"access equipment and safety systems"

Investing in washroom hand-dryers is clearly a smart move. Making the best use of your funds and finding ECO friendly solutions are high priority for us. An equipment purchase qualifies as a fixed asset, unlike paper towels that are classified as a costly expense.

Completed in 2020, this residential building spans 9 storeys and a double-level basement, providing 201 luxury apartments.Located in the City of Westminster, the existing 7 storey building was completely stripped down to only the basement level, leaving existing basement walls before it was replaced with the 9 floors costing an overall of £135 million.The site is surrounded by public roads and footpaths on all four sides which created a challenge in terms of logistical access and security for the project. Because of these boundary restraints, Panthera Group designed a narrower concrete block supported hoarding system. The completed building includes private spa, lounge, fitness and amenity centre.To resolve the public access problem, 48 Carey Street has dedicated one of the basements to an underground car park and it can be accessed through the main entrance on Carey Street, or another entrance on Portugal Street.Selo provided wallpaper riser door systems in the main corridors, which were specifically tested for the project. The advantage of the wallpaper is that the riser doors then seamlessly blend in with the surrounding design and the eye is drawn to the front door of the apartment, rather than what would have been an unsightly riser door. Inside the apartments, the interior design is modern with some traditional features such as paneling in which we were glad to support the architect by providing bespoke sliding pocket doors to compliment the design, with their panelled leafs.

Casa OM is part of an innovative design part of the houses JIA, developed by the architect Gabriel Gomera . The concept aims to re -connect people with nature thanks to sensible and smart architecture, using a modular system . Our BSO, or outdoor Venetians blinds , provide optimal sunlight management and complement the large glazed surfaces thanks to their complete integration in the façade . The rustproof materials are designed for durability, safety in harsh weather and resilience through time . It also promotes efficiency, flexibility but also, comfort and well -being spaces 

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) is a leading provider of further and higher education courses in the UK Midlands. The project architects required a balustrade and staircase railing that reflected the dynamic, high-tech environment of the college. Q-railing’s Easy Glass Slim and Easy Glass 3kN systems were ideal for use on the staircases, and as balustrades on the upper floors, as they create a safety barrier without blocking views or compromising on design in any way. The installation included a bespoke cladding, which makes the railings appear to rise directly out of the floor or stairs.

Style was recently contracted to design and install a creative moveable wall system to divide the main space at the Kadampa Meditation Centre in London. Allowing different groups to enjoy this quiet haven in privacy, the DORMA Moveo glass partitioning wall delivers an incredible 50dB Rw acoustics, thanks to semi-automatic seals and toughened safety glass. DORMA’s products lead the way in sustainable solutions with environment product declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, meaning that this is not only a highly practical solution, but an ethical one too.

We recently provided a sleek integrated ceiling design for a world-class prominent financial institution on St. George Street in London’s Mayfair district. This complex design demonstrated our commitment to providing transformative architectural solutions that combine aesthetic and functional achievement. SupaSlat 4-23 was specified in Supalami Cool Oak to enhance the aesthetic appeal and bring uniformity to the space.Importantly, Vtec’s SupaSlat system is tested in combination and classified as Euroclass B, essential for meeting stringent safety standards and Building regulations. 

What used to be the site of the Cannon Brewery, dating back to the 1670s, and the home of London’s largest brewery, is now a modular arrangement of 198 apartments with a selection of one, two and three bedroom flats and five town houses built around a landscaped courtyard. The project was designed by architects Hamilton Associates and completed in 2022.Literally a stone’s throw from our Studio in Clerkenwell, London, this was a remediation project, where the existing timber was removed and replaced with our BalcaSmart Aluminium system, in order to make sure the building complied with new fire regulations. The rear of the building also features our TerraSmart Pedestal system.Our aluminium decking system is non-combustible, achieves Euroclass A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1:2018, is ideal for all steel, bolt-on and cantilever balconies, and most importantly ensures the safety of all residents. This is what futureproofing is all about.

This month, Falco supplied and installed over 90 spaces of the FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle rack, for what will become Scotland’s largest hotel, located on Drum’s Candlerigg’s Square site in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.The new £300m development, will transform Glasgow’s original flourishing fruit and vegetable market which has lay neglected and unused for 20 years, becoming a derelict site in an otherwise vibrant and thriving neighbourhood. Candleriggs Square, bound by Wilson Street, Hutcheson Street, Candleriggs and Trongate is regarded as the last and most significant piece of the Merchant City regeneration jigsaw and will provide a vibrant mixed-use community bringing together new homes, offices, hotels and local amenities.As part of the state-of-the-art development, a requirement for secure, easy to use, cycle parking for over 90 cycles was required, to be located within an accessible, underground facility.Falco manufactured, supplied and installed a series of over 90 double-sided FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle parking spaces within an underground facility at the prestigious development, providing employees and visitors with secure and accessible cycle parking.The popular FalcoLevel-Eco design was chosen for its capability to be located within compact areas, such as the underground facility shown here, providing cyclists with twice as many cycle parking spaces that would have otherwise been available when using traditional cycle racks and stands.Double-sided variations of the popular cycle rack were used to fit inconspicuous within the tight constraints of the space envelope available.The recent installation shown here at Candleriggs Square is just one of many underground environments Falco has supplied and installed cycle parking equipment for. Other recent examples include two-tier cycle parking for Macquarie Bank in London, three flagship Selfridges stores across the UK, VelowUp® vertical cycle stands and two-tier cycle racks for the University of Edinburgh, 150 two-tier cycle rack spaces for Marks & Spencer at Paddington Basin in London as well as semi-vertical cycle parking for Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.The FalcoLevel-Eco is a high density and budget friendly two-tier cycle parking system which accommodates twice the number of bicycles compared to any other traditional cycle rack or stand. The FalcoLevel two-tier series is the UK’s best-selling high density cycle rack and is used at the UK’s first ever cycle hub at Leeds City Station as well as the UK’s two largest cycle hubs at Cambridge and Chelmsford Stations.For more information about the FalcoLevel-Eco cycle parking system or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Having won a bid for £15m of capital funding in 2020, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) commissioned a new children’s emergency department – including upgraded, expanded facilities and a new overnight observation ward – at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury.Completed in March 2023, the 3,500m2 extension not only provides a dedicated area for children but has also freed up much-needed capacity for adult patients in the existing emergency department, and has reduced overcrowding and improved infection control. The plans also included new facilities to improve access to maternity and gynaecology outpatient services in a modern, purpose-built environment. The buildings adjacent to the children’s department house the hospital’s A&E department and maternity ward, so it was crucial that construction could go ahead without causing any disruption to day-to-day access.Throughout the project, the emergency department drop-off route, blue light route, maternity drop-off route, and A&E entrance remained in use at all times. Designed by London-based architects Hunters, the two-storey buildingwas made using modern methods of construction (MMC) at the main contractor Western Building Systems’ purpose-built in-house manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland.The decision to build using modular construction resulted in minimal disruption to the hospital, both in terms of number of deliveries and overall time to build. Hospital buildings require many services to be installed so the subcontractors worked closely together, supported by quantity surveyors from MESH Construction Consultancy Limited. Steel structure modules were made at the Western Building Systems factory in Coalisland to form the frame of the building. They were then sheathed in 12mm cement particle boards and wrapped in breather membrane.The modular design specified an efficient, certified External Wall Insulation (EWI) system that met all stringent safety standards. EWI systems have huge thermal benefits for any building by conserving energy, minimising heat loss and reducing CO2 emissions. In addition to this, having a fully certified non-combustible solution offers great peace of mind, as well as a fast-track way to provide an attractive and durable façade.  Once the frame was in place on site, render and EWI specialists from Clarke ECO Wall Ltd installed Saint-Gobain Weber’s webertherm XM – a system they are familiar with, having used it on projects previously, including University Hospital Limerick.The EWI system included webertherm MFD mineral fibre insulation board with carbon tip screw fixings, weberend LAC rapid adhesive render coat and silicone enhanced webersil TF decorative finish. This building was made up of two types of wall: one which used 170mm of external insulation and achieved a U-Value of 0.12 W/m2K and another which used just 70mm of webertherm MFD yet still reached a U-Value of 0.18 W/m2K. Both were combined with additional insulation installed within the frame. The system was finished using webersil TF – a highly weather-resistant silicone decorative finish – in Winter White. “The team from Weber were very helpful,” said Michael Clarke, managing director of Clarke ECO Wall Ltd. “They provided all the specification and completed the necessary pull-out tests, fixing patterns and condensation analysis – ensuring everything was approved and there were no grey areas – and offered our team application support while carrying out the work. They took a very collaborative approach.”A representative from Weber made weekly site visits to support the applicators to ensure the system was installed in line with Weber’s recommended best practice. The EWI system was installed in two phases, totalling eight weeks, between April and November 2022.

Moreland Primary School is a purpose built school, nursery and Children's Centre requiring a multipurpose usable outdoor space. Due to lack of space, the ground attenuation tanks planned would reduce site storage and limit access to other trades, therefore delaying the project, The challenge was to develop a storage/discharge system which wouldn't impact the project and be sensitive to the local biodiversity action plan. ABG designed a versatile Blue Roof System removing the need for attenuation tanks and allowing the roof finishes required. ABG bio-diverse roof system helped maximise the BREEAM credits laid out in the action plan

The designer obtained consent under the latest SuDS regulations in the densely build area of London. Restriction on outflow rates to sewers demanded high attenuation. The original design for stormwater attenuation involved discharging tanks under the ground. This was expensive and took up valuable space, an alternative was required. ABG proposed their Blueroof system which could be installed directly on to the hot melt waterproofing system allowing various surface finishes. Due to height limitations a cascade system was used. Various roof finishes included paved access, landscaped areas and bio diverse to attract wildlife. This increased the potential for BREEAM points.

A Raised Floor System was nominated for this project in order to ensure full access to cables / services within the flooring. This provides greatest flexibility for the long term function of any commercial building. The stunning design was created by Sheppard Robson Architects who won a design competition in 2005 to create this building. The site was developed by Linkcity with their sister company Bouygues UK as the Main Contractor. Bathgate Flooring was appointed to manufacture, supply and install over 10,000m2 of PSA steel encapsulated panels to create the raised floor system over 7 floors.

Stack London were awarded the contract to provide 26 residential units in a 5 floor block of apartments which consisted of a variety of different sized dwellings ranging from two to five bedrooms and included wheelchair specific access for two of the apartments.An area of approximately of 1,300 sq metres of acoustic flooring was required. The system chosen was a Soundis bespoke flooring system which consisted of Soundis Dry Screed Panels at 20mm, Latex Screed, 25mm EPS, 5mm Rubber Matting and Flanking Roll.

In our built environment, the significance of colour often goes overlooked. Yet, colour has a profound impact on our emotions, behaviours, and overall well-being. This rings especially true in spaces like Changing Places toilets, where accessibility and inclusivity are paramount. In this blog, we’ll explore how the thoughtful application of colour can positively influence individuals with disabilities in Changing Places toilets, creating environments that promote comfort, safety, and dignity. It's crucial to acknowledge the diverse range of disabilities that users of Changing Places toilets may have. From physical impairments to sensory sensitivities, each individual’s needs must be considered when designing these spaces. Colour can play a pivotal role in addressing these needs by providing visual cues, enhancing wayfinding, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few things to consider when designing your Changing Places Toilet:One. Colour ContrastFor individuals with visual impairments, high colour contrast can aid navigation and identification of key elements within the restroom, such as grab bars, door handles, and signage.Bold colours like blue or red against neutral backgrounds can draw attention to important features, making them easier to perceive for those with limited vision.Two. Mood EnhancementMoreover, colour can influence mood and emotional well-being. Bright, cheerful hues like blues and greens can evoke feelings of calmness and tranquillity, contributing to a more relaxed and positive restroom experience. Conversely, harsh or jarring colour schemes may provoke anxiety or discomfort, particularly for individuals with sensory processing disorders or autism spectrum disorders.Three. Psychological BenefitsAnother aspect to consider is the psychological impact of colour on hygiene and cleanliness perceptions. Light, neutral tones such as white or pastels can create an impression of cleanliness and sterility, instilling confidence in the restroom’s hygiene standards. Incorporating antibacterial coatings or materials can further enhance this perception, promoting a sense of safety and well-being among users.Four. Differentiating ZonesFurthermore, colour can be used to differentiate functional zones within the restroom, facilitating intuitive navigation and usage. For example, using a distinct colour palette for the toilet area versus the sink and changing station areas can help users orient themselves more easily, especially for those with cognitive or memory impairments.Five. Branding Your Changing PacesIn addition to its practical benefits, colour can also be a powerful tool for expression and identity. By incorporating elements of personalisation and cultural relevance into the design. Artwork, murals, or decorative accents inspired by local traditions or themes can create a sense of belonging and pride among users, fostering a more meaningful connection to the space.Six. HewiOur accessories partner, HEWI, is particularly focused on colour. HEWI’s commitment to colour-focused accessibility solutions has significantly contributed to the inclusive design of Changing Places toilets. Their innovative products and expertise in colour psychology have played a crucial role in creating environments that prioritise both accessibility and aesthetics.To ConcludeUltimately, the thoughtful application of colour in Changing Places toilets can enhance accessibility, comfort, and dignity for individuals with disabilities. By considering the unique needs and preferences of diverse user groups, designers and architects can create inclusive environments that promote independence, confidence, and well-being for all.In conclusion, colour is not merely a decorative element but a powerful tool for enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of Changing Places toilets. From aiding navigation and wayfinding to promoting emotional well-being and hygiene perceptions, the strategic use of colour can transform these spaces into welcoming and empowering environments for individuals of all abilities. 

Chipping Homes specialises in building high quality, architecturally sensitive homes, which made the choice of contractors critical. This was especially the case for the window contractor – with over 300 windows required, getting the right look and feel for this element of the project was essential. The windows specified for the contract were Optima from Profile 22, the UK’s leading award-winning commercial window system. The fabrication and installation contract was awarded to Profile 22 Approved Contractor Kingfisher Windows, a leading manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and conservatories.

Dorset House sits at the heart of Talbot Campus, where most of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses are delivered at Bournemouth University. It is home to the Doctoral College, providing important support to its postgraduate research community with a range of high-tech laboratory equipment, as well as the Business School’s Professional Engagement Suite.Sustainability is a top priority for Bournemouth University. In fact, the University is ranked 21st in the world and 6th in the UK for its contribution to UN Sustainable Goal 13: Climate Action for The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023. As well as opening new eco-friendly buildings, Bournemouth University is carrying out major refurbishment works across its campuses, investing in a range of low or zero-carbon technologies to help minimise water and energy use.As part of this refurbishment, Dorset House was to undergo a significant transformation to help enhance the entrance area and make better use of the space. Bluestone Design & Construction Ltd was tasked with upgrading the building’s flat roofing system, in association with IKO, and the build-up include the installation of a new 80kWp solar PV system.

Capstone Farm Country Park covers 114 hectares of former farmland set on the North Downs. There is a variety of habitats within the park, including ancient woodlands, old orchards, a freshwater lake, meadows and hedgerows.DCM worked on the project with HAGS, installing Rubber Mulch to the playground. Natural colours were chosen for the playground, blending in with the surrounding scenery and play equipment. Leaf graphics were created using both Rubber Mulch and Wetpour, bringing life and depth to the park.The Head of Regeneration at Medway Council commented:“Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway’s seven Green Flag parks. Thousands of people visit the park each year and we are delighted to have installed new play equipment and surfacing graphics for children to enjoy. I would like to thank our contractors for all their hard work.”

The recreational area needed an upgrade to increase the customer flow. Santa Maria is the centre of attention in the playground but it is also surrounded by other exciting play equipment such as interactive Sona.Adventure playground: A collaborative designA design team consisting of Ruben Hartmann of Lappset’s subsidiary Lappset Yalp in the Netherlands and Reima Mukkala, designer of Lappset's design team in Finland, helped the client with modifications of the standard product by adding play challenges for children over 6 years, such as extra bridge and rotating elements at the rear part of the ship. A huge rope pyramid construction was also connected to the ship. Ruben designed the entire play area in collaboration with the client.“The Santa Maria was the focal point of the play area. The design was drafted in close collaboration with the client, piece by piece. Actually, about 75 percent of our original design was approved by the customer already at the first meeting. The area design including the interactive play equipment Sona dance arch, surface solutions, and modifications of the Santa Maria proceeded easily together with the client. The entire play area is fully compliant with the EN 1176 safety standards.” says Ruben Hartmann of Yalp.The ship together with the interactive Sona – a dancing and music game device for the outdoors – was installed together with the surface material, artificial grass, in ten days. The installation required a team of a total of seven persons.The Santa Maria ship: A playground inspired by historySometimes history is the best source of inspiration for Lappset’s team of designers. In some other cases, the inspiration stems from contemporary features, like virtual gaming. One of the absolutely largest and most beloved standard playground products, the Santa Maria Ship, has its story deeply anchored in the history of the Italian adventurer Christopher Columbus.Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean on his largest vessel, La Santa María, built in Pontevedra, Galicia, in Spain’s northwest region. The ship was owned by Juan de la Cosa and launched in 1460. The ship ran aground onto a sandbank on Christmas Eve, the 25th of December in 1492, outside Cap-Haïtien in Haïti.The first Santa Maria playground ship by Lappset was raised at the beginning of the 1990s in Lisbon, to celebrate the famous seafarer’s voyages across the Atlantic. Ever since we have delivered similar playground ships to numerous locations in different parts of the world.

Durability, safety and aesthetics needed to work together for the Viking House project. With the refurbishment nestled among conventionally built brick buildings there was a need for a contemporary look that mirrored the local vernacular. Viking House is a managed student accommodation development at the University of Lincoln. Made up of three five-storey buildings and standing 20m tall, it was designed to reflect the university’s continuing progress. Converted from several repurposed properties, the design of the buildings was in contrast to others in the largely traditional area of Brayford Wharf.One of the main challenges was the University’s desire to complete the project within only six months in order to accommodate the new intake of students at the start of the 2018/19 term, but without compromising on safety.Working in partnership with the Globe Consultants, Ash & Lacy proposed the use of its exclusive MechSlip façade. Developed in conjunction with Ibstock Kevington, MechSlip is a lightweight, mechanically fixed system that offers significant advantages including reduced installation times and associated costs, as well as being completely non-combustible and classified A1 to EN 13501-1 standards.

Over 4700m2 of Gerflor high performance sports and safety floorings have been installed at Marr College, Scotland. The client required an Olympic pedigree sports floor for their main sports hall to serve a multitude of uses – Taraflex® was the chosen innovation. A trusted, high-quality safety flooring was also required to ensure the safety of pupils, staff, and on-site visitors. Tarasafe Ultra was the natural choice.Taraflex® is available in 17 colours and four wood-effect designs and has been used by the largest international sports federations for decades and has been present at the Summer Olympic Games since 1976.Tarasafe Ultra is a specialist slip-resistant vinyl safety flooring inlaid with mineral crystals particles, as opposed to carborundum giving a brighter appearance. It also comes with a tough PVC wearlayer and meets HSE guidelines.

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."

Imperial Central is a collection of fifty five 1 and 2 bedroom apartments based in the heart of Slough. Designed around a private residential courtyard with ecofriendly planting, Building and cladding materials certified to A Grade EWS1 Fire safety standards, each apartment has its own balcony or terrace.Delivered via our project partners Architectural Facades | Cladding Supplier (brickability.co.uk) Pro brick slip panels were used for this project to meet both the fire performance and U values required but also the rapid fit benefits of the system.

Skibbereen Community School, situated on the southern tip of Ireland in County Cork, is a new state-of-the art learning facility created as part of an ambitious multi-million PPP programme. ROCKFON ceiling solutions were installed to help create the ideal conditions for learning and enhance the architect’s contemporary design. ROCKFON ceiling systems were selected for Skibbereen because they either met or exceeded the acoustic requirements specified by the Department of Education. Fire safety was also an important factor and ROCKFON products provide Class A1 fire resistance, the safest fire classification.

AliDeck is delighted to announce that we will be supplying our cutting-edge balcony decking solutions, including AliDeck System 2, which features our Junior Flat Board, Low Joist and Adjustable Pedestal Brackets, to the Copperhouse Green regeneration project in Dartford, Kent.We will be partnering with Balguard Engineering, who specialise in the installation of architectural metalwork for balconies, as we provide an extensive range of aluminium balcony decking solutions to ensure the project is cost-effective and futureproof for many decades to come.

Established in 1963, the University of East Anglia (UEA) is one of England’s leading public research and teaching universities. The university occupies a large campus and sought a locking system for its newest on-site residence, Crome Court. The accommodation has 231 en suite rooms rented to university postgraduates, separated into flats for between 8 and 13 people. Crome Court has been specifically designed to minimise environmental impact, including CO² emissions. Any access control system is expected to contribute to that goal... Click on the link below to read more.

In Clerkenwell, McLaren constructed a new office building with a basement to provide a total 97,000 sq ft of office space. McLaren utilized the existing basement structure which meant the exterior of the structure wasn't accessible. This meant that it was appropriate to use a cavity drain system. FIS worked closely with Henry Construction Projects and Veretec to provide a complete waterproofing service. Designing a system to fit around the existing structure was the challenge. FIS were able to advise on the correct installation process and provide regular quality control checks. Images courtesy of turnmillec1.co.uk.

Bringing a variety of new brands to the region, Robinsons is located in Dubai Festival City is the first in the Middle East. SAS International supplied a bespoke SAS200 system to the project to match with the urban brand decor. Using a traffic grey coated panels, SAS200 was selected to smoothly integrate with the clients choice of wall panelling. Designed by the SAS Dubai Technical Team, a 19mm diagonal-pitch perforation was also developed to compliment the industrial look of the fit-out. A concealed grid product, the system gives access to M&E services while providing a continuous look.

The UK's most exclusive and largest bungalow provider needed a refurbished space to tell their story. Vtec was excited to support the designers with a premium and modern ceiling beam design with the MaxiBeam system. The ceiling beams were 39mm x 85mm tall and the decorative ceiling was coffered, creating a sunken rectangle in the space. The ceiling carries occupiers on a journey in the large open areas achieving both visual and functional benefits. Learn more about how the Click Fix installation system made it easy for the beams to be removed for access to M&E services.

The new floor needed to not only support the building’s operational activity but it would have to maintain its aesthetic appeal despite the onsite challenges which would include heavy equipment, impacts, wear and tear from light pallet trucks and foot traffic, point loading and more.

After 20 years in its Judd Street office in London’s Kings Cross, the Royal National Institute of Blind People recently moved to a new head office that better suited the charity’s evolving needs. The Grimaldi Building, a characterful self-contained office, serves as the charity's new London hub. Months of detailed planning and a thoughtful fit-out was required to ensure the new office facilities met the needs of all the RNIB employees and visitors. Understandably, accessible drinking water was a top priority."Zip HydroTaps have been used on a number of our projects and I have always found the team at Zip very willing to engage and explore a variety of user needs, which is really helpful – accessibility, clarity and ease of use is always a primary consideration for all our projects" Jean Hewitt, Inclusive Designer | Buro HappoldThe briefAn essential amenity in the workplace, the RNIB needed to provide staff, visitors and volunteers with easy access to both boiling and chilled drinking water, for hot and cold beverages. Integrated consulting engineers and advisers Buro Happold had their inclusive design expert Jean Hewitt on hand to support the RNIB with the Grimaldi building refurbishment, advising on accessibility. Her primary focus was ensuring that the building design considered those with sight loss and with this in mind, began her search for a drinking water system that was as inclusive as possible.The solutionOur HydroTap Accessibility range is designed specifically to support visually impaired, wheelchair and limited dexterity users. Jean chose to specify two HydroTap Accessibility models that provide instant filtered boiling and chilled drinking water. “I was attracted by the accessibility features, such as very clear colour coding and easy grip extended ‘ears’ for people who may have reduced dexterity and grip. The inclusion of tactile and Braille markings makes the use of the tap more intuitive for everyone,” explains Jean.The results"Zip HydroTaps have been used on a number of our projects and I have always found the team at Zip very willing to engage and explore a variety of user needs, which is really helpful – accessibility, clarity and ease of use is always a primary consideration for all our projects"Jean Hewitt , Inclusive DesignerBuro Happold

Community play areas play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children. Ensuring the safety and comfort of young adventurers is paramount, which is why the Balivanich Community Play Park took a significant step by choosing to install green rubber mulch around their play area. In this case study, we will explore the process and benefits of this innovative installation, highlighting the positive impact it has had on the community and its children.The Balivanich Community Play Park, located on the Isle of Benbecula, recognised the need for significant improvements to ensure user safety. The existing play area surface was outdated and required constant maintenance due to material migration. After careful consideration and consultation with the community, the decision was made to install rubber mulch as a safety-focused, sustainable, and low-maintenance solution.The community group chose PH Landscape Contracting Ltd, a trusted local landscaping company, to install the rubber mulch. The installation process began with the removal of the existing surface and meticulous groundwork preparation, including creating a sub-base and secure edge for the mulch. The rubber mulch was mixed with resin binder using a forced action mixer and then applied using a spazzle before the surface was hand-troweled to create a seamless finish, ensuring a safe and visually appealing play area.The installation of green rubber mulch brought numerous benefits to the Balivanich Community Play Park. Firstly, it significantly reduced the risk of fall-related injuries, providing a cushioned surface that absorbs impact. The accessibility of the play area was also improved, allowing anyone with mobility challenges to enjoy the space comfortably. The mulch's resistance to weather elements ensured year-round usage and reduced the need for frequent maintenance. Additionally, the non-slip surface provided stability for running, jumping, and playing, promoting a safe and enjoyable experience for children.The rejuvenation of the play area with rubber mulch received an overwhelmingly positive response from residents, parents, and children. The commitment to safety and the peace of mind it provided were highly appreciated. The transformed space became a hub of excitement and enjoyment, fostering community cohesion and providing a vibrant environment for children to thrive.Balivanich Community Play Park: "We are very happy with our new rubber mulch surfacing. Thank you to Peter Holland of P.H Landscape Contracting Ltd for the installation. Job well done."Peter Holland - P.H Landscape Contracting Ltd: "It is great to see the park back in use. I look forward to taking the little man there. We were very happy to get the opportunity to do the project and our experience with GGL Products was very positive and helpful."The installation of green rubber mulch at the Balivanich Community Play Park has successfully transformed an outdated and high-maintenance play area into a safe, inclusive, and visually appealing environment. This case study emphasises the importance of investing in sustainable and safety-focused solutions to enhance community spaces across the UK. The collaboration between the community group and PH Landscape Contracting showcases the positive impact of such projects, creating a lasting legacy for the benefit of local children and families.

AJ Wells designed, manufactured and installed just over 1000m2 of vitreous enamel wall cladding with a metal ceiling to modernise the public areas of Three Bridges Station and provide easy access to hidden electrical and telecommunication services.The metal soffit was designed and installed to act as both a water management system and create an aesthetically pleasing ceiling in the subway and platform access areas. The ceiling also incorporated inspection hatches so that the underside of the rail bridges could be inspected periodically by the relevant parties.AJ Wells carried out the installation work under extremely challenging conditions as Three Bridges station is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. As a result the majority of works could only be carried out during the evening and in the early hours of the morning when customer traffic flow was at a minimum.AJ Wells worked closely with the other trades on the project in order to ensure that all interfaces achieved their required purpose.KEY FEATURES:• Vitreous Enamel Cladding system• PM13 ceilingA.J WELLS SERVICES:• Design• Manufacture• Installation

Wensleydale Cheese has been made in Wensleydale, Yorkshire since 1150 when monks settles and lived at monestary at Forsnear Hawes. Today cheese is till handcrafted with the original recipe at the two Wensleydale Creamery sites using milk from local cows.Wensleydale Creamery required floor finishes throughout production floors which would be hygienic and very durable to provide a long term solution. Excellent chemical resistance was required against regular spillages from dairy produce such as whey.Dairy production procedures mean that floors are subjected to heavy duty use and impact from fork lift trucks and storage equipment.SystemThe system chose was FasTop TG69 polyurethane floor screed which has been applied throughout the two creamery sites. The system provides a completely seamless finish which is ant-slip even in wet conditions and which can be cleaned to the exacting conditions required in a modern food factory.Coved skirting has been formed around perimeters of all production and storage areas to create a 'tanked' finish which can be cleaned with hot water processes such as steam cleaning. The product has been tested and certified by Campden BRI as a non-taint product and is certified by HACCP as a food grade material.

Keen to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their customers, Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff chose Yeoman Shield fire rated door protection products to help maintain and protect the condition of important fire doors.Owned by Live Nation, the concert and event venue receives over half a million visitors yearly resulting in the doors, situated both back and front of house, experiencing damage and unsightly marking from pedestrians and the movement of trolleys and equipment, etc. Not only can this have a detrimental effect on aesthetics but more importantly on the functioning of the fire door.To help protect from such damage Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives installed door edge protectors as well as protective push plates to doors in back of house areas such as workshop, cutting room, and boiler cellars etc.Front of house doors, such as the entrances to the auditorium, which experience a huge amount of pedestrian traffic passing through, also had door edge protectors fitted along with half height door protection panels. Vulnerable glazing beads, were replaced with Yeoman Shield fire rated PVCu clad beads completing a comprehensive and durable door protection system that will withstand impact from hands, feet, bags and equipment well into the future.Manufactured from Yeoman Shield’s HessianEx material, the fire rated door protection products were supplied in black for a striking contrast to the colour schemes already in place within the arena.“I was impressed with the standard of work that was carried out by Yeoman Shield’s fixing operatives.“The doors certainly look cleaner and smarter and with the issuing of fire certificate evidence for all the products installed I am confident we will use Yeoman Shield products again.” Commented Marcus.

DCM Surfaces were contracted to install the surfacing at an “inclusive” play project at Westfield Park, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.DCM installed Rubber Mulch in various colours and depths around the play equipment on site.Different coloured mulch was used to create shapes and patterns within the park.

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed this month by Falco for Stromness Travel Centre, located on the southwestern area of the picturesque Orkney Islands mainland.Installed on behalf of the Orkney Islands Council, the new cycle hub provides visitors to the Travel Centre with up to 20 secure cycle parking spaces utilising traditional Toaster cycle racks.In addition to the cycle parking, the cycle hub has been provided with 24 convenient lockers for the storage of helmets and personal equipment. The cycle hub makes use of toughened safety glass and bespoke branding graphics chosen by the client with powder coated applied to the galvanised steel framework in an attractive ‘Sapphire Blue’ RAL colour.The images attached show the new cycle hub installation, taken on a windy Wednesday afternoon and located on Ferry Road, near to the Stromness Ferry Terminal.Stromness Travel Centre is a tourism office providing visitors to the island with all travelling and sightseeing needs within one stop - with leaflets, timetables, booking services and a souvenir shop available to use and now secure sheltered cycle parking.The FalcoLok cycle hub as shown here at Stromness Travel Centre, is a contemporary cycle store manufactured from a combination of a galvanised steel frame and reinforced safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area. The FalcoHub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations so that the whole design meets the UK/European CPR regulations EN1090 and is CE marked as per UK law.In addition to the cycle hub shown here for Stromness Travel Centre, Falco has also recently installed cycle hubs for many locations across the UK including Crewe, Runcorn, Birmingham International, Warrington Bank Quay and Carlisle station for Avanti West Coast, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, The Royal Oldham Hospital for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee and a bespoke cycle hub for Leicester City Council.For more information about the scheme here at Stromness Travel Centre, or how Falco can assist your cycle parking project, please contact our helpful sales team at sales@falco.co.uk.