"handrail"

Non-Conductive Fencing, Trench Covers and Access Structures | Case StudyPower and Energy Infrastructure Contractor Morgan Sindall was appointed to design, build and commission the new converter station and chose to work with Dura Composites to provide safe, non- metallic Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) utility fencing for the AC/DC Halls, as well as a range of non-conductive access structures, utility trench covers & handrailing across the site.The IFA2 project aims to connect the electricity systems of Great Britain and France using high voltage subsea cables and will be capable of exporting or importing 1000MW of power between the UK and France, enough to power up to 1 million homes. In this project, the client specification mandated the use of non-conductive and non-metallic materials which could be used to construct removable fencing, permanent fencing and sliding gates to enable access to specific authorised personnel, whilst preventing others from accessing high-risk areas.

A stunning development situated on the north side of Chelsea Bridge on the River Thames.Grosvenor Waterside is a residential development comprising a range of luxury apartments and penthouses. Set across seven and a half acres and overlooking the Grosvenor Canal, this development boasts contemporary design and beautiful views, with all the benefits of a vibrant city community.The development required remediation work to replace timber decking and handrails which were non-compliant to the latest fire regulations. ALU Installations installed over 1,000sqm of MyDek’s Delta20 system onto the balconies and terraces in the Hirst Court and Hepworth Court buildings. Rated A2 for non-combustibility, this durable aluminium deck board has been designed to provide safety and peace of mind to residents for decades to come."MyDek have been a pleasure to work with on this project. The team have been very reactive throughout our remediation of the Grosvenor Waterside Development, from providing additional materials and technical support where required." - Adam Daniels, Project Director

Our purposeAs one of the UK’s leading housing associations, the Guinness Partnership prides itself on providing high quality homes that meet or exceed current Standards. It is therefore committed to a continuous programme of maintenance and asset management across its 60,000 homes estate.As part of that process, the 13-storey 1980s-built Waverley Court in Crewe was due for refurbishment, including new windows and heating for the 95 flats therein. An initial survey highlighted that the 1200m2 roof was failing and in need of upgrade to maintain its weathertightness.Our in-depth roof report also identified that the insulation was below current standards. Safety on the roof for maintenance was also an issue: the existing handrail was originally erected as a temporary fixture, penetrating the waterproofing and providing inadequate rooftop security for working at height.Our solutionThe existing waterproofing had perished beyond useability. We advised complete strip of the existing back to the concrete deck, and building up a new thermally-efficient roof to meet current standards required under the Part L of current Building Regulations.Our TA-25 W Flat Roofing System for warm roofs was installed by Approved Contractor Everlast as sub-contractor to the principle contractor, Wates. To address the poor falls on the roof, the insulation was tapered to the perimeter. We achieved an overall roof U value of 0.17W/m2K, exceeding the current Regulatory requirement of 0.18W/m2K. In line with Safe2Torch guidelines, our self-adhesive system was used to detail around roof penetrations for extractor fans and similar plant.We highlighted and designed bridging details to maintain the fire integrity around compartment walls to comply with Part B3 of Building Regulations.We designed a new, permanent and safe handrail system. This is fixed to the brick façade of Waverley Court, avoiding any penetration of the roof fabric and thus maintaining its integrity and watertightness, whilst minimising maintenance requirements.“Langley’s expertise and attention to detail has enabled us to deliver on our ambition of providing homes that people want to live in. Langley’s performance has helped us provide a dry, warm, safe living environment that exceeds current Regulatory requirement. The independent insurance-backed guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship adds value to our long-term estate asset management.”

Black POSIglaze Side-fix channel installed as Juliet balcony. What is a Juliet Balcony? A glass Juliet balcony (also known as a French balcony) is a type of glass balustrade that is fitted to a first floor window, directly outside a set of inward-opening French doors, as a safety feature. A Juliet balcony creates a feeling of space within the room, as well as allowing more light and fresh air into the room than could be achieved with a regular window. All within a secure and stylish translucent framework. This beautiful installation by Terry Lisgo and his G&T Design & Build Team, features two Juliet balconies on one property in Cheshire March 2022. The home owner didn’t want any handrails blocking their view, so 17.5mm toughened laminated glass has been used as this eliminates the need for the extra safety measure. Toughened laminated glass has a layer between the glass sheets which adds strength, removing the need for a handrail.To pass building regulations, the glass must be 1100mm high across these Juliet balconies. If you’ve ever been involved in a building project, you’ll know that elements must be signed off before the next building phase can begin. The black Juliet Balconies look stunning with the matching windows and French doors and have fulfilled the customer brief perfectly. POSIglaze side-fix balustrade channel is able to hold glass thickness between 12mm and 21.5mm. and is suitable for many projects and balcony styles. The cladding is the black element used to make the channel look black, simply clipped on to the channel it transforms the look from silver to black balustrade. You might be wondering why people like Juliet balconies so much when you can’t actually stand on them! Well they can actually add value to your home, they increase natural light into your room and also improve the air flow. If you love the feeling of bringing the outdoors in, then these are ideal for you as they increase your view in a safe and stylish way.  Frameless glass balustrades used for Juliet Balconies are low maintenance and cheaper than the conventional balcony design. If you are interested in having a Juliet balcony please contact our helpful technical team and they will provide guidance on how to get started, chat about your balustrade ideas and we can also let you know about installers local to you. 

