"controls for services energy recovery"

The car dealer Kronsbjerg in Odense, Denmark, is a family owned company. Kronsbjerg was established in 1922 and is now run by the fourth generation with three branches on the Danish island Funen. Over the years, they have sold and serviced several, different car brands. In December 2015, Autohuset Kronsbjerg started selling and servicing yet another car brand in their department in Odense. Taking on this new car brand meant that existing facilities became too small. Therefore, Kronsbjerg decided to invest in a new, beautiful building of approx. 1500 m2 , which could accommodate both management facilities and exhibition areas for the existing and new cars. The new premises are built in split levels between the two exhibition areas that have a level difference of approx. 50 cm. Therefore, it was necessary to create accessibility for people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users – as well as to meet the Danish regulatory requirements for accessibility in new buildings.To negotiate the height differences Kronsbjerg chose the LP7 platform lift from Stepless by Guldmann both because of its elegant and light design but also because of the plug and play construction that has a very low entry level of only 50 mm. This allows for a short ramp and no need for placing the platform in a pit.  

Envisioned as the first purpose-built music college in the UK since 1987, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music hosts 5 performance venues that have been created to service an increasingly digital environment.Its public concert hall contains seating for 500 and a full orchestra and is flanked by an organ studio, the Eastside Jazz Club, a 150-seat recital hall and “The Lab” – an experimental music space. It is additionally serviced by 70 practice rooms, a cafe, and a large three-level entrance foyer.Constructed in Birmingham’s Education sector, the project acts as a cultural hub by offering visual and performing arts to the city as well as its students. Special attention was given to creating a building that made access feel as easy as possible.Using our Floren Polaris bricks, and beautifully designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the exterior of the project has been described as an ‘Urban Castle’, with the acoustic benefits of brick being employed to reduce external noise as well as enable the Conservatoire to carry itself visually amongst the surrounding campus.The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has won the RIBA West Midlands Project of the Year, RICS West Midlands Project of the Year and the RICS West Midlands Design for Innovation Award.

In 2015, Quinn London Ltd started the refurbishment of The Market Building, in Brentford which involved the conversion of Offices to residential dwellings as a ‘Material Change of Use’ project. Soundis provided acoustic solution options for this project, in order to ensure a cost effective Value Engineering Exercise, on behalf of the Main Contractor.As the 1st floor required a deep void system due to new soil pipes and waste pipes having to be installed along the corridor within the building for kitchens and bathrooms, it was agreed to utilise Soundis Cradle & Batten System. This provided a service void for the pipes of 300mm whilst the other areas of the floor were treated with the system at 80mm FFH. The Soundis cradle & batten acoustic floor was then overlaid with a Soundis a high quality, interlocking dry screed system gypsum fibreboard.The Soundis cradle & batten floor system has been installed on the existing concrete and existing timber structural floors to provide a level floor over the un-even sub-deck. The service void provided by Soundis cradle & batten system can be used for other flooring applications, such as underfloor heating.Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects.

We were approached by engineering and construction company Planet Construction to help with a project at Windsor Castle.Our experts met the professionals at Planet Construction on-site to gain a deeper understanding of what was required. The toilets located in the St George's area needed upgrading. The facilities needed to be robust yet stylish and in keeping with the fixtures and fittings. It became clear that the cisterns required weren't a standard size so further investigations were needed to ensure the correct products were installed.After discussions, our specifications team suggested the Dudley Electroflo range encompassing infra-red WC flushing and basin taps. This range was specifically developed to save water and maintain hygiene. A trial took place to ensure the bespoke cisterns wouldn't present any problems before the full installation was carried out. The Electroflo products are also easy to service, saving both time and money on-site which was another important factor.Testimonial“We wanted to use a supplier who had a good reputation for providing quality products with great service. The facilities needed to be upgraded and hygiene was an important factor so the touch-free infra-red technology was ideal and the modern design was very complimentary. Installation was simple with no issues at all.”

