"multimedia presentation systems"

As part of the development of Birmingham New Street to transform into Grand Central, key infrastructure works were undertaken. Berry Systems installed a bespoke barrier system that was designed, manufactured and installed as per our client's project specific requirements.

Ireland's newest major sporting venue, the inspiring Aviva Stadium, required a fittingly impressive entrance and exit zone aesthetic for its opening year. Accommodating up to 50,000 seated spectators meant issues of safety were key to the specification process, and the entrance flooring system chosen had to be the highest level functionally as well as aesthetically. Fortunately, Forbo Flooring system's extensive portfolio of entrance matting systems offered the ideal products for the job. Robust, smartly attractive and with moisture absorbing qualities for anti-slip safety, Nuway Tuftiguard was used for entrance areas

Situated in Richmond, Surrey and overlooking the River Thames, the Petersham Hotel undertook a refurbishment of the Tower suite to ensure an unforgettable visit alongside the equally picturesque views. Tile and stone protection experts Schlüter-Systems were on hand to provide a level entry system solution for the bathroom of this stunning area of the hotel.

Berry Systems carried out works for Westfield for The Broadway shopping centre in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Our spring steel posts and a selection of our industrial items were utilised to provide effective barrier protection. The Broadway is a shopping and leisure complex located in Bradford, West Yorkshire that is home to both high street and luxury brand outlets. Built in 2015 by the Westfield Corporation, it houses over 1,000 car parking spaces for customers to visit the complex with ease. Because of this, sufficient car park protection was required to create a safe parking facility. Berry Systems delivered an effective vehicle restraint system solution to ensure the site was compliant and met legislation. For this project a spring post system was utilised as it has a single anchor fixing and a small footprint so it doesn’t encroach into the parking bay. This was of great benefit to the client as we were still able to deliver superior protection, without affecting the amount of car park spaces required. We also paired the spring post system with handrail and mesh to increase the level of protection for pedestrians. Additional items, such as our height restrictors and wheel guides, were installed from our industrial range to help reduce speed and prevent unwanted access to site.

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.

Forbo Flooring Systems' unique and comprehensive product portfolio has brought to life a striking new refurbishment project at Leaseplan UK, Berkshire, where a wide range of Forbo's textile and resilient products have been specified as part of an exciting modular flooring solution. Flooring contractor: Crisp Designed Ltd

The vibrant colours of Forbo Flooring System's Marmoleum Modular portfolio led the interior designers HLW, to specify the floor covering to distinguish different working areas within London- based company, Neoworks. By creating an array of bright colours in an elaborate zigzag design, HLW has managed to produce a sophisticated but lively office interior.

The first thoughts about safety at work are always about physical injury prevention as well as inhaling fumes, hazardous substances, etc. However, Occupational Noise, which is the amount of acoustic energy received by an employee of a company, can cause permanent damage if it is continuous.In the UK, The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, came into effect for all industries from April 2008, which is quite late when you consider that the harm hearing loss can cause. Harm such as Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise in the ear or head, caused by a problem with the inner ear.The sustaining of high noise levels can also mask warning signals, prevent concentration and vital communication.Most authorities around the world have agreed that noise becomes dangerous when it’s higher than 85 decibels during a typical 8-hour work shift. However, noises under 85 decibels can also cause issues with the general public who are in and around the working environment.An example below shows the different examples of noise levels in decibels – the definition of noise is sound that is unpleasant or causes disturbance.ReductionIf a noise can’t be reduced by engineering the equipment, then acoustic quieting is required. This is the process of dampening vibrations from machinery and systems such as flue systems.With the increasing demand for noise attenuation, the demand for noise reduction from flues and chimneys in marine and industrial situations mean that many companies have developed their own silencer programmes. These tend to be combined with flue systems to have a product range which is reducing sound at the design stage

JP Morgan is one of the largest investment firms that reside at Canary Wharf. They had a requirement for premium commercial shower cubicles for their staff. Glass and chrome was to a play a key features into the shower design, and we created a bespoke cubicle system to meet their requirements. Read the full case study on our website.

