"protection services"

Hospital Specifies TITAN Lite™ 120:60 From FIREFLY™An 18-month contract being carried out by a leading UK fire contractor has involved installing large quantities of the TITAN Lite™ 120:60, manufactured by TBA FIREFLY™, to create fire barriers above ceiling voids throughout many parts of the hospital.The hospital has 660 beds and provides medical and surgical care to a third of a million people with the building dating back to before the beginning of the Second World War. The refurbishment work, concluded at the end of November 2021, was being carried out by Plymouth based Ventro Ltd. whose operatives have had to work in many areas during the evenings and weekends in order to avoid disruption to the hospital’s everyday activities, including the treatment of patients.Following early appraisals of the fire protection requirements within the ageing property and taking into account the large quantities of different mechanical services to be accommodated into the upgrades, the hospital’s estates department decided to raise the specification for the work from 30 minutes integrity rating to a full two hours. The Site Agent for Ventro, John Roberts, commented: “As a specialist fire contractor working across the whole of the UK and beyond, we have employed FIREFLY™ products on many projects over the years and expect to continue doing so. In the early stages of this contract, which began on site in May 2020, it was thought APOLLO Lite™ 30 minutes would be appropriate, but the hospital then switched this to TITAN Lite™ 120:60. We have been installing the TITAN Lite™ in many parts of the hospital, including most recently in the ceiling voids over the kitchens. This has been done by fixing metal angles across the soffits and then using the special tape and staples to secure the fabric to it. Despite the large number of services making the number of penetrations to be deal with quite challenging, our teams find the FIREFLY™ relatively easy to install.”FIREFLY™ TITAN Lite™ 120:60 has been developed as a flexible fire barrier to provide compartmentation of larger concealed spaces within different types of buildings including factories, warehouses and railway stations.By offering 120 minutes integrity and 60 minutes insulation, TITAN Lite™ 120:60 exceeds the minimum requirements relating to Fire Barriers as detailed in the UK Building Regulations: Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Firefly is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabrics. 

Britannia Metalwork worked with building contractors Gilbert-Ash and Architects Hawkins/Brown in designing, fabricating, and fitting bespoke decorative floor grilles to replace the damaged originals in the Orangery at the City of London Freeman’s School.It was a project that we were thrilled to be commissioned for and work that we are extremely proud of - the grilles were manufactured, delivered and fitted within the project timeframe, despite pressures of the ongoing global pandemic of 2021.The 168-year-old City of London Freemen's School is set in 57 acres of Ashtead Park in the heart of Surrey. The masterplan scheme included the renovation works to the Grade II listed Main House (including an energy centre), and some new buildings including junior school, dining hall and assembly hall as well as landscaping and car park works. The total cost of the project was £15 and won a place as a Finalist in the 2022 Conservation & Regeneration Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards.Britannia was commissioned to design and make a total of 33 bespoke cast iron grilles, with bare metal finish, to be placed within the marbled floor of the historic and beautiful Orangery. The focus of the work was to complement the heritage of the iconic building while ensuring good ventilation to allow the building to become a flexible and useful large space for school events.Frequently referred to as Cathedral, Ecclesiastical or Victorian decorative floor grilles and as seen here, often placed over channels holding heating pipes, they provide a practical and decorative heating vent. Originally designed for churches they are increasingly popular in private houses, greenhouses, and commercial building developments. Our grilles can be ordered in cast iron or cast aluminium and finished in a wide variety of options. We also work in association with Gunning Heating, making decorative cast iron grilles that fit seamlessly into their underfloor trench heater units.  See our website for a full list of our grille designs or contact us to discuss your bespoke requirements.

Another example of the BBA Approved asbestos roof coating system, Asbestsoeal from Liquasil Ltd. The asbestos cement roof was first cleaned using a closed box pressure washer. All waste was filtered and disposed of by a licensed asbestos disposal contractor. Metal fixings were treated with Liquasil SWT Corrosion Primer and then sealed, along with small cracks and holes, with Non-Sag Sealer before the roof was coated with Asbestoseal 20. The project included GRP rooflight replacement and new ridge detail and flashings.

FIREFLY™ Phoenix has been employed at the iconic RAF Manston History Museum, located near Ramsgate in Kent, during the refurbishment of a single storey structure

BackgroundThe new multi-million euro Buncrana Primary Care Centre development was an exceptional project to be involved with. This high-profile project was funded by the HSE, with the aim of bringing many healthcare services together in one new state-of-the-art centre. Construction was led by local company McCallion Group and the 56,500sq ft. facility, which is spread across three storeys, boasts underground car parking which can house 126 staff. The centre is an excellent asset to the local community, ensuring the vital health services people need to avail of on a regular basis are available in one central location. For the client, the key requirement was to build a modern, aesthetically pleasing, energy efficient facility that achieved a target U-value of 0.15W/m ² K. After extensive planning, focusing on matching an appropriate insulation system with a complementary finish, K Systems provided a full technical specification and a comprehensive delivery plan.Our ServiceOur dedicated team of technical specialists were on hand to fully support throughout the duration of this project, ensuring the highest levels of construction were achieved. The K Systems Technical Manager, Gerry McErlean regularly visited the project to inspect progress and offer hands-on-guidance and technical support. Local installer GD Plastering worked very closely with Gerry to ensure a high standard of work was achieved and great attention to detail is evident throughout this project. Due to the size and scale of the Care Centre, Gerry recommended that the TC render finish was spray applied to ensure a consistent finish and aid the speed of application. GD Plastering took this advice on board and invested in a spray machine, resulting in a uniform finish, faster completion and reduced labour.Technical Project Details After numerous design meetings taking into consideration client requirements, budget and timeframes, the K Systems E EWI system was specified. This high-performance, light-weight and cost effective system based on expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulating panels offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0 and is available in a range of finishes. The mixed substrate of reinforced concrete and lightweight block had alignment issues. We specified the use of multiple thicknesses of insulation boards, that were fixed adhesively and mechanically to overcome these alignment issues. Our specification included bespoke technical detailing, such as compression joint detailing on every floor and our site inspection teams were on-site when required to offer a range of support and guidance. For the finish, thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Providing a variety of benefits, K Systems thin coat render offers silicone and polymer-modified technology to provide long term weather protection, alongside excellent breathability and water repellency properties. With the unpredictable Irish weather, this durable finish will withstand the elements and offers an eye catching, clean design, creating a modern and crisp aesthetic. Available in a wide range of colours, K Systems silicone render is the most flexible on the market, making cracking over its lifetime less likely. Its ease of application made it an ideal choice for a project of this scale and size and its hydrophobic properties provide a low-maintenance finish for years to come. We delivered a long-lasting, safe, eye-catching design for the Buncrana Primary Care Centre that brings exceptional thermal comfort to the property. The target U-value was achieved, allowing energy savings and reduced costs for the client throughout the lifetime of the Centre.

