"access equipment and safety systems"

application area: commercialuse type: extraction of cooking gases from kitchenproject scope: line brick extraction shaft to prevent grease build-upadded value: 25-year guarantee on liner, minimal downtime, easily fitted due to flexible materialBackgroundThis Hospital in Portsmouth has a busy commercial kitchen supplying restaurants and residents. Increasing reports of fumes from the greased-up brick extraction ducts have been a concern.A survey of the riser and plantroom was carried out to determine the most suitable solution. VentilFle-25 RKV for kitchen extracts was the preferred option due to the reduced access to the 30-meter brick riser.Statement of workThe shaft had been in use without a kitchen extract liner for the extraction of kitchen gases. This was a concern due to grease build-up, which can result in unpleasant odours within the building.VentilFlex-25 kitchen extract lining system was the chosen alternative lining method, with its jointless design, excellent heat resistance and fire rating, and crucially, an installation method that only required access at the top and the bottom of the riser.

Completion of 3 number MG100 Semi Electric Movable Acoustic Walls in the RIA Building London. Flexible space of 1 large room and with the use of 3 movable walls where 1 meets at a right angle now gives the client a 3 flexible rooms. Two access inset door panels in the larger run allows for access in-between the rooms once the panels are in their closed position. Standard white laminate panel finish chose to give a clean design and match other furniture within the room. An element of flexibility is suddenly added to your space. And the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs, whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. The top and bottom seal operation on the MG100 movable wall system can be upgraded to the semi-electric seal operation by a flick of a switch which reduces the room set up by upto 2 thirds of the time. At ModernGlide, we have sourced an excellent range of panel finishes, ranging from our standard melamine to veneers to personalised digital images, to give you complete design flexibility.

During the construction of Unity Academy, a state-of-the-art Alternative Provision (AP) primary school in Kidderminster, Portakabin approached Twinfix to design, manufacture, and install a playground shelter .Twinfix’s expert team designed a canopy that contributes to the school’s welcoming and supportive environment, providing shelter for students, staff, and visitors while promoting sustainability and enhancing the building’s aesthetics. Given the school’s focus on catering to students with special educational needs, safety considerations were of utmost importance.The canopy, covering a total area of 12 square metres, features an aluminium frame powder-coated in RAL 7016, anthracite grey, enhancing the modern aesthetic of the new school. The design includes anti-climb gutters and incorporates the Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system, glazed with 16mm polycarbonate. This system is classified as non-fragile in compliance with the HSE’s drop test ACR[M]001:2019.When the school opened its doors last year, there was an apparent need to utilise the outdoor space and introduce covered areas for learning and play. The school asked Twinfix to provide additional canopies, facilitating outdoor learning and offering a range of benefits to their students.

Kings Cross Railway has been one of the largest and most exciting London redevelopments in recent years. In Victorian times Kings Cross was a thriving industrial area but by the end of last century, mostly had fallen into disrepair and dis-used buildings, sidings, warehouses and contaminated land. The move of the Channel Tunnel rail link from Waterloo to St Pancras in 1996 meant the need for change at the 67 acre site. The glass roof consists of two adjacent Victorian steel ‘barrel-vaults’ which now feature our PlasGard patent glazing system. A special glazing bar for use at the ridge was designed with a low external capping so as not to cast shadow onto the photo-voltaic cells to ensure optimal performance. Elsewhere laminated clear glass was used for safety in accordance with overhead glazing guidelines.

