"industrial fire doors"

Brick manufacturer Vandersanden is launching the very first CO2-negative facing brick on the market under the name Pirrouet®. One tonne of Pirrouet® facing bricks absorbs up to 60 kg of CO2 during the curing process and throughout its lifespan. This breakthrough is due to a unique industrial application of carbonation technology. In addition, only 20% of the Pirrouet® brick consists of primary raw materials – the rest comes from residual flows from the steel industry. With this first in the construction industry, Vandersanden is ensuring that attractive facades can contribute to a smaller environmental footprint. “Vandersanden wants to be completely CO2 neutral by 2050. With this CO2-negative facing brick, this intended reality comes a big step closer,” says Darren White, UK Sales Director, Vandersanden.Vandersanden has launched the first CO2-negative facing brick, Pirrouet® in the UK. The brick is unique because it is not fired but cured using CO2 from other industries. During the carbonation process, the CO2 reacts with calcium-containing materials, creating carbonates. This permanent bond creates a hard, limestone-like brick that meets the European standard for ceramic facing bricks. It is the first time a facing brick has been produced in this way.The Pirrouet® brick is largely a circular product. It consists of as much as 80% mineral residues (carbinox and stinox) from the steel industry. These residual flows don’t end up in landfill but are sustainably recycled. Only 20% of the new facing brick consists of primary raw materials such as sand, water and any dyes.The new brick is not only a fine example of sustainability, but it also delivers on aesthetics. Vandersanden achieved this attractive result by giving the Pirrouet® brick a unique surface texture. It is available in 11 colours, giving every facade a unique and aesthetic look. “Years of hard work have gone into developing a CO2-negative and circular facing brick. This innovation brings us another big step closer to our promise of a CO2-neutral future, as set out in our sustainability programme, Together to Zero. We are therefore immensely proud of this achievement by our team. This facing brick is a milestone for our sector, and with it, we are contributing to more circularity and reducing the CO2 footprint in the entire construction sector,” says Darren White, UK Sales Director, Vandersanden.Capturing CO2 from factories for reuseThe most energy-intensive aspect of producing facing bricks is no longer necessary with Pirrouet®. Instead of being fired in a kiln, they are hardened in a CO2 chamber. To fill this chamber, Vandersanden uses CO2 captured from other industries. As a result, a waste product becomes a raw material again and less CO2 is released into the atmosphere. During the production process, each tonne of Pirrouet® facing bricks absorbs as much as 60 kg of CO2, which bonds permanently with the calcium hydroxide present during the curing. To complete the sustainable process, Vandersanden generates most of its green electricity via its own solar panels and windmill.Production started with slim facing bricks and the range will be extended with WF and DF sizes of bricks later this year.Towards a CO2-free futureThe innovations by family company Vandersanden are all part of its sustainability programme, Together to Zero. With this initiative, it is committed to making all its processes, production methods, factories and products even more sustainable. “We are not just doing business for ourselves. We want to contribute to solutions for the major challenges in our society and for this reason we have created Together to Zero. Vandersanden wants to be completely CO2 neutral by 2050. With this revolutionary facing brick, we are one step closer to achieving that goal. We also want to inspire others and we’re calling on all our sector colleagues to work together towards a neutral footprint. We challenge everyone to join this pledge,” commented Johan Deburchgrave, CEO of Vandersanden.The revolutionary Pirrouet® facing brick entered the Belgian and Dutch markets in 2023, to a positive response. The construction and equipping of the new Pirrouet® factory in Lanklaar is almost finished and the first Pirrouet® bricks have been delivered to the very first project to specify them, the pioneering Groen Nobelhorst project in Almere, in the Netherlands, where 60 sustainable homes are being built. “We didn’t choose the name of the brick, Pirrouet®, at random. We wanted to pay tribute to our former CEO, Pirre Wuytack, a visionary man who was the founder and instigator of this pioneering sustainable innovation. The name is also a reference to the 360° rotation, the circular, and represents a movement towards a CO2-neutral world,” comments Darren White, UK Sales Director, Vandersanden.To find out more about the innovative production process of Pirrouet®, visit the Vandersanden website here.