Twice the height of any other building in Cyprus, the ONE Tower commands the skyline of Limassol. Sitting on the palm tree lined seafront close to both the city’s bustling business district and its quaint old town, the new development offers 83 luxurious residences, leisure and commercial opportunities set across 37 floors. Its award-winning curved design reminiscent of a yacht’s sail, stands at 170 m high which, coupled with its coastal location, presented a unique set of passive fire requirements for its facade. Key informationCompletion dateSummer 2020SectorResidential | Retail | LeisureEnd clientPafilia Property Developers Ltd.Main contractorArabian Construction Company (ACC) | JV Partners | Joannou & Paraskevaides Group (J&P Group)Facade contractorGlassline Industries LtdArchitectWKK ArchitectsDistribution PartnerDPS TechnoIndustrial Ltd Products usedSiderise RH Horizontal Cavity Barriers for Ventilated CladdingSiderise RVG Vertical Cavity Barrier (galvanised mild steel brackets)Siderise OSCI Open State Cassette Insert DesignThe sheer height of the tower meant it was vital to ensure the facade construction contained adequate passive fire protection, complying with local regulations and ensuring ongoing safety throughout the building’s lifetime. After working with our products and our Cypriot distribution partner DPS for a number of years, facade contractors Glassline specified a combination of open state Siderise cavity barriers and cassette inserts. The RV vertical and RH horizontal cavity barriers are designed to allow the facade system to maintain airflow and drain away any moisture within its construction but, in the event of a fire, rapidly close the ventilation gap to create an effective hot smoke and fire seal. Both products achieve Class A1 to EN 13501-1 and provide 120 minutes fire integrity. The barriers are complemented with the use of OSCI Cassette Inserts which are Class A2 rated. All these products have undergone rigorous third party testing to ensure dependable performance. These include single product tests and testing as part of a large-scale system, such as BS 8414 (1&2) and NFPA 285, demonstrating their performance within a complex, high-rise cladding system such as that used on the ONE Tower. For more detail about the standards the products meet, please visit the individual technical data pages. In addition to providing straightforward passive fire protection, the stonewall lamella core of the RVG vertical cavity barriers allows them to accommodate the natural movement associated with rainscreen facades. This is especially important on this exposed seafront project. It is also for this reason that the cavity barrier brackets were specified in robust galvanised steel, protecting them from corrosion caused by the sea air.InstallationAll Siderise products are designed to be easily installed— a key benefit on this large-scale project, enabling it to be finished to a high standard without compromising the project timeline. The RV vertical barriers and then the RH horizontal barriers were cut to the correct size and installed by Glassline using Siderise galvanised steel brackets and foil tape. Where the two products met, they were simply tightly abutted, and the joints sealed with foil tape to ensure continuity of intumescence and therefore fire protection. The OSCI cassette inserts were then fitted as part of the cladding system, installed directly behind the cassette panels and in parallel and centrally aligned to the RVG and RH cavity barriers. This helped to simplify detailing and ensure the ventilation gap met the project requirements. Technical support and site services were provided by our partner DPS throughout the design and installation process, in-keeping with the Siderise ethos of standing by the side of our customers to deliver optimum results.Final CommentsCreated in collaboration with a number of renowned international and local firms and suppliers, ONE Limassol Tower not only stands as a symbol of the city’s exciting future, but also of what can be achieved when diverse skills, expertise and vision are brought together. The selection of tested Siderise products chosen for the project will help to ensure that the building remains a safe and beautiful home and landmark for the people of Limassol for many years to come.Image copyright (C) Pafilia www.pafilia.com 

Client: Manchester Airport Group Architect: Pascall Watson Consulting Engineer: Burro Happold Main Contractor: Laing O’Rourke Specialist Contractor: Thelwell Flooring Main Products Used: Emseal SJS System and Emshield DSMThis new 9-storey car park with 3,800 spaces, was built as part of the £1 billion Terminal-2 redevelopment for Manchester Airport Group (MAG). To save time and space on site, the consultants used an innovative design, with a hybrid combination of steel delta beams and precast concrete, then on site the hollow-core precast floor slabs were topped with a 100mm thick reinforced concrete screed. To fully accommodate the anticipated levels of thermal movement and loadings in service, the engineers incorporated wide, high movement capability, structural expansion joints across the parking decks, between the different sections of the building. Given the dimensions of the deck joints (100mm) and the high movement capability required (100% = +/- 50%), with simultaneous exposure to the elements whilst under frequent heavy traffic, the joint sealing solution could only be specified as the Emseal SJS System. This unique structural expansion joint system easily accommodates high levels of movement in more than one plane, plus it has an integral coverplate to provide protection of the central movement section and the joint arrises. Importantly, the Emseal SJS is bonded into position with a structural epoxy adhesive from above, therefore requiring no access from below and enabling other works (e.g. M&E cable works etc.) to continue, plus as it is fully bonded, the SJS system requires no potentially damaging drilling into sound concrete to install mechanical fixings. In less trafficked wide joints at the perimeter, the Emseal DSM System was used, as a cover plate was not necessary.

The completion of a stunning new Hilton hotel at Silverstone is another step nearer and leads the way featuring the superior high-performance Wraptite external airtightness barrier.The impressive new hotel, located trackside, overlooks the starting grid for the home of the iconic British Grand Prix. Facilities include 197 guest rooms, a rooftop terrace and the offer of race-day hospitality experiences.KKA Architecture designed the hotel, with Metclad Contracts appointed as the specialist envelope contractor for the project.Wraptite airtightness membrane from the A. Proctor Group, specialists in supplying high-performance products to protect buildings, was selected by Metclad to maximise airtightness and energy efficiency, perfectly balanced with the crucial requirements of vapour permeabilityWraptite self-adhesive breather membrane is applied externally, quickly and efficiently as part of the rainscreen system. Incorporating the Wraptite System helps ensure “as-designed” performance. Its inclusion narrows the gap between asdesigned and actual energy performance whilst reducing the likelihood of possible failures to meet required airtightness levels.Traditionally air barriers have been fitted internally. The internal installation of an air barrier necessitates accommodating building services such as electrical, lighting, heating and drainage systems, thereby increasing the gap between as designed and built. However, the Wraptite membrane fully bonds externally to virtually any substrate, requiring no additional mechanical attachment, seals or tapes to suppress air leakage around junctions or penetrations.The high vapour permeability of Wraptite allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion.Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. Quite simply, providing a winning performance in advanced membrane technology for buildings.

As part of the Wandsworth regeneration programme to increase the number of affordable homes, Wates Residential were awarded the contract to build a new, six-storey block of apartments on the Shuttleworth Road.The structure included 59 concrete balconies, all requiring waterproofing with a product with a minimum fire rating of A2-s1-d0, tested to BS EN 13501-1.Not only were Newton able to recommend a product that had already been used on a similar project this year, they were also able to recommend the expert services of Newton Specialist Contractor Arti Structural Waterproofing.The minimum fire rating of A2-s1-d0 now precludes the polyurethane and polyurea products that were commonly used on balconies, so Newton recommended the cementitious and modified-polymer Newton 103-S membrane. As well as carrying the required fire rating, 103-S can resist extremely high positive and negative water pressure, forming a hard, durable coating with a degree of elasticity that makes it ideal for protecting concrete.Arti also used Newton 203-RM to create smoothing fillets, and Newton 912-RT to reinforce the 103-S over the joints, details and changes in direction.On site, Arti also needed to work flexibly, as the programme could not proceed without the waterproofing and fireproofing of the balcony upstands. However, due to the propping of the concrete formwork to the floors above, Arti had to execute their installation in two phases of efficient and detailed waterproofing.Thanks to a meticulous eye for detail, as well as careful planning and thorough preparation of the concrete balconies, Arti were able to complete the waterproofing of all 59 balconies in two stages. This was managed as well as delivering the required A2-s1-d0 fire rating, and the installation was completed quickly without compromising the programme of the build.

