"furniture accessibility"

Design and acoustic performance were key criteria for this project, which is why HERADESIGN® was installed in all the classrooms as floating canopies and throughout the school, in the main corridors, where bespoke swing down access panels were also installed. Reddy Architecture commented, “We really love the architectural raw wood wool quality of HERADESIGN®. The visible texture provided the required aesthetic contrast.” A calm neutral colour palette with HERADESIGN® specified in warm-white provided a gentle contrast with the soft charcoal walls and floors - the perfect backdrop for bold bursts of colour at the entrance to the classrooms.

LTS Luxury Trim System from Gradus was specified for the Blunsdon House Hotel, a unique four-star family owned hotel. The luxurious Blunsdon House has 108 bedrooms, two restaurants, three bars, 11 meeting rooms and a leisure club with an indoor pool and small golf course. As part of a recent refurbishment project in Carrie’s bar, the hotel required a durable, robust trim to withstand the amount of traffic accessing the bar daily. Gradus Luxury Trim System in polished brass was installed to create a safe transition between floorcoverings, whilst creating a premium and modern look.

Carea panels can be quickly installed to minimise labour costs and are also exceptionally low maintenance. Highly resistant to the climate, they can be easily cleaned to extend their life cycle even further. Their non-porous composition also ensures that they are unaffected by graffiti, again making them ideal for buildings with public access such as schools, colleges and universities.Carea panels are available in over 30 different shades and a range of textures. Providing excellent thermal efficiency and eliminating cold bridging – as well as comprising around 95% natural minerals – they are highly sustainable and an ideal choice for contemporary construction.

Constructed in the early 80s by Arup Associates, 1 Finsbury Avenue has been carefully redeveloped as part of its evolution from single occupancy into a mixed-use offering. Behind the grade 2 listed bronze façade, work included the re-establishment of pedestrian access through the ground floor to reconnect the building with Finsbury Avenue Square and the wider neighbourhood. The bright, bold work of artist Morag Myerscough featured in this lower atrium echoes the lines of the façade. To match the interior aesthetic, black anodised INTRAflow entrance matting was specified for both East and West entrances.

Officially opened in 1872, White Hart Lane cemented itself as the home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. As part of the Northumberland Development Project to redevelop the White Hart Lane Stadium and regenerate the area, the station was also selected to be upgraded. The upgrade consisted of a new ticketing hall, adding two lifts for better access and an additional entrance to ease match day traffic. INTRAsystems worked with the client in supplying the Entrance Matting for White Hart Lane. INTRAform FR was installed as it uses the specialist FR (Fire Resistant) insert which also can withstand multi-directional traffic.

REQUIREMENT: In order to enhance wheelchair accessibility to the cathedral, it was necessary to install both internal and external ramps to overcome the steps.END RESULT:Great care was exercised when installing the ramps to preserve the cathedral's floors and walls. These ramps do not require any ground or wall attachments; once the components are securely bolted together, their weight ensures stability. Additionally, slip-resistant rubber tiles have been placed beneath each support foot.Should wedding parties wish to take photos at the entrances without the ramps in the frame, these systems can be easily disassembled before the event and reinstalled afterwards. This flexibility is a unique advantage neither wooden nor concrete ramps can offer.FEATURES INCLUDED: Mesh Platform - self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate threshold heights.Standard Colour Black - ramps are powder-coated black to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.EXTRA FEATURES INCLUDED:Infill Handrail - this product prevents children from climbing or falling through gaps.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp and helps users distinguish any level changes.Standard Step Unit - an ideal addition to any ramp installation, providing the access needed for able-bodied users. They can also be stand-alone units, independent of the Rapid Ramp System.

