"electric fires and room heaters"

Darling Associates and McLaren Group approached Planet Partitioning to undertake the internal atrium glazing and fire-rated glass doors for their fit-out of Ampersand, London. Planet was specified to design, manufacture and install all the glass partitioning for an internal atrium, balustrades and fire-rated and non–fire rated lift lobby doors. For the atrium, Planet Partitioning used full-height frameless 15.5mm low-iron toughened laminated glass. This highly curved atrium needed glass rising from the door plate to create a fluid feel, complementing the central spiral staircase. Planet then installed steel framework to support the atrium glazing.

The Northern General Hospital in Sheffield chose Yeoman Shield fire rated door protection systems to refurbish doors in the Radiology Department. The configuration and refurbishment of the department was undertaken to improve patient flow, the overall environment and to rationalise inpatient and outpatient areas to satisfy privacy, dignity and capacity issues. Yeoman Shield’s (Harrison Thompson) directly employed fixing operatives, who have been assessed as being competent to install such passive fire-resistant products by FIRAS, installed fire rated door protection panels, PVCu clad Glazing Bead Units and Door Edge Protectors to various doors throughout the unit.

In the small french village of Angoulême, France the newly opened concept store Brudey Sneakers Family, can be found. The store is completely dedicated to sneakers, where they offer limited edition collections and exclusive models.The selection of sneakers is just as impressive as the stores interior design; futuristic minimalism with curved lines and rounded shapes. Electric blue is the theme throughout the entire space, and the doors are adorned with the Fat lever handle in the same colour from the Tom Dixon collection.  

10 George Street rises 37 storeys above Canary Wharf’s new district, Wood Wharf. The balconies of its superb 327 fully furnished apartments overlook waterside gardens and boardwalks below and give exclusive views of London.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed luxury dimout curtains to all bedrooms, with matching shading curtains in living spaces. The resident’s amenity areas are fitted with heat reducing electric solar blinds for maximum comfort.

With state-of-the art facilities and interior design features throughout, it is little wonder that AccorHotels UK wanted to create a warm, welcoming and unforgettable first impression as guests entered their £90 million hotel. Whilst researching options, Joey’s team came across Dimplex’s Opti-myst® effect, which uses unique, state-of-the-art, patented technology to create the world’s most realistic electric flame effect – a highly convincing illusion of ‘flames’ and ‘smoke’.

Cambridge Consultants are one of the world’s leading product development and technology consultancy firms, solving the world’s most complex engineering, technology and design problems. Their expansion required a modern four-storey development containing state-of-the-art offices and laboratories.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed electric and hand-operated roller blinds and venetian blinds across multi-use spaces. The design required specialist engineered supports and, blinds are operated using a central control system.

Hexham and Northern Mart is an auction house in Hexham (25 miles west of Newcastle), specialising in the sale of livestock and cattle to farmers across the North East of England. The business decided it was time to replace its old gas-fired heating system with a more sustainable alternative – one that would not only reduce energy consumption and running costs, but also earn additional income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Minimising impact on day-to-day operations during the transition was another key consideration. Managing director Robert Addison tasked renewable energy specialist and NIBE Pro Installer Calibrate Energy Engineering with finding the right solution to meet the heating and hot water demands of the 112,050sq ft building.The SolutionThe team at Calibrate specified, designed and installed a 300 kW renewable heating system made up of five 60 kW NIBE F1345 ground source heat pump (GSHP) units. They paired this with a 50 kW solar PV array, fitted to the roof of the main pen area, which partially powers the NIBE GSHP system. The in-ground heat collectors required for the GSHP were laid in the fields around the buildings, with the controls units sited in a prefabricated plant room to the rear of the premises. The installation took just three months from start to finish, and during this time it was business as usual for Hexham and Northern Marts.ResultsDocked together in a cascade for greater output capacity, the five NIBE F1345 GSHP units now meet 95% of Hexham and Northern Marts’ 394,000 kW/h annual heating and hot water demand. Meanwhile, the 50 kW solar PV array generates enough free electricity to offset a significant 50% of the power needed to run the GSHP system. Hexham & Northern Marts is set to make a 236% return on investment – reaping an estimated £862,000 in energy savings and commercial RHI payments over the next two decades.Customer Testimonial“We couldn’t be happier with our new renewable heat and power sources. As well as delivering instant reductions in energy usage and subsequent savings on heating bills, the NIBE GSHP solution is providing us with a steady stream of income for the next two decades, thanks to the RHI. The power produced by the solar PV panels is an added bonus, and makes running the heat pump system even more cost-effective.“As a result, we’re expecting to see returns of more than double our original investment over the next 20 years – which is absolutely invaluable from a business point of view. Not only this, but we’ve got an efficient, reliable renewables setup that’s fit for the future, and will continue to deliver ongoing savings for years to come.”Robert Addison, managing director, Hexham & Northern Marts

The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, Siderise, met the challenge.

Products used: CW-FS | Perimeter Barriers and Firestops for Curtain WallingWhen it came to providing a proven range of fire protection solutions for a revitalised building in London highlighted by a sweeping and technically ambitious curved façade, Siderise was able to meet the challenge with its CW-FS curtain wall fire stop system.

THE LOCATIONThis brand-new student accommodation development is situated in the River Street neighbourhood of Manchester. The striking appearance of the development is down to the architectural design and materials used including the Cor-Ten steel alloy cladding which pairs perfectly with the dark blue painted panels.THE PROJECTThe development comprises 792 student bed spaces including a mix of studios and apartments and offers affordable, stylish, and accessible accommodation in the heart of Manchester whilst being a safe environment for students to learn, grow and live.THE PRODUCTSafety Letterbox discussed the design, layout and fire specifications of the project. After a few options were presented the client chose our FR2 mailbox. The FR2 mailbox is horizontal in front/ out front 2-hour fire-rated (integrity only) mailbox.Our 2-hour fire-rated mailbox range is commonly used within an evacuation route as they are capable of holding backfire or containing a fire for at least 2 hours, satisfying building and fire regulations.The mailboxes we’re powder coated in special colour – MATT Pearl Gold (RAL 1036) giving the mailboxes a stunning high-end aesthetic finish whilst being practical and completely secure. Multiple keys were also supplied, and doors were engraved for easy identification

It was the pretty garden and view of the house from the driveway that first drew retired couple Melanie and Phil to what is now their much-loved home of ten years.The property has four bedrooms and two bathrooms and, though it sits within a conservation area, it is not listed. The house was originally three dwellings, each with an entrance door at the front and staircases behind the fireplaces. In the 1970s the houses were converted to a single dwelling and an extension was added at the back to house a single staircase, hall, landing and main bathroom. When the couple bought the house, it had old single glazed windows and doors, some of which were rotten. Since moving in Melanie did their best to persevere with the old glazing because it suited the cottage, but in the end decided to update it earlier this year. The couple wanted a solution that fitted with the character and age of Long Cottage, but also wanted it to feel cosier, warmer and more energy efficient. They decided on triple glazed Rationel windows and doors. They chose Rationel FORMAPLUS alu-clad triple glazed windows and doors in two finishes – cream for the outside and white inside. ‘We liked the fact they were maintenance free, but had the look of wooden units to tie in with the character of the cottage and the surrounding village properties,’ says Phil.While energy efficiency was a key reason for choosing triple glazing, they also wanted to reduce noise as much as possible – Brize Norton airbase is nearby. The couple are especially pleased with the windows in the bedrooms – which now meet industry safety standards for evacuation in case of a fire – and in the sitting room.‘The sitting room is in an end gable next to the road,’ says Melanie, ‘and the new triple-glazed unit has made it so much quieter and cosier than it was before.’

Pavillion Point is a Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development on London Road in the centre of Brighton in East Sussex, close to the University of Brighton's main campus. Managed by student accommodation specialist Fresh, the building provides 232 student rooms, dedicated social and study areas, a gym, cafe, multimedia space and landscaped courtyard as well as retail units on the ground floor. The five storey development, designed by Corstorphine & Wright, targeted BREEAM Excellent standards as well as high levels of acoustic performance.In addition to the TECHNAL windows, curtain walling, doors and sliding systems chosen, the external facade features a clay brick slip system for the ground to third floors with a grey rainscreen cladding on the set-back fourth floor. The use of TECHNAL's aluminum systems contributed to creating an A1 rated non-combustible facade, a client requirement given the increased focus on fire safety.To ensure high levels of natural light in the student room, the design features large floor to ceiling windows. The aluminium tilt before turn windows were installed above a fixed glazing panel to create this feature. The TBT windows were selected as the inward tilt opening provides suitable ventilation whilst ensure the safety of the residents. The aim of achieving BREEAM Excellent certification as well as the building’s location on a busy road meant that the door, window and curtain walling systems had to also meet a number of specific performance requirements, not least a high level of acoustic performance. This was a challenge due to the size of some of the panels included in the design. TECHNAL system allowed a 41dB sound reduction to be achieved while optimising the weight of the glazed units.