With a view to attracting more technology and media tenants to New York City’s NoMad Tower, owners Global Holdings and architects NELSON were keen to produce a dynamic, industrial-style space that fit in seamlessly with the vibrant and rich history of the surrounding neighbourhood North of Madison Square Park.The multi-million-dollar makeover of the 39-storey building included repositioning the entrance of the building from 32nd Street to 31st Street, with priority placed on the design of the lobby and shared communal spaces to achieve the architect’s vision.Working with our US distribution partners Lewis Stevenson, Planet’s export division manufactured and supplied multiple solutions from our LOFT range of glazed partitioning.LOFT20, LOFT54 and LOFT100 glazed partitions were utilised throughout the space at NoMad Tower, including one elevation 15 feet in height that required custom angle returns to be created. With acoustic performance a priority, the double-glazed LOFT100 (54dB RW) meant that the noise reduction between the bustling reception area and conference space was achieved to a very high standard.Planet IsoPro double-glazed pivoting doors and EclipseTec soft open & close sliding doors were fit alongside the LOFT systems to ensure continuity in noise reduction while providing superb user interface experience.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer, including aluminium heritage-style GT70S windows appropriate for the conservation area, have helped to transform the façade of an old radio and television factory into the new four-storey London Screen Academy building at Highbury Grove in Islington, north London.Kawneer’s GT70S slimline renovation open-in windows were the “focal new element” of the renovation of the façade of the four-storey building at Highbury Grove in Islington, north London, where Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling and series AA®190 TB entrance doors also feature.The GT70S windows with narrow sightlines were installed over 12 weeks by a team of eight from specialist sub-contractor and Kawneer dealer JPJ Installations throughout the 8,050m2 building, with the AA®100 curtain walling, which also has narrow 50mm sightlines, used on the rear elevation and the series AA®190 TB severe-duty welded doors used on the main entrance.This cutting-edge new free school by the Department for Education provides world-class film industry focused vocational training, including behind-the-camera roles, costume design, production management, distribution and marketing, alongside a broader curriculum, for 17 to 19-year-olds.

Scarborough Spa, a Grade II listed building and venue for conferences, exhibitions and events required a new waterproofing membrane as the existing felt roof had reached the end of its serviceable life. Following a site survey, Proteus Waterproofing specified Proteus Pro- Felt® Ultima Plus, along with a Cut to Fall insulation scheme, providing a long lasting, bespoke, waterproofing solution.High Performance WaterproofingA built-up roof system was installed with Cut to Fall insulation and Proteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus felt. As the roof was had many changes in levels, Cut to Fall insulation was essential. It was designed so water could be directed to suitable outlets, significantly reducing water retention on the roof. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor to ensure the project was completed to a high standard.Health & SafetyWhen working on occupied or public buildings, safety is always of utmost importance, as well as keeping disruptions to a minimum. Proteus Waterproofing always promote fire safe instillation methods. The Proteus Pro- Felt® range conforms to the industry lead Safe2Torch guidelines and is also certified with the highest European Fire Rating BROOF(t4). Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus is a high-performance multi-layer bituminous membrane system, tested to perform in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. This membrane is impervious to water and will achieve a weather-tight roof. It has class leading modified bitumen content which allows the flexible membrane to move with the building and ensure long term durability and performance which is certified by the BBA to be in excess of 30 years.

Heated Lockers were the focus of Helmsman’s most recent project. We travelled up to South Kirby in Pontefract, Yorkshire to work alongside Triton Construction at the brand-new Innovation Hub at Production Park. Production Park is a unique support environment for the live events industry, uniting technology, creative spaces and education. Their newest venture is the brand-new Innovation Hub, with a large research studio with connected offices and teaching spaces. The new innovation hub features specialist equipment designed to support the live events industry as well as a business support programme focusing on assisting SMEs.In an area off the main entrance lobby, Helmsman installed a set of Wet Specification Heated Lockers. With a mix of 1, 2 and 4 compartments, these lockers are designed with a single or twin tube heater at the bottom of the locker, hidden within the locker stand, and perforations throughout to allow warm and/or damp air to circulate and escape the locker. Triton Construction requested a modern, heavy duty laminate finish for these heated lockers. The body of the lockers was manufactured from aluminium and powder coated in colour Ice, whilst we used Biocarbon’s Solid Grade Laminate in colour Elegant Grey for the locker doors, end panels and cladding. This laminate is a great choice as it is carbon neutral as well as being moisture resistant and easy to clean, perfect for a semi-public area such as this project. Our heated lockers can either come with a standard 3 pin power plug or can be available with a spur to wire into a fused switch. Triton construction requested a plug which was positioned on the end panel of the bank of lockers.We paired stainless steel numbers recessed into the doors with Lowe and Fletcher camlocks for a seamless finish to the lockers.  This option of lock is simple and cost effective, whilst also safe and secure.It was great to work with Triton Construction on this project and we look forward to hearing about the success of the Innovation Hub at Production Park in the future. If you have a similar project, or want to know more about our Heated Lockers, contact us today on 01284 530427.

Manthorpe Building Products has been an industry leader in quality dry fix roofing systems for over 15 years, helping to pioneer innovative new verge, ridge and hip systems for the roofing industry and the introduction of BS 8612 provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate this quality.

Radii joined this fit out in late 2023, where we worked on the design, supply and install of of a tailored glazed partition package for 28 office and meeting rooms.On Level 2, our team designed and installed a stunning Glide framed glazed screen into quad telescopic track between the reception and adjoining communal area.Large meeting rooms on Levels 2 and 4 comprised Parallel 100 (Rw 50 dB) double glazed partitions with red and blue framework respectively; Parallel 100 and single glazed Linear 30 variation screens with bronze and grey frames were utilised elsewhere in the space depending on acoustic requirements. All aluminium was finished in Radii’s dedicated in-house PPC line, with the bronze finish also used on aluminium faced tech panels. Partitions were accompanied by 64mm timber veneered acoustic doors (Rw 41 dB) and double glazed pivoting Hogan doors (Rw 39 dB).Finally, Radii’s own high-performing FirePro steel-clad fire rated screens rated at E60 were installed on all three levels.