The conclusion of a far-reaching and detailed refurbishment contract within the country’s oldest purpose-built cultural entertainment venue has included the installation of custom designed stainless steel units and worktop, supplied and installed by G.E.C Anderson for the food preparation area.  The project at the historic Blackheath Halls in Lee Road, South-East London, has been carried out by the equally long established Sykes and Son on behalf of the operating company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The scope of the work included the redevelopment of the Great Hall, bar and box office/foyer areas. With such construction work as electrical rewiring, plumbing and plastering completed, G.E.C Anderson’s project management team carried out a precise survey of the food preparation area, located to one at the North end of the main bar, in order for the design and fabrication process to commence. While many clients choose to make use of G.E.C Anderson’s standard ranges of sinks and other sanitaryware, the conservation considerations to the work within Blackheath Halls required a bespoke solution. The sector specialist manufacturer’s workshops duly produced a set of three base cabinets in stainless steel, and a single-piece L-shaped stainless steel work-surface with integral sink and splashbacks. Such custom made installations offer a pristine appearance that is ideal for such public facing applications, while helping establishments maintain an efficient cleaning regime essential in achieving the high standards of hygiene essential in commercial premises.   Hannah Benton, Operations Manager for Blackheath Halls whose responsibilities include the servery area, commented: “The refurbishment of the different areas of the venue – including the general building work, updating of plumbing and electrical services and installation of the new servery facilities, was completed to schedule for the reopening in November. All of the equipment matches the scope of the works effectively as well as hygiene requirements.”Since its formation in 1962, G.E.C Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.

9 of Howe Green’s 5000 Series floor access covers were specified for Hotel Du Vin’s French Bistro in Cambridge, the 9th in its UK chain and the first with an open view style kitchen. The requirement was for an access solution that would ensure that essential services were hidden from public view but that they could be easily and quickly accessed for maintenance or repairs. The 5000 Series blend seamlessly with the flooring and are perfectly flush with their surrounding helping to prevent any slips or trips, ideal for a busy kitchen.

Lionweld Kennedy provided 'North Pole Depot' with the supply and installation of 2nr maintenance access gantries with integral lifting beams, end stairs, demarcation fences and removeable polyester powder coated lift out handrails.Owned by Hitachi Rail, the North Pole Depot gives direct access to both West London and North London Lines.Utalising our range of safegrids and saferails, we created a accessible and safe platform, which complies with British and European standards.

Mid Devon Council has undertaken a project to install Aico’s Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway and connected home technologies into all tower blocks within their housing stock to improve resident safety.

The proven cost and time saving credentials of award-winning Altro XpressLay safety flooring led it to being selected for installation in 27 new schools being built in the North East of England.

Our client, the world’s second largest producer of bottled water, was looking for industrial floor paints to renovate and maintain indoor walkways and create seamless traffic flows in its factories. And that’s no mean feat as the area to paint was over 2500 m2!"The objective of the refurbishment was to improve the visibility of the walkways in the production area to enhance employees’ safety."As the factory hadn’t been renovated for some years, floor markings were no longer visible and cracks were appearing throughout thus increasing the risk of trips and falls.In a food processing plant, there are strict environmental and safety regulations to comply with. It was therefore important that the paints and coatings used in the refurbishment conform to those regulations, but also have a rapid curing times to minimise downtime.Our client’s organisation relies heavily upon the dynamism of its teams. It was therefore only natural that employees themselves – from the accounting department to the technical teams - rolled up their sleeves and got on with the refurbishment project. The idea was to raise awareness of safety issues in the factory. For us, it meant we needed to supply user-friendly paints and coatings that could be applied easily by staff. Our solutionOur client researched various solutions and suppliers for their refurbishment project. Watco products, which are long lasting and user-friendly, stood out from the competition. Three products were applied: Safety Grip: A heavy duty anti slip, two pack epoxy resin coating designed for dangerous areas. Epoxyline: A heavy duty, fast drying, line marking paint. Epoxy Gloss Coat: An extremely tough floor coating that is virtually solvent free, and therefore ideal for a food processing plant.