Location: Southampton City Centre, HampshireProject Type: HousingProduct: Meridian Wall CopingsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Matt Anthracite Grey: Marine SpecificationFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Main Contractor: Bouygues UK

Vetrotech supplied their very own Pyroswiss fire-resistant glass, which resists fire for up to 30 minutes, thus building a physical barrier against flames, hot smoke and toxic gases. The glasses were supplied in various colors, which bring a warm and creative touch to the facility while marking the different departments within the hospital.

As part of a three-year programme by Birmingham City Council to install fire sprinklers in 10,000 flats across 213 tower blocks, Pendock MXF sprinkler boxing is being used to conceal surface mounted pipework.Manufactured from pre-formed plywood and incorporating a white finish, MXF fire sprinkler boxing was specified, rather than on-site fabrication to provide a consistent and uniform finish while minimising the visual impact of the new fire safety measures in each tenant’s home.Also, it doesn’t require painting and typically takes less time to fit than site made alternatives, which helps reduce labour costs and minimises tenant disruption.

A fault-tolerant network of MxPro 5 intelligent fire panels from Advanced was chosen to protect the 3Ts Redevelopment programme at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.A total of 36 4-loop MxPro 5 panels, 46 repeater panels and two custom-built AdSpecials panels from Advanced were installed as part of 3Ts, a construction programme to modernise the front half of the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Phase one involved the construction of a 13-storey building with two basement levels. Incorporating all the functions of a modern hospital. The building includes a three-storey atrium reception, outpatient departments, operating theatres, wards, a teaching facility and administration facilities.The fire system was installed by the team at Essex-based EA-RS Fire Engineering Ltd, who installed Advanced’s industry-leading MxPro 5 fire panels alongside bespoke sprinkler indication and ventilation override panels, all linked to approximately 5,000 Hochiki devices.

Project type: EducationLocation: Wimbledon High School, London, SW19 4ABProject Cost: £21mProduct: Rainscreen with ExtrusionsFinish (Extrusions): Syntha Pulvin RAL 7047 Matt Telegrau 4Finish (Panel): Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Fascia Soffit to Eaves, Verge & RIdgeFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Vertical Feature FinsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Copings & Rainwater PipesFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyFire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Product: Monocoque Support System (Galv)Fire Rating: A1 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Neilcott Construction LTDArchitect: IID ArchitectsContractor: Neilcott Construction LTDPhotography: IID Architects & John Nason

Pyroguard’s technical expertise recently proved vital on the regeneration of the Capuchino Convent de San Antonio de Padua in Spain; a project which required a careful balance between renovating the historic building, ensuring modern fire safety regulations were met and being respectful of the Convent’s heritage.The ChallengeThe project presented teams with many challenges, mainly how to work within the parameters of a historic building and bring it in line with modern-day regulations, all while simultaneously respecting its heritage and aesthetics.When it came to the building’s compartmentation, an important part of any building’s passive fire protection strategy, the use of glass was key. To ensure that any new glazing was in keeping with the convent’s style and heritage, the Duramen System from AFVidrio was chosen – a timber frame with a varnished oak finish.The SolutionA bespoke EI120 fire resistance test was then carried out, using AFVidrio’s frame in collaboration with Pyroguard. This fire test was a critical phase of the project and provided assurances of the overall glazing system’s performance. Pyroguard’s expertise and technical knowledge was key in helping to design and pass the EI120 fire test, which featured its Pyroguard Protect fire safety glass.Another challenge of working within historic buildings, as opposed to a new development, is having to adapt the building products to suit the existing structure. On the Capuchino Convent de San Antonio de Padua project, a selection of the glazing units were semi-circular doors and other shaped glass, rather than the standard rectangular panes. Here, Pyroguard again demonstrated its technical expertise, supplying bespoke glass components to suit the on-site framework.

Located along one of Central London’s oldest thoroughfares connecting Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, Hobhouse Court is an award-winning and architecturally unique development including 20 exclusive high-end residential units, finished in keeping with the prime central London location.InterLace designed and installed electric roller blinds from renowned Swiss design-house and manufacturer, Création Baumann, with double blinds in bedrooms giving the benefit of both privacy and dimout and remote controls.

