"fire"

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

ChallengesSinclair Watt were provided with a detailed brief to provide accommodation for a new main entrance and reception area, product display hall, meeting room suite, additional office space and customer service telephone hall and ancillary accommodation. By necessity these were required to be large spaces to accommodate large numbers of employees and visitors.The building had to achieve seven basic goals – to allow VELUX to be a good neighbour, to be simple and beautiful, to make arrival a good experience, to be a model of balanced daylight, natural ventilation, good indoor comfort and healthy materials, to apply a well-defined, high-quality structural concept, to obtain good sustainable standards with a minimum use of energy, to be visible and logical, and to create value and express the VELUX values.The ceiling systems had to meet the Class 1, aesthetic, fire and acoustic performance required for the 37,673 ft² two-storey building which features an engineered timber and steel structural frame. The project was the first time Zentia’s Ultima+ Finesse mineral tiles had been installed in Scotland.SolutionsSinclair Watt met the brief by incorporating a regular and prominent engineered timber and steel structural frame that provided a design with a clear distinction between the supporting structure of the building and the facades and roof. This was both to create clarity and logic in the design and to make it possible to replace or update the not-so-permanent parts of the building.The internal design incorporates a central street and atrium that acts as a meeting place as well as a general circulation area and allows the best use of natural sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the building. The building provides good indoor comfort and utilises healthy materials.The three key areas – energy efficiency, healthy indoor environment and renewable energy – constitute the basis of the new building. A fabric-first approach for the building was adopted with high insulation levels and low air permeability rates to reduce overall heat loss from the building. This combined with a natural ventilation and daylighting strategy, and the use of LED lighting and air source heat pumps as the main heating source, resulted in a highly energy efficient and sustainable building.Some 1,1,00 m² of the Zentia Prestige hA+ Tegular15 tiles were used in the ground floor offices and storerooms, while 100m² of the Finesse tiles were used in the restaurant, kitchen and toilets. The Ultima+ range features class-leading light reflectance of 87% and Euroclass A2-s1, d0 fire classification, the Tegular15 variant with Class A sound absorption and Finesse a fully concealed, fully painted edge detail.Architect Iain Mitchell said: “We specified the Zentia systems as they have a good product range, good suspension systems, with good product information and good technical backup. They met all the aesthetic, fire and acoustic performances.“Zentia shadow and transition trims were used so the Zentia ceilings tie in well with adjacent plasterboard walls and ceilings. The client is very happy with the ceiling installation and building as a whole.”Colin Burns, commercial director of specialist sub-contractor PFP, said: “We had some meetings with Zentia to talk through the detailing of the Finesse element and put it to the guys on site but apart from that, and some coordinating with services, it was very straightforward. It looks good as it always does and gives a nice bright finish. It was interesting to be the first installer of Finesse in Scotland.”

Celebrating 50 years trading this year, as part of their celebrations and charitable activities, Harrison Thompson were pleased to offer their services to their local hospice.The Sue Ryder Wheatfields at Headingley Leeds is a charity run 18-bed hospice, offering the very highest care and services to patients with life-limiting conditions and their families, free of charge.“For our 50th anniversary, we wanted to focus our charity efforts on local organisations.” Explained Harrison Thompson Director, Graeme Brumwell.“Serious illness has touched a number of lives within the company and Wheatfields Hospice has been a facility close to our hearts helping families on these difficult occasions.“It seemed only fitting that we should offer something back for the care that Wheatfield has provided over the years.” Concluded Graeme.Yeoman Shield – the wall and door protection division of Harrison Thompson – got in contact with the Hospice to offer free material and installation for wall and door protection products to be fitted in an area of their choice which was gratefully accepted.2.0mm thick wall protection panels in Cream were fitted to the bedroom walls at the head of beds protecting from marking and damage which can occur from the movement of both the bed and medical equipment.In the corridors, Yeoman Shield’s Fire Rated Door Edge Protectors were fitted to the meeting edge of doors helping to protect from damage and helping to prolong the life of expensive to replace fire doors.The installation of Yeoman Shield will help Wheatfields to keep looking smart and inviting for all those who use the facilities whilst importantly helping to reduce their repair and redecoration cost over the years to come.Sue Waddington, Service Improvement Matron commented “I cannot commend high enough the service that we have received from Yeoman Shield’s contract department.“Due to the nature of our provision of specialist care and services, we had to call on Yeoman Shield at short notice to carry out the work when rooms were available. The installation was undertaken with great empathy and regard for the surroundings.“Now completed the Wall & Door protection looks great and dovetails into our existing décor lovely and gets the hospice well on the way to our forthcoming refurbishment plans for the inpatient unit” Concluded Sue.

Following in the footsteps of a string of successful installations at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, Yeoman Shield products were again chosen as part of the refurbishment of the hospital’s Firth C & D floor corridors.With the need to refresh the interior walls and doors, as well as future proof them from further damage and marking, a variety of products from Yeoman Shield’s range were employed.Corridor doors, which are on the frontline when it comes to impact damage, were fitted out with Yeoman Shield Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad glazing beads, both in a graphite colour. Contrasting Mid Grey Door Protection Panels were installed to both sides of the doors with vulnerable architrave and framework also protected by Yeoman Shield products.This comprehensive, fire rated, door protection system will extend the life cycle of expensive fire doors helping to keep them in good working order.Yeoman Shield Guardian Handrails in the same colour scheme were fitted along the hospital passageways. Bespoke metal brackets were manufactured by Yeoman Shield to implement the spanning of the rail over pillars though out a glazed corridor.Beneath the handrail 2mm thick FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels were fixed to offer low level protection. A cream colour was chosen for the panels accompanied by Mid Grey Corner Protection Angles to keep a light and airy feel to the scheme.Pete Trenchard, who specified and project managed the scheme on behalf of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals added “When carrying out improvements and refurbishment of the corridors, in line with the STH standard colour scheme and standard fit out, I was keen to incorporate the Yeoman Shield range of products to achieve a long-term solution.“The specification of Yeoman Shield products on corridor walls, vulnerable corners, doors, frames & architraves, protects the fabric of the corridors without detracting from the visible aesthetic appearance expected of a hospital environment.“I worked closely with the Yeoman Shield team through the design and specification phase, drawing on their expertise to find a cost-effective fit for purpose solution. The site survey and installation offered a start to finish package which has been contributory to the successful and well received outcome of the project”.

