"fire security for doors windows"

The University of Birmingham School was the first academy free secondary school to be assigned to a particular university. This is a new model of education, bringing together the best of university research and teaching best practice in secondary education. Technal aluminium windows were specified for this project in a 210mm high module to achieve the required available air flow and light transmission. Aluminium Commercial Doors were specified to achieve robustness and increased thermal insulation. Aluminium Curtain Walling was also used to deliver more natural light into the project without sacrificing weather performance, thermal insulation and ease of fabrication. 

The University of Nottingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Building used TECHNAL GEODE MX 52 Visible Grid Curtain Walling, SOLEAL FY 65 Windows and PY 55 Doors. Selected by architects Bond Bryan, the TECHNAL aluminium systems offered a cost-effective, thermally efficient solution that was backed by outstanding technical support both prior and during construction. The state-of-the-art training and research facility, located at the entrance to the Jubilee Campus, has enhanced the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering. The building features teaching facilities, laboratories and workshops, and houses the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Manufacturing Technology.

Breakers Beach Bar & Restaurant, Noordwijk, The Netherlands. The construction of an upmarket beach bar and restaurant, Breakers Beach House, part of the Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin. Set amongst the dunes and facing the North Sea, the building was designed to be sympathetic to the environment but required the use of materials that could withstand the elements without requiring frequent maintenance. Accoya Wood was used for windows, doors, cladding, railings, trusses, mullions and planters. “We are delighted with the end result which meets our expectations and those of our customer.” Eline van Leeuwen, Director, Van Leeuwen kozijnen.

The monument, sited on a roundabout on Avenida Circunvalar, near the city’s industrial area, uses a huge steel and aluminium frame to support more than 2,000 m2 (21,500 ft2) of colored laminated safety glass. Arranged in a harlequin pattern, the glazed panels - in shades of red, yellow, green, blue and white - cover the entirety of the structure in a multi-colored façade that is both complimentary and contrasting to the surrounding area.

Castle Park View is the tallest residential building to have been built in the city of Bristol to date. At 26 storeys high, the residential tower block forms part of the wider Castle Park View scheme, which is also the largest Urban Green Space in the city.The development also features a main block and a 10-storey tower, creating in total 375 new one and two bedroom apartments. Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows and doors have been used across the scheme and were fabricated and installed by Denval, for architects Chapman Taylor and contractors Bouygues UK.Created following the extensive regeneration of a brownfield area and built on the former site of an ambulance station, sustainability is a key part of the design of the Castle Park View and the residential scheme has achieved a level four standard in the Code for Sustainable Homes certification.Both Senior’s thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and Part L compliant PURe® aluminium windows and doors are highly durable and fully recyclable, making them the ideal choice for a modern development that is also striving to help reduce the energy bills of its residents. The thermal performance of the aluminium fenestration system complements the other sustainable features including the use of the UK’s largest water source heat pump, the nearby Castle Park Energy Centre, as the development’s main heat source.

Located on the surviving remains of London’s first purpose-built theatre, New Inn Broadway is a new V&A museum exhibition and office building in Shoreditch. ‘The Theatre’ - which was the forerunner to ‘The Globe’- was originally built in 1576 and was home to some of William Shakespeare’s early plays. The five-storey building has been developed to celebrate the unique history of the site.New Inn Broadway is a location steeped in history.With its origins stretching back to Elizabethan times, and now playing host to the V&A and a commercial office space there was a lot to consider during the specification process.This dual purpose presented specific access concerns for the client, wanting to easily control who can move between the museum and office space, while also keeping everything secure. Allgood’s team of security and access control consultants worked with the client and electrical consultants to create a system design that met these requirements. This detailed technical planning was followed by careful execution and installation, using the latest in security and access control equipment.The final solution involved a state-of-the-art system that allows differing levels of access across the separate areas of the multi-use venue. This work was complemented with a coordinated ironmongery package including a complete Modric Doc M installation.Allgood Secure was specified by mechanical and electrical consultants Waterman Group to collaborate on system design, and supply and fit access control an audio visual intercom system, CCTV intruder detection, and an alarm system.As this was a multi-use development comprising the V&A museum as well as commercial office space, it was imperative that the building had a network access control system to manage access and maintain security as well as allow the end user to change access rights easily.Stainless steel entrance panels were specified at the main entrance doors and at the stairwells of each lettable office space floor, with a one-way video system that calls the internal handsfree monitors.A HD CCTV system was selected to allow remote monitoring from a different site, and a mixture of bullet and dome cameras were installed and finished in a bespoke RAL finish to complement the contemporary ceiling.Allgood Secure managed the installation of an intruder alarm system which features high-end technology offering peace of mind for staff.As well as a high-tech security system, Allgood’s Modric washroom package was specified by Gallus Studio architects, particularly its Doc M package.

