15million new Tarka Leisure Centre in Barnstaple, was designed to link with the existing Tarka Tennis Centre. There is now a natural flow between the existing and new part of the completed facility. Sport England invested £1.8m of National Lottery funding into the development of Tarka Leisure Centre to support the ‘get active’ initiative by making the facilities accessible and inclusive for the local community. The new centre, officially opened by British Winter Olympics hero Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, provides a much-needed swimming pool facility, an ‘endless’ indoor ski slope facility, a sports hall with four badminton courts, a large gym, two multi-purpose exercise studios, a spin studio, indoor soft play area, new reception area and café.With leisure centres having a high footfall and being a naturally noisy environment, it was paramount to consider the fire safety and acoustics of the building.  Lusso 105FR, a double-glazed fire-rated system, which provides acoustic performance of up to 54dB and fire performance of up to 60 minutes integrity and insulation was the ideal choice for this environment. Lusso Structural Glazing was installed where a higher specification level was required for edge protection.

It is a 200 Acre development to house almost any media based business along with retail outlets, leisure facilities and office space. It includes BBC, University of Salford and ITV as well as the Oasis Academy. FSi Ltd products were used throughout the various buildings to protect the means of escape and compartmentalisation of the development. FSi Products used Stopseal® 60 mm Batt, Pyrocoustic® Fire Resistant Sealant, Stopseal® Ablative Spray Coating, Silver liner® Rainscreen Barrier

This project includes 50 luxury studios, one, two and three-bedrooms in Poole town Centre. As a resident in this area, you can have access to numerous destination boutiques cafes as well as chains, shops and restaurants, making this location a modern living area. As a project development it is very modern and futurist because it was the first one being designed and constructed in BIM. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied.

A fire rated loft hatch and ladder provides safe and convenient access into a loft or attic, while still providing up to 120 minutes of fire resistance. It can also provide high levels of thermal insulation and therefore help to keep energy costs down. Premier Loft Ladders has released an application solution guide for fire rated loft ladders. It provides useful tips and advice on subjects such as the choice between aluminium or wooden fire rated loft ladders, as well as considerations such as thermal insulation and strength. You can also find details of their fire rated product range.

C-TEC’s revolutionary new evacuation alert system, EVAC-ALERT, has been specified for a new purpose-built residential building in London.Located in the Elephant and Castle area of the London Borough of Southwark, Joyce Newman House is an 8-storey block of 40 spacious living spaces commissioned by Leathermarket JMB, Southwark’s largest resident-managed housing organisation. The affordable-housing development also features landscaped gardens, an interactive playground and a communal kitchen garden for residents to grow their own vegetables.Specified and supplied by Churches Fire & Security working alongside Blu Electrical Installations Ltd, C-TEC’s EVAC-ALERT has been designed to comply with the new BS 8629, which recommends evacuation alert systems be installed in all new blocks of flats over 18 metres to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part or all of a building in an emergency.The system consists of a 2-loop control panel connected to a host of single and multi-way interface units, self-testing sounders and visual indicators. Simple and intuitive with manual controls to allow firefighters to easily operate the evacuation alert devices located inside flats on a zone by zone or floor by floor basis, the panel is stored in a secure vandal resistant cabinet which can only be accessed by the FRS using a special copy-protected key.David Collins, Project Manager at Churches Fire & Security, said: “Evacuation alert systems ensure firefighters can alert occupants in a building of the need to evacuate if a fire gets out of control. The EVAC-ALERT system we’ve specified provides peace of mind for residents and, crucially, also demonstrates that building management have taken every precaution possible to protect the people residing in the property. Our client is delighted with the system.”Certified to all relevant EN54 product standards, EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new cloud-based remote access data management software which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing.

Bluebell Park extra care development in Huyton, Merseyside, was designed to be used by residents who could be living with Dementia or other impactful health conditions. Adexon were delighted to work in conjunction with United Living and PRP to provide a solution which gave staff, residents and the emergency services 60 minutes of guaranteed fire escape time while still allowing the use of design features that increased natural light within the building.

