"fire hose reel systems"

The ChallengeLocated in the city of Nancy, the Centre Prouvé offers a flexible conference space complete with a 3000 m² exhibition hall, two auditoriums, thirteen meeting rooms and a panoramic reception area.With glass playing an integral role in the building design, the architect required a proven smoke control solution that would not distort the aesthetics of the development while adhering to safety regulations. Additionally, due to the high footfall of visitors, the chosen solution would have to be maintenance-free.As a leading fire-glass specialist, Pyroguard was approached by the architect Marc Barani of Atelier Barani to offer a suitable solution.The SolutionTo meet these requirements Pyroguard recommended Smokeguard – a permanent, maintenance-free glazing solution that acts as a smoke barrier, keeping low-level toxic fumes at bay for up to half an hour to give visitors maximum time to exit the building safely.Thanks to its perfect transparency, Smokeguard also met the aesthetic requirements with the 8 mm thick tempered monolithic glass offering 87 percent light transmission, to provide the perfect transparent protective barrier with minimal visual impact.As a result, over 100 m² of Smokeguard was installed in the atrium, escalators, and lift areas utilising its patented fastening system to mount the system to the ceiling areas.Click here for further information on Smokeguard or for further advice and support please contact us.

One of the first projects we worked on with Vox Ignis was a 16-storey student accommodation development in Bournemouth with an adjoining car park and office building, that required an Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS). The property developer was – and remains to this day – one of our largest clients, so we knew we had to work with a partner we could trust and that had the capability to provide us with products that were really at the cutting-edge of the safety and security industries.Prior to this, just after they’d launched Vox Ignis, the two founding partners of the firm had both paid a visit to our headquarters in the South East to show us their marketing material.  Once they demonstrated a few examples of their products, we were sold on them As a company which specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of fire and security systems, we know that the products we buy have to be not only innovative but also aesthetically pleasing, as a lot of the people we work with are architects and creatives. This is what really made Vox Ignis stand head and shoulders above everyone else we’d worked with. Not only were their products leaders in their field in terms of technology but they were also, by far, the best-looking products out there from a design point of view.3x VILX-TMS-W-8 Master Stations6x VILX-EX-8 Expander Panels44x VILX-OSB Type B Outstations

We were approached to design & manufacture a range of steel fire-resistant riser doors and personnel doors for Europe's most advanced data centre, located in Canary Wharf, London.This 8-storey building offers 73,400 sqm of space - they needed simple yet secure riser doors to provide fire protection to the internal ducts, containing all the cabling and plumbing required in a sleek, discreet solution that provided maximum access, performance and safety.Alongside the riser doors, Eurobond designed & manufactured personnel doors that could be electronically controlled to control the access and provide an audit trail of personnel movement.The 2 key elements of this project were the riser doors - and the sheer volume required to cover the 8 levels and the access control requirements that had to be well planned and coordinated by Eurobond, the security contractor, end-user and architect.

Cladding is being replaced on a flat block in Nottingham’s Hockley after it was found to contain similar insulation material as Grenfell Tower. Klasse G-board has been chosen as part of the re-clad project, especially for its A1 fire-rated, fully non-combustible properties.

Prepping decking with PrepdeckAfter cleaning their decking with bleach and removing any loose or flaking bits from the surface, our customer then used our professional stripper, Prepdeck to remove the old stain from their decking.Our customer applied Prepdeck in small areas that he could complete in 15-30 minutes, then, after leaving it to do its magic, used a stiff nylon brush to ‘lift’ the stain from the wood, ensuring that they worked in the direction of the grain.They then thoroughly rinsed the product off the decking using a garden hose – again, working in the direction of the grain.If you want to make this part of the job a little easier, you could opt for hot water instead.This is a great product, as it can also be diluted to make a powerful cleaner for weathered woods and can even be used on thermo (burnt) wood.Next neutralise with Net-trolThe customer then used our wood cleaner Net-trol to neutralise the surface of the decking, in preparation for the finish.After applying Net-Trol to the wet decking, they scrubbed the surface with a brush.They then left it to stand for around 15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure that the surface of the decking didn’t dry.If it had begun to dry, he would have had to dampen it with a mist of water.They then scrubbed the decking again, this time whilst rinsing it.Now, it was just a matter of leaving the wood to dry for 48 hours before applying the finish.Choose a finish to protect your deckingThis customer opted for Aquadecks, our water-based penetrating finish. One of the great things about this product is that not only does it protect the wood from warping, splitting, cracking and UV damage, it is also easy to apply and maintain, as our highly penetrative formula guarantees there will be no peeling or flaking.Plus, it dries quickly and has a low odour, so you can be back on your decking with a glass of wine in hand, in no time at all.Our customer applied an initial coat of Aquadecks and allowed it to penetrate into the wood. Then, after around 15-20 minutes (when the ‘wet look’ of the first application had disappeared), they applied a second application and allowed this to penetrate.After a further 15 minutes, they brushed out any puddles so that the decking wouldn’t dry with shiny spots on the surface. Aquadeck’s place is in the wood, not on top of it!“Very pleased with all products purchased.”This customer was so delighted with our products, they got in touch to tell us how well everything had gone.“On advice gratefully received from Ken I had several stages to complete. It’s looking great and I am hopeful the results will last”, he continued.For more information on Aquadecks, please click here.