Black POSIglaze Side-fix channel installed as Juliet balcony. What is a Juliet Balcony? A glass Juliet balcony (also known as a French balcony) is a type of glass balustrade that is fitted to a first floor window, directly outside a set of inward-opening French doors, as a safety feature. A Juliet balcony creates a feeling of space within the room, as well as allowing more light and fresh air into the room than could be achieved with a regular window. All within a secure and stylish translucent framework. This beautiful installation by Terry Lisgo and his G&T Design & Build Team, features two Juliet balconies on one property in Cheshire March 2022. The home owner didn’t want any handrails blocking their view, so 17.5mm toughened laminated glass has been used as this eliminates the need for the extra safety measure. Toughened laminated glass has a layer between the glass sheets which adds strength, removing the need for a handrail.To pass building regulations, the glass must be 1100mm high across these Juliet balconies. If you’ve ever been involved in a building project, you’ll know that elements must be signed off before the next building phase can begin. The black Juliet Balconies look stunning with the matching windows and French doors and have fulfilled the customer brief perfectly. POSIglaze side-fix balustrade channel is able to hold glass thickness between 12mm and 21.5mm. and is suitable for many projects and balcony styles. The cladding is the black element used to make the channel look black, simply clipped on to the channel it transforms the look from silver to black balustrade. You might be wondering why people like Juliet balconies so much when you can’t actually stand on them! Well they can actually add value to your home, they increase natural light into your room and also improve the air flow. If you love the feeling of bringing the outdoors in, then these are ideal for you as they increase your view in a safe and stylish way.  Frameless glass balustrades used for Juliet Balconies are low maintenance and cheaper than the conventional balcony design. If you are interested in having a Juliet balcony please contact our helpful technical team and they will provide guidance on how to get started, chat about your balustrade ideas and we can also let you know about installers local to you. 

This project involves the partners Fremek AB, Totech AB and PCP A/S.Fremek is a workshop company in Dals-Långed that is certified according to EN-1090, EXC1, EXC2 and EXC3. Fremek specializes in welding, cutting, painting and assembly of large projects throughout Sweden.PcP’s solution includes CUBE® gratings and treads for a modern design and ladder systems for worker safety. Fremek and Totech chose PcP’s solution to install a new fuel station for Air BP, one of the world’s largest aviation suppliers.Project criteria - Slip-resistant steel platformFor this project, Air BP required an anti-slip platform due to the use of oil during maintenance.Although the platform is new construction, it was erected on an existing outdoor structure with nothing but a roof and fuel tanks. Thus, there were specific dimensions required.Therefore, PcP provided a more efficient fuel station platform and a safe working environment for personnel carrying out aircraft maintenance.The project had a strict timeline of 10 weeks as the construction had to be finalised before winter.Fremek was responsible for designing the air-plane fuel station and for sourcing the correct materials. Fremek contracted Totech for the works. Totech has more than 25 years of experience managing complex projects for a range of industries and, therefore, extensive knowledge of industrial construction and of which materials to use.PcP has delivered gratings to Fremek in several previous projects. Totech, therefore, approached PcP to showcase gratings with high slip-resistance for the platform. Totech seeked to use standard sizes to meet customer requirements of lead time and budget. At this point, Totech discovered that PCP also could provide handrail and ladder systems.Project solution - CUBE gratingsThe PcP CUBE® gratings, treads and toe-plate were provided for the platform in standard sizes. For easy access to the platform, PcP provided fire escape ladders and safety handrails. PcP CUBE® gratings and treads benefit from outstanding high PTV slip-resistance reducing trip and fall risk, lightweight but strong and fitted perfectly into the existing construction from the ground to roof.Fremek installed the platform, and the workers on-site made cut-outs to suit various plant equipment. Additionally, PcP provided escape ladders to mount on fuel tanks. In case of fire incidents/emergencies, enabling workers to escape rapidly.

Canal Architectural were approached to design, manufacture and install a luxury feature staircase for Gresham Street. A leading workspace design company collaborated with the Technical Sales Team to engineer a four flight staircase for the atrium of the building.The 50,000 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of London was developed to connect its employees and working spaces together. The mild steel structure featured oak timber box treads, painted stringers, bronze metallic balustrade and a wrapped brown leather handrail. The entire development was transformed into a contemporary co-working area for a modern and innovative space for the specialist investment firm.The Canal site team worked closely with the contractor throughout the entire installation process to ensure smooth delivery in line with current building regulations. Canal Architectural are proud to have a long-standing collaborative relationship with leading design and build firm. Canal has worked directly with the workspace design company to engineer exquisite architectural metalwork designs for some of the UK’s most prestigious projects over the years including Gresham Street.

Ecoprod recently undertook a complete refurbishment of the washrooms at Dukes Court – 220,000 sq ft of premium office space in central Woking. The project started in January 2020 and handover was July 2020, somewhat later than expected due to the effect of the Covid 19 lockdown in Spring 2020.This project was delivered in collaboration with Designer Contracts Interiors UK Ltd who managed the flooring, walls, ceilings, doors, lighting, tiling, decorating and mirrors. Ecoprod supplied and managed the installation of the cubicles and IPS systems, all mechanical works, and the sanitaryware schedule and equipment.Cubicle and IPS systems – Petrus range by Formwise and Abet Laminati finish in Grey Zebrano5 WCs – Siamp Samoa Deluxe3 waterless urinals – URIMAT Ceramic Compact C22 URIMAT ESG urinal privacy dividers5 miscea LIGHT taps2 Tristone pure white wash troughs2 URIMAT Favorit hand dryers1 Mitsubishi Smart hand dryer1 Bespoke shower enclosure by Mega Glass1 Triton 80i shower setAccessible toilet – WC and handrail set by Disabled Toilets, basin by Conti +, tap Ultra by Conti+