BackgroundK Systems’ retrofit of the REEMA non-traditional construction Properties in Swindon, South-West England, is a stellar example of the company’s ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Swindon Borough Council had a development of 50+ properties in Upper Stratton all with aged facades and poor thermal qualities, some with U-values as inadequate as1.59W/m ² K.K Systems supported Swindon Borough Council, led by Projects Surveyor John Black, to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on five primary objectives:- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home (SAP rating)- Deliver greater thermal comfort for residents- Choose a solution with acoustic benefits and non-combustable benefits- Reduce tenants’ energy consumption- Deliver an attractive aesthetic that would uplift the areaHaving a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver its clients’ visions, K Systems partnered with approved installer, Rateavon Ltd, to scope out theproject and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.Our ServiceK System worked in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council and Rateavon Ltd to upgrade these poorly insulated houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.One of the primary requirements was to improve the performance rating of each home, with a target U-value of 0.30W/m²K. In fact, K Systems exceeded that in the project delivery by achieving a U-value of 0.29W/m²K.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Digital technology was deployed from the very beginning to produce models and CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) to not only assure Swindon Council the finished project would meet its specific requirements, but to also guide the design process and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.Regular inspections and site audits were carried out alongside Swindon Council to ensure the same level of care and attention to detail that applied when specifying theproject was being applied during its implementation and delivery.Technical Project DetailsOn initial inspection, K Systems found a problematic substrate. The REEMA hollow panel non-traditional construction properties are constructed of a concrete frame with thin concrete panels to the exterior façade. This type of thin panel construction created a significant challenge for the team to find a suitable EWI fixing, but with the help from Rawlplug, one of our EWI fixings suppliers a robust and safe fixing solution was found, without compromising the existing REEMA construction.Harnessing years of EWI system design knowledge and unrivalled expertise in this field, K Systems worked closely with Rawlplug and a structural engineer to identify a suitable fixing detail and pattern which would not only be robust but also suitable for this type of substrate.With a structurally strong solution agreed, focus then turned to the appropriate insulation solution.After a comprehensive scoping process taking into consideration client requirements, project objectives, budgets and timeframes, K Systems specified the industry proven K Systems M, Mineral Wool EWI system to not only significantly boost thermal performance of the buildings but also reduce noise pollution for the tenants.K Systems 100mm Mineral Wool insulation has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the refurbishment as it would combat the increased heating costs faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building and reducing the risk of condensation or mould damage.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- non-combustibility, A2-s1,d0 fire rated- its excellent acoustic properties, reducing noise pollution- its environmentally friendly composition as the insulation is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)- its workability and easy to cut format, reducing labour time across the board for the team.Having identified solutions that improved structure and thermal performance, K Systems then offered the best quality finish for the properties – an aesthetically pleasing, cost effective combination of VBriQ+ clay brick slips and Silkolitt+ silicone render that both Swindon Council and the residents would be proud of.VBriQ+ is a lightweight, highly durable, clay brick slip system and a more cost-effective finish option in comparison to tradition brick systems without compromising on quality, weather resistance, workability and durability. This made it perfect for a project of this scale – a project which required maximum and long-lasting impact without incurring maximum costs.The Silkolitt+ silicone render finish rejuvenated the properties’ exteriors and massively enhanced the area’s overall aesthetic, making it a much more appealing place to set up home.Yet again going the extra mile for clients to ensure unrivalled workmanship and longevity, K Systems finished all 52 properties with K Pro - a water-based protective treatment used to provide long term enhanced water repellent properties to external render and other masonry surfaces, helping combat the problems associated with water intrusion including efflorescence, frost, water-soluble pollutants and algae growth meaning the substrate will stay clean and dry for longer.K Systems and approved installer Rateavon Ltd delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Swindon Council, and the residents of the newly improved homes.John Black, Projects Surveyor at Swindon Borough Council, said:“Throughout the project K Systems have supported Swindon Borough Council agreeing all detailing to ensure current day Building Control Regulations were met. They supported resolutions throughout the project lifecycle and were really reactive, visiting site and supporting when required. They carried out weekly detailed spot check reports with photographic evidence and also checked batch numbers of materials. They delivered a great service. A really successful project.”

The challengeThe school had conventional hand dryers in place that were about 15 years old. They had a slow dry time of around 30 seconds and a rated power of 2300 kW, which isn’t very energy efficient for a hand dryer. They wanted something more cost effective, as they were renting the machines and it was costing them a lot of money year on year. “They are really good, compact, quiet, easy to keep clean and most of all reliable. The children seem to like the fact there is no button to push” Graeme Davie - Premises ManagerAbout South Farnborough Junior SchoolThis is a non-denominational Junior School catering for boys and girls from seven to eleven years of age, situated in Farnborough, Hampshire.It caters for approx. 400 pupils and has a Resourced Provision for Learning Difficulties that provides provision for 20 children.The solutionProviding a great balance between low noise levels, energy efficiency and quick dry times, this highly robust hand dryer has a motor expectancy that exceeds all others on the market Model: Dryflow Classic PLUS MKIIDry time range: 15-20 secondsRated power: 1400WGuarantee length: 7 yearsThe resultsEstimated annual cost to use old hand dryers: £644*Estimated annual cost to use new hand dryers: £235.20*Annual cost savings: £408.80*Estimated annual old hand dryer carbon production: 2898+ Kg/CO2Estimated annual new hand dryer carbon production: 1058.40+ Kg/CO2Annual carbon savings: 1839.60 Kg/CO2Estimated return on investment period:Payback period: approx. 2.4 yearsEstimated annual savings using new high-speed hand dryers compared to if paper towels were used**: Cost Savings: £4,804.80Carbon Savings: 5,241.60kg/CO2Trees Saved: 33.6* Based on 12p per kW/h; + Based on 1kW = 0.54 kg/CO2; **Based on 3 paper towels used per dry, 0.6p per paper towel, 22.5gms/CO2 per dry)