Automatic Systems was asked by Aspex UK Limited to work with them on a project they had won at the head office of Riverside Group.Riverside is a group of complementary businesses driven by a clear social purpose, with a charitable housing association at its core.Established over 90 years ago, they have grown to become a major provider of affordable housing, care and support services in England and Scotland, with almost 56,000 homes in management. Operating at scale and across 160 local authorities, their vision is to transform the lives of the 90,000+ people they house and revitalise the neighbourhoods in which they live.RiversideGroup approached Aspex as a result of Covid to help secure and control the access of their head quarter building.SOLUTIONWith the help of Automatic Systems Aspex came up with a solution that fulfilled their criteria. This included the installation of the newly launched Firstlane and AccessLane.WORK TIMEFRAMEHaving worked with Aspex on a number of previous projects Automatic Systems were the preferred supplier when the contract was won in December 2020. Works took a week to complete as allocated in February this year.FUTURE WORKAutomatic Systems looks forward to working with Aspex on future projects.

Berry Systems completed works on behalf of our client, Bowmer & Kirkland, to deliver effective bespoke edge protection. We also installed rubber column protection and specialised bridge walkway pedestrian barrier to meet their specification requirements.The Porter Building houses 110, 625 square feet of office space for companies to utilise. It is conveniently situated in Slough with excellent transport links to key areas in London and the surrounding cities. The building itself has 100 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle parking spaces for employees and visitors to use. We were tasked with installing edge protection and vehicle restraint systems in the building to ensure both vehicle and pedestrian safety.The system installed was a perforated aluminium edge protection combined with buffer baseplates and mullion attached. This was designed in house by our design team to combine the two products delivering a compliant system meeting BS EN 1991-1-1 standards. Our team also designed the specialised bridge walkway pedestrian barrier to increase pedestrian safety on site. This particular project demonstrates our ability to design VRS solutions bespoke and being able to accommodate additional client requirements. In all of our projects, we work with our client to ensure that safety is the ultimate priority and the necessary industry standards are met.

Schlüter-Systems have become part of a historic refurbishment which will see the grand Chancery Court Hotel, London, a 1914 Edwardian heritage property, revamped with elegant and contemporary bathroom suites.

Beechview Drive is a development by MD Constructions Ltd consisting of 8 brand new, luxury detached family houses set in a secure gated development. Each comprising 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, stunning kitchen diners and integral double garages. Licata Building Systems supplied full silicone render systems and clay brick slips systems for the facades of the houses. The combination of the two finishes created a modern style to the development. Full Licata waterproofing systems were used in the bathrooms of the properties and were also finished of with high quality premium Italian porcelain tiles supplied by Licata.

Wick Tower is an iconic building for the locals which lay derelict for 20 years. Licata Building Systems was part of the process to bring Wick Tower back to life. Our silicone render system was used to create an aesthetic façade finish. The render system used maintains it’s clean fresh look for many years to come due to its self cleaning properties and will protect the structure from moisture.

Working with Epwin Window Systems on any project can be like a breath of fresh air. Putting it simply, our experience & expertise in commercial projects counts. We’ll save you time & money, we’ll always work for the best overall outcome. We know that you’re the construction experts. Our job isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to help you do what you do best, more economically & more efficiently. Simplifying the task of installation, reduce site damage & cut down on survey times while delivering the right windows & doors for all your projects. Call us.

