"polycarbonate"

Enhancing Mental Health Care with Specialised Fitted Furniture SolutionsWith the rising number of mental health issues, companies like David Bailey Furniture Systems Ltd are facing new challenges in providing specialised fitted furniture systems to the NHS. The demand for furniture with anti-ligature properties, unbreakable polycarbonate mirrors, and anti-ligature hooks has increased as mental health care places more emphasis on patient safety and well-being. This case study highlights David Bailey Furniture's collaboration with Medical Architecture and Kier to supply bespoke specialist fitted furniture for Kimmeridge Court. An innovative inpatient unit at St Ann's Hospital in Poole, Dorset, designed to provide a therapeutic retreat for individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders.The treatment of eating disorders necessitates a safe and therapeutic environment. David Bailey Furniture understands the importance of incorporating anti-ligature designs into fitted furniture to reduce the risk of self-harm. By minimising ligature attachment points, these specialised fitted furniture units help prevent individuals from using fixtures as a means of self-inflicted harm, prioritising patient safety and facilitating a supportive environment for recovery.Traditional mirrors can pose significant risks when broken. To mitigate this, Kimmeridge Court incorporates unbreakable polycarbonate mirrors from David Bailey Furniture, that can withstand impact, reducing potential harm and ensuring patient well-being. Additionally, anti-ligature hooks with magnet or adhesive fixings are utilised, providing a secure alternative to traditional hooks and eliminating points of vulnerability. These innovative fixtures maintain a therapeutic space while preventing ligature attachment and ensuring patient safety.David Bailey Furniture played a crucial role in the development of Kimmeridge Court, supplying a wide range of other specialised fitted furniture systems. The company provided shelving, wall-mounted units for TVs, and other bespoke units for 10 bedrooms and ensuites. These fitted units incorporated polycarbonate mirrors, magnetic hooks, hygiene-friendly sloping tops, and secure fixings to prevent the removal of components that might cause injury. Additionally, disabled-friendly units and worktops were supplied for the kitchens, offices, and other areas of the building, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility.With over 40 years of experience, David Bailey Furniture has been a trusted supplier of fitted furniture systems to the NHS. The company works closely with Hospital Trusts to ensure that their fitted furniture meets modern medical needs, particularly in the realm of mental health care. Through its collaboration on the Kimmeridge Court project, David Bailey Furniture has contributed to the advancement of mental health care in the NHS and as its importance continues to grow, the company remains committed to playing its part in supporting initiatives that improve mental well-being.

In a recent project, Twinfix displayed their commitment to excellence through the installation of eight free-standing semi-curved canopies spanning 302 square meters at Cheswick Green Primary School in Solihull. Tailored for functionality and aesthetic appeal, the canopies feature the innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system glazed with 10 mm clear multiwall polycarbonate. The aluminium structure, ensuring both durability and a sleek finish, is meticulously powder coated to RAL 7040, imparting numerous benefits to the canopies.Powder coating enhances the durability of the aluminium, providing a robust protective layer against weathering, corrosion, and UV radiation. This not only ensures a longer lifespan for the canopies but also minimises maintenance requirements, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice for educational institutions like Cheswick Green Primary School.Beyond their structural integrity, these barrel-vault canopies offer a multitude of benefits. The Non-Fragile roofing system enhances safety, meeting stringent standards. Simultaneously, the 10 mm clear multiwall polycarbonate glazing fosters inviting covered outdoor spaces, flooded with natural light.Their design not only adds a touch of modernity but also elevates the visual appeal of the school. Twinfix’s canopies seamlessly blend functionality with elegance, creating structures that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing.The recent installation at Cheswick Green Primary School exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and delivering top-tier solutions. Collaborating effectively with E Manton Ltd, Twinfix has created structures that not only meet the highest standards of functionality but also stand as symbols of excellence in both design and execution. As Twinfix continues to set new standards in canopy solutions, this project stands as a testament to their ability to create transformative and visually captivating spaces.

As part of the Building Schools For The Future Programme, Broxap were awarded the contract to supply shelter elements on this prestigious new build school at Newham, London. There was a requirement for an outdoor area beyond the classrooms with a specified decked area and shelter arrangment. Broxap produced a design to client specification featuring a bespoke monopitch version of the Newcstle Senior Shelter. This was clad in UV reducing Multiwall polycarbonate and submerge fixed into the ground, the decking element was then added beneath and around the shelter columns.The shelter is minimal and unobtrusive yet protects the decked area from the elements and provides UV protection to pupils beneath.Other shelter elements contained within the school provide by Broxap included a run of Castleford cycle shelters complete with Sheffield cycle racks.

Two monopitch polycarbonate roof canopies have more than doubled the covered dining space available at Hove Park School’s Nevill Campus, at a more cost-effective price point than a traditionally constructed solution.As part of an ongoing programme of facilities upgrades, the school had recently demolished their ageing dining block, replacing it with a modern modular building with a similar footprint. However, with student numbers rising by 100, additional space was still needed for students to eat and socialize.Streetspace supplied two TRITON Mono canopies, which wrap around two sides of the new dining block, providing seamless cover for staff and students. All works were completed within the summer holidays, with a full package including foundation construction, removal of two trees, and reinstatement of surfacing.

Twinfix is a family run business. For more than 30 years they have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. Replacing the old canopy glazing used at rail stations with products from Twinfix’s range of polycarbonate glazing options floods the area with daylight while eliminating the common issues that occur with historic railway roof glazing. Last year, Twinfix assisted with the refurbishment of two of the UK’s historic stations, Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane.Gerrards Cross StationGerrards Cross Station is a fantastic example of one of the nation’s historic stations. Built in 1906 as part of the Great Western and Great Central Joint Railway it has recently undergone a series of upgrades to improve the station for passengers.As part of a £2.4m Railway Upgrade Plan investment by Network Rail, the following areas were refurbished:Full replacement of the platform’s canopy – ensuring passengers are protected from the weatherInstalling lighting throughout – making the station safer and more secureRe-roofing of the main station’s roofWindows repairs where necessaryApplying fresh coats of paint to steelworkRefurbishment of the canopy roofHeadstone Lane StationTravel eleven miles east of Gerrards Cross and you arrive at Headstone Lane station. Another of the UK’s historic stations, this station opened in February 1913 and consists of a small single storey brick-built station building adjacent to the Headstone Lane road bridge, with two platforms.This station was also part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, with investment in the refurbishment of both platform canopies.An innovative roof glazing systemA team comprising of Network Rail, Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, and specialist Design Consultant Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd were assigned to the job to ensure that the correct roof glazing was specified and installed over the platforms.The product chosen for both stations was the innovative Twinfix modular non-fragile Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) system, glazed with 6mm clear solid polycarbonate. Approximately 225 square metres of these panels were required to re-glaze the five canopies across both stations, with panels delivered to site ready for quick installation.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability – these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety – Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction – The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access – The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight – The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – the clear polycarbonate panels have the appearance of glass and provide just the right level of light transmission onto the platforms below.This project demanded a collaborative approach, requiring Twinfix to liaise closely with Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, installation company Orchard Roofing & Building, and design consultancy Arcadis, where early engagement with the team ensured that all aspects of the project ran smoothly from the onset.Richard Nash, Contracts Manager at J. Murphy & Sons Limited commented: ‘Throughout the design and implementation stages of our refurbishment works at Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane Railway Stations, Twinfix have been a pleasure to work with. Working alongside both our designers and approved installers, they have provided a professional end to end service resulting in a quality finished product.’Piotr Stencel, Senior Project Manager at Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd commented: “All the Twinfix team we have been in contact with have been very helpful to provide information, contact and help resolve issues. We were also invited to their offices in Warrington back in 2019 where we could see/touch Twinfix products and discuss design/constructability aspects which is always better than just seeing on the product data sheet.”The Twinfix team are proud to be part of this journey that will see the UK rail network revolutionised and sees exciting times ahead for the company.