We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Birmingham University, having installed many doors and operators in the past. The University has a large campus, and we have a few projects under our belts where improved sustainable access has been achieved.Below is a fine selection of some of our more recent installations.Project Year: 2023Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Main entrance)Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Harding Building)Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 F (Arts & Law Building)Project Background: The University’s goal is to make every door and every entrance accessible for everyone so it’s inclusive, reflecting their commitment to diversity and equality. By prioritizing accessibility, they aim to ensure that all members of the university community, regardless of their physical abilities, can navigate the campus with ease. Through these efforts, Birmingham University continues to set a standard for higher education institutions striving to provide equitable access to education and resources for all.With this in mind, the facilities management team required robust, reliable and energy saving elements to their entrances.Solution: Two of the buildings required strong operators to withstand the daily use of their current swing doors. Our elegant heavy duty SW200 swing door operators were incorporated into one of the University’s main entrances and The Harding building, which both required reliability and ease of entrance, as students are often carrying heavy bags full of books and electronics. The SL500 Framesliding door was installed in the Arts & Law building, allowing for a seamless and responsive entrance as you enter the bright lobby. This helped to reduce the amount of energy required in this building, making it more efficient at heating and cooling.We have more projects in the pipeline with Birmingham University as they continue to enhance their facilities. Our commitment to providing first-rate door solutions and operators aligns perfectly with the university’s mission to create a welcoming and accessible environment for students, staff, and visitors.Check out more Education solutions.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.Pictures by NickCaville.com

A sense of community, abundant greenery and lake views on the roof terrace for all residentsThe housing fair is held annually in Finland. In 2021, it will be held in a scenic location in Lohja, Southern Finland. An interesting partnership quarter will also be put up in the fair area, where a sense of community has especially been taken into account in the planning. A block of 34 modern and energy-efficient apartments. The principal designer of the site is the architect Sasu Alasentie from UKI Arkkitehdit.”The idea behind the whole quarter is a sense of community. The flats in the building do not have their own saunas, but instead a communal use sauna will be constructed on the roof terrace. You can see the wonderful lake scenery from the roof and by utilising the roof terrace we wanted to ensure views of the lake to all residents. The yard areas of the quarter are fairly compact, but the roof terrace creates more greenery and communal outside areas for all the residents to use. We also hope that this will increase the residents’ team spirit and sense of community,” says Sasu Alasentie about the basis of the planning. ”On the roof terrace, we will also build an individual planting box for each resident, where they can cultivate herbs, flowers or whatever plants they want. A small summer kitchen corner and dining area will also be built there, as well as hanging chairs for lounging around. All in all, the area will hopefully become a communal, green oasis to spend time in, for all the residents,” says Sasu Alasentie. ”When we were choosing materials for the terrace, it was important to us that they would be in keeping with the building’s ecological nature and energy efficiency. Together with the contractor, we decided on the UPM ProFi Piazza composite for the terrace material. What appealed to us about it was particularly its durability and that it was easy to look after. Naturally also the fact that it’s made of recycled material, which fits well with the environmentally-friendly ideology of the whole building. I believe that in future projects, environmental friendliness and materials made from recycled materials will become even more popular,” says Sasu Alasentie.  

A Heritage Oasis in AudleyNestled in Audley, Staffordshire, the William White Buildings embody the essence of 19th-century Gothic architecture—a testament to the village's rich heritage. Once a hub of shops and bustling activity, these structures found a new chapter in 2006 when Robert Walker transformed one of them into his family home.Windows in Distress: A Restoration ChallengeThe William White Building faced a restoration challenge with aging windows, their frames succumbing to rot and double-glazed units showing signs of wear. The conservation dilemma prompted a quest for a solution that seamlessly blended preservation with modern efficiency.Vacuum Glazing's Renaissance: Gowercroft’s Heroic DuoIn came Gowercroft Joinery, armed with a transformative duo—Accoya® timber frames and LandVac Heritage vacuum glazing. The 8mm sleek profile of the vacuum glazing emerged as the hero, offering not just conservation compliance but a contemporary touch to enhance energy efficiency while preserving the historic charm.Preserving History: The Unique Features of the William White BuildingsThe red brick facades, traditional bond patterns, and the iconic series of narrow and wide pointed ground floor arches defined the William White Buildings. Gowercroft’s Heritage range, featuring LandVac vacuum glazing, played a crucial role in safeguarding these intricate details.Crafting the Perfect Fit: Integration ChallengesPreserving the original aesthetic became a meticulous commitment. The flush fitting of replacement casements posed a unique challenge, demanding skilled brickwork surgery to seamlessly blend the new windows into the 1800s architecture.Homeowner’s Delight: A Warm Welcome with New WindowsRobert Walker, the delighted homeowner, shared his joy. The new windows not only looked the part but brought a palpable warmth to their home. The LandVac magic transformed once problematic windows into a symbol of modern efficiency harmonizing with historic charm.Conclusion: A Beacon of Heritage and InnovationIn the tranquil village of Audley, the William White Buildings now stand not just as relics of the past but as a living testament to the seamless integration of heritage and innovation. The LandVac magic has not only preserved history but propelled these buildings into a future of energy-efficient, comfortable living—a true beacon of heritage and innovation.

