"gates and barriers"

Launched just in time for the Spring season, Sadolin Shed & Fence All Weather Barrier woodstain is the latest product to join the superior woodcare range – providing the perfect blend of five years’ protection, fast drying times and ease of application for specifiers. Available in five and ten litre pack sizes, Sadolin Shed & Fence All Weather Barrier woodstain preserves and protects sheds and fences and features a wax enriched water repellent, as well as UV protection, to ensure long-lasting colour from the shades available, Grey Shadow, Woodland Walk, Sylvan Grade, Cedar Red and Ebony Wood.

Firefighters from South Wales Fire & Rescue Service are getting hands-on training in evacuation alert systems following the installation of an EvacGo system at the Cardiff Gate Training & Development Centre.The Centre trains around 1,400 firefighters in a range of advanced facilities, including industrial and domestic training buildings, a multi-purpose climbing and abseiling tower, dedicated area for road traffic collision simulations, a confined space tunnel, rope rescue structure and areas for hazardous materials. Most recently the Centre opened a state-of-the-art Real Fire Training Facility, enabling crews to undertake drills in a range of real-life scenarios – the first of its kind in Wales.Facilities like this are essential for ensuring firefighters receive the best possible training to respond effectively to a wide range of emergency scenarios. The addition of an EvacGo panel means that operational crews will be able to familiarise themselves with the operation of an evacuation alert system, ensuring they are able to use it successfully should they encounter one during the course of their work.

10 South Colonnade is a modern office development located in the heart of Canary Wharf, providing 560,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. It now serves as a government hub housing multiple government departments.Background Situated in the vibrant Canary Wharf area, 10 South Colonnade serves as the office hub for civil and public servants in East London. The relocation from Whitehall is part of an initiative to modernize the Civil Service in line with the then-new Workplace Plan.ChallengeThe client sought a company experienced in the government sector, understanding its associated risks. With numerous employees moving through the building, they needed an entrance solution that could handle highthroughput demands while providing enhanced security features.A solution was desired to be at the main access point within the building that would prevent tailgating, ensuringaccess to the upper floors via lift lobbies was secured at all times. Only allowing authorised personnel within the building.Solution To cope with the high numbers of staff transiting through the building daily, Meesons installed fifteen lanesof EasyGate SPT, consisting of thirteen standard-width lanes and two wide access lanes, across two entrances.To complete the secure line to the escalators and lift lobbies, cabinet-hung and post-mounted infill were used to secure the space at the sides of the Speed Gates.The EasyGate SPT-G was specified due to the glass wing barriers' quick opening and closing speed, allowing the transit of up to 40 people per minute. The SPT Speed Gate also offers a holding force over 650N, preventing the wings from being forced open by unauthorised users.Outcome Meesons' commitment to quality and innovation was evident in every aspect of the installation. The robust construction and reliable performance of the Speed Gates provided the client with peace of mind, knowing that their security needs were met without compromising on style or efficiency. This project not only showcased Meesons' expertise in delivering tailored security solutions but also reinforced their reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.

Topping out at 64m tall, Furnival Square hosts a brand new £35 million, 445 bedroom, purpose built student accommodation building on a prime site in the heart of Sheffield City Centre, adjacent to the Sheffield Hallam University campus.Built by McAleer & Rushe and aptly named the ‘The Gate’, the 22 storey building offers modern, quality student accommodation to support Sheffield’s thriving higher education sector. The building is designed to a BREEAM Very Good rating, developed and detailed by TODD Architects using the latest in Revit and BIM technologies.The specification called for the use of special bricks that gave depth and texture to the external skin. The 22 storey student accommodation tower also had to comply with all current Building Height Regulations for residential use and the construction team was faced with the considerable additional challenge of completing the build during global pandemic restrictions.Ash & Lacy provided over 4,000m2 of the fully-tested noncombustible, mechanically-fixed NaturAL-X brick cladding system, suitable for residential buildings above 18m tall. The system is also CWCT A1-rated and BBA certified (20/5773). Brick choice was SD102 from the Simplicity range.This lightweight system offers fast and simple installation and enabled a large amount of labor to be completed offsite, improving time efficiencies on site and facilitating just in time delivery.Over 50,000 cut and bonded corner bricks were manufactured at our in house facility, creating the deep castellating reveals that sweep across the building elevations. Soffit bricks were designed and manufactured to return underneath window heads, providing a realistic genuine brick aesthetic at key interfaces, achieving the original design intent.

The UK’s largest water and waste company is aiming for savings of £500,000 over the next three years in the supply and installation of security fencing and gates across its estate that supplies water to over 14 million people.However, given the risk of accidental pollution, theft and mindless vandalism, safety and security must not be compromised in making the savings across its 600 sites that supply 2,600 million litres of tap water and treat more than 4 billion litres of sewage per day.The SolutionThames Water Utilities chose Zaun as one of four appointed contractors for their three-year framework agreement for the supply and installation of security fencing and gates, with an option to renew for a further two years, worth around £2 million, and one of three for their ongoing maintenance.Thames is looking for savings and the benefits of dedicated account management, certified and experienced perimeter protection designers, engineers and technicians, access to new and innovative products and robust management reporting linked to an exacting service level agreement. Zaun proved its reputation with Thames Water during its multi-billion pound London Tideway improvements to create a cleaner healthier River Thames, on which Zaun addressed some complex planning issues and security needs. Zaun designed, manufactured and installed its ArmaWeave, the highest-rated single panel fencing solution for defending against forcible attack. This solution meets Thames’ security requirements and enables certain installation concerns to be mitigated.Zaun has also put in Axiom, turnstiles, vehicle barriers and pedestrian access control across the Thames’ estate.