This showroom is not your average showroom. As well as being a place to showcase their bathroom products, it’s also used as a meeting place for architects and designers alike to come together to share and exchange knowledge and insights. The Roca Gallery, London, also hosts exhibitions and events around a variety of topics including architecture, design, and sustainability.Roca is a bathroom manufacturer and supplier that originally started out selling cast iron radiators in 1917. The first Roca Gallery was opened in 2009 in Barcelona and is what they call their ‘commitment to society’ providing a ‘brand experience’ like no other. Other galleries around the world include Madrid, Lisbon, Shanghai and Beijing – with each one individually designed to suit the cultural and historic surroundings.The Roca London Gallery was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and is full of rich history and innovative culture throughout it’s 1100m2 floor space. A prominent theme of the design is the movement of water with ripples on the façade and a sculpted interior. There’s over 200 unique concrete panels and 1209 bespoke porcelain floor tiles which meant that our access panels also needed to be bespoke to compliment this design.Our concealed frame doors, Arriva & Innova were essential to the design, in order to create a smooth, undisturbed flow throughout the space. The doors also feature bespoke designs, such as curved cut-outs in the doors for the handle, mirroring the curved design that can be seen across the project. The Via access panels were also required to be bespoke, with some needing to be abstract shapes, while others had to fit with the curvature of the wall.

Upgraded access automation to meet the demands of a modern collegeBased in the hometown of British Aviation, and offering a wide range of Apprenticeships, College and University level degrees across two modern campuses, Farnborough College of Technology is known for their work-focused qualifications.Project Year: 2021-PresentProduct: ASSA ABLOY SL500 FrameProject Background: Having worked with architect Bond Bryan developing the specification of FCOT’s new state-of-the-art Aerospace & Innovation Centre, FAAC (then trading as ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems) started working with Concept Facilities Management who delivers a full range of building and facilities services to the college. Concept FM has been looking to upgrade and modernise all entrances so that the client has reliable and secure access throughout all buildings.Solution: The SL500 automatic sliding door range offered full versatility, all the while being sturdy and resilient, which makes it perfect for Education buildings where high volume of traffic is expected but security is also a priority. Different versions of this SL500 family (Framed, Slim and Telescopic) have been used throughout the college to meet the specific demands of each block entrance and existing space, but maintaining similar specifications for consistency. The modernisation will also help the building's efficiency, as the fine-tuning of opening and closing times, extra tight-fitting brushes and thermally broken profiles will help to keep energy costs down.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

The Project – Global HQ.This new build was a joint project between Leicester County Council and Loughborough University Science Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Together they delivered this stunning building which is to be solely occupied by The Access Group as their Global Head Quarters.Bathgate Flooring were engaged to manufacture, supply and install PSA grade BGM600 steel encapsulated panels throughout to provide the Access Group with Category A finish.Now completed – it will be home to more than a third of the global workforce for this leading technology company.Products UsedThe panels were specified to PSA Standards. The BGM600 Steel Encapsulated panel is medium grade PSA panel which suits most applications. This was used extensively in the installation.Testimonial“It was handed over to a very happy client and client team with some great feedback too. They think the building is great and are very pleased not only with the end product quality, but with the overall approach as a whole from start to finish– well done team LUSEP past and present, great work!  On behalf of the Wates Site Management team, I would like to thank you all for your proactive approach through all the difficulties that the past year has given to us all, you should all be immensely proud of the quality and passion that your workforce put into the project.Mike Martin – Site Manager,Wates Construction Midlands.Architect: Perfect CircleOwner: Leicester County CouncilContractor: Wates ConstructionLocation: LoughboroughSystem Size: 5664 sq. m.Completion: December 2020

Client: Bruntwood Estates Specialist Contractor: Grade-2 Structural Repairs Main Products Used: Emseal SJS SystemThis busy, multi-storey, prime location, car park is located between Manchester United’s Old Trafford Football Stadium, Lancashire’s Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Trafford House, a 12-Storey commercial development. The businesses use the car park during the week and then it is reserved for MUFC fans on matchdays and weekends. The car park was undergoing scheduled structural inspection, when it was discovered that the traditional compression joints were failing in the wide structural movement joints on the access ramps. This meant they were now leaking and allowing water ingress, which could lead to damaging salt deposits on expensive vehicles, as well as potential corrosion and damage to the reinforced concrete decks and the structural frame itself. These joints needed to be made watertight and accommodate significant horizontal and vertical movement, as well as traffic impact and weathering. The engineers looked for a solution that could safely repair and seal the joints, but with only minimal ramp closure or downtime, and the Emseal SJS System was selected as the ideal solution, as it could be installed in just two short, phased closures at weekends, when there were no home games. In the first weekend, with only one lane closed, the failed compression joint was removed and the joint arrisses made good with fast setting resin, then on the next weekend closure, the bespoke lengths of Emseal SJS were installed with access only required from above.  