An historic landmark in the Lake District has been given a new lease of life with the installation of StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation and StoSilco finishing render. Built in 1937, the building in Keswick originally housed the UK’s first pencil factory, and now provides new headquarters and site for the Keswick Convention for the Keswick Ministries organization. After being used by the Cumberland Pencil Company the building had fallen into disrepair. Set at the entrance to Keswick, this important local landmark has now embarked on a £10.5m redevelopment project, split into four phases. The Sto materials have been used on the first phase which has seen the building’s front elevation fully restored, and they have also been specified for the remaining three stages of the work.The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with unrivalled fire protection characteristics. It features Sto-Mineral Fibre thermal insulation boards, which in this case were fixed to the substrate using StoLevell Duo Plus mineral bonding and reinforcing mortar.  “This allows any unevenness in the surface of the substrate to be accommodated and makes installation a fast and easy process,” comments Alan Rees of Eco Rend North East who installed the Sto system. This efficient single-leaf construction allows for excellent thermal performance without reducing the interior space, and as it requires no additional expansion joints, a smooth and unbroken exterior surface can be created.  An additional mineralic reinforcing coat was applied and the exterior surface was finished with StoSilco silicone resin render.  With high CO2 and water-vapour permeability, StoSilco render allows a weather- and water-repellant outer surface to be created in any of the 1,000+ colours available in the StoColor System.  

ChallengeTo insulate one of Marks and Spencer’s most carbon efficient premier stores with a holistic approach taken towards key sustainability factors such as water, carbon, biodiversity, the community, materials and waste to landfill.SolutionKnauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 40 was utilised within the 11,000m2 multi-wave form standing seam roof, which was supplied by Euroclad to achieve an outstanding visual, functional and environmentally friendly element of the store design, plus achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The number of BREEAM credits available from using Knauf Insulation’s Factory Clad Roll 40, played a part in its specification for Marks and Spencer’s flagship sustainable retail store at Cheshire Oaks.Gethin Williams, Euroclad’s Elite Systems Coordinator said: “FactoryClad Roll 40, in 280mm, has a 90/90 lambda value, a generic BRE Green Guide rating of A+ and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Thanks to these many characteristics, we thought it was perfect for this project, which resulted in it achieving the relevant BREEAM credits. Being lightweight, flexible and with a high tear strength, fitting was fast and error free, ensuring the thermal integrity was uncompromised.”Knauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 40 is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, has a thermal conductivity of 0.040W/mK and also has the highest possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification when tested in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.In addition to this, Knauf Insulation’s mineral wool products with ECOSE Technology benefit from a revolutionary, bio-based, formaldehyde-free binder technology, based on rapidly renewable materials, instead of petro-based chemicals – delivering superior environmental sustainability and enhancing the environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. What’s more Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 40 represents no known threat to the environment and has zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential."Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 40, in 280mm, has a 90/90 lambda value, a generic BRE Green Guide rating of A+ and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Thanks to these many characteristics, we thought it was perfect for this project, which resulted in it achieving the relevant BREEAM credits. Being lightweight, flexible and with a high tear strength, fitting was fast and error free, ensuring the thermal integrity was uncompromised."- Gethin Williams, Euroclad’s Elite Systems Coordinator

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.

The new energy efficient Agrivaal building in Pretoria’s Tshwane Central Business District is using advanced natural ventilation and smoke control solutions from SE Controls Africa to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while improving safety by ensuring escape routes are smoke free in the event of a fire.

