"side hung doors composite"

Gent Sint-Pieters railway stationCHALLENGE Gent Sint-Pieters, the main railway station in Ghent, is undergoing a spectacular metamorphosis today. The listed main building, constructed for the 1913 World Exhibition, has to remain untouched. Behind the old building however the platforms, waiting rooms and the central passengers corridor are being entirely refurbished. Architect Voncke’s objective was to create a pleasant atmospheric site with a 35,000 sqm open and attractive central hall, broadened and completely covered platforms and renovated rails. Functional, well-designed and above all spacious! As the 12 rail tracks had to stay on ground level, the passengers alley was excavated to a lower level under the railroad tracks. This necessitated permitting considerable daylight to enter the underlying levels.SOLUTION Transparent canopies, featuring large glass sections and translucent floors were all designed with this purpose in mind. To gain even more light the architect chose RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT for waterproofing the platform canopies. The six long rectangular platform blocks, differing in height, are interconnected and make one large roof. The white highly reflective RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT membrane on top of the construction reflects the daylight through the high side windows. A clever way to add extra day-light to the underlying areas. 

Winner of the MIPM 2010 award for Hotels and Tourism, which is presented for outstanding real state projects worldwide, the Kameha Grand was designed by architect Karl-Heinz Schommer Bonner. The unique elliptical section design did however make serious demands on the requirement for protection against thermal bridging. The architect discussed the issue with Schöck, the European specialists in thermal bridging solutions and it was agreed that a combination of three product variants would meet the requirement.The outer concrete arches on the roof and facade of the building cantilever 1.30 m on each side and this, combined with the subtle design of the facade, meant that it was not possible to use a standard thermal break solution. To minimise any thermal bridging problems along the two outer arcs an inventive solution had to be found by the Schöck design team. This was achieved by dividing the projecting element of the framework into a number of sections and using the appropriate Isokorb® T for the required forces. At the ground floor Isokorb® T type Q is used, with T type D being installed higher up the structure, followed by T type K on the top floor. Because of the arch profile, the Isokorb® T type D was cut and installed at 90 degrees and run under the curved edge of the roof emergency exits, providing F90 fire protection.

THE PROJECTThe Torre Koi in Mexico is the second tallest building in Mexico standing at a huge 917 ft. The tower is in San Pedro Garza Garcia, part of the Monterrey Metropolitan area. The building acts as the centrepiece of four buildings. When the project finished it was the tallest building in Mexico, but the Torres Obispado surpassed the Koi in 2020.VFO Architectos, based in Mexico City, designed, and oversaw the architecture for The Torre Koi. With a mixture of office and residential the skyscraper features 63 floors, 218 apartments, 18 penthouses and 26 floors of commercial office space.THE SOLUTIONThe Safety Letterbox Company was approached by ‘Interni Design Studio’, the interior designers, in charge of the materials for the social areas in the tower. Their requirements were for mailboxes for the residents, with the added requirements of security, efficiency and to be aesthetically pleasing.Quantity requirements and available dimensions were provided to The Safety Letterbox Company, along with design ideas to enable an appropriate product to be specified. The product matched the brief and ticked all the boxes Interni needed on both the practical and creative side of the project.The tower features multiple banks of MODA H 300 mailboxes, fitted to a jet-black support table so they sit freestanding within the mailroom. With a stainless-steel front and a jet-black body these stylish, sophisticated mailboxes really deliver in this incredible skyscraper!