The London Science Museum is one of London’s major tourist attractions, attracting 3.3 million visitors annually. Now using, interior glass balustrade. The museums’ collections comprise of both permanent and temporary exhibits. So, when they design each exhibit, they must consider how easy it is to change and adapt the space for any new collections. Displays can be created from many things, including an interior glass balustrade. The Science Museum aims to provide inspiring exhibitions to its visitors. The museum approached Pure Vista while looking for a barrier to protect an extremely valuable exhibit, an original prototype of the Brougham carriage. They required an interior glass balustrade in this London location, that was secure enough to prevent visitors from touching the exhibit but didn’t spoil the viewing opportunities. This also needed to be easy to move and adapt. Knowing that Pure Vista specialise in easy-to-adjust glass balustrade for both interior and exterior projects, they approached us for a solution.Pure Vista proposed a POSIglaze solution for this project.The force loading required for interior light-commercial balustrade is 1.50kN, according to UK building regulations. Which can be achieved with POSIglaze using the right type of glass (19mm or 21.5mm laminate SentryGlas). The real benefit of POSIglaze is that it’s the most adjustable balustrade system on the market, all thanks to our patented screw-clamp technology. This meant that the museum could easily remove a panel of glass in order to move exhibits in and out of this space. The adjustment of this system doesn’t require special skills or tools. 

Architect: Pascall + Watson Ltd.London, UKContractor: Laing O’RourkeDartford, UKInstaller: EKSPANSheffield. UKThe ProjectA £1 billion expansion of Terminal 2 that will be 150 percent larger than the original to boost passenger capacity and provide gate and tarmac space for the largest jets now in operation. The new terminal will feature 32 new shops and food and beverage outlets.Unique ChallengeArchitects were concerned about thermal movement creating a 20mm difference in floor heights across the slabs or sections of the terminal. This would present a trip hazard for pedestrians transiting the terminal, which could potentially be present over weeks or even months during the hottest or coldest times of the year.Solution ProvidedInpro® product designers created a project-specific “glide plate” floor joint. This custom solution had to move in three directions while simultaneously addressing the rigorous heavy-duty loads encountered in this major transportation hub. The new solution was presented as a 3D-printed prototype model only days after the idea was discussed with the architects. The new system can withstand the extreme movements and the additional loading present in airport concourses, from wheeled luggage up to passenger transport vehicles and maintenance equipment.The new 300HD system easily accepts the flexible Fireline® 520 fire barrier, which recently passed testing for all the European standards.Inpro® Products Used• 300HD Glide Plate floor-joint system• 811 Series cover plate system• Fireline® 520 fire barrier

Bolton Gate’s Superior folding shutters have been specified and used on over 100 Fire Stations in Hong Kong & Macau, the latest being the station built to service the infrastructure associated with the new Hong Kong–Zhuhai-Macau bridge, the longest sea-bridge in the world. The doors are designed to meet an onerous specification including typhoon loads up to 3kPa and fast operating speeds (approximately 700mm per second). They are designed and manufactured in the UK and shipped to Hong Kong.

BCM GRC have provided a variety of GRC elements to the residential blocks of Berkeley Homes' prestigious West End Gate project on Edgware Road in London.To date, BCM have supplied GRC banding, copings, and window reveals to various levels of Blocks B, C, D, E, and F of the project, and we are currently in the process of manufacturing panels for Block G.

The 110m, 29-storey curved on plan Westmark Tower is the tallest residential tower to have been completed in central London in 2021. Part of Berkeley Homes Central London’s prestigious West End Gate development in Marylebone, it features more than 14,000m2 of unitised curtain wall designed and supplied by aluminium fenestration specialists AluK and installed by envelope contractors Martifer. What makes this project really stand out is the collaborative approach that was demonstrated by AluK and the other consultants involved from the outset. With Berkeley at the centre of the process, the technical and commercial elements of the façade were successfully de-risked at pre-tender stage because AluK were able to work directly with lead architect Squire & Partners, delivery architect Design Delivery Unit (DDU), façade consultants Cladtech Associates and structural engineers WSP on a RIBA 4 system design for the unitised envelope. The challenge for AluK was to work with DDU to deliver a design that was true to the architect’s original intent whilst addressing the technical issues of a curved on plan façade from the second to 29th floor. All the unitised cells needed to be dead loaded back to a post tensioned concrete frame with a 3-dimensional floor bracket, whilst catering for the varying facets of the façade.The final unitised solution features more than 2200 unitised cells of three principal configurations. Each floor comprises: a vision cell, typically housing AluK’s concealed vent and full height glass panes, a panel cell, specifically designed to house specialist internal framework to carry articulated GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) feature piers and spandrels, and a recessed balcony cell with an integrated floating glass balustrade.With 36 different angles to overcome in a faceted design ranging from 0° to 15°, AluK developed a series of common aluminium extrusions to close the joints and reduce the number of profiles required. The horizontal stack joint uses an aluminium profile to carry the gasket and avoid the incidence of crimping as the cells are stacked around the building structure. What is also significant is that every cell connection provides four lines of system seal to ensure that the façade meets the stringent Cladtech performance specification and the CWCT Sequence B test.AluK’s system, extruded from 6063 T6 alloy, extracted benefits from both a mitred corner and a square cut system by creating a hybrid to suit both the client’s aesthetic desire for a mitred joint to the corners and Martifer’s manufacturing requirements of a square cut for economy.AluK also extruded tailored aluminium bracketry from a structural 6082 T6 alloy which was capable of supporting the system weight and allowing for 3-dimensional adjustment for precise installation.From the onset of the project, the Berkeley director team set out a time and design model of early engagement, specialist designers and fabricators all within a clear programme. This also included a series of productive workshops sharing client expectations and considerations. AluK not only facilitated these meetings but also bought into the collaborative ethos and contributed to a highly successful project for Berkeley.AluK’s designers are all from a fabrication/installation background and, as such, they design a value engineered solution from the outset. Part of this was using 14,000m2 of AluK’s AW86 unitised curtain walling system with minimal bespoke profiles and gaskets, yet it meets every challenge the project presented whilst offering a significant cost reduction in metal and accessories compared to the original specification in a competitor’s system. As part of the project team, AluK worked collaboratively alongside consultants Squire & Partners (concept architect), Buro Happold (thermal and acoustics), WSP (structures), Design Delivery Unit (delivery architect) and Cladtech (façade consultant). The façade design meets the thermal efficiency requirements of the building at 0.95W/m2K, as a weighted average. Using a 43dB Rw(+Ctr) acoustic glass, it also meets the sound reduction targets. Because AluK was involved at such an early stage in the project, the complete RIBA Stage 4 system design enabled façade contractors Martifer to realise significant cost savings for their tender and several months of time saving against their usual post-tender design and iteration phase. This also offered cost certainty for Berkeley and significantly de-risked the post tender delivery of the façade.Alongside the unitised curtain walling, the finished Westmark Tower will feature 241 AluK SC156 lift and slide doors, 750 concealed vents and 58 swing doors.West End Gate is Berkeley Homes’ latest luxury development being built on a 2.66-acre site. Described as a modern interpretation of classic London, it will feature a series of contemporary mansion blocks alongside the 29-storey curved stone tower. Work began on the first phase of West End Gate in the Spring of 2018 and was completed in Spring 2021, with internal fit out nearing the end.