Among many similar new-build projects completed or underway across the country, non-combustible Rockpanel is providing stunning facades for this eye-catching, contemporary urban living in Bracknell, Berkshire, while meeting the stringent regulations regarding fire-safety in high-rise residential structures.Consisting of 242 apartments divided across two distinct angular blocks of up to 11 storeys, this residential scheme promotes itself as heralding a new era in luxury living for the region. The wedge shaped blocks are placed at angles to create a broad, elegant thoroughfare where seating invites residents and others to linger and enjoy the landscaped surroundings. Stepped elevations allow for generous terraces to one block while the acute angle formed on another results in striking feature balconies. The mix of sleek white render contrasts well with the Rockpanel Woods facades which add a natural, organic warmth. Meeting challenges to create a landmark development The Building Design Group were architects for the project. With offices in Birmingham and Tamworth, BDG has evolved from its inception more than 45 years ago, in to a dynamic, forward thinking practice. Describing the development, they said, “BDG were appointed following a successful planning process to develop this project further to tender stage and beyond. The site itself presented numerous challenges in terms both of access and existing constraints located above and below ground. However, we believe we succeeded in progressing the technical design to the extent that our client's aspirations could be met, both in terms of cost and the desire to establish a landmark development for the future.”Vascroft Contractors Ltd were main contractors for the development. The London-based firm has grown from its founding in the 1970 by two brothers, into a thriving concern made up of four divisions working on projects across all major building sectors. Around 2500sqm of facades were installed at Grand Exchange, using a mix of Rockpanel Alder and Slate Oak surface designs from the manufacturer’s super realistic Woods range, along with RAL 2010 colour-matched deep orange accent panels. Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. Stoneguard Managing Director, Nic Constantinou, spoke about the project, “Vascroft approached us early on in order to begin the design process and ensure the smooth delivery of panels throughout the build. The 11mm Rockpanel FX-Xtra System specified by the architect, with grooves at 300mm centres achieving the effect of wood planks perfectly, meeting the aesthetic requirement for the project, while offering the long-term performance and low maintenance advantages of Rockpanel. Although the majority of panels were cut off-site, the flexibility of Rockpanel meant the more complicated architectural features of the build could be cut to size on site easily. The lightweight nature of the material ensured it could be distributed swiftly around the complex shaped build.” The ultimate facade systemThe facades were fixed to a concrete frame with bespoke Protec SFS system infill, which Stoneguard design and manufacture themselves. The project also utilised FSI cavity barriers and ROCKWOOL Duo Slab® insulation, which offers great thermal and acoustic values and achieves European fire class A1. Combined with Rockpanel A2 and an aluminium or steel substructure it fulfils the most rigid fire safety requirements and is required in achieving A2-s1,d0 Euroclass rating to secure the ultimate protection and safety for the building’s users.Rockpanel facade panels and ROCKWOOL insulation products share common characteristics, including their inherent sustainability and non-combustibility, which is due to the naturally occurring and replenishing volcanic rock used in the manufacture of the stone wool that forms their core. Grand Exchange Building Manager, Adam Spiers, “I must commend the design team for their outstanding work on the facades of the building. The exterior looks stunning. The attention to detail and the architectural finesse are truly commendable. The residents are exceptionally pleased with both the building and its exterior. Their positive response reaffirms our belief that the Grand Exchange has not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of design and functionality.”Rockpanel offers specifiers design freedom, enabling virtually unlimited colour matching and an unrivalled range of surface design finishes, from the super-realistic natural Woods used at the Grand Exchange, through Metals and Stones collections to specialist ranges including unique, transformative Chameleon, which changes hue depending on the way light hits its surface and the angle of view. 

A higher quality of assisted livingProviding a higher standard of care for elderly residents, this purpose-built care home in Stirling, Scotland, has been designed to accomodate 65 residents in a relaxed, luxurious setting. Every aspect of the design was focused on avoiding an ‘institutional’ feel that might be regarded as typical of care environments, and instead achieve a desirable place to live with tasteful design features and creature comforts.We were delighted that Rutland closers were selected for the building’s fire-rated doors. One of the selected finishes, Antique Brass, is often chosen from our wide range, as it has proven popular in luxury care homes for its premium aesthetic, and the more homely feel that it provides.Life safety in fine formOur underlying purpose is to enhance life safety at every fire door. But we always say that maintaining life safety doesn’t have to diminish the aesthetic of an environment. Our tried, tested and certified door closer models are available in the widest range of finishes, making it perfectly possible to protect lives and enhance quality of life.65 - Luxuriously-appointed roomsFD30/60 - Fire-rated doors2x Premium closer models specified in two designer finishesTS.9205: Key features+ 15 finishes in stock+ Universal application+ Adjustable power size EN2-5+ Tested to BSEN1154 and EN1634-1+ Assists BS8300 for Doc M contracts+ CE and UKCA marked+ 35 year guarantee