Cardigan Integrated Care Centre is a brand new healthcare centre in West Wales, housing a GP practice, dental service and pharmacy.Each unit was pre-plumbed and tested at the Venesta factory, reducing installation time by 50% and giving the end user added peace of mind.The aim of the £24m development was to provide safe, sustainable, integrated care for local residents. The anticipated high footfall meant durable and hardwearing solutions were required in all consultation rooms and washroom areas.Hygiene and infection control were of paramount importance, so we worked closely with Accredited Installers, Shire Integrated Systems, to ensure fit for purpose healthcare solutions were selected.Vepps Boxed-Out Units were specified for all the consultation rooms and offered speedy installation, while maintaining the integrity of rear fire walls and acoustic rated walls. The Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) box sides in ‘Shadow’ were rebated into strong extruded aluminium frames that provide flush, easy to clean surfaces.Meanwhile, Vepps Wall System panelling was specified for the toilet areas, which meant the WCs, flushes, basins and taps were pre-plumbed and thoroughly tested before being delivered to the Centre for installation.Read the full case study for full details.

The town of Whitchurch in Hampshire is a special place: most of the town is a Conservation Area, the amount of wildlife in and near the River Test means its course and banks are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the town is the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the third largest of Britain's 46 AONBs. The current Town Hall was built by a local landowner, Lord Middleton, in or around 1791, using some of the timbers from the Old Town House that had stood in the centre of The Square, and was demolished in the 1780s. During the 1800s the building had many tenants including the Mechanics Institute and a furniture warehouse.Records show that in the 1900s the building was also put to a variety of uses. The local Magistrate held sessions, two rooms were used to shelter Military Units passing through Whitchurch, and in 1919 the building was used by the National Federation of Discharged Soldiers and Sailors. Parish Councils were set up in 1896, but met at the Poor Law Institute (the Gables). More recently, the National Fire Service was accommodated in the lower middle section of the building. In 1946, Midland Bank, (now HSBC) was in the lower right hand corner. The Town Band practiced here, and the British Legion used the upper floor. Recently, an extensive program of refurbishment works has taken place to improve the Grade II* Listed Building. This included new steel doors and windows by Clement for the front elevation. The Clement W20 range was chosen for both, with krypton gas filled units. Ash pull handles perfectly complement the steel doors and Boleyn handles were chosen for the steel windows. Sarah Weir, Clerk at Whitchurch Town Council said ““The Town Council are really pleased with the new windows and door which are modern, practical and in keeping with the historic building”. 

SROMC is the new cancer support and information centrebased at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, providingstate of the art facilities for patients and their families acrossNorth Yorkshire. Designed by IBI Group and constructed by SirRobert McAlpine, the centre offers patients the highest qualitytreatments, teamed alongside an integrated supportive care andcomplementary therapies.As always in a healthcare environment, it is imperative thatgood hand hygiene is maintained at all times to stop the crosscontamination of bacteria between users of the hospital. As doorfurniture is an item that is frequently touched by many differentpeople, IBI Group wanted an ironmongery solution that wouldprotect patients and visitors against the cross contamination ofHealthcare Acquired Infections (HCIS) whilst having a matchingfinish to rest of the mechanical hardware.Antimicrobial Copper is the most effective touch surface materialin the fight against pathogeinic microbes, killing greater than99.9% of bacteria within two hours of exposure. No othermaterial comes close. Historically, most antimicrobial copperdoor furniture has a copper-like appearance but this would notmeet the requirement of a stainless steel aesthetic. By using ourunique Contego range of ironmongery formed from a provenantimicrobial copper alloy that has the appearance of stainlesssteel, Allgood were able to provide a solution that met thearchitect’s requirements.A full specification was created using Contego range suchas lever handles, push plates, pull handles, WC turns andescutcheons complimented with satin stainless steel mechanicalhardware such as signage, door closers, locks and kick plates.By selecting the truly unique Contego range, Allgood were ableto supply an ironmongery package that matched the aestheticthroughout whilst providing protecting against the spreadof bacteria, reducing the risk of infection for the users of thebuilding.