An existing Mews dating back to the 1860’s in close proximity to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The highly sensitive nature of this site required NLA to work closely throughout the planning and construction phases with LBKC to make sure the ambitious yet sympathetic design, bespoke to the client’s requirements was realised. In addition to a full refurbishment, complete with new basement, reworked layout and contemporary interior design, a double height atrium was introduced at the heart of the dwelling allowing natural daylight to permeate throughout each individual level whilst providing a secluded garden sanctuary away from the bustling streets of London.For this refurbishment, our Una was used which are the solution for timber leaf risers. Una utilises a timber door leaf with a concealed metal frame. Made to suit custom sizes, provided as a flat-packed kit prepared for all ironmongery. The wood door leaf comes with hinge cut-outs and can be primed for on-site finishing or pre-finished in our factory. Choose from non-fire rated or fire rated to E30 or E60.

A high-quality installation of pipework for heating and drinking water, absolutely free of contaminants, quick to install and guaranteed to perform over the long term. These were the priorities for the developer of the prestigious West End Gate development in London, leading to the specification of the Profipress system from Viega throughout.The development is a collection of apartments, stunning penthouses, commercial units, and leisure facilities situated in the prestigious neighbourhood of Marylebone and Little Venice. Berkeley St Edwards were taking no risks with water hygiene, looking for a piping system which would guarantee clean water to the different heights of the towers. Given the prestige of the development, the system had to be faultless, future proof and guaranteed to last. Specifying a high-quality solutionKevin Guiry, Senior MEP Manager for Berkeley St Edwards, explained the rationale for specifying the Profipress solution. “Quality was our top priority, both in terms of the water system and the products used. With all the heating and chilled distribution pipework running in a closed system, we needed a solution to guarantee clean and safe water without contamination. The copper Profipress system delivers this alongside real on-site benefits.” Berkeley St Edwards has made a considered effort to move to press connections over soldering methods for pipework. Particularly in domestic projects, the benefit of cold press means contaminants from soldering are reduced and so systems produce a quicker turnaround for test results from flushing. On top of the speed advantages of cold press, the additional benefit of risk reduction through removal of hot works helps increase safety for those installing on site.“Viega was specified in the first phase block, and it was fantastic. As such, we approved the spec for the next phase as per the previous block. The contractor who received the contract used their same core operatives which resulted in a consistent, clean installation.” Kevin summarised.Working with Viega qualityCraig Yardy, Fit-Out Manager at Vital Energi, oversaw the installation of the system and mirrored the sentiment from Kevin. “Three to four years ago we mainly used soldering, but we’ve shifted to press connections systems. With soldering, you get flux and contaminants in the pipe, so you must flush the system. With press, it’s a far cleaner system.”On working with the Viega Profipress system Craig commented: “we had used the copper system on previous projects which were good installations, and it has been the same on-site here. Generally, the high-level fitting has been easy, the challenge has been where pipework in the walls runs into mixers. This means tight spaces for the installer to work the pipes and makes it difficult to press the joints. Viega press tools come with an angled jaw giving us the flexibility to get into those hard-to-reach places.”Providing ongoing support and training One of the benefits of choosing the Viega specification is the on-site training offered for the installation teams. This will ensure that the systems are installed correctly and effectively, using the recommended tools and techniques. Not only does this process maximise speed of installation, it also allows Viega to issue its full warranty.“The support from Viega started with demonstration days at the very beginning of the project. Throughout the first block installation they visited multiple times to check on the installation, offering support and guidance” Kevin noted. “We plan to continue using Viega for the remaining phases of the development. The Viega quality and future guarantees are what made the initial investment worth it in the long run. I’m a big believer in quality and with this system we’re getting the best quality fittings for this premium development. We didn’t want to risk any further maintenance or damage and the Viega Profipress system achieves this.”Due to be completed in 2025, the first four tower blocks have been completed. Ranging from 10 to 30 storeys in height, the development offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area, commanding high-quality finishes to the apartments inside and out.