IntroductionSurespan designed and manufactured multiple recessed floor access hatches, for the construction of the Halley VI British Antarctic Research Station.Products suppliedSurespan designed and manufactured a total of 27 HIAC Recessed Floor Hatches. These hatches provide access and escape requirements for the structure and are located throughout the research station.We supplied;12no HIAC DL/FR30 1180 x 10707no HIAC DL /FR30 1180 x 10703no HIAC 800 Diameter FR304no HIAC 750 x 750 Lift Out FR601no. HIAC 1000 x 1000 FR30 The Features:The hatches supplied feature a fire rating of between 30-60 minutes and radius corners instead of the standard square corners. The projectThe £22 million unique and innovative research station was designed by Faber Maunsell and Hugh Broughton Architects, and built by Matlock-based Morrison Construction.Objectives;Minimize the environmental footprint of the station.Provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment to live in.To be able to be fully relocatable inland.To allow the station to climb above the annually rising snow levels. The research station comprises seven interlinked modules on hydraulic legs fitted with skis, enabling the units to be towed into new positions. The blue modules contain bedrooms, laboratories, and office areas. The red module features a brightly lit, double-height space that is used for social activities.Halley Vi is the world’s first re-locatable and award-winning research facility providing scientists with state-of-the-art laboratories and living accommodation.

London 2012 organisers wanted to protect temporary Games venues as securely as the main Stratford site. But they needed the perimeter protection to be removed as soon as the competition was over to minimise disruption to the local community.They also wanted to incorporate vehicle and pedestrian access along with CCTV and detection systems and tailor protection individually to each location and the security threat and attack potential identified by security advisers.The SolutionZaun offered a single Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) contract for almost 5km of fencing at all temporary venues, including Horse Guards Parade, Wembley Stadium, and Arena, Greenwich Park, the O2 Arena, the Royal Artillery Barracks, St James’s Park Newcastle and Weymouth sailing village. It developed a mobile high-security HVM fence especially for the Games, mounting its PAS 68 Multi-Fence® into concrete blocks to resist attack by 7.5-tonne vehicles driven straight at it at 40mph.MultiFence uses anti-climb mesh fencing and is available up to 5m high. One of the first temporary solutions to achieve PAS68: 2010 V7500(N2) 64/90: 5.0/0.0 is manufactured to BS EN 1317 Part 2 (vehicle restraint systems) and approved by the Highways Agency.The solution at each venue had to work with existing security and perimeters. Typically this entailed another ‘cordon of security around existing installations with access portals at strategic locations.Zaun secured the main TV and temporary CCTV control centres at Horse Guards and made Wembley safe – then dismantled the security cordon as soon as the last ball was kicked.

The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich made for a stunning venue for the London 2012 shooting competitions. But organisers knew that the ease of access and the number of roads in the area rendered the temporary shooting ranges and grandstands potentially vulnerable.Given the arsenal within, they needed a temporary perimeter that would remain intact even under deliberate attack by vehicles or people – and yet that could be removed once the Games were over with no damage to the 18th-century site.The SolutionZaun developed a mobile high-security fence with Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), especially for the London 2012 Olympics, mounting its PAS 68 Multi- Fence® into concrete blocks to resist attack by 7.5-tonne vehicles driven straight at it at 40mph.Zaun installed 2km of MultiFence and access gates around the Royal Artillery Barracks site and added HVM enhancements, detection systems and CCTV to secure the entire venue.Multi-Fence uses anti-climb mesh fencing and is available up to 5m high. The fence posts are mounted in concrete blocks that can follow a curve or go from a flat surface to an incline with ease due to an ingenious bolting method.It is one of the world’s first temporary solutions to achieve PAS68: 2010 V7500(N2) 64/90:5.0/0.0. It is manufactured to the BS EN 1317 Part 2 (vehicle restraint systems) and is approved by the Highways Agency.It is ideal for supporting crowd control at key events or for permanent installations at airports, freight terminals and ports, as no below-ground foundations are required, and they can be used on soft and hard standing. 