Hotel Café Royal has just undergone a complete refurbishment and internal re-build. Part of the new complex is a state-of-the-art Spa and Gym which is located in the basement. Directly next to the hotel is Regent Street, below which runs the Bakerloo underground train line.Structure-borne noise levels from the trains were far too high to create the relaxing environment required for a top class Spa. The acoustic consultants therefore specified that all of the noise sensitive spaces must be isolated on a Stravifloor Deck concrete floating floor system.Café Royal’s 1,200 sqm Wellbeing Centre provides a personal and intimate holistic experience. It has a large lap pool and four different areas, corresponding to the four natural elements: spa/water, gym/fire, yoga/air and organic bar/earth.The spa offers a variety of Watsu hydro-experiences, a private and communal Hammam and signature Akasha treatments. Moods are enhanced by restorative music, aromas and gentle lighting. The gym has the most advanced fitness equipment, including Kinesis machines. There is a spacious aerobics studio and a private training room. Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates are offered in the calming area, with bespoke classes.

It can be difficult to find a lift that will operate outside without providing complete shelter from the elements. Full enclosures can have a significant impact on the building appearance and there may also be space constraints in lightwell situations. Penny Hydraulics Ltd uses design automation to quickly produce layouts based on its modular lift systems that can be adapted for external installation. The company has been manufacturing lifts in the UK for over 30 years and so has much experience to help find solutions that it knows will work well for the end user. Blueprint Studios in Manchester were experiencing problems moving audio equipment up to the first floor recording studio safely. It would have been very costly to fit internally both in terms of cost and space so a Penny Hydraulics MezzLift was installed externally within a minimal black frame and polycarbonate clad shaft to satisfy Listed Buildings consent. This saved considerable building works whilst enabling the Studios to become safer and more efficient. If the change in level is below 1.5 metres then a Loading Bay Lift could have been used that has much less impact over a more traditional style lift.

The scheme includes infilling one third of Alexandra Dock with 780,000 m3 of material and reclaiming 7.5 ha of the river to create a new 650m quay wall, which can accommodate three offshore wind installation vessels.Construction will also involve dredging a new berth pocket, completion of earthworks and surfacing, building internal access roads and service networks, construction of a new Roll-on / Roll-off ramp and demolition of some existing buildings.Our Hody system was used in the 3 Primary Substations on the site to create the first floor decks of the steel framed buildings within the Alexandra Dock project.

Following a refurbishment for the hospitals operating theatres, Dortek were asked to replace existing timber doors with a more functional and hygienic alternative. Dortek installed our specialist hermetic sliding doors with automations for easy access. The doors have a unique hermetically sealing gasket system which gives them a 99% air tight seal. After installing the doors the hospital were able to reduce the volume of clean air fed into the theatres by over 20%. Dortek doors have a smooth, void free surface which prevents them from harbouring bacteria and makes them easy to clean for flawless hygiene and infection control.

neaco provided a bespoke modification to its Techdek aluminium decking system as part of a bridge specification at the Grand Canal Dock development project in Dublin. Using the renowned design versatility of the company’s technical team and state-of-the-art precision engineering facilities at its Malton factory, neaco developed a unique grille surface which features tactile strips to alert visually impaired pedestrians when they are nearing a step. Providing a high architectural aesthetic, Techdek is extremely versatile and can be used in many other applications, including staging, modesty screens, solar shading, maintenance galleries and roof access walkways.

Located in Shoreditch, the Waterson Building is a newly developed luxury residential facility. Maximising floor space, elegant glass enclosed winter gardens are accessed from both the bedroom/lounge areas of many of the properties. Successfully delineating the winter garden from the rest of the interior, a Dorma Hüppe Varitrans glass moveable wall system has been installed by sole UK distributor, Style. The Varitrans has been independently impact/pressure tested and works in tandem with externally installed louvred panels to provide free air space to residents of high-rise developments where wind and air pressure are at their strongest.