In the midst of 2020, the construction of 80 Charlotte Street was completed, transforming Fitzrovia in London with fresh offices, apartments, and retail areas. The impressive 377,00 sq ft structure, crafted by Make Architects, holds a value exceeding £200 million. With nine storeys, it stands as London's largest all-electric building.In 2021, Make Architects described 80 Charlotte Street as Derwent London's most extensive project. The mixed-use development aimed to blend existing structures with modern elements, creating 321,000ft2 office space and 45,000ft2 residential units, including social housing.Situated in Fitzrovia, at 80 Charlotte Street, the project seamlessly integrates into the urban landscape, emphasising the city and street context in its design. The project features a new public garden and retail spaces.The development encompasses various components, including the commercial office space at 80 Charlotte Street, the private rental flats at Charlotte Apartments, and new apartments above two floors of office space at Asta House.ChallengeTo prevent unauthorised access to the lift lobby, a secure solution that allows easy access for guests while incorporating a token return process was needed. Additionally, the solution would need to be controllable remotely from a front desk and aesthetically pleasing within the reception area.SolutionFrom air-source heat pumps that prevent traditional gas boilers from being required to their outstanding statistics, such as being 34% better operational efficiency than Building Regulations, it’s clear that sustainability is a top priority.Within the speed gates chosen are LED Edge Lights, complementing the theme of being considerate of the environment since this choice ensures far less energy has to be produced.The bank of speed gates that the client opted for perfectly merges in with 80 Charlotte Street’s overall look due to the black stainless-steel finish that discreetly fits in with the interiors. With black panelling surrounding the area, the speed gates seamlessly go together with their existing aesthetic.On top of this, the client decided to put in place both low-iron glass top lids and wings, making for a completely clear view that also provides added security from those attempting to jump over the barriers.OutcomeFrom the utmost sustainability to a beautiful minimalist design, 80 Charlotte Street is set to continue to draw people into a new work environment. What's more, with 300 cycle racks, it encourages a sustainable return to the office.

The new store at Coventry was built using environmentally sustainable building materials. As the first city centre store, it also provides contained parking for 800 cars. Lang+Fulton supplied ventilation screens to the ground floor parking which extended to form a barrier to the first level. Terra-34 grating was chosen with a 34x100mm aperture to comply with anti-climb guidelines. Panels were custom-sized to continue the aesthetic of the surrounding cladding material and mounted to conform with the horizontal and vertical joints. Over 200m² of screening was supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish incorporating two emergency exits.

A £2.7million Environment Agency project to renovate an ageing river sluice facility on the River Medway in Kent, has required the technical attributes of webercem five star repair concrete and the high-build properties of webercem HB30 mortar. The structural sluice repairs are now complete with new gates and operating systems installed, bringing the sluice performance up to standard. Reflecting the substantial improvement in the river water quality over recent years, a new fish and elver pass has been created to enable fish to travel further upstream in the clean waters. This has enhanced the habitat in upper sections of the Medway, whilst allowing migratory and freshwater fish free passage. Constructed in 1937 the Allington Sluice lock gate is the last on the River Medway before it becomes tidal. Although the sluice is not listed, the Environment Agency took a keen interest in the repair of the structure due to its location adjacent to the Museum of Kent. Areas of failed surface concrete that had spalled, due to 70 years of weathering, were repaired sympathetically to match the existing finishes. These areas were cleaned back to sound material with all loose material removed. The major repair areas required shuttering before pouring in the flowing recasting concrete. webercem five star repair concrete is a pre-blended cementitious material that conforms with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R4 mortar and also with the Highways Agency specification BD 27/86. It contains non-reactive aggregates and low alkali content. This is a shrinkage-compensated, high-strength flowing repair concrete specifically designed for permanent structural repairs that delivers a compressive strength of 65N/mm² after 28 days.Additional smaller damaged areas of the sluice structure have been improved with webercem HB30 repair mortar which is ideal for façade repairs where high compressive strength is not required. webercem HB30 is an acrylic-polymer modified, high-build façade repair mortar that complies with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R3 mortar. Damaged areas were cut away and any steel re-enforcement was cleaned and coated with webercem keycoat prior to the application of the webercem HB30. This product has a unique shrinkage compensation system that ensures long-term dimensional stability. webercem HB30 is easy to apply with low permeability to water, carbon dioxide and chlorides.Main contractor Jackson Civil Engineering of Maidstone, Kent, carried out the sluice gate works while Structural Renovations Ltd of Slough, Berkshire, carried out the concrete repairs in the overall reconstruction, renovation and modification programme of the main structure. The project was designed by Atkins for the Environment Agency, who also undertook site supervision during the renovation procedure. In addition to the repairs and fish pass, a new wheelchair access has been formed allowing cross river access at this point on the Medway.

The SiteExCel London opened in November 2000 and was the integral component of a huge regeneration project in the area of the Royal Victoria Docks next to the River Thames. The Phase 2 project had the primary objective of increasing the existing flat floor space by 32,500m² resulting in an incredible one million square feet of flexible floor space. This projected the already highly regarded Excel  London into the position of a world class exhibition and conference venue.  Close to London City Airport and with it’s own dedicated station on the Dockland Light Railway the centre manages to attract millions of visitors per year and is a major employer within the local community.The ProjectHaving worked with Sir Robert McAlpine on numerous projects, Bolton Gate Company were extremely pleased to be chosen to again work alongside this Main Contractor particularly on such a prestigious project.   The contract initially involved the supply and installation of a range of 30 and 60 minute fire rated shutters to satisfy the requirement for fire compartmentation between different exhibition spaces and to communal walkways throughout the Exhibition Centre. As the fire strategy developed it became evident that, for particular areas including some of the largest openings (7m x 10m), the fire shutters were required to provide fire integrity but this also had to be combined with an acoustic rating of up to 17dB RW. At the time, acoustic rated fire shutters did not exist on the market as a single product solution and consequently it was typical to supply two separate shutters with one to satisfy each requirement but, given space limitations, this was not a viable option. The SolutionDrawing on years of experience, Bolton Gate Company were committed to developing a workable solution in order to fully satisfy the project requirements.  Moving away from the standard ‘single skin’ type fire rated rolling shutter, efforts were concentrated upon manufacturing a new insulated type shutter that would be capable of providing the acoustic rating. The new shutter design was subjected to a series of rigorous testing, include both fire and acoustic tests all of which were in keeping with the very latest standards. The testing proved to be highly successful and we were pleased to complete our contractual obligations using the very first Fireroll Acoustic shutters which had achieved an E120 fire rating and 22dB RW acoustic rating. The Fire Shutter - Fireroll Acoustic provided a compact, hard wearing, yet aesthetically pleasing single shutter solution which was entirely suitable for incorporation into such a highly regarded exhibition and conference centre.   