The Project Perton First School has been open for over 40 years and the infant washroom facilities are in need of modernisation.The school prides itself its family ethos and has seen generations of families come the doors.The ChallengePropose a system with children of nursery age in mind. Consider the height of the doors & partitions.Peardrop range is not supported by an overhead rail and the frontage is fixed at the floor and gable walls only.Flooring substate needs to be at lease 60mm thick and stable to ensure a secure fixing point at the base of the foot.Deliver a non-standard laminate to enhance the systems aesthetics. The SolutionExcelsior, working alongside G Evans and Entrust, are excited to have installed our Harlequin Select Range at Perton First School. The school chose our Peardrop Range with low level accessible doors and magnetic locks, perfect for the classroom environment. The cubicles doors were finished in our vibrant Lolly Pop Digital Print & the area was surveyed to ensure suitable fixing points.Harlequin Peardrop is the ideal system for children of nursery age, the system is self-supporting on an aluminium leg; the legs ability to perform is reliant of the strength of the floor substrate which in this case proved suitable, enabling the client to proceed with this infant friendly system.The full system is professionally manufactured with children in mind providing easily accessible doors for children whilst ensuring efficient dimensions for adults to supervise.SpecificationProduct Range: Harlequin Select HPLDoors: 18mm High Pressure Laminate, Lolly Pop Digital PrintPilaster: Polyrey C018 ChardonPartition: 18mm High Pressure Laminate, Polyrey C018 ChardonIronmongery: SBAA 

Flexible workspace providers x+why’s new 33,000 sq ft location at 100 Embankment aims to provide “an impressive space from which to grow and thrive” for start-ups and established businesses across Manchester.Radii, working through our northern contracting office, joined John Robertson Architects and ADT Workplace in May 2023. Working across Ground, Mezz and 1st and 2nd Floors of the space, Radii’s popular single glazed Linear 25 (Rw 39 dB) and Linear 30 (Rw 41 dB) partitions and Hogan single and double pivoting doors (Rw 47 dB) were used for glazed fronts for a variety of different size meeting spaces and offices. Many of these were installed with our popular ‘Rio’ banding.Ei30 single glazed fire rated screens, complete with timber door frame junctions, provide exit route protection.The finished space also benefits from some of the 11 Ei60 FireTec double door sets installed across all eight levels of the building during the original base build Cat A fit out in 2020.

In 2018, Cyclehoop designed and delivered two major Cycle Hubs for the London Borough of Enfield. These were the first cycle hubs to be provided in the borough and were delivered as part of the award-winning Cycle Enfield scheme.Both Cycle Hubs are steel and glass structures with CCTV and provide cycle parking for 50 bikes and three non-standard cycles such as cargo bikes. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by using an access card. Members can make use of a bike pump and repair stand so that they can make quick repairs and keep their tyres pumped whilst on the go.Cyclehoop is managing the membership of both cycle hubs on behalf of Enfield Council.Cycle Hub FacilitiesThe Enfield Town Cycle Hub and the Edmonton Green Cycle Hub are fitted with user-friendly cycle parking and repair facilities, as well as featuring an industry-leading security and access control system.Each Cycle Hub provides cycle parking for 50 bikes and is fitted with Optima Two Tier Racks. This is a space-saving solution that doubles the amount of cycle parking compared with traditional cycle racks. The Two-Tier racks can accommodate most types of bikes and feature gas-assisted moveable upper sections that make it easy to position them in the racking. Members can easily secure their bikes to the locking bar which has been welded into the design rather than the less secure bolted version in our competitors’ solutions. We have installed 3 ground anchors to accommodate non-standard cycles – each with its own marked out space.The door has been fitted with an industry-leading access control system allowing members to get in and out via access card 24 hours a day. Lighting and CCTV cameras are in operation throughout giving extra assurances of security.The Cycle Hubs also feature a Public Repair Stand and an Indoor Pump which provide members with the resources to make repairs on the go as well as pumping up deflated tyres.Design and Build ProcessEnfield Council chose two locations within the borough, each one connected to a local transport link, as well as amenities and shopping centres to accommodate the footfall. These locations were Enfield Town Railway Station and Edmonton Green Railway Station. Planning permission was required to develop the land.Enfield Council required two secure Cycle Hubs that maximised cycle parking spaces and the structure needed to be modular to allow it to be extended in future. Enfield is a growing borough that is regenerating and constantly growing, therefore this needed to be reflected in the design of the Cycle Hub.Each Cycle Hub is a steel and glass structure designed as a modern facility for securely storing cycles. The use of glass provides both good natural lighting as well as excellent visibility and passive surveillance, increasing the security of the facility.The Cycle Hubs also have a sedum green roof which reduces the surface runoff from rainfall, improves local air quality and supports the local insect population.The two custom and secure structures are comprised of:Toughened glass panesPerforated steel kick plates (over 3 tonnes of steel)Toughened glass sliding doorsLow maintenance sedum roofEnfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Daniel Anderson, said:“If we want to encourage more people to get on their bikes and change their transport habits we need to provide proper, secure parking for cycles. We hope these hubs will encourage people to get on their bikes to visit our town centres and reap all the benefits leaving the car behind will deliver. We are determined to encourage as many people as possible to use sustainable transport as we possibly can and these hubs will play an important role in helping us achieve that aim.”Enfield Council’s Cycle Enfield Scheme aims to regenerate and improve town centres, dramatically improve transport links and encourage more people to use sustainable methods of transport in the borough.