A busy access corridor linking one wing to another at a major Yorkshire Hospital now benefits from a wall protection system supplied and installed by Yeoman Shield.The heavy footfall, wheeled equipment and bed trolleys continually traversing the path between two busy wings was starting to take its toll on the walls and corners of the corridor in the form of marking, denting and scratching.Keen to maintain the high smart standards as well as lifecycle and sustainability of the property, the hospital choose a protection system from Yeoman Shield to overcome such damage.200mm Protection Rail was fitted “flat-back” to the wall on one side of the access way with FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels installed below the rail.Rubber stop ends/returns (new to the Yeoman Shield range) were applied to the rail as added defence against heavily laden trolleys and carts that may come into contact.The opposing wall was also offered protection by the same Yeoman Shield 200mm Protection Rail this time installed on 60mm “stand-off” allowing the system to become a supportive rail for those who require it. The rail was again finished with the durable hardwearing rubber accessories.Matching 75 x 75 mm Corner Protection Angles were put on vulnerable corners on both sides of the walkway completing a comprehensive wall protection system that will help to reduce the time and money spent on redecoration and repair over the lifecycle of the building.More information on Yeoman Shield’s cost-effective wall & door protection systems can be found at www.yeomanshield.com or by calling 0113 279 5854.

Pupils at Tittensor First School love their new PE equipment.The school has invested in a Children’s Activ8 Outdoor Multi Gym, providing a total of eight fitness stations so pupils can enjoy a workout together.The Activ8 puts social inclusion at the heart of school outdoor fitness, attracting even the most reluctant pupils and helping everyone to understand that staying active is important for a long and healthy life.The Activ8 features a range of fun and easy to use outdoor gym equipment.At the centre is the Double Health Walker, which is a bit like an outdoor treadmill. Users march on the spot with their feet in the footboards and their hands on the handrail. This engages the core and gets the legs and lower body moving in a brisk aerobic workout to keep the heart, lungs and circulatory system healthy.Slalom Skiers, which encourage the body to move side to side for good stability and balance, are at either end of the Activ8 multi gym in an arrangement which enables pupils to encourage and motivate each other.The multi gym is completed with a double Waist Twister, wheelchair accessible Tai Chi Discs and a wheelchair accessible arm bike.The Waist Twister, as the name suggests, mobilises the waist and lower body which is complemented by the Tai Chi Discs and Arm Bike for the upper body.As part of our high quality installation service, our teams arranged for the disposal of old equipment and embedded grass mats around the new outdoor multi gym to protect the ground from heavy use.