Two renowned Alumasc brands, Harmer and Wade, were recently specified and installed for a new striking residential development in London.Newfoundland Tower, also known as “The Diamond Tower”, due to its unique diamond shape and diagonal structure, is a build-to-rent development in Canary Wharf, London. Harmer SML Cast Iron above ground, and Wade gulliesand linear drainagewere installed to provide an effective water management solution.The Harmer SML lightweight cast iron pipework system is dry-jointed, BBA & Kitemark certified, and has a proven track record in above-ground drainage. With its comprehensive range of fittings and accessories, Harmer SML is the ideal soil and waste system for above and below-ground drainage, including rainwater installations, and is fully compatible with other Harmer and Wade drainage products.“Harmer was chosen primarily for its longevity,” said Gary Zumeris - Area Sales Manager – Harmer SML, South. “It’s also easy to install and has excellent acoustic qualities. It’s a very quiet system, which is especially good in apartments or other high-density housing as you can’t hear fluids flowing down the pipes.“The Harmer system was also chosen for its fire-resistant properties, which is an important aspect, due to current legislation. Cast iron is highly specified in London currently, where most buildings incorporate cast iron for increased fire safety.”Harmer SML has the highest product reaction to fire classification possible, which is A1 for BS EN 13501-1, as well as a system fire classification of A2 for BS EN 13823 Single Burning Item A2, s1-d0.

Childcare Center, Bruges CHALLENGE Day after day, De Kleine Wereld (The Small World), a building complex composed of 4 separate blocks, is buzzing with activity. Hardly surprising, since this Social Welfare building has been housing a childcare centre for many years. As the building was expanded with a modern new-build extension, it was decided to replace the roof of the existing building as well. After barely 10 years the weathered zinc roof with a solar panel installation was ready for refurbishment. It looked as if the carrier system for the PV panels on the zinc roof could not withstand the high wind load: the zinc had been torn o from roof structure. This resulted in moisture and condensation problems in the building below. Owner, Mintus, was looking for a durable, waterproof and aesthetic solution for the curved roof, and, above all, a reliable system for installing photovoltaics. For the architect it was important that the appearance of the existing metal roof was somehow preserved, preferably with a slightly more modern touch. In-addition there was an important practical issue as well: under no circumstances could the childcare facility be moved to another location during the refurbishment works. So, fi re safety was paramount as well. SOLUTION Building owner, Mintus, fi nally opted for the mechanically fi xed PVC-P roofi ng membrane RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F. The main and decisive reason behind this choice was the innovative RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar system, a secure, ultralight and versatile carrier system for mounting photovoltaics. RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar has been active on the market for over 10 years without the slightest issue. Direct proof of the reliability and durability of this unique RENOLIT system. For Mintus, the benefi ts were clear.

A residential development, Timber Wharf is located on the corner of the Roman-built Kingsland Road and 19th-century Regents Canal and features commercial space as well as a canal-side restaurant.The residential area is grouped around a quiet cobbled courtyard offering a sheltered play area, while the waterfront apartments make up the courtyard’s northern edge and are set back from the canal, overlooking a very attractive, quaint and safe community garden.We worked very closely with Kier Group PLC (one of the largest regional builders in the UK) and ALU Installations (a leading installer of non-combustible decking and cladding systems in the UK) to deliver this very important remediation project.The timber boards on the walkways and balconies along the facade and the waterfront were replaced with our BalcaSmart® Aluminium and TerraSmart® Aluminium systems, which are ideal for remediation, new-build, and refurbishment projects.The refurbishment project was completed this year, delivering peace of mind to residents and owners alike, especially after the Grenfell Tower fire and changes to fire safety regulations.Installed with great care and attention to detail, seamlessly meeting stairwells and other structural elements, our BalcaSmart and TerraSmart Aluminium systems complement the overall aesthetics of the building, are lightweight, long-lasting, and most importantly able to meet the load requirements of its walkways, which also form part of the fire escape routes.Both BalcaSmart and TerraSmart Aluminium systems carry our IGNO mark of assurance for non-combustibility and reassure specifiers by way of a 30-year warranty and a 60-year design life (when used as part of a complete RYNO IGNO system).

Ponzio and Sherwin-Williams have a long-lasting business relationship through which Ponzio acquired advantages in terms of services, quality and product customisation.With 80 years of history and success, Ponzio is a leader in high-quality aluminium systems for windows, facades and doors. Thanks to the experience and leadership in the sector, Ponzio has developed models, solutions and finishes that can make the best use of the spaces, freeing light and style. The Company is a partner for architects, professionals and window fabricators from all over the world. Ponzio’s products offer sophisticated system technology for buildings of the future with versatility in terms of design and materials that give safety, brightness, beauty and living in harmony with nature. The choice of finishes is wide, performing and emotional: glossy, matte, extra glossy, oxidised, sandblasted, scratchproof. The range also includes two-tone windows to respond: "outside" to the architectural and regulatory needs of the building and, "inside", to total personal freedom of choice and one's desire for interior design.Ponzio is an absolute reality in the design, production and innovation of aluminium systems for architecture with a corporate philosophy oriented towards technological research and innovation. The Company is present throughout Italy with a network of almost 200 highly qualified professional retailers. Also, in the last decade, the international dimension of the company has grown a lot, with the opening of new markets such as Asia, South America, Africa, and North Europe. 

Fully certified products from the range of TBA FIREFLY™ have been employed to protect a potentially vulnerable roof-space above a doctor’s surgery in Chingford, Essex, ensuring any outbreak of fire could not spread to other parts of the building. The work on the property owned by Peabody Estate has been carried out by Wickford based T & R Fire Protection on behalf of another industry expert, LMAC Fire Systems, also from Essex. The two companies regularly cooperate on such projects as landlords continue to maintain and improve the fire safety performance of existing buildings.In the case of the Chingford surgery, FIREFLY™ Apollo Lite™ 30:30 was specified along with the manufacturer’s widely utilised Collaroll, High Temperature Adhesive and 12mm stainless steel staples. In addition to protecting the sides of the 2.8 metre high pitched roof-space, creating fire barriers and wrapping multiple beam ends with the Collaroll, T & R also installed one of FIREFLY'S Access Panel FR 120 units. These have been stringently tested against EN 1363-1 2020 and are third party certified by IFC, being shown to achieve an impressive two hours fire resistance from either side of a fire compartment. Intended to be fitted vertically, the heavy-duty construction of the Zintec steel door and unistrut frame ensures the assembly offers a tight and flush fit when closed, and robust performance in use.The Director for T & R Fire Protection, Tom, commented: “We’ve used APOLLO Lite™ and other FIREFLY™ products on many hundreds of projects in the past, FIREFLY™ is our ‘go to’ manufacturer when it comes to fire compartmentation. There are many older properties which have no fire compartmentation in their roof spaces and in the case of the Chingford doctor’s surgery, the landlord – Peabody – asked us to carry out an inspection and come up with a fire strategy. We base our recommendations and design drawings on FIREFLY'S standard details and, once they’ve been approved go in and install the fire barriers. The work involves breaking the loft-space down into a number of compartments with one of the Firefly access panels providing safe passage between them. The installation has gone very well, though there is a lot more of this type of work to be done across the country in many sectors.”The APOLLO Lite™ 30:30 has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering 30 minutes integrity and insulation and is straightforward to install for an experienced contractor. It is widely specified to form fire barriers within roof voids and floor voids in many different property types, including multi-storey flats and commercial premises.