Berry Systems supplied and installed Internal and external vehicle safety barriers at new Aggreko, Dumbarton plant to protect; doorways, walkways, columns, site and equipment.Aggreko PLC, the world leader in the field of power and temperature control rental, has become the first company in the UK to have Berry Systems’ new Stopbollards installed at its new 170,000 sq ft Dumbarton facility.The many, internal and external vehicle doorways at the brand new Dumbarton site were identified very quickly as needing special protection. Glasgow architects Bradford Robertson considered a number of options before concluding with main contractors, Morgan Sindall, that our SlowStop bollards would prove a cost effective solution. During a collision, the kinetic energy of the impact is progressively absorbed as the post tilts, compressing an elastomeric sleeve within the base. The post is able to tilt from its vertical position to an angle of 20 before it locks within the base. After the impact the post will return back to its vertical position, ready to perform once again. A total of 104 SlowStop bollards were installed at Dumbarton, along with a variety of other products from our range.https://berrysystems.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Berry-Case-Study-Aggreko-Dumbarton.pdf

A selection of our high-performance aluminium fenestration solutions has been used for this new café and drive-thru at a popular shopping destination in Wales.The new Starbucks at Parc Pemberton Retail Park has been designed by G1 Architects and built by Trojan Construction, with the aluminium fenestration package skilfully delivered by specialist contractor Sherwood Aluminium Systems.The project features both our cost-effective SCW aluminium curtain walling and our robust SFG shop front glazing system, which are both ideally suited for use in the retail sector as they combine slim sightlines with a robust and durable construction. Our curtain wall system has been used to create a bright and airy interior in the café, and the SFG system has been integrated with our SD aluminium doors to provide safe access at the entrance and exit. Our SD aluminium commercial doors have also been used on the drive-thru building, with the powder-coated aluminium frames perfectly complementing the use of timber cladding and grey façade design.The new Starbucks outlet has benefited from both Trojan Construction and Sherwood Aluminium Systems’ extensive experience undertaking similar schemes for the retailer across the UK, with Sherwood Aluminium Systems named as a preferred supplier for Starbucks.

The Skyper building complex in Frankfurt am Main boasts a very special architecture. The three-part complex – consisting of the 153.8-metre Skyper high-rise with 39 floors, the neoclassical Skyper Villa from 1915 and the Skyper Carrée – offers a total of 53,900 m2 of office space for numerous companies and banks. When the existing single access entry systems were dismantled in the summer of 2020 as part of renovation work on the foyer, the owner opted for a new, modern solution that would blend in perfectly with the architecture of the skyscraper. Every day, large numbers of people go the foyer to get to their workplace. Numerous visitors also pass through this area. This called for a solution combining functionality, safety and an appealing design.

Berry Systems supplied and installed perimeter and ramp barriers for new multi-storey car park incorporating very thin  concrete decks.A revised design for the new Heathrow Terminal 2 multi-storey car park called for a floor depth of just 150mm comprising a 60mm deep slab with 90mm structural topping. However, and there’s always a however, a traditional rigid safety barrier post needs fixing with 4 bolts each to a depth of 170mm. Obviously these couldn’t be used,so contractors Laing O’Rourke turned to barrier specialists Berry Systems to provide a solution and appropriate perimeter barriers for the 6 decks and the spiral entrance and exit ramps.Over many years Berry Systems have developed a range of flexible spring steel barriers that ‘give’ on impact. This not only reduces damage to both the barrier and an impacting vehicle but crucially reduces the pull out loading on the anchorage by 50% or more. This in turn allows post fixing to be achieved by using only a single bolt embedded to a depth of merely 110mm - a depth achievable into the new slabs.The specification was completed with Berry Beam safety rails to provide a more attractive appearance than the well known “Armco” style. Post extensions provided mountings for a pedestrian handrail at 1100mm high with integral anti-climb mesh where needed.The thin slabs were developed by Bison Manufacturing and are the thinnest precast concrete planks produced to date in the UK. They led to many benefits which considerably reduced the construction programme. It also allowed 6 floors in the usual height of 5, increasing capacity to 1340 spaces. But perimeter protection would have proved problematical without the expertise of Berry Systems.

Eagle have completed another successful installation for Cala Homes at Sandy Lane Cobham. The installation consisted of 2 sets of electric gates and intercom system to the houses. Compliance with latest directives is essential so these gates were force tested and issued with a declaration of conformity. Eagle support all installations and are able to offer a 24hour emergency call out to offer peace of mind in the unlikely event something should go wrong. In the event of power failure all systems can be manually overridden. All systems are supported with CAD drawings and cabling requirements for intercoms and access control

Combining all three types of waterproofing system (Types A, B and C) supplied by Triton Systems, at the time of construction this project was believed to be the UK’s largest domestic basement. The three storey habitable space below ground was retrofitted under the existing property, and extends beneath the new build adjacent luxury apartment blocks.