At a Glance:New £253m resettlement prison required complete and secure cabling infrastructureManufacture and off site build of completed chambers reduced onsite labour by one third minimising COVID / H&S risksLighter, recyclable materials cut fuel use, accelerated installation and reduced environmental impactHMP Five Wells has won 15 major industry awardsThe ClientKier (www.kier.co.uk) is a leading UK construction and infrastructure services company, providing specialist design and build capabilities for vital economic and social building projects across the UK. Kier was awarded the contract by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for a new build resettlement prison in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire – as part of their New Prisons Programme. The aim of the programme is to reform and modernise the prison estate to provide more safe, secure and functional prison places focused on supporting rehabilitation.The ChallengeKier needed a cable access infrastructure that could satisfy the extremely secure access requirements of a prison environment spanning a 36-acre site.Over 1100 components were supplied to ensure a fully secure cable access system with features such as custom cabling.Kier’s goals for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as for environmental sustainability and social responsibility, is in line with their brand values.The site required a simplified installation, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions solution that would both endure and be recyclable at the end of their life. The benefits of Kier’s approach came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic.As Kier’s project director Rob Stanton explains, ‘new ways of working and offsite manufacture were embraced to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on project delivery’.The SolutionUsing polypropylene products from Clark-Drain, via subcontractor Mitchellson, significantly reduced the weight of the components as compared to traditional concrete. This removed the need for lifting equipment, reduced the on-site labour required (and the attendant health and safety risks), and dramatically shortened the installation time on this £253 million project.From a sustainability point of view, too, these lighter components scored highly, not only in respect of reduced fuel consumption and end-of-life recyclability, but also in terms of provenance, robustness, and therefore long-life durability.Clark-Drain also made several prior visits to site to assess the project requirements, and, based on these early engagements, added further value by designing, building and deploying, in relatively short timeframes, two new chamber bellmouths, to protect below-ground cabling. The bellmouths enable cables to be easily routed within the inner chamber walls during installation by site operatives, but also enable ducts to be securely housed and connected, inside the chamber walls, prior to concrete backfill being applied during installation. Clark-Drain manufactures over 70% of its products inhouse, including the completed chambers, which were manufactured and built offsite at its yard in Yaxley, Peterborough.Demonstrating its commitment to social value and equitability throughout, Kier also involved its Digital Apprentice trainees in the project, and created a project bank account to ensure easier and quicker supplier payment.Outcomes and ResultsThe figures speak for themselves:Cable access for the project is being assembled 22% faster than if traditional construction methods had been usedLighter materials meant that one third less labour was required on-site to install the chambersSurveys were carried out 70% faster using dronesMillions are being saved on post-project snagging using cloud-based review and QA technologiesThe project has won 15 major industry awardsAnd as for the environmental benefits, long life and recycling apart, the polypropylene chambers are only 38% of the density of concrete, greatly reducing the project’s fuel consumption and carbon emissions.Rebecca Wade, Bid Director at Kier, describes the project’s successes: ‘Thanks to the deployment of agile digital methods and next-generation suppliers, we are delivering efficiently and cost-effectively, whilst respecting our commitments to our society, our community, and our planet.’For more information on how Clark-Drain can help your business deliver robust, cost-effective, environmentally responsible cable access solutions, no matter how big or small your project, get in touch.

The Living Concrete team were commissioned to design and create large format, precast GRC floating garden steps at a private residence in Oxted. Working closely with the client, we constructed a cascade of floating steps to create seamless access on what was quite a difficult tiered site. Having assessed all the practical and logistical issues, we worked out a tight 10 week schedule of measuring, landscaping, pre-cast and on-site installation of all the elements.This project had many challenges in its design and execution and covered a large external area on different levels incorporating very heavy concrete elements – creating this stunning feature.

A spacious and beautifully proportioned Georgian farmhouse situated in rural Broadland, Norfolk has been sympathetically and carefully renovated by an award-winning developer. Sash windows, bi-fold and French doorsets from the Lomax + Wood Kensington & Chelsea range have been installed throughout the property.Oversized French doorsets in the formal reception room provide ample daylight and easy access to the extensive gardens. With an elegant, bespoke fanlight which extends almost to ceiling-height and has been designed with a classic Diamond pattern. Lomax + Wood produce made-to-order timber sash windows with either spring balanced operation or traditional cords and weights.

neaco provided a bespoke modification to its Techdek aluminium decking system as part of a bridge specification at the Grand Canal Dock development project in Dublin. Using the renowned design versatility of the company’s technical team and state-of-the-art precision engineering facilities at its Malton factory, neaco developed a unique grille surface which features tactile strips to alert visually impaired pedestrians when they are nearing a step. Providing a high architectural aesthetic, Techdek is extremely versatile and can be used in many other applications, including staging, modesty screens, solar shading, maintenance galleries and roof access walkways.

Premier PR, located in a 19th Century former warehouse had had thermal and acoustic secondary glazing installed by Selectaglaze to help produce a more amenable working environment for office staff. Selectaglaze installed 115 windows across the ground, first, second and third floors. A wide range of products were combined for the specification, the majority of which were two and three pane horizontal sliders. The Series 30 lift-out unit was specified for one particular opening to allow easy access for cleaning. Another primary window was fitted with a single side hung casement, designed to suit the existing fenestration.