BW Workplace Experts looks to Oscar Acoustics to create health-enhancing workplace of the future Making a sound choiceOffice fit-out professionals, BW Workplace Experts, who specialise in delivering welcoming office environments, enlisted the help of Oscar Acoustics as part of a major workplace fit-out to ensure optimal acoustic comfort for occupants and a calm ‘home from home’ experience for staff.Central to achieving their goal of creating a peaceful office ambience was the issue of noise reverberation. It was imperative that workers using the office space could communicate easily without needing to shout and that staff could work harmoniously without distractions.The challenge: unconventional working spaces Located at Herbal House in Farringdon, London, BW Workplace needed to allow for agile ways of working, providing flexible environments that offer focused work areas, co-working spaces and relaxed break out areas. A combination of both impromptu and formal meeting rooms was also required.  Working alongside architects TP Bennett, Oscar Acoustics were faced with the challenge of how to achieve the perfect acoustic balance within the two-floor Manhattan loft-style space. As office workers would be dealing with important sensitive circumstances, such as judicial matters, unwanted noise needed to be kept to a minimum, allowing staff to concentrate and focus on matters at hand.Leanne Baird, Head of Marketing at BW, said: “We needed an effective design solution to deal with reverberant noise so that staff remained free of distractions and their ability to concentrate was not impaired by excessive noise. “Having worked with Oscar Acoustics previously, we knew we were in safe hands as far as finding an effective noise-reduction solution was concerned. Their expertise in architectural acoustic finishes was crucial to the success of this project.”The solution: calm, inviting interiors that sound as good as they lookChosen for its ability to absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it, Oscar’s SonaSpray K-13 is a seamless acoustic spray with a deliberately industrial, coarsely textured finish that helps control stressful noise reverberation in buildings. Blending in seamlessly with the fluid, flexible workspace, the spray was completed in a single application, allowing BW to keep to important project deadlines, with minimal installation time.  Sustainable acoustic solutionsSonaSpray K-13 also contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. By choosing SonaSpray K-13, all parties could feel confident that the application met the highest health and welfare standards due its non-hazardous, GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality. As a seamless M1 certified Low Emitting acoustic spray, it also contains renewable natural resources such as wood, and cotton which effectively lowers the carbon footprint of the building project by sequestering rich stores of carbon for the lifecycle of the structure. In a world where environmental impact is paramount, SonaSpray K-13 boasts further green credentials, having been covered by the Environmental Product Declaration in accordance with ISO 14025 and meeting the Living Building Challenge and LEED requirements. In addition to these, Oscar Acoustics are ISO 14001 certified; completing the environmental jigsaw and making them Great Britain’s most sustainable acoustic solutions provider.Fire rated acoustic sprayIt was also imperative that employee safety was considered, especially in terms of fire safety. Knowing that SonaSpray K-13 not only met but significantly bettered the updated Approved Document B fire requirement (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1,d0 fire rating), gave both architects and designers complete peace of mind that should the eventuality occur, the acoustic spray would provide little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, assisting in the safe escape of its occupants.Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics says: “When we were first approached by BW, we knew just the solution for this type of acoustic problem in an office space. With years of experience providing acoustic solutions to commercial workspaces, our tried and tested SonaSpray range is our go-to choice for achieving superb acoustic results without design compromise. “Working with BW has been a fantastic experience. With the increased focus on wellbeing and the work-life balance becoming more prevalent, office space must reflect this change. It’s long been recognised that poor acoustics and excessive levels of noise can be bad for occupants’ health so it was great to see this issue being taken seriously, to improve the daily lives of employees using the building day-to-day.”Image credit to Tom Green Photography.

Axter Ltd and Empire Roofing Systems Ltd were engaged by the library directly to upgrade the existing roof covering which was underperforming thermally and in terms of drainage falls.Systems in useHyranger®Neo-Bitumen® Flame FreeStarcoat® PMMAOverviewDesborough Library and Community Hub took over responsibility for the running of the library service in Desborough in 2020. With that came the maintenance of the library building itself. Over time, certain parts of the building had deteriorated. There were leaks and sections of standing water across the 100 square metres plus of flat roofing that forms part of the roof structure.The client applied to The National Lottery Community Fund for a grant that would be used to refurbish the roof area. The Library and Community Hub were fortunate enough to obtain the necessary funding for the work to go ahead.An overlay of the existing system was proposed to utilise the current build up, including a cut to falls insulation scheme to comply with Building Regulations Parts L & H, and BS 6229:2018. Safe2Torch principles were followed throughout with some creative detailing agreed between the contractor and manufacturer due to combustible elements and areas of asbestos.An excellent finish was achieved within budget and in a timescale of 3 weeks.ChallengesAxter were brought in following initial core sampling that was completed by Empire Roofing Systems. The roof area was assessed, and a robust solution was proposed which would alleviate the standing water seen across the roof area, while also improving the thermal performance of the building up to a 0.18 U-Value to comply with Building Regulations: Part L.The existing system was in fair condition but had reached the end of its guaranteed life with no leaks reported and core samples returning dry. There was a noted lack of maintenance across the roof area and significant challenges apparent in terms of detailing due to fire risks and asbestos present.SolutionsBased on the condition of the existing system we were confident that an overlay would be the most cost-effective option. Our Hyranger® multi-layer RBM system was installed using gas driven torches to fully bond the AVCL and capping sheet. The underlayer was installed over a tissue faced PIR and therefore needed to be self-adhesive to reduce the risk of fire, complying with Safe2Torch guidelines. Our hot air applied Force® Neo Bitumen system was installed in the areas of fire risk, and our cold applied Starcoat® PMMA liquid system was installed in areas where a hot air application would be problematic.A cut to falls scheme was designed based on our onsite survey, allowing water to flow freely to the outlets. This alleviated the risk of water buildup and thermal degradation caused by ponding water.Axter’s quality assurance team regularly attended site and were in constant communication with Empire Roofing’s operatives. This was to ensure that the system was being installed correctly and to the expected standards, in order to achieve the Silvershield guarantee required by the client. To achieve the Silvershield guarantee level, all materials and workmanship had to be installed as per the Axter specification. The installation of the roof area was completed to exceptional standards, leaving the client very impressed with the workmanship.System and ProductsAxter’s Hyranger® system was used across the main roof area. The system is fully BBA and Broof T4 compliant, and comes with a single point 20 year Axter Silvershield guarantee that covers materials and workmanship. This was signed off by our Quality Assurance Team who audited throughout installation.Safe2Torch principals were adhered to throughout. Our Neo-Bitumen® Flame Free system was predominantly used on any areas of fire risk, as well as our Starcoat® PMMA for the tricky details where a comprehensive weld may not have been possible.Acknowledgments"We knew of Empire Roofing Systems from another good job they had completed for us on a separate part of the building, and asked them to quote for repair of the troublesome flat roofing.Empire and Axter came up with a plan to make the roof drain properly and we went ahead with their quote.The work went ahead on schedule and to plan without any disruption to the running of the Library and Community Hub and took around two weeks to complete.The guys worked hard and were always helpful and polite when we asked any questions about the work in progress. We had an issue with a blocked internal drainpipe which was quickly and effectively dealt with by Jim and his team from Empire.We are delighted with the end results and have the assurance that the work has been inspected by technicians from Axter themselves and comes with their written guarantee." Gil, Desborough Library