Project: Manufacture and installation of bespoke concrete cladding in a high-tech media room. The design comprised of floating 3D concrete seat wrapped around the fire place and individually sized concrete panels for chimney breast, wall, floor and ceiling. All panels were fitted using mechanical and chemical fixings.Client: Tigg & Coll Architects  Materials used: Large format Plain and GAP GRC panels in Rough Mist finish and sealed with hydrophobic agent and clear sealant.On this challenging project we worked closely with Tigg & Coll Architects to manufacture and supply bespoke concrete cladding for new multipurpose media room.The large format bespoke Plain and GAP concrete panels were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The panels were cut to fit around the fireplace, floor, walls and ceiling and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof.The finished effect is a modern, industrial look that complements client’s design style and creates a truly unique and highly relaxing space.

Elevating Urban Living at Southbank Tower.Southbank Tower, standing tall at 41 storeys, is a symbol of inspired urban living in London’s Southwark district. The transformation of this iconic tower, originally designed by Richard Seifert in 1972, has been a collaborative effort to create a world-class mixed-use development, enhancing the public realm and providing a unique address moments from the River Thames.Project Transformation:Architectural Redesign:Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) spearheaded a major redesign, adding 11 stories to the tower and converting upper floors into residential units.Three new floors were added to the podium, and original 1970’s cores were replaced and repositioned.The redesign included the creation of a new route through the scheme, doubling retail space, and adding valuable public areas along the riverfront.Sustainability Measures:The new construction introduced sustainability measures, including a highly-effective heat recovery system and low-energy lighting systems.Future-proofing the building with space for links to district heating and cooling schemes.Southbank Tower’s Features:Mixed-Use Tower:199 residences, 217,000 sq.ft. of office space, and 52,000 sq. ft of retail space.Private residential roof garden spanning 10,000 sq.ft and an exquisitely designed atrium.Design Collaboration:Design studios, including Goddard Littlefair, Studio Ashby, Johnson Naylor, and 1508 London, played a key role in shaping the aesthetics of the tower.The Black Edition Apartments:Interior Design Excellence:Leading interior designers, Studio Ashby and Johnson Naylor, designed the Black Edition apartments.Duplex and lateral apartments designed by Dara Huang of Design Haus Liberty and 1508 London.Selo Doors played a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of Southbank Tower by providing concealed metal riser doors and sliding pocket doors. The bespoke door solutions align with the tower’s commitment to a modern, space-saving, and fire-rated environment. These doors seamlessly integrate into the architectural design, offering a flush and concealed appearance while optimizing space.Southbank Tower’s transformation is not only a testament to architectural innovation but also a reflection of collaborative efforts to create a vibrant urban living experience. Selo Doors’ contribution, through concealed metal riser doors and sliding pocket doors, adds a layer of sophistication, safety, and space optimization to this iconic development. Southbank Tower stands as a landmark in London’s skyline, representing the successful convergence of design, sustainability, and urban regeneration.

Waterproofing of flat roofs in industrial areas in the UK

• Location: Thornton House Apartment Tower Block, Birmingham • Contractor: Assured Passive Fire Protection • Challenge: Fire protection required on timber batons around the windows. • Solution: Applying Zeroflame Fire Retardant Treatment on the batons to achieve Class 0 spread of flame and fire propagation as required by building control. Zeroflame Treatment didn't take long to dry between coats, it was very simple to use and it is fully tested and certified for building control.

Glan Clwyd hospital is one of Roché’s many public sector customers.The hospital required a total of fifteen shutters: a mix of M411 shutters and fire shutters.Roché’s fire shutters are linked to the building’s modern fire control and security management system, helping to prevent the spread of fire outbreaks, ensuring the safety of patients and staff.M411 shutters are used on reception counters to protect sensitive documents and controlled areas during closed hours.

