"lightning protection"

The Margam Green Energy Plant is a long-term, multi-million pound investment into the Welsh economy to help meet the country’s renewable energy targets whilst also strengthening the country’s energy security. A durable concrete was required for the storage silo that housed wood chip to feed the plant.For this project Tarmac suggested their TOPROC SY be used as an overlay on the finished concrete slab as a protective high strength screed. TOPROC SY comprises a micro-silica mix with steel and macro fibres designed to give high levels of abrasive and impact resistance. This product is highly suited to heavy industrial areas such as container handling, metal recycling, waste, loading bays and any other aggressive environments. The main benefit is extended length of time the product will perform compared with traditional concrete therefore saving cost on continual replacement.

Heathrow Terminal 5 stands as a monumental achievement, with its conception spanning over two decades. Designed to be the largest freestanding structure in the United Kingdom, this £4 billion development embodies Heathrow's commitment to maintaining its position as one of the world's foremost international airports.With a capacity to handle 35 million passengers annually, Terminal 5 boasts a diverse array of amenities, including over 100 restaurants and shops, enhancing the travel experience for visitors. Within this bustling environment, HAG played a crucial role in ensuring the security of numerous retail outlets. Employing our advanced security solutions such as Alulink security grilles, Armourguard roller shutters, and Alishield roller shutters, we provided robust protection for these vital commercial spaces.This collaboration underscores HAG's dedication to safeguarding critical infrastructure and contributing to the seamless operation of major transportation hubs like Heathrow Terminal 5.

Vega is a 37-storey new build property in Vauxhall, South London ideally located near to Kings College London, University College London, University of London, and University of Westminster.  The building houses a variety of 841 studio and shared student apartments and has a roof garden terrace, an on-site gym, cinema room, private dining area, and gaming zone all for student use, as well as a six-storey open-plan office. As the student accommodation had cooking facilities which included a hob, fire safety protection was considered to be of particular importance. Due to its unique benefits and ease of use for the students and the fact that other Downing Student properties across the UK had requested it, the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen to be installed as standard in 497 apartments to complement the passive fire products which had also been fitted.

As described by Eastleigh Borough Council, the £25 million facility underpins the council’s commitment to promoting a healthy borough. It incorporates a high quality design in keeping with the parkland environment and has high environmental standards. The new building will boast many facilities that are larger than at present, including an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a larger, versatile learner pool, 15-badminton court sports hall, a versatile, multi-station gym and a group spinning studio. This case study will look at the challenges and solutions of this vast project that involved insulating and waterproofing over 8,500m2 of flat roof areas.Following decades of experience using Polyroof’s liquid systems to protect buildings throughout the district, including waterproofing the original Fleming Park Leisure Centre back in the early 1990’s, Eastleigh Council specified the Protec system for the project.

C-TEC’s revolutionary new evacuation alert system, EVAC-ALERT, has been specified for a new purpose-built residential building in London.Located in the Elephant and Castle area of the London Borough of Southwark, Joyce Newman House is an 8-storey block of 40 spacious living spaces commissioned by Leathermarket JMB, Southwark’s largest resident-managed housing organisation. The affordable-housing development also features landscaped gardens, an interactive playground and a communal kitchen garden for residents to grow their own vegetables.Specified and supplied by Churches Fire & Security working alongside Blu Electrical Installations Ltd, C-TEC’s EVAC-ALERT has been designed to comply with the new BS 8629, which recommends evacuation alert systems be installed in all new blocks of flats over 18 metres to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part or all of a building in an emergency.The system consists of a 2-loop control panel connected to a host of single and multi-way interface units, self-testing sounders and visual indicators. Simple and intuitive with manual controls to allow firefighters to easily operate the evacuation alert devices located inside flats on a zone by zone or floor by floor basis, the panel is stored in a secure vandal resistant cabinet which can only be accessed by the FRS using a special copy-protected key.David Collins, Project Manager at Churches Fire & Security, said: “Evacuation alert systems ensure firefighters can alert occupants in a building of the need to evacuate if a fire gets out of control. The EVAC-ALERT system we’ve specified provides peace of mind for residents and, crucially, also demonstrates that building management have taken every precaution possible to protect the people residing in the property. Our client is delighted with the system.”Certified to all relevant EN54 product standards, 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.