An ambitious £37.5 million Littleport complex comprising special educational needs (SEN) and primary schools, an Academy and a leisure centre. Rockfon ceilings, baffles and wall panels are installed throughout. Rockfon products were chosen because they offer excellent sound control, Class A1 fire safety and durability.

The modern hotel is just one of several new developments being constructed, as the existing town centre is being physically moved and relocated a few miles away.Working with Glasfasader Norr AB, we supplied our Pyroguard Protect toughened fire safety glass throughout the hotel’s internal atrium.

Rockfon® Lamella has been awarded Product Innovation of the Year in the Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment category of the FIS Innovation Awards 2023. The modular wall system provides Class A sound absorption for commercial projects and boasts a unique range of wood veneers in different colours and dimensions, allowing for an impressive 650,000 design combinations.Nigel Watkins, Commercial Sales Director for Rockfon, expressed his excitement about the recognition, saying, "We are thrilled that Rockfon Lamella has won this award only a few weeks after its launch." Rockfon Lamella's development was based on effective collaboration, knowledge transfer, and partnership along the project team, satisfying two initial criteria for Rockfon innovation: modularity and customisability, and occupiers' well-being through the use of colour, biophilic-inspired design, and natural surfaces.Combining the warmth and beauty of wood with a stone wool sound-absorbent panel, Rockfon Lamella creates a serene and inviting environment inspired by the biophilic design trend. Customers have expressed their satisfaction with the combination of these elements, with Nigel Watkins sharing that "The feedback we’ve had from customers is that the combination of a stone wool sound absorbent panel with biophilic wood makes interiors feel calm and connected to nature."Joe Cilia , Technical Director of FIS who was one of the Innovation Award judges, was impressed that Rockfon Lamella has such comprehensive test data, covering the whole system, not just individual components. “The furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) sector suffers from a lack of standardised testing and compliance for acoustic and fire performance, leading to clients choosing products that don’t perform as well as they should. The judges were impressed that Rockfon Lamella has clear, transparent test data that shows how the whole system performs.”Rockfon Lamella sets itself apart from other acoustic fixtures and fittings by offering exceptional fire performance classification of c-S2,d0, in line with EN 13501 standards, and Class A sound absorption that adheres to ISO 11654 regulations. Additionally, accessing all the necessary specification data, BIM Objects, and CAD drawings on NBS Chorus, NBS Source, and pCON is quick and easy, making the specification process quick and effortless.Rockfon Lamella simplifies installation by providing a complete kit that includes all necessary components. In-house facilities teams can easily follow the straightforward installation process, thanks to specially designed mounting clips. As Teemu Rekonen, Head of Design & Innovation at Rockfon, highlights: "This advanced product... enables individual placement of the slats to create the perfect acoustic environment. Once the platform is in place, installing Lamella slats is a quick and hassle-free process that requires no tools".Visit www.soundsbeautiful.com/lamella  for more information on Rockfon Lamella.To view all the FIS Innovation Award winners visit www.thefis.org/membership-hub/fis-awards/innovation/

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. 

Architect: Faulkner Browns ArchitectsInstaller: Topfix InteriorsProduct: ‘Shiluvit’ by Oranit1000m2 of PEFC Certified Shiluvit panels from Oranit were installed to the ceilings of the swimming pool and gym areas at the new sports facility St John’s School in Leatherhead.Faulkner Brown Architects specified Yellow Pine panels with a white stain for the space, choosing 7-502 modules with 22mm wide by 45mm deep blades with 40mm gaps for impressive acoustic control.Oranit is a specialist ceiling solutions suitable for most installation areas. As standard it is impregnated for Euroclass B,s2-d0 for resistance to fire, achieving top results against surface spread of flames, smoke production, and flaming droplets or structural integrity in case of fire.Additionally for this installation the panels were lacquered for humidity resistance, this treatment provides additional protection to the wood against water damage and can also be used for panels being installed outside.

Peregrine Bryant were appointed to design a scheme for Stationers Hall to improve access and rationalise the internal layouts to enhance the building as a function space. The building, located near St Paul’s Cathedral, has a history that stretches back to before the Great Fire of London and any work requires a lot of co-ordination as parts of the complex range from Grade I listed to Ancient Scheduled Monuments.3v were asked to provide a full hardware service for this historic building which included scheduling all new and existing doors, rationalising ironmongery throughout and undertaking a full review of fire requirements. All new ironmongery was finished in antique brass with the exception of the toilet areas which use a split finish of antique brass externally and satin stainless steel internally. The main task was to ensure there was more continuity in the ironmongery used throughout the building so that it complimented both the aesthetics of the building and the function as an events space.

Ahmarra Door Solutions manufactured over 200 fire doors for the Pears Building, which is situated next to the Royal Free Hospital in London.The FD30 and FD60 doorsets incorporated Halspan Optima door blanks.The Pears Building will accommodate the UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation. This is a state-of-the-art medical research centre which will advance the understanding of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis, and for traditional and tissue-developed transplants.Designed by Hopkins Architects and constructed under main contractor, Willmott Dixon, the building’s seven-storey structure includes laboratory space, research facilities, offices and two levels of patient accommodation, which will enable people undergoing clinical trials to rest and recover there.Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, sustainability was at the heart of the building’s creation. As such, Ahmarra Door Solutions used Halspan as all Halspan fire door blanks are made from FSC® certified timber.Photography courtesy of Cannon Photos Ltd.

Non-Conductive, Anti-Slip Flooring and Walkways | Case StudyArena Events Group chose Dura Composites to supply the tiered structure stadium decking for the seating and platform areas, manufactured from our high quality and corrosion-resistant Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) Dura Slab 40 and 20 products which provided an anti-slip, fire-tested and load-tested alternative to the Buffalo® Board and traditional plywood used previously. Dura Composites’ ability to be able to meet a range of stringent test requirements including flare resistance tests and FEA analysis made us the ideal choice for this high profile project which not only allows for future changes to seating configurations, but also improves access to amenities on the concourse. The two types of Dura Slab used on this project are precision engineered GRP structural flooring systems that provide an incredible strength to weight ratio. High strength fibreglass composite is pultruded in one mass to produce a consistent quality flooring structure that is also non-corrosive, chemically resistant – and has an anti-slip walking surface.

Our coatings look after the world’s most iconic and acclaimed buildings. Among them is the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Since its redevelopment in 2011, the principal public gallery in Auckland, New Zealand has won 23 awards and counting, including the prestigious World Architecture Festival's 2013 World Building of the Year. The redevelopment plan aimed at restoring and preserving heritage elements and sensitively combining them with 21st-century design. This included earthquake-proofing and heritage restoration of the 1887 and 1916 components of the main building and the addition of new, contemporary elements that increased display space by 50 per cent. One of the most distinctive features of the new building is its roof design, which forms a series of fine ‘tree-like’ canopies that define and cover the forecourt, atrium and gallery areas.Our coatings complemented this architectural challenge of blending old with new. A coatings system comprising of Interzinc 42, Intergard 251 and Interthane 990 was used to protect structural steel, while Interchar 963 was used to provide essential protection from the effects of fire.

The Friedrichscarrée is a modern office and retail complex in the center of Stuttgart.Named after the former king of Württemberg, Friedrich I., it is characterised by its modern architecture and glass front. In addition to numerous companies, it now also hosts retail, catering businesses and event spaces. The good access to public transportation and the close proximity to restaurants and cultural institutions, make Friedrichscarrée an attractive location for businesses and visitors.As the general contractor for the expansion, Lindner carried out an extensive interior construction - ranging from drywall work to floor systems and wall cladding. In addition to high-quality floor coverings and also partly automated partition walls, the special construction of the hollow floor FLOOR and more® for the pedestal in the barista bar was a central element of the revitalisation. Lindner hallway ceilings LMD, heating and cooling ceilings and acoustic sails were also installed to optimise room acoustics.Furthermore, GiB mbH supported Lindner in upgrading the existing fire protection. The entire conversion was carried out during ongoing business, which required precisescheduling of noise-intensive work.