From industrial wasteland to a future oriented, energy efficient, smart living environment, residents at Fenman House adopt a development of 76 stunning apartments by award winning property developer, Argent. Designed by a world renowned team of architects including Maccreanor Lavington, and interior designers like Johnson Naylor, thoughtfully chosen materials were selected due to flawless aesthetic appeal and sophisticated functionality. Gira was elected to provide an unparalleled lifestyle through full intelligent control of lighting, climate, curtains/blinds, fire safety, eco efficiency and door entry for the residents of Fenman House.

Uxbridge's largest ever luxury commercial space is a monumental 324,630 sq ft. Radii AG was approached by dn-a architecture and Bowmer and Kirkland with the task of designing and installing a five-story central atrium with additional fire-solutions. Radii AG offered a streamlined design to ensure a stunning appearance with a time-conscious installation. Linear 27 was used with 40dB Rw toughened laminated glass for the atrium.This helped create the 100-meter long 'street' that ran along the heart of the building. FireStop E30 single-glazed partitioning screens, with FireTec doorsets and automated sliding doors were also installed.

London's most sustainable office space.The JJ Mack Building, strategically located just 150m from Farringdon Station, stands as one of London’s most innovative and sustainable office spaces. Beyond its prime location, the building distinguishes itself by embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance the well-being of its occupants and champion sustainable operation practices.The JJ Mack Building stands out for its integration of smart and intelligent building features. Utilizing a highly detailed “digital twin,” the entire building’s systems are meticulously modeled, allowing for comprehensive monitoring and control at various levels. This innovative technology ensures a dynamic and responsive environment tailored precisely to occupant needs.The digital twin technology isn’t just about monitoring; it facilitates the precise tailoring of the building’s performance, aligning every aspect with occupant requirements. This commitment to customization enhances the day-to-day experience and supports highly sustainable and considered operation. In this endeavor, we played a vital role by supplying concealed metal riser doors on all floors.Our contribution to The JJ Mack Building involved providing fire-rated metal riser doors, seamlessly concealed on all floors. These doors play a crucial role in the building’s safety infrastructure while remaining discreetly integrated into the overall design. The concealed doors align with the building’s commitment to a sleek and modern aesthetic, ensuring a seamless blend of safety and design.

As a leading provider of renewable energy across the UK, SSE Energy Services aims to drive the transition to a net zero carbon world through the development, construction and operation of state-of-the-art renewable energy assets. To support this mission, in 2017 SSE built a wind farm in Stronelairg - a remote area of Scotland near Loch Ness. At an elevation of around 600 meters above sea level, it is one of SSE’s windiest sites. The site includes 66 wind turbines and has the capacity to generate 228 MW of energy.As part of the project, SSE needed to create three transformer enclosure bays on the site, each of which had to meet a demanding four-hour fire-rated standard. This required the installation of walls and ceilings - as well as internal access doors for maintenance personal - that would all meet this high-level of fire resistance. It was also necessary that various penetrations, including wall bushings, were able to safely pass through the barriers in the enclosure bays.An additional challenge was that the project would have to be completed in an isolated setting where the work would be constantly exposed to cold, wet weather conditions. Having worked with Promat and its products for more than a decade, the project’s subcontractor, Invicta, knew its fire protection solutions would be a perfect fit for the wind farm’s unique requirements.

Parallel opening window vents by Kawneer were specified for a mental health project that is arguably without parallel. Some 88 AA®100 SSG parallel opening vents were used as concealed windows, to maintain the same aesthetic as the façade, within AA®100 mullion-drained curtain walling and AA®720 doors on the new £40 million London headquarters of the world-famous Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.The Kawneer systems at the Anna Freud Centre were specified by architects Penoyre & Prasad as they were a “cost-effective” solution to their needs and enabled them to use the same systems for all areas of curtain walling and rooflights. The project has enabled the relocation of the mental healthcare charity to bring together its global expertise in practice, research and policy under one roof from its residential properties in Hampstead to a purpose-built facility near King’s Cross. This comprises a six-storey new-build and the refurbishment of a century-old former chocolate factory and warehouse.

Yeoman Shield have recently supplied and installed wall and door protection in the new Urgent Care Unit at Halton Hospital Runcorn.The unit will be busy catering for people in the Runcorn area and is hailed as a one stop shop offering an alternative to A&E for a range of minor injuries and urgent medical care.“The new Urgent Care Unit has been adapted from the old Minor Injuries Unit which has under gone alteration and redecoration with new and refurbished doors fitted. We were keen to protect the new finishes from the damage which can be caused by the everyday use of a busy hospital department.” Said Lee Bushell, Building Surveyor at Warrington & Halton NHS Trust.Yeoman Shield products were installed by their directly employed fixing team to the corridors and cubicle areas in the unit.Guardian Handrail was fitted to protect the walls along the corridors and waiting areas in Aqua Blue with an attractive contrasting insert strip in Mid Grey. An Ultra 60 Protection Rail, also in Aqua Blue, was included at low level to protect the skirting and wall from damage which can be caused at this height from wheelchairs and trolleys.Some of the doors in the unit required replacement and Yeoman Shield fire rated door protection panels and door edge protectors were fitted to all doors to protect from costly damage reoccurring. The addition of Yeoman Shield door protection helped to add uniformity of colour and style to the mixture of the new and old doors.Aqua Blue FalmouthEx wall protection panels were installed along the cubicle area corridors and in the cubicles themselves protecting from damage which is caused by the movement of equipment and trolleys.A Yeoman Shield Clapping Lath was applied to the double swing doors of the X-ray room. The lead lined clapping lath was fitted to the inside of the room doors to prevent any leaking of X-rays through the gap between the meeting edges of the door set.“I am very pleased with the way that the Yeoman Shield products look and from past experience know that these products will help to keep the new unit looking smart for some time to come.” Concluded Mr Bushell.

For nearly 90 years, Santens has helped building contractors buy the right hardware and tools for the job. Their success is built on supplying comprehensive solutions to the building and joinery sector across Belgium. As well as store-based operations, Santens supports loyal customers with sales representatives; offers a project management service; and runs a web shop. Click the link to read more.

A programme of works carried out at a Nottinghamshire hospital has seen a number of products from the FIREFLY range employed to upgrade the passive fire protection throughout the roof spaces, with the manufacturer providing site specific design details to assist the highly experienced contractor complete the project on time. DC Fire Protection Ltd., based at Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, works right across the country covering multiple sectors of the construction industry, installing active as well as passive fire protection systems.  For its 10 week contract at the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre at Kirby in Ashfield, the specialist installed dozens of rolls of the Titan Lite™ fire barrier as well as the Apollo Horizontal barrier, Collaroll and two of the 1200 x 600mm FR120 Access Panels to link some of the safety zones being created. Built in 2007, Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre is conjoined to the existing Ashfield Community Hospital and offers extended health services to the local community, supplementing the current services by providing purpose-built rehabilitation facilities, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other community health services.  It also offers consulting rooms, treatment rooms and an activities of daily living suite, rehabilitation and gym areas.A Director of DC Fire Protection, Daniel Mabbott, commented: “We have been dealing with FIREFLY for a number of years, including buying large quantities of the Titan Lite™ and Apollo Lite , which we use for commercial contracts as well as other work.  We often propose the use of FIREFLY systems to clients and in this instance, where we were simply given the performance standard the client required, we proposed the use of Titan Lite plus Apollo Horizontal to upgrade the exiting fire walls which no longer comply with current requirements.” “There were a number of plastic PVC-U soil stacks rising through the roof in what was specified as a Controlled Zone, for which FIREFLY provided us with a bespoke detail to protect them where they passed through the barriers, while we installed a couple of their FR120 Access Panels in addition to the fire doors which we fitted in a number of locations throughout the roof.  The project was completed on time and we have now moved onto another contract where we are again using a number of FIREFLY products.”Third party approved, FIREFY Apollo Horizontal 30:30 provides 30 minutes integrity and insulation to exceed the minimum requirements within the Building Regulations relating to fire barriers.  In common with other FIREFY products, Apollo Horizontal is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabric, being flexible and lightweight making it easy to install. Specifiers and specialist fire contractors wishing to find more information about the full range of products available from FIREFLY can visit www.tbafirefly.comImages shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

To provide optimum weather and thermal performance and to maximise the building’s energy efficiency, ADP Architecture specified a range of aluminium products from Kawneer, installed by approved specialist subcontractor Norman & Underwood. The building’s façade features Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain wall system while AA®190 TB severe-duty doors were specified to handle the high volume of people entering and leaving the building. These were complemented by Kawneer’s AA®720 casement windows with louvreshields which provide both ventilation and fall protection. As the construction is a gateway to the city’s commercial area, the aesthetics were also paramount.

This mixed use development on the southern fringes of the Olympic Park utilised the Nexus® system to achieve flawless brick-faced soffits to the hundreds of door and window heads. Nexus is a two-part brick soffit system that combine a high integrity stainless steel brickwork support system with custom-designed prefabricated brick faced soffit units. Being 70% lighter than traditional cast concrete solutions, the Nexus soffit system is simply lifted and bolted into position by hand and, as the brick slip facing is manufactured from the same batch as the main brickwork, presents a perfect colour and texture match for flawless transitions.