As a consequence of the Grenfell tragedy, an assessment of the building envelope was carried out on the 275nr residential apartment block in the centre of Leeds. It was found to be non-compliant with current regulations and in urgent need of replacement.The VariAL-SF system was selected as it complied with an A2 fire rating, with EN13501-1 classification by third parties, and satisfied the detailed planning constraints.The importance of the cladding refurbishment and replacement on this high-rise residential building cannot be understated. The building was identified by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service late in 2019 as being high risk from the perspective of residents safety, due to the fact it was clad in flammable panels and onus was placed on the building owner to take swift action to make the building safe. As such, an ambitious 52 week programme for complete removal of the existing cladding and replacement was set out and achieved by the project team, despite significant limitations in terms of access and logistical challenges.To the passer-by, there is barely any discernible difference in the aesthetic of the building’s new facade, the colour-matching of the panels is incredibly accurate and allowed for a seamless transition to a much safer environment for the building’s residents.The apartment block was in the middle of a built up residential area. The contractor needed to obtain road closures from Leeds city council for two main roads which ran the full length and one side elevation.Furthermore the other main elevation was a pedestrian walkway with access to the apartment block , a hotel and several commercial buildings therefore safe access routes and segregation had to be installed and coordinated with the various parties involved.In addition, the building had to be reclad using 125ft cherry pickers working off the main road and pedestrian walkways therefore protective tracking systems had to be laid over the tarmac and paving to protect the existing materials.Throughout the building refurbishment, which took exactly 52 weeks, access to all the various buildings was maintained and contractor site personnel worked closely with adjacent building owners and especially the management team of the apartment block which accommodated 270 apartments to ensure minimal disruption.

Cygnet Hospital, a new state of the art medical campus based in Maidstone required a waterproofing membrane for the newly installed concrete and metal decks. Proteus Waterproofing applied their Cold Melt® membrane, to provide a seamless leak protection to the inverted roof, that was then finished with Proteus Waterproofing’s Pro-Living® Green Roof. High Performance WaterproofingFirstly, the metal deck for the main roof was prepared and overlaid with Pro-Vapour Control SA, a self-adhesive bituminous waterproofing membrane that forms a barrier against vapour and gases, ready for the Proteus Pro-Therm PIR Insulation and Cold Melt® waterproofing installations.Proteus Pro-Therm PIR is stable, rot proof and will remain effective as an insulation system for the lifetime of the waterproofing covering, making it suitable for new builds. Cold Melt® waterproofing was then overlaid to the main roof and upstands. The exposed areas were covered with Cold Melt® UV Top Coat, making the waterproofing UV stable. Cold Melt® provides a seamless leak protection and is cold applied, therefore removing the risk of fire. The roof was completed with a Pro-Living® Green Roof providing ecological benefits for the building. Health and SafetyWhen working on occupied buildings, safety is of utmost importance. Proteus Waterproofing’s Cold Melt® system is cold applied and low odour, therefore meeting all necessary health and safety requirements. Cold Melt® is quick, simple and safe to apply allowing the Proteus Approved Contractor to successfully complete the project to a high standard within a short time frame, whilst ensuring the planned building works continued to run on schedule.Long Term PerformanceIncorporating recycled rubber crumb and organically grown products, Cold Melt® creates an elastomeric, seamless, cold applied waterproofing membrane. Cold Melt® system can include inverted roof insulation and, with or without insulation, can be designed as a paved, ballasted, green or brown roof. The membrane is made in the UK, does not become brittle with age and is BBA Certified to last the life of the structure.

Twinfix, a leading provider of roofing and canopy solutions, has successfully completed the design, manufacturing, and installation of a 225sqm canopy at The Corner in Darvel. This project, in collaboration with the Darvel & Area Regeneration Team (DART) and Coltart Construction, showcases Twinfix’s expertise in creating striking structures that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment.Twinfix was entrusted with the task of designing a canopy that not only provided aesthetic appeal but also met stringent safety requirements.When liaising with Coltart Contracts on the requirement of the free-standing pyramid canopy, the large size of the structure needed to be considered. Tiered panels were included in the design and a frame manufactured in galvanised steel, which has a high strength to weight ratio was requested. The Galvanisation process protects the metal, while adding colour through powder-coating provides an additional element of protection from rust extending the structure’s life span. The Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system, known for its robustness and ability to transmit natural light, was meticulously integrated into the design, offering visitors a safe and visually pleasing experience.Twinfix’s skilled team then commenced the manufacturing process, using state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to rigorous quality control measures. The components were crafted with precision to meet exact specifications, ensuring a flawless end result.The Twinfix-designed canopy at The Corner brings a host of benefits to the project and the local community. It not only enhances safety but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the town, transforming it into an inviting space. The versatile 225sqm canopy provides a hub for community gatherings, meetings, and local markets, aligning with DART’s vision for the development of the area.Steve Gillies, Treasurer at DART, expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating, “The Twinfix canopy has exceeded our expectations, providing a safe and visually striking space for our community to come together. We are delighted with the outcome and grateful for Twinfix’s expertise and dedication throughout the process.”The completion of this project further solidifies Twinfix’s reputation as an industry leader in innovative roofing and canopy solutions. Their commitment to excellence and ability to tailor designs to meet unique client requirements have made them a preferred choice for projects of all scales.