Wall & Door Protection Specialists, Yeoman Shield recently collaborated with a Yorkshire hospital to provide Door Protection for a ward refurbishment that would be in line with the dementia-friendly environment brief. The work required the doors along the ward corridor to be protected using different coloured Yeoman Shield Protection Panels which had to be compatible with a pre-accepted pallet of shades found to be conducive to wayfinding benefits for people with dementia.Yeoman Shield was able to meet the colour brief drawing from their wide range of 58+ colours available in the protection panel range.The Door Protection panels were installed, along with matching door frame protection, by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, in Royal Blue, Aubergine, Raspberry Red, Tangerine, Lilac, Yellow, and Pastel Green shades, providing an attractive, protective, and hygienic surface finish.With the ward experiencing constant, heavy footfall, the door protection panels will play an important role in guarding against detrimental impact damage caused by the movement of beds, trolleys, people, and equipment. This can help to reduce the amount of time and money spent on the repair and redecoration of doors.

Fire-rated mailboxes and fire-rated parcel lockers integrated in the same unit. Recessed into the wall.

EVAC-ALERT, C-TEC’s powerful BS 8629 compliant evacuation alert system is protecting seven high-rise residential tower blocks in the heart of London. Guinness Square in Southwark and the Houses of Aubin, Clemoes, Maitland, Sherratt, Southgate and Sweeting in Brixton’s Loughborough Park are all managed by The Guinness Partnership, a 130-year-old charitable organisation that prides itself on providing high quality homes to improve people’s lives. The upgrading of the life safety systems was deemed vital to ensure the protection of residents living in the properties.Orestone Controls, the BAFE SP203 and SP207-accredited specialist systems integrator, was tasked with equipping the blocks with fully BS 8629 compliant evacuation alert systems to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part, or all, of a building in an emergency.  Ryan Mullen, Orestone’s CCO said: “Demand for evacuation systems is at an all-time high due to a combination of improved fire safety standards and new legislation. We’ve particularly noticed an increase in enquiries and orders since the new Part B of the Building Regs came in last year, as this says they must be installed in all new high-rise residential buildings over 18m in England. The new HSE ‘Be Ready’ campaign will also no doubt trigger new contracts with local councils and private companies over the next six months.”Ryan said: “We chose to specialise in EVAC-ALERT primarily for the ‘handholding’ service C-TEC provides, namely the first-class technical support that is so important on life-safety system projects. From the very first demonstration of EVAC-ALERT at our offices, to where we are today, C-TEC has supported us and our relationship has gone from strength to strength. We are experts at installation, highly conversant with the standards and because of this we have had to expand our fire division again with additional dedicated engineers to deal with growing demand. We have also started to work for other Housing Associations including GreenSquare Accord on some of their high-rise buildings.”As BS 8629 is a relatively new standard, C-TEC is very keen to ensure to educate people about its requirements. Throughout a project, the company is there to make life easier for the client, be that the consultant, the installer, the owner or building management company and they can assist with plans, technical drawings and the loop calculations required.By using the unique evacuation alert system software created by C-TEC’s R&D team and undertaking an assessment of a building, Orestone calculated exactly which devices are required. Special requirements for, say, elderly, vulnerable and disabled residents, were also taken into consideration. For example, visual indicators, vibrating pillow pads, etc. C-TEC also provided free advice and training on commissioning, cause and effects.  Ryan said: “Our engineers are constantly expressing how simple and intuitive EVAC ALERT is to install. The wiring is very straightforward and the flat interface units give you confidence that any short circuits will be isolated protecting the integrity of the loops. There’s no doubt that the system’s simplicity has allowed us to achieve minimal disruption to residents and work around their busy lives as we can be in and out of each flat in under an hour.  “Customer satisfaction is very important to Orestone and we consistently score five out of five on reviews. We take time to engage with residents and explain how the systems we are installing are designed to protect them. At Guinness Square we even held a joint open day with The Guinness Partnership to showcase the technology to residents, which the London Fire Brigade also attended and which was very successful.”The systems in each high-rise typically consist of 2-loop control panels connected to a host of single and multi-way interface units, self-testing sounders and visual indicators. Simple and intuitive, with manual controls to allow firefighters to easily operate the evacuation alert devices located inside flats on a floor-by-floor basis, the panel is stored in a secure vandal resistant cabinet which can only be accessed by the FRS using a special copy-protected key.Peace of mind that there is a Plan B if everything else goes wrong is crucial in the current climate, not just for owners and residents, but also for the fire service. By installing an evacuation alert system, building management can be confident that every precaution possible has been taken to protect the people residing in the property.EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and is fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new Cloud-based fire alarm remote access, service and site management software package which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing. 