Installed as part of a £3m project to replace their ROSLA block, a monopitch TRITON Covered Walkway ensures the staff and students of Nunnery Wood High School are protected from the elements when moving between buildings.With a large number of buildings around the school site, one of the main thoroughfares runs in between two blocks, and during wet weather other areas became congested as site users avoided it. In association with the school’s consultant, PR Associates, Streetspace developed a solution using our TRITON Covered Walkway design.The steel frame canopy construction enables flexibility in post spacings, which is perfect in situations like this where multiple doorways open onto the canopy area. Multiwall polycarbonate roof cladding with a good level of light transmission ensures that classrooms adjacent to the covered walkway do not lose too much light.

Clickfix sculpts the light in royal art & design studioBrett Martin supplied the polycarbonate panels used to glaze the striking northlights in the roof exhibition space in the new Battersea campus of the Royal College of Art, London which the college described as ‘the most significant campus development in their history’The architects brief was to bring together art, design, science and technology in one place and the building has been certified as BREEAM excellent.Marlon Clickfix pans across 2 vertical sections in the top floor of the 4-storey Studio Building dedicated to traditional art and design disciplines.The product was selected due to its ease of installation, thermal insulation and high levels of natural light which allows for large, glazed areas. The bright space and the sheer size of the glazing in this building illustrates the benefits of the product wonderfully and as stated by the guardian “The space beneath the big triangular skylights is glorious”. 

Newmarket Hospital, a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, has revealed a remarkable transformation with the addition of a new walkway spanning a total of 99 square meters.One of the standout features of this canopy is its structure, meticulously crafted from powder-coated aluminium. This choice not only guarantees durability but also reduces the maintenance demands on Newmarket Hospital. In a healthcare setting, where patient care is paramount, this ensures that staff can concentrate on their core responsibilities without the constant worry of upkeep.The new walkway showcases the innovative Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, which incorporates polycarbonate glazing. This roofing system is not just about allowing natural light to permeate the space; it’s also about doing so while ensuring adequate weather protection.This unique roofing system utilises polycarbonate glazing, effectively diffusing sunlight, creating a well-lit and evenly illuminated space beneath the canopy. Patients, visitors, and staff can move comfortably without the discomfort of harsh sunlight or the risk of glare. The canopy also provides effective weather protection, shielding individuals from rain and creating a dry and secure passage, regardless of the weather outside.The design of this roofing system aligns perfectly with safety standards, particularly in healthcare settings, as it complies with HSE’s drop test ACR[M]001:2019, ensuring it is non-fragile and capable of withstanding potential impacts without shattering.In a healthcare environment, safety is non-negotiable. The Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF glazing meets rigorous safety standards, providing protection against potential breakage. This means that even in the rare event of an accidental impact, the glazing won’t shatter, minimising the risk of injury to those underneath. It’s an assurance of patient well-being, and it’s something Newmarket Hospital takes seriously.Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix, commented on the project: “The new walkway at Newmarket Hospital is a testament to the superior quality and design expertise offered by Twinfix. This installation marries durability, aesthetics, and safety, ultimately enhancing the healthcare experience for all stakeholders. We take pride in having delivered a solution that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of Newmarket Hospital.”This project is more than just a canopy; it’s a symbol of progress and excellence, and it’s a part of the journey toward a better healthcare experience for all.”

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

The Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy in Great Yarmouth pride themselves on putting their students at the centre of everything they do whilst inspiring and motivating them on a daily basis. In 2021 Streetspace were approached by the school to help update 3 existing areas of the school campus into more usable covered spaces for the children to use and enjoy year-round.An ORION hypar™ Waterproof Tensile Canopy was installed in the part of the school playground aptly named ‘Mushroom Corner’, with the addition of foam post protectors for an extra element of safety for the children whilst playing. The design of the canopy offers a good balance of shade and shelter while the distinctive hypar form of the canopy compliments the fun landscape the school had already created. The unique hypar shape is created when diagonally opposite corners of the sail are raised and the resulting twist in the fabric creates the hypar form. The PVC based waterproof fabric is also combined with a PVDF self-cleaning top layer that helps to prevent dirt getting ingrained in the fabric.Streetspace then worked on updating the playground by installing a Triton Maxx polycarbonate roof canopy, providing the children with an effective sheltered space to use during their break and lunch times. The polycarbonate roof covering provides a good level of light transmission, ensuring a light and airy feeling under the canopy even on gloomy days, while still offering excellent protection during inclement weather. Steel guttering and downpipes powder coated to match the canopy frame were also installed to manage rainwater during inclement weather.Lastly, an ORION Barrel Vault Tensile structure was installed in the nursery playground to provide the younger children with shade and rain protection whilst they played outside on their apparatus. The lightweight nature of fabric tensile membrane canopies requires fewer structural steel columns, resulting in lots of clear space for the children to enjoy. Alongside this benefit, the soft membrane roof creates an ambient environment while absorbing the sounds of voices, rain and echo, making this canopy a perfect solution for playgrounds. ORION Barrel Vault Tensile Structures utilise a single piece PVC fabric membrane meaning no joins to attract dirt while utilising the same PVDF surface coating helping to reduce maintenance. For this project all canopy frames and rainwater systems were finished with a highly durable polyester powder coating with matching RAL colour to co-ordinate with the existing school colour scheme.