An 11-storey student accommodation facility on Liverpool’s Hotham Street marks the second phase of an exciting redevelopment project for the city. Cladding contractor, BAK UK, has specified URSA’s Façade N35 slab across the vast new build structure.URSA has supplied over 1000m2 of URSA Façade N35 slab to cladding contractor as part of a £35m student accommodation project in Liverpool.Under the scheme, 500 student homes are to be created in a multi-storey environment on the site of the former Odeon cinema on London Road/Hotham Street. A swimming pool, gym and two landscaped gardens also form part of the ambitious city centre development set for occupation later this year.As appropriate for a prestige, high-rise residential and multi-occupancy building, superior materials have been specified throughout including URSA Façade N35 slab.The scheme has been halted for several years due to issues surrounding development funding. Now under new ownership, the design and construction have been scrutinised and it appears that a combustible insulation may have been used in the original cladding system. This has since been replaced and new work completed using URSA’s specialist product.  Ian Claydon, Technical Manager at URSA commented: “As with many high rise buildings developed only a handful of years ago, unsuitable products have been installed that don’t offer the necessary levels of protection to ensure the safety of occupants.”Rainscreen cladding is a lightweight, non-load bearing system attached to the outside of a building using a bracket and rail system. The cladding system provides protection from wind and rain, improves the thermal performance and limits solar gains.  Ian added “URSA Façade N35 is totally non-combustible, Euroclass A1, so doesn’t add any fire load to the building or prejudice the overall fire performance of the wall. The presence of the ventilated cavity behind the cladding system means that cavity barriers are required to prevent the spread of fire and/or smoke. This is a unique and highly effective product that we are seeing specified increasingly across UK and European sites.”    

Client: Heron Tower, LondonLocation: Bishopgate, LondonSector: Mixed-Use FacilityYear: 2021Project Size: 500 m²System: vebrodeck IDHeron Tower, a mixed-use high-rise development in London, required a bright, welcoming and durable floor coating material for its bike and scooter storage area, an environment used by the residents and staff of businesses based in the building. Heron Tower, located at 110 Bishopgate in the heart of London, is a mixed-use facility providing over 440,000 sq ft of premium office and leisure space over 36 floors. Enhanced to achieve net zero carbon, the building features a façade of solar panels and has achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent. The impressive contemporary landmark, situated just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, was — at the time of its construction — the tallest high-rise in the capital, standing at 230m tall including its mast. Featuring a range of corporate office spaces, restaurants and leisure spaces, as well as Britain’s largest privately-owned aquarium in its impressive lobby, the development has been designed to impress, providing building users with a premium experience throughout. This has extended to its more functional areas, with the transformation of its bicycle storage area; a dedicated space where building users are able to securely store their pushbikes and scooters. Installed in a combination of RAL 5018 Turquoise Blue and RAL 7035 Light Grey, the installation of vebrodeck ID has created a welcoming space for the building's climate-conscious cyclists and scooters to safely store their vehicles. vebrodeck ID is a durable resin deck wearing system, designed for use on driveways and parking bays of internal or basement level decks of multi–storey parking structures. vebrodeck ID is a protective deck coating system offering excellent wear resistance. The system deadens noise from unpleasant tyre squeal, is available in a wide range of colours, protects against oils, fuels and de-icing salts and can be tailored to ensure an anti-slip finish. 

Challenge: Concourse Village Plaza houses apartment blocks, retail shops, a multiplex cinema and underground parking. Chloride ingress and weathering has taken its toll on the structure with cracking and spalling of the concrete cover from reinforcement corrosion.Strategy: Significant concrete repair in conjunction with an ICCP system was needed for the structure. LoCem® +chase®, will be used specifically for reinforced concrete structures, where the ICCP anode mortar operates within slots cut and holes drilled strategically into the reinforced concrete structural elements. LoCem® is a low carbon cement alternative that can also act as a cathodic protection anode.Outcome: With the design of the ICCP for the Central podium completed, construction will begin in 2023 before moving to the West and East podiums. The project and is expected to go on for the next 2.5 years. The result of the project will be an ESG compliant strategy that will create a more resilient structure, utilising low carbon build materials that can control the impact of corrosion.