Berry Systems carried out works for Westfield for The Broadway shopping centre in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Our spring steel posts and a selection of our industrial items were utilised to provide effective barrier protection. The Broadway is a shopping and leisure complex located in Bradford, West Yorkshire that is home to both high street and luxury brand outlets. Built in 2015 by the Westfield Corporation, it houses over 1,000 car parking spaces for customers to visit the complex with ease. Because of this, sufficient car park protection was required to create a safe parking facility. Berry Systems delivered an effective vehicle restraint system solution to ensure the site was compliant and met legislation. For this project a spring post system was utilised as it has a single anchor fixing and a small footprint so it doesn’t encroach into the parking bay. This was of great benefit to the client as we were still able to deliver superior protection, without affecting the amount of car park spaces required. We also paired the spring post system with handrail and mesh to increase the level of protection for pedestrians. Additional items, such as our height restrictors and wheel guides, were installed from our industrial range to help reduce speed and prevent unwanted access to site.

St. Enodoc golf club is famous for its panoramic views, perfect lawns and luxury days out. In between the Cornish rain showers this team of Camel Glass installers managed to install the MEGAgrip frameless glass balustrade to the newly refurbished roof terrace at St Enodoc golf club. A strong glass outdoor safety barrier providing shelter from the wind to people outdoors enjoying the view of the sea and watching the golf. The customers wanted a commercial grade frameless glass balustrade with no handrails, instead of the traditional style of galvanized railing. MEGAgrip was used in this situation due to its force loading capability and ability to hold Centryglas ensuring it’s safe to use at this height and location. This MEGAgrip safety screen posed some challenges for Andrew, John and John, the installers, the heavy glass needed to be taken high in the air to reach the scaffolding platform. Using a telehandler they managed, to lift the glass safely into position. However, there was another challenge waiting, the initial installation of steel was slightly misshapen, meaning the original fitters had to return to rectify the problem and therefore delayed the glass balustrade completion.  Even so, the MEGAgrip installation was completed successfully and fulfilled the customer brief. Now, the balcony is a very enjoyable spot to sit and watch the golfers on the course.

Berry Systems helped our client Wates become car park compliant by designing, manufacturing and installing our vehicle restraint systems. A combination of our RB1, Barrier Rail profile and a Bespoke Rectangular Hollow Section system was utilised to fulfil the client’s requirements and exceed their expectations.Redrock is a new leisure facility located in the centre of Stockport which has a 360 space multi-storey car park.Popular restaurants and a cinema now feature in the location to help provide localswith a safe, secure and modern leisure facility where they can relax. Berry Systems were keen to get involved in such a project and help contribute to the development ongoing in the area. Using our expertise of the car parking industry, we designed, manufactured and installed a system that met their requirements exactly.The RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) System we specified on the project was made bespoke and suited more to their aesthetic needs. We combined the vehicle restraint systems with handrail and mesh to provide additional pedestrian protection. Cladding rails were also created and supplied to support the exterior cladding that was specified on the project. Throughout this project, our client took advantage of our consultancy services to work together to create a solution that was compliant, safe, stylish and  satisfied both parties.

Located in the East Midlands, Mountsorrel Quarry supplies the construction industry with large volumes of essential materials, which are used for construction projects throughout the UK.Due to an industrial fire which left a screen house beyond repair, a complete rebuild was required which included the design, supply and installation of safe, compliant access solutions.RequirementWright Engineering Group required four floors of open mesh flooring, handrail, stanchions and treads to re-build an industrial building at Mountsorrel Quarry that burnt down in November 2022, for the site to be back to full working capacity.SolutionLionweld Kennedy Group designed, manufactured and installed four floors of steel and GRP access solutions to the Mountsorrel site, enabling the building to be rebuilt safely. LK 20mm ball proof Safegrid flooring was required due to the height of the building and permanent access needed under each floor.Customer FeedbackLionweld Kennedy Group were by far the standout choice of all of the suppliers we contacted. From the beginning theservice was second-to-none, all items arrived on their project critical specified delivery dates, and the quality of the products were of a very high standard.Lionweld Kennedy Group remain a preferred supplier within the Wright Engineering Group due to the high quality of products and the excellent customer service always received.Luke Fagan, Construction Manager, Wright Engineering Group

Vehicle/Pedestrian safety barriers for the new 627 space, 6 storey car park at the Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.Like many hospitals, Derriford in Plymouth has to match ever-increasing numbers of patients, visitors and staff with limited parking availability. The new 627 space multi-storey car park on the North West Quadrant will go a long way towards easing the situation for the daily 8,000 footfall to the hospital. Part of a 6.6 hectare site being developed by Wharfside Regeneration for Plymouth Hospitals Trust, the new car park was designed by international architects S333 and built by Sir Robert McAlpine Limited.The eco-friendly design features green walls with climbing plants on the two lowest levels, steel latticework on the next two and timber latticework on levels 5 and 6. We recommended our RB1X Spring Steel Buffers that ‘give’ in a collision to absorb impact forces and minimise damage to the barrier, the vehicle and the car park deck that the barrier is mounted on. After an impact, the barrier returns to its original position to provide ongoing protection. Berry Beam rails were used to give a more refined  appearance than the traditional Armco ‘W’ section.A BS 6180 compliant pedestrian handrail was mounted above the barrier on post extensions of 1,100mm high and the space in between filled with anti-climb mesh to stop pedestrians from falling through, or even climbing over the barrier.