When it comes to residential, commercial or any structure below ground, waterproofing is a critical component within the construction process for protecting and preserving a building. A poorly designed or installed waterproofing solution can fail leading to significant implications on the structure itself.Delta Registered Installers, Abtech (UK) Ltd were called upon to give assistance on a particularly technically complicated project where approaches to waterproofing design and installation had been incorporated, however the system had failed. For a great remedial waterproofing outcome, seek assistance from an experienced waterproofing company to inspect your site and carry out the remedial work.The property when built had a Type C, cavity drain membrane systems incorporated (not a Delta System), however there was no basement drainage incorporated into the design to manage water ingress.In principle a Type C, drainage system is a water management system. The Type C system is used to control water ingress once it has penetrated the structure.  Moisture or running water travel behind the Type C membrane within a controlled drainage system. A Type C System isn’t classified as a barrier but provides protection by means of water management. For a Type System to be successful a suitable drainage system is required to collect and discharge water ingress to a suitable and safe evacuation point (either by natural forces or a mechanical pump system).When correctly installed, groundwater drainage channels effectively relieve hydrostatic water pressure in the below ground structure. They are installed below flooring membranes at the floor/wall junction.

The Project Aston University Student Union at the heart of the University’s campus has seen a £6.5m investment.  The new, two-story building, home to over 100 student clubs and societies, acts as the social hub for the 13000+ students at the university & replaces the old 1960’s Building. The Universities brief was to incorporate the local area into the project using images of Birmingham City Skyline. The Challenge Offer a full height cubicle system, suitable for the environment and to a specification befittng the digital imagery. Digitally render images onto Laminate and apply to the façade of the full height system. Manage the precise fabrication process through the factory. The Solution  Excelsior’s Flush 30 Cubicle System encompasses a rebated aluminium frame to the doors and pilasters. The aluminium edge detail provides a robust trim and looks innovative within this modern building, an unrivalled system within the washroom market.The images, supplied by the client were digitally rendered onto laminate by Formica Younique and applied to the façade of a full height Flush system.Max McLoughlin, CEO of the Student Union comments: ‘We want the building to make students feel proud to be at Aston University. From a design perspective, we wanted the students to feel fully immersed in life on campus & we are very happy with the result’.

United Utilities Group PLC (UU) is the largest listed water company in the United Kingdom. Covering 5 counties it is responsible for providing water service to nearly 7,000,000 customers.Between 2010 and 2015 it spent almost £3.6billion on upgrading its services and infrastructure to meet the ever-increasing demand for reliability and standards.The BriefTo meet the then current threat levels all fencing and gate systems had to provide the following.Anti-Climb Fencing SystemsLPS 1175 SR2 rated Fence and Gate SystemsA Minimum guaranteed delay against attackSwing and Sliding gates rated to LPS 1175 SR2 to meet the demanding nature of the sites

Waterproofing this historic London landmark – external waterproofing with Newton 403 HydroBond, internal waterproofing with Newton System 500, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MacLennanUK.Newton Waterproofing were delighted to return for this project at the prestigious Houses of Parliament in London, a landmark that has dominated London’s skyline for over 150 years. Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MacLennan Waterproofing was approached to specify a guaranteed waterproofing solution for the new-build basement.After reviewing the technical drawings, MacLennan decided to bring the job to Newton, whose product range was perfectly suited to the project requirements. Newton and MacLennan are both privileged to be the companies chosen to share in securing the future of the Palace of Westminster.This complex project required the design and installation of an external waterproofing system, an internal cavity drain system, and a polyurea roofing system to ensure a high standard of waterproofing.Externally, Newton’s innovative ‘Type A’ 403 HydroBond membrane was applied extensively to ensure the necessary waterproofing around the basement, whilst internally, Newton 508 and Newton 520 membranes were both applied from floor to ceiling as part of Newton’s complete System 500 cavity drainage solution. With the finished structure in place, the waterproofing was finally completed by the application of both a polyurea coating and further drainage membrane to the roof deck of the basement.With a waterproof basement fully compliant with the requirements of BS 8102:2009, coupled with guaranteed protection against water ingress, this newly completed, large basement area, situated directly next to the River Thames, provides a durable and well-established waterproofing solution, utilising multiple Newton Systems to great effect.