Tallest tower in London’s financial district uses market-leading SonaSpray for acoustic perfection.As well as dominating the skyline of London’s financial district with its striking 23-sided glass façade, 22 Bishopsgate has not only rewritten the rules of what a modern office space should look like but also how it sounds. Having become a ‘mecca’ for workplace wellbeing, putting individuals and employees at the heart of its design, it was important that the spaces sounded as good as they looked. With acoustics playing a leading role in delivering overall comfort to a space, partnering interior design studios DesignLSM and The Morris Project turned to experts, Oscar Acoustics, to control sound levels within its buzzing food and dining area - ‘The Market’ for pitch-perfect ambience.  Known as the ‘foodie heart’ of 22 Bishopsgate, its selection of bustling food counters makes it a hub for workers looking to drink coffee, take lunch breaks and host meetings. However, being a lively, open hospitality space, the clink of cutlery and energetic conversation would mean that the café space was at risk of excessively high noise levels, which left unchecked would create an uncomfortable drinking and dining experience for guests.  Karen Taylor, DesignLSM’s lead designer, said: “Providing a healthy environment that would enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of those working in the building was a top priority when designing the 20,000sq ft space. The building itself includes triple-glazed windows to reduce outside noise, but it was important that the internal acoustics were just as well considered to compliment the sense of balance and harmony throughout.  “As a multi-purpose space, The Market area is a dynamic part of the building where the Bishopsgate community can unwind, dine and socialise. Whilst the area needed to have a spirited ‘buzz’ to it, there would also be guests that wanted to relax and recharge, and therefore considering the people and their needs was always at the forefront of our design strategy.” As The Market includes an array of hard surfaces such as tables and chairs in-line with its open dining aesthetic, a solution was needed to counteract noise reverberation and echo, which causes sound levels to climb. To remedy this, DesignLSM turned to Oscar Acoustics’ SonaSpray acoustic spray range. Once applied to ceilings or walls the seamless acoustic finish absorbs sound energy instead of reflecting it, enabling designers to create serene and inviting spaces. In this case, its SonaSpray fcx acoustic plaster finish was used to reduce overall noise for a more calming atmosphere. With strict building deadlines and restrictions to adhere to, SonaSpray was also chosen for its efficiency as it can be applied quickly with minimum disruption, allowing work to continue as promptly as possible.  Importantly, it was Oscar Acoustics’ third-party safety certifications that caught the eyes of designers. With such a large building to consider, fire safety had to be a number one priority. With fire credentials that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating), the SonaSpray range produces little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets – which can assist in the safe escape of occupants should an event occur.  As the first building in the UK to apply for the WELL Building Standard, the premium acoustic spray was a perfect fit due its contributions towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including WELL, BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. It also boasts GREENGUARD Gold certification which shows it has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of VOCs into indoor air, aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments. Ben Hancock managing director at Oscar Acoustics, said: “22 Bishopsgate has raised the bar in office design and it’s a real feather in our cap to be part of such a pioneering and monumental building.  “When we were approached about the project, we jumped at the chance. The design ethos of 22 Bishopsgate aligns closely with our own values – putting employee wellness and comfort above all else.  “It’s clear that our experience working on some of the UK's biggest office refurbishments has been put into action, encapsulating future thinking around work/life balance, to create a dining destination that offers maximum comfort without comprising on design. “We know from our own independent research that excessive levels of noise are a major deterrent for workers who want to embrace hybrid working – but this building proves that if it handled correctly, it’s possible to create a space where employees want to revisit time and time again.”Image credits to Tom Meredith Photography.