Adjacent to the Tennis World complex and within a very close proximity to some of the modern outdoor tennis courts and a neighbouring skate park is a large electrical power substation. The substation was observed to be causing an audible continuous humming, causing annoyance for users of the nearby courts, as well as creating an eyesore visible from courts. To protect and mitigate noise created by the substation, Jacksons supplied 93 metres of 6.5m high Jakoustic® Plus fencing to enclose the area, installed by Gus Robinson Developments.

The global transport and logistics company DSV have completed a brand new 522,000 sq ft industrial facility and offices. The state-of-the-art logistics hub is located at the 238-acre Mercia Park in Leicestershire.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed a full turn-key external shading system to reduce solar gain, with high specification electric venetian blinds and specialist Schueco curtain walling roller shade blinds operated by a central weather-responsive control system.

Surespan recently travelled to Lithuania to manufacture and supply a floor hatch to enable Finnish energy company Fortum to access their biomass pit at their new energy plant.The 5000 x 5000 mm hydraulically operated, the double-leaf hatch was designed to be easily operated by an electrically driven pump power pack. Fortum wanted the simplest operation for a grab crane to gain easy access to the biomass plant so Surespan worked with engineering consultants AF Consult to come up with an effective solution.

Project:Ast+Dagdelen Architects approached Surespan to manufacture a glazed walk-on basement skylight for use at ground level to bring light and a means of delivery access for materials and goods to their model workshop which is situated beneath their architectural practice. Product:The single leaf 500 (19.5?) x 2400mm (95.5?) electrically operated and thermally broken access hatch featured TripleLite 34mm double glazing with a 1.4kN concentrated pedestrian load. The hatch was finished in a polyester powder coating to match Valspar Bronze.

Leeds Town Hall is a historic building at the heart of Leeds City Centre, originally built in 1858. The age of this building meant the maintenance and cleaning of the 7 600kg chandeliers had to be hand-operated by a 3-man team using an outdated lighting system. The costly annual cleaning could take up to four weeks, leaving the popular Victoria Hall unusable during this time. The installation of an electric chandelier winch system has allowed them to complete this task safely in just under a week.

Avoiding gas reliance when building a new house.Traditional self-build projects have always had heating systems such as gas central heating and solar panels installed. However, with the increasing costs of gas, and the uncertainty of future supplies, a secondary heating source is required.There are options such as ground heating pumps, etc. but a real heating system independent of the grid, plus a stunning focal point has to be a wood burning stove.In fact, wood logs are now the cheapest domestic heating fuel. According to the Stove Industry Alliance, wood now is “costing households 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating”. The benefits don’t end there. “Using a modern wood burning stove also costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump. Wood logs are 87% less carbon intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump.”Building a traditional steel pipe flue system is always an option, but steel systems are more suitable in retrofit projects where minimum disruption is required. When you are building a house from the ground up, then a more permanent and ultimately lifetime option is the better one.

Surespan designed and manufactured four access products for the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California The Project:HKS Architects were behind the architectural design of the stadium by creating an unrivalled sports and entertainment destination. The 5-billion-dollar stadium has created a diverse event space that offers an unparalleled experience from enjoying cocktails and food to immersive sporting events.The stadium offers a ground-breaking video experience that became the first venue to air live football on its roof. Furthermore, the centre-hung Samsung screen is the world’s first halo video board that is roughly 70,000 square-foot, dual-sided and is considered the most LEDs ever used in a sports and entertainment venue.The SoFi Stadium will be hosting several global events from the Super Bowl LVI 2022, 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.The Product:Surespan designed and manufactured four access products.  Two electrically operated, double leaf, flush floor hinged access covers to suit an overall frame size of 4267 x 1768mm.  Two electrically operated, double-leaf ceiling access panels to suit an overall frame size of 4267 x 1768mm. The lids have been designed to open downwards.

The Blackheath Hospital, a private hospital made up of Victorian houses that from the classical façade of the building required a new waterproofing membrane to the plant room roof, after reports of water ingress to the building below. The leaks were caused by the existing box gutter around the slate pitched roof which was found to be an aged timber deck with a broken down felt membrane. The client requested a high performance, cold applied system, therefore Proteus Pro-Cold® was specified.High Performance WaterproofingDue to the nature of the building, a noise free, low odour, cost effective solution was required. A recovery board, bonded in Pro-Bond Foaming Adhesive was first installed, followed by the application of Proteus Pro-Cold® in a two coat fully reinforced process providing a guaranteed 15- year system. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor to ensure the project was completed to a high standard. Health & SafetyAs the hospital building was constantly operating, the system needed to be installed with minimum noise and disruptions, ensuring the hospital could still operate and patients were not disturbed. As Proteus Pro-Cold® is cold applied it met all the health and safety criteria, as well as keeping disruptions to a minimum. Proteus Pro-Cold® is also certified with the highest European Fire Rating BROOF(t4). Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Cold® offers a low maintenance, durable waterproofing and protection solution for a range of new build and refurbishment applications. It is cold applied, eliminating the risk of fire and once cured, provides a completely seamless waterproof protection and has excellent UV stability, making it suitable to use in all climates. Proteus Pro-Cold® forms a seamless, fully adhered membrane and has BROOF(t4) certification.