Knolly’s House, a residential block of flats in London, required refurbishment works to the internal communal walkways and concrete stairwells as the existing waterproofing had reached the end of its serviceable life. The waterproofing needed to be fast cure as the communal balconies were the only access to the flats. Therefore, Proteus Waterproofing specified Pro-BW® Plus system.High Performance WaterproofingAs constant access was required by the residents, a fast cure waterproofing system was vital. Pro-BW® Plus was selected as it can be fully installed in three stages, each only taking forty-five minutes to cure before allowing foot traffic. Pro-Aggregate EM was incorporated for a slip resistant finish. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor to ensure the project was completed to a high standard, including an aesthetically pleasing finish.Health and SafetyTo minimise disruption to residents, particularly on communal walkways which may also form the fire escape routes, the waterproofing system needed to be fast cure. Proteus Waterproofing’s liquid applied systems are cold installed and therefore remove the risk of fire to the building. The low noise application also allowed the Proteus Approved Contractor to complete the works safely.Long Term PerformancePro-BW® Plus is a high performance, rapid curing protective waterproofing membrane for balconies and walkways making it ideal for refurbishment where structural movement has occurred. Pro-BW® Plus reduces installation time from days to hours. Suitable for a variety of external applications, Pro-BW® Plus can be installed on concrete & asphalt for communal and private balconies, walkways, staircases and pedestrian ramps. As it is a cold applied installation, the system meets health and safety criteria by minimising risk to both operatives and members of the public. Pro-BW® Plus is BBA Certified and manufactured in the UK.

The Martin High School is a coeducational secondary school with academy status, located in the village of Anstey, Leicestershire. The school was founded in 1957 and was named after Sir Robert Martin, Chairman of the Leicester County Council, in honour of his public service.Last year, the school were looking to replace an old, pre-fabricated block of classrooms, with a new modular six-classroom block which consists of a specialist technology-rich IT classroom as well as five other inviting classrooms which are all fitted with Smartboards, making learning more engaging for students.Principal Contractor Wernick approached Twinfix to design, manufacture and install a bespoke entrance canopy for the new building.The new canopy, which takes a pentagon shape incorporates Twinfix’s recently launched Alu-Link-Panel, a solid aluminium roof comprising of 3mm thick powder-coated, pressed aluminium for the roof, soffit and fascia. The structure spans 40 square-metres and scales 7.2 metres in height.Some of the benefits of the Alu-Link-Panel system include:Exceptional Durability: engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and wind. It is also highly resistant to corrosion and rust, making it an ideal roofing solution.Energy Efficiency: designed to reflect heat, which can help reduce your energy bills and improve comfort of your building.Easy Installation: easy to install and requires minimal maintenance, which means you can enjoy your new roof without any hassle.The Alu-Link-Panel system can be powder coated to most colours so can complement the colour scheme of the adjoining building.This innovative solid aluminium roof system will protect students and staff at Martin High School from the elements and is in keeping with the stunning aesthetics of the new Humanities Block.

Container City is an outstanding example of upcycling architecture in the London Docklands. The buildings are constructed from old shipping containers that have been refurbished and then fixed and welded together, creating an innovative modular building solution that houses offices.The roofs had been waterproofed with an EPDM membrane as part of an inverted roof design, however due to failings within the roof coverings leaks were occurring.It was also felt that the inverted roof insulation was unable to provide satisfactory thermal performance, leading to excessive fuel bills during winter. The architect responsible for finding a solution used Polyroof’s Solution Finder Tool to quickly find a recommendation for improving the thermal properties whilst providing long-term waterproof protection. Equipped with the key information needed, the architect specified the Protec Warm Roof System for the roof refurbishment works.Polyroof Technical Services carried out a full technical survey of the existing roof to identify all existing issues and provide a full set of recommendations. One of the key drivers for the refurbishment was the ability to easily access the roof membrane to carry out regular cleaning and maintenance works, so the specification included for converting the roofs from an inverted roof to a warm roof design.Polyroof Approved Contractor A R Roofing Ltd began by stripping away the old inverted roof components and the failed EPDM membrane to expose the metal roofs of the containers below. A self-adhesive vapour barrier was then laid onto the metal decks and Polyroof RES Insulation (T&G) was bonded on top using PU adhesive. Lastly, the Protec system was laid direct to the insulation boads to create a seamless, smooth and long-lasting finish that came with a 20 year insurance backed guarantee. This striking piece of upcycled architecture now has a roofing solution to match the innovation behind its creation.

At Bangor University in North Wales, they are proud of their sports facilities. So, when the university had a necessity to replace the flooring in two of their main sports halls, they naturally turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply over 1300m2 of their world class Olympic standard Taraflex® sports flooring in ‘London Light Blue’ and ‘Maple’ to complete the flooring aspect of the refurbishment project.The replacement indoor flooring surfaces would include both Taraflex® Comfort and Taraflex® Evolution from Gerflor, they would prove to be a perfect fit for both halls. The improved Taraflex® Evolution product, of which approx. 625m2 has been installed in the Hall 1 facility at the university, is safer, better performing and offers even more protection than the previous flooring that had to be replacedCommenting on the project Sam Wallwork, Head of Sport, Bangor University said, “We have previously used Gerflor before and have always been really impressed by their high-quality products and high levels of customer service.”David Hebblethwaite, Specification Manager (North), Gerflor commented, “Specifying both the Taraflex® Comfort and Taraflex® Evolution surfaces for the desired locations, delivered the optimum choice for the client in terms of comfort, performance, and safety.”Overseeing the installation of the indoor Taraflex sports flooring in both sports halls would be tasked to Llandudno-based flooring specialists Linney Cooper. Lance Haldane, Office, and Accreditation Manager, Linney Cooper commented, “From the beginning of the installation and right up to the very end, the project ran very smoothly. Gerflor’s Taraflex sports flooring is a prestigious product, and our installation team had no problems when installing it. We now recommend it to our customers when and where applicable”

Helmsman won an exciting Leicestershire Police project for charging lockers with bespoke specifications. Leicestershire Police is the territorial Police force responsible for policing Leicestershire and Rutland areas in England.For this project, we had to balance two sets of needs. We needed to create an ideal storage solution for technological equipment and to deliver something stylish and space-saving. Our team recommended a few options, but being able to provide a bespoke powered solution was most important.Helmsman manufactured, supplied and delivered bespoke powered lockers to the headquarter office in Enderby for the frontline staff. Above all, these lockers serve the purpose of storing technological devices such as laptops and airwave radios. Security has been the key to this project. A request of 12 compartments per locker meant lockers could hold more items within the small space.Inside each compartment, there are 2 UK sockets with double USB portals on each side. Each locker compartment has a four-number combination lock for protection. Every locker has a ‘D’ door which can open all locker compartments with one master key, only accessible for supervisors who may need to reset locks for a single locker compartment. The ON/OFF switch is located at the top of each locker in the sloping top, saving electricity and keeping clear of clutter. Sizes are 1800mm high by 450mm wide and 500mm deep, been powder coated in standard colours of ‘ice’ and ‘royale’ for the doors. These doors have bespoke square perforations specifically requested by Leicestershire Police. In addition, they are easy to use and plug into a standard wall socket.Emergency service personnel in mind, Police lockers provide robust, practical storage solutions. We manufacture a variety of Police lockers for uniforms, kits and other equipment.