When the local community hospital in Whitby, Yorkshire commissioned a complete re-development and refurbishment of the existing location and buildings, the flooring and finishing throughout the site would need to be of the very highest standards. International flooring specialist Gerflor would supply over 7000m2 of high-quality flooring, together with a selection of Gradus handrails and corner guards for this Procure 22 project.The redevelopment of Whitby Hospital by the team at Medical Architecture has created a modern health and social care hub which supports the integrated delivery of primary care, secondary care, and community services.Louise Drew, Senior Architect, Medical Architecture said, “We chose to specify Gerflor for their outstanding world class flooring products and were pleased that they could also assist us with the wall protection surface needs for the healthcare facility. It was refreshing to know that we could work with both businesses for this iconic refurbishment. We specified the Gradus wall protection solutions, thanks to the innovative products that would enhance the building interiors”.Andy Gordon, Gerflor Key Account Manager, Healthcare North commented, “There was approx. 7000m2 of Gerflor products specified to all areas of the building, along with a number of Gradus Wall Protection solutions for the corridors, clinical areas, stairways, wet areas, toilets, together with storage rooms and X-Ray areas. Overall, it was a significant project that would require innovative solutions.”

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

Vehicle and pedestrian safety barriers for edge protection on perimeters, ramps and other areas in three multi-storey car parking at a new shopping mall adjacent to the London Olympic Park.Berry Systems installed one of our largest ever car park safety barriers projects at Westfield Stratford City with over 7 kilometres of Berry Beam barrier, all mounted on our impact absorbing spring steel buffers.The £1.5bn Westfield Stratford City complex covers an area of 1.9 square miles and houses 300 retail outlets, 70 food outlets, 3 hotels, multiplex cinema, bowling alley and casino. It also has 5, 000 parking spaces across 1 adjacent and 2 integral multi-storey car parks. The safety barriers were very carefully specified by architects: Buchan Group International. The car park structures are metal framed with concrete decks with an exterior expanded metal mesh surround and cladding. All floors have our Berry safety beams mounted on RB1X and GH spring steel buffers to provide full perimeter protection meeting BS EN 1991-1-1 and BS 6180 standards.All the ramps in the two overground car parks have curved Berry Beam barriers to match the varying radius of the ramps. On tighter bends and at ramp exits, chevron signs have been mounted directly to the barriers. All ramp returns and split level areas are protected by our barriers, again mounted on RB1X buffers with handrail extensions and anti-climb mesh.

South Queensferry School received an express service from Yeoman Shield to complete staircase wall refurbishment works during the February half term holiday period.With the requirement to protect 3 staircases and stairwells, Yeoman Shield were able to facilitate the supply and installation of 375 metres of FalmouthEx wall protection panels to suit the 4-day window allowed for the work to be carried out.Fitted to 1250 mm high along these areas, in 3 different colours to identify different departments, Yeoman Shield experienced installers were able to accommodate faultlessly the rake angle of the staircase walls, as well as removing and then reinstalling the original handrail when the panelling had been completed.South Queens Ferry School’s Business Manager commented “Yeoman Shield’s team of installers made an excellent, professional job of the wall protection project and we are very pleased with the results.”The implementation of wall protection to school interiors prevents impact damage caused by the movement of pupils, staff, bags and equipment. Stopping scratching and marking will result in reduced maintenance and redecoration costs in the future whilst serving to extend the lifecycle of interior walls.The easy to clean, inherently hygienic properties of the rigid PVCu wall panels ensures a high standard is maintained around the school enhancing the interior design and the welfare of pupils and staff.For more information on how Yeoman Shield can help schools reduce costs on re-painting and repair costs go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

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

Berry Systems supplied and installed perimeter and ramp barriers for new multi-storey car park incorporating very thin  concrete decks.A revised design for the new Heathrow Terminal 2 multi-storey car park called for a floor depth of just 150mm comprising a 60mm deep slab with 90mm structural topping. However, and there’s always a however, a traditional rigid safety barrier post needs fixing with 4 bolts each to a depth of 170mm. Obviously these couldn’t be used,so contractors Laing O’Rourke turned to barrier specialists Berry Systems to provide a solution and appropriate perimeter barriers for the 6 decks and the spiral entrance and exit ramps.Over many years Berry Systems have developed a range of flexible spring steel barriers that ‘give’ on impact. This not only reduces damage to both the barrier and an impacting vehicle but crucially reduces the pull out loading on the anchorage by 50% or more. This in turn allows post fixing to be achieved by using only a single bolt embedded to a depth of merely 110mm - a depth achievable into the new slabs.The specification was completed with Berry Beam safety rails to provide a more attractive appearance than the well known “Armco” style. Post extensions provided mountings for a pedestrian handrail at 1100mm high with integral anti-climb mesh where needed.The thin slabs were developed by Bison Manufacturing and are the thinnest precast concrete planks produced to date in the UK. They led to many benefits which considerably reduced the construction programme. It also allowed 6 floors in the usual height of 5, increasing capacity to 1340 spaces. But perimeter protection would have proved problematical without the expertise of Berry Systems.