Hush Pro, C-TEC’s revolutionary BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire detection and alarm system, is now protecting three iconic tower block developments in Manchester.Located in the centre of Piccadilly, Oxygen Towers is a striking set of three new 31-storey, 16-storey and 10-storey buildings consisting of 345 stylish 1, 2 and 3-bedroomed apartments and 12 spacious family townhouses. Designed to provide the ultimate living experience, the futuristic ‘vertical village’ combines luxury accommodation with fabulous five-star leisure facilities including a swimming pool, cinema, gym and spa. The stunning development also features lush garden terraces and rooftop gardens.Selected for its cutting-edge technology and capacity to align with the building’s fire strategy, Hush Pro integrates with the site’s BS 5839 part 1 landlord system to offer higher levels of fire protection than the Grade D unmonitored battery alarm systems typically used in domestic installations. As a fully-monitored BS 5839-6 Grade C system, Hush Pro reports open and short circuit faults and operation faults back to the fire panel and even allows management and maintenance companies to remotely monitor the system. Each of the flats features an easily accessible low-level Hush Pro Controller connected to a series of Hush Pro smoke detectors, base sounders, multi-sensors and heat detectors all seamlessly interfaced to a powerful network of C-TEC 4-loop ZFP addressable fire control panels to provide all-encompassing fire and fault monitoring of the system. If, for any reason, part of the domestic fire alarm is compromised, this will immediately be reported to the building management team to allow them to action the fault and re-instate full fire detection coverage to the flat.Said Dan Perry, Projects Manager at Solid State, the specialist fire and security company involved with the design and delivery of the project: “As well as enhancing the fire safety management, property and life protection of the buildings, a key factor in our client’s decision to invest in Hush Pro was the system’s ability to notify building management in the event of a real fire and, at the same time, its potential to virtually eliminate false alarms.”“Hush Pro’s unique capacity to differentiate between Fire Level 1, usually a false alarm reported locally in the dwelling, and Fire Level 2, almost always a real alarm activated outside of the dwelling, reduces false fire alarms, unnecessary call-outs and the risk of a real fire alarm being ignored. As our client requires immediate notification in the event of a fire but also first-class false alarm management, Hush Pro is ideal.”“Also of vital importance to our client is that, as the project consists of private balconies with an open plan flat arrangement, Hush Pro is the only fire alarm solution that can actually meet the requirements of BS 9991 Annex D3.”Said Jason Lawler, 24-7’s Group Director and the person responsible for delivering the electrical and mechanical systems for the project: “Hush Pro is an outstanding solution. The system provides residents with easy-to-use detection, alarm, silencing and test facilities so they can test their own devices, be alerted to system faults and hush any false alarms at the Hush Button which is positioned at light-switch level for safe and easy access. Hush Pro’s powerful false alarm management capability will also prove invaluable at the site.”Said Dan: “Client satisfaction is incredibly important to Solid State so we were delighted to be able to specify a robust and fully-compliant integrated BS 5839 Part 1 and Part 6 fire alarm solution for Oxygen Towers. With its capacity to provide high levels of fire protection yet also minimise costly and disruptive false alarms, Hush Pro is fast becoming the system of choice for fire strategy engineers and consultants dedicated to enhancing fire safety in high-rise residential and specialist housing projects throughout the UK.”

The Anchor Line Aparthotel, formerly home to the Anchor Line Shipping Company, features EGGER Feelwood materials throughout.A full refurbishment of the upper floors of this Art Deco building has created a luxurious aparthotel. A smoky timber finish was required, and EGGER’s woodgrain decor H3406 ST38 Anthracite Mountain Larch, from the popular Feelwood range, met this brief perfectly.The decor was used to create kitchen doors and end panels, wardrobes, bookcases, and television units. The synchronised deep texture provides a striking surface that is as close as you can get to real wood.Designed by ICA and fabricated by Workspace, the chosen finish has helped to create a relaxing and contemporary interior.Lesley Annison of ICA said, “We frequently specify EGGER products throughout our hotel industry projects as there is always great availability and an extensive variety of products and finishes. We were able to select an EGGER decor for this project that provided our client with the exact look and finish they required.”

The ProjectThe completion of Birmingham City University - Curzon B & Royal Birmingham Conservatoire forms part of the University’s £260 million dedicated investment into new and advanced facilities.Designed by Associated Architects to provide 100,000 square feet of additional facilities the £31 million Birmingham City – Curzon B Building officially opened in January 2018. The facility offers teaching and learning space for 3,000 students and staff.The ChallengePropose a robust cubicle system suitable for a heavy foot fall environment. Deliver all products compliant to BIM Level 2. Manufacture bespoke vanity troughs in a wave design. Manage production, delivery and installation to the high standards set by the industry.  The Solution As a local preferred supplier Excelsior were engaged by Birmingham based Willmott Dixon to supply and install the washrooms. T-Line Cubicle Range offered the perfect solution, with an extruded aluminium frame, inclusive of pilaster and headrail, coupled with Solid Grade Laminate Doors and Divisions ensure a robust cubicle that will stand the test of time.

ChallengeThe Building Centre, a central information point for all sectors of the construction industry, recently refurbished its London based headquarters. The second stage has seen Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll supplied to the Construction Products Association, the UK Green Building Council and Design for Homes offices located on the first floor.In order to maximise all potential space available to the offices, it was essential to select a product that would take up as little space as possible, while satisfying the environmental and acoustic criteria required to achieve the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.SolutionTo accomplish this, 50mm Acoustic Roll was specified as it is lightweight, flexible, non-combustible and provides a high level of sound absorption, furthermore, it has been specifically designed for friction fitting between members at 400mm and 600mm centres. Acoustic Roll significantly improves the sound insulation performance of partitions whilst at the same time delivering improved thermal and fire performance. Plus, thanks to ECOSE® Technology, offers outstanding environmental credentials.Knauf Insulation products with ECOSE® Technology are made with a formaldehyde free binder technology derived from rapidly renewable, bio-based materials, which reduces embodied energy and delivers superior environmental sustainability. The insulation doesn’t look or feel like any other insulation. It is naturally brown in colour as there are no artificial colours or dyes added and it produces a ‘super softer’, odourless and easier to handle insulation.Colin Henderson, CEO of the Building Centre comments on how specifying Knauf Insulation was an easy decision to make: "After looking at the requirements and from our existing knowledge of Knauf Insulation, we knew the company would be able to meet all our needs quickly and efficiently."Maria Morgan, Market Manager – Building, Non Residential at Knauf Insulation explains: “Our unique position in having a broad product range, coupled with our expertise within the industry, enabled us to fully advise and install the appropriate insulation solution for the Building Centre.”