Architect: Faulkner Browns ArchitectsInstaller: Topfix InteriorsProduct: ‘Shiluvit’ by Oranit1000m2 of PEFC Certified Shiluvit panels from Oranit were installed to the ceilings of the swimming pool and gym areas at the new sports facility St John’s School in Leatherhead.Faulkner Brown Architects specified Yellow Pine panels with a white stain for the space, choosing 7-502 modules with 22mm wide by 45mm deep blades with 40mm gaps for impressive acoustic control.Oranit is a specialist ceiling solutions suitable for most installation areas. As standard it is impregnated for Euroclass B,s2-d0 for resistance to fire, achieving top results against surface spread of flames, smoke production, and flaming droplets or structural integrity in case of fire.Additionally for this installation the panels were lacquered for humidity resistance, this treatment provides additional protection to the wood against water damage and can also be used for panels being installed outside.

It’s time to change the way we finish and protect our interior and exterior wood forever. We are now live on NBS - a platform, which enables architects and specifiers to easily find the products that are perfect for the projects they're working on.Rubio Monocoat provide environmentally friendly interior and exterior oils for wood preservation. With 0% VOCs and the environmental credentials to back it up, we really are the future of wood staining and protection.Who are Rubio Monocoat?Born and based in Belgium, we have expanded over the globe and into the UK and Ireland. In 2000, the company started with the development of an oil, based on a revolutionary technology called molecular bonding, conducted by Dr. George Barrell. This innovative technology has played a huge part in the success of our products.Molecular Bonding is the process of the oil adhering with the fibres of the wood. Within a couple of minutes, the oil has bonded with the upper microns in the wood, meaning no film formation or saturation. The innovative technology means wood is protected in just one single layer.The environmental credentialsRubio Monocoat products contain no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or harmful chemicals that emit into the air or come into contact with your skin. Three years before the introduction of the first VOC regulations, we decided to set a high bar and go for a 0% VOC label. As a company, we are dedicated to looking for environmentally friendly solutions and strive with the utmost care to provide products with high quality and standards.Rubio Monocoat is the first in the wood treatment sector to get the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold label. Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold is a sign of our focus on quality and contribution to a healthy indoor environment. The label combines the most relevant emission specifications and requirements in one certification. The Indoor Air Comfort Gold label shows compliance with specifications on VOC emissions set out globally. As well as having these incredible certificates to our name, our products are also food safe and toy friendly. We also have the M1 Emission Class for Building Material certification and are EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) certified, meaning we are transparent with the information surrounding the life-cycle and environmental impact of our products. Why are Rubio Monocoat launching on NBS?At Rubio Monocoat, we know architects could benefit from everything our oils have to offer from staining and protecting cladding, to refreshing interior wood panelling. It’s an industry we have only just touched the surface of, but with our environmental credentials, efficient application process and high quality finish, we know we’d be a great addition to any wooden project.With NBS, architects are able to browse our environmentally friendly interior and exterior products, read case studies from all over the world and locate all our certifications, literature on safety, and technical data sheets. It's also the perfect place to keep up with projects from around the globe to find inspiration. This is a huge step for Rubio Monocoat into a market that we've always highly valued and we look forward to providing architects and specifiers with expert advice on our 0% VOC products. Are you interested in a workshop near you?We’re looking to hold workshops for architects and specifiers who want to learn everything about what Rubio Monocoat can offer them and their projects. These will involve demos and the chance to get hands-on. If you’re interested, please register here, making sure to state the town you’d like us to come to: https://form.jotform.com/221983606853363You can contact our Business Development Manager Derek at consult@rubiomonocoat.com for more information or a demonstration on our products, and see us live on NBS now: https://nbs.fyi/gwuq8i