Travel to London Luton Airport (LLA) is being made easier, faster and greener with the development of the DART people mover.And the final journey between shuttle stop and airport terminal is via a covered walkway designed, manufactured and installed by Broxap.The walkway complements a series of canopies we created for the airport in 2019 as part of a bus and coach station upgrade.Together the DART (Direct-Air-Rail-Transit) system and bus services are designed to encourage more people to leave their cars behind when flying from LLA as well as offer sustainable travel options to employees.The 150-metre bespoke walkway guiding passengers to the terminal from the DART station is based on Broxap’s flagship ‘Newcastle’ design.The freestanding walkway features clear multi-wall polycarbonate cladding and is an essential element in the passenger journey, forming the final connection between ground transportation and the boarding of aircraft.A bespoke Hartcliffe Cantilever Shelter has also been made for the DART building to form a covered entrance area.Testing of the shuttle system is now underway with an announcement on its opening due in early 2023.

The ChallengePreston Primary School required cover for their outdoor play area so that their pupils could play outside in all weather conditions at their school in Devon. The school liked the appearance and practicality of the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy, yet due to the fact that they did not want to fix a canopy to their existing building, they requested information on the free standing canopies available. They also had a fixed budget and therefore required a canopy that would fit into their budget without compromising on quality and size.The SolutionAble Canopies suggested the Grange Junior Free Standing Canopy as the ideal shelter solution for them due to its similar appearance to the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy, and the fact it also shared many of the Coniston's benefits including its ability to be constructed to an unlimited length. As a free standing structure the Grange Junior does not need to be fixed to a building or other structure which matched Preston Primary school's needs. It benefits from a robust steel frame which is covered with polycarbonate roof panels that offer high UV protection from the sun, making this product ideal for an educational environment.

A new canopy project at the stunning North Birmingham Academy was always going to be a task for a team with a strong design focus rather than those delivering off-the peg solutions. To be a success, the structure would need to complement the modern futuristic building architecture at the same time as maximising cover to the long queuing area and the adjoining curved amphitheatre with its in-situ concrete furniture.CGI visualisations of a design configuration using our TRITON Maxx-A Polycarbonate Canopy to maintain a continuous asymmetric roof profile from the 5m wide section through the 14m width seating area, assured the Academy that a Streetspace project would be the right choice. With the steel frame powder coated to match the composite cladding of the adjacent building, the flowing design makes little of the complexity required to fit the new canopy around the external works layout.‘The students and staff at North Birmingham Academy are very pleased with the new canopy – the design sits comfortably with the architecture of our brand new building and has both relieved pressure on our indoor facilities and enabled students to benefit from being outside in all weathers’.

During the construction of Unity Academy, a state-of-the-art Alternative Provision (AP) primary school in Kidderminster, Portakabin approached Twinfix to design, manufacture, and install a playground shelter .Twinfix’s expert team designed a canopy that contributes to the school’s welcoming and supportive environment, providing shelter for students, staff, and visitors while promoting sustainability and enhancing the building’s aesthetics. Given the school’s focus on catering to students with special educational needs, safety considerations were of utmost importance.The canopy, covering a total area of 12 square metres, features an aluminium frame powder-coated in RAL 7016, anthracite grey, enhancing the modern aesthetic of the new school. The design includes anti-climb gutters and incorporates the Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system, glazed with 16mm polycarbonate. This system is classified as non-fragile in compliance with the HSE’s drop test ACR[M]001:2019.When the school opened its doors last year, there was an apparent need to utilise the outdoor space and introduce covered areas for learning and play. The school asked Twinfix to provide additional canopies, facilitating outdoor learning and offering a range of benefits to their students.

University Coventry Hospital is situated in the Walsgrave on Sowe area of Coventry and is part of the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. The hospital opened in 2006, replacing Walsgrave Hospital the original hospital at the site.Twinfix was approached by Principal Contractors William Gough to design, manufacture and install a walkway from the helipad on the first-floor deck to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department. The requirement was for a robust walkway that was structurally sufficient to withstand the usual weather forces and the down draught from a helicopter in close proximity.Liaising closely with William Gough and designer Pinnegar Hayward Design, the expert team at Twinfix designed, manufactured and installed a 240 sqm free-standing mono-pitch canopy with vertical perforated side panels. This impressive canopy design included lockable double leaf gates to secure the area.The roof comprises of our Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system powder coated to RAL 5010 – gentian blue and glazed with 16mm multiwall polycarbonate, and the vertical panels were powder-coated to RAL 7037 – dusty grey. As this metal does not rust in use, the walkway will keep its good looks throughout its long life.

Matching their generosity Safety Technology International have partnered with a community charity to preserve and protect a life-saving donation for when it is needed most.The Post Office Anglers Society (POAS) is a family fishing club with a long history stretching back to the early 1970s; initially the brainchild of now honorary member David Butt and a fellow group of Post Office Telephone Engineers the Society now has nearly 300 members.In 2005, the Southend-on-Sea based Society purchased a 4.5 acre site in Sutton, Essex to develop their very own two lake fishery, Beauchamps, to supplement their existing leased fishery. The POAS’ Beauchamps Fishery was recently fortunate enough to receive an automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) donated by the Finish Line Fund.The AED was to be installed in the fisheries meeting area, a location partially open to the elements and only accessible to members. It was vital, therefore, the new life safety device be properly protected for use in an emergency.As is customary, the AED operator’s manual offered clear instructions for proper installation and maintenance, including guidance on impact protection, equipment visibility and environmental protection requirements.Drawing on the life safety expertise of its membership, STI’s AED Protective Cabinet (STI-7531AED) was identified by the POAS and carefully chosen to protect the sophisticated medical device as it exceeded all of the criteria set out by the manufacturer and all with a three-year guarantee.POAS Member and Fire Safety Professional, Ken Pearce, said: “The POAS contacted STI to discuss the enclosure and its importance in protecting the possibly life-saving AED.“We were delighted to hear that STI offered to donate the enclosure to the club to safeguard the AED from the elements and allow us to be able to carry out the installation in line with the AED manufacturer’s guidance.”It was determined the impact-resistant UV-stabilised polycarbonate enclosure could withstand any amount of accidental knocks from fishing equipment and fishery maintenance tools; the clear polycarbonate housing and thumb lock allowing the portable AED to remain both highly visible and easily accessible, vitally important in an emergency.From the scorching days of the POAS Summer League matches to the chilly Winter League matches fished by the hardiest of fishermen, the typical working properties of -40°C to 121°C greatly exceed the wildest of temperatures expected at the fishery throughout the year – An internal gasket guards against ingress.Ken added: “The AED Protective Cabinet was installed by a member of the POAS Maintenance Team who found the installation to be extremely straightforward, and was particularly pleased with the supplied wire shelf and steel mounting backplate, which ensured a secure installation – The enclosure was successfully installed in under an hour.“All members would like to thank STI for this great donation and we can have confidence that the equipment, should it be needed, will be easily accessible and well protected.”