Stone Cladding: Moca Crème Limestone - natural stone rainscreen cladding with a slate plinth. Family-orientated leisure development at the former hospital site at Baxter Gate, Loughborough. ARCHITECT: Aros Architects MAIN CONTRACTOR: Gilbert Ash INSTALLER: Entec Design Services PRODUCT: AlterStone Moca Crème Limestone Black Slate CLADDING AREA: 1,200m2 START ON SITE: August 2015 COMPLETION: April 2016

Bolton Gate were specified to provide the security grilles for the recently completed extension and refurbishment of the BMW Motorcycle showroom in Manchester. In keeping with the prestigious appearance of the building and high-end motorcycles on show, parallel mesh electric grilles in polished stainless steel were chosen to protect the showroom and external windows. In order to remain unobtrusive during trading hours, the bottom rails and side guides were powder coated white to match the surrounding walls and ceiling. For ease of operation, all grilles were electrically linked to allow simultaneous operation.

In 2016 award-winning landscape designers, The Edible Bus Stop, were commissioned by the Brixton BID to deliver a legacy installation for the Brixton Design Trail as part of the London Design Festival.Their brief was to create a parklet at the entrance to this famously foreboding building. The space had been habitually populated by street drinkers and labelled an anti-social environment by the residents and neighbouring businesses. The brief was to challenge the notion that the addition of seating and creating a space to dwell would increase anti-social behaviour and, on the contrary, that good design could improve perceptions of safety and empower a sense of wellbeing in a community.During the summer, planting beds were refurbished and many edibles and herbs, including fruit trees, were planted. Several Vestre Stripes elements were installed to punctuate the space with communal seating. The parklet was an instant success and quickly populated by residents of all ages, passers-by and visitors to local businesses. As a result, the ‘test-bed’ has now become a permanent legacy; an exemplar of how local stakeholder commissioning and intelligent socially minded design can be an agent of social change to create spaces of genuine community value.Client: Brixton BIDLandscape Design: The Edible Bus StopAddress: Southwyck HouseColdharbour LaneBrixtonLondonSW9 8TX

Six Years' GrowthStarting the cladding supply in 2015, our final delivery completed in September 2021. We loved watching each home get its unique skin.Award WinningAwarded the Most Outstanding New Retirement Village Design in the UK (2015), at the UK Over 50s Housing Awards.A colourful village in so many ways - our Cape Cod cladding brings it to life.Warwick Gates is a high-quality family housing village. If you're looking for a thriving community, surrounded by like-minded people, you've come to the right place.Cape Cod Timber Cladding Inspired Villages, part of the Warwick Gates LLP site at Gallagher Way in Heathcote, was a special project for Vincent Timber.Featuring four Cape Cod colours, we supplied a total of 42,665m of cladding to main contractors, Engie, and suppliers, Construction Services and Weatherseal Facades.Using the Rebated Bevel 8 profile, these beautiful homes are coloured in Pilgrim Red, Olympic Taupe, Cape Cod Grey and Olympic Bayberry.All trims, starter boards and fixings are also supplied in the same colours to match and blend in seamlessly. These builds are as unique and interesting as their residents.Life in the Retirement VillageAustin Heath is at the heart of its own micro-community.Located equidistant between Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa, residents can enjoy the two beautiful worlds of the Medieval and Victorian eras right on their doorsteps.The £65 million village offers exclusive one and two bedroom homes as well as apartments for the over 65s. However, this is just the start.Without having to leave the village, residents have access to a range of facilities including a wellness spa and relaxation pool, gym, deli shop, restaurant and community rooms, as well as onsite social and leisure activities.What's more, a range of care services are available, enabling everyone to live their life to the fullest and enjoy their home for as long as they like, no matter how their circumstances may change.“Design is a fundamental part of our new retirement village. It will ensure not only a beautifully landscaped and aesthetically pleasing location, but also practical solutions for the residents who will live here.” Jamie Bunce - Managing Director of Inspired Villages

Scotland’s biggest building services contractor has just completed upgrading the fire compartmentation within an existing West Lothian warehouse building which is being converted to serve as high bay storage facility to support the organisation’s existing distribution facility elsewhere in West Lothian and is, for the first time, making use of products from the range of TBA FIREFLY™, including APOLLO Lite™ 30:30 to create new fire barriers together with TBA’s expert advice and installer training.

Premier Security & Fire Consultants Ltd designed, fabricated and installed these security products for instructing clients, the Wates Group.The project in Tower Hamlets, East London included LPS1175 SR2 Secured by Design security installations including: Fully glazed entrance doors with side screen and control panel; bin store doors, vehicle and pedestrian gates, louvred doors and dry-riser box doors.For more information about Premier, go to our website premier-ssl.com or call us on 0208 559 8295. 

TRC Windows commissioned for the extensive renovationIn April 2019, TRC Windows was commissioned to deliver the supply of windows throughout this extensive renovation. Over a 14-month period, and completed in 2020, a total of 338 metal, 140 timber and 110 new heritage timber sash windows were successfully reinstated.Metal windowsIn line with the project scope, metal frames and casements were stripped of paint and rust.Weld repairs were carried out to areas of damage, with new hinges and new sections of steel used where required.A five-coat Teamac Painting System was used on all frames.New 4mm GoetheGlas* heritage glass was installed, with applied lead work replicating the original glazing layout.Timber windowsThe timber window repairs were subject to overall draughtproofing and redecoration. These were painted using a Dulux Paint System, and installed with new 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass.Heritage box sash windowsConstructed from hardwood timber, the heritage windows incorporate single-glazing with a 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass, and work via a classic weight-and-pulley mechanism. These also include individual solid bars providing the windows with genuine character. Traditional heritage putty was used externally to secure the glazing and enhance the visual aesthetic.*GoetheGlas is a colourless, drawn glass with the irregular surface characteristic of window glass common to the 18th and 19th centuries. It is used to protect precious, leaded glazing from the elements and other adverse environmental conditions.