PROJECT OVERVIEW We were awarded the prestigious project to provide our cleanroom system for a new Compound Semiconductor Innovation Centre which will provide a collaborative environment for innovation, testing and research. The world-leading Catapult Innovation Centre will drive advances in compound semiconductor technology and applications, enabling the UK to spearhead future technologies, including autonomous vehicles, 5G mobile networks, renewable energy and the Internet of Things (IoT).SCOPE OF WORKOur scope of work encompassed design and installation of our Mediline partitioning solid and glazed systems to create an IS07-classified cleanroom along with a number of laboratory environments, including a photonics lab, a power electronics lab, an advanced packaging suite, an evaluation lab, a radio frequency lab and a high-power lab. We also provided pedestrian doors, our Metal Pan Ceiling and fire rated vision panels.

Manufactured panels have a different level of acoustic reduction, but all of them provide the kind of flexibility needed to work perfectly within any office or commercial environment following a professional installation from ModernGlide.Because there is no need for a structural head support, this makes the MG200 series perfect for smaller openings. The versatility of our sliding folding wall partitions continue through the format of slimline stacking. This means that when the wall is not in use, it will take up minimal space in your environment.Additionally, the MG200 sliding partition series comes standard with a pass door panel which allows movement from side-to-side with seamless ease. We are able to offer a complete solution for all of your acoustic sliding partition needs.A continuous acoustic wall partitions system, it is perfect for a quick and easy set-up process and is our most popular budget solution for acoustic partitions that move.MG200 Wall Partitions Key FactsAcoustic reduction from 37dB to 49dBFloor-supportingPanel widths 450mm to 900mmHeight up to 4,000mmPass door as standardCentre-folding or end-folding stacking optionsPanel finishes include melamine, laminate, veneer and white boardIntegral glazing options30 minute fire rating option

ChallengeThe much acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid created the design for the Riverside Museum, which has already been dubbed ‘Glasgow’s Guggenheim’.The new riverside Museum provides an exciting new home for Glasgow’s transport collection. The development has a riverside location on a site where the River Clyde meets Glasgow’s other main river the Kelvin, and is adjacent to Glasgow Harbour.The dynamic new Riverside Museum displays Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage, which stems from the River Clyde. The Tall Ship is berthed alongside the Museum, creating a fantastic experience in this stunning setting.The brief for design and build roofing specialist Varla (UK) Limited was to find a flexible insulation that could meet the demanding U - value of 0.20 W/m2K that was continuous over both the walls and the complex 18,000 square metre roof. The Glasgow Museum of Transport is a complex, heavily engineered design and was the first major UK project for the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.Specialist Roofing contractor, Varla (UK) Limited started the search for a suitable material by contacting many insulation suppliers and holding supplier seminars at Varla’s Chester offices, challenging suppliers to propose a solution to meet the demanding specification for this unique project.SolutionVarla (UK) Limited chose to use Knauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 32, a flexible insulation that meets the demanding U-value of 0.20 W/m2K across both the roof and walls.Rigid foam boards were ruled out early on, as they could not be fitted to the building’s complex curves. There was also a limited cladding zone that could not be altered. Many types of insulation were considered, but glass mineral wool roll provided the best thermal efficiency. The key to Knauf Insulation’s products being specified on this project was its ability to provide in-depth technical support, including complex three-dimensional heat flow modelling calculations. This allowed Knauf Insulation to produce a solution that met all of Varla’s insulation requirements by using a double layer of 100mm Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 32. This is a flexible, lightweight roll of resilient Glass Mineral Wool with exceptionally high tear strength and a thermal conductivity of just 0.032 W/mK.In addition, Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 32 is ideal for limiting the spread of fire since it holds a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification for non-combustibility and will not burn. Nor will it give off toxic smoke or suddenly ignite in a fire due to ‘flashover’. For public buildings such as this, superior fire performance is crucial.Once Varla (UK) Limited had decided on Knauf Insulation, it leaned on them heavily for technical support, utilising the unique 3D heat loss calculation support service, which ensured the correct product thickness was specified to meet the demanding project requirements.

Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea Football Club, now benefits from an upgraded fire safety system with a network of 17 Advanced MxPro 5 fire panels and three repeater panels.The decomissioning of the old fire system and installation of the new panels required careful planning and efficiency to ensure uninterrupted functionality throughout the transition.