Royal Enfield is one of the world’s oldest and most famous motorcycle manufacturers, known for creating modern classics. The company’s cool and contemporary style is reflected in the design of its striking new technology centre in Leicestershire. Senior’s SF52 curtain wall system was chosen to create the dramatic glazed entrance. Slimline thermally-broken SPW300 windows were also specified, alongside robust, high-performance SPW501 doors - ideal for high traffic areas. The glazing package enabled the architect to create a sleek, modern finish, whilst the low U-values made a significant contribution to the building's overall energy-efficiency.

Demanding Regulation standards and the sheer scale of a residential housing project like East London's New Garden Quarter, have seen us here at TECHNAL and installer Ravenworth work together to deliver the £4.2m scope of work for Telford Homes. This includes windows, patio and entrance doors as well as curtain walling. New Garden Quarter is part of a masterplan development and takes in some of the Olympic Legacy land in Stratford. The development, which sits next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, features one, two and three-bedroom apartments, villas and sky villas set around a landscaped two-acre garden square.

Space was at a premium in this compact office building, so the self-contained superloos offered the ideal solution without compromising on design. Each individual toilet cubicle includes a WC plus vanity and hand-drying facilities. Washroom's Concerto duct panels are available in wide range of different materials and finishes and here the duct panels were faced with a pale Limed Oak veneer to match the bespoke shelving above each vanity. Its Forza solid grade laminate lockers with secure digital access code locks were manufactured with a Z-style configuration with metallic effect doors and large stylistic black printed numbers.

For the basement laboratories, Planet used p100 demountable double-glazed full-height partitions with two layers of 15mm toughened glass to reach heights in excess of three metres. The partitioning framework was set within the steel grid structure, ensuring an industrial look and incorporating slimline single-glazed and SonoTec double glazed doors with integrated venetian blinds. Planet provided a full blackout option for lab work on sensitive ancient human remains. Planet AG was responsible for the full-height atrium glazing, using 19.5mm toughened laminated glass. It required carefully spaced holes for securing attenuators that control airflow within the building.

The Project That Harnessed Evolve ZeroThis residential project used Evolve Zero blinds to replace existing blind systems for a set of bifold doors.Evolve Zero blinds are one of the most high quality solutions on the market when it comes to covering large windows or doors.They are a solution unique to Umbra, being equipped with an anti-bending technology which allows the Evolve Zero to cover spaces monumentally larger than previously possible.Problems regular blinds face when covering large areas:The blind fabric sagging inwards.The roller mechanism becoming too large.The top mechanism bends out of shape with the weight of the blind.Benefits of the new anti-bending technology:Blinds can cover up to 5 meters horizontally.Mechanisms are more compact.There is less light leak than using two blinds to cover the same area.This project shows that Evolve Zero blinds are the perfect solution when covering large areas of glazing.

The extraordinary, purpose built SuperLab in Oxford provides much needed lab space and fantastic facilities for the next generation of science entrepreneurs and innovators. The new state-of-the-art building is located close to the city centre and the university, which spins out around 15 science firms a year. Created and built by Oxford-based Robin Swailes Design and Development, the SuperLab offers almost 7,000 sq ft of accommodation for up to 84 staff and blends contemporary design with the latest efficiency features while meeting the needs of the modern workforce. The building is made of 95 per cent recycled aluminium and features a grey water system using collected rainwater to flush the toilets, thermal efficient panelling, air source heat pumps and solar panels to minimise its carbon footprint and keep running costs as low as possible. Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of its high-performance glazing products for this unique development via approved fabricator Alternative Windows. Products used were: System 17 Curtain Walling, System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 4-35Hi Fixed Casement Windows and System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Doors. Curved walls, round windows and open ceilings create a sense of space and wellbeing, topped off with advanced acoustics, quality finishing touches and a playful interior. The result is an inspiring and design-focused workplace that encourages collaboration. Outside, a roof top recreation area provides space for al fresco meetings, eating and drinking with views over Oxford’s Dreaming Spires. A fantastic project to have been involved in, which ultimately encourages young and innovative science pioneers to stay and further their career on home soil.

Victoria Chambers is nestled in the heart of Westminster, offering a taste of quintessential London Life within a wider neighbourhood of political and royal grandeur characterised by the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. This mainly pedestrianised cobbled street hosts a vibrant weekday market and is home to the newly revitalised Victoria Chambers – previously office suites, now refurbished and returned to their original residential purpose.Step inside and be amazed at the light that permeates through these revitalised spaces. Superb planning has maximised the living areas and ceilings have been enhanced to draw attention to their impressive heights. The feeling is contemporary chic, yet remains a sense of tradition with some fine period detailing. The interiors have been designed with the charm of the building’s street in mind, from making features of the loft like windows, to the chevron patterned tiling mimicking the cobbled street. The overall look and feel has great charisma, in keeping with its environment.Selo played a key part in this development as both Arriva and Enigma doors were installed. Arriva stands out as an exceptionally versatile doorset featuring an outward-opening action. When positioned in front of the concealed flush side, the door gracefully swings open towards you, adding to its user-friendly and adaptable design.Enigma Pocket Doors are recognised space savers and allow the occupiers to use the full footprint of the rooms where they are installed. A conventional door will need a radius of around three feet to open which means around 10 square foot of space needs to be kept free for the door to function. This is all space that could be used for something else.