Fire extinguishers are a vital piece of the Active Fire Protection puzzle; often the first line of defence they are integral to preventing costly fire damage and ultimately, loss of life.The importance of fire extinguishers is highlighted in Chapter 4 of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice: “Portable Fire Extinguishers are the best available first response to table the fire at its incipient stage.”The Code of Practice adds that to ensure this first aid response, fire extinguishers shall be “kept in their designated places at all times when they are not being used” and “conspicuously located where they will be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of fire.”However, the misuse and neglect of fire extinguishers and their accessories in Dubai’s buildings is not uncommon, rendering them inaccessible or ineffective in a real emergency.As part of the Office of the UAE Attorney General’s ongoing campaign to increase the public’s level of awareness of the law, it was announced that fines and even jail sentences would be handed down for fire extinguisher misuse.The office states in Article 311 of the Federal Penal code, that: “Any person who removes a fire extinguisher or changes its location or renders it unfit for use shall be punished by a jail sentence for no less than one year or a fine of not less than 50,000 AED.”With requirements for extinguishers to be installed near doors or exits, it is all too tempting for fire extinguishers to be used as temporary doorstops.Seeking to improve airflow, the removal of fire extinguishers to wedge open doors threatens to undermine fire safety, making the extinguisher difficult to locate in an emergency.Safety Technology International’s Extinguisher Stopper® is a sturdy, tamperproof, standalone alarm that prevents the misuse or unwanted removal of fire extinguishers. Strong PVC coated metal rope wraps around the neck of the extinguisher and when removed from the unit will activate a piercing 95/106 dB alarm to alert you to any misuse or removal.Acting as a physical safety seal and audible tamper indicator, the Extinguisher Stopper® helps the person responsible for the inspection and maintenance of extinguishers avoid fines or a jail sentence for failing to keep them fit for use.The self-contained unit will leave the extinguisher accessible for emergencies and will not interfere in the event of a real fire; the alarm is also useful in the case of an actual emergency acting as a pre-alarm, helping to alert people in the surrounding areas to the fire before an official alarm has sounded.The compact design of the UV-stabilised polycarbonate unit means it mounts easily next to a vulnerable fire extinguisher, the alarm is easy to install and a deactivation cable is supplied for ease of servicing the protected extinguisher – a requirement of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice.Recent updates to the unit include universal sound symbols for global recognition and space for a choice of 21 different language labels that are provided, including Arabic. Wireless options allowing for remote monitoring are also available using STI protocol.

Sadly, it’s all too common to see what was once a beautiful wooden decking, transform into a cold, dark and grey decking due to an inferior product being used to finish it.This customer’s decking was finished with a low quality oil which lasted only 3 months before turning their beautiful new deck into a sorry state of affairs.Luckily, our good friend Roger at R&A Pressure Washing Services (visit his website via the link at the bottom of this post) knew exactly what to do to restore this balau decking back to its former glory.So how exactly did Roger get this beautiful finished result?Striping the previous coatingBefore Roger could apply any finishing products, he first had to remove the previous coating that caused the damage in the first place.To do this, he used Prepdeck, our wood stripper specially designed for the removing of old solid and semi transparent stains from wood.Due to the balau decking being a tight grooved deck, he had to be sure to scrub the decking thoroughly. This is to be sure no previous coating would be left behind in between the grooves. A very important step when using Owatrol products as they need to penetrate into the surface. Products that sit on the surface of the wood will not give you long lasting results.Neutralising and brightening the woodAfter the wood has been thoroughly stripped and the previous coatings are a thing of the past, the wood then needs to be neutralised.To do this, Roger used Net-Trol, our powerful wood cleaner and brightener. This restores greyed and weathered wood to its natural colour without damaging the wood’s fibres.Net-Trol is fast acting and can restore the original colour of your wood surface in as little as 15 minutes.Applying the finish to the deckingFinally, Roger applied the customers chosen finish, Textrol.Textrol is available in 7 shades and the customer opted for Clear so they could fully appreciate the beautiful natural colour of the Balau wood. Roger applied 2 coats to get the desired finish.Textrol enhances the natural beauty of the wood whilst providing a mildew-resistant finish. It offers exceptional and long-lasting protection from the effects of moisture, weathering and UV rays.We think you’ll agree that the finished result is absolutely beautiful!Using inferior products may seem like the most cost effective way to finish your decking, but unfortunately, these types of products simply do not last and will cost you more in the long run to get the wood to the way you want it.Owatrol offers high quality, long lasting coatings which offer exceptional protection and a superior finish.Find out more about Prepdeck, Net-Trol and Textrol by using the following links:PrepdeckNet-TrolTextrol

SMARTPLY MAX FR B panels are being installed as part of a large and exciting regeneration project in the heart of Liverpool.