To comply with passive fire protection requirements, Nullifire worked with trusted contactor Protek Interiors to install both SC602 Intumescent Base Coat (On-Site) and SC802 Water Based Intumescent Base Coat (On-Site) to this 2500m2 project. The combination of these projects worked well given the challenging circumstances and allowed for Protek Interiors to fully adhere to the fire strategy of the building.

The challengeThe old hand dryers had burnt out and were extremely noisy. The washrooms are located close to the reception desk and they often caused background noise problems for staff and visitors.“Choosing a product that was both quiet and eco-friendly, I had reservations about performance, however this was unwarranted. Superb dryer at a bargain price to match.” Emma Davis - Fleet & Facilities, ASE Plc Who are ASE Plc?ASE are a global company specialising in the automotive industry, with head offices in Manchester, UK. They operate in over 50 international markets providing specific motor trade accountancy, professional services and retail performance data. There are approx. 50 staff working in this location, but they have a worldwide team of over 220 peopleThe solutionThis Quiet Mark approved unit with blade technology is one of the quietest in its class. You can turn off the heater element to further decrease the energy use and running costs.Model: Dryflow ViperDry time range: 15 – 20 secondsRated power: 600W – 2000W (4 settings available)Guarantee length: 3 yearsThe results“The noise has dramatically reduced into the reception area and it is now as quiet as is should be.The new models selected are much less powerful and more eco-friendly, however the end result is just as good, dry hands all round. In fact, we just purchased another one”Emma Davis - Fleet & Facilities, ASE Plc

Location: Solihull Project Type: Residential Development Cost: £47m Product: Balcony Cladding, Window Cladding, Rainwater Pipes Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey Satin Fire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018) Product: Shadex 150 Solar Shading and Privacy Screens Finish: Powdertech’s PWF1 Timber-effect polyester powder coating Fire Rating: A2-s1, d0 (EN BS 13501-1) Client: The Solihull Retirement Village in partnership with the ExtraCare Charitable Trust Architect: DLA Architecture Main Contractor: The Vistry Group Sub Contractor: MQM Fabrications

HAG was entrusted with supplying a suite of fire protection solutions, including fire curtains and shutters, to HSBC UK’s flagship office, One Centenary Square, located in Birmingham.This cutting-edge conversion of a ten-storey building symbolised a substantial £200 million investment in the West Midlands. Working within this expansive 1.5 million square foot site posed significant challenges, especially given the heights involved. However, HAG met these challenges head-on, prioritising safety throughout the project. By integrating HAG's advanced fire safety measures, HSBC UK's new headquarters not only stands as one of Birmingham's greenest buildings but also aligns seamlessly with the company's esteemed brand standards.

A dynamic, highly flexible building at the University of Cambridge has been fitted with Junckers solid wood flooring as part of a light-filled interior scheme. The West Hub, designed by Jestico+Whiles, is a hybrid building designed to cater for students, commercial tenants, and members of the public. A focus on fostering connection and collaboration through thoughtfully designed interlinking spaces is evident in the interior, which is bright, open, and welcoming. The new building combines structured spaces with generous circulation areas for breakout and informal social and study use. The large, light-filled rooms make use of Junckers Nordic Oak Harmony flooring finished in ultra matt lacquer as an ideal backdrop. Using materials in paler shades helps maximise levels of natural light reflected into the space, supporting user wellbeing as well as minimising reliance on artificial lighting. A large plate-steel orange staircase, clad in Junckers Nordic Oak, zigzags its way through the main atrium, providing a visual and circulatory focal point as well as connecting the building vertically. Each of the floors in the building were designed with a different ambiance in mind, from a vibrant and lively ground floor housing a café and dining area, to a more relaxed, calmer first floor and a quiet upper floor intended for study. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent and adopts many aspects of the WELL standard, including plenty of natural light and elements of biophilic design. On the lower ground floor hospitality areas, plants and trees have been integrated into the interior, which coupled with Junckers solid hardwood flooring provides an environment with a connection to nature, an element proved to support wellbeing as well as performance. An ideal choice for a busy, user-focused building, A pre-finished, solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a perfectly smooth surface and cannot harbour dust or mites. As an all-natural material, wood contributes to an even and balanced indoor climate as it helps maintain temperature in a room and reduces static from electrical equipment. All Junckers’ floors hold the Danish Indoor Climate label and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring. Junckers also complies with EU legislation REACH. The floor was installed by PICA Floorings Ltd. 