Established in 1984, and with several awards including The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Technical Metals, based in Northern Ireland, offers anodising and surface preparation processes to a wide range of customers across the aerospace industry, defence, telecommunications, electronics, computer, pharmaceutical, street furniture, architectural, wind turbine and general engineering sectors.Specialised Fire and Security were awarded the contract to update Technical Metals existing fire detection system which required completely modernising. Established in 2013 by two experienced fire and security professionals with a combined 65 year’s industry experience, the company has grown to be one of the best known and respected independent specialist fire and security providers in Northern Ireland and have quickly earned a reputation for delivering tailored solutions for clients.Situated on an industrial park, Technical Metals consists of a group of buildings including offices, goods in, packaging and high-risk manufacturing environments with acid baths, heat and smoke and corrosive atmospheres. This presented a unique challenge for the team at Specialised Fire and Security, led by Tom Skates, who chose Hochiki Europe products to help keep this hazardous facility safe.Tom explains,“Originally, we were presented with a plan that included multi-sensors situated at high-level points in the adonising department block. However, during a site inspection we realised this would be an issue. Some of the light fixings were corroding due to the chemical fumes rising from adonising equipment below. We recommended that Hochiki flame detectors were fitted at a low level, pointing to the area above. This meant the area was secured without risk of deterioration”.Hochiki multi-sensors were then fitted throughout the rest of the building allowing for heat and smoke to be detected night or day. “This kind of manufacturing plant is naturally prone to dust and smoke, which can cause false alarms. A key requirement to this project was to reduce and even eliminate false alarms. Hochiki was chosen because they offer the most reliable products to help protect against false alarms. Multi-sensors are particularly good at this and allow for a flexible approach to fire detection. We have set up an ongoing maintenance programme with Technical Metals which means, should they need to change parts of the building, the Hochiki multi-sensors devices we have fitted can be easily switched to the most applicable detection method required. This is a future proofed project.”Products with integrated short-circuit isolators (SCIs) were also fitted. On a healthy addressable fire system, the voltage from the fire control panel is driven one way around the loop, both powering devices and carrying data. But if a fire loop cable is accidentally damaged by tools, equipment or chemicals for example, particularly if not mechanically protected by conduit, and the result of that damage is that the positive and negative conductors within the cable make contact with each other, that vital voltage level drops. This is a short-circuit and at this point this entire loop is instantly out of action, which of course puts the whole building and its occupants at risk.Hochiki’s SCI-enabled devices recognise this voltage drop and when they activate, they divert the loop voltage back along one of the conductors, maintaining the flow of power and data for the rest of the loop.At the same time, because it is programmed to recognise when it’s no longer receiving a return loop drive voltage, the fire control panel will automatically switch to driving voltage from both ends of the loop, using both conductors. In high-risk manufacturing environments such as Technical Metals, this innovative technology makes all the difference. “I’ve worked with Hochiki products for nearly all my career, and in fact when I moved to Specialised Fire and Security four years ago, it was a big tick for me that they were already recommending Hochiki kit to their customers. The reliability is second to none, the devices are innovative and easy to install, plus they are flexible to a range of applications”.The installation project at Technical Metals is a fantastic example of how Hochiki Europe’s range of products can be used in high-risk environments to help reduce the risk fire poses to people and assets.

The 760,000 sq ft development will bring the Old War Office back into use, creating a world class 5-star hotel and 85 apartments. Works will include developing a six storey basement and constructing a three storey roof extension. The venue has been designed by UK-based EPR Architects, with the hotel interiors designed by New York-based designer Thierry Despont, and the residences by 1508 London. A1 Fire Rated Breather and Vapour FR Membranes were used to protect the insulation and building interior, maximizing its energy efficiency and value.

Chelmer Waterside near Chelmsford in Essex, is a residential-led riverside quarter, delivering new homes and public spaces south-east of the city centre. The site of a former gas works, the land is being regenerated to offer high quality affordable housing on the River Chelmer peninsula.SURFACING REQUIREMENTAddagrip approved contractor The TP Group was appointed by Taylor Wimpey to assist with various aspects of the project, including Landscaping, Painting, and Fire Protection. They were also pleased to help with a very demanding first floor level crescent and second floor walkway within the heart of the ongoing development.Many logistical challenges of surfacing the podium decks were managed and overcome, alongside time restraints and weather conditions. The original plans of using pedestal paving were shelved due to time restraints and material availability. Following discussions, an Addagrip Terrabase Classic Resin Bound no-dig gravel system with a Stonebound finish was selected as the surfacing product due to speed of installation, aesthetics and availability.The TP Group installed a 365mm deep substrate, consisting of various materials, for the podium balconies on the first and second floor level ready for Addagrip’s Terrabase Classic resin bound system. A Stonebound 6mm bespoke blend was selected as the Terrabase Classic resin bound finish with 297m2 being installed on the first floor level crescent and 66m2 on the second floor walkway.The new paving offers a decorative, low maintenance surface with excellent slip resistance.The installation was completed in January 2021.

This is what new lobbies will look like in Smart Buildings. Installed this week in the famous Lewisham Exchange in London:✔ Fire rated mailboxes✔ Fire rated electronic parcel boxes✔ Fire rated electronic control unitResidents will benefit from a secure way to receive both mail and parcels, while property management will have full control via our cloud based management platform.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service recently commissioned Norwich-based Cooks Industrial Doors to replace failing vehicle access doors at Long Melford Fire Station in rural Suffolk. As a major reseller and installer, Cooks contacted Jewers Doors to design and manufacture state-of-the-art sliding-folding doors which would replicate the style of the original doors.