Plaza 13 stands on a space previously occupied by an old industrial warehouse. A residential development designed by the Bueso-Inchausti & Rein architecture studio, this 3,566m² complex comprises 14 apartments spread over four floors, four of which are penthouses with private garden and swimming pool. In order to keep a flexible interior layout, Bueso-Inchausti & Rein decided to maintain a geometric uniformity in the complex, with a facade that is almost entirely glazed, fitted with the O-Box system as a solar control solution to optimize sunlight and heat.This was an ambitious and daring project aiming to create a distinguished product with clear floor heights of 3.5m. In this context, the Bandalux outdoor O-Box roller blind systems offer a simple and elegant esthetic solution for the facade, as well as exquisite solar control to create maximum comfort inside the spacious apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows.The O-Box technical blind has an attractive cylindrical box and an aluminum side guide that binds the fabric. To fulfill the project requirements, Bandalux developed a cylindrical handrail, which limits the run of the blind and creates the impression of a floating rail.The O-Box system works like a double skin for the apartment windows, ensuring an excellent compromise between thermal efficiency and visual comfort thanks to the Polyscreen 550 Pearl fabric with a 5% openness factor. A fabric with a high resistance to extreme weather conditions and chlorine which, from outside, contributes to significant energy savings in terms of heating and air conditioning inside. The Polyscreen 550 Pearl fabric is also easy to clean, as it can be simply wiped with a damp cloth, and no harmful elements are used during the manufacturing process.Bueso-Inchausti & Rein works in the field of architecture and urban planning, specializing in residential and tertiary projects. Its buildings are spread across Spain, Romania, USA, Mexico and Switzerland.

TASIGO Hotels group have used Technowood, to the extreme, in the centre of woodlands; an area of environmental importance and also one where special attention to existing tree positions was an insistence of the permission for this build.The real timber balustrade, handrails, cladding and partitions are all part of the package supplied by Technowood. The consistency, colour and texture of real timber were matched quite easily because it was real timber. With a 2mm thickness of FSC certified timber wrapped over extruded aluminium and sealed with an A2 FR certified chemical… unmatched in other products anywhere in the world.TASIGO Hotels & resorts have, at its centre, a beautiful Spa and Wellness Center surrounded by luxury hotel accommodation. This total structure is presented across a total area of 41 thousand square meters; furthermore, the facility has been designed as a modern sculpture which has adopted the traditions of Architecture and historical consideration of the region.The 3,500 m2 Spa and Wellness Centre, was planned in-ground. This would make full use of the geothermal characteristic of the land; enables natural daylight penetration through the domes placed on top of the terrace.The hotel, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, consists of 164 rooms. The facility also includes a 1.400 m2 convention area and multifunctional halls, as well as a 975 m2 pillar-free ballroom, swimming pools, children’s club, bar & restaurants and indoor & outdoor parking areas.Technowood products are innovative and specified around the world because of their adaptability, quality and fire rating of Euroclass A2.Come and see us or we can visit youIf you’d like to see Technowood up close we have a showroom in Amersham at The Sky House Design Centre. We are also more than happy to send our Technical Director to come and give you a CPD. They will bring a full set of samples for you to keep too.

Armourcoat polished plaster adds ‘modern luxury’ to the latest J&M Davidson boutique in London’s fashionable Mayfair. The store, for the British leather goods and ready-to-wear label, was created by Universal Design Studio in association with Nicholas Chandor.Part of a Grade II listed property on Mount Street, known for its deep red terracotta period buildings, colour is brought inside with a blush tonality of soft pastels. These feature across two floors to convey the brand's signature colour palette. The focal point of the store is the impressive, cantilevered staircase made from terrazzo marble with a leather-wrapped handrail, set into a series of vertical panels finished in Armuralia polished plaster.Describing the project, Jason Holley of Universal Design Studio said "we chose polished plaster by Armourcoat for the its tactile qualities and its ability to create an exact colour match to the exterior facade,” explains Holley. “With this match we were able to create the dusty pink tone for the feature wall, which gave a dramatic backdrop to the cantilevered staircase. It was also important for us to use only natural, high-quality materials with a long life span". Currently Japan represents over half of J&M Davidson’s business, with the brand planning further stores in Paris and New York.Armuralia is an exquisite silky smooth plaster finish with subtle tonal variations. It is an entirely natural product made from aged lime putty and crushed Bianco Carrara marble and contains almost no VOCs. As a ready mixed marble stucco paste, the material is trowel applied to create smooth or finely textured finishes which resemble polished stone in their appearance, hardness and touch.  Armuralia is available in a range of 24 colours, shades and special effects can also be developed for custom applications. Photography © Charles Hosea

Castle Hill Hospital, at Cottingham near Hull, is defending busy areas of the hospital interiors from impact damage with the help of Yeoman Shield protection products.Serving the population of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the hospital has approximately 370 beds and caters for the majority of the trusts elective activity as well as housing the award- winning Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology.The refurbishment of the Plastic Surgery Outpatients ground floor corridors and First floor I.C.U. corridors saw Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail installed. The rails are fitted on a 60mm PVC “stand-off” spacers allowing them to be utilised as a handrail for those requiring it.A strengthening solid inner core ensures the rail is capable of taking the heaviest of blows from motorised or wheeled trolleys and equipment saving the wall from structural damage and marking.The vulnerable corners and terminating ends of the rail are equally protected from impact with the addition of Yeoman Shield’s new rubber, hardwearing and durable stop ends and wall return accessories.The busy catering department and corridors were also suffering from impact damage caused by the movement of the catering trolleys, food warmers and equipment. To combat costly damage to the décor Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail has again been installed this time “flat-back” to the wall.For a hygienic yet protective finish to the walls Yeoman Shield smooth food grade wall panels were installed from floor to ceiling with extra defence in the form of the 200mm protection rail.All Yeoman Shield products were installed by directly employed Yeoman Shield fixing operatives ensuring an efficient and accurate first time fit.“The work carried out to corridors and catering department was undertaken with due consideration of each busy section of the hospital and to suit their working arrangements, including any out of hours working. All went very well and each department commented on how well the work went and how good the improvement is” Alan Parry, Estates Officer (Building).