Architect: Broadway MalyanContractor: BAM ConstructionStone: YorkstoneThe £28M new Broadway Malyan designed Bradford Royal Infirmary Children’s Ward has now been officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal.The new wing, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was recognised with the top honour at the Local Authority Building Control awards for West Yorkshire at Wakefield Unity Works. The Children’s ward is clad in Aztec Rainscreen with a façade of our local Yorkstone.Aztec was chosen because of its similarity to other local buildings and for its speed of installation. Bam, having used the system before were confident of Stone Cladding Systems ability to deliver a quality system on time. 

The purpose:Taylor Wimpey’s Eclipse development was the final phase of the large-scale modernisation and renewal strategy for the London Borough of Walthamstow Forest, known as The Blackhorse Lane Action Plan. Eclipse would offer affordable social and private housing via 500 homes in two six-storey apartment blocks.To help satisfy one of the Plan’s objectives- “to ensure new developments incorporate the highest levels of sustainable design and their impact on climate change is minimised”- we installed green roofs on both blocks. As it was the final development phase, space was limited; time was also an influencing factor in facilitating the tight build programme,avoiding delays, and enabling the client to deliver much-needed new homes.Our solutionTo enable fulfilment of the brief, we recommended our HM-40 Paratech Hot Melt Roofing System as the inverted waterproofing base for the green roof. A fully-bonded system, HM-40 is a robust, durable, and highly flexible monolithic, self-healing hot-melt waterproofing system for protected roofs, green roofs, terraces, and podium decks with a 40-year durability statement. In addition, it is firerated for unrestricted use when covered with a green or ballast roof.Unlike other hot melt systems that use fleeces, the Paratech system incorporates a reinforcement mesh: this allows the system to be rolled out, making waterproofing installation faster, thereby enabling the contractor to lay the top roofing layer of artificial grass and landscaped green roofs. Unfortunately, an on-site compound to store the roofing components was unavailable. We worked closely with T&T Roofing and Taylor Wimpey to ensure deliveries arrived in build sequence for immediate use, but without adversely impacting residents who had already moved into their newhomes.“The features of the flat roof system provided a seamless, issue-free roof installation, with rapid installation time causing minimal disruption. Langley’s technical team was always on hand to provide assistance when necessary, working collaboratively to guarantee a consistent and highquality installation.”

Introducing the next generation of sliding systems. MasterPatio is a high insulation and high performance lift-slide system with minimalistic look and clean design, down to the details. The system combines top thermal performance with slim sightlines and a maximum element height of 3.7 m.