The House of St Johns’ is a beautifully restored andrenovated Grade I listed building in the heart of Bath, UK.The building now houses a mix of flexible office spaces,dedicated desks, meeting rooms and modern eventsspaces – offering a fully flexible working environment formodern times.Working in close collaboration with architect FelidenClegg Bradley Studios and contractors Emery BrothersLtd, Allgood provided a complete ironmongeryspecification throughout, while Allgood Secure designedand installed a security and access control system thatmet with the client’s requirements.The Modric range in a Spectra bronze finish was chosenthroughout the building as its timeless aesthetic andelegant simplicity matched the architect’s vision for thespace. Our Holt range was also fitted onto the lowerground floor communal doors and shower rooms from European oak, Holt’s super circular design providesa welcoming, warm to the touch feel that suited thedesign intent to provide welcoming spaces.Allgood Secure designed a comprehensive securityspecification for this project, including an access controlsystem, CCTV, and a video intercom system. All of thiswas backed up with powerful cloud-based software,Brivo Access, giving the staff full visibility across the siteand allowing them to lock and unlock doors remotely.The system was also integrated with House of StJohns’ room booking system, meaning members canunlock meeting rooms themselves using their accesscredentials.A key part of the security system was the installationof Eagle Eye cloud-hosted CCTV cameras. Thesecameras are fully integrated with the Brivo Accessplatform, allowing the team to view the live video feedsfrom anywhere and with ease. All of this is backed upwith expertly selected and fitted electronic locks andironmongery from the wider Allgood team, ensuring alldoors are compliant with the relevant fire, escape andaccessibility criteria.

Native’s flagship boutique aparthotel in the bankside conservation area of Bear Gardens is an eight-storey scheme that involves the transformation of three of the five buildings located within the confines of the densely packed area. IG’s brick feature arch lintels feature on the front elevation of the former derelict 19th century Empire Warehouse that has been replaced and linked into a 75-room boutique aparthotel.Challenge:SPPARC in association with Southwark Council, Macro Investments and Native wanted to demonstrate that modern architecture can successfully cohabit with the historic collection of buildings informed by the industrial heritage that dominates the southern bank of the River Thames.A carefully considered restoration and modern intervention was required for a cutting-edge contemporary mixed-use development, offering an urban experience for its users but remaining sensitive to the colourful history, conservation area and surrounding developments.Solution:IG’s technical team designed eighteen brick feature arch lintels to accommodate metal paned and arched factory styled windows. A 2718mm opening span and 143mm rise was required for each prefabricated lintel, each including a 338mm high face brick and 223mm soffit return with either a 78 or 90-degree end skew.The massing arrangement across each floor ensures that natural light is maximised throughout the building with the intricate brick detailing prominent at street level appearing above impressive double height foyer windows. The offsite construction method used negated the need for skilled brickwork to be created onsite to achieve the decorative brick pattern at a raised height. This helped to reduce any health and safety concerns in a location surrounded by tourist destinations and narrow cobbled streets.The ground floor of the scheme provides mixed use units with the northern site leased by Bell English Language School and the southern site providing studios for the iconic Globe Theatre directly linking to their Sackler Education Building.The upper floors are lighter in composition, combining clear and obscure floor-to-ceiling glazing with rich bronze circular rods, creating a strong rhythm to the façade, and enhancing the appearance of the once-dilapidated buildings. The upper floors of the Rose Alley elevation have perforated bronze screens that offer privacy, referencing the loom patterns that were once manufactured in the original warehouse.