Patalab architects were commissioned to convert an intriguing building off Acton High Street in the London Borough of Ealing into a new certified school for children with Special Education Needs and one with a special focus on pupils with severe autism. Snowflake School is an Ofsted-outstanding teaching environment in a building which was originally a purpose-built hall for the Salvation Army before being turned into an animation studio. Inserted steelwork mezzanines over a herringbone-floored hall contributed to a mishmash of conversions. Given the nature of the school and the links between autism and noise sensitivity, Troldtekt’s acoustic wood wool panelling was specified to minimise sound reverberation and to promote a healthy sound environment and calmness.Project Architect Sophie Fuller explains “The double-height central space works really well as the school’s main hall. In order to minimise sound reverberation, we chose to clad the upper half in acoustic panelling made from wood wool. The texture and neutral colour of the panelling also help to make this tall space feel friendlier and warmer.” Following design guidelines, as well as meeting fire protection and safety requirements, meant many aspects of the building’s history had to be covered although glimpses remain. For example, the original parquet floor used in the assembly hall, original metal handrails protruding from new plywood balustrades and relocated doors as internal windows. At the same time, ramps and a platform stair lift have been added to create accessibility. Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

This is a BLASTguard glass balustrade installation by Miller Fabrications at the University Station in Birmingham. As a busy train station, a top-of-the-range balustrade was required to provide the highest quality of safety. More and more transport locations are upgrading their sites in order to improve the security of the public. This could be as a result of the new upcoming Protect Duty that is coming into force as a result of the terror attack at Manchester Arena in 2017. Pure Vista developed an anti-terror glass balustrade system with two variations. BLASTguard to withstand a bomb blast and BULLETguard that utilises bullet-proof glass. The BLASTguard balustrade system was designed in line with Pure Vista’s range in being a frameless system where the glass is only required to be held by the base shoe. A through-glass handrail can be added as required on many projects, such as this one. The glass can be at 1800mm high and still withstand the 3kN public area loading and achieve the blast testing. For this station development, the design team specified that a blast-proof system needed to be installed. Miller Fabrications took part in this large project and were the team who successfully installed BLASTguard, they stated that the installation was successful because the system is straightforward to install.  At University Station BLASTguard can be found of staircases around the main entrance. Within crowded spaces, anti-terror barriers can be used to protect different groups of people. By positioning the product on stairs and walkways, a blast will be more contained and therefore, the area becomes safer. If you would like to know more about Pure Vista’s anti-terror balustrade products, we run a CPD session on these products and how they can be used. As well as the key information on Martyn’s Law (protect duty), you’ll discover the fundamentals of Protect Duty, PALs, and the key information on anti-terror glass balustrade products. Learn about our commercial strength balustrade channels including the fire rated balustrade which can be used on installations over 11m high. The session will end with a Q&A where we can discuss your upcoming projects and ensure you leave this CPD with an increased knowledge of Martyn’s law and anti-terror glass balustrades. 

The Pride development is a £60 million investment which includes a new 122 bed hospital being built on the former Ryhope Hospital site in Sunderland. Laing O’Rourke, the main contractors of this project, specified Polyroof waterproofing systems for the flat roof areas.Barclay Roofing Ltd carried out the works, having previously worked with Laing O’Rourke on the 2013 Roofing Award Winning Durham Gateway Project.The SolutionThe roofs were of a complex nature and involved many details such as vents, level changes, handrail abutments, plant supports, protrusions, stanchion blocks, and parapet walls. It was essential that these details could be waterproofed in the most effective and rapid way possible. Protec, being liquid-applied, was dressed onto the upstands of the details without the need for lengthy and complicated ‘patching’ work, creating a totally seamless interface between the details and the flat roof membrane.The client required designated, permanent walkways for maintenance purposes. Quartz Sand & Polyfinish was used to create a durable and hard-wearing anti-slip finish, without the need for costly ancillary walkway systems. The system is capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and is impact resistant meaning the client had peace of mind that the walkways can be used without the risk of damaging the waterproofing integrity. Some of the roof areas are to be covered with a green roof system. The waterproofing membrane that was used therefore had to be highly durable, lightweight, fully root resistant and maintenance-free. The Protec System meets all the criteria for use with green roofs and was specified as the ideal solution for the green roof areas.It was essential that health & safety and hazard risks were kept to an absolute minimum during works. Being cold applied and low in VOC content, Protec was able to satisfy the stringent requirements of this aspect of the project.Due to the size of the roof areas, structural expansion and contraction movements had to be considered. Ideally the client wanted a waterproofing system that could accommodate these movements without the need for any additional and potentially costly modifications such as expansion joints. Protec is specially formulated to be highly flexible whilst also maintain its durability and hard-wearing properties.

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.

Electric loft ladders offer a superb solution for easy access to loft spaces. Especially for rooms with a very high ceiling, such as this property in Edinburgh.The challenge…Premier Loft Ladders received an enquiry from Magnus in Edinburgh who discovered the loft access specialist through an internet search. Magnus’ goal was to purchase a sturdy retractable ladder as part of a larger project; altering the loft space to function as a study, separate from the living area below.The ladder had to offer reliable, safe access to and from the loft whilst bearing in mind a high ceiling of 3.5 metres with restricted space for the ladder to deploy when opening. Ease of operation was also of great importance to Magnus so that deploying and stowing the ladder away could be made as effortless as possible.The Solution…With a heavy-duty aluminium structure and space saving qualities, the Supreme Electric from Premier Loft Ladders was chosen for this application.The Supreme Electric comes with a reliable motor, hard wired to the main supply via a control box and backup battery so it can be deployed and retracted effortlessly with the push of a button! Hard wired switches were also supplied, one on the landing and one in the loft area next to the opening so the ladder can be operated from above and below.The ladder itself features large treads (140mm deep) and a telescopic hand rail as standard, with an additional handrail added for this specific application providing safe, easy access to and from the loft.Installation Challenges…After the Supreme Electric ladder had been installed, there was found to be an issue preventing it from operating automatically. During this time Magnus could still use the ladder manually, thanks to the override option and counterbalance spring design.We worked with Magnus and his electrician to try and resolve the issue. This included checking warning indicators and working through a trouble-shooting guide. Unfortunately, it was not possible to fully diagnose the problem.As such, we sent replacement components for the ladder which were successfully installed by a different firm to the original installation team. After this the ladder operated perfectly, for which Magnus was very grateful.The results…A perfect solution was achieved for Magnus. The Supreme Electric ladder was positioned comfortably in the available space and gave him a safe, reliable access to and from the loft.