Located in East London, on a water gateway between the River Thames and over 2,000 miles of navigable canals, the six-building Limehouse Basin development comprised of a white EPS insulation board that was fixed to horizontal PVC rails that created a drained cavity between the insulated façade system and the substrate.Due to strict regulations introduced in December 2018 following the Grenfell tragedy, which states any building exceeding 18 metres in height must have walls comprised of non-combustible materials, this building was deemed non-compliant, unsafe, and not fit-for-purpose.Development owners Beckford, supported by the Building Safety Fund (BSF), required an expert team to execute the removal of the existing EWI and replace it with an appropriate alternative, without disrupting the unique aesthetic of the building.The combination of K Systems and Retrofit UK, two companies renowned for their expertise, quality of service, and superiority in the market, was an obvious choice for Beckfords.We have a good portfolio of BSF projects to date, and Limehouse Basin is another great example of how our team along with one of our approved installers can help make a building fit for purpose, whilst overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Unrivalled expertise and professional delivery are apparent in every groove and corner of this refurbishment.Our ServiceTogether with Approved Installer Retrofit UK, K Systems continued works despite Covid restrictions (adhering to Government guidelines) to deliver the Limehouse Basin project within the agreed timeframe and with minimal disruption to residents as requested by the client.Removal of the existing EWI system took place in rotation with the installation of the new system, and a robust programme was put into place by the contractor to ensure the building was not exposed to the elements for long periods of time, ensuring the residents were kept as comfortable as possible especially during the winter months. Decanting of the residents did not take place, so we worked alongside all parties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents were prioritised during the works.Due to the nature of this project, technical monitoring from the K Systems team was increased, and weekly visits were planned along with a reactive approach to any on-site issues that arose from a technical perspective. Our technical teams actioned regular quality assessments and maintained open communication with all stakeholders.The result – an industry-leading insulated façade solution that fulfilled Beckfords’ criteria and delivered an outstanding architectural design and structure, fully compliant with fire regulations and boasting a better U-value which translates to better living conditions for the residents.Technical Project DetailsThe key objective for the Limehouse Basin project was to remove the non-compliant EWI system and replace it with a non-combustible system to meet current building regulations.Our team insist on being involved from the very concept of any BSF project to ensure an accurate specification could be developed and allow any initial underlying issues to be identified and rectified swiftly. Therefore, our Technical Team witnessed the removal of the existing system and inspected the substrate thoroughly.After extensive scoping, the K Systems M, mineral wool insulation, system with a silicone render finish was chosen as the preferred option, meeting the demands and needs of the client and current building regulations. This system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (an A2-s1, d0) bringing it in line with mandatory Government requirements for buildings over 18m tall.With superb acoustic qualities and excellent environmental properties, the M System didn’t just tick the fire resistance box. The thermal performance of the building was significantly enhanced, with a U-value of 0.30W/m².k being achieved.The shape of the buildings were complex, with numerous curved areas of various facades. This meant the finish required an expert eye and a skilled hand to deliver seamlessly. Both K Systems and Retrofit are renowned for their expertise and superiority in the market, and therefore such challenges were overcome, and high standards of workmanship delivered.Another very challenging aspect of the build was the replication of the rainscreen cladding to the front of the buildings. This detail was successfully created by using tape joints, stop beads, and black silicone mastic to create a shadow gap – further testament to the expert capabilities of our team. This particular finish not only delivered the desired aesthetic but delivered an additional benefit of cost savings for the client.We worked closely with Retrofit UK throughout the duration of the refurb and as a result the Limehouse Basin buildings have a contemporary finish and attractive aesthetic worthy of the projects postcode, and one we are confident existing residents welcomed and potential residents appreciated.

Glassfields is a new high-spec office development which forms the gateway to Bristol’s Temple Quarter. The completed building offers the perfect environment for how businesses work today.With 93,000 square feet of high-quality office space, it has been designed with the tenants’ well-being in mind and provides a flexible, adaptive, and creative space. The design of the interior called for an industrial look which made Lusso 25 Geometric glazed partitioning system, with its black powder coated frames and banded look, the ideal choice. High acoustic Silenzio doors and Lusso 25 frameless single glazed system, also powder coated in black, were used to complement the design. The overall look provides a stunning, dramatic, and classy environment in which to attract and retain talent.The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent accreditation and an EPC rating A, embracing industry best practice, energy efficiency measures and sustainable technology.

World of Books is the UK’s largest online retailer of second hand books. As part of the ongoing improvements to their head office, they were looking to refresh their existing washrooms to a hard wearing cubicle system that is durable enough to withstand daily use from its staff.Read the full case study on our website.