At Streetspace, our aim is to unite people via clever designs for covered, outdoor areas. When The Compton School contacted us to improve their existing dining area, then, we were only too keen to provide some food for thought. We all know that teachers – and kids – are amongst life’s biggest critics, but we were more than ready to provide the academy with a solution that would suit both staff and students.Having recently expanded to incorporate an additional form of entry and a sixth form, the school found that its dining facilities were starting to suffer from overcrowding.The school’s Associate Headteacher, Denise Beardshaw, was keen to see a dining area that would accommodate its ever-growing admissions while also providing a relaxed environment the children would be happy to spend time in.In 2016, the school put in a Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bid that was granted the following year, paving the way for the Streetspace team to start work on two exciting projects for the academy to provide additional dining space.Proposing both an enclosed glazed building extension to the dining area our team also set out to create a large courtyard canopy to ensure maximum numbers of pupils could enjoy their food rain and wind-free.A successful project award saw Streetspace installing an asymmetric rafter design TRITON Symmetric Polycarbonate canopy over the courtyard area and a separate ZONE Glazed Building adjacent to the existing dining hall. With its aluminium curtain walling and a heatguard multiwall polycarbonate roofing system specified we were able to achieve maximum light transmission into the dining hall area while maintaining year round temperature control.Transforming the school’s dining facilities with two of our innovative structures has been a rewarding experience for the Streetspace team with school staff and student feedback very positive.Associate Headteacher, Denise, was thrilled with the outcome, saying:“Following an expansion programme for an additional form of entry, together with the school opening a Sixth Form the existing dining area had become very overcrowded.Streetspace offered a range of bespoke designs to choose from adapted to meet our requirements. Design concepts were clearly displayed in a range of formats alongside technical information which allowed the Senior Leadership Team and Governors to make informed decisions. Delivery and installation were on time and according to programme within a window which enabled minimal disruption to the school.“The school now has sufficient seating for all students at break and lunchtime. The internal extension offers an exclusive space for Sixth Form students to enjoy. The external canopy over the Piazza offers protection from the weather and thereby provides additional dining spaces that can be utilised in all seasons by both students and staff.

This is the new buggy shelter manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco on a cold winter morning, as part of a new buggy park facility for visitors to the world's oldest scientific zoo!The simple and effective FalcoRoller is a purpose designed shelter to provide visitors to the zoo with secure accommodation for buggies, pushchairs and wheelchairs. The FalcoRoller has been installed within the ‘Monkey Valley’ themed area of the zoo and provides visitors with free accommodation for up to five buggies. The FalcoRoller, as shown here at the Zoological Society of London, is manufactured from 100% recyclable hot-dip galvanised steel and 100% recyclable polycarbonate plastic, the FalcoRoller is a sustainable purposely designed buggy shelter for storing pushchairs, buggies, prams or hospital wheelchairs.With the optional addition of powder coating in a choice of 192 different RAL colours, the FalcoRoller can be easily transformed into a vibrant, florescent shelter design ideal for any children’s environment.Derived as a smaller version of the stylish and popular FalcoSail canopy, at 3,750mm wide, the buggy shelter can accommodate up to five pushchairs.Falco provide a complete buggy shelter package including free AutoCAD design, rendering graphics and free UK-wide site surveys, manufacture, supply, the provision of groundworks and installation.For more information regarding the buggy shelter for London Zoo or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Saffron Walden County High School is an outstanding academy with over 2100 students on roll. Having already installed a large canopy in 2016 to provide a covered area for students to eat, increasing student numbers put increasing pressure on the existing catering facilities and by 2018 the school were desperate for additional dining capacity.Attention turned to the school’s derelict open-air swimming pool – a dangerous and unattractive area located between the sports hall and tennis courts. Archer Building Consultancy, a long-term provider of the premises services to the trust, proposed and delivered a scheme which involved emptying and removing the swimming pool along with the associated buildings and equipment, filling and levelling the area and installing a food pod and large covered seating area.Streetspace were contracted to design, manufacture and install a huge 25.0 x 15.0 m Triton Maxx clearspan polycarbonate roof canopy. With a symmetric form, the canopy provides covered seating for over 200 students as well as plenty of queuing space for the remote servery station. Integrated gutters and downpipes are connected to surface water drainage to help keep the area as dry as possible.A canopy of this size has many possible uses in addition to dining and social space – it could be used for assemblies, sports activities or as a parent waiting area, creating a truly multifunctional space. Windbreak cladding can be added as required in exposed locations to enable year-round use.

As with many primary schools, St Andrew’s C of E Primary School suffered from a serious lack of dining space with a small hall that also had to accommodate indoor PE lessons and assemblies. A further issue was that no internal connections existed between the two main blocks of the school, meaning students had to walk through the front carpark of the school – a major safeguarding issue.Streetspace have completed two projects to resolve these issues for the school, installing a 10.0m x 5.0m Triton Maxx symmetric polycarbonate roof canopy in a courtyard adjacent to the hall to provide additional dining space, and a 20.5m x 1.5m Triton Mono walkway with glazed curtain walling to provide security across the front elevation of the school.The projects have been a great success for the school, with the head teacher commenting: “The covered walkway means the whole front of the school is enclosed, ensuring children having lessons in the hall aren’t disturbed and visitors can only access the school through reception. The dining room was overcrowded, and the noise levels were higher than we wanted and it made it difficult to manage. Now we’ve practically doubled our dining space and that’s really helped the children choose where they want to go and eat. It’s helped with the noise levels and made the dining experience much more pleasant.”

The official opening of Stourton Park and Ride on 16 September 2021, marks the 150th anniversary of public transport in West Yorkshire. In 1871 a horse tram commenced between the city centre and Headingley. The horse soon gave way to electric trams, trolleybuses and petrol buses, the latter quickly being superseded by those with diesel engines.The £38.5 million public transport project situated in the Stourton area of Leeds, at junction 7 of the M621, was delivered as part of a wider scheme to help Leeds City Council’s aim of transforming the Leeds City Region into a net zero carbon economy by 2038.BAM Nuttall, appointed to develop the site, started detailed designs in January 2019. They approached Twinfix with a requirement for a free-standing mono-pitch canopy and Twinfix worked closely with them to design, manufacture and install a striking canopy spanning 73 square metres.The canopy comprises of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) roof glazing system which combines a maintenance-free aluminium frame fitted with virtually unbreakable solid polycarbonate glazing. This innovative system meets the non-fragile requirements outlined in ACR[M]001:2019 and sits over Western Red Cedar roof cladding, aluminium framework and posts, powder-coated in RAL 9005 jet black.The finished canopy enhances the aesthetics of the site, while offering protection from the elements for its visitors.