The Hilda Besse building at St Antony’s College, Oxford, one of the country’s best examples of Post-War architecture, has been refurbished by award-winning architectural and heritage consultancy practice Purcell. As part of a sensitive renovation to enhance the original architecture and ensure the building’s sustainable future, Junckers solid wood flooring was fitted throughout the common rooms, kitchens and the dining hall. Informed by historic drawings and photographs, Purcell specified a dark wooden floor, reverting to the original finish found in the building. Junckers Black Oak plank flooring was fitted in a bespoke geometric pattern designed by the architect, complementing the elaborate ceiling features. Junckers’ Approved Flooring Contractor V. A. Hutchison Flooring sampled the bespoke pattern on site and created all the joints and cuts with their own bespoke methods, specially adapted for such intricate work. The result is an elegant floor fit for purpose, offering both a grand impression and a durable floor surface. Junckers Black Oak is made by mimicking the natural process known as ‘bog oak’ where timber left submerged in bog conditions takes on a rich, dark colour. The colour is drawn deep into the wood, unlike a surface stain. This unique method enables sanding and refinishing of the floor without loss of colour. Specifying a solid hardwood floor for the Grade II listed building ensures longevity of both design and use. A Junckers floor has a long lifespan and will last for generations. Part of the refurbishment and conservation work included improving the building’s sustainable performance as well as the wellbeing of staff and students. A solid hardwood floor from Junckers is one of the most sustainable flooring surfaces available. Junckers has completed EPDs for its wooden floors to ensure all elements of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to production and distribution, adhere to strict sustainability standards. Wood is naturally low in embodied carbon and can easily be recycled at the end of its long life. Wooden floors contribute to a healthy indoor environment by maintaining an even temperature and counter-acting static from electrical appliances. All Junckers wood floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate Label, ensuring there are no chemical substances in the flooring which adversely affect the air quality in a room. The main contractor for the project was CBRE. 

We are delighted to have been awarded a £60,000 contract for healthcare furniture for the new Manor Street Medical Centre, in Braintree, Essex. Because this was a brand new build, furniture across the whole medical centre building was required, including treatment rooms, consulting rooms, staff WCs and shower rooms, kitchenette, store rooms, staff rooms, GP reception and meeting rooms.Manor Street is a £30 million , mixed-use, regeneration scheme for Braintree District Council to rejuvenate and revitalise the town centre, providing homes, a hotel, health provision, car park and bus interchange.

Marrtree Business Park is a large warehouse estate, mostly made up of single storey industrial/warehouse units. A refurbishment of their roof was needed as part of a wider development, including full renovation of the office suite, new LED warehouse lighting and electrical installation.Systems in useForce®Starcoat® RChallengesOne significant challenge for this project was that the roof did not comply with current Part L building regulations and needed thermally upgrading as part of the building refurbishment works. There were also combustibility issues with the metal cladding to the perimeter of the flat roof area. Not only this, severe ponding water and delamination of the existing membrane meant poor drainage falls across the roof area.Access was also a challenge for this survey, with a scaffold having to be erected before the final roof condition report could be conducted, so time and turnaround was key to lessening additional costs for the building owner. Axter were able to conduct the survey and get recommendations and specifications to the main contractor and client within a 48 hour window, allowing the scaffold to remain in situ in preparation for works to commence as soon as possible.SolutionsAs the existing waterproofing was beyond repair, we recommended that it be completely stripped back to the metal substrate. In its place, the Force reinforced bitumen system was installed, which was idea due to its durability, flexibility and exceptional ageing characteristics.The system incorporated Hytherm ADH Tapered Insulation following on from a level survey to improve falls and upgrade the thermal performance of the building in line with current regulations.Axter’s Starcoat R cold liquid bitumen PU resin was employed to mitigate any potential fire risk to details, in line with the NFRC’s Safe2Torch guidance. A charcoal granule finish was added to this in order to maintain continuity of the RBM membrane aesthetic.

ColtShaft System to protect fire fighting core