The Cartcraigs high-rise project located in the heart of Southside Glasgow was a rewarding project to be involved with allowing real transformation and change in several key areas.The tower block was originally built in the 1960’s with a grey cladding finish but due to decades of inclement Scottish weather, the building was weather-beaten, tired and dated. With its stature and prominent location, the building should have been an attractive living option in Southside Glasgow but instead was unappealing to potential residents, and in desperate need of modernisation.Rising fuel prices and the current poor thermal performance of the tower block, meant it was extremely difficult and expensive for tenants to heat their flats – so much so that many occupants were considered in a state of fuel poverty.In collaboration with MAST Architects and our approved installer PWM, we designed a façade solution that not only significantly improved the thermal performance of the building, but transformed Cartcraigs aesthetically creating a modern, fit-for-purpose living space.A complete revamp which has given the building a new lease of life and delivered safe, modern and energy efficient homes for the residents.Our ServiceDue to the scale of this project, the congested location and small site footprint, we had to work closely with our approved installer, main contractor, and local authority to ensure minimum disruption to both the residents of Cartcraigs and residents of the surrounding area.Delivery routes and schedules were agreed to ensure consideration for local residents throughout the project.As part of our service commitment, our Site Application Specialists carried out regular site visits to ensure our system was installed to the highest standard and in line with our specification.They were available throughout the duration of the project to provide technical guidance, installation support and ensure the highest levels of quality. This allowed the K Systems Technical & Logistics Teams to support the schedule of the project with timely delivery of materials to site and ensuring there were no delays during the installation and inspection processes.“In conjunction with the Architects we approached K Systems to design a system to comply with fire regulations and offer a solution to make the look of the building more aesthetically pleasing along with making it a point of interest within the Southside area. Great site support was provided by Ally along with Technical/Service support from Jim and Martin. The team at PWM look forward to working on our next project with K Systems.”Kevin Fox, PWM Projects ManagerTechnical Project DetailsThe original façade incorporated a 25mm cavity with reinforced concrete inner leaf shaped panels, which could be seen beneath the then grey façade panelling. Wheatley Group, the client, had requested a clean, crisp, and smooth finish that would also comply with Scottish Fire Regulations.After numerous design meetings taking into consideration client requirements, budgets, and timeframes, we put forward our industry-proven K Systems M Silicone EWI system. The system was designed using 160mm non-combustible mineral wool insulation to meet the 0.18 (W/m2K) U-value requirement, making it the perfect choice for the refurbishment to combat the heating issues faced by residents and futureproof the building as a viable living space for years to come.Bespoke technical detailing and rigorous adherence to our high-rise policy ensured a high performing system with an A2 non-combustible fire rating, complying with all safety regulations for buildings over 11m in Scotland. The 160mm insulated grey and white façade delivered a really attractive high-rise that will now better withstand the Scottish elements.The finish used was our high-performance thin coat render, Silicone TC15. The contemporary colours of grey and white were chosen from our wide range of colours which visually transformed the 17-storey building. Our polymer rich Silicone TC15 allows ease of application, and its hydrophobic properties will provide a clean, crisp and low-maintenance finish for years to come.Our specification included bespoke detailing to provide solutions for Cartcraig’s individual retrofit design challenges. We also commissioned wind load calculations and fixing pull-out tests to determine optimum fixing patterns to anchor the EWI system to the different substrates. Ultimately, a safe, thermally efficient and visually appealing result was achieved.“K Systems provided a great overall package from the inception of this project with design advice, through the technical stages, with assistance through specification and then with the provision of weekly reports and checks once the project got on site. Cartcraigs, being a high-rise block needed monitoring and adherence to the project specification, and having the K Systems team providing regular on site checks gave the design team the assurance that all requirements were being met.”David Locke, Mast Architects

At 1.5 million sq ft, the Cobalt Business Park is the UK’s largest office park. The development is home to a number of public and private organisations such as the Department for Work and Pensions, North Tyneside Council, Utility Wise, Procter & Gamble, and Accenture.Along with the offices, the park also houses three data centres, designed to store data for companies. These Data Centres cover 10,000 sq M of Data Hall space, making it one of the largest carrier-neutral wholesale co-location campuses in the North.The BriefPhysical security was key for the creation of a Fencing and Gate package to protect over 10,000m2 of data hall space.358 LPS 1175 SR1 Fencing SystemAnti-Climb MeshSawtooth Security ToppingUpgradable System in event of change in security requirementsVarious Physical Access Control Systems

The Heineken brewery at Tadcaster has a 38 million litre capacity and is one of the largest in the country.The Heineken brewery produces more than 90% of the beers sold in the UK, and around 30% of the nation’s apples go into their ciders. The company required upgraded door systems at their processing facility in Tadcaster. Dortek supplied large Novosprint high speed doors between storage and production areas. The short opening and closing speeds of the Novosprint doors which have speeds of up to 5 m/s were ideal for this client who wanted fast, collision free access. The doors were also equipped with radar activation sensors, two photocells and traffic light control for safe and trouble-free operation. The safety sensors prevent the risk of accidents and drastically reduce any damage to the goods or the transport vehicles using the doors.

The new Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital at Salford Royal Hospital, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, is set to provide much needed additional capacity to care for and treat major trauma patients. BAM were appointed to lead the construction of the new facility as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. The project required completion of a building within both the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and the tight programme timescales due to the urgent need for extra capacity.With the hospital committed to achieve an 80% reduction in the carbon emissions they directly control by 2028 – 2032, it was also essential that the facility was well insulated to reduce the demand on its heating systems. To deliver this, whilst meeting the project requirements for a European Classification (Euroclass) A1 or A2 rated façade insulation, K-Roc Rainscreen Slab was fitted as part of the building’s rainscreen façade.