Whitburn Partnership Centre was designed by Project Architects, Matthew Fair, Neil Forrester and Jamie Bateman at Smith Scott Mullan Associates for West Lothian Council. The design of the contemporary £4M building restores the historic Whitburn Burgh Hall original façade as it is one of the towns most renowned buildings and incorporates a new-build two-storey extension.Located in the centre of Whitburn, this building is a community hub that embraces the West Lothian Council’s model of bringing together services that benefit local communities whilst delivering financial efficiencies through the decrease of council buildings. This building facilitates a library, community halls, museum and customer information service office, making it an important community resource. Project:Whitburn Partnership CentreProject type:New buildLocation:West Lothian, Scotland,Waterproofing:Bauder Total Roof System (BTRS)Roof size: 525m2Energy generated from PV array: 10.35kWp Specifier: Smith Scott Mullan AssociatesMain Contractor: Maxi ConstructionApproved contractor: ProCladd (Scotland) LimitedSolar PV installer: Intelligent Electrical SolutionsThe specificationTo support the West Lothian Council's sustainability objectives of achieving high energy efficiency, it was our responsibility to specify a waterproofing system and provide a solution for natural energy generation. The bituminous Bauder Total Roof System (BTRS) was chosen for this project as it features membranes that can withstand impact and tearing, as well as thermal insulation that met the required U-value of 0.15 W/m²K. This waterproofing system is verified by the BBA and offers a service life in excess of 35 years.The BauderSOLAR system was also specified, as it incorporates photovoltaic arrays for natural energy generation. The photovoltaic mounting system is attached to the roof without penetration of waterproofing or the deck, safeguarding the integrity of the waterproofing to fulfil its full-service life.Project challengesThe Architect’s design incorporated unusually high parapet upstands, which posed a challenge for installers. Area technical manager for Bauder, Christopher Langton, attended design meetings with the Architects and Main Contractor to discuss the best solution for installation. A mutual agreement was made for the underlayer to be mechanically fixed to prevent any slippage of the capping sheet membrane. Due to the height of the upstand, non-combustible insulation BauderROCK was incorporated into the design at these details.The installation of BauderSOLAR F uses prefabricated bituminous BauderK5K membrane sleeves to slip over the mounting plates and welded into position, anchoring the plates to the surface of the Bauder waterproofing system. Approved BauderSOLAR installers, Intelligent Electrical Solutions, installed the BauderSOLAR system, collaborating with ProCladd, approved contractor for the waterproofing installation, and other trades during the roof installation.There is a junction where the flat roof meets the original slate roof of the adjacent building, this detail fell under the torch free zone that hot air welding techniques are used to install the membranes within these areas.The resultInstallation of the Bauder waterproofing system may only be carried out by trained and certified operatives approved by Bauder. A project pre-start meeting was held by Bauder site technician, Duncan Hastings, and area technical manager, Christopher Langton inviting the Site Manager from Procladd and their Bauder badged operatives. During this meeting, they discussed the installation of the project, and identified the areas that required torch-free and torch-safe detailing. They also discussed how the project was going to be delivered in co-ordination with other trades working on the site at the same time, for example cladding and lead that was installed atop the waterproofing upstand details.Weekly site-inspections were carried out by Bauder site technician, Duncan Hastings during the project. Visiting the site frequently meant that Duncan could provide consistent support to the installers and answer any questions they may have had directly. It also meant that the quality of the roof installation was being monitored regularly to ensure it would be to a high standard, achieving the comprehensive guarantee.The approach taken to deliver this project on time and to budget was through meticulous planning and working to tight time frames. The organisation of the delivery of Bauder products to site had to be in line with the schedule to ensure that the site was ready to receive a delivery. With the project located in the busy centre of Whitburn next to a cross junction with traffic lights. This meant that timed delivery of products to site was required in addition to prebooked off-loading by pump truck and tail lift or by telehandler.Health, safety and environment was managed during the planning, design and installation of this project by advising that all installers follow the advice shown in the “Responsible Specification Checklist” produced by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.In accordance with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, roof edge protection in the form of scaffolding was installed during installation. The project’s perimeters were surrounded by Heras fencing to isolate the construction site from the public. All scaffolds that were on the elevation next to the public had toe boarding and safety mesh where required.As standard, there was a one-hour Firewatch after the Bauder membranes have been installed using a gas torch. This was carried out by Procladd operatives each day when they were working on the project to ensure the welfare of the workforce, and the safety of other trades and that of the building. The 19kg gas cylinders were used on this project as they are easily transportable on the roof area. At the end of each working day, the cylinders were stored in a locked and designated gas storage unit on site.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)1 BauderK5KElastomeric bitumen torch-on capping sheet in charcoal grey. This product features a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture, and a mineral finish to provide protection against UV degradation.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive, elastomer bitumen underlayer. This product features distinctive technology for lap sealing.3 BauderPIR FA-TE flatboard insulationA rigid polyurethane foam board faced on both sides with aluminium foil.4 BauderTHERM DS 1 DUOA self-adhesive, elastomer bitumen air & vapour control layer.

Temples and dream beaches with turquoise-blue water make Thailand a sought-after destination for tourists from all over the world. The capital Bangkok, with a population of some nine million, is a city of contrasts with irresistible magic. In contrast to many other Asian megacities, however, the city has few contemporary architectural highlights. The German architect Ole Scheeren created Bangkok’s new landmark in the form of the 314-meter high MahaNakhon. A gently spiraling, perforated belt of glass balconies and terraces forming a staggered arrangement gives the reflective louvered façade its unmistakable, pixelated face. The MahaNakhon is complemented by the seven-story shopping temple Cube and a fully automated parking garage. For the cladding of the parking garage, the architect chose PC-Sambesi metal mesh from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG. Alongside the extraordinary aesthetics, its proven low-maintenance solar protection and reliable fall guard protection properties were crucial factors behind this decision.In Bangkok, facets of village and megacity, Buddhism and business are thrown together in a seemingly random way to form a fascinating mix of cosmopolitan flair and centuries-old traditions. The formerly quiet residence city was transformed into a pulsating metropolis that is home to millions of people in just six centuries. Since the 1980s, fully air-conditioned office towers, malls and apartment blocks have been shooting up like mushrooms. Today, the hectic Asian way of life dominates Buddhist tranquility. This contrasting nature is reflected everywhere in the face of the city. Alongside the Grand Palace, more than 400 temples bear witness to the rich culture of the capital, which stand side-by-side with Chinese pagodas, colonial-style buildings, dreary tin huts and gigantic glass malls. Scattered prestige buildings such as the 20-story Robot Building, the Nation Tower, the colors and form of which recall cubism, or the naive-looking Elephant Building complete the city’s chaotic skyline.Tower of superlativesWhen commissioning the MahaNakhon, the building owner, PACE Development Corporation Ltd., desired a building that sets an outstanding architectural highlight while also being integrated in the city as a public place and a worthy addition to Bangkok’s contradictory mix of tradition and modernity. Ole Scheeren took up the exuberant dynamics of the metropolis in his design and created a new urban center across an area of 135,000 square meters. This is also reflected by its name MahaNakhon, which means Big City. The three-part complex consisting of the tower itself, the Cube and a parking tower graces the city’s financial district. Across 77 floors, the tower offers space for 209 luxury apartments with between 125 and 830 square meters, 155 hotel rooms and numerous shops and restaurants. A particular highlight is the 3,500 square meter Skybar, which grants previously unknown views of Bangkok from a height of 300 meters. However, the MahaNakhon’s character as a new icon of the city is due to the staggered glass balconies and terraces, which give the giant the feel of an incomplete building with a vertical twist. From a distance, the fragmented pixel belt resembles a helix – an association that was consciously chosen by the architect as a synonym for genesis and development. At the same time he uses the image of the seemingly randomly arranged pixels to visualize the intricacy and chaotic dynamics of the urban structure. The apparently missing pixels also give the viewer the feeling that they are peering into the interior of the building.The future of parkingThe winding pixelated belt of the tower, which starts at the peak of the tower, ends at the spacious indoor and outdoor terraces in the sales and gastronomic area on the lowest seven floors of the MahaNakhon. Together with the exterior of the neighboring Cube mall, they form an outdoor atrium as a public event location. A parking tower rises behind the Cube, offering space for almost 900 cars over 10,400 square meters with an automated parking and retrieval system. In order to adapt the appearance of this structure to the luxurious overall ambience, the architect chose shimmering PC-Sambesi stainless steel mesh from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG for the cladding. A total of 464 framed mesh panels, each 2.9 meters high and up to 1.8 meters wide, subtly take up the visual appearance of the louvered façade of the MahaNakhon. As a discreet companion to the reflective surface of the tower, they also reflect the surroundings and the frequently changing sky that is a feature of the country. Some 2,100 square meters of rigid mesh lend the parking garage an elegant look. In addition to the high-quality appearance of the metallic skin, the architect was also convinced by the ease with which the cladding can be maintained. The attractive shell fulfills two functional roles: it serves as reliable fall guard protection on all floors, while also playing a key role in supporting the environmentally friendly overall concept of the MahaNakhon complex. In the tropical climate of Bangkok, the light- and air-permeable membrane proves its worth as an effective solar protection solution, which also enables natural climate control of the parking tower. Because daylight can enter the building freely, less electric lighting is required. In monsoon seasons the mesh also protects the parked vehicles from driving rain. The stainless steel, which is almost 100 percent recyclable at the end of its service life, also improves the ecological footprint of the building complex. The MahaNakhon was opened in August 2016 in the heart of Bangkok following an eight-year planning and construction phase. Today, the country’s tallest building is constantly in dialog with the city and its people. As such, Bangkok’s new landmark links opportunities for identification and participation with the role of an ambassador for a city on the rise.