Kelly is a lifestyle writer whose popular blog, My Norfolk Home, covers home decor ideas & renovation inspiration. Kelly selected a Dimplex Grand Noir Opti-MystTM fire. The Grand Noir, is a beautiful electric stove, combining the classic feeling of a wood burning stove with modern electric functionality.

Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School are being redeveloped on the existing site of the high school which was demolished. The new buildings are located to the rear of a Grade II listed school building which was retained as part of the development. The £36.1m project forms part of the Government Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).

SureSet FlexiSet, made of 50% recycled car tyres, was installed to support the sustainability part of the brief given by New Forest District Council. SureSet resin bound paving improves the drainage and surface water issues in the car park by allowing rainwater to flow through the paving instead of running off onto the car park surface. The benefits of a SureSet resin bound tree pit: Aesthetically pleasing Safer. Permeable Easy to maintain Guaranteed for 21-year. The EcoBatcher will save a project of this size 298 single-use plastic buckets! Read the full case study on our website.

Dacatie's TF Multicloser and SF Multicloser profiles were used in the Phoenix Wharf development of 4 bedroom homes.Phoenix Wharf is located within the Sandwell and Swan Village area of West Bromwich, less than six miles northwest of Birmingham.

Over 1,000 Profile 22 Optima Chamfered Windows have been used in a conversion project in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. Sim Chem House in Cheadle Hulme was a six storey office block built in the 1960s. The building had been empty for many years and fallen into disrepair. It was purchased by developers Inspired Homes to be redeveloped into 184 studio, one and two bed ultra-high quality apartments aimed at young homeowners.

A £4.6 million project by Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) delivered family homes for affordable rent on a neglected brownfield site as part of a series of measures to maximise energy efficiency. he award winning windows deliver easy-to-maintain aesthetics, but, more importantly for this project, exceptional security and low U values.

The front garden consisted of the typical grass, a narrow footpath, and shrubs. It was prepared prior to arrival removing all elements including the soil which was made level and topped with a free-draining compacted stone, this is the required substrate for SureSell. Once the cellular structure is in place it's filled with loose stone and then suitable for a final layer of smooth yet permeable resin bound paving.

Wood burning stoves are needed to offset the high energy prices.With a house building boom due to the lack of housing, plus the combined shock of energy prices – building houses with secondary heating, such as stoves, has returned to the forefront.Wood-burning stoves are now highly efficient and designed to offset any carbon they release into the atmosphere. Eco-friendly, modern stoves are why Rose Builders decided to add stoves and chimneys to their housing development in Lawford Green. In addition, various houses within the site had the option of adding a wood-burning stove with a built-in chimney.

The frontage of the Ocean Terminal shopping centre in Edinburgh has received a radical makeover as part of a major investment to increase footfall by enhancing the visitor experience. The extension has been covered with STEREO-KINETIC cladding; hundreds of freely-moving stainless steel sheets suspended from grating panels. Gusts of wind, traffic, even people walking by cause the metal rectangles to ripple in an ever-changing display. The kinetic artwork has been designed in such a way as to allow the passage of natural daylight through the underlying window openings on the second floor level.

Hadrian’s Tower is the tallest building in Newcastle at 82 metres high. Located in the heart of the city, it is a residential skyscraper with 162 luxury apartments. The tower has 26 storeys, and incorporates a champagne lounge and a coffee house among other communal spaces.

St Richard’s Hospital provides a full range of acute services for the people in Chichester and the surrounding area, including an Accident & Emergency department. A new entrance to A&E was being created and as with all healthcare projects, the aim was to help the hospital maintain clean, safe and effective treatment spaces, which is especially challenging in an extremely high traffic environment in 24 hour use such as the Accident & Emergency department.

Brunswick House is a superb new residential scheme of 251 bedrooms, incorporating a mixture of studios and cluster rooms. The scheme is designed to offer outstanding student accommodation for undergraduate, postgraduate and international students in the heart of Cambridge. The client required stair nosings for 7 staircases meaning a total of 296 steps that would be durable enough for high traffic student usage. There was an additional design restraint in that the staircases would be made out of cast metal and therefore no mechanical fixings could be used.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the iconic Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. It’s diverse collections brings together the arts with local, world and natural history. The institution attracts approximately 260, 000 visitors per year.