THE BRIEFA visually stunning new link canopyLocated in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Longcroft School & 6th Form College provides local students a rich and varied range of educational opportunities in addition to their formal curriculum, including drama and music productions, sports and their Skills for Life programme.As part of the Priority School Building Programme 2 (PSBP2), Langley Design working alongside Henry Construction provided a visually stunning new link canopy and covered walkway uniting the schools existing buildings to the brand new block.WHAT WE DIDA striking splash of colourThe new block provides the school three additional floors of teaching space consisting of science labs & preparation rooms, a learning resource centre, teacher workroom and new student reception. The large Sheldon SPG326 canopy features a non-fragile polycarbonate roof, that provides cover and shade whilst offering a striking splash of colour to the scheme. THE RESULTDurable and long lasting solutionThe SPG326 is available in a range of materials, finishes and roofing colours suitable for a variety of project needs, and provided the school with additional space for the Sheldon Picnic Table set (SPT312/SBN310) offering extra dining facilities for the students, with black recycled plastic slats these are a durable and long lasting solution requiring almost no maintenance that will still look great in the years to come.

The BriefHillingdon Hospital in Uxbridge, London were undergoing a refurbishment and required additional facilities to help keep their patients, staff and visitors dry and sheltered when arriving and leaving the hospital.The project, which was managed by Kier Construction and Blue Iris Partnerships, included a number of canopies along the entrance to their emergency department where patients and ambulances arrive 24/7.A speedy installation was an important factor, because the hospital had an ever-increasing need for outside cover due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Their staff, patients and visitors had to wait outside more frequently due to the current restrictions in place.The SolutionWhen putting our product forward to the Architect, Kier Construction explained that while our product wasn’t specified, the main features were in fact equal to the specified product and are designed for use in commercial settings, making it the perfect solution.This product is the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy which is an extremely versatile, commercial grade structure that met all the features required by both the Architect and the hospital including: A mono-pitch structure, integral guttering and drainage to the ground floor with no visible gutters, constructed from 100% non-corrosive material (aluminium) and a non-fragile polycarbonate roof system.Even though the Coniston is a wall mounted structure, some of the canopies detailed in this project needed to be free standing as the existing ramp that the canopy would cover is a distance from the wall. This was not an issue as the Coniston can be installed with rear posts transforming it into a free standing canopy.

Built in 1957, St Cuthbert’s is one of the oldest Secondary Schools in St Helens, and was the first Catholic Secondary Modern to be built since the war. The distinctive main elevation of the school appears largely as it did nearly sixty years ago, but over-all the school’s buildings have increased over the last half century to accommodate increased pupil numbers and more facilities. Last year, Twinfix were approached by BPL Construction to design, supply and install an enclosed free-standing mono-pitch canopy at the school, which would provide additional space for dining, a popular choice for schools looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional extensions, allowing them to utilise their outdoor areas and provide additional covered space. The canopy covering a total of 129 square metres, manufactured from rust-resistant aluminium and powder coated to RAL 9004 signal black comprises of our innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF roof-glazing system, glazed with 25mm opal polycarbonate. Coloured vinyls were attached to some of the side panels to brighten up the structure and tie in with school branding. Mrs Twist, Head Teacher at the school commented: “We are extremely impressed with the quality and design of the canopy. The onsite team have worked in close proximity to our students and have taken full account of their health and safety.” The addition of the side glazing and doors add extra protection from the elements, making it a usable space throughout the year and a secure area for storage of equipment.

Marlon CS was chosen as the glazing option for the first phase of the expansion for the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City FC’s home ground.Clear Marlon CS allows for a high level of light transmission, an important requirement for football stadia as it not only provides a bright sheltered stand for spectators but promotes a healthy pitch without shadows, a must for televised matches.The success for this product is shown through Etihad Stadium as almost 1500m² of Marlon CS already glazed the existing canopy, with a further 4,000m² of Clear 2mm Marlon CS chosen for the construction of a new third tier. When used in Etihad Stadium, Marlon CS rooflights and side-lights provide light, bright stands where spectators are protected from the weather. This light weight sheet with impact resistance and exceptional spanning capabilities is ideal for installation in the metal structures favoured by stadia designers. Co-extruded UV protection cuts out 98% of harmful radiation reducing the effects of weathering and tinted options allow solar control.Engineered for use in roof light and side-light applications, it has a 10 year light transmission and a 3 year weather breakage warranty due to its strength and impact resistant design.Technical support was provided from design right through to installation. Since the stadium is an oval shape, each sheet of the polycarbonate had to be cut to fit exactly. By having the technical support alongside the assembly of the rooflights and side-lights, ensured no mistakes were made and allowed for a much easier installation process. 

A special educational needs school in Salford welcomed an additional sixty pupils across its two sites in Swinton and Irlam this September.Springwood Primary School, which is the only primary school of its kind in the city, increased its overall capacity to three hundred pupils from nursery to Year 6.The expansion involved enlarging a second site at Craig Hall in Irlam which the school used as a ‘temporary annex’ for around three years.Twinfix were approached by MTX Contracts the Principal Contractor on the project to design, manufacture and install a canopy at the site, between the building and existing canopy.A major challenge that Twinfix’s design team needed to over-come was a Build-Over-Agreement issued to the school by the Water Board, which required 24/7 access to the drains beyond the proposed site for the canopy.The team rose to the challenge and designed this mobile canopy, a first of its kind for Twinfix. This impressive free standing curved canopy, spanning a total of sixty square metres comprises of a sliding section with a run length of three metres and a static section with a run length of 17.5 metres.The aluminium structure is powder-coated to RAL 5003, Sapphire Blue. The half barrel vault roof design was constructed using Twinfix’s bespoke roof glazing systems glazed with 10mm clear polycarbonate. The non-fragile system achieves a Class B designation in accordance with the HSE’s ACR[m]001:2019 drop test.The main challenge was to create a frame that was strong enough to retain its shape when moved but light enough for a single person to open and close the retractable section. This was achieved through material choices, such as the polycarbonate vertical glazing instead of glass to keep the weight to a minimum. The expert team also designed a bespoke track and wheel system which allowed the whole frame to glide open and close very easily, once closed it was locked in position to the adjacent fixed frames which retain it in place during high winds.Director at Twinfix, Dan Smith commented: ‘From initial concept we felt like this product would fit in well with our current product range, so had confidence it was something we could develop for the client. The finished design looks really well and is extremely easy to use, this is a credit to our internal design and fabrication teams that worked together to achieve our goal’Matt Lawrenson, Deputy Head at Springwood commented on their new canopy: ‘Over the Summer of 2021, we had a Sheltered Walkway constructed and installed by Twinfix at our SEND provision, where we have children with a range of complex additional needs aged 2-7 years old. Our sheltered walkway allows us to move pupils between our existing school building and the new extension we have had built. As well as ensuring safe passage for children and staff, the quality and dimensions of the structure will provide an ideal additional learning space for our pupils, lending itself to a whole host of possibilities. It is light, spacious, and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the walkway satisfies an extremely specific and demanding design brief, with a retractable section which will allow utilities services access to a rising main in the event that this should be needed, without compromising its appearance or necessary sturdiness. We could not be more pleased.’You can see the canopy in use here.