“How good is Knauf Insulation’s specification and technical support? Let’s put it this way, I’ve used Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for every façade project since.”- Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding The Weald of Kent Grammar Annexe extension is a new three-storey satellite facility for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in Sevenoaks. It comprises state-of-the-art classrooms for a cohort of 90 boys. A2O Cladding were appointed by Willmott Dixon to deliver the technical design and installation of the façade, which is finished with a white and grey silicon render set against a red Corium brickslip façade. One of their first tasks was to finalise the insulation specification based on three key requirements: thermal performance, non-combustibility and sustainability. Meeting the thermal performance challenge The first factor, the thermal performance of the rainscreen façade system, initially proved more difficult than expected. Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding explained: “U-values provided by the architect for a rainscreen façade system are a bit belt and braces because they’re based on assumptions. So, once we’ve confirmed the sub-structure, we redo them to ensure they’re an accurate representation of the building’s thermal performance.”   “The problem is the manufacturer we were working with couldn’t deliver the U-value of 0.18 W/m2K because they didn’t have the right software.” For most applications, the simplified methodology used for calculating U-values is sufficient. But it is not recommended for rainscreen façade systems, because it does not take into account the complex interaction between the Steel Frame System (SFS) and the insulation. Instead, a blanket correction factor is applied, which can lead to the over-specification of insulation – as it had in this case. To prevent this, 3D U-value calculations should be used. They thermally model the build-up based on the complex interaction between the insulation and the rails and brackets. This ensures greater accuracy giving the specifier a true picture of how the build-up will perform after construction, so it matches its design. But most manufacturers don’t have the capability to undertake these complex calculations in-house, so outsource the service to a third party at a cost to the contractor. Before they went down this route, A2O Cladding asked project architect Bond Bryan for advice, who suggested they contact Knauf Insulation.  “We’d not used Knauf Insulation before so didn’t know the standard of their technical support. The biggest tick in the box was they do free 3D U-value calculations – it really helped to keep the project on track.”  Using these calculations, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the façade insulation. The product has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK and crucially, a depth of just 150mm would meet the required U-value.  They also recommended 150mm of Rocksilk® EWI Slab with a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK to insulate the rendered external walls. A2O Cladding also decided to use Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Slab 35 to insulate the junctions at roof level to ensure continuity of insulation. Fire safety at every height All three products have the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire, should it occur. This meant they met the second specification factor, non-combustibility.  “The Annexe extension is under 18m tall but that would never influence our choice of insulation material. The A2O ethos is that we don’t touch combustible stuff when there are suitable non-combustible solutions available. I mean why would you introduce that risk? Using Mineral Wool insulation gives us, and the school peace of mind.”  Patel goes on to explain that Willmott Dixon has a reputation for quality and will only authorise the use of tested and certified systems. “As the façade contractor, it’s our job to ensure the quality of the supply chain. The fact that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings and for so many different build-ups meant it met the rigorous standards demanded for the project.” A focus on sustainability But choosing suppliers isn’t just about performance and fire safety. The third factor in the specification process was sustainability.  “As we finalise the technical design, we need to provide Willmott Dixon with a Technical Submittal for every product, and this includes details of its green credentials. It was another example of how Knauf Insulation makes things simple for contractors. They have EPDs for every product and all the relevant ISO standards, so our insulation specification sailed through.” As well as producing products that improve the thermal efficiency of buildings, Knauf Insulation has been taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. One example of this is its unique bio-based binder, ECOSE® Technology, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly. From technical support to performance and sustainability, Knauf Insulation scored top marks in all categories – which meant that A2O Cladding didn’t need to compromise on any of their specification requirements or criteria. 

Elevating Artistry and Functionality at 30 Berkeley Square.Nestled at the intersection of Davies Street and Mount Street, commanding a breath taking view of Berkeley Square, 30 Berkeley Square has become a distinguished landmark within Mayfair. The recent renovation aimed not only to enhance the aesthetics but also to create functional spaces for art showcases and auctions.Our contribution to this transformative project extended beyond the visual spectacle, focusing on the functionality of the space. We supplied bespoke metal riser doors, carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic. Fire-rated and tailored to precise specifications, these doors play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards while ensuring a cohesive design throughout the building.To complement the artistic ambiance and add a touch of elegance, timber leaf riser doors were introduced. These bespoke doors, crafted with precision, contribute to the overall aesthetic harmony while serving as functional components within the space. The integration of timber leaf riser doors reflects a commitment to both safety and sophisticated design.

Project DetailProject: Radisson Blu HotelLocation: East Midlands Airport, UKProduct: TS.11204 Cam Action and TS 9205 Door ClosersProject DescriptionImmaculate en-suites, ball rooms, conferences or just a bed for the night is never more peaceful than when you are behind highly engineered door controls.Rutland Door Controls are used on the Radisson Blu Hotel – East Midlands Airport, part of The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, that cares for the CEO, directors and key share holders of companies.The TS 11204 Cam Action and the TS 9205 Door closers were used extensively on these hotels due to the:ease of openingconsistent controlaesthetic appearancesall giving the user a seamless experience during their stay inside.Although a door closer is a small element of building design it makes an enormous difference to its operation.Check out our website and insist on certification standards, guarantees and fire door safety by using Rutland door controls. www.rutlanduk.co.uk;