One of the first projects we worked on with Vox Ignis was a 16-storey student accommodation development in Bournemouth with an adjoining car park and office building, that required an Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS). The property developer was – and remains to this day – one of our largest clients, so we knew we had to work with a partner we could trust and that had the capability to provide us with products that were really at the cutting-edge of the safety and security industries.Prior to this, just after they’d launched Vox Ignis, the two founding partners of the firm had both paid a visit to our headquarters in the South East to show us their marketing material.  Once they demonstrated a few examples of their products, we were sold on them As a company which specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of fire and security systems, we know that the products we buy have to be not only innovative but also aesthetically pleasing, as a lot of the people we work with are architects and creatives. This is what really made Vox Ignis stand head and shoulders above everyone else we’d worked with. Not only were their products leaders in their field in terms of technology but they were also, by far, the best-looking products out there from a design point of view.3x VILX-TMS-W-8 Master Stations6x VILX-EX-8 Expander Panels44x VILX-OSB Type B Outstations

2019 Best Educational New Build at the SPACES Awards2019 Highly Commended at the Sussex Heritage AwardsVacated in 1994 and in a state of disrepair since a fire destroyed its chapel in 2009, the convent in Hunston required partial demolishing and refurbishment. IG’s gothic arch lintels played an important role in the restoring character to the original convent built in 1870 – now a central piece to the new Chichester Free School.Challenge:The £26.5m project plans, designed by Novium Architects and built by Farrans Construction needed to retain the unique single and double gothic arch windows surrounded by stone detailing. Extraordinary engineering was required to help secure the traditional architecture within the crumbling walls.Solution:The use of BIM by Doran Consulting within a Common Data Environment (Aconex) allowed their design team to integrate a digital survey of the existing convent building into the 3D models for the refurbishment to the existing and the extension of the two new school wings. This was vital in designing the new structure around the existing building, avoiding potential site clashes and to deal with complex details connecting the old building with the new, well in advance of site construction.To ensure the existing convent facades were restored to their former glory, IG’s production team replicated a double gothic arch lintels to the exacting design and measurements required. A 1580mm opening span, incorporating two 650mm wide gothic arch details, with a 430mm rise was specified – increasing the end bearing to extend the distribution of the load to the brickwork.The disused 19th century Carmelite convent has been successfully transformed into an educational facility. The new school blocks are linear in form with each wing projecting either side of the newly restored convent. The bespoke solution helped to rediscover the architectural significance of the old building as part of a new contemporary setting. The school now boasts a 600m2 sports hall, 250m2 hall and dedicated music and performance spaces for over 1280 students from reception age right through to sixth form.

MODERN COASTAL ARCHITECTURE CREATED USING TECHNAL SYSTEMSLayered recessed glazed facades, created using TECHNAL aluminium systems, maximise occupant views and deliver a sleek seafront architectural focus for new, luxury apartments overlooking the beach at Gorey in Jersey.Designed by Jersey-based Morris Architects, the development called The Beach comprises six apartments across four floors with undercroft car parking. Constructed by main contractor, Camerons, the glazing package was coordinated by installer Style Windows who worked with fabricator Bonam and Berry Ltd to develop the specification. “Using layered glazed balconies and recessed facades, the building takes on a stylish streamlined appearance. A sweeping corner provides an open, translucent structure, which minimises impact on the adjacent cottages and the beach. Secondary vertical columns have been used to help articulate the horizontal curved form of the balconies.”Ricardo Marques, architectMaximising the beautiful view for the building’s occupants using minimal profiles was a priority for the design team, without compromising the façade’s weather performance at this exposed location. This was achieved using a range of aluminium systems from the extensive TECHNAL range.  For easy access to the balcony area on the seaside elevation, the TECHNAL C160S Lift & Slide aluminium door system has been installed to each level, combining minimal sightlines and high thermal performance with a user-friendly slide action that glides, effortlessly. One of the door sets is an impressive 4.5m wide x 2.4m high, comprising only two panes, both of which are sliding. "Coastal developments always require a diligent approach to glazing specification. The architect had a clear vision for the building and the facade required a precision specification to achieve the right balance between aesthetic and performance in relation to the building's exposed location. Whilst installing beach-side was challenging, the finished facade looks impressive."Dave Sutcliffe, Style WindowsTo achieve the curved glazed corners at each storey level, TECHNAL Elegance 52 ST Curtain Walling has been fabricated to the specified quadrant, with an external radius of 1.9m, resulting in an impressive glass arc width of almost 3m. Combined with the 2.4m floor to ceiling height, the Elegance 52 ST system has allowed for a truly breathtaking sweeping curve to the building. Internally, the mullion of the curtain walling aligns perfectly with the adjacent Lift & Slide doors, giving the façade an elegant, continuous flow across the elevation."This is the beauty of TECHNAL systems. Even with the high wind loads of this exposed location, we have been able to create a sleek facade solution."Ricardo Marques, architectOther TECHNAL systems used on the project include four single doors and one double-set from the Dualframe Dualsecure 75mm range as well as its STII Doors to the entrance and escape doors. A selection of Dualframe 75mm SI windows in top hung, side hung and pivot configurations have also been installed throughout the building.Taking advantage of the dual colour facility and to combat the extreme weather conditions of this coastal location, externally the systems are anodised to Anolok™ Umber 543 in contrast with the white rendered walls. Internally, a white powder coat finish has been used to maintain the light bright design inside the apartments.To the north facing elevation, standard low-e toughened glass was specified with the rest glazed using solar control glass."Bonam and Berry has supplied TECHNAL architectural aluminium products continuously for over 40 years, and uses the complete range of systems for residential, commercial, educational and all public and private sector applications."Andrew Spencer, Commercial Director at Bonam & Berry