Central M40, a 70 acre industrial estate situated off J11 of the M40 in Banbury, comprises six warehouses totalling over 1 million sq ft of accommodation – equivalent to roughly 17 football pitches. The estate was developed speculatively by db Symmetry*, who specified CA Group’s robust Twin-Therm® Built-up Roof and Wall systems.A key component of the Twin-Therm® building envelope system is Therma-Quilt, a bespoke high-performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation. It is manufactured by Knauf Insulation specifically for CA Group and is the result of a long standing partnership between the two companies.Therma-Quilt is ideally suited for non-residential cladding applications. It offers outstanding performance and functionality available in different thicknesses to support the Twin-Therm® system, delivering enhanced thermal U-values as low as 0.09W/m2K. It is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not contribute to the development or the spread of a fire.Therma-Quilt is also a high-performing acoustic insulation. In Twin-Therm® roof applications, it helps reduce the drumming effect of rainwater, while in Twin-Therm® wall applications, it aids with sound reduction and can minimise the reverberation of internal sound when used in conjunction with perforated metal liner sheets. Therma-Quilt has been developed with water resistance in mind and uses materials that help prevent water ingress.The Twin-Therm® system has been designed with sustainability in mind and Therma-Quilt is no exception. Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool products contain up to 80% recycled materials. This saves on virgin raw materials and energy demands, cuts carbon emissions, and reduces waste going to landfill.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.In total, more than 70 tonnes of Therma-Quilt insulation were used on the six megasheds on the Central M40 development. While the industrial estate was built speculatively, its strategic location has previously attracted premium occupiers including Hellofresh, Prodrive Motorsport, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and Rinkit.Thanks to the Twin-Therm® system with its Therma-Quilt insulation, the warehouses have achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings, while the businesses using them will enjoy more comfortable, warmer and safer working environments – and lower energy costs. *db Symmetry has rebranded as Tritax Symmetry

Elevating Care at West Hall.Nestled in the picturesque Surrey village of West Byfleet and graced by the extensive grounds of a listed manor house, West Hall stands as the flagship luxury care home for unparalleled comfort and care. At West Hall, the emphasis is on offering outstanding care within a luxurious setting, catering to various needs, including permanent residence, respite breaks, specialist dementia care, and recovery from hospital stays.West Hall is thoughtfully designed to promote friendship, companionship, and a real sense of community. The accommodation is organized into three purpose-built residences, each radiating from the central manor house. These residences feature large individual bedrooms and shared living and dining areas, fostering an intimate and supportive environment. The spaces are not only designed for optimal safety but are also adaptable to meet individual needs and preferences.Everything at West Hall is meticulously designed to enhance comfort and ease. From the beautifully maintained grounds to individual fittings, every detail receives meticulous attention. Each living space is custom-made with high-quality finishes, marrying aesthetic appeal with practicality. The care home boasts a modern, high-quality appearance, distinguished by its individualized design and placement in the midst of stunning surroundings.Selo takes pride in contributing to the excellence of West Hall by supplying top-notch riser doors. The concealed, flush, and fire-rated metal doorsets seamlessly integrate into the care home’s design ethos. Selo Doors’ solutions align with West Hall’s commitment to attention to detail and high-quality finishes, ensuring that even the smallest components receive the utmost care and consideration.West Hall stands as a testament to the marriage of luxury and care in a serene village setting. With Selo Doors’ riser door solutions enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the care home, West Hall continues to provide unparalleled comfort and support to its residents, making it a true haven for those seeking exceptional care in a luxurious environment.

Client: EncircLocation: Chester, UKYear: 2023Project size: 450 m²Vebro systems: vebroscreed Industrial, vebroflex Decorative UV Plus, vebroflex Comfort UVAs part of its goal to decarbonise by 2025 by using hydrogen in its furnaces, a Chester, UK glass manufacturer has recently undergone an expansion, requiring durable, attractive flooring throughout.Encirc is a leading UK manufacturer of glass containers. Founded in 1998, the company has since grown to become one of the largest and most advanced manufacturers of its kind in Europe.Part of the Vidrala Group, Encirc is based across three sites in Northern Ireland, Italy and Chester, UK. Each year they produce more than 4 billion glass containers for leading global brands, filling many of them for retail across the UK and Europe.As part of the upgrade to the Chester facility, an extension was added that required a new flooring solution to help join the old and new areas of the facility seamlessly.A durable, practical and aesthetically pleasing floor coating solution was required to meet the needs of this modern production facility.Vebro Polymers supplied a package of polyurethane flooring materials as well as a heavy-duty industrial screed for substrate levelling.vebroscreed Industrial, applied at a nominal 10.0 mm across the 450 m2 floor area, is a deep-fill, rapid-setting and hardening, high strength, single-part, cementitious smoothing underlayment screed, that provides a durable sub-floor prior to the installation of resin finishes.vebroflex Decorative UV Plus in Charcoal Grey was chosen for the main area and entrance walkway, and vebroflex Comfort UV in RAL 7037 Dusty Grey was applied in the staff changing area and locker rooms.Both are polyurethane comfort systems, also known as liquid vinyl, are made up from multiple layers of flexible polyurethane resin installed onto a primed substrate or rubber underlay to provide a cushioned effect underfoot.Not only for these systems boast high performance, they also help to enhance the working environment. vebroflex Decorative UV Plus includes tiny polymer beads for a subtle yet attractive finish, while vebroflex Comfort UV features a soft matte finish for a contemporary aesthetic.Quest Industrial Flooring offers a wide range of industrial flooring solutions to suit the huge variety of service conditions required by the demanding industrial industry.Based in Warrington, Cheshire, the team at Quest deliver screeds, high build epoxy coatings and line-marking as well as polishing and grinding of terrazzo and polished concrete flooring.The company’s vast experience in the industrial flooring sector means they are able to offer customers expert advice on the concrete and resin flooring options available, as well as consistently install high quality floor systems on time and on budget.Their attention to detail combined with their aim to provide unrivalled customer service, means customers are supported through their projects from specification through to installation and beyond.