The GemA full redesign and refurb took place at the ground floor of 111 Piccadilly in the heart of Manchester to accommodate a multifunctional co-working space within an independent coffee and lounge.IQ Projects have created a sculpture-like façade, using triangle structural glass panels in combination with our bespoke made, real oak veneered Technowood panels.Extraordinary design with extraordinary limitationsThey wanted to build a façade that is not only artistic and beautiful from the outside, but it is also practical and part of the interior design as well.All the glass panels are functioning as windows, letting light into the lounge and providing visibility to the outside.The complex structure had to use minimal sections too, so it can achieve the design. IQ has used steel instead of aluminium to build the structure, so it remains slim.The other challenge was the wooden elements. A specialist product was needed. Wooden panels that are strong, large and thin enough to be used.Panels that will stand the weather conditions, and requires minimal maintenance.We were able to supply these open grain oak veneered panels, that is rich in texture.Technowood eliminates the design limits of wooden elementsUsing real wood veneer has been popular for decades, the reason it gained popularity was to achieve better designs while saving on cost.Technowood has leveraged the benefits of this method and created patented solutions that ensures the veneers will last externally on all kinds of materials, such as Aluminium.With Technowood we can create the most unique pieces of real wood finished products. Some of the key benefits of Technowood products:It can be A2 fire ratedMuch lighter than solid timber or even composite materialsUp to 60% quicker on installationNo flitch beams nor unnecessary reinforcingNo visible fixingsWarranted for 20 yearsFSC and Environmental Product DeclarationAnd it looks like timber … because it is wrapped in real timber veneer. We do have in-house designers that offer solutions should you require. You can visit our office and showroom which is based in the Sky House design Centre, Amersham. Easily accessible by public transport (metropolitan line) or by car (M25 J18/M40 J2), please make sure you book an appointment.

A ‘whole door system’ which combines secure locking with failsafe emergency evacuation features has been introduced by GEZE UK to meet the rigorous PAS 24 standard.The Slimdrive SL NT PAS 24 System achieves outstanding security – one of the best on the market, whilst still meeting ever-greater demands of building requirements.The system enables 24-hour access control and has been designed and tested for continuous use. With GEZE’s unique, robust locking system that is hidden from view – the Slimdrive SL NT PAS 24 System makes it even harder for opportunist burglars to identify points of access.GEZE’s proven Slimdrive SL NT technology, together with the enhanced security testing required to achieve PAS 24 accreditation, adds up to the perfect entrance system with no compromises - security, accessibility, access control and great aesthetics.The system enables 24-hour access control and has been designed and tested for continuous use. With GEZE’s unique, robust locking system that is hidden from view – the Slimdrive SL NT PAS 24 System makes it even harder for opportunist burglars to identify points of access.GEZE’s proven Slimdrive SL NT technology, together with the enhanced security testing required to achieve PAS 24 accreditation, adds up to the perfect entrance system with no compromises - security, accessibility, access control and great aesthetics.Under PAS 24 a series of tests are performed including manual attack, in which the test engineer uses a range of tools anywhere on the door over a 15-minute period, impact testing of both ‘soft body’ and ‘hard body’ objects, and force testing in which loads are applied for up to 5 minutes. The door must withstand all of the tests to pass and achieve PAS 24 certification.These security enhancements are fast becoming key features for buildings where security with escape routes are a high priority: such as hospitals, airports, train stations and banks.The system uses GEZE’s proven Slimdrive SL NT automatic sliding operator. At just seven centimetres it is the slimmest on the market enabling it to be almost invisibly integrated into the façade. It can move leaf weights up to 125kg and is virtually silent in operation. GEZE UK worked with Jack Aluminium Systems, one of the UK’s leading aluminium glazing systems companies, to develop the new system for automatic sliding doors.The PAS (Product Assessment Specification) 24 test standard was introduced by the British Standard Institute (BSI) in collaboration with industry stakeholders and Secured By Design (SBD). A 2016 revision incorporated additional doorset and window types including non-domestic ranges and changes to some test methods and criteria.