Alumasc Rooflights provided an ideal solution to allowing natural daylight into the building from above. The unique kerb design incorporates both security and waterproofing to create a reliable, safe and secure rooflight, allowing horizontal termination of the waterproof membrane. This makes water penetration virtually impossible. The domed glazing is moulded from Marlon FSX Longlife, premium quality solid polycarbonate, which has an impact resistance up to 200 times that of glass.Technically sophisticated, Harmer AV high-performance aluminium roof outlets are chosen for this project as they guarantee a trouble-free performance and are especially suited to flat roofing applications featuring continuous membranes.Harmer AV roof outlets combine innovative product design with full industry compliance to meet the needs of rainwater drainage in any construction project, with the ability to drain up to 40% more roof area than conventional gravity outlets. Further to this, their lightweight, durable, non-corrodible design means that they will do so for up to 40 years.GX Pressed Aluminium Gutters are robust box section gutters designed for traditional wet jointing on site. They’re especially suited to applications where maximum capacity gutters are required. For the very large drainage area of the campus roof, they were perfect.Designed to fully accommodate thermal movement at every joint, they are lightweight, durable and noncorrodible, and, upholding the environmental prerequisites of this project, they are 100% recyclable.Finally, Heritage Circular Pipes are available in 4 pipe diameters and 3 pipe lengths, together with a complete range of fittings. Can be factory finished to replicate cast iron or with BBA certificated powder coatings in a range of colours.

When Liverpool’s leading specialist heart and chest hospital trust wanted to set-up a drive through COVID-19 testing facility, Twinfix were approached by Actua to find a solution to provide shelter within their client’s COVID 19 testing pick up points.The area was a small courtyard and the proposal was to create a turning circle where vehicles could drive in and pick up their testing kit and drive out, the canopy would provide shelter for the vehicles whilst doing so.There were further complications as the area is also used for general hospital deliveries therefore meaning the height of the canopy needed to facilitate lorry/wagons.With the hospital’s requirements in mind, Twinfix designed two bespoke structures spanning a total of 82 sqm:Section 1: Free standing duo-pitch canopy completely independent of the building·Section 2: Wall mounted lean-to mono-pitch canopy with vertical glazed screen to side & front elevation.Section 1 comprised of galvanised steel posts with upper aluminium sub-frame roof, whereas, the full structure of Section 2 was manufactured in aluminium.Both structures were fitted with our non-fragile Multi-Link-Panel roof-glazing system glazed with 25mm clear polycarbonate.Joe Astley, Capital Projects Officer at LHCH commented: “The trust is very pleased with the services received. From a quick turnaround in manufacturing to a trouble free and speedy installation, Twinfix did a great job at LHCH.”These canopies not only look great, but also utilise the outdoor space providing shelter for patients and staff throughout the testing process.

Pathfield School, a specialist-maintained SEN school in Barnstaple, Devon, has increased its pupil numbers for the new academic year.To help accommodate these extra pupils, the school has had a brand new, purpose-built building constructed by Wernick Group with the project being managed by Principal Contractor Mercury Construction.To complement the impressive interior of the new building, the school have provided students with a dedicated, outside play space to promote physical development, friendships, as well as social and emotional development.The initial project involved installing two free-standing mono-pitch canopies spanning a total of 57 square metres and a walkway spanning 66 square-metres around the new building. Twinfix were approached by Mercury Construction to design, manufacture, and install these structures.Once the building was complete and realising the benefits that a playground canopy could add to their outdoor area, the school approached Twinfix to provide them with a further canopy spanning a total of 43 square-metres.All the canopies have aluminium frames powder coated in anthracite grey RAL 7037. As this metal doesn’t rust in use, they will keep their good looks throughout their long life.The roof glazing consists of Twinfix Multi-Link-Panels NF fitted with tough 25mm multiwall polycarbonate. The NF denotes that these panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test ACR[M]001:2019, as recommended by HSG33.Avril Burrows, Premises Manager at Pathfield commented on the new canopies: “It looks absolutely amazing, and I am very happy! The installers made sure everything was clear and clean before they left, and the results are great. I think the students will be very happy with them.”

Farnborough Airport, the home of British aviation and Europe’s leading airport for premium air travel connectivity, has announced the grand opening of Domus III. The state-of-the-art 175,000 sq. ft hangar facility has set a new benchmark in aviation hangar infrastructure, with sustainability at the very heart of its modern and progressive design.In August 2022, Farnborough Airport embarked on a bold £55m investment programme, to significantly enhance its facilities and infrastructure by developing a striking 300m long, four-bay, hangar facility, increasing the Airport’s overall hangar capacity by over 70%. The project has been one of the largest private inward investments into the local area for many years, further demonstrating Farnborough Airport’s pivotal role as a major employer and economic growth engine within the region.The design of Domus III incorporates several sustainable features, including a fully intelligent lighting system, which incorporates daylight dimming to ensure the airport makes the most and best efficient use of electricity on site, and translucent automated doors that stretch the entire length of the building, optimising natural light inside the hangar and reducing lighting usage.Marlon Clickfix VF formed an integral part of each one of the 32 door panels, which were expertly installed by Jewers Doors, is 10.6m high by 7.3m wide, glazed with Clickfix VF90 with clear glass polycarbonate and framed with a RAL9007 powder coated aluminium frame.These invite daylight to flood inside the hangar thus reducing the need for artificial lighting. The large unhindered access provided by the door design improve aircraft manoeuvrability, helping to mitigate unnecessary emissions from aircraft handling activities.