Linea23 is an architectural residential project designed by Studio Sigurtà in Desenzano del Garda, for which various Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles were chosen for the creation of ventilated walls, outdoor floors and walls.The Trust and Studio ceramic collections are the protagonists of the project and outer facades were covered using ventilated walls in which ceramic tiles create a gap that facilitates the circulation of air. The use of ventilated walls also leads to other advantages: the building is protected from moisture while indoor spaces are healthier and do not suffer from thermal shock.The Trust collection by Atlas Concorde, used for the outdoor floors and swimming-pool edges, evokes natural stone and allows for alluring residential venues both indoors and outdoors.The Linea23 project saw the use of various Atlas Concorde products for outdoor floors and walls. Particularly resistant to thermal shock, Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles are the perfect solution also as terrace flooring.

Year: 2015Location: Croydon, UKProduct: CladdingFinish: PaleArchitectural solutions: Architectural panelsProject type: ResidentialThe Woodview Mews residential complex, in the Croydon district of London, is a unique housing concept with a unique design. It is a 1,337m2 development that can be configured as flats, duplexes, family homes or even offices and commercial units.The three-floor units can be modified to suit the demands of both the property owner and the housing market. For example, the top two floors of a family home could easily be reconfigured to be let as rental properties. Or, each unit could be let as separate commercial spaces.The complex’s PARKLEX PRODEMA Rustik cladding offers protection against UV rays, atmospheric agents and inclement weather. The panels are maintenance free and sustainably sourced, which helps the project meet high design standards, including Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 as a minimum.

Chartek 7 was specified for this project, as an epoxy intumescent coating with an outstanding track record of protection against hydrocarbon fires dating back to 1995. The PFP system had to be able withstand explosion loads in excess for 4bar while maintaining its integrity, and Chartek 7 easily met these requirements. Using Chartek also provided productivity benefits, due to its high build and simple meshing system, along with a low weight per unit area, helping to reduce transportation costs for pre-fabricated units.Pre-fabrication played an important role in this project, due to the harsh environmental conditions and remoteness of the site. Steel components were constructed at locations across Europe, with the emphasis on minimizing installation and delivery costs. The ability of AkzoNobel to provide standardized global products and a high level of technical support helped to streamline and add value to this process, complementing the productivity benefits of Chartek.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in 1860 by Mary Tealby as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. Since it opened, the charity has cared for more than 3.1 million dogs and cats. To increase capacity at their old Windsor site BDCH are adding a new wing.The animal charity required specialist doors for a new intake building which includes 27 kennels and 4 maternity kennels.Dortek supplied hygienic hinged doors with Stainless Steel frames throughout the new building. Some doors also had automations and access control locks for ease of access and increased security. Fire doors with 30 minutes certification were also supplied for the protection of animals and staff throughout the facility.The GRP construction of Dortek doors makes them easy to clean, waterproof and extremely robust. They are ideally suited to animal care facilities requiring a low maintenance design.

Cantonian High School in Fairwater, Cardiff were in the process of having some Portakabin buildings installed and required a large canopy that would provide a covered walkway along the length of their Textiles, Food Tech, Drama and Learning Centre classrooms.Portakabin requested a price from us as we work closely with them, offering their clients shade and shelter solutions that fit perfectly with their temporary buildings.The school required the canopy to be 68.58m long with a projection of 6m, as mentioned above to cover a number of classrooms.The SolutionThe Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy was proposed as the ideal solution as it covered the customer’s needs. It has a maximum projection of up to 6m, can be any length and offers high UV protection to those underneath including shelter from the rain.The school was happy with the design put forward by Able Canopies and Portakabin and placed an order for a 68.58m x 6m Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy.

Addagrip Addaset BBA resin bound surfacing has recently been installed in this street scheme as part of the redevelopment of the Bull Yard area in Coventry City Centre.The £2million redevelopment of the site, close to the Wave, included the requirement for a seamless paving solution that would be hard wearing and offer a safe, slip resistant, low maintenance porous surface for this busy retail area.The existing surfacing consisted of old asphalt and paved areas. Addagrip Terraco approved contractor Total Protection transformed the area with 1,770m2 of BBA approved Addaset resin bound porous surfacing in a Hazelnut blend to create seamless pedestrian areas alongside the water feature and children’s play area.The finished project enhances what is seen as a key arrival point into the city from Coventry railway station.Work commenced early 2020 but the planned April finish date was set back due to Covid-19 and was eventually completed in August 2020.