'new beginnings' start with an impressive arrival sequence...Set between St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Old Bailey, 7 Newgate Street offers occupiers 75,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art contemporary office space following extensive refurbishment. An impressive reception, new 7th floor pavilion and communal roof terrace set the tone for the architectural detailing throughout the building. And, with a focus firmly on customer experience and environmental performance, the re-imagined building required a creative Entrance Matting product to match the overall design vision.High-spec design with beautiful curved features seen all around the lobby area needed the flexibility of INTRAflex Radial Entrance Matting to achieve the creative transition. As the only product on the market able to achieve such an aesthetic without compromising functionality, INTRAflex Radial was a fundamental inclusion for the project.Taking ShapeFrom revolving doors to curved glass covering the front entrance, achieving a matching, radial matting design was integral to the design’s success. Having originally requested a free sample to confirm INTRAflex Radial was the product the architects needed to achieve their vision, MORROW + LORRAINE specified our product having seen the quality, functionality and beauty of our product first hand. Opting for black INTRAlux Elite Fibre Inserts coupled with a black anodised finish – the dark colour scheme complements the interior of the newly refurbished building perfectly.Functionality was integral to the project and was integrated into the design. Although the revolving doors are the main entrances into the building, it was important to ensure that our creative Entrance Matting stretched beyond the width of the revolving doors to deal with the London foot traffic entering through the pass doors in order to protect against dirt and moisture. A commercial office space that Boasts 75,000 sq ft of space will obviously experience high levels of footfall, meaning the INTRAflex Radial was specified for its robust, heavy-duty performance as well as it’s flexible design capabilities.Building for the futureThe sustainable qualities of INTRAflex Radial were an essential consideration for this project. With a real focus on leaving as little an environmental impact as possible, the inclusion of the 100% recycled aluminium Entrance Matting and 100% Econyl fibre inserts helped the finished product to achieve Net Zero Carbon status. With our sustainably manufactured products also reducing environmental impacts in practice such as water usage due to less frequent cleaning, we’re proud to have been involved in such an ethically created, architecturally beautiful and truly creative space.

Grand Lisboa Palace is a $5 billion development in Macau,China, with 1,900 guest rooms and suites in the GrandLisboa Palace Hotel, Palazzo Versace Macau, and KarlLagerfeld Hotel. Lorient supplied a combination of AURA® AAS8501 dropseals, Batwing®, FirtreeTM and LAS7001 perimeter seals,LAS3006 door bottom seals, LAS6002 magnetic seals andRP2004 fire seals.

The new 2,500m2 research facility for the University of Nottingham provides laboratory, office and support accommodation for the UK Government Energy Acceleration Research Initiative alongside the university. Using Passiv Haus certified Aluprof MB-TT50 curtain walling and MB-104 Passive windows and door systems, the building achieved Passiv Haus accreditation. Architect: Lewis & Hickey Main Contractor: Robert Woodhead Construction

Royal Blackburn Hospital in Lancashire has benefited from a range of timber doorsets fitted with complete ironmongery specified by ASSA ABLOY UK Specification, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions. These robust timber doorsets are not only delivering assured safety and access at the site, but improving whole life costs too... Click on the link below to read more.

Glasgow Queen Street Station’s expansion will allow significant footfall, ultimately aiding the transition from car to green electric trains. Its dramatic new concourse aims to celebrate the passenger’s transport choice.Location: GlasgowContractor: Balfour BeattyArchitect: BDP/IDPAspex supplied: Ironmongery, Novista Riser Steel Doors, Integra Commercial Doorsets, Integra External Steel 

We are proud to have been a part of the renovation and expansion works at the 18-hole championship Suffolk Golf Club for the past 12 months. The overall project included vanity units and shelves, basic shower cubicles, saloon door shower cubicles, heavy duty lockers, bench seating and coat hook rails, toilet cubicles and IPS panelling, and boxed in pipework creating a bench seat.

Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall enjoys a stunning position right on the beach. It’s so close, in fact, that you can watch the surfers from the comfort of the rooms. When their existing sliding door handles quickly deteriorated and corroded they decided to upgrade to our BLU solid 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel Patio Slide Handles. And since they have, the feedback has been incredible.

The Berlin headquarters of Deutsche Bank are located in the Charlottenstrasse, which is also home to the Bank’s Kunsthalle or art gallery, and record products are well represented here. The sandstone building, built in the nineteen twenties, features three door systems abreast, giving the entrance a new and attractive face. This look creates an aesthetic tension between the use of modern materials on the one hand, and the historical aspects of the building on the other.