This elegant collection of apartments will benefit from far-reaching views towards the City, Regent’s Park and Hyde Park. With architecture by renowned architects Squire & Partners, this development comprises an approved scheme of 672 residential apartments with 24-hour concierge and business lounge, 25m pool, spa, gym, cinema room, entrance lobbies and receptions, private gardens. Servicing and parking for 286 vehicles is arranged over two basement levels. Effisus Vapour FR membrane Class A1 was chosen to protect the insulation and building interior.

Systems in UseWilotekt®-PlusForce®Force Dalle®Aquamodul®OverviewBerkeley Homes initially contacted Axter in early 2017 about their project to create 844 apartments (including 175 affordable units), plus 8 shops, a restaurant, and a public plaza. The development, located in Edgware Road, will bring prosperity and jobs as well as housing, to a part of London in need of regeneration.The development involves 11 apartment blocks and is divided into 4 phases. Axter were involved in design prior to works starting, and were subsequently awarded the contract for Phase 1, later expanded to include Phase 2 and the current Phase 3.This is an update to a project we initially wrote about in its first phase. As noted there, Phase 1 was complicated by the fact that the Government amended the Building Regulations in 2018, after design work was completed and approved, imposing stricter requirements in relation to combustible materials in high-rise buildings. Timing meant that the developer was permitted to proceed under the old regime, but elected to apply stricter safety standards including a voluntary change to the system used on the balconies that was both tested to BRoof(t4) and included non-combustible insulation. The Axter team had to work quickly to amend designs but were able to modify the approved solution so that work could continue as scheduled.Phil Saunders, Regional Sales Director at Axter, has been our lead throughout the work. “This is one of the most challenging projects I have worked on,” he notes, “but also one of the most rewarding. Unique solutions were required to solve more than one problem, but it has been great to work on a development involving many technically elegant and aesthetically pleasing aspects, with a range of roofing systems and finishes, including Blue, Brown and Green Roof elements.”Additional challengesWestminster Council’s planning requirements included specific stormwater attenuation targets. With limited space onsite, Kevin Leahy, Technical Director at Berkeley Homes, was considering a Blue Roof solution, something the developer had not implemented before, so support from a technical manufacturer was especially important from the outset.Numerous other difficulties have had to be overcome during this project. Work was disrupted by Covid lockdowns not long after roofing commenced in 2019. Phases 2 and 3, which were very similar, also required us to support our partner through complex change: Phase 1 involved an inverted roof, a solution assumed to carry forward. However, assessment of weight restrictions and outlet positions meant that design would need to switch to a warm roof with tapered insulation.Additionally, work has continued throughout the period of the Ukraine conflict, where prices and supply of materials have been difficult to navigate.SolutionsTo achieve planning permission, Axter worked with Kevin and Berkeley Homes between 2017 and 2019, presenting the resultant roofing design for approval. We were able to demonstrate that the plans met sustainable drainage obligations. The London Plan for sustainable design and construction also imposed requirements, which were met by a mix of living roof solutions including Green Roof and Brown Roof finishes.“We’re happy to present Westminster Council to support the planning application,” continues Phil. “We have worked with Berkeley Homes many times and continue to do so on several projects. Nothing matters more to us than building and maintaining ongoing relationships with partners who know they can trust us to take weight from their shoulders.”Construction continued throughout the lockdown period, with Axter working hard to ensure uninterrupted supply. Materials continued to be delivered in a safe manner, and QA reviews were held virtually until we could resume our usual regular site visits.A switch in roofing approach generally changes the sequencing of work such as integration of roofing and door thresholds. “We were able to come up with an innovative solution involving multiple systems, including cold-applied liquid waterproofing, that permitted the original sequencing to remain,” says Phil. Change was also required in relation to upstand penetration details and movement joints.Throughout the project, Axter has been able to provide partners with full designs involving bespoke details, plus rainwater and u-value calculations, to ensure compliance at every stage.“We worked hard to find the smartest, most cost-effective solutions,” adds Phil. “We also appreciated that this was not the time to be too rigid in pricing. Some pain all round might be unavoidable in this difficult period, but we aimed to share the impact. We were also able to offer partners a guarantee of price stability for a set period of time, so they could proceed with certainty.”Axter manufactures its own systems and works carefully to plan ahead and liaise with long-standing supply partners. This allows us to stay ahead of shortages and offer accurate delivery timelines. Company-wide, we have been able to supply all systems as pledged.All of Axter’s approved installers must complete training specific to the systems involved, but in this case so many bespoke design elements were involved that we organised training specific to the project for all operatives. This training was also extended to the Berkeley Homes construction team, to ensure they were supported in how the roofing would integrate with other areas of construction.“This has been an exceptionally successful project”, comments Phil. “Hurdles have arisen, but with communication and hard work we have supported our client through rapid transitions and financial challenges. We have been very flexible on pricing, but we were not necessarily the cheapest initial bid. We were chosen anyway, because I think Berkeley Homes understands we add value that makes us the cost-effective option for the building’s future lifetime.”Phase 3 designs were approved early this year, with work just starting. Axter is now busy with design for Phase 4, with the project expected to continue through to 2025.

