"access equipment and safety systems"

The Ikea Hammersmith roof terrace project was an exciting one to be involved with as it is a perfect example of when to use a rail-based support system over pedestals.Ikea is a global brand known for its simple design solutions that can be used by everyone.The system – TerraSmart Rail IGNOThere was 6600m2 of the TerraSmart Rail system installed across the terrace to support concrete pavers and porcelain pavers. The lattice make-up of the paving system meant that the insulation layer placed upon the original roof was held down. This framework offered a robust and reliable substructure to the walking surface that will experience a lot of foot traffic.As it is part of our IGNO range, the system is fully non-combustible.The ChallengesThe roof had existing features in the structural slab, which meant that pedestals alone wouldn’t have been able to successfully support the surface, and therefore, a rail system was employed. The rail system allowed easy adjustment to the height creating level plains across the terrace. This system also became an advantage when forming the ramp featured in the design because the TerraSmart Rail can provide non-combustible multidirectional support to the pavers maximising stability and reliability, creating a robust and safe incline a the desired angle.Two different pavers were used as part of the project, a 50mm concrete tile and a 20mm porcelain tile. The transition between the two pavers took place at the same level. The seamless transition between the two finishes was achieved by ‘zoning’ the areas and changing the paving support heights.As it was part of a larger building, the terrace had to account for the expansion and contraction felt over time by differences in the residual temperature. The paving supports had to account for this so that any heat-induced changes would have minimal impact on the safety of the surface. An expansion profile was manufactured to slot between the tiles found over the expansion seam in the insulation to overcome this issue. The expansion profile rises above the gap between pavers and creates an L-shaped cover, hiding any expected movement.Why the project succeededThe success of this project was down to the collaborative effort between everyone involved in the project. The unique features of the project were worked on by the project, innovation and specification teams at Ryno and were complemented by the installation carried out by Greenside Landscapes.

Queens Crescent is a bustling retail street situated in London’s Kentish Town. The roof area above the Post Office building, which also served as a communal walkway area with access to the upper level of the adjacent buildings, had been suffering from leaks. To add to the issues, the aged promenade tiles had worn and become a slip hazard when trafficked. Looking for a lasting waterproof solution that can also provide heavy duty anti-slip surfacing, the client turned to Polyroof for a solution. To minimise access disruption to the upper level adjacent buildings, the client had organised a 5-day window for the waterproofing and surfacing works to be completed.The SolutionThe main contractor had removed the old paving slabs and membrane back to the concrete deck underneath and carried out repairs to create a level surface.Approved Polyroof Contractor Emperor Roofing began by priming the concrete surface to create a sealed, non-porous substrate. With its quick-curing properties, the Polyroof primer was ready to be over-coated only 30 minutes after its installation.A specialist twin-pack epoxy metallic primer was applied to metal detailing sections, including ducting vents and the intricate balustrade detail alongside the communal stairwell, which also formed part of the specified works.Local reinforcements were carried out to these details involving taking Protec resin and PolyMat 450 up by 150mm before applying the full waterproofing system.Upon completion, the balustrades were re-painted, with the paint being taken over the waterproofing membrane to create a neat detail. A key advantage of liquid systems in general is their ability to seamlessly seal around complex detailing; in this instance, quite simply, the balustrades could not have been sealed effectively using a traditional waterproofing technology.Polyroof’s Protec System enjoys exceptionally fast detailing speeds, where its formulation allows it to rapidly break down the chopped strand mat reinforcement and neatly moulds around the detail it is covering. To the left of the stairwell, the Protec system was chased in at a height of 150mm above the level of the stairs.The termination point of the waterproofing membrane was sealed with mastic to create a fully weatherproof detail. The Protec system was dressed onto the wall abutments to the main areas but left self-terminated as new render is to be applied to the walls and taken down over the top of the Protec system.After local reinforcements were completed the main waterproofing system was applied to the walkway and stair areas.The two-coat Protec system was able to be rapidly installed with its 30-60 minutes cure times, meaning the project was comfortably ahead of schedule by the time it was complete.Next, the designated anti-slip areas were carefully masked off, leaving the exposed waterproofing to the roof perimeters, detailing and vertical sides of the step and stairs. A third coat of Protec was applied to the masked sections and, whilst the liquid was still wet, 0.7-1.2mm quartz sand aggregate was broadcast into the resin.Once dried, the aggregate is embedded within the membrane and lose sand was brushed off and collected to be re-used. In order to provide an extra-tough surface that sealed that aggregate in place, a coating of PolyFinish was applied over the aggregate in the client’s choice of light grey.

Our client approached us with a unique challenge: they needed to convert their existing restaurant into a drive-thru establishment. Departing from conventional construction methods involving brick buildings, we proposed an innovative solution: a comprehensive aluminium bolt-on pod system. This system offered unparalleled advantages, allowing for rapid on-site expansion while minimising disruption to ongoing operations. Fabricated entirely off-site in our workshops, the pod system was swiftly assembled on-site, providing ample space for the drive-thru restaurant within a remarkably short timeframe. This modular approach not only streamlined the construction process but also empowered the main contractor to efficiently carry out internal fit-out works tailored to the client’s specific requirements.The aluminium pod system we implemented catered to carious needs, seamlessly integrating essential functionalities into its design. Within the structure, we incorporated designated spaces for a stockroom and an electrical intake room, ensuring optimal organisation and efficiency. Moreover, the pod featured a dedicated drive-thru serving booth, complete with a strategically positioned side access door and a robust, heavy duty drive-thru window system. Crafted from commercial-grade aluminium sections, the pod system was meticulously customised to reflect the client’s corporate identity, incorporating their distinctive colour schemes throughout. Solid infill panels, positioned below waist height and above the suspended ceiling height, added both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity to the design. By embracing innovation and customisation, we delivered a turnkey solution that not only met but exceeded our client’s expectations for their drive-thru restaurant conversion project.

The MultiFence PAS 68 can stop a 7.5-tonne truck at both 30mph and 40mph. It has been designed to mitigate the security risks at all sites of critical importance, using leading industry technologies to combat attacks by vehicles.It combines the attributes of our standard system with additