"entrance matting"

DESIGN BRIEF / OVERVIEWStrata Tower was the first development in the world where wind turbines were constructed within the fabric of the building, setting new standards in sustainable living and becoming one of London’s new icons. Our brief: to design a ground floor entrance that was as commanding as the building above it.SOLUTION:The Strata Tower's 4.5 meter high automatic revolving main entrance door, with enhanced security features and frameless 4.5 meter high automatic pass door, was developed by Open Entrances to meet BFLS' (formerly Hamiltons Masterplanners) design intent.

Maida Vale Studios is a complex of seven BBC sound studios of which five are in regular use. Since its launch in 1934, the studio has been used to record thousands of classical music, and dramas for popular radio channels such as BBC Radio 1/2/3 etc. It has also been the home to BBC Symphony Orchestra. Installing recessed Matting at the Entrance of the BBC Studios a great way to sustain the life of the flooring beyond therefore improving the aesthetics of the interior and enhancing the building.

Opened in September 2022, the UCL East Campus in Stratford, London, includes apartments for over 500 students, cafes, a shop, a cinema and public art installations.This means that the campus can expect thousands of students and visitors to walk through their entrances each day, so the installation of an effective entrance flooring system was essential. Launched in the summer of 2022, Nuway Grid Black Anodised offers a stylish but contemporary alternative to Nuway Tuftiguard Black Anodised. Offering a modern aesthetic along with a 7-year warranty (as it was installed by Master Matting, a FESSI Contractor), Nuway Grid Black Anodised is the perfect product for this Campus as it can withstand heavy foot and wheeled traffic and help to reduce slips, trips and falls within the building by removing brought in dirt and moistures.  

Project DetailsSystem: INTRAflow PlusSpecification: FR Rubber & INTRAlux Elite Grey 606 InsertsClient: University of BirminghamInstaller: DMC ContractsLocation: University of Birmingham Rail StationSafely Welcoming Over 4M PassengersThe rebuilt University (Birmingham) Train Station was designed to aid accessibility and safety for its 4M yearly passengers. The station provides access to the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and passenger numbers are expected to rise to seven million by 2069. With high footfall and varied wheeled traffic, durability and safe performance were paramount when specifying the Entrance Matting. The combination of INTRAflow Plus with FR Rubber (Fire Resistant) matting complies with DDA compliance, EN45545, Section 12 underground transport regulation, and EU and UK Rail System Accessibility (TSI PRM)A Highly Durable and Easy to Maintain SystemThere are four entrance matwells throughout the new station, welcoming pedestrians, buggies, bikes, scooters, wheelchairs and wheeled luggage daily. Access doors are open to the elements, so the heavy-duty, open-construction INTRAflow Plus system is ideal for reducing water ingress, preventing slips and ensuring a smoother journey. A plank-based system aids maintenance, as you can replace or swap each individual plank as required with minimal disruption or expense. It's extremely hard-wearing and comes with a standard 10-year guarantee, so will last for many years with an efficient cleaning and maintenance regime. INTRAform Fire Resistant Inserts for Fire Safety ComplianceFollowing transport regulations, we recommended a combination of INTRAlux Elite fibres for water absorption and dirt scraping, along with INTRAform FR. We originally designed INTRAform FR for London Transport to meet their Section 12 underground fire safety regulation. Our FR inserts contain fire-resistant rubber with low toxic smoke emissions and passes EN45545, the European railway standard for fire safety. The multi-directional inserts are extremely strong and hard-wearing planks with our 100% recycled aluminium construction. An Enduring CombinationINTRAlux Elite fibre is high quality and a great all-rounder for zones 2 and 3. Often chosen for intensive commercial applications for sound dampening, high-performance and endurance. The combination of fibre with the fire-resistant rubber helps to extend the lifespan thanks to their hard-wearing nature, plank formation, moisture absorption and open construction. Together, the two types of inserts fit the bill for wet, busy conditions in a transport hub, while exceeding stringent safety standards.

Strata Tower was the first development in the world where wind turbines were constructed within the fabric of the building, setting new standards in sustainable living and becoming one of London’s new icons. Our brief: to design a ground floor entrance that was as commanding as the building above it.SOLUTION:The Strata Tower's 4.5 meter high automatic revolving main entrance door, with enhanced security features and frameless 4.5 meter high automatic pass door, was developed by Open Entrances to meet BFLS' (formerly Hamiltons Masterplanners) design intent.

Overlooking the River Mersey, the iconic Royal Liver Building is the most prominent structure in Liverpool’s famous skyline. Classic on the outside yet modern, light and chic on the inside, the recent programme of investment aimed to reposition the building offering, with a new reception area, large open plan grade A office suites, gym and café. A first-class offering is key to attracting and retaining tenants – and Intraform Low Profile entrance barrier matting protects the flooring to maintain the interior aesthetic and create the right first impression. Read the full case study to learn more...

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

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon has undergone an ambitious and exciting £112m project to install a brand new auditorium inside the skeleton of the art-deco original. The internal refit created some interesting acoustical challenges. One of the most important aspects of the project was to ensure that theatre performances were not disturbed by noise from other parts of the building. In particular, the gantry – from where scenery changes and lighting are managed – was identified as requiring a specialised acoustic solution, to stop the noise of people working behind the scenes from carrying through to the audience. This is where CMS Danskin stepped in.The SolutionAs soft flooring subcontractors on the project, Loughton Contracts installed CMS High Impact Mat in the gantry. Composed of reclaimed rubber, EPDM granulate and PUR binder, CMS High Impact Mat is a durable, environmentally friendly type of floor covering that reduces excess sound, prevents unwanted noise and has excellent impact reduction. CMS High Impact Mat is available in a variety of thicknesses and colours. Simple to install, LoughtonContracts fitted 573m² of blue, 10mm thick CMS High Impact Mat onto wooden, concrete and screeded floor areas in the theatre gantry. As a non-reflective, slip and tear resistant material that meets the highest safety standards, it provides a safe surface for an area of the theatre where there is constant movement of scenery, people and heavy lighting.CMS High Impact Mat also has other qualities which made it the preferred specification for this refurbishment. As well as providing high acoustic performance, it offers an aesthetic, ‘final floor finish’ which is warm underfoot and has anti-fatigue properties. It creates an attractive, comfortable and quiet working environment in the gantry, as well as contributing to the quality finish that runs throughout the theatre.

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

Situated in Bedfordshire, Millbrook Golf Club is a magnificent golf course that sought to enhance specific areas of its course to ensure year-round suitability.In this case study, the greenkeeping team focused on improving the walk-on walk-off areas of newly constructed tee boxes to prevent erosion and the formation of muddy or boggy ground during the winter months.To create a pathway that would offer exceptional grass protection while preserving the natural beauty of the course once the grass beneath had grown, the team opted for our rubber grass mats.Our rubber golf path matting is highly sought after due to its remarkable benefits, including durability, ease of installation, permeability, and compatibility with wheelchairs and golf carts. These attributes make it the perfect solution for a wide range of projects and applications.Robert the Millbrook course General Manager told us; "We chose rubber grass mats to be used for the walk-on walk-off areas to two of our tee boxes, one of which has recently had a new pathway to the rear of the tee installed".Rubber Grass Mats On The 7th TeeExtending from the 6th green to the 7th tee, this particular section of the course experienced noticeable wear and tear. Without careful maintenance from the greenkeeping team, it could easily become an extremely boggy spot.To alleviate the risk of muddy ground in this area, the team devised a plan to revamp the space. They constructed a new pathway at the rear of the tee and re-turfed the slopes on either side. The surface of the path was then adorned with artificial grass. In addition, the lead-up to the artificial grass path was covered with our protective rubber grass mats. These mats were effortlessly laid in place by the team using plastic fixing pegs and cable ties.Once the area has matured, the golf path mats will become nearly invisible, providing a natural-looking yet protective surface to ensure the course remains in optimal condition for its members throughout the year.Robert kept us up to date with their progress; "Our Greenkeepers have been busy putting the finishing touches to the 7th Tee. Turfing the slopes, laying artificial grass for the path and installing a rubber grass mat infrastructure which the grass will grow through".Rubber Grass Mats On The 12th TeeSimilar to the work done on the 7th tee, the team at Millbrook devised a plan to enhance the approach from the 11th green to the 12th tee using our rubber grass mats.To enhance year-round usability regardless of weather conditions, they improved the approach to the tee box from the 11th green by installing our rubber grass mats. These mats were laid out, interconnected with cable ties, and easily secured in place using plastic pegs.Once the grass grows through the carefully designed holes in the rubber grass mats, the course will maintain its natural appearance while benefiting from a reinforced pathway that prevents the formation of boggy areas.Robert again informed us of the upgrade of this tee approach path; "The 12th Tee approach work is progressing really well thanks to our greenkeeping team. The area around the 11th bunker has also been re-turfed".The ResultRobert and the team are delighted with the project's outcome and the advantages provided by the rubber grass mats. Some club members have also expressed their appreciation for the new tee boxes and approaches on the Millbrook Facebook page; "The tee boxes looked very smart on Saturday".We are thrilled that our simple yet highly effective rubber grass mats have proven to be a resounding success for Millbrook Golf Course.Our exceptional golf pathway mats have assisted the greenkeeping team in achieving their objective of creating reinforced and natural-looking approach areas for their new tee boxes. Undoubtedly, these improvements will benefit the team, members and the course for years to come.For more information on our rubber grass mats and other rubber surfacing solutions, or to request a quote for an upcoming project, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Established in Eastbourne over 130 years ago, W.Bruford is proud of its reputation for exceptional service, exclusive choice and attention to detail. They are recognised as a prestigious jewellers and pride themselves in offering the highest quality products and services. We wanted to do their brand justice by working closely with them to make their vision for their entrance come to light.Project Year: 2019Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 Transparent Sliding DoorProject Background: Having worked with Innovare Design on their shopfront redesign, the client approached us to request a bi-parting all glass automatic door with side screens and pocket screens, and for the operator to sit above the ceiling and be the closest match to the bronze finish on their sign. As a high end jewellery store, both security and a clean and sleek look, were priorities for the entrance.Solution:FAAC Entrance Solutions installed the SL500 Transparent sliding door four panel system and finished the operator cover in a 50% gloss Light Bronze RAL Finish. The pocket screens were replaced by flush mounted EN16005 compliant safety presence detecting sensors which together with the 10.8mm glass and a dotted manifestation, contributed to an elegant yet safe entrance. We integrated mechanical bolt floor locks, and first-entry switch and last-exit push buttons for the use of staff. For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

Enhancing Accessibility and Efficiency: Creating user friendly entrances at Birmingham UniversityWe’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 Frame sliding 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.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

We supplied a range of Flooring Accessories and Barrier Matting Systems to Colindale Gardens, an ongoing development of luxury townhouses and apartments in north-west London. James Holmear, Sales and Marketing Director at Redrow’s Greater London region, commented: "We wanted to create interior solutions that would reflect the luxury nature that Colindale Gardens offers and would also be hard-wearing and long-lasting for our customers. The solutions provided by Gradus not only fit with the premium feel of the development, but also provide a high level of safety for our residents and visitors."

The southern entrance to Leeds Station features four Stannah escalators and two passenger lifts. The four escalators provide continuous vertical transportation for ambulant people. Those travellers with heavy luggage, child buggies or wheelchair-users are well provided for with two bespoke 13-person traction passenger lifts located just inside the entrance.

An entrance that needed reviving and improved functionGeorge Eliot Hospital is based in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. It provides a full range of emergency and elective medical services to the local area, including maternity services.Project Year: 2022Product: UniturnProject Background: We were contacted directly from the hospital’s Estates Department to review an existing traditional sliding door entrance, with a view to proposing a solution to upgrade to a high capacity revolving door. An important need was to improve the temperature in the reception area, enabling climate control.The existing entrance lobby was too narrow to accommodate both the revolving door and necessary adjacent pass doors to meet Equal Access requirements and so we had to come up with a different solution.Solution: To overcome the narrow lobby entrance we proposed to locate the revolving door in front of the existing lobby’s footprint, which in turn required the building’s foundation slab to be extended under the revolving door location.This solution required detailed technical and design input from FES to the client’s nominated building contractor and design team to ensure that the build was both structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing and met the relevant building regulations.The Uniturn has improved accessibility in and out of the hospital and has provided energy savings and temperature control, resulting in a successful project.

Humber Enterprise Park is an 86-acre site in Brough, East Yorkshire developed on the site previously owned by BAE Systems. Gradus carpet, matting and stair edgings (fitted using Gradus Grip) were used throughout. "Using Gradus Grip adhesive for fixing down the Gradus GTX51 & GXT11 profiles at Humber Enterprise Project was more cost effective as it is quicker than mechanically fixing each nosing, it also shortened the installation time as the adhesive sets quicker so there is no need to shut the staircases off for long periods." Nic Clawson Assistant Project Manager, Sandhurst Flooring

The Beacon Shopping Centre is well known for great places to shop, eat and play. The busy centre required a sturdy door with a strong profile to take on the variable weather conditions. We were happy to advise and provide a solution that allowed savings in energy costs and a pleasant experience for shoppers.Project Year: 2020Product: (Terminus Road Main Entrance): SL500 Framed Sliding Door with break out and SL500 150mm operator.Product: (Sainsbury’s entrance): SL500 Framed sliding door system with break out and SL500 150mm operator.Project Background: The Beacon shopping centre is one of Eastbourne’s most popular shopping destinations. We were contacted in conjunction with Hawes Construction Group to put in two new sets of automatic sliding doors across the mall in two locations; the centre’s main entrance and the entrance to Sainsbury’s within the centre. Hawes Construction laid the foundations and installed new steel columns which were part of the doors support system, getting the site ready for the door installation.Solution: We installed the SL500 Framed sliding door with a 4 leaf panel, side screens and SL500 bi-parting operator, providing extra sturdiness and protection from the strong winds that regularly hit Eastbourne. We used Clear Insulated laminated 22mm glass which look streamlined whilst creating an improved environment for customers and staff at The Beacon.Our exclusive presence detection sensors and sidelight presence detection sensors were a large factor in enabling the doors to provide a more energy efficient outcome for the shopping centre. The FAAC sensor technology allowed partial opening of the doors, which saved ample energy as doors do not open unless somebody intends to walk through them. Presence detection sensors and sidelight presence detection sensors to comply with EN16005.The final outcome was a great success, creating optimal accessibility for all users, streamlining entry and saving energy.

Project: Manufacture and installation of bespoke 3D GRC cladding panels in Tempest Grey colour and Silk finish Client: Morgan Lovell Materials used: Panels were produced using BTX GRC high performance concrete in 3 meter length and only 20mm thickness. Bespoke 3D BTX GRC high performance concrete cladding panels were installed by Living Concrete to the famous 10 Old Bailey entrance. The panels were 3 meters in length each but only 20mm thick. Panels were double fixed to a steel frame and sealed in a Silk finish.

Tamesis 1 is a busy office complex near Egham, Surrey with a granite paved entrance subject to regular heavy traffic.

Cowley Road in Brixton is situated in a vibrant area of London where main contractors, Pinnacle Building Solutions were faced with the task of refurbishing an existing apartment block to a standard that reflected the higher standards of living now demanded in the area.Pinnacle Building Solutions were tasked with reducing not just airborne noise, but impact noise too. This is a classic problem in buildings constructed when building regulations were considerably more lax than today. This problem is compounded by modern tastes having moved away from carpets throughout the living space. Finally, the tight urban site demanded that all trades work together to an equally tight schedule of works.Soundis supplied over 2,850m2 of Acoustic Matting and Underlays. The end result being an installation that surpassed the building regulations Part E for both airborne and impact noise with ease.

In November 2013, we were contacted by Stroods Specialist Contractors who were working on a project at Colchester General Hospital and required a canopy over the entrance of the accident and emergency department.

Wexham Hospital in Slough, Berkshire required a freestanding entrance canopy installed at the entrance to their A&E department. This canopy would provide cover to those entering and exiting the building, ensuring the internal floors were kept as dry as possible. The hospital staff were also finding that stone chippings were being brought into the building and flicking up into the mechanism of the electronic doors, resulting in the motors burning out and so a solution was also needed to solve this issue.

A recently completed residential complex in the centre of London is where you will find this magnificent building which has been finished to the highest standard. The reception area is welcomed by a circular entrance with a pool of water at the centre. The stone that's been used is a pale cream and the metal work is a light bronze. We provided the pull door handles which complement the colours and materials used. The have been finished in a dark bronze adding a dramatic entrance across the front of the building and on the main entrance. You can find a range of finishes which we offer across a range of products. The front of the building benefits from planted up areas which breaks up the hard lines, this along with the curved stone seated areas creates a pleasant place to sit and sip a coffee. There have also made great use of lighting in the main lobby area and the reception is grand and welcoming. The style of our handles used are Ash 103.

When architects Scott Brownrigg were given a brief to create a new gateway to Cambridge Science Park they knew the building had to be impressive to attract the desired high tech and research and development companies. The design features a colonnade sweeping across the front of the building echoing the curve of the spine road and a new public space. The column spacing guides occupants and visitors to the entrance – a GEZE SlimdriveSCR curved automatic sliding door. Slimdrive SCR was chosen to fit with the building BREEAM Excellent rating. The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentialsWhen architects Scott Brownrigg were given a brief to create a new gateway to Cambridge Science Park they knew the building had to be impressive to attract the desired high tech and research and development companies. The design features a colonnade sweeping across the front of the building echoing the curve of the spine road and a new public space. The column spacing guides occupants and visitors to the entrance – a GEZE SlimdriveSCR curved automatic sliding door. Slimdrive SCR was chosen to fit with the building BREEAM Excellent rating. The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentialsIn addition the Slimdrive SCR automatic curved sliding door provides a light and airy all-glass lobby entrance which blends into the façade and the large glass atrium; it combines high performance with unobtrusive operation. Inside the operator’s deep canopy an integrated air curtain was installed to further minimise any heat loss and maintain the aesthetics of the building. The Slimdrive SCR automatic operator also provides uninhibited access and so meets the demands of Part M, BS 8300 and EN 16005, whilst the access control system ensures security. Shortlisted for office awardsRecognising the outstanding design of the building, the Cambridge Science Park has been shortlisted for the 2023 British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards. The BCO’s primary objective is to define excellence in office space. Ross Mcwatt, associate architect at Scott Brownrigg said: "We have worked with GEZE several times, they have the same focus as we do in terms combining sustainability, accessibility and aesthetics." Richard Richardson-Derry, national specification manager at GEZE UK added: "This is an outstanding building, that meets many demands. We were delighted to play a part in creating an entrance and achieving the criteria of the brief." 

The 36 storey Grade-II listed, white-concrete high-rise tower, has been completely overhauled. Previously containing offices, but has now been converted to accommodate 82 apartments, including a penthouse ranging in price from £3 million to £55 million.During the refurbishment architects clustered corridors and bathrooms in the centre of the tower, making room for living areas and bedrooms to run alongside the windows, to make the most of the London skyline view.With approximately 12,700m2 of medium density gypsum fibre panels engineered with tongue & groove edges for ease of installation to create a monolithic robust surface over underfloor heating trays and 6mm Isorubber working as an impact vibration reduction mat. The panels installed were chosen due to their excellent thermal conductivity, a requirement for the system to work in conjunction with the desired underfloor heating system.

Auriens Chelsea, located on Dovehouse Street is a luxurious residence in London’s iconic area of Chelsea. Our design team worked with the architects to design contemporary but classic entrance pull handles. The finished products we crafted were these bespoke stepped tubular satin brass pull handles which completely integrates with the brass hardware used throughout the residence, while bringing a luxurious feel.

This case study is courtesy of Play To Measure and Priory Park Community School. The school sought a specialist play company to convert an unused piece of land into an innovative learning and play environment. Their aim was to merge education, creativity, fun, nature, and most importantly safety, in one holistic design.Before the project commenced, the outdoor space at Priory Park Community School was mostly inaccessible and overgrown, resulting in underutilisation.Play To Measure faced a significant challenge due to the lack of engaging features and safety concerns while transforming this space into an area promoting both learning and play. Ensuring students’ safety while encouraging outdoor learning, creativity, and physical activity was a top priority in the planning process.To address these challenges, Play To Measure proposed a comprehensive solution. This involved creating an outdoor classroom, pond, climbing frame with a slide, hammocks, and more. They also added rubber grass matting underneath suitable structures to cushion falls and ensure the safety of the children.The initial phase involved clearing the overgrown grass and plants, providing the team with a blank canvas to work on. With the area cleared, the team commenced transforming the design into reality.They created a pond filled with self-oxygenating plants to attract various wildlife, making it a potential habitat. Adjacent to the pond, they placed a boat, offering a unique relaxation and learning space.Above the pond, they installed a custom-built Outdoor Classroom with a bridge, serving as a dedicated educational space with a canopy for year-round use.In proximity to the classroom, two handmade hammocks were installed with our protective rubber grass mats underneath, ensuring a safe surface under this unique relaxation area.The subsequent phase involved designing, constructing, and installing a unique climbing frame. Play To Measure's team crafted an innovative play space featuring ladders, a slide, a climbing wall and nets. The climbing frame was assembled and installed on-site, with some help from the school’s students!Rubber grass mats, 23mm in thickness, were then laid and secured around the climbing frame, providing a safety surface for all users. These easy-to-install safety surfacing solutions offer a superb 3.3m critical fall height, ideal for various play spaces. The addition of a play area enhanced the recreational aspect, promoting physical activity while ensuring children's safety during play."Another quality structure completed, featuring a climbing wall, scramble nets, ladders, a platform and a slide!""Thanks to South West Play for all things rope, GCL Products for safety matting and the students at Priory Park Community School for your help in building the structure." - Play To MeasureThe collaboration between Play To Measure, Priory Park Community School and GCL Products successfully transformed an underutilised outdoor space into a vibrant, safe, and educational area. The project achieved a fine balance between education, recreation, versatility and safety, creating an inspiring environment that fosters both learning and play. This exceptional project highlights the value of innovative solutions for outdoor spaces while prioritising children’s safety and well-being."We are delighted with the before and after. The transformation of spaces is what we do. Take an unused space and make it into a play oasis.""Earlier this year it was an empty area... Now there is a Nature Pond, Outdoor Classroom, Boat, Table & Chairs, Hammocks and a large Climbing Frame.""Thank you to Priory Park Community for the opportunity to work at your school." - Play To MeasurePlay To Measure excels in transforming indoor and outdoor spaces, crafting playgrounds, sensory gardens, learning spaces, and home garden projects. Based in Sheffield, they operate throughout Yorkshire, the Midlands and across the UK. This project exemplifies Play To Measure’s commitment to excellence and their capacity to exceed clients' needs and expectations. To discover more about them or discuss a potential project, visit the Play To Measure website.GCL Products are proud to have contributed to the creation of this exceptional safe learning and play space. For more information on our rubber grass mats or to request a quote for an upcoming project, do not hesitate to contact us.You can call us on 01246 418144 or LiveChat with us during office hours. Alternatively, you can leave us a message outside these hours.

Hartshill Medical Centre – Nuneaton, WarwickshireClient: Malvern Homes Ltd.Contractor: Enrock Construction Ltd.Architect: Hayward ArchitectsProduct: Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding CanopyFrame Colour: RAL 9004 Signal Black (matt finish)Size: 3.1m x 1.5m with hip into 1.41m x 1.5mInstallation Date: March 2023The BriefHartshill Medical Centre in Nuneaton, Warwickshire is a £3m state of the art practice that was opened in early 2023, replacing the much smaller, nearby Chancery Lane Surgery.We were approached during the early stages to tender for an entrance canopy which would provide shade and shelter above the main entrance.The SolutionHayward Architects who were designing the project, asked us to submit a quote for a Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding Canopy in an L-shape, so it could follow the outline of the entrance.We provided them with a price as requested, and also alternative costs for two more cost-effective canopies for comparison and choice. The alternative canopies we quoted for was the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy and the Kensington Junior Wall Mounted Entrance Canopy.As a result of conversations with Enrock Construction Ltd. and Hayward Architects, they opted for the Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding Canopy which they preferred from the initial enquiry. This was because they really wanted a canopy with supporting rear posts for ease of install and to reduce strain on the building.The Kensington Junior doesn’t have supporting posts and the Coniston has a difference appearance to what they first had in mind including front posts, making both unsuitable for the design.The Kensington Mono-Pitch Freestanding Canopy was therefore the perfect solution; it is very popular within commercial settings including hospitals, medical centres and hospitality venues and has a stylish, high-class appearance with a robust construction to compliment the design. It can be covered with toughened glass panels which adds to the aesthetics, or 5mm solid, clear polycarbonate which mimics the glass appearance.The order was placed in February 2023 for a 3.1 metre x 1.5 metre canopy with a hip, enabling it to follow the external corner of the entrance, into a 1.41 metre x 1.5 metre canopy.InstallationJust one month after receiving the order, we installed the door canopy within four days as scheduled. It was powder coated in RAL 9004, Signal Black with a matt finish to coordinate with the building’s windows.The end result looks fantastic and really sets of the main entrance of the brand-new medical centre which will serve patients for many years to come.

The hospital needed to ensure good accessibility and create demarcation areas for staff and visitors. We provided various systems including automatic revolving doors and sliding doors, an automatic revolving door with a diameter of 5.4 meters, and various swing door operators for the automation of both wooden single-action doors and fire-resistant doors. We installed swing door operators and sliding door operators which ensure convenient, comfortable and safe access between the departments. In addition to the benefits of comfort and energy-savings, the solution provides safe escape routes and easy access for both able-bodied and disabled people.