The Award winning Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park in Llandovery, Southwest Wales is a family run park with a large range of facilities open all year round. It is an ideal base for touring, exploring, walking, mountain biking or cycling on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Cambrian Mountains. Erwlon Caravan Park contacted Frontier Pitts to upgrade their site entry and exit access control to an Automatic Rising Bollard system.The 600mm lift height stainless steel bollard was installed complete with safety photocells, safety vehicle detector loops and dual direction LED traffic light system. The bollard was connected to ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) which is linked back to a popular booking system for Holiday and Caravan Parks called ‘Anytime’. The complete system allowed visitors to book their holiday online and allows authorised visitor vehicles to gain access to the park during their stay, even allowing entry in the middle of the night when reception is closed. On the last day of the stay the system automatically deactivates the vehicle registration number after a predetermined time. Easter Holidays are known to be one of the busiest times of a Caravan and Holiday Parks year, and Erwlon Caravan Park were very pleased with the system. Frontier Pitts manufacture a range of made to order perimeter security barriers, bollards, and gates. We have installed equipment at many sites nationwide and have a network of Technical Consultants that will visit any site in the UK to provide you with a full proposal and quotation. We also provide a range of maintenance contracts and response times to suit your sites individual requirements.

The G8 Summit in Enniskillen of the world’s most powerful politicians involved 4,700 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers and 3,600 from other UK forces in a security operation that cost about £60m.The PSNI wanted the securest G8 ever at a time of ‘severe terrorist threat’ and hoped that its reputation for dealing with public disorder plus unprecedented physical, cyber, technical and logistical protection would keep many potential protesters away.The SolutionPSNI approached Zaun to design, manufacture, project manage and install an ‘impregnable cordon’ around the world leaders to guarantee their security throughout the summit at Lough Erne.The rectangular site was protected on its long northeastern boundary by the Lough Erne lake. After extensive testing, Zaun designed its single largest ever temporary installation using two of its premier high-security fencing systems for the other three sides.It installed its 3.6m high SecureGuard PAS68 temporary security fencing along the 5.7km road to the southwest of the site, which runs broadly parallel with the lough. In addition, Zaun integrated rising arm barriers and 10 PAS68 gates for secure access control along the fence line.It also put in 1.7km of its award-winning Rapid Deployable System (RDS) at each end, creating a secure perimeter from the road to the edge of and into the lake.RDSZaun had to make several adaptations to its multi-award-winning RDS that was first used for four political conferences on the mainland in 2012 and bought by The Home Office to add to the National Barrier Asset.In addition to the cable system on the front of the fence line gives the system it's PAS68 rating of 30mph (PAS 68:2010 V/7500(N2)/48/90:11.6/0.0), Zaun incorporated further enhancements to prevent mob attack on the run-up to the summit. Both RDS and SecureGuard were extensively tested by PSNI and the Home Office against mob attacks. These tests will now form the basis of a new standard adopted by the Home Office when testing systems.Zaun also created specially designed posts to carry additional one-tonne weights to prevent movement on the 30-metre section of RDS fencing that actually tracked into the lake itself to discourage protesters from breaching the perimeter via the water.RDS was used on remoter areas around the edge of forest land, dirt tracks and grassy knolls with undulating ground, and boggy land at the airport to provide Airforce One and other presidential jet landings.

An urban luxury conversion in the heart of Nottingham City Centre. This project involved the contractor converting a commercial building within a conservation area into luxury apartments.There were various design issues that needed to be overcome, including curved on plan bays. The curved bays required a bay pole system to allow the installer to gain the necessary shape profile.An added challenge was window size. There were a number of large, multi-part windows in apartments accessed via tight staircases and small door openings. To overcome this we made some of the larger units in kit form and sent one of our experienced fabricators to site to assemble them in situ.A key requirement was noise abatement which was achieved with acoustic glazing and an optimal 100mm air gap, adding - on average - 35DB of noise reduction on top of that provided by the primary windows.The end result were minimal profiles matching original sightlines, coupled with significant thermal and acoustic performance improvements. 

The stadium’s vast size and increased capacity required washrooms capable of withstanding large volumes of people that will be using the facilities during a variety of events throughout the year, including everything from conferences to sports fixtures. For this project, Dolphin Solutions supplied its BC925 Mini Jumbo Toilet Roll Dispensers and BC924SS Soap Dispensers, as the site needed something that was durable. The lockable nature and stainless steel exterior of these products makes the dispensers vandal resistant and easy to replenish, whilst the non-drip, push-action soap pump prevents the build up of soap on the vanity.

Providing a secure and reliable office entranceEDF are one of the UKs largest energy providers, with their head office serving as the strategic hub that plays a pivotal role in its overall functioning and success. At FAAC Entrance Solutions, we understand just how vital a secure and reliable entrance is to such an important business. From the initial design working with Pick Everard, we reviewed the best entrance solution, to meet the clients brief and requirements.Project Year: 2023Product: FAAC A1400 Slider with pocket screen & TK35 profileProduct: RD100 Revolving DoorProduct: Magnetic mWing Pedestrian GatesProduct: FAAC Airslide Sliding DoorProject Background: The facilities team at EDF wanted to increase security with a safe and secure entrance that would suit their ground structure. They wanted a full entrance solution with a revolving door at the end of a bridge with a sheltered glass tunnel leading up to a pair of automatic sliding doors and security lanes. As part of the project, we worked closely with the contractor Imtech Inviron Ltd and all the project team, whilst meeting all challenges along the way, we aimed to create the perfect solution without disrupting the space and flow of the foyer whilst entering and exciting the building.Solution: One key item was enabling staff to be able to enter the entrance corridor through a revolving door, providing a sustainable and weathertight area out of the weather, then having a secondary entrance through a pair of automatic sliding doors, therefore providing an improved entrance with high protection against all weather conditions. To comply with Part M of buildings regulations, we provided our unique FAAC Airslide automatic sliding door system, to ensure accessibility for all.Once inside the building, we installed a bank of 3 security lanes, to control the access for authorised users only and preventing unauthorised personnel from entering the building.Revolving door: The RD100, a power-assisted door, elevates functionality for any office entrance with pedestrian traffic. This compact revolving door accommodates various pedestrian flows effortlessly and at their preferred pace. Manually activated, pedestrians push the door to start. Once the smart system activates, it guarantees smooth movement in both directions, reducing effort and power use, easing entry/exit, and reducing the carbon footprint.Sliding door: Our FAAC A1400 sliding door’s innovative “energy saving” feature empowers this system to discern transit direction, meticulously optimizing opening and closing times. This functionality effectively prevents unnecessary air dispersion, even amid cross traffic occurrences. The resulting product is environmentally conscious, reliable, secure, technologically advanced and notably, cost effective in the long term.Pedestrian Gates: The Magnetic mWing Pedestrian Gate system ensures swift visitor flow with quick opening times and preset travel features, ensuring high-security standards in both monitored and unmonitored areas. Engineered for durability and comes with a unique surface finish.AIRSLIDE Sliding Door: FAAC supplied and installed 1 of our unique AIRSLIDE automatic sliding doors, with an integrated air curtain. An air barrier protects the entrance area from the cold in winter and the heat in summer, without dispersion. This solution, designed for automatic entrances, allows the air to be kept inside the building, thereby helping to reduce energy consumption.The AIRSLIDE system combines the automatic opening and air curtain systems into a single unit, with obvious aesthetic and functional advantages. Its sleek design makes it easy to integrate into any architectural perspective.Check out more of our Energy Solutions.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