The Trinity Mews project is a residential property in Stepney, in the East-end of London. As a remediation project, the building already featured a roof terrace in disrepair that needed to be replaced. Originally fitted with timber, the wood had begun to rot away. The system used - TerraSmart AluminiumThis is a non-combustible decking system designed for use on terraces or waterproof substrates. The RDFR pedestals, with base rubber shock pads and ADS25 joists, formed the system substructure of the remediated terrace. The finish was made using ADB-60 aluminium decking boards in Anthracite Grey. The TerraSmart Aluminum system is IGNO certified meaning it satisfied the requirement to be A2 s1 d0 fire classified.Further improving on the timber deck it replaced, the system had to be durable and slip-resistant. As ADB boards are classified as a "low slip risk" on wet and dry and see no signs of wear after 100,000 footfalls, they comfortably met both sets of criteria.Location: StepneyCompleted: 2021Client: A property management company

The University of the West of Scotland’s launched ambitious plans to relocate to a new £110m campus in Lanarkshire, 2 miles away from the current Victorian building.Modern new build environment.The relocation of the campus was tasked to achieve a modern new build environment, “to develop a truly inspirational and world-class University campus fit for existing and future students.” – Prof Craig Mahoney, Principal.Soundis Absorb-R WoodTec Wall Slats was specified for its acoustical performance of Class A NRC and robust material.The WoodTec Wall Slats are based on a fibre gypsum board which has excellent properties regarding both fire safety and acoustics. The slats are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which results in 100% straight aligned slats over their full lifetime.A work of art...Soundis installed the WoodTec Wall Slats to the main wall within the foyer. In addition to the purely functional benefits and its sound quality, this particular area of installation was described by the client as ‘a work of art in its own right’.

Anyone can say they offer a ‘heavy duty’ loft ladder, but what does it really mean? Premier Loft Ladders explain what you need to know. Premier Loft Ladders have been supplying high-performance retractable ladders for 20 years to a wide range of projects throughout the UK and overseas. They have established themselves as experts in this field and provide architects and designers with help choosing the right ladder for even the most challenging applications.When specifying a heavy duty loft ladder, Premier Loft Ladders always recommend the following:-      Check the ladder conforms to BS EN 14975-      Aim for a load rating of at least 200 kg per tread-      Ensure that there is a good warranty with the ladder-      Prioritise loft ladders featuring large treads and a handrailDepending on the project, fire-protection, security and operation from above may also be essential requirements.For more information about specifying heavy duty loft ladders please read the full guide.

It was a partnership that was meant to happen. Premier Inn Hotels meets Premier Security & Fire Ltd.It was our absolute pleasure to assist commissioning company Mulalley by manufacturing and installing the external glass and steel communal entrance doors, industrial louvres and security gates (all to LPS 1175 SR2 standard) at the impressive Ladderswood Estate regeneration project in New Southgate, North London, a development that includes a new 85-bedroom Premier Inn hotel.New Ladderswood LLP is a joint venture between top UK developer Mulalley and housing association ONE HOUSING GROUP LIMITED, working in collaboration with the London Borough of Enfield.This major regeneration development features:93 social housing properties56 shared ownership apartments368 privately owned properties517 properties in total (426 apartments and 81 houses)There will also be:6 commercial unitsAn 85 bedroom hotelA new community centerFor more details, call us on 0208 559 8295.

The Baitul Futuh Mosque (the House of Victories) is the largest Mosque complex in Europe with a capacity to accommodate 13,000 worshippers. Funded by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, reconstruction was completed after a fire in September 2015. The five-floor redevelopment included new administration and assembly buildings with associated facilities and natural ventilation. It also includes multi-purpose halls, offices, and accommodation facilities for guests which include 12 private bedrooms and further dormitories, the associated works include sewer systems, landscaping, cable laying, infrastructure, enabling works, and access roads.Cellecta’s HiDECK Acoustic Overlay 28 was specified by John McAslan & Partners due to its highly conductive structural floorboard with rapid heat transfer characteristics enabling a more efficient under floor heating system. It also directly accepts all types of floor coverings, ensuring each apartment can be finished to the desired look.Ahmad Construction was awarded this 2,000m² contract to construct this historic redevelopment in South West London.

The redevelopment of Yatala Prison in South Australia is supporting the advancement of the state’s public prison structure, reinforcing the security and reducing the rate of offending. Dart Valley Systems have contributed to the completion of the $149 million project with the installation of their products.The products used were as follows:·       138 x VR01-010 High Security Ligature Resistant Toilet·       4 x VR01-072 V2 High Security WC Pan Less Abled with Grey Top·       140 x VR01-080 High Security High Sided Integrated Basin (not including sensors)·       2 x VR01-031 High Security Single Spout Integrated Basin (not including sensors)Our GRP High Security products are designed for the toughest environments, manufactured using specialist mould tools, the layers of thick gelcoat give it a hygienic, clean, and durable finish. The material is robust and fire retardant, making it ideal for high security or correctional facilities. The construction of Yatala Prison is set to be completed by April 2022. 

Tudor Street in Cardiff has been transformed into a city centre of world class urban design. The shop frontages of these commercial premises have been upgraded to help regenerate Cardiff city centre. More can be read on the development scheme here.D&D Decorating & Property Maintenance Limited contacted Bryan Roe of KEIM Mineral Paints to visit the development plan on Tudor Street. There was a mix of new unpainted cementitious repairs and previously painted smooth render. KEIM Soldalit was recommended onto these substrates due to it sol-silicate properties, which means it can be applied onto both unpainted and previously painted without the need of a primer. It is fire resistant and is the only mineral paint to be A2-s1, d0 classified.KEIM Soldalit in colours AG66, AG121, AG168, AG240, RB028 and CL017 were used to add these bold pops of colour to the shop frontages, which not only allow the surface to breathe, but won’t fade and will last for years to come. 

Swaffham Assembly Rooms is a Grade II Listed building, built in 1776 in the marketplace in Swaffham, Norfolk.The building has recently undergone restoration work, funded by Breckland Council, Historic England and the Iceni Partnership.Previous, non breathable paints had resulted in damage to the façade. A complete strip of the building was carried out, followed by re-decoration using the KEIM Soldalit system.Cliveden Conservation contacted Dave Smith of KEIM Mineral Paints to produce a detailed specification for the project.KEIM Mineral Paints were chosen due to their longevity, breathability and sustainability credentials.KEIM Soldalit was recommended onto these substrates due to it sol-silicate properties, which means it can be applied onto both unpainted and previously painted without the need of a primer. It is fire resistant and is the only mineral paint to be A2-s1, d0 classified.KEIM Soldalit in colour 9312 was used, which not only allow the surface to breathe, but won’t fade and will last for years to come.