The Ambient Assisted Living Lab (AAL) within Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh’s acclaimed National Robotarium, aims to revolutionise the way assisted living care in the UK is delivered in the community using robotics and AI. With its purpose-built facilities within a recreated home setting, scientists, and engineers within the AAL will collaboratively research and create robotic and smart technology solutions in its open and remote access living lab, helping improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with assisted living needs who want to live independently.Sharing this ethos of improving people’s wellbeing through design, Pressalit has been leading the way in assisted living technologies for the bathroom and kitchen for almost fifty years. Pressalit was therefore delighted to be asked to contribute to the inspiring work being carried out at the National Robotarium, the UK’s largest and most advanced centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, which recently opened in Edinburgh.Featured in the AAL is the Pressalit PLUS track system, which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of different bathroom products. This bathroom is equipped with plenty of our products like the PLUS shower seat, PLUS support arms, and our MATRIX SMALL wash basin with integrated handrail, to name a few. The room can be configured to suit individual user and carer requirements, optimising space for wheelchair or carer access, whilst also future proofing the room.Meanwhile, Pressalit’s height adjustable INDIVO kitchen system brings a sense of independence to daily tasks in the kitchen and dining room. With a simple press of a button, sink and hob worktop heights can be adjusted to suit standing and seated users, and wall cupboards can be brought within easy reach. Tasks from washing up, cooking and preparing food, to sharing a meal at the table, can be carried out in an environment that is safe, comfortable and inclusive.Adam Southcott, Sales and Training Consultant from Pressalit, explains:”Assisted technologies form the future. Pressalit's knowledge and expertise in developing both bathroom and kitchen systems has brought independence to many individuals' homes and social care settings. We are delighted to be associated with the National Robotarium and the research it undertakes. By combining technologies in the AAL environment, individuals, carers, care homes and social care professionals have a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the innovative solutions that are available, now and in the future, to help transform daily routines and enhance independent living.”

In 2013, Cyclehoop were approached by Network Rail to find a cycle parking solution for platform 9 in Paddington Rail station.This was quite a challenge due to limited space on this platform, as well as the restrictions of working within a listed building which prevented a space-efficient two-tier cycle parking from being installed. The new design needed to be approved by Westminster Council and Network Rail, and installation had to be undertaken outside normal hours and within four days.We undertook a careful site survey and planning in order to maximise the cycle parking as well as permeability and ease of access. The 380 strong cycle hub on platform 9 is sympathetic to the station’s aesthetics, featuring a minimal guardrail and barriers in line with the station’s traditional interior, and is designed in such a way that people who cycle cannot lock their bike to the handrail or kick the cycle stands. As well as this, we installed our Public Bike Pump and Bike Repair Stand to ensure people who cycle have facilities in emergency situations.This project was overwhelmingly successful and resulted in a request from Network Rail for a second parking solution for platform 10 and 11. It made sense to replicate the original solution from platform 9, to keep the aesthetics in line with each other.Both of the 380 space Cycle Hubs were highly commended in the ATOC Cycle-Rail awards in 2014 recognising the progress made by the rail industry and associated organisations towards encouraging integrated Cycle-Rail travel. ATOC has a claim to encourage the greater use of cycles to access the railway. These awards enable ATOC and its partners to move closer towards fulfilling this ambition this ambition, through improving communication and the spread of the best practice across the industry.“Before the new cycle racks were installed at Paddington Station we had a lot of complaints from cyclists about the cycle parking, which lead to negative customer feedback. As the station is a grade 1 listed building there were many restrictions on what we could do. Cyclehoop listened intently to our problems and presented us with various creative designs. The installation was a dream and we are thrilled with the new cycle racks. It has been a pleasure working with Cyclehoop and we would highly recommend them.” – Nick Hartnell, Station Manager, Paddington Station

Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School based in Kingstanding, just outside Birmingham, took advantage of a quieter time, with the majority of pupils home schooling, to undertake interior wall protection work with Yeoman Shield. Catering for 700 pupils aged 11- 16 the school has corridors and break-out areas throughout the school where walls and corners especially are exposed to marking and impact damage caused by the everyday movement of pupils, staff and equipment.The damage not only detracts from the smart image the school strives to up hold in all areas, but also becomes a strain on the maintenance budget with constant requirements of repair and redecoration. With the aim to reduce such damage and expenditure, after research and receiving samples, Head Teacher, Robert Swanwick, contacted Yeoman Shield to supply and carry out the installation of a complete wall protection system.Following strict Covid guidelines throughout the process, Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives installed Yeoman Shield FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels, (after boarding-out some of the brickwork to provide an even finish), at 1250 mm high to corridor and dining areas in a Dusty Grey colour to complement artwork decoration applied to the upper walls.Staircase walls were also fitted with the wall protection panels with the addition of Yeoman Shield 50 mm Dia. Guardian Handrail in Timber with attractive Stainless Steel accessories.Vulnerable wall corners were protected with 75 x 75 mm corner protection in a matching colour and Yeoman Shield 110 mm White PVCu cover over a solid timber core skirting was added.This full Yeoman Shield wall protection system will abolish the future need for repainting walls and skirting with cleaning being the only maintenance required, reducing budgets spends. The rigid PVCu material that Yeoman Shield products are manufactured from are easy to clean, do not promote the growth of bacteria or mould and are not affected by the use of commercial cleaners, assisting in the up keep of high hygiene standards.Mr Swanwick commented “the quality of the product is exceptional. It has been installed for six months in some places and shows no signs of wear or tear yet. I also cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism of the installation teams, who understand the challenges of working in a school environment and get on with things quietly and efficiently. I am a very happy customer.”For more information on how installing wall & door protection products can help save on building maintenance and help keep interiors looking smart and clean get in contact on 0113 279 5854, info@yeomanshield.com or go to www.yeomanshield.com

Chelmsley Wood Shopping CentreBauderflex bituminous waterproofing systemSynopsisChelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, located in East Birmingham, was experiencing leaks with their current flat roof waterproofing system and so they needed a quick, high quality solution to remedy the situation. Although competitors had suggested the only option was to strip the roof, Bauder found a more cost-effective answer by using our in house Troxler Moisture Gauge to identify any areas of wet roof construction, removing the saturated areas and then overlaying the whole roof area.Bauder Building BoardProject:Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre Location:BirminghamProject Type:RefurbishmentRoof Area:4500m²Specifier:Black Cat ConsultancyApproved Contractor:BBR Roofing LtdProject challengesThe works were to be undertaken in the middle of winter on the existing single ply covering which kept freezing when the operatives were drying the surface. Fixing down of the insulation boards (to the existing waterproof covering) was a noisy operation which also exposed the retail tenant below to risk of water ingress. Work had to be undertaken on a roof where ridges and valleys had to be navigated whilst managing the waterflow.The specification allowed for the removal and replacement of the saturated areas as identified by our moisture mapping survey. This operation had to be planned to ensure that the retail stores were not put at risk in terms of water ingress, but still managed to keep the works progressing to schedule. This was particularly difficult due to the exposed site and the inclement weather encountered. The resultAs a result, Large sections of cable bespoke design had to be developed with Bauder to overcome these challenging site details without the need to decant the retail tenants below. trays and handrails had to be lifted in situ so the roof works could be completed without compromising electrical or mechanical install.By working closely with the centre, a method of work was developed which fulfilled these criteria in terms of waterproofing, health and safety and business protection of the shopping centre. System installedBauderflex bituminous waterproofing system1 BauderFLEX K4EA torch applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet, featuring spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture.2 BauderTEC Sprint DUOA self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen underlayer with DUO lap technology. This product has a glass fleece reinforcement feature for stability and strength.3 BauderPIR FA-TEFlatboard insulation boards containing rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR).4 BauderTHERM DS 1 DUOA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air and vapour control layer (AVCL) with patented “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures.

Villa Wippermann in Halver, Germany is an old factory owner’s beautiful villa, originally belonging to the Wippermann family, built back in 1892. The old villa was renovated to serve as a regional museum and a cultural meeting place. The fire protection and heritage conservation requirements, in particular, presented a demanding challenge to the planners of the escape routes and escape staircases. Space-saving design was required, while creating a staircase system without any additional connection to the building (no transfer of forces into the historical building structure). The architectural appearance of the building also had to be preserved in the best possible way, and safe use by visitors had to be guaranteed in the event of an emergency.The criteriaThe client, City of Halver, involved experts, architects and engineers in the make-over of the museum. The project had a significant focus on safety in case of fire or other events that need safe evacuation. The parties involved required a spiral staircase as a fire escape solution, to be installed without causing any damage to the building.Minimum strainThe engineer and architect were both very aware of the fact that various environmental conditions such as wind and vibrations can cause too much load, leading to damage to the building.DesignAs stated in the project criteria, the architectural heritage of the building had to be preserved. This called for a safe but well-designed spiral staircase, fitting into the environment and to the unique architecture of the building and maintaining the appealing aesthetics of the Villa Wippermann museum.The solutionBased on these project criteria, PcP delivered a proposal that presented a safe and secure spiral staircase for the museum. The project architects and the planners from the building and heritage authorities accepted the proposal.Spiral staircase made of galvanised steelA complete spiral staircase system was designed and tailor-made to support the unique criteria of the project. A large steel pipe at the centre of the staircase provided solid support to the entire structure. A slim handrail system followed the spiral shape of the staircase. All details and products were made of galvanised steel, matching the architectural and aesthetical look of the building. The staircase links the historical building together with modern architecture.The staircase was designed by PcP and manufactured using modern industrial production methods, combined with handmade finishes and details.OPTIMO® steel treads and gratingsThe PcP OPTIMO® O3 spiral treads and gratings were used for treads and landings, providing safety in terms of optimal slip resistance, capacity and fire proofing. The high and certified slip resistance according to evaluation group R13/V10 and the limited views below allow even people with a fear of heights to walk safely. The surface of OPTIMO® O3 flooring delivers the very best drainage of liquids.The resultAs a result of the strong collaboration between architects, structural engineers and planners from heritage protection and fire protection, a safe, solid and aesthetically pleasing spiral staircase now compliments the museum.Today, Villa Wippermann museum stands as a harmonious building with a perfect balance between modern and old architecture in beautiful surroundings.