For some, the train is merely a form of public transport allowing them to commute into the cities or move around the country. Almost 1.5 billion passenger journeys were recorded last year in the period up to September 2023. For many, travelling by train is seen as a journey back in time, conjuring romantic scenes of the Victorian era when there was something of a “Railway Mania” around. During the Victoria era £3 billion was spent on the railways resulting in over 1.1 billion passengers travelling up and down the country on 16,000 miles of track.The railway system was built primarily to move goods around, but it also offered people opportunities for travel and adventure, holidays, and developing business; this all fuelled the growth of towns and cities. The railway erased the distances between towns, the countryside, and the coast. Fresh produce could be delivered within hours, easily, to different parts of the country. As trains and times became standardised, timetables were published and displayed allowing people to plan journeys and in turn the railways aided communication as an enabler of the spread of ideas and national newspapers.However, you may view the railways, either as an essential form of transportation or as a nostalgic reminder of days long past, there is no denying that the train is one of the greenest and lowest-carbon forms of transportation we have. The railway only contributed 1.4% towards total UK transport emissions last year. The railway also offers a rare and unique trip through time. Regardless of your reason for travelling, you will undoubtedly pass through both modern and historic places of interest along your journey. The railway has a vast array of infrastructure spanning hundreds of years of development and while there is little of the early wooden wagonways from the 1560s there are plenty of relics from the nineteenth century showcasing nearly 200 years of important heritage.A piece of historical and important rail infrastructure is Great Malvern Station. Originally opened in 1860 as part of the Worcester and Hereford Railway it is a unique piece of Victorian architecture. Rated as one of the most attractive stations in the country, it draws tourists and visitors throughout the year. Great Malvern Station became a grade II listed building in 1969 due to its cast iron girders and stunning sculptured floral arrangements again in cast iron. It had, unfortunately suffered the ravages of time in its 162 years of service so a plan to refurbish the station and platforms was put into action in April 2022.Created by British Rail in 1985, the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT) was set up as an independent company, to assist the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) now sponsor the work of the Trust since privatisation of the railways.It fell to the RHT to help support Network Rail to ensure the refurbishment at Great Malvern Station was carried out to the highest standards while maintaining an operational station for passengers. The £4 million scheme was completed at Christmas 2023 and has breathed new life into the Victorian station. Apart from the refurbishment of the ornate iron work and the bright colours and gilding used to pick out the detail in the floral patterns, the most obvious and striking part of the refurbishment is the platform roofs which flood the platforms below with natural light. Due to modern building regulations and an increase in health & safety since the Victorian era, simply replacing the old glazing with new panes wasn’t possible or practical. There was a need to update the building materials without losing any of that period charm.Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate and the recognised experts in the industry, were approached to help solve this problem. Having already brought new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile system glazed with polycarbonate to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.Twinfix, utilise aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a refurbishment is being undertaken. Working with Everlast Roofing, the roof was effortlessly transformed.Twinfix, as British manufacturers are in an ideal position to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix used their deep understanding of the product and the legislation covering such projects to ensure the system they designed and installed was as close to the Victorian aesthetics as possible. However, the system still had to comply with modern legislation such as CDM (Construction Design and Management Regulations), something our Victorian counterparts didn’t need to worry about.Tim Hedley-Jones, Executive Director of the Railway Heritage Trust said: “We are very pleased to have supported Network Rail in their recent restoration work at Great Malvern Station. It is an artistic and architectural masterpiece of Victorian railway engineering.”Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “Twinfix were pleased to be part of the restoration at Great Malvern station which looks spectacular. The work of the expert restoration team may largely go unnoticed as people pass by on their way to a new adventure, but when you know a bit about the past stories of how the railway came about, you might just spot a new piece of history as you travel by train and go back to the future.”Should you need support on any of your projects or advice on any of our products or services, please contact us at enquiries@twinfix.co.ukCREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

Woolston Sixth Form College forms part of Woolston Learning Village, which also includes neighbouring schools Green Lane Special School and Fox Wood Special School. The college educates & supports students aged 16 – 19 years old who have a range of additional needs.Following the installation of a number of Twinfix canopies at Green Lane Special school over the last eight years, Twinfix were approached by Woolston College to design, manufacture and install canopies on two separate occasions over the last two years.The initial project involved fitting a twenty-five sqm canopy with vertical glazing to one of the classrooms at the site. The vertical glazing offered weather protection and an element of privacy for the students using the canopy.The College was so impressed with the process and the installed canopy that they requested a second canopy spanning thirty-two sqm a few months later.Both canopies have aluminium frames powder coated in blue RAL 5010. As this metal does not rust in use, they will keep their good looks throughout their long life. The structures comprise of Twinfix’s innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-fragile (NF) roof glazing system fitted with tough 16mm opal multiwall polycarbonate. The NF denotes that these panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test ACR[M]001:2019, as recommended by HSG33.With safety of the students being paramount, protective foam pads were fitted to each supporting post to guard the children from bumps and bangs and anti-climb guttering was also included in the design for both structures.Not only do the new canopies provide additional safe space for students to play and learn, but it also enabled them to reap the benefits that come with being outdoors.

Recent Home Office research and analysis of ‘trends in fire false alarms and fire alarm policies’ reported a decline in false fire alarms caused by malicious or accidental activation of manual call points due to the introduction of protective covers.Still every false fire alarm remains costly, disrupting schools and businesses, placing unnecessary strain on our emergency services, and reducing the public’s faith in fire alarms.Continuing to be the largest incident type, false fire alarms accounted for 42% of the incidents attended by fire and rescue services in England year ending September 2023 – fires accounted for 24%.Home Office figures show that there was a total of 3,030 false fire alarms caused by the “malicious activation of [a] fire call point/alarm” in England during the 12-month period, surpassing challenged hoax calls as the largest reason for malicious false alarms.Accidental activation remained a significant contributor, 15,609 false alarms were recorded due to the accidental and careless activation of life safety devices, including manual call points.With similar figures reflected across the UK, over £1 billion is lost every year due to false alarms.To recoup this cost, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service joined the London Fire Brigade in recovering costs from hospitals, airport and student halls with a poor false alarm record.Dangerously, false fire alarms divert fire crews away from real emergencies; creating unnecessary risk as crews travel at high speed to attend ‘emergency’ calls. The ‘crying wolf’ factor caused by frequent false alarms causes staff to become complacent and less willing to act quickly when an alarm activates.The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recently changed the way its firefighters respond to automatic fire alarms in commercial premises to reduce unnecessary call outs from unwanted fire alarm signals.However, the reduction of unwanted fire alarm signals to fire and rescue services does not necessarily reduce false fire alarms and therefore may leave fire safety issues unaddressed. This may not only lead to disruption for businesses, but also to alarm fatigue for the occupants – conversely, successfully reducing false alarms will also reduce unwanted fire alarm signals.Repeated false alarms reduce the public’s confidence in fire alarms, contributing to alarm fatigue and a complacent attitude toward evacuations. Alarm fatigue occurs when a person becomes desensitised to an alarm due to repeated false alarms and consequently fails to react appropriately in a real emergency.As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017, manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b, that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”Consequently, Home Office research examining the long-term trends in false fire alarms found that the introduction of protective covers was a contributing factor in the decline of false fire alarms caused by malicious or accidental activation of manual call points.As the original call point cover manufacturer, Safety Technology International produce a range of protective covers, specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The STI story began in 1980 with a challenge by a school headteacher who wanted to stop their false fire alarms. Founder, Jack Taylor, used his expertise in security systems to invent the first and original Stopper® polycarbonate protective cover. From low profile covers to outdoor and sounder models, there are variations to suit all applications.The tamper-proof polycarbonate covers ensure call points are protected without restricting legitimate use in a real emergency, a combination of optional warning alarm, flashing beacon and break seal acts as a deterrent against malicious activation.