The ProjectsThe Northern Health and Social Care Trust and The Southern Health and Social Care Trust are two of the largest healthcare associations in Northern Ireland. Between them, they provide services to over 850,000 people. Among the facilities under the Northern Trust’s control is Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. The Southern Trust has Craigavon Area Hospital as one of its major healthcare sites.H&J Martin was established in 1840. For well over a century and a half it has been delivering the highest level of quality work in every aspect of construction and fit outs. For this reason, the company was chosen to oversee and facilitate the work on these prestigious hospitals.The hospitals needed new flooring to be installed throughout the buildings. The floorcovering would need to be made from a resilient material such as vinyl, making it easy to maintain high standards of hygiene using industrial cleaning machinery. The flooring would also need to be supported at the floor-to-wall junctions and around corners, to prevent flooring failure or collapse and to protect against the heavy-duty cleaning equipment.The ApproachH&J Martin decided to use Quantum Flooring’s CCFM1 internal and CCFM2 external floormitres to help protect the flooring around corners in the hospitals. Vinyl or other resilient floorcoverings can be particularly vulnerable where the flooring meets the wall at corners, as it can be difficult to mitre the angles correctly. These floormitres help to create a uniform finish every time, leading to greater structural integrity along with improved aesthetic results.Quantum’s QCF35 cove former was utilised to complement the CCFM1 and CCFM2. This profile fits perfectly with the curve of the floormitres, helping to create a flush and hygienic finish every time, at each floor-to-wall junction and around corners. The coving and the floormitres protect the floorcovering from damage at the join, and make the flooring easier to clean. For wet rooms, the vinyl can be fitted all the way up the wall where the floormitres can also be used in the wall-to-roof corners.The UCS3 slimline flexible capping strip was used to create neat finishes to the floorcovering up the walls of the hospitals. The UCS3 profile is specifically designed for healthcare environments. It has a slimline cap, reducing the accumulation of dirt and dust over time, and providing a smaller surface area to be cleaned than traditional capping strips. UCS3 is available in 25 metre coils making the packaging compact and the product easy to fit.The OutcomesCauseway Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital were fitted with over 2,000 metres of floormitres, cove formers, and capping strips between July 2022 and July 2023. Sean O’Reilly, the Flooring Supervisor for H&J Martin, says: “As you can see from the finish, high quality work was made easier with floormitres.”The profiles used have been expertly fitted by H&J Martin employees, resulting in great looking and hygienic installations for both hospitals. The floormitres, coving, and capping strips will be protecting the floorcovering for many years to come, and helping to keep the facilities safe and clean for both patients and healthcare professionals.The Northern Trust and the Southern Trust can rest assured that H&J Martin’s professional work with Quantum Flooring’s excellent product range will help them to continue providing their vital services to the people of Northern Ireland. Cutting Corners cove solutions are perfect for healthcare and pharmaceutical projects, improving the quality and standards of cap and cove, cleanroom, as well as wetroom installations.The CCFM1 Internal and CCFM2 External Floormitres are specified and fitted in countries worldwide.www.cuttingcorners.org.uk

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, the best-known animal sanctuary in the world, is currently undergoing the biggest development in its 154-year history - a £5 million scheme delivered by main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine. The development will bring the charity’s existing buildings and facilities into the 21st century and will include a new build, state of the art veterinary hospital which will be protected by an innovative new waterproof membrane – Cold Melt® from Proteus – a seamless application designed to work in harmony with the roof infrastructure and so tough that it has been BBA certified to last for the lifetime of the building.Quality Control An integral part of this transformation is the built up roofing system of 1,200 square metres of Cold Melt®. Applied by the Proteus Licenced Contractor, a 5 layer built up system was employed to offer a bespoke specification tailored to the client’s needs and budget.The built up system consisted of a layer of Cold Melt® Proteus’ own innovative, cold-applied liquid membrane, over which an insulation layer of Proteus Pro-Therm XPS was laid. The Licenced Contractor then added a separator sheet of Proteus Low-K followed by an attenuation mat and then three different finishes in three different areas of the roof – paving slabs, a green roof and decking.Health & Safety Proteus’ liquid applied systems are cold installed and therefore negate all the elements of fire risk when working in confined spaces. Of particular importance was the low odour that Cold Melt® exhibits, meeting all the health and safety criteria necessary to protect both the Licenced Contractor’s operatives and the dogs and cats home’s residents.Long term performance Cold Melt® incorporates recycled rubber-crumb and other organically grown products and when covered, creates an elastomeric, seamless and cold applied membrane which has a life expectancy longer that the design life of the building on which it is installed.