Opened in 1977, Ocean Park is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong.In 2005 they embarked on a HK$5.5 billion development plan that saw it expand to over 80 attractions and rides, and steadily grow visitor numbers, making it the world's 13th most visited theme park, and one of the largest theme parks in Asia.Due to open in 2019, the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is being built at a cost of $639m. In addition to 471 rooms, the five-star hotel will include a 16m high aquarium in the lobby, lagoons, a ballroom and a rooftop garden. As well as facilities for families attending the park, it will also be equipped to host meetings and conventions. The hotel and water park are part of a plan to transform Ocean Park into an international resort.Lorient supplied DS acoustic, smoke and fire door seal and LVH44 air transfer grilles to the Ocean's Park theme park in Hong Kong.

Tolson's Mill, Tamworth is a new £16 million development consisting of 51 canal side apartments and 10 town houses. Set within a five-storey textile factory, each apartment and house is set to retain the industrial character of the grade 2 listed Mill building. Leading the project development was Brookland Group with subcontractors V&D Interiors fitting out each of the living spaces. In designing the building, Crosby Granger Architects placed safety and comfort as the main priorities for product specification.Given the listed nature of the building, ensuring the materials used met and exceeded safety needs was critical. Likewise, ensuring acoustic performance would be key given the luxurious nature of the apartments and town houses.    For Calvin Challis, Commercial Manager at V&D Interiors, using Knauf products was the sensible thing to do. “The goals of the architect were to ensure a quality, soundproof interior which meant that the product specification met and exceeded this expectation. That’s where Knauf came in. Not only were they always there to help and ready to listen if we had any questions, but their product were also the right choice to achieve the goals specified by the architect.” Attaining this level of performance would be achieved using Knauf performance systems products including metal partitions, which not only offer speed advantages on site, but enhance fire protection as well.Meeting the acoustic needs of the brief, standard 12.5mm and 15mm Knauf Soundshield Plus were used on the walls and ceilings. Soundshield Plus provided enhanced acoustic performance and excellent fire resistance. Importantly, Soundshield Plus can give up to 54Db acoustic sound reduction when used as part of a Knauf system. Getting the perfect finish throughout was achieving by using a mixture of Knauf finishing products. This included jointing tape, intumescent and acoustic mastic for their fire and acoustic performance attributes, and Knauf Fill and Finish. The result was a high-quality finish on partition walls with necessary performance built in.Ensuring consistency throughout the interior, Knauf Ceilings were specified for their acoustic performance and peace of mind both ceiling and wall systems would complement each other. “From a specification point of view, it was critical we knew that all products used would achieve the performance required. This was the main point for the architects but for us on site, having all the product come from a single supplier made it easier to source the right materials and know they’d install and work together easily” Calvin recalls. While efficiencies were gained on site by using Knauf systems, one of the biggest advantages this approach offered was the peace of mind through warranties. Calvin explained why this was so important: “The Knauf System Performance Warranty meant everyone knew the products would perform as intended for the lifetime of the system, with guarantees in place in the unlikely event of something going wrong.” “Having that security in place was vital for all involved, it meant we could get the support we need for installation and the main contractors and client would be protected going forwards. Especially on a listed building project, you need to have that peace of mind in place.”For added reassurance, Calvin recalls how Knauf would provide onsite support in the form of inspections “Knauf were brilliant, if we needed any help or assistance, they were more than happy to help. They came to the site a few times, to inspect the installation and provide some guidance if we were unsure of something. This was particularly helpful when it came to checking the acoustic ratings. They were able to check the acoustic ratings and ensure that they met the requirements, and that the client was satisfied.” The apartments that form part of the luxury residential development at Tolson's Mills and Tamworth were completed in November of 2022, with the houses scheduled to be finished in June 2023.

Project BackgroundHoe Bridge School is an independent co-educational pre-prep and prep school in Woking, Surrey. The sports hall had been heated by an old radiant system supplied some 35 years ago. The old system was past economical repair so the school decided to invest in a brand new radiant heating system. Contractor, ABS Ltd had over the years maintained the facility, so the school looked to them for advice on replacement equipment. Powrmatic were approached by ABS Ltd and undertook a thorough survey of the sports hall, with a view of replacing the old system with a new Powrmatic SRP – PCV continuous radiant tube system.Project SolutionAlthough the concept of the new heating system is very similar to the old one, there are sound reasons for the like-for-like type replacement. Radiant heating in sports halls is well established as it provides an environment of uniform heat coverage without stuffiness where sports activities can be performed in complete comfort.The new Powrmatic SRP – PCV continuous radiant tube system comprised two radiant branches, each 22m long, down the length of the hall, each branch containing 2 x PCV 23kW burners, all feeding to a vacuum fan to extract the products of combustion. This arrangement virtually mimicked the original layout to reduce the installation time and costs.Project ResultGas fired continuous radiant tube heating is a proven type product being the most appropriate solution for the challenge presented by sports halls, maintaining comfort levels whilst minimising fuel usage and carbon emissions.The SRP-PCV system combusts fuel at the point of use and has the capability of modulating down to 60% of high fire whilst maintaining efficiency but reducing fuel consumption. The Powrmatic SRP-PCV system is designed and manufactured in accordance with BS EN 17175:2019 for Multi-Burner Systems and incorporates a patented burner metering device.The Powrmatic SRP-PCV & PCV+ systems have been validated following review against government approved high performing energy efficiency criteria, with a Seasonal Space Heating Energy Efficiency (SSHEE) of greater than 90%, thus allowing inclusion onto the ETL (Carbon Trust, Energy Technology List). This high efficiency reduces energy usage, operational costs and carbon emissions.

EVAC-ALERT, C-TEC’s new evacuation alert system, is now in operation at Delaney Heights, a radically renovated tower block in Salford.With 119 affordable rent apartments featuring floor to ceiling windows and stunning city views, the building cost over £9M to refurbish and is named after Shelagh Delaney, Salford’s famous playwright and the author of ‘A Taste of Honey’.The EVAC-ALERT system installed there comprises a powerful 3-loop panel connected to single and multi-way flat interface units, self-testing sounders and Equality Act-compliant visual indicators and vibrating pillow pads, all designed to fully comply with BS 8629, the code of practice for evacuation alert systems.Darren Moulding, Director at Supersafe, the BAFE SP207-registered specialist fire company that completed the project for The Guinness Partnership, said: “Optimum fire safety protection and the correct evacuation procedures are critical in residential buildings to protect people and property.“Currently there’s a huge demand for evacuation alert systems as Part B of Building Regs states they must be installed in all new residential buildings over 18 metres high. “EVAC-ALERT’s flexibility means it’s very easy to customise to create a cost-effective BS 8629-compliant solution for any high-rise to give owners and residents peace of mind.“We particularly liked the fact we could test every single sounder independently from the panel and that the entire system was powered up and running perfectly from the word go. Our client was very impressed during handover and, as a company, we would highly recommend EVAC-ALERT.”Joanne Stokes, Building Safety Resident Liaison Officer at The Guinness Partnership said: “Myself and Robert Murphy, our Clerk of Works were more than happy with the installation of the evacuation alert system. Supersafe’s customer service skills are second-to-none and communication with myself and our customers was first-class and kept the project firmly on track. I look forward to working with the Supersafe team on future projects.”EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new cloud-based remote access data management software which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing.