Union Industries’ engineers acted almost as fast as its rapid roll industrial doors to ensure one of its Eiger freezer doors was fitted in record time at Total Foodservice Solutions.

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.

BCL are proud to have been a part of the team delivering the £400m redevelopment of London Bridge Station, designed by Grimshaw Architects and developed by Costain. The redeveloped station expects to see 75 million passengers pass through each year as part of the £6.5 billion Thameslink project. As part of the refurbishment the structure was replaced by pre-cast concrete bridge decks. The underside of these new decks became the ceiling which was then clad with our high performance Alpha acoustic timber panel system.The BCL “Alpha” panel system spans over 7,000 square metres of Western Red Cedar panels in three distinct patterns, providing class A and B sound absorption to reduce noise from passengers and trains. The panels are fire treated to Euro class B, fully demountable, have fully concealed fixings, and involve integrated lighting troughs. Our open configuration system allowed Grimshaw to design the unique panel composition to the highest standard. With the ability to be flexible along with outstanding acoustic performance and the standard of design and installation services, it was clear that our BCL panels should be the system of choice.There were some significant challenges with the project, not only the control of ambient sound from the passengers using the station, but also the structural reverberation produced by on average 18 trains per hour and, given its prominence, the need for upwards blast protection in the event of a terrorist threat. All challenges have been met by the BCL design, making the ceiling system the perfect solution.With the London Bridge Station redevelopment, as with every project BCL take on, our design, manufacture and installation teams provide the knowledge and skill needed to ensure the highest standard of work is achieved at every stage of the project.Client: National RailArchitect: GrimshawMain Contractor: CostainSize: 7,000m2Location: LondonCompletion: September 2016Western Red CedarAcoustic class A & B3 different slat arrangementsFully demountableBomb blast grid system (for maintain structural integrity)

DUCO contributes with sun protection to the £78m project for The University of Manchester. The architectural sun control DucoSun Ellips 200 mm, supplied by Contrasol, was chosen for the Fallowfield campus. The solar shading is so much more than decoration.About the Fallowfield CampusThe Fallowfield is a student accommodation with 8 multi-storey blocks including a Warden’s flat and Energy Centre, amenity hub, landscaping and external works. Each residence will have 10 bedrooms per floor with ensuite bathroom pods and a shared kitchen. 1,122 student rooms are spread over the blocks with a combined floor area of 32,020m2. The Fallowfield Campus is the main residential campus of the University of Manchester. It’s a vibrant place where thousands of students live alongside residents – creating e a real sense of community. The mix of shops, cafes, bars and a frequent bus service to and from the city centre makes it an ideal location to live.Construction detailsThe blocks are constructed using pre-fabricated lightweight steel framing system panels which provide structure to the building when used along with composite concrete floors. External materials are predominantly buff brickwork with feature elevations picked out in charcoal fibre cement slate roofing and cladding. Study bedrooms incorporate built-in storage and furnishings and a high specification pre-fabricated GRP en-suite shower pod.  Solar shading is much more than decorationThe vertical solar shading system DucoSun Ellips was chosen for this project and supplied by Contrasol. This solar shading system, in which a blade with of 200 mm was chosen, guarantees not only maximum daylight, thanks to the optimal inclination angle and number of louvre blades. At the same time, DucoSun Ellips 200 ensures that the sun’s rays do not get a chance to heat up the Fallowfield interior spaces directly. The vertically installed solar shading system offers maximum privacy while maintaining the view outside.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525Colour – S 6500-N800m2Architect – Stanton WilliamsMain Contractor - SkanskaInstallation dates – 2019Challenge Zayed Centre of Research into Rare Disease in Children is a building where those who work within it play a crucial part in our society. Stratum helped create a healthy and fresh environment in the specialist research laboratories based at the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital. The space would be heavily used and the nature of the work in the labs required the floor to be hygienic, seamless, easy to clean and with high resistance to chemicals. The design of the building allows the public to see through the windows into the laboratories from street level, meaning aesthetics were equally as important in product selection as functional properties. Stratum installed 800m2 of Pure Design – Bolidtop 525 with integrated skirting throughout. Solution-      Joint free makes for a very hygienic solution, with integrated joint free skirting adding to this.-      Close co-ordination with the contractor, enabled the structure to be sufficiently progressed early in the programme. This allowed the resin to be installed early and fully protected in ample time for the lab benches to be installed over.-      Electrical Floor Bokes, seamless skirting.Result-      The resin flooring installed here is an excellent addition to this multi-award winning building.  “The Bolidt resin provides the perfect seamless floor finish in the main laboratory spaces within the Zayed Centre for Research. These are most visible laboratory spaces within the building, both internally and from the public realm, and a choice of floor finish was important. As well as giving the right visual appearance it provides the functional properties required for these hard working spaces. Pre-installation samples of the resin flooring were tested by the client user team and passed on all technical requirements. The resin floor is used in both dry and wet areas of the laboratory and is easy to maintain. Stratum provided a great overall service, both with pre-installation queries and during the installation itself”. Kalpesh Intwala | Associate Director | Stanton Williams

Client: Grove Developments/Arora HotelsContract value: £362kProducts used:  0.74kN loading stainless steel with glass balustrade to stairs1.5kN loading structural glass balustrade to link bridgesThe dual-brand Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express, which operates under Arora Hotels, is located at Heathrow Terminal 4 and opened in 2018. It consists of 300 rooms as well as business and meeting facilities. The building is directly connected to Heathrow’s Terminal 4 via an air bridge and also offers convenient access to the London Underground, Heathrow Express train service and nearby major motorway routes. We were instructed to supply and install more than 600 metres of balustrades, as well as over 300 metres of wall fixed handrails during the hotel’s construction phase. The balustrades used for the project were 1.5kn structural glass balustrades to bridges and 0.74kN loading stainless steel with glass balustrade to stairs. We provided approximately 300 metres of structural glass balustrades to the hotel’s link bridges. At the design stage of the project, we were advised that the bridges could deflect by 25mm, so our balustrade design had to accommodate this. The solution was simple but very effective – we left a 5mm gap in between each five-metre length of track, which was not noticeable when walking along the bridges but allowed for adequate movement in the structure with no damage to the balustrades or the finishes, and no compromise to the overall look. In addition, we adapted our handrail system to provide protection to the walls where guests wheel trollies and luggage into the hotel. By fixing handrails along the flooring close to the walls, it provided a functional yet attractive solution to avoid any marks or scratches that luggage might create.The overall result was a mix of balustrades to the hotel’s stairs and link bridges, plus handrail finishes to the high-traffic areas of the premises that all fit in with the building’s modern and clean design. 