An External Distribution Warehouse Heating Solution was required by Sports Direct for their main distribution warehouse facility at Shirebrook, Derbyshire. The warehouse being 156m x 134m x 17m with minimal internal space was an ideal application for TEx air rotation units.A key factor is choosing this technology was that they had already experienced the efficiencies of such product in their other facilities. 2 x TEG41 – Heaters Externally Mounted and 2 x TEG 61 – Destratification Units – Externally Mounted were installed at the facility by Imtech with a BMS Integration and Control system employed.Installation time was less than 2 weeks, including flueing and weatherproofing and now the warehouse at Sports Direct distribution centre has required heating level to keep stock and employees at a adequate temperature. The external installation has allowed for more internal space and the PPC colour of the external units blends into the exterior building design.

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley Homes LtdWest End Gate is a mixed-use development by Berkeley Homes Ltd on Edgware Road in London W2, near the prestigious neighbourhoods of Marylebone and Little Venice.The development comprises 844 apartments (including 175 affordable), 8 shops and a restaurant, along with a new public plaza and improvements to Edgeware Road Junction.The full OBEX CORTEX Class A Through-Wall System has been specified on this project, including fire-classified Breather Membrane, Vapour Control Layer, Interface Sealing Membrane system, and the Score'N'Snap Cement Board system.With each OBEX product carrying a Class A fire-classification, it puts this façade installation by OCL Facades Ltd at the pinnacle of full compliance and highest performance.Residential Apartments: 844Buildings: 8Storeys: 29

The village of Papekop is located in the west of the province of Utrecht, surrounded on three sides by the province of South Holland.Here, in collaboration with Arco Architecten Bna, a stylish barn house is fitted with two louver systems. By Sunshield.The entire facade on the southwest is made of glass, and has a surface area of 34 m2. The ground floor is equipped with a rectangular slat system. On the second floor, the louver system begins as a rectangle, but ends at the top of the ridge triangular.Each system is operated by a motor with remote control, so independently of each other.The residents have opted for the 96-E louver. A blade with a modern, sleek design and a width of 96 mm. When the slats are fully open, the view between the louvers is 90 mm. The residents can then fully enjoy the rural panorama from their residence.The aluminum components are powder coated in RAL 9004, signal black. The plastic parts are black.

Jigsaw Care Home required a reputable supplier to provide quality washroom facilities suitable for their residents.Our specifications team worked in collaboration with the main contractor to understand fully how best to meet the customer's needs. They required products that were gloss white and looked like porcelain to give sanitaryware a less institutionalised feel. Anti-ligature was a must so our Resan range ticked all the right boxes.All options were discussed before deciding on the Resan pan with blue rim, the phantom Pushflo with anti-ligature button and anti-ligature basin with pneumatic controls, large mirror and shelf. Our infra-red touch-free sensors can be used in through-wall applications and with no electrical power required minimising installation costs and ongoing maintenance.Testimonial“The quality of the products is excellent and the installation was hassle-free”

The project, designed by Uno-A, welcomes 110 flats in three different types of buildings linked by several planted areas; and various common areas, such as a coworking space and an equipped gym.The façades use GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) panels and coloured glass panels to provide architectural identification.Bandalux worked closely with both the architect and the real estate Iempa Immobiliare to provide shading solutions depending on the location and type of building. Z-Box, B-Box Systems and Cofre style awning are place externally, being three different options to management sunlight.Polyscreen® 403 and Trend Light BO fabrics configured these systems according to the lighting needs: visual contact or perfect occultation. On the other hand, Premium Plus roller blinds s are installed inside, providing optimal solar control and comfort.

India Buildings in Liverpool is a 10-storey building with 80,000 square feet of office space. An extensive refurbishment from 2017 to 2021 took place on India Buildings with hopes to house a new tenant of up to 4500 occupants. It is a unique building with distinctive historical features that needed to be retained and achieve Grade A office space.ChallengeThe client had concerns over the access control in India buildings as the new tenant would have a high volume of staff and visitors coming in and out, and wanted to prevent crowding in the reception area. As they were set to be housing civil servants in the regional government hub, there was a higher risk to unauthorised access which they needed to prevent without sacrificing the look of India Building’s historical features.To find out more please follow the linkIndia Buildings HMRC - Case Studies - Meesons

The Lincoln, in Manchester, sits in the heart of Manchester’s Central Business District. With six storeys consisting of 102,000 sq ft of office space, the new building aimed for Grade A status.Achieving an excellent BREEAM rating, The Lincoln opened its doors to tenants in the summer of 2021.ChallengeThe client had a specific requirement to create a secure line connecting the lift lobby to the main building. The purpose of this line was to allow the staff at the reception to have remote control over it. The client was very particular about the design of the speed gates, as they needed to complement the luxurious look of The Lincoln. The gates had to be aesthetically pleasing and blend in seamlessly with the overall design of the building. The client wanted to ensure that the gates would provide security and enhance the guests’ overall experience.To find out more please follow the linkThe Lincoln Manchester - Case Studies - Meesons

The new FIX A320 TACK adhesive was among the Bostik products that – combined with the company’s technical expertise – recently enabled the installation of the flooring on the large site of the new Grange University Hospital in Wales.The state-of-the-art £350m Specialist and Critical Care Centre in Llanfrechfa Grange, Cwmbran is the first major hospital to be built in Wales in more than two decades. It has 2,612 rooms and provides more than 40 specialist services, supported by 3,000 staff.