Union Industries, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke industrial doors, has helped food importer and distributer, Taj Foods, improve efficiency through the installation of high-speed freezer doors – the Eiger Door.Taj Foods, specialists in frozen exotic food and prepared meals, was established in 1980 and recently expanded its cold storage at its Sheffield warehouse to meet growing demand. The project undertaken by EJM refrigeration, involved improving its energy efficiency and carbon footprint with the installation of a new CO2 refrigeration system.The two Eiger Doors will enhance operational efficiency in the high-demand environment and will maintain consistent freezer temperatures, while ensuring unimpeded access to cold stores.Since its launch in 2002, the Eiger Door has been installed as a fast-access traffic door at major food retailers, 3PL cold storage and distribution, and frozen food manufacturers across the UK.The Eiger Door ensures that consistent temperatures can be maintained and features an innovative dehumidification system, which prevents snow and ice build-up on the door blade and frame. This feature tackles a consistent issue plaguing other door types, as the freezer encounters humid ambient air entering the cold store.Minimising downtime is also supported by the Eiger Door’s robust construction and its tried and tested crash-out and reset system. Due to the modest difference in size between Forklift Trucks and the door opening, as well as the busy nature of this freezer, this is of particular benefit at this depot when considering the long-term reliability of the Eiger Door.Rob Howe, Union Industries’ Technical Sales Engineer, said: “The installation of the Eiger Doors at Taj Foods showcases our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that prioritise efficiency and reliability.“Over the past 20 years, the Eiger Door has consistently proven to be a superior and effective innovation for cold storage access, overcoming challenges such as ice build-up and excessive energy use to maintain consistent temperatures.“We are confident that the Eiger Door will significantly contribute to Taj Foods’ operational success.”Anil Solanki, Managing Director at Taj Foods, said: “We were looking for a reliable door solution to fit in with the redevelopment of our Sheffield warehouse, and after reading about the success of the Eiger Door we approached Union Industries to assist us to improve operational efficiency as we doubled our capacity.“We believe that the advanced features of the Eiger Door will not only enhance the efficiency of our cold storage but also contribute to long-term reliability, minimising disruptions in our day-to-day operations.” 

The project would be a perfect ‘fit’ for international flooring specialist Gerflor.They would provide their high-end Taralay Impression Control safety flooring together with their uber-performing Taraflex® sports flooring.

Solihull Retirement Village offers 261 apartments, as well including a village hall, library and IT suite and other facilities. Location: Solihull Contractor: VistryAspex supplied: Ironmongery and access control (Salto access control & automatic door operators

The «Plus-Energie-Haus» constructed by the Technische Universität Darmstadt is a Solar Decathlon winner. The competition has been held each year since 2002 by the US Ministry for Energy. The task is to design and build a residential house to suit life that is self-sufficient with regard to energy. The houses must cover their entire energy requirements through self-produced solar power. Between two layers is a protected external area with sliding windows and folding slat shutters that can be opened and closed as needed. The folding sliding shutters are equipped with HAWA Variofold 80 H.

BMI The Somerfield Hospital is part of BMI Healthcare, a leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals. Gradus SureProtect Pure hygienic wall protection in White was specified for use in the anaesthetic and sluice rooms, specifically designed for areas of a hospital where cleanliness is a priority, the hygienic wall cladding creates an impermeable barrier to moisture and bacteria and has a smooth, easy to clean surface. It offers a tough and durable finish helping to protect against impact and abrasion from passing equipment, trolleys and beds, thus reducing any ongoing repair and maintenance costs.

We were originally contacted by STEPS Rehabilitation when they were researching products to include in their new-build centre. they chose to go with us because of how subtle and sophisticated our product range is. The team wanted to make their facilities feel as comfortable and cosy as possible, and we provided equipment that could match that on all fronts. We also supplied and installed a completely bespoke stainless steel hydrotherapy pool complete with air jets and colour-changing LED lights! See videos of our work at STEPS over on our website.