DONG Energy (Danish Oil Natural Gas), a leading energy group in Northern Europe, procures, produces, distributes, and trades in energy and related products. DONG Energy invests heavily in European offshore wind power and oil and gas exploration and production, with commitments in the multi-billions, helping to develop secure, low carbon energy supplies. Regular maintenance is essential to keep any offshore wind farm working efficiently and productively. Harsh environments are particularly challenging and as a result, safety systems must be of the highest calibre.

A straightforward hardwearing concrete seal was required at the entrance which would withstand heavy footfall and provide a safe finish. Resuseal WB Clear is a water-based epoxy applied at around 40 microns per coat. This is formulated to penetrate and case harden a concrete surface giving it a much harder wearing surface which is less likely to crumble or degrade. As a clear coat the finish is a semi industrial type look which is often used in retail outlets and commercial buildings. This product is used throughout industry where the principal requirement is to dustproof a surface.

The scope of the ASSA ABLOY door closer range gives suppliers and building managers total flexibility.“ASSA ABLOY makes sure we always find the right product for every application, whatever the door. Every application has different requirements and ASSA ABLOY understands how to meet them all.” Chris Visser.Click the link to read more.

BackgroundPure Gym has recently opened a brand-new facility in Canterbury. The gym hosts over 220 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio apparatus, treadmills, rowers and spin bikes. Customers also get to benefit from a free weights zone and a fixed weights area, as well as access to a multitude of fitness classes.The ChallengeSituated on the first floor of a mixed-use development, a jack-up floor was specified to prevent vibrations from transferring into the building structure. However, to ensure the development was fit for purpose, Pure Gym believed additional treatment was needed to further enhance the performance of the floor and reduce unwanted noise.As such, Pure Gym commissioned an acoustic consultant to produce a report outlining the exact performance criteria that would need to be met across different areas of the gym. The report recommended individual performance standards for the free weights zone and the rest of the studio. One of the main challenges was to find a solution that would meet the specification but also be delivered for installation within a strict two-week period.In addition to the prompt supply time, the solution also needed to match the Pure Gym aesthetic guidelines and corporate colours. Pure Gym approached CMS Danskin Acoustics detailing the project specification, seeking advice on what solutions were available to meet the criteria.The SolutionCMS Danskin Acoustics used the consultant’s report to identify system build ups that would best achieve the specified performance detail. Two separate build-ups proposed by CMS Danskin Acoustics were subsequently approved for use. For the free weights area, a build-up of two layers of Regufoam® in grades 220 and 270, plus a 43mm everroll® Weightlayer (everroll multitile 43mm) was supplied. For the remainder of the studio, two layers of 15mm Regupol® Vibration 480 was supplied, complimented by a final floor finish of 10mm everroll®.The specified finish of black and grey EPDM was also matched by CMS Danskin Acoustics and all materials were produced for installation within the strict two-week time frame.The ResultCMS Danskin Acoustics was able to quickly identify solutions with the required technical capabilities from across the breadth of its product portfolio. The volume of material needed was in stock, allowing a quick turnaround for Pure Gym to meet the specified project completion date.Pure Gym opened to the public on the proposed launch date and is now fully operational. The treatments provided by CMS Danskin Acoustics are providing a robust solution to reducing unwanted noise, protecting the structure of the gym floor and preventing vibrations travelling into the structure of the building.CMS Danskin Acoustics is now one of Pure Gym’s preferred suppliers and has since worked on projects such as the new build of a two-storey facility in Croydon, and the refurbishment of the Winwick Quay site in Warrington.“The service CMS Danskin Acoustics provides is of an extremely high standard. Their expert advice, quality of the product and efficiency in getting the materials to site, were instrumental in allowing us to complete the project on time. The superb service has instilled a confidence in us to develop our relationship with CMS Danskin Acoustics as a trusted supplier,” commented John Graham, Pure Gym Property Development Director.

Neath Port Talbot Borough Council contacted Frontier Pitts to upgrade an existing road blocker and tag system. The existing system had been installed for over twenty years.The Road Blockers are used to permit access for buses only, through an area where other vehicles have previously used the road as a bypass to avoid other traffic hotspots in the area.The Tag System Technology has progressed greatly in the last twenty years, and the Council were keen to upgrade the system. The same system is also installed and has been in use at Swansea University since 2018. This was to ensure vehicles from both sites could use the same tags across both access control systems.There was also an issue with vandalism in the area, so consideration had to be given to ensure the readers are installed appropriately, to avoid damage.The BenefitsVehicle can be detected at up to 10 metresUHF vehicle tags are inexpensive and easy to fit to vehiclesAvoids the need for manned gatesPrevents unauthorised vehicle accessUsing the same technology readers expanded the system enabling buses to access both sitesThe SolutionFrontier Pitts worked with Nortech Controls who recommended the uPASS Target readers. The readers have a read range of 10 metres so they could be mounted on high access control posts, to solve the problem of vandalism.Neath Port Talbot Council said: “After twenty years of maintenance and support, our local traffic control system needed to be upgraded. We are pleased we could work with Frontier Pitts and Nortech Controls again with the new installation.”

THE PROJECTThe One City Park development, designed by architect Sheppard Robson, is being built on a former police HQ site, is the first Grade A office scheme delivered in Bradford city centre for 20 years to address the need for high-quality offices. As a five-storey high rise building, the basement required an effective below-ground waterproofing solution to the main building core that would be fully compliant with the client's requirements and the relevant codes of practice and stand the test of time. The main contractor for the project, Caddick Construction engaged specialist concrete contractor Howard Civil Engineering for the basement build who then contacted Fosroc for assistance in producing a tailored waterproofing specification solution that would address the requirements of the project. As a trusted supplier of building materials and technical specification advice, Howard Civil Engineering has utilised Fosroc’s products for many other projects previously.THE SOLUTIONFosroc specified a full product solution for installation in accordance with BS8102 supported by a fully detailed waterproofing design provided by Waterproofing Design Services Limited. This included one of Fosroc’s innovative self-healing Supercast CWA product – crystalline waterproofing additive for concrete, Supercast SW20 and Supercast SWX waterstops in conjunction with Proofex Engage waterproofing and Proofex Total damp proof membranes. Materials were available to order ready to commence installation when required.THE BENEFITSThe main core works and basement project element is now complete, allowing the next construction phase to continue. Fosroc’s Supercast CWA will allow any small cracks to ‘heal’ with free lime crystal before they create damp problems, and the tough damp and water proof membranes will protect against ground gas, chemicals and corrosion. As the Fosroc products are designed to work together, a truly reliable and robust solution is delivered that keeps long-term costs of repair and maintenance to a minimum. Additionally, the contractor was able to access high quality technical advice from specification through to application, allowing them to mitigate potential problems and delays before they happened.