American software giant Adobe has opted for C-TEC’s innovative SigTEL disabled refuge system at its impressive UK Headquarters in Maidenhead, Surrey.With its powerful controllers and extensive arrangement of fire telephone and disabled refuge outstations, the system is central to protecting the state-of-the-art UK offices of one of the world’s most successful software and technology-based companies. However, according to David King, Installation Manager at Niscayah Group, the company that completed the project at Market House, the installation was far from straightforward as the building already had a SigTEL disabled refuge system installed on one floor which needed to be connected to new equipment so to create one large system for the entire four-storey building.Said David: “The challenge was to interface an additional Master Controller and various outstations to the equipment already in operation. To achieve this we temporarily suspended the system and used C-TEC’s new EVC423 software to completely reprogram it once the new Controller and outstations had been installed.”Although specifically designed for the programming of larger SigTEL systems, C-TEC’s new EVC423 is also excellent for programming smaller disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation systems.Said David: “The software proved to be a lifesaver on this particular project as it enabled us to program the entire system from scratch very quickly reducing system downtime. The fact that you can edit outstation/extension names using a PC makes programming so much quicker and easier”As a result, Market House now has a fully operational disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation system. In an emergency situation, the system will enable clear two-way communication between building management and people located in the refuge areas to, firstly, assist rescue teams in finding people and, secondly, to let stranded people know that help is on the way.Based in London, Niscayah Group is a subsidiary of Swedish-headquartered Niscayah AB (formerly known as Securitas Systems AB). Specialising as an integrator, the company offers complete fire and security solutions for customers with high demands for security and efficient solutions.

The ModernGlide MG100 Top Hung Movable Acoustic Wall provides seamless room dividing options and is ideal for dividing your interior space.Movable Walls Key Facts & Specifications:Acoustic reduction from 37dB to 58dBTop-hung with no floor trackFixing to beam or concrete soffitPanel widths of 650mm to 1250mmHeight up to 12000mmFull height or inset pass door optionsSemi-electric top and bottom seal optionsStacking via single and double point suspensionFinishes include melamine, laminate, veneer, magnetic wipe boardIntegral glazing options30 minute and 1 hour fire rating options

The ModernGlide MG100 Top Hung Acoustic Wall is ideal for large auditorium spaces and halls where room heights can be up to 12 mtrs high.Movable Walls Key Facts & Specifications:Acoustic reduction from 37dB to 58dBTop-hung with no floor trackFixing to beam on concrete soffitPanel widths of 650mm to 1250mmHeight up to 12000mmInset pass door optionsSemi-electric top and bottom seal optionsStacking via single and double point suspensionFinishes include melamine, laminate, veneer, magnetic wipe boardIntegral glazing options30 minute and 1 hour fire rating options

We worked with Squire Sanders, the global law firm, and their architect Jacobs Webber, to design their contemporary headquarters. Based in Central London at 7 Devonshire Square, their space needed to be professional, functional and fit with the aesthetic of the rest of their offices located in various countries around the world.In their building, we fitted secondary doors – for cupboards and storage spaces – that were full-height and designed to discreetly hide the casing of sliding folding walls to create a smooth and sleek interior. They worked perfectly with the architect’s plans so that the company had to make no compromises on the design they wanted within the space that they had.We also spent time drawing up a completely bespoke design for their fire extinguisher cupboards, factoring in aesthetics, function, and safety. The end result consisted of cupboards with a concealed frame, a stainless steel wrapped door, and a vision panel to see within the unit from the exterior.In terms of the doors themselves, we worked with the architect and the law firm to select the Arriva, Innova, models and bespoke SS-Faced Arriva models. These choices allowed us to create designs that worked perfectly for their use and allow the design to flow throughout their headquarters.The end result is effortlessly modern, and the design is consistent with their global branding. The functionality is improved for both employees and clients or guests, and the interior has a timeless professionalism that suits the ethos of the company.Browse the images to see exactly what we did or, if you think your commercial space needs some expert help with contemporary, functional doors, get in touch with our team at Selo, and lets get chatting.