A record number of manual call points were maliciously activated across England for the year ending March 2022.The highest annual number of malicious false fire alarms on record came as people returned to public buildings en masse in a period markedly unaffected by COVID-19 lockdowns.The latest Home Office figures reveal there was a total of 3,212 false fire alarms caused by the “malicious activation of [a] fire call point/alarm” in England for the year ending March 2022, surpassing challenged hoax calls as the largest reason for malicious fire alarms.Accidental activations also increased over the period; 14,452 false fire alarms were recorded due to the accidental and careless activation of life safety equipment, including manual call points.Every false alarm is costly, disrupting schools and businesses, placing unnecessary strain on our emergency services and reducing public confidence in fire alarms.Despite online learning, working from home and limits on social contact, false fire alarm numbers, although down, persisted during the pandemic.As schools, offices and shops saw reduced attendance and footfall, malicious false fire alarms survived; now in a post-COVID world, there has been a boom in the number of false alarms plaguing the country.Continuing to be the largest incident type, false fire alarms accounted for 40 per cent of the incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England for the period – fires accounted for just 26 per cent.Repeated false alarms reduce the public’s confidence in fire alarms, contributing to alarm fatigue and a complacent attitude toward evacuations. Alarm fatigue occurs when a person becomes desensitised to an alarm due to repeated false alarms and as a result, fails to react appropriately in an emergency.Safety Technology International manufacture a range of protective covers, specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The STI story began in 1980 with a challenge by a school headteacher who wanted to stop their false fire alarms. Founder, Jack Taylor, used his expertise in security systems to invent the first and original Stopper® polycarbonate protective cover. From integral covers to outdoor and sounder models, there are now variations to suit all applications.The tamper-proof polycarbonate covers ensure call points are protected without restricting legitimate use in a real emergency, a combination of optional warning alarm, flashing beacon and break seal acts as a deterrent against malicious activation.In Wales, malicious false fire alarms rose by 33% to 426 during 2021-22, the highest figure for half a decade. And with similar figures reflected across the UK, over £1 billion is lost every year due to false alarms.To recoup this cost the London Fire Brigade became the first fire service in the country to recover costs from buildings like hospitals, airports and student halls with a poor false alarm record.Firefighters respond to fire signals as if they are real, this exposes the public and fire crew to unnecessary risk in their swift response to false alarms, directing them away from real emergencies.Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Act 2005, it is the responsibility of the building owner or the “responsible person” to ensure effective fire precautions are in place to protect staff, customers or visitors.Several precautionary steps can be implemented to prevent false fire alarms before they occur; routine testing and maintenance of call points is a must to ensure proper operation, but it is not the only proactive approach.As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017, manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b), that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”

The BriefMorgan Sindall were tendering for an £18.8 million refurbishment of Lexden Springs School in Colchester, Essex which cares for children with special educational needs. The refurbishment included relocating the school to a new site with a brand-new building which would enable the school to create an additional x80 places, almost doubling the number of pupils they can support and offering an additional x30 boarding places for pupils.The Senior Quantity Surveyor from Morgan Sindall first contacted Able Canopies in December 2017 with the canopy designs that were produced by Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture. He asked us to submit our proposals for the canopy structures which included a number of free-standing canopies spread around various locations within the new school grounds.The SolutionAfter various conversations between Able Canopies and Morgan Sindall, plus a change in the original canopy requirements to ensure the very best solutions were found, we were able to cultivate a number of designs that suited the requirements of Morgan Sindall, the architect and the school staff.To achieve this, we utilised the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy to its full potential for many of the designs by incorporating rear posts, transforming it into a free-standing canopy and fixing two canopies back to back to create an apex roof design and a much bigger span. Not only did this ensure all canopies had similarities to create a uniform yet contrasting appearance, it also meant we could keep costs down and all the requirements from the architect were met.We installed a total of five canopies that feature timber end panels. The panels we use on our canopies are often clear polycarbonate however, it was an important requirement that the outside area featured a range of colours and textures to enhance the sensory experience for the children whilst playing. We are also able to source splinter proof timber to make it a much safer environment for them.

Safety Technology International have donated protective covers to help a local community charity with false alarms at a time when they need it most.Wildgoose Rural Training is a charitable care farm in Hallow, just outside of Worcester, that supports adults and young people with a variety of learning disabilities.Starting in 2000 with just a handful of students, Wildgoose has grown into a 42-acre site with a thriving 6-acre farm where students from all backgrounds can learn horticulture, animal care, woodworking, arts and crafts, and carry out conservation work.Wildgoose supports students in a ‘happy and inclusive family atmosphere’ and focuses on teaching practical and meaningful land-based skills.One student had recently taken a liking to setting off the fire alarms in the main building at Wildgoose, resulting in frequent unnecessary evacuations.Not only did this cause a great deal of upheaval in having to evacuate the students from their buildings to the fire assemble points, but in students with sensory sensitivity and hearing issues these fire alarms caused a great deal of distress, panic and shock.On contact with STI, Wildgoose were recommended the Euro Stopper® call point covers with a sounder alarm to discourage the student from setting off the fire alarm. The protective covers were duly installed over the call points in their main building to prevent accidental or malicious tampering with the fire alarm without restricting legitimate operation in an emergency.Managing director of Wildgoose Rural Training Centre, Jim Hidderley said: “The call point covers provided by STI have reduced our regular false fire alarms from a weekly occurrence down to 0, the covers with sounders prove to be a sufficient deterrent from any mischievous hands.”“More importantly, the cover has ensured that our students are not put under any stress that is unwarranted due to false fire alarm triggering”The Euro Stopper® is a tough polycarbonate cover that can withstand the toughest of knocks and has an optional 96dB integral sounder that draws immediate attention to the area to dissuade unwanted activation of call points, therefore reducing false fire alarms.