Minsthorpe Leisure Centre in Yorkshire is managed by Wakefield Council - offering a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, and fitness classes including Zumba, Pilates, HIIT workouts, and boxercise.With support from our technical team, JML Building Services were advised to use Fixfast TapFast Stainless HCR fasteners, for use in corrosive environments. The finished effect was a brand-new swimming pool with roofing and cladding fixings that would stay in place despite the risk of corrosion.

A former HMRC building has been transformed, inside and out, to create Telford’s largest serviced office accommodation with over 52,000 sq.ft of space for 50 offices.As part of the extensive refurbishment programme, the building’s main entrance has also been given a facelift with a new canopy incorporating Radius metal column casings, with a bespoke stepped collar design, as well as bespoke metal bulkheads and fascia's from the Pendock Linea building linings range.

A Lancashire charity that helps to support homeless young people is able to accommodate more of its service users after a rundown church room was completely renovated, thanks to the BBC’s DIY SOS show and all suppliers who provided donations to this worthy cause. Several generous companies offered to donate time and materials to the project and when Gerflor, was contacted by contractor Crown Flooring to see if we could help, we were delighted to be part of the journey.

Granada’s secondary glazing is contributing to a quieter environment within the new Bradford Coroner’s Court following its move to a newly refurbished separate building in a more built-up and noisier area of the city.Formerly located inside Bradford Magistrates’ Court, the Coroner’s service moved to an independent site in Cater Street, Little Germany in early 2022 following years of concern over “sub-standard” facilities. It serves families in neighbouring Calderdale and Kirklees, as well as Bradford.

Terracing at an apartment complex in Birmingham has been restored to its former glory with Sadolin Classic. The elevated deck serves as a community hub and meeting place for residents from surrounding apartments in the Digbeth area. Its location, on the rooftop of a multi-storey carpark, leaves the terrace exposed to varying weather conditions and Optima Community Association - part of WM Housing Group – called on Crown Paints Specification Services to find a solution to preserve and protect the space.

Building contractor Eversley Building Services Ltd required a roof access ladder for emergency use in the event of a fire. However, the application constraints presented many challenges, in particular the small skylight aperture. As such, a particularly compact loft ladder was needed. Furthermore, because the loft ladder would be used during an emergency, it had to be easy-to-operate and safe for its occupants. Read more about this challenging project and how the Piccolo Premium provided the ideal solution...

Castlemead is a social housing block in the London Borough of Southwark, located in the busy Camberwell Road area. The vacant building was undergoing an internal refurbishment project, delivered by fit out specialist, Paragon, and as part of these works the main contractor brought in roofing specialist, Hambro Roofing, to carry out some repairs to the existing felt roof. It quickly became apparent that the existing roof surface had reached the end of its service life and actually required a full refurbishment.

Kier Group is a leading property, residential, construction and services group, which invests in, builds, maintains and renews buildings operating across many sectors, including housing, defence, education, power, transport and utilities.Kier handled both the design and delivery process and worked directly with Cottenham-based roofing contractor, Voland Roofing, on this project.Kier wanted the roof to not only insulate against airborne sound, but also to reduce noise from the impact of raindrops on the roof.

Data Centre’s are one of the many sectors to be seen to utilise the roof spaces. In particular to Data Centre’s; Mechanical and Engineering services are typically installed on rooftops that offer multi-functional elements to the building, making the selection of the roof system more critical. There are a number of factors that are considered when selecting roof waterproofing systems, they should be robust and offer the benefits to future retrofits along with the accessibility for adaptions but most importantly they should be certified to both the Building Standards and the Insurers Requirements.

Mildmay Oaks offers in-patient rehabilitation services for men and women with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). The 39-bed unit has both a low-secure and a high-secure facilities.Operated by The Priory Group, the unit aims to support patients with community-based activities so they can progress through their care pathway towards a community-based placement. Creating a domestic-looking environment was key to this – and the client and designers chose our doorsets throughout.

We were approached by John Hemsley Design Services. They required an engineered floor with a high aesthetic appeal that was durable and could withstand the effects of high temperatures from studio lights. Our Lacquered Black American Walnut flooring (E508) met these requirements perfectly. Taking pride of place in the BBC studio for London’s 2012 Olympic games, this engineered walnut flooring remained in perfect condition throughout the entirety of the games under the scrutiny of millions of viewers.