This project involves the partners Fremek AB, Totech AB and PCP A/S.Fremek is a workshop company in Dals-Långed that is certified according to EN-1090, EXC1, EXC2 and EXC3. Fremek specializes in welding, cutting, painting and assembly of large projects throughout Sweden.PcP’s solution includes CUBE® gratings and treads for a modern design and ladder systems for worker safety. Fremek and Totech chose PcP’s solution to install a new fuel station for Air BP, one of the world’s largest aviation suppliers.Project criteria - Slip-resistant steel platformFor this project, Air BP required an anti-slip platform due to the use of oil during maintenance.Although the platform is new construction, it was erected on an existing outdoor structure with nothing but a roof and fuel tanks. Thus, there were specific dimensions required.Therefore, PcP provided a more efficient fuel station platform and a safe working environment for personnel carrying out aircraft maintenance.The project had a strict timeline of 10 weeks as the construction had to be finalised before winter.Fremek was responsible for designing the air-plane fuel station and for sourcing the correct materials. Fremek contracted Totech for the works. Totech has more than 25 years of experience managing complex projects for a range of industries and, therefore, extensive knowledge of industrial construction and of which materials to use.PcP has delivered gratings to Fremek in several previous projects. Totech, therefore, approached PcP to showcase gratings with high slip-resistance for the platform. Totech seeked to use standard sizes to meet customer requirements of lead time and budget. At this point, Totech discovered that PCP also could provide handrail and ladder systems.Project solution - CUBE gratingsThe PcP CUBE® gratings, treads and toe-plate were provided for the platform in standard sizes. For easy access to the platform, PcP provided fire escape ladders and safety handrails. PcP CUBE® gratings and treads benefit from outstanding high PTV slip-resistance reducing trip and fall risk, lightweight but strong and fitted perfectly into the existing construction from the ground to roof.Fremek installed the platform, and the workers on-site made cut-outs to suit various plant equipment. Additionally, PcP provided escape ladders to mount on fuel tanks. In case of fire incidents/emergencies, enabling workers to escape rapidly.

Architect: Henning Larson - CopenhagenContractor: SKANSKA - SwedenThe ProjectESS / European Spallation Source, located in Lund, Sweden, is a joint European research facility to which 13 member countries contribute technical equipment, expertise and funding. Researchers worldwide will be able to study materials in detail allowing them to investigate solutions for some of the world’s most complex challenges in material research, renewable energy, biomedicine and pharmaceutical pursuits. The facility is expected to open for research in 2023.Not only will ESS become a world-leading research facility, it will also be one of the most sustainable and energy smart research infrastructures.The ESS energy concept is based on three pillars: the facility will be very energy efficient and will use as little energy as possible, all energy will come from renewable energy sources and the waste heat will be recycled.Inpro® Products UsedFireline® 140 Fire BarrierSeries 114 Drywall Wall and Ceiling Interior SystemSeries 651 Surface Mount Exterior SystemSeries 672 Bellows Roof Exterior SystemSeries 995 Fire-rated FoamWhy did Skanska decide to work with Inpro?The project started 2 years ago with a single request for information from Henning Larsen Architects – Copenhagen. In 2019 Inpro were asked by Skanska to tender for an expansion joint product line addressing the exterior cladding of this unique facility. At that time, several other manufacturing companies were being considered for the wide ranging scope of movement joints required. However after in depth interviews, only Inpro was able to offer all the complex joint solutions required in one primary supplier.Detailed Sustainability product information was submitted and verified by third parties.Complicated Shop Drawings and take-offs of the massive 6-building involved depicting multiple complicated transitions between varying substrates, differing products and a range of geometries for the custom-made solutions.Demonstrated our ability to overcome complex technical and field-related problems.Were involved with hours of online meetings with the main stakeholders- Skanska technical teams, the Architectural team and the Installing Contractor in a collaborative approach to implement best practice and minimize risk.This was an Inpro team project including Senior Product Management, Sustainability team, estimation and commercial management who all played an important part to land this iconic development with SKANSKA.

This project involved providing a soundproofing solution for a Grade ll listed period building located in the south west of Sheffield, close to the botanical gardens, where the former NHS building was undergoing conversion into residential wellings.Hush were involved in the very early design stages of this conversion/new build project and under direction of our client Jonathan Frith of Bamford Homes. We also worked alongside acoustic consultants HRS Services Ltd (now Stroma Specialist Access) and architect Richard Keighley from DKMY Architects.A variety of Hush Systems were specified to deliver excellent acoustic performance.HD1030: Hush System LP was applied to the ground and first floors. This is a floating floor system, compliant with Building Regulations Approved Document E, used in refurbishment of timber floors. It also holds 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.HD1032: Hush System LP/MF was used from the second to first floor and from the third to second floor. This economical sound insulation system for use between separating floors is made up of Hush Panel 28, Hush Seal 20 and Hush absorber slabs. It is used within refurbishment projects using timber joists and also provides 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.Along with using these systems, we also upgraded the existing walls using our HD1040: Wall System which provides high standards of airborne sound reduction and can be used to reduce both flanking and direct sound transmission. It again is compliant with UK Building Regulations and provides a minimum loss of space within rooms.Within the new build residential space, we recommended our HD1054: Double Timber Stud Wall System which is our extremely effective system comprising of Hush Slab absorber slabs and Acoustic Plasterboard.Although design stages through to completion of this project were around 3 years, the conversion and new build project itself, once begun took around 18 months. All acoustic testing carried out on site was passed.The flats are in a sought-after area, close to the University of Sheffield and Hallamshire Hospital, within easy access to facilities in Broomshill and Eccleshall road and have been finished to a high acoustic standard.