Eye-catching, fire-safe Cavity System 2 and SpeedySlip Brick Façade for Wheatstone House, London Using a new and innovative non-combustible external wall insulation system, SPSenvirowall delivered on creating a fire safe and thermally efficient building. SPSenvirowall provided its innovative new product, the Cavity System 2 to the development, delivering results which are outstanding and produce an intriguing and engaging brickwork façade. To reach the highest standard of fire safety for the external cladding, SPSenvirowall supplied its Cavity System 2 solution for its A2-s1, d0 fire-rated classification in accordance with BS EN13501-1.

North Acre, a magnificent five-bedroom barn conversion, commands breathtaking views over the picturesque countryside near Shaftesbury in Dorset's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Gowercroft products used:Peveril Lift and Slide DoorsKedleston Tilt and Turn WindowsMelbourne DoorsHardwick Casement WindowsAccoya®Vanessa and Bruce Jones, longing to build their dream home in the countryside, were thrilled when they discovered a spacious plot with an abandoned steel-framed agricultural building.The 400-square-meter south-facing structure, once a cattle shed, held immense potential for their vision of a modern, open-plan, eco-friendly family home."North Acre's location captivated us instantly. We realised that, with the right design, this industrial-looking farm building could be transformed into a light-filled, airy sanctuary for our family," shared Vanessa Jones.Uniquely Integrated DesignCampbell Jackson Architects approached the conversion with a focus on celebrating the structure's grand scale, shape, and utilitarian simplicity."Our philosophy is to create buildings that are harmonious and appropriate for their surroundings, revealing the distinctive qualities of each project. In this case, we aimed to maintain the barn's unassuming presence within the rural landscape while welcoming the stunning views into its light-filled interior spaces," explained Jamie Campbell.The original concrete hardstanding served as the footprint for the new design, with the core steel framework supporting a metal-clad roof. The use of pre-cast concrete panels at lower levels and extensive Siberian larch cladding contribute to a contemporary and understated aesthetic.Thoughtfully Framed ViewsThe south-facing elevation of the design purposefully responds to the panoramic views. Landscape Tilt and Turn windows and Lift and Slide doors from Gowercroft Joinery were carefully incorporated, allowing for perfectly framed vistas."We sought high-quality traditional timber windows and doors that would seamlessly blend with the concrete lintels and the Siberian larch cladding. Over time, the cladding will naturally weather from its original blond colour to a sun-bleached patina," shared Jamie.Gowercroft's windows and doors, renowned for their silver-grey translucent finish, were chosen for their contemporary aesthetic. The Accoya® timber's grain pattern shines through, complementing the desired tone.Throughout the project, Gowercroft supplied 22 Accoya® tilt and turn windows and four doors, all finished with their exclusive semi-transparent grey coating. These windows and doors enhance the flow between interior living spaces and offer captivating views of an exquisite indoor winter garden.The Perfect Match"We are absolutely thrilled with our new home. Campbell Jackson Architects' remarkable design has brought our original vision to life in ways beyond our imagination. The quality and beauty of the timber windows and doors from Gowercroft complete the picture," expressed Vanessa Jones.The Gowercroft team went above and beyond, ensuring that every detail, both technical and aesthetic, was meticulously considered to ensure their windows and doors were the perfect match for the new home. The specially developed micro-porous protective finish from Italy guarantees exceptional performance and virtually maintenance-free enjoyment.North Acre stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between Campbell Jackson Architects and Gowercroft, where architectural excellence and exquisite craftsmanship converge.

Proteus Waterproofing were contacted to assist with the roof refurbishment for the The Co-Operative Group, Wembley. The existing felt waterproofing and timber deck had failed allowing water ingress into the residential building below. Upon further inspection, Proteus established that the existing roof lacked any insulation and therefore did not meet current Building Regulations. a Proteus Pro Felt® system was specified as a competitive and cost effective waterproofing solution.High Performance WaterproofingThe roof coverings and timber decking had to be removed. A new 18mm ply wood deck was installed to the roof pitches before a high performance Proteus Pro Felt® system could be laid. This incorporated 120mm Proteus Pro-Therm® insulation to ensure all current building regulations were met. Due to the 45 degree pitch of both the front and rear roofs, Proteus needed to design a fixing method to ensure the felt and insulation did not slip in the warmer weather. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor, to ensure the project was delivered to a high standard.Health & SafetyWhen working on public buildings, safety is always of utmost importance. Proteus Pro-Felt® Self Adhesive Mineral Capsheet has the highest European Fire Rating, BROOF(t4), making it the ideal felt to use on public building as the risks to operatives and members of the public are greatly reduced. All Proteus Waterproofing specifications promote fire safe installation methods conforming to the industry lead Safe2Torch guidelines.Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Felt® is a High-Performance range of bituminous membrane system, tested to perform in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. It has class leading modified bitumen content which allows the flexible membrane to move with the building and ensure long term durability and performance with guarantees available up to 25 years.