When people think of data centres, the first things that come to mind are telecommunication providers and cloud operators such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google, or streaming service suppliers such as Netflix, who rely on large computing capacities. However, data centres are of great importance for the over-all future viability of commercial enterprises and society as a whole, because the digital infrastructure has long since become a central focus and is the starting point for all considerations regarding new company ventures. 

A bright contemporary hotel with a geometric beam ceiling design was specified for a new hotel in its large open space lobby, providing an embracing and welcoming appeal for business and leisure travellers. With a fun colour scheme, the expansive space was flanked by beautiful MaxiBeam ceiling designs adding to its quirky sculptural look that highlights the relaxing and enjoyable nature of the hotel.Explore how we achieved this free-flowing ceiling design with easy integration for other support services.

After a prestigious school near Birmingham suffered extensive damage when a leak went unchecked, we installed our award-winning leak detection system to prevent future devastationA tiny leak left to escalate at St George’s in Edgbaston ruined thousands of pounds of property and equipment and left the school without a properly functioning IT department. Leaks within buildings are very common and if not monitored can cause extensive damage, disruption and loss. So, once the school was back on its feet, we were delighted to work with their insurer, Hettle Andrews, to make sure the property was protected against future flooding. St George’s School, EdgbastonSt George’s School is a fully co-educational independent day school for children from ages three to 18 in Edgbaston, near Birmingham. Established as a charitable trust, the school opened in September 1999 as Birmingham’s first independent school to offer a complete education for boys and girls from kindergarten through to the sixth form.We worked with their insurance broker, Hettle Andrews, who facilitated the project. Hettle Andrews works primarily with schools, universities, colleges and charities. In the winter of 2021, the boiler in the room above the IT department of the school began to leak. The school was closed for the holiday period so no one went on-site and the leak went undetected. On return to the school in the New Year, staff discovered the leak which by that point had caused extensive damage.  The leak had not only destroyed the ceiling and light fittings but the whole IT department below including computers, carpets, plug points and furniture. The challengeNo warning: this was the first time anything like this had happened. There were no warning systems in place, nor were there any preventative measures. Extensive damage: the full ceiling had to be replaced, along with expensive light fittings, computers and IT equipment.Inconvenience: it resulted in substantial inconvenience and downtime for the department which in turn affected its daily function within the school.Disruption: the IT department had to be relocated elsewhere in the building, along with any remaining functioning equipment. Time-consuming process: while the damages were being claimed on insurance, the room was cleared and de-humidifiers installed to try and remove any remaining moisture.The solution;Andel Floodline®Andel's unique, award-winning water, oil and gas leak detection and monitoring solution. We are one of the global market leaders in leak detection systems and we knew our Floodline® solution would be a perfect fit. It is a true hybrid that can report to a single integrated control panel – unlike some other systems that require different alarm panels for different types of leak detection.Floodline® covers all possible leak detection requirements, from single-zone to multi-zone and distance measuring systems, with the capability to protect the largest of buildings, both old and new. Floodline® systems allow additional zones, sensors and upgrades to be added easily and cost-effectively so it is future-proof. So, we installed Floodline® SVCP – 2-Valve Control and Floodline® 1-Zone Leak Detection System. This means the school is now able to: Easily monitor all the Floodline® leak detection sensors installedEasily monitor the display LEDs which provide clear alarm information and system status for both leak detection and system faultHave peace of mind knowing the solenoid valve control panel will immediately close two solenoid valves in the event of a leak, ensuring the water source is stopped, preventing any damageBe alerted quickly as there is an audible alarm with a mute functionBe alerted when away from the property as output relays connect to a GSM communicator which sends out an SMS.The result;Bespoke solution: we were delighted to be able to come up with a tailored solution for St George’s School. Early warning: the boiler room at St George’s Edgbaston is now equipped with a bespoke leak detection system that will give early warning should there be any escaping water detected.Confidence: the client feels relieved and more confident now that our leak detection systems have been installed. Peace of mind: knowing they will no longer have to worry about leaks especially when there is no one on-site. Futureproofed: the school knows their chances of this occurring again and their building and equipment being unprotected have now drastically dropped. Community: as schools are the hubs of most communities, the last thing we want is for their day to day operations disrupted by escaping water, something which can be detected early and solutions provided easily. We are proud to have been involved in this project alongside Hettle Andrews and hope to work with more of their clients in future to provide proactive solutions.What the customer said;“We are relieved and more confident now that our leak detection systems have been installed. It has given us peace of mind, knowing we no longer have to worry about any leaks going undetected and resulting in catastrophic damage. The chances of this occurring again, meaning our building and equipment is unprotected, have now drastically dropped. We are really happy with the services and products provided by Andel and would happily recommend them.”Patrick Ryan, Maintenance Manager, St George’s School