ChallengeTo insulate one of Marks and Spencer’s most carbon efficient premier stores with a holistic approach taken towards key sustainability factors such as water, carbon, biodiversity, the community, materials and waste to landfill.SolutionKnauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 40 was utilised within the 11,000m2 multi-wave form standing seam roof, which was supplied by Euroclad to achieve an outstanding visual, functional and environmentally friendly element of the store design, plus achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The number of BREEAM credits available from using Knauf Insulation’s Factory Clad Roll 40, played a part in its specification for Marks and Spencer’s flagship sustainable retail store at Cheshire Oaks.Gethin Williams, Euroclad’s Elite Systems Coordinator said: “FactoryClad Roll 40, in 280mm, has a 90/90 lambda value, a generic BRE Green Guide rating of A+ and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Thanks to these many characteristics, we thought it was perfect for this project, which resulted in it achieving the relevant BREEAM credits. Being lightweight, flexible and with a high tear strength, fitting was fast and error free, ensuring the thermal integrity was uncompromised.”Knauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 40 is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, has a thermal conductivity of 0.040W/mK and also has the highest possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification when tested in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.In addition to this, Knauf Insulation’s mineral wool products with ECOSE Technology benefit from a revolutionary, bio-based, formaldehyde-free binder technology, based on rapidly renewable materials, instead of petro-based chemicals – delivering superior environmental sustainability and enhancing the environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. What’s more Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 40 represents no known threat to the environment and has zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential."Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 40, in 280mm, has a 90/90 lambda value, a generic BRE Green Guide rating of A+ and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Thanks to these many characteristics, we thought it was perfect for this project, which resulted in it achieving the relevant BREEAM credits. Being lightweight, flexible and with a high tear strength, fitting was fast and error free, ensuring the thermal integrity was uncompromised."- Gethin Williams, Euroclad’s Elite Systems Coordinator

Whitethorn Village is an attractive residential scheme positioned adjacent to the centre of Naas. The contemporary development led by Cairn Homes PLC includes a mix of spacious family homes and two apartment buildings. These comfortable, sustainable residences offer the very best in terms of quality and energy efficiency.Developer Cairn Homes collaborated with Horizon Offsite to deliver the impressive 5-storey residential blocks in Whitethorn Village, benefiting from off-site fabrication, accuracy, and rapid completion within a tightly controlled cost plan.The apartments were constructed using an offsite fabricated light gauge steel (LGS) structural system. The external LGS wall panels and floor decking used in this system incorporated a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions. This included the advanced fire rated components EXOPERM MONO DURO 200 breather membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR airtight and windtight tape, the multi-purpose adhesive VERBOND, and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and VARA SEAL smart airtight tape.

Located within the epicentre of central London, Sixty London Wall delivers high quality Grade A office accommodation combined with superior retail opportunities, all housed within a visually striking contemporary development that stands apart from neighbouring buildings.Delivering 325,000 sq. ft of premium office space over 10 floors, the extensively renovated property offers collaborative working areas, bolstered by first class end of journey facilities for commuters, including 380 cycle spaces and lockers and 38 showers and changing rooms.As part of the construction process, almost 500 Profab Access high quality riser doors and access panels have been installed throughout the entire building by specialist carpentry, joinery and fit-out contractors, JJ Sweeney.Specified in a range of sizes and configurations for installation throughout the communal areas and washrooms on every floor, Profab Access’ robust and resilient INTEGRA 4000 Series and VISION 8000 Series fire-rated Riser Doors provide concealed access to mechanical and electrical services.

The Anchorage Gateway in Salford Quays is a new multi-storey building in the centre of Salford. The main wing is 29 storeys high whilst the lower tower tops out at 19 storeys. The ground floor contains almost 400m2 of commercial space and the upper floors contain 290 residential units and 800m2 of amenity space.The building is reputed to be one of the highest brick clad buildings in Europe, Kinlan Brickwork being specialist sub-contractor.Domis Construction is the main contractor on this scheme. URSA UK Ltd was chosen as the preferred insulation manufacturer. We supplied over 11,500m2 of 100mm URSAPAN BLACK - a unique glass mineral wool rainscreen cladding insulation slab;·      Euroclass A1 fire rating (non-combustible).·      Thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK.·      BBA Certified. Kate Fox, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands stated, ‘Following the success of this initial partnership URSA are now the preferred supplier of rainscreen insulation and our products have been used on Fifty5ive Queen Street in Salford with others in the pipeline including Derwent Street’.

THE PROJECTPutney Rise is a housing development created by Barratt Homes in the popular south-west London suburb.The development has been designed by Carey Jones Architects to reference the local architecture and design of neighbouring buildings.Putney Rise is located close to Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, Putney Common, Barnes Wetland and the River Thames; so many green areas nearby that it feels rural.Putney Rise features of mix of 125 apartments and 30 houses set around a series of courtyards and green areas.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox Company supplied mailboxes for both sections of the development – fire rated mailboxes for the apartment buildings and MEFA Judo individual mailboxes for the houses.The MEFA Judo mailboxes used on the project are finished in RAL 7024 – Graphite Grey; a custom colour that is not typically offered as a standard option. A classic feature of the MEFA Judo mailbox is the contrasting band colour used in the range.The Graphite Grey colour finish of the mailbox matches the window and door designs, with the stainless-steel band reflecting both the window and door hardware.

Non-Conductive, Anti-Slip Flooring and Walkways | Case StudyArena Events Group chose Dura Composites to supply the tiered structure stadium decking for the seating and platform areas, manufactured from our high quality and corrosion-resistant Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) Dura Slab 40 and 20 products which provided an anti-slip, fire-tested and load-tested alternative to the Buffalo® Board and traditional plywood used previously. Dura Composites’ ability to be able to meet a range of stringent test requirements including flare resistance tests and FEA analysis made us the ideal choice for this high profile project which not only allows for future changes to seating configurations, but also improves access to amenities on the concourse. The two types of Dura Slab used on this project are precision engineered GRP structural flooring systems that provide an incredible strength to weight ratio. High strength fibreglass composite is pultruded in one mass to produce a consistent quality flooring structure that is also non-corrosive, chemically resistant – and has an anti-slip walking surface.