Polytan: A broad spectrum at the Revierpark Vonderort, OberhausenIN THE MIDST OF TRANSFORMATIONThe Revierpark Vonderort in Oberhausen is designed as a family-friendly local attraction: in the middle of an expansive park landscape, various immersive worlds with sports, swimming and wellness facilities invite visitors and guests to experience leisure with all their senses – from sports and games to relaxation and action, all the way through to cultural experiences and nature – the park has it all. Activities and nature discovery are given equal emphasis under the slogan “Park in motion”.In the course of the renovation and revitalisation of what is known as the “exercise hill”, the concept of a multisports area was developed. It offers a wealth of different sports activities, including pump tracks for children and adults, a parkours and calisthenics area, a running circuit and a sprint track. A miniature playing field and various team sports fields invite guests to try out fun and trendy sports disciplines together. The goal of the project, which cost around 1.33 million euros, was to motivate as many target groups as possible to move more by expanding the existing, mostly monostructural sports facilities in the Oberhausen area with new, freely accessible leisure opportunities. Alongside the standard, traditional sports, the new facilities were to accommodate popular new trend sports as well. We installed suitable surfaces in several of these modern, innovative sports facilities.The sprint track, running circuit and one of the two miniature playing fields, which is designed for basketball and volleyball, feature our “classic” Rekortan M in the colour brick red. The poured in-situ surface is suitable for athletics stadiums, competitive running tracks and school sports facilities, and is loved by professionals and amateurs alike – not least, thanks to its exceptionally high, joint-friendly shock absorption. It is ideal for running disciplines in particular, as it is suitable for spikes and lends itself to speed.The second miniature playing field, which is intended for football and hockey, and the multipurpose arena are equipped with Poligras, complete with CoolPlus function. We developed this unfilled synthetic turf system to meet the requirements of a professional hockey turf. Its outstanding properties include high wear resistance, good water storage, and permanent crimping. Poligras stands out for its extraordinary volume and durability – and yet, despite this robustness, the surface is exceptionally soft and feels pleasant to the touch. The special Polytan CoolPlus function prevents the surface from heating up too quickly or intensely in strong sunlight. This reduces water consumption, helping ensure environmentally friendly use.In future, the multipurpose field will be used as a Yalp arena, appealing to the youngest athletes. Yalp is “play” backwards and refers to the integration of technology in games, sport and outdoor education. In the compact, interactive arena, children and young people get to move with lots of opportunities for ball contact. Since the game takes place within a small space, every player is involved at all times. The slanted corners and four goals on each side of the arena keep the game and all its players in motion.The fitness area and calisthenics facility are secured with our PolyPlay FS GT fall protection surface, which has a cushioning effect for maximum protection against injuries underneath the sports and gym equipment. The sky blue surface on the exercise hill is bulk-coated and water-permeable, as well as exceptionally low-maintenance. Optimum resistance to weathering and decay are the basis for its long service life and low maintenance costs. Fall protection surfaces are known to be the more hygienic, lower-maintenance and, above all, safer option, compared with sandpits.With the renovation of the exercise hill, the project orchestrators from the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) have not only provided a wide variety of sports and exercise opportunities for young and old, but responded to increasingly apparent general trends in sports behaviour. Many sports clubs and municipalities have observed increasing disinterest in traditional organised club sports, and in its place, the growing popularity of self-organised sports in the public sphere. The facility at the Revierpark Vonderort was completed in summer 2022 and is now open free-of-charge to young and old sports fans alike.📐 Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang R. Mueller (Landschaftsarchitekten BDLA); Dipl.-Ing Norbert Seeger (Seeger Landschaftsarchitektur)

Kylna Court’s terraces faced significant safety and design challenges, calling for a robust solution. This case study showcases the ongoing progress at Kylna Court, where AliDeck’s innovative and non-combustible Junior Ridged Board, alongside bespoke balcony components, plays a pivotal role in ensuring project success. By integrating cutting-edge products, the project not only addressed immediate issues but also ensured a cost-effective, futureproof solution, compliant with BS 8579:2020.

Klimahaus® Bremerhaven 8° is a spectacular exhibition complex, north of Bremen, Germany. The idea behind the large project is a simulated journey around the world measured at eight degrees 34 minutes east. This is the longitude of Bremerhaven and all the other locations on the journey: Switzerland, Sardinia, the Sahel, the African rain forest, the Antarctic, Samoa, Alaska and the north Frisian island of Langeness. Teckentrup provided smoke and fire doorsets to ensure unobtrusive and safe everyday passage and emergency egress for visitors to the exhibition. Almost every doorset was individually planned.

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways. 

Project: The Castings, Piccadilly EastLocation: Heyrod Street, ManchesterVCL membrane system supplier: ADA FastfixSystem used: illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer, illbruck TF448 High Performance Bonding Tape, ME322 Internal Tape 100illbruck, a part of CPG UK, have celebrated the successful installation of their new A2 fire classified vapour control layer within an exciting new residential development in the heart of Manchester.The projectThe Castings, Piccadilly East is on a 0.7-acre site in the Manchester Piccadilly regeneration area and includes four stepped building elements rising to 25-storeys high. The development will consist of 352 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments, including a mix of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bed units, alongside roof terrace gardens, retail and amenity space, and a public square. The project was designed with a focus on sustainability, to deliver low energy consumption with highly efficient building fabric.ADA Fastfix, a leading supplier into the construction industry, were approached to find an airtight vapour control membrane which would ensure high levels of thermal performance and energy efficiency in the building. As a ‘relevant building’ according to Building Regulations Approved Document B, the installed membrane needed to be a fire classified solution; an A2 fire classified solution was requested to provide enhanced fire safety for the building and its occupants.The solutionADA Fastfix selected illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer due to its enhanced reaction to fire classification of A2-s1, d0 to EN 13501-1, excellent product performance, and the accompanying technical support from the illbruck team. illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane uses advanced technology to combine reinforced glass fibre with an aluminium and laminated coating, providing long lasting strength and durability. The special coating also improves thermal performance by reflecting up to 95% of heat.  Its airtight and vapour-tight properties, which can be used to comply with Passivhaus, helps improve energy efficiency whilst protecting the building fabric from moisture vapour and condensation.The applicationOver 6,000m2 of illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer was attached to the Steel Frame Structure using TF448 50mm high performance tape. The lap joints and window details were then sealed with ME322 70mm tape. This system can be used on the internal structure of a timber frame or lightweight steel structure to manage air and moisture flow, as well as enhance the building’s thermal performance, energy efficiency, and fire safety. Alongside providing high performance products, the illbruck team also helped the client with detailed drawings, technical service and application guidance, and on-site support – to ensure a smooth installation process and great finished result.Project overviewScott Hurry, Area Sales Manager at CPG UK, said, “illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane was the ideal choice for this fabric first build due to its enhanced reaction to fire classification as well as helping to improve thermal performance in the building. This is the first major installation of our new ME060 A2 fire classified membrane - we’re delighted to work with ADA Fastfix to see our products installed in this development, where our membrane will be helping to protect the building and its residents for years to come.”