The Birmingham New Street refurbishment completely re-imagined the Pallasades shopping centre situated above the station. SAS designed, supplied and installed several bespoke metal ceilings specified for the lower retail area within the mall: A mall link feature installed below glass reinforced gypsum features in the mall’s access areas.A lozenge shaped, metal can ceiling with integrated lighting, a slatted SAS700 linear ceiling and SAS320 alongside linear grilles. The aim was to create an ideal meeting place which would serve as a gateway to Birmingham. A massive 50 million people are expected through the door each year.

This £21 Million project involved partial demolition, refurbishment and extension of the existing East Wing of the Student’s Union to create a spacious, modern and accessible mixed-use building. The stunning design by Shepheard Epstein Hunter, features a spectacular façade to the four-storey extension which fronts directly onto the University’s central square. Created using Senior’s thermally enhanced SF52 silicon glazed and fully capped curtain walling, with the innovative patented PURe® aluminium opening vents, the façade gives a light and spacious feeling to all four floors. Curved glazing and perforated panels add to the dramatic appearance.

Working with award winning architects Hawkins Brown Associates LLP and Main contractor Osborne Construction, 63 secondary glazed units have been installed by Selectaglaze during the remodelling and refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Plumstead Library, to make it more thermally efficient and to create quieter spaces for the local community user groups. A number of styles were installed across the library, including two large sweeping bow windows framing the entrance, to upgrade the single glazed metal frames primary windows which could not be changed. All sightlines were matched, and the secondary glazing allowed full access for cleaning and maintenance.

Set within Blythe Valley Park, the new £7.5 Million scheme involved the construction of four mixed-use, high quality apartment buildings to act as a new neighbourhood centre. A high specification glazing package for the 48 one and two-bed apartments included Senior’s thermally efficient double glazed SPW600 windows to keep energy bills low, and Secured By Design SPW600 Doors for main entrances and access to balconies, to give peace of mind.Two of the buildings have ground floor retail space with Senior’s thermally efficient SF52 aluminium curtain walling providing a modern and welcoming façade. 

The UK’s second busiest airport, Gatwick Airport, is also home to a rail station which handles in excess of 20 million passengers annually – making it one of the 10 busiest stations in the UK outside of London.Network Rail are currently managing a redevelopment project at Gatwick station, which is being delivered by Costain. Part of this project is a new concourse for the station.The redevelopment of the station includes improvement works to create a larger, more accessible interchange between the station and airport. As part of the upgrades to platforms 5-7, Costain worked with Sika waterproofing products and Hanson for the concrete mix to ensure the rebuild was robust and would offer significant longevity.

An important consideration in the design of the new £20 Million sports centre was the site’s location in the stunning landscape around Airthrey Loch.To minimise environmental impact and make the most of the views, Faulkner Browns Architects proposed a 3-level building with extensive glazing. The eye-catching design features Senior’s SF52 thermally enhanced aluminium curtain walling to three elevations integrated with SPW600 windows and SP501 commercial doors for secure access.The new facilities have cemented Stirling’s status as Scotland’s top university for sporting excellence and are now enjoyed by Olympic athletes, students and the local community.  ‘photography credit Keith Hunter’.

Located in Shoreditch, the Waterson Building is a newly developed luxury residential facility. Maximising floor space, elegant glass enclosed winter gardens are accessed from both the bedroom/lounge areas of many of the properties. Successfully delineating the winter garden from the rest of the interior, a Dorma Hüppe Varitrans glass moveable wall system has been installed by sole UK distributor, Style. The Varitrans has been independently impact/pressure tested and works in tandem with externally installed louvred panels to provide free air space to residents of high-rise developments where wind and air pressure are at their strongest.

Product:Surespan 140° thermally broken aluminium smoke ventilator and roof hatch designed to EN12101-2. ]The AOV also offers push-button comfort ventilation in one package! This one-stop solution for smoke vent requirements to meet building control can achieve 1m² airflow and is available in standard stocked sizes or made to any size in between 900 x 900 and 1260 x 1260. Wind deflectors to improve airflow. RE 1,000 Ventilation 10,000 Vent Offset mechanism for Roof Access Snow Load SL500 Wind Load WL1500 Temperature Class T (-15°) Fire Resistance B300

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD® 101 RANDOM rainscreen cladding system has been used to create a geologically inspired exterior for the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences’ new £2 million Colin Forbes Building. The new building, located at the Madingley Rise site and named after Dr Colin Forbes, a senior figure in the university’s Department of Earth Sciences until his retirement, allows the collections to be reunited in one place. The building, designed by Cowper Griffith Architects and built by RG Carter, provides fully climate-controlled conditions for the collection with storage systems that allow easy access to all the specimens.