When architects ACME designed a new landmark retail facility in Leeds, the aim was to build a shopping centre fit for luxury brands. dormakaba supplied HSW-R glass sliding shop front systems, ES200 automatic sliding door entrances & MUNDUS patch fittings, to ensure a high performance access solution with elegant appearance. 150 panels across the arcade, was installed. HSW-R systems include an ITS96 door closer, concealed within frame for discreet appearance. The system’s double glazed panels are supported by aluminium ceiling suspended track avoiding any obstructions for wheelchair users. This creates an ideal access solution for retail entrance settings.

A cold, solid wall house on coast of Scotland transformed with Ultra

Artform Urban Furniture were asked to put forward ideas for seating designs and planters, by the landscape architects, Fabrik London. They were looking for a series of large monolithic benches in order to adequately serve the footfall at this busy concourse area. It was essential that the solution was inviting and visually appealing, to further improve the look of the overall project. Some standard products were chosen and had bespoke alterations to increase the number of planters and green space. However there were a couple of onsite challenges to overcome…

A variety of Tobermore paving and step products were specified as an aesthetic and functional hard landscaping solution for the grounds at this £25 million regeneration project. The retail site was opened by HRH, The Duchess of Gloucester, in an official ceremony in September 2015.

SIEGENIA's ECO PASS SKY axxent threshold is paving the way for WeberHaus.As a premium provider of prefabricated houses, WeberHaus relies on high-quality solutions. The "German Dream Home" silver prize-winning luxury villa in the "World of Living" exhibition park in Rheinau-Linx bears witness to this: its extraordinary building architecture is underlined by its exclusive furnishings and equipment, in which eleven lift and slide elements along with the hardware technology from SIEGENIA bring light and spaciousness into the building. The six elements on the ground floor with the ECO PASS SKY axxent level threshold, in particular, provide room comfort.Daily added value for the residents"The interest in large-scale elements with a passage as level as possible, convenient operation and elegant design is distinctly increasing, even among younger home owners", reported Christoph Scheuring, PORTAL product manager at SIEGENIA. WeberHaus has been meeting these expectations recently with the Premium solution for the passage from the inside to the outside: the level threshold ECO PASS SKY axxent lowers the height of the threshold, including the running rail, to 0 mm without any incline.The additional benefits of such a solution for the producer of prefabricated houses, which has been relying on SIEGENIA for large-scale elements for a number of years now, is obvious: "The ease of use achieved by the reduction of the difference in level between the inside and outside to zero generates a daily added value for the residents," explained Daniel Eckstein, head of construction planning at WeberHaus.A solution with an elegant appearance awarded the Red Dot prizeThe elegant design of ECO PASS SKY axxent is also a persuasive argument for home owners. This begins with the optical adaptation of the threshold to the frame material. Moreover, the design of the fixed sash is optically appealing: by saving on the profiles, the portion of glass is maximised to such an extent that the glass is flush with the floor surface. And last but not least, the outside appearance is harmonious. There the elegant design of the grille for the threshold drainage flows seamlessly into the drainage gutter. The threshold therefore won the renowned Design Award „Red Dot: Best of the Best 2020“ for its trailblazing design. ECO PASS SKY axxent can also be convincing in terms of security with burglar resistance up to RC3.Technically mature, ECO PASS SKY axxent also exhibits its strengths with regard to sill installation. SIEGENIA cooperates with the drainage specialist Gutjahr to guarantee a specialised high-quality solution, both for design harmonisation of the threshold and drainage gutter. From the perspective of Daniel Eckstein, this is an advantage: "Beside the attractive, uniform, appearance, this allows us to achieve an optimum coordination of the drainage system and the connecting system with regard to the designing of the exterior area."Motorised operation for ease of use The motorisation of large-scale elements and their integration in Smart Home systems will play an ever increasing part in the future according to the estimation of the WeberHaus expert. „The motorised drive of lift and slide doors is a significant feature in the view of home owners: large window elements are heavy and consequently can only be moved with the application of force. Whereas, they can be really difficult to stop during the sliding process“, explained Daniel Eckstein. He therefore had one of the particularly large elements of the villa equipped with the motorised drive DRIVE axxent HSA smart from SIEGENIA. The fully automatic, partially concealed drive system has an elegant appearance and is convincing due to its concealed lift drive and its flat, discreet control knob. Operation is convenient: the sash can be opened and closed either by using the control knob, per radio remote control or via the SIEGENIA Comfort app.

Adjacent to the Tennis World complex and within a very close proximity to some of the modern outdoor tennis courts and a neighbouring skate park is a large electrical power substation. The substation was observed to be causing an audible continuous humming, causing annoyance for users of the nearby courts, as well as creating an eyesore visible from courts. To protect and mitigate noise created by the substation, Jacksons supplied 93 metres of 6.5m high Jakoustic® Plus fencing to enclose the area, installed by Gus Robinson Developments.