Alison Park Hotel is a conversion of a former hotel to a complete renovation of the building creating ten new apartments and a townhouse. The project also included a new building extension to a further townhouse, as well as a revamping of the garages into 3 cottages. Situated in the centre of the picturesque and well-known spa town of Buxton, Alison Park Hotel benefits from features such as mock timber framing, and oriel windows and doors.Cellecta ScreedBoard 28 was specified for this project due to its unrivalled performance. The unique interlocking edges on our ScreedBoard 28 mean that no screws are required, making it easy to install, a convenience on site saving installation time.Amos Group was awarded this 1,500m² contract to develop this refurbishment and extension.

Situated in one of the most expensive boroughs in the Capital, this grade 2 listed building houses 24 luxury apartments, and 1 penthouse across its 6 floors.This building was ahead of its time in 2008-10, with a curved façade and panoramic views for each apartment, designed by award-winning architects Dixon Jones. Dixon Jones Architects closed its door in September 2020 after 30 years. The architects state they were negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and were both in their 80s when they closed. Some of their most famous projects include the Royal Opera House, National Gallery and Oxford and Cambridge Universities to name a few.The prices of the apartments range between £1-2 million and its understandable when the interior features contemporary finishes, full-height windows, balconies with private terraces, lift access and a car parking space. It’s set in an ideal location with 3 stations all within 0.6 miles and Chelsea football club, and Westminster hospital both within walking distance.We worked with the Architects to reach the solution of our timber leaf riser door system, Una. This allowed them to fit standard ironmongery including locks, flush bolts, and handles. The architect chose to go with our butt hinges to allow for a contemporary finish to match the interiors, although these riser doors were installed in the corridors.

Project: The Castings, Piccadilly EastLocation: Heyrod Street, ManchesterVCL membrane system supplier: ADA FastfixSystem used: illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer, illbruck TF448 High Performance Bonding Tape, ME322 Internal Tape 100illbruck, a part of CPG UK, have celebrated the successful installation of their new A2 fire classified vapour control layer within an exciting new residential development in the heart of Manchester.The projectThe Castings, Piccadilly East is on a 0.7-acre site in the Manchester Piccadilly regeneration area and includes four stepped building elements rising to 25-storeys high. The development will consist of 352 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments, including a mix of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bed units, alongside roof terrace gardens, retail and amenity space, and a public square. The project was designed with a focus on sustainability, to deliver low energy consumption with highly efficient building fabric.ADA Fastfix, a leading supplier into the construction industry, were approached to find an airtight vapour control membrane which would ensure high levels of thermal performance and energy efficiency in the building. As a ‘relevant building’ according to Building Regulations Approved Document B, the installed membrane needed to be a fire classified solution; an A2 fire classified solution was requested to provide enhanced fire safety for the building and its occupants.The solutionADA Fastfix selected illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer due to its enhanced reaction to fire classification of A2-s1, d0 to EN 13501-1, excellent product performance, and the accompanying technical support from the illbruck team. illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane uses advanced technology to combine reinforced glass fibre with an aluminium and laminated coating, providing long lasting strength and durability. The special coating also improves thermal performance by reflecting up to 95% of heat.  Its airtight and vapour-tight properties, which can be used to comply with Passivhaus, helps improve energy efficiency whilst protecting the building fabric from moisture vapour and condensation.The applicationOver 6,000m2 of illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane Pro Air and Vapour Control Layer was attached to the Steel Frame Structure using TF448 50mm high performance tape. The lap joints and window details were then sealed with ME322 70mm tape. This system can be used on the internal structure of a timber frame or lightweight steel structure to manage air and moisture flow, as well as enhance the building’s thermal performance, energy efficiency, and fire safety. Alongside providing high performance products, the illbruck team also helped the client with detailed drawings, technical service and application guidance, and on-site support – to ensure a smooth installation process and great finished result.Project overviewScott Hurry, Area Sales Manager at CPG UK, said, “illbruck ME060 A2-Membrane was the ideal choice for this fabric first build due to its enhanced reaction to fire classification as well as helping to improve thermal performance in the building. This is the first major installation of our new ME060 A2 fire classified membrane - we’re delighted to work with ADA Fastfix to see our products installed in this development, where our membrane will be helping to protect the building and its residents for years to come.”