Lewis House is a development of 26 one and two bedroom retirement apartments in Upper Norwood in London from McCarthy & Stone. Profile 22 Optima Chamfered Windows deliver specifications required. The window specification required a U-value of 1.4 wm2/k on all windows and Secured by Design accreditation on the ground floor & easily accessible first floor windows. Acoustic glazing was also required because Lewis House is situated on a busy road so traffic noise needed to be minimised. Visually, the local authority had requested a grey exterior to give a modern appearance and provide a close match to aluminum.

Filmed in the company’s UK headquarters in Warwick, the new showroom is designed to offer designers, clients and end-users with an immersive experience of the showroom space. The initiative also means that users will have the opportunity to get in-depth view of more than 14 product ranges across Geberit’s Aspire and Select ceramic collections, as well as its range of behind-the-wall products including supply and drainage. Mark Larden said: “We want to help our customers’ growing needs for user-friendly, digital technology and that means continually innovating and rethinking how we can help customers access our products"

A temple in Chorley has recently had Nuway Tuftiguard Classic in 17mm closed construction installed by the Northern team at Master Matting. As Nuway is ideal for entrance areas of all shapes and sizes, it was perfect for the design of the architecturally striking building. With three points of access, each with their own set of revolving doors, the rigid entrance flooring system will help to stop the outside from travelling in.Due to the busy nature of the temple, removing soil from soles of shoes and wheel treads was essential in providing accidental slips and protecting interior floor surfaces. Nuway Tuftiguard classic is also reversible, which effectively doubles the lifespan of the entrance flooring.

Gripsure non-slip decking was chosen for the Samsung offices in Chertsey, South West London, which underwent a refurbishment in the Spring of 2021. 800m2 of our Contemporary profile was installed, replacing decaying slippery deck boards, creating safe access for employees to enjoy the outdoor spaces that surround the building.The smooth profile, with two anti-slip inserts, allow for leaves and debris to be easily swept away, ensuring the decked areas overlooking the lake can be easily maintained and enjoyed safely all year round. Moreover, this modern-looking profile compliments the glass façade of the building giving it a truly stylish finish, without compromising on safety. 

At Fishguard Primary School HEWI provided a safe environment for the children whilst blending aesthetically with the theme of the building. Coloured polyamide was chosen for the main staircase with clear safety glass infll, soft touch door handles where used throughout. Externally, Circum satin finish grade 316 stainless steel was chosen for all areas, including access ramps and steps from the car park, with post mounted handrails and perforated stainless steel infll. Safety glass panels, in clear and 5 differing colours was used on a balcony. Matching perforated stainless steel infll panels were incorporated on stairs.

A Health Centre with community at its heart.Out-dated and worn, Greenock’s former Health centre did not facilitate provision for modern, healthcare services. This was an opportunity to create a centre where the local community could get access to efficient, quality care close to home. Strong links to the surrounding area can be felt throughout the Health Centre through art works and displays created by members of the community. The layout of the building is centred around a courtyard garden with a bright, airy atrium that climbs with the site topography. The open-plan staff areas are located on the third floor with spectacular views across the Clyde with a roof terrace for the staff.

The designer obtained consent under the latest SuDS regulations in the densely build area of London. Restriction on outflow rates to sewers demanded high attenuation. The original design for stormwater attenuation involved discharging tanks under the ground. This was expensive and took up valuable space, an alternative was required. ABG proposed their Blueroof system which could be installed directly on to the hot melt waterproofing system allowing various surface finishes. Due to height limitations a cascade system was used. Various roof finishes included paved access, landscaped areas and bio diverse to attract wildlife. This increased the potential for BREEAM points.