Surespan designed and manufactured Glazed Roof Hatches with fixed glazed sections and a vertical end door for the 79&Park residential.The projectOscar Properties commissioned BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) to design and construct 79& Park residential building. The building is located on the edge of Gärdet, a treasured national park. The architects made conscious decisions throughout the process to provide a sensitive, respectful building with exceptional residences with spectacular views.All Oscar Properties projects aim to add value to the city and the surrounding environment.  79&Park architecture appears like an extension of the park, a gentle hillside seamlessly blending into the nature around it. The project was named Europe’s best housing project in the Internationally recognised real estate competition The International Property Awards.ProductSurespan designed and manufactured multiple glazed roof access hatches in various sizes including 2200 x 2115, 3160 x 1553, and 4175 x 1025.  As part of the glazed roof hatches a vertical door was designed for easy access to the roof spaces. The final glazed hatches were finished off with a polyester powder-coated finish.  Features:These glazed roof hatches feature a specialist sensory control panel. A 1-minute warning sound is activated when rain is detected, and a movement sensor prevents the closing of the hatch. Other features include opening in case of a fire and a keycode pad for exiting.

Following the building expansion of more than 47,000 m2 the grade-II listed Stanford Hall Estate facility required further fire protection measures to be installed in order to reset its resistance to fire. Nullifire were on hand to recommend the use of FB750 Coated Batts, FS702 Water-Based Intumescent Acrylic Sealant, and FS709 Intumescent Sealant. The combination of these products ensures the fire safety of the building.

Project type: Student Accommodation Location: Spreytonway & Moberly House, St Germans Road, Exeter, EX4 6TJ Project Cost: £41m Product: Meridian Coping System Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey Fire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018) Product: Rainscreen Cladding (Dales DF-System Panels) Finish: Powdertech Corby Peat Fire (Corten) Fire Rating:A2-s1, d0 (EN BS 13501-1). Architect: Willmore Iles Architects Contractor: Vinci Construction UK Ltd Sub Contractor: Longworth Building Services Ltd

The SYSTEMGLAS® fire resistant, butt-jointed glazing system range from Promat has been expanded with a host of new configurations and additional performance capabilities to meet the growing demand from architects for assured fire protection. Detailed in the new 2019 SYSTEMGLAS® Specifiers Guide, the new options supplement an already expansive product range of fire-resistant glazing screens offering protection of between 30 and 120 minutes. The range’s four systems provide framing options in steel, timber and two which utilise the fire-resistant calcium silicate PROMATECT® H to allow for over-cladding or concealment for a virtually ‘frameless’ effect.

HM Prison Belmarsh is a category A prison containing some of the UK’s most dangerous and high profile criminals. Being one of the UK’s most secure prisons, it is often used to contain prisoners in cases where national security is threatened.Roché are proud to play a key part in keeping the prison safe and secure. We worked alongside Protec Fire Detection PLC to deliver 14 fire-rated shutters that were tied into the prison’s security and fire management system. As well as being used for fire containment, the shutters are used as emergency segregation barriers, to reliably close-off and lock down cell blocks in case of prisoner unrest.

Wick Lane is a scheme composed of six distinct buildings, including light industrial units, retail, and workspace areas, and 175 homes. It has been built in an existing vibrant neighbourhood, characterised by Victorian warehouse buildings with a mixture of industrial, creative, and residential spaces. These six buildings work together to form a new community that is an authentic piece of Hackney Wick. These apartments consist of a selection of one, two, and three bedroom homes. A variety of employment spaces activate and enliven the main street whilst freestanding double-height industrial units are combined with a variety of one, two or three-storey commercial units.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD5 was specified by dRMM due to its excellent acoustic properties specifically designed to reduce impact noise through the concrete floors with a floating screed. It is a lightweight, easy to install non-crosslinked polyethylene foam.Taylor Wimpey was awarded this 15,000m² contract to construct this development.

Radii create a bespoke glass partition system design for BCG Digital Ventures, with new dies manufactured especially for the project at our in-house manufacturing facilities.Previously, Radii had worked at 80 Charlotte Street for BCG to produce a stunning timber-framed partition system across 257 meeting rooms and offices in the floors directly above the Digital Ventures site. This new installation was designed to match our original work for BCG and create a synergy throughout the space — but with aluminium framework used in place of timber.The final installation used 100mm wide single glazed partitions and joinery with consistent mullion details. Furthermore, bespoke dies were also created for black powder coated aluminium light portals that were installed around some partitioning elements with integrated LED lighting.Radii also provided some fire rated glazing from the FirePro range, certified up to Ei120 rating for screens and Ei90 for doors.

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

Fire safety in the heart of Chester! Check out this case study where a strong mix of Nullifire's market-leading passive fire protection solutions were used in this exciting project in Chester City Centre.

300 vertically hung Rockfon Industrial baffles are installed to provide acoustic absorption in the double height central hub of the college.