The task was to replace old wooden floor planks with modern, robust, weatherproof and slip-resistant steel flooring and stair treads that met all the customer’s requirements pertaining to load. In particular, the customer was keen to reduce the strain on workers during both dismantling and assembly. Furthermore, it was also necessary to reduce the noise pollution which occurred when working with metal against metal.The solutionIn cooperation with our customer, the customer’s assembly teams and our product development department, solutions were developed that met the above requirements.User safetyOne of the main challenges which had to be addressed in the customer specification was the requirement for a slip-resistant surface. Here we were able to incorporate a surface design based on our PcP OPTIMO® O2 surface, which has already been used for a wide range of projects worldwide. OPTIMO® O2 is certified according to R13/V10 slip-resistance and meets the strict demands to slip-resistance. OPTIMO® O2 grating discreetly improves safety for visitors during an event while also improving handling for the installation team.With a very small surface perforation of only Ø 5/9 mm, people frightened of heights are unable to look down directly through the platform on which they are standing, thereby guaranteeing a sense of security. Furthermore, this profiling solution offers perfect drainage, ensuring that the floors always remain dry.Combining aluminium and steel – a lightweight solutionFor the system flooring, a combination of aluminium and hot-dip galvanised steel was chosen to reduce weight without compromising capacity. For example, the gratings used for floors and treads were supplied in aluminium and screwed together with high-strength steel end pieces to form a complete unit. This reduced the weight of the components, and provided a significant ergonomic advantage compared to the wooden planks which had been used to date.Reducing noise pollutionDespite the considerable weight reduction from using individual components, another challenge presented itself. Some of the treads and platforms on the metal substructure produced considerable rattling noises. However, even this challenge was overcome with a slightly unconventional method. By installing small oak blocks in the steel end pieces, the fixing points were tightened on the substructure, which significantly reduced the rattling noises.The resultThe customised solution combined steel and aluminium PcP products to provide extremely safe gratings for system floors and stairs for mobile and stationary grandstands. The solution is more ergonomic, lighter and meets the high requirements for safety and load bearing.Furthermore, it meets the overall objective of ensuring safe events for visitors. A successful event relies on the successful implementation of grandstand systems.

Dunhams were tasked with designing upscale, premium washrooms to complement the newly refurbished office spaceFull Height Vista flush front cubicle systemFull height IPS duct panels to conceal plumbingBespoke Solid Surface washtroughs in Corian Glacier WhiteBespoke matching HPL mirror frames

For the refurbishment of Edinburgh College’s busiest campus, its FM team called upon Forbo Flooring Systems’ Modul’up adhesive free sheet vinyl for its unique ability to be installed quickly and easily, while reducing downtime and disruption to day-to-day college life – as the floor covering could be walked on immediately after installation.

Donabate Portrane Library, recently refurbished by the Fingal County Council, is now a warm and inviting community library as a result of products chosen from Forbo Flooring Systems. The Marmoleum and Tessera products were chosen for their practicality, cleanliness and variety of interesting designs. And Sarlon Topography from Forbo’s acoustic vinyl collection was a must providing a quiet reading or studying environment.