DYNAMIK installed the purpose built sprung flooring at Belle Vue Sports Village which is home to Basketball England, the National Governing Body for Basketball in England. As their Official Sports Flooring Partner, DYNAMIK has contributed to grass roots sport in terms of gifting sports equipment as well as being headline sponsors of the National Schools Basketball Championships. Coaches and teams were delighted to have played on a sports floor where professional athletes train and winners are made. DYNAMIK excel in providing the best solutions and provide free of charge quotations and school surveys.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire is recognised across the globe for its innovative research across a number of scientific fields. The lab employs over 1600 scientists and, as its work has developed, it became clear there was a need for a new, flexible space for testing the latest equipment. Oxford Architects created an iconic, curved design for the R105 Facilities Support Building and, in a break from the standard metal-clad facades of the surrounding buildings, specified a colourful façade using Kingspan Day-Lite Klick wall lights.

Delivered under the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, the new Caldicot School building in Monmouthshire offer the innovative and flexible learning facilities demanded by a contemporary secondary school. There are spacious classrooms, a multi-use hall, theatre-style learning areas and studio spaces for students to study informally. The building is designed to be energy efficient and natural light has been optimised throughout. Monmouth Comprehensive is equipped with state of the art facilities. Rockfon acoustic products play a pivotal role in both schools by creating stimulating learning environments that are at the heart of the architect’s vision.

Based in Central London, this private hospital boasts a clean, sharp design.The entire hospital is fitted with bespoke products to accentuate the premium setting. This Private Healthcare branch has been refurbished to equip SDS DFendoor doorsets in Woodgrain effect combining stunning looks, durability and hygiene.This great looking project boasts many bespoke features including 3 metre high woodgrain encapsulated SDS DFendoor’s, including doors with a different finish and colour on each side and colour matched cladding. SDS is proud to have added to the overall design and execution quality.

Few people realise that it is possible to clad old stairs with our engineered herringbone parquet floors. It is a specialist skill and you should only employ trusted professionals who have the specialist equipment. The parquet blocks used here are unfinished so that you get perfect square edges. They are then oiled after all other works are completed so that you get your perfect floor. There is no separate stair nose piece as the top layer of solid Oak is a good 4mm thick and this allows the fitters to create an accurate mitre join.

KaDeWe in Berlin, one of the world’s most renowned department stores for more than 100 years, introduces its customers to new shopping experiences time and again. In doing so, KaDeWe constantly reinvents itself and undergoes constant change. Numerous structural modifications ensure that the building keeps in step with the times, both spatially and architecturally. During the project, customer toilets were equipped with sanitary products from the Aveo and Loop & Friends from Villeroy & Boch in the scope of a renovation of the sales area by Architect Udo Landgraf and Ingenieurbüro Trache IBT.

The largest free standing structure in the UK, Terminal 5, has a vast amount of essential building services that are concealed under the flooring. An access solution was required that would enable maintenance of services, including water and waste; electrical, communications, heating, cooling and lighting, without having to remove the flooring as this would be costly, time consuming and disruptive in such a busy environment. A number of Howe Green’s 1050 Series and 7500 Series access covers were specified to provide easy, safe and hassle free access to the vital services.

This eye catching outdoor A5000 was installed with access the care homes patio area, ensuring safe and secure accessibility for residents and staff. The patio has outdoor seating where residents are regularly served afternoon tea, and meals when the weather is fine. The glazed shaft panels allow for great views of the landscaped grounds when travelling in the lift. The staff and residents enjoy many activities outdoors, including their annual summer fair and barbeques, so a lift was essential for ensuring that everyone has easy access to the patio and gardens.

HAG was entrusted with supplying a suite of fire protection solutions, including fire curtains and shutters, to HSBC UK’s flagship office, One Centenary Square, located in Birmingham.This cutting-edge conversion of a ten-storey building symbolised a substantial £200 million investment in the West Midlands. Working within this expansive 1.5 million square foot site posed significant challenges, especially given the heights involved. However, HAG met these challenges head-on, prioritising safety throughout the project. By integrating HAG's advanced fire safety measures, HSBC UK's new headquarters not only stands as one of Birmingham's greenest buildings but also aligns seamlessly with the company's esteemed brand standards.