The London clinic is one of the UK’s largest private hospitals. Located in the heart of London’s world famous medical district it is the first hospital to have hybrid theatres. Hybrid operating theatres combine the surgical capacity of traditional operating rooms with the imaging capabilities of a catheterisation lab.BriefThe trust required specialist hybrid operating theatre doors for its new hybrid operating suite. The hybrid theatre provides the surgical technology to enable surgeons to switch between open vascular surgery and endovascular surgery as necessary, with real time imaging support.SolutionDortek’s hygienic hybrid operating theatre doors were installed in theatre areas. Dortek’s hybrid operating theatre doors can combine a number of key properties all in one hygienic door. Whether its x-ray rated, automated, fire rated, waterproof or hermetically sealing sliding, these doors were a versatile solution for these new breed of hybrid operating theatres. Doors were also automated to allow staff to open and close them without touching any surface to reduce the risk of infection.

The Friedrichscarrée is a modern office and retail complex in the center of Stuttgart.Named after the former king of Württemberg, Friedrich I., it is characterised by its modern architecture and glass front. In addition to numerous companies, it now also hosts retail, catering businesses and event spaces. The good access to public transportation and the close proximity to restaurants and cultural institutions, make Friedrichscarrée an attractive location for businesses and visitors.As the general contractor for the expansion, Lindner carried out an extensive interior construction - ranging from drywall work to floor systems and wall cladding. In addition to high-quality floor coverings and also partly automated partition walls, the special construction of the hollow floor FLOOR and more® for the pedestal in the barista bar was a central element of the revitalisation. Lindner hallway ceilings LMD, heating and cooling ceilings and acoustic sails were also installed to optimise room acoustics.Furthermore, GiB mbH supported Lindner in upgrading the existing fire protection. The entire conversion was carried out during ongoing business, which required precisescheduling of noise-intensive work.

Kerry Foods is the leading consumer foods processor and supplier in Europe.Project/doors:20 doors including Speedor Storm, Speedor Mini, Speedor Cleanroom. The challengeFood manufacturing sites have strict protocols to avoid contamination and to meet all regulations in the industry. Any issues with industrial doors can directly impact compliance with these regulations. This site had several competitor products that needed to be serviced and replacedThe solutionUsing our experience and knowledge we spent time surveying all of the doors on the site and advising which doors needed to be replaced, repaired and serviced to ensure they were compliant with all regulations. Due to the volume of doors in the facility, we had a weekly presence on site until all issues were eradicatedThe successWe have installed 20 doors on this site and provide maintenance and service to over 30 doors, including competitor products. The site has a range of doors to suit varying requirements, including internal Speedor Cleanroom and Mini doors, external Speedor Storms and fire shutters.

Our coatings look after the world’s most iconic and acclaimed buildings. Among them is the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Since its redevelopment in 2011, the principal public gallery in Auckland, New Zealand has won 23 awards and counting, including the prestigious World Architecture Festival's 2013 World Building of the Year. The redevelopment plan aimed at restoring and preserving heritage elements and sensitively combining them with 21st-century design. This included earthquake-proofing and heritage restoration of the 1887 and 1916 components of the main building and the addition of new, contemporary elements that increased display space by 50 per cent. One of the most distinctive features of the new building is its roof design, which forms a series of fine ‘tree-like’ canopies that define and cover the forecourt, atrium and gallery areas.Our coatings complemented this architectural challenge of blending old with new. A coatings system comprising of Interzinc 42, Intergard 251 and Interthane 990 was used to protect structural steel, while Interchar 963 was used to provide essential protection from the effects of fire.

A range of Ultima aluminium insulated panels incorporating an eye catching perforated outer skin have been specified on the new Reflector residential development at Chambers Wharf in The Southwark district of London. Designed by Simpson Haugh Architecture the properties featured over 1500 sq metres of Ultima aluminium insulated panels glazed in to the structural glazed system across multiple buildings on the development. Each of the panels were finished in a distinctive Basalt Grey PPC colour, that featured a unique perforated outer skin which stood proud of the glazed in panel. These were fitted via a toggle system together with an internal channel surround that added to the distinctive appearance of the building. Ultima aluminium insulated panels are a highly versatile façade panel that can be adapted to fit a variety of external applications. Available in sizes up to and including 6000mm x 2000mm, Ultima panels are fire tested to BS476, provide excellent thermal performance and are supplied with A1 non-combustible insulation materials. They are available in a wide range of high grade anodised colours and PPC finishes.

Aviva Studios, Manchester - The New Home of Factory International:Fire resistant, acoustic joint sealing of the complex facades, has been completed with Emshield-WFR and Emshield QuietJoint from NCC Movement joints Limited. NCC Movement joints have supplied Emshield-WFR-2 and Emseal QuietJoint to seal the wide, high movement capability, expansion joints in the complex facades of the new Aviva Studios in Manchester. Aviva Studios are new arts and cultural venues, which are now the new home of Factory International, and located in the centre of St John’s. This is the 13-acre regeneration project around the old Granada TV studios in Manchester. On this prestige project, the architect was Ellen van Loon, a partner at OMA (Office of Modern Architecture), who designed the buildings to create an eclectic environment for the arts, including striking and complex architectural facades. This included her trademark industrial styled finishes, cladding the facades with corrugated metal panels, and incorporating large exposed concrete surfaces. Structural engineering for the project was provided by Burro Happold. The structural movement joints in the external façade and walls, as well as in some of the floor slabs, had to be designed to accommodate not only significant movement (+/-50% or more), whilst maintaining watertightness, but also to be CE certified fire resistant for at least 2 hours, and it was also essential to maintain the high acoustic soundproofing and thermal insulation of the building across the façades.Emshield-DFR/WFR-2 for internal joint sealing, from NCC Movement Joints Limited was the ideal solution, quickly installed as a complete system to meet all the specified requirements in a single solution, with no mechanical fixings, and without disrupting other trades. The Emshield system was installed by TECL (Thermal Engineering Contracts Ltd) as the acoustic and firestopping specialists on the project, as well as by the specialist façade manufacturers, Lindner Prater.The 13,350 m2 building has been designed to provide open spaces that are flexible, adaptable, and capable of being reconfigured for a wide variety of shows at different scales. The key facilities are The Hall, an auditorium that seats 1,600 but can accommodate 2,000 standing; and The Warehouse, an open performance space 21 metres high, with capacity for 5,000 people, all designed and built with advanced acoustic-insulation. They can function separately or together, with a stage that can stretch back to a depth of 45 meters. Factory International are named after the Factory Records record-label, which was founded by the late Tony Wilson ran Manchester’s Haçienda nightclub in the 1980’s and launched bands such as the Happy Mondays and Joy Division. Their new home at Aviva Studio complex is the first public project by OMA in the United Kingdom, and already regarded as the most ambitious cultural development for the future in Manchester.