BackgroundFor the perfect example of architectural excellence which not only delivered an impressive aesthetic, significant environmental benefits, and a more robust structural foundation, but also improved thermal performance, look no further than the eight-storey, three-building Building Safety Fund (BSF) project Devonshire Mansions.Situated in beautiful Eastbourne on the south-east coast of England, Devonshire Mansions were an extremely attractive choice for those wanting stunning sea views and some peace and privacy. However, due to their location in a high exposure area, the buildings were aged and weather-beaten, and required a full overhaul and refurbishment to modernise, align with current safety regulations for high rise buildings, and strengthen the buildings at their core whilst rejuvenating the exterior.Understanding and appreciating K System’s renowned ability for outstanding refurbishment projects, Pavehall contracted K Systems to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on the following four primary objectives:- Remediate unsafe cladding- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home- Update and seamlessly replicate existing façade features- Deliver a solution with acoustic benefitsOur ServiceIn collaboration with Archiflair Design, Pavehall, and Fullers Plastering, K Systems delivered an industry-leading, insulated façade solution that fulfilled the desired criteria, achieved a U-value of 0.26 W/m²K and resulted in an outstanding architectural structure.The commitment of K Systems team, their continuous communication, in-depth level of reporting, and consistent presence on site not only ensured a perfect refurbishment, but also instilled 100% confidence in the supply chain throughout, showing exemplary levels of customer service.This project is a great example of how K Systems overcame various construction challenges to deliver within the agreed time constraints.The make-up of the façade had multiple protrusions in forms of balconies meaning that every sheathing and insulation board had to be cut to fit. Replicating this without compromising on the strict site deadlines was a challenge but under the great install team and K Systems’ expertise and onsite presence, this was achieved.Additionally, Devonshire Mansions had a problematic substrate and challenging aesthetic deliverables. Working closely with all partners, and utilising digital technology, K Systems mapped out the refurbishment and specified the ideal solution to Pavehall for implementation.Technical Project DetailsAfter a comprehensive scoping process, K Systems discovered that the existing system had a drained cavity build up and when removed, the sheathing boards were compromised by water. With the buildings being high rise, steel frame and multi-occupancy, the industry-proven K Systems Exicco Cavity Drainage EWI System was specified.In the Exicco system, the drained cavity behind the insulation ensures that any interstitial moisture escapes without detriment to the performance of the system. Due to their seafront location, Devonshire Mansions were prone to fierce rain and water exposure, so this system was the ideal choice to ensure any future moisture or condensation build up was allowed out to avoid compromising the substrate or newly installed façade.Once the strip out of the existing façade had occurred, further challenges were discovered – the substrate was far from line and level. This meant that every rail within the newly installed EWI system had to be packed out using steel shims to create a level vertical façade, subsequently adjusting the specified fixing lengths to suit.Some elements of the substrate were high strength concrete incorporating a flint aggregate which proved problematic for standard mechanical fixings. Via K Systems’ on site support, a suitable, more bespoke fixing was specified which ensured proper anchoring of rails and intumescent fire barriers. A swift solution was achieved with no detriment to the construction programme.The newly installed Exicco system was combined with the K Systems M (Mineral Wool) system. This high performing system provides optimal levels of fire resistance and noncombustibility and its installation at Devonshire Mansions meant that the fire classification of the buildings was upgraded to A2-s1,d0 meaning that the development is now compliant with the latest building regulations for all high-rise dwellings in England, further ensuring the safety of residents.Devonshire Mansions is visually impressive with its feature balconies, architectural cornices, ashlar panelling and quoin detailing. It was a specific requirement of the client to remediate the unsafe cladding without losing these exterior design features.K Systems created two specifications; one for the elevations and one for the balconies and provided bespoke detailing to allow them to seamlessly harmonise as one façade. Ashlar panelling and quoin detailing was replicated cost-effectively using varying thicknesses of non-combustible mineral wool insulation which was over-rendered skilfully by the contractor using K Systems Silicone Thincoat render.The more intricate cornice features were all bespoke manufactured using compliant non-combustible materials and integrated into the design with K Systems providing robust detailing to create a water-tight barrier and eliminating cold bridging. Decorative columns were installed at ground level to complete the façade.The eye-catching, waterfront dwellings were finished with Silkolitt+ - a versatile, easy to apply, water repellent, durable, and low maintenance thin coat render, perfectly paired and formulated for use with our Exicco systemOverall, K Systems specified a fit-for purpose, non-combustible façade with a high level of complex architectural detailing using cost effective solutions. The installation process was overseen by our unrivalled site support team who were frequently on hand to solve any issues as they arose.“Working alongside K Systems on a project of the size and nature of Devonshire Mansions was a true pleasure. From initial scope and specification to intricate detailing and innovative finishes, the K Systems team lead by example and made the process and delivery a slick and seamless operation. The refurbishment was a complex case but working together in partnership, we all delivered on excellence, and the beautiful Devonshire development is something we can all proudly put our names to.”James Fuller, Fullers Plastering