Wexham Park Hospital, an acute NHS hospital situated near Slough in Berkshire is protected by a network of 20 MxPro 5 fire panels.The 588-bed hospital is one of three managed by Frimley Health NHS Foundation trust, one of the top performing NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. As well as the main hospital building, the site has a large post graduate building, ambulance station, staff accommodation and a new £49 million, state-of-the-art, four-story Emergency Assessment Center. Responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the system was Advanced’s partner, Static Systems Group.In addition to the MxPro 5 panels, the system also comprises 18 MxPro 5 repeater panels and 2,000 Apollo field devices which are installed in a number of hospital buildings and departments including Intensive Care, Sterile Services, Radiology and its new 9,300 sq. meters Emergency Assessment Center.

The team behind ESCREO is passionate about leading by example and implementing their own sustainable initiatives. They have set themselves ambitious goals and they are striving to achieve them as part of the company's climate protection strategy. Hence why they are working to reduce and balance their carbon footprint on their journey towards becoming the first carbon neutral company in the industry of writable paints by the end of 2022. At the heart of this transition towards a sustainable company are the conscious choices taken over the past few months. In addition to the green invoicing that ESCREO has adopted since the very beginning of their operations, they have recently started planting a tree for every order placed via their website. Their latest green initiative is related to the offsetting of the carbon footprint of their goods and services. This allowed ESCREO to provide the first carbon neutral whiteboard paint on the market. And this is just the next step on their way to a more sustainable company, also part of their conscious roadmap.

An old Edinburgh Woollen Mill store in Buxton was recently transformed into a bike shop to cater fro the needs of the avid cyclists in the local area. Peak ascent Cycles also specialises in bike servicing and repairs which in turn, results in dirt and moisture from threads of wheels being rolled into the shop on a daily basis. Recognising the necessity to stop dirt in its tracks and protect the shop's shiny interior floor coverings, Patrick Healy, the owner of Peak Ascent cycles had our Coral Duo entrance flooring system installed at the front door. In a green Bellagio colourway- which is new for 2021- the vibrant green shade matches the bike shop's brand colours perfectly and reflects its ethos of nature and the great outdoors. Indeed Coral Duo is proven to stop up to 95% of dirt and moisture from entering a building and can reduce cleaning time by up to 65%.

application area: domestic heatinguse type: gas fireplace project scope: restore fireplaces, rebuild chimney, line chimney ductadded value: 25-year guarantee on liner, quick and clean install, non-destructiveBackgroundThe camera survey revealed cracks in the chimney flue of a large victorian house in Muswell Hill. To protect against carbon monoxide leaks, the chimneys had to be lined before the gas fireplaces could be fitted. A flexible and uninflated FuranFlex tube was placed inside the chimney duct. Each FuranFlex liner is produced to fit the dimensions of the duct. Hot steam is used to inflate and harden the liner, fixing it in position.Statement of workThe installation took one day per chimney. The jointless and air-tight liner provides good draught and a clean and safe operation for the fireplaces. When FuranFlex liners are inflated they take up the shape of the chimney, providing maximum lined diameter and natural draught.

A major United States oil refinery has chosen Hempel’s Hempaline solvent free epoxy lining as an interior tank lining for a 200 foot / 61 metre tank diameter sour cured oil storage tank.Hempaline epoxies are 100% solid materials that can often be applied in a single coat and have rapid curing properties. This saves our customers time and money in application costs and completion times. Faster project completion allows them to return a unit to service quickly producing revenue.Hempaline epoxy was chosen for this application because of its ability to resist acid conditions of the tank’s cargo, high sulphur crude oil. Hempaline will provide long lasting protection to the tank, minimising future maintenance and repainting costs.Our Hempaline Defend 630 is a fast cure, highly chemical-resistant internal coating designed specifically for severe service environments, such as those found in the oil and gas industry.

The Living Concrete team are highly experienced at working with leading designers to create bespoke furniture for beautiful spaces. That’s why Charlotte Crosland came to us to discuss the design, manufacture and installation of this stunning outdoor kitchen and entertainment space, housed in a purpose built oak building at her client’s Great Missenden home.We cast a number of items including work surfaces, kitchen cupboards with shelving and drawers, fridge enclosure, BBQ, cast in sink with copper fittings and seatWe used a unique eco concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption and the smooth Silk Mist finish was treated and sealed with Satin Stain protection to make it damage proof. Our high-performance concrete doesn’t corrode or degrade, making it a long-lasting, practical choice that will keep its good looks. It’s fireproof too – a major advantage inside the home, but equally so in an outdoor oak-built structure such as this.

During the core renovation of the Frankfurt office tower, the Lindner Group was entrusted with the complete basic fit-out and one of the tenant fit-outs. In addition tocarrying out various drywall works, high quality raised floors and energy-efficient heated and chilled ceilings were installed in combination with lighting systems fromLindner. High-quality wooden doors from Lindner’s own production, related joinery work, as well as flexible system glass partitions complete the construction package. Lindner also carried out plastering and painting work as well as tile, coating and flooring work, and additional installation services.Despite numerous challenges such as (heritage-protected) construction in existing buildings and the high logistical effort involved, the vision of a modern office tower wassuccessfully realized. Thanks to sustainable construction systems and building services combined with effective thermal insulation measures, the Global Tower is set tobe awarded with the DGNB Platinum certification.

Architect: Faulkner Browns ArchitectsInstaller: Topfix InteriorsProduct: ‘Shiluvit’ by Oranit1000m2 of PEFC Certified Shiluvit panels from Oranit were installed to the ceilings of the swimming pool and gym areas at the new sports facility St John’s School in Leatherhead.Faulkner Brown Architects specified Yellow Pine panels with a white stain for the space, choosing 7-502 modules with 22mm wide by 45mm deep blades with 40mm gaps for impressive acoustic control.Oranit is a specialist ceiling solutions suitable for most installation areas. As standard it is impregnated for Euroclass B,s2-d0 for resistance to fire, achieving top results against surface spread of flames, smoke production, and flaming droplets or structural integrity in case of fire.Additionally for this installation the panels were lacquered for humidity resistance, this treatment provides additional protection to the wood against water damage and can also be used for panels being installed outside.

Architect: JM ArchitectsInstaller: Profile Projects LtdProduct: ‘Shiluvit’ by Oranit500m2 of Shuluvit panels in 7-601 format in A-9-1 (Oak) stained Yellow Pine were installed to the ceiling of the swimming pool area at Orchard Brae Complex Needs School near Aberdeen.The Shiluvit panels are a stunning feature of the swimming pool area in addition to providing acoustic dampening to the bright and open space; the panels were also finished with a humidity resistant lacquer to protect the ceiling against the damp environment and ensure quality and stability for the life cycle of the product.In addition to education facilities for up to 150 pupils the brand new £18.5m Centre of Excellence, the campus is a community hub for families, groups, and charities working with children and adults with additional support needs; the facility houses sensory rooms, working gardens, specialist home economics teaching spaces, and play facilities as well as being a base for local outreach speech and language services.

Roof with a message... CHALLENGEFor the renovation of the arena Antwerp Sports Palace the architect wanted to design a roof that gave a message. From the air people should see an “A” appearing. This A would be the A of the county Antwerp and not the A from the city Antwerp. Also with the possibility to have (solar) energy production installed on the roof. SOLUTION Six new colours within the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing range were developed specially for this prestigious project. The existing green coloured synthetic roof was used as substructure. The whole roof received extra insulation (thermal and acoustic) and the new RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes were mechanically fastened following an installation plan. All the membranes for the Antwerp Sports Palace not only had a special colour but also a special finish with an invisible protective coating. All membranes have excellent fire resistance for roofs with a higher slope. On the south side of the roof amorphous solar panels were installed upon the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes. 

Sika supplied a fully-comprehensive solution to provide the ultimate watertight protection for a basement within a commercial superstructure that is destined to earn ‘landmark’ status in London’s Canary Wharf.Located within the capital’s thriving dockside district, 1 Bank Street will occupies a 5,000m2 footprint. The stunning 28-storey building, which is 145 metres above ground, is designed to include cutting-edge trading floors on three levels. A large slip form core forms a significant part of the fully fitted-out building which has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating, making it one of the most sustainable and desirable buildings of its type in London. Designed by globally-renowned architects, Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF) in conjunction with structural engineers, Arup, 1 Bank Street provides capacity for 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs, enhancing the role of Canary Wharf as a prime London office and employment location.

Private clientContract value: £15kProducts used: 0.74kN loading structural glass balustrades to roof terraceWe were appointed on this residential project for a private homeowner in Shenstone, Staffordshire, to provide external structural glass balustrades to the property’s roof terrace. We worked closely with the client from the start of the project to the end, guiding them through the process and providing our advice and expertise to ensure the desired result was achieved. We advised that the balustrade loading weight would need to be 0.74kN – as this was for an external balcony, we chose the correct loading weight to protect the rest of the property and provide a safe and secure balcony feature to the roof terrace. Structural glass balustrades were chosen to provide a seamless view out from the terrace and add the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful outdoor space. Throughout the project, we maintained communication with the client, updating them on our progress and ensuring that they were delighted with the finished result. 

One Bishopsgate Plaza, LondonStreet furniture & plantersStreet furniture | Street Planters | HVMThis new landmark tower located in the true heart of the City is arranged across 20 levels above a new Pan Pacific hotel – the first in Europe, offering access to hotel services below and private amenities above is what truly sets these apartments apart.The plaza needed to provide a high-quality useable public space that is protected from Hostile Vehicle attacks. Townscape’s bespoke street furniture seating and planters fully meet the architectural aspirations of the specifier PLP. The iroko timber was specifically chosen as untreated to slowly age to a uniform grey.The prestige white smooth finish of the street furniture is designed to have timeless appeal. All the street planters are hand cast using artisan precast concrete techniques refined over Townscapes 47-year history. The constructor was Maylim.

Because of its position on the upper level of a busy shopping plaza in the heart of London, this gym required a robust flooring solution for the weightlifting area.The selected solution needed to help the gym co‐exist comfortably within the surrounding retail environment.To fulfil this requirement, TVSsupplied SPORTEC Style impact attenuating rubber floor tiles, made from a mixture of black recycled rubber bound together using a polyurethane resin with a coloured EPDM granule added to the wear layer.This product was chosen because the highly resilient material offers substantial protection to the substrate and is particularly effective in busy weight training areas where dumbbells are dropped frequently.The interlocking tiles are simple to install and require little tono maintenance.The resulting floor covering offers good grip underfoot and the bright orange fleck also complements the company’s striking corporate colour scheme.This area of the gym is used for activities such as deadlifting, squatting and bench work using dumbbells.

THE PROJECTThe Bushey Heath building is the eighth development created by the Jewish Blind Association and consists of 15 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments. The project cost £6.7 million and has multiple communal areas including a large roof terrace which is available to tenants. This was identified as an area which would require shading and shelter for tenants.THE CHALLENGEThe charity needed a shading solution which could be left out in heavy rain and still provide a suitable amount of shade.THE SOLUTIONTo achieve the desired 10000mm width and 5000mm projection we used the Weinor Pergotex II aluminium roof cover to protect the roof terrace area. This was designed to give residents of the Bushey Heath flats shelter from sun and rain due to the product’s unique PVC fabric panels. The addition of LED roof lighting helped residents use the area later in the evenings with spaced seating provided.

The Durham Gateway project is a major new development at the Durham University that houses a variety of departments. Although aesthetically stunning, the concept presented several challenging issues.The project was carried out to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Standard and as such only used components that had minimal environmental impact. Cold-applied liquid roofing membranes, such as those manufactured by Polyroof, have been recognised by BRE to help roofing elements achieve up to an A+ rating (depending on the roof construction).Part of the works involved the construction of three curved roof areas that required a high-performance and durable waterproofing system which was to be covered by a timber shingle system. The shingles were supported by over 1,170 steel stanchions – all of which were seamlessly waterproofed with the Protec System.The main contractors of the project, Laing O’Rourke, were able to achieve the visual impact they wanted with the peace of mind that the roof was protected by a totally seamless and highly durable waterproofing membrane.

Discover the transformative impact of innovative ventilation and sun control systems tailored for commercial spaces. In the bustling landscape of Spitalfields Market, the quest for optimal indoor climate management led to a collaboration with DUCO for their groundbreaking continuous louvre wall system and architectural sun protection system.Efficiency redefined for dynamic environmentsThe installation of DucoWall Classic 45 HP continuous louvre walls at Spitalfields Market highlights the significance of intensive ventilation. Engineered to offer unparalleled efficiency, this system excels in facilitating substantial airflow while minimising resistance. It's a solution that ingeniously maximises air movement within confined spaces, ensuring a fresh and invigorating environment.Explore our continuous louvre wallsPromoting healthier indoor air qualityIn crowded commercial settings like Spitalfields Market, maintaining a healthy indoor climate becomes paramount. Tom Revitt, UK & I Sales Manager at DUCO, underscores the critical role of ventilation in such spaces:“The DucoWall Classic W 45HP continuous louvre wall stands out not only for its exceptional airflow but also for its sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. It's a seamless integration of form and function, specifically tailored for ventilation to large plant areas that demand both efficiency and visual appeal.”Revolutionising intensive ventilation with DucoGrille Classic F 45 HPAs a pioneering system tailored for intensive ventilation, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP marks a significant stride in optimal air movement solutions. Its design, specifically engineered for spaces demanding high airflow rates, ensures an unparalleled level of performance.Tony Colborn, Director Conttego building façade solution provider:"At Spitalfields market, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP is installed above glazed window lines for extraction of contaminated air and odours at food vendors. With an exceptionally low resistance factor, this system redefines efficiency by maximising airflow while minimizing energy consumption. Its installation at Spitalfields Market demonstrates its capability to create a controlled, refreshing indoor environment by efficiently purging stale air and introducing fresh air, essential for occupant comfort and well-being.”Discover our intensive ventilation gamutSymbiosis between shielding and sun protectionDucoSun Ellips emerges as an ideal solution to screen off areas, as is the case at Spitalfields Market. Tony Colborn continues: “At Spitalfields, this system is used as privacy screening to screen the park at the side of the building looking directly into the windows of the offices above the retail areas.” The integration of DucoSun Ellips underscores not just technological advancement but a meticulous balance between functionality and architectural finesse, that shields unwanted glances from outside while harmonising with the building's design ethos. But the product has a third asset. For it also ensures that large areas of glass are protected from direct sunlight, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate for everyone."Explore our architectural solar shading gamutTransforming commercial spaces with ventilation excellenceIn a landscape where ventilation and sun control solutions are paramount for comfort and well-being, DUCO's innovative products emerge as game-changers. The integration of these advanced ventilation and sun control systems at Spitalfields market underscores their ability to redefine the standards of indoor climate control, promising a refreshing, invigorating experience for both occupants and visitors alike.A testimonial of excellent functional and aesthetic valuesThe project proceeded seamlessly, culminating in the Main Contractor's satisfaction with the final outcomes. Overall, this project stands as an exemplary reference, showcasing functional and aesthetic excellence.

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.

False fire alarm numbers continue to rise post-pandemic causing major issues for the economy by wasting vital time and resources.The latest Home Office figures from year ending September 2022 reveal fire and rescue services attended 238,885 fire false alarms, the largest total of false fire alarms in over a decade, an increase of 10% compared with the previous year.With an 18% increase from the previous year for malicious false fire alarms, 6,473 false alarms were determined, the number still rising post-COVID.False fire alarms continue to be the largest proportion of incidents attended at 38% and so it is increasingly important to minimise false alarms to ensure both the safety of individuals and the efficient use of emergency services.A teenager was arrested in Aberdeen after setting off fire alarms more than a dozen times, which police investigated as ‘deliberate and malicious’. Firefighters attended calls and wasted time and resources, meaning they could not respond to real emergency calls.False alarms are costly and disruptive, amounting to around £1 billion a year for the UK they often require emergency responders to mobilise and respond to a non-existent emergency, wasting resources and time.False fire alarms can be costly for building owners with fines introduced for repeated false alarms from emergency services, as they may have to attend multiple times, causing a drain on resources that could be better used elsewhere.They can also cause panic and confusion, particularly if they occur frequently, making it harder for people to take the necessary steps to evacuate safely in the event of a real fire. Frequent false alarms can lead to complacency among building occupants, who may not take real fire alarms seriously, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.Firefighters attended false alarms a considerable number of times at Basset Lodge, an independent living facility for many elderly and disabled people. False fire alarms are not only disruptive for staff and residents, but also pose a risk to their safety, and place additional strain on fire and rescue services. These repeated false alarms can lead to complacency in the public, lowering the sense of urgency in real evacuations.Protective covers can help to control the number of accidental and malicious fire alarms, but there are many ways in which you can reduce false alarms, for example regularly checking and testing equipment to ensure it is not faulty is one approach to preventing unnecessary risk for the fire department and public from false alarms.As the original call point cover manufacturer, Safety Technology International manufacture tough covers have been specifically designed to help deter false fire alarms and to prevent malicious or accidental activation of manual call points. The strong, durable construction of our polycarbonate call point protectors means they can withstand the toughest knocks, whilst offering lasting protection against false fire alarms. With various models available in a range of sizes and colours, and multi-language or custom text options, we have covers suitable for most applications or devices. Sounder models help to deter malicious activations with an audible alarm that draws immediate attention to the area. Waterproof models also allow for outside application, protecting devices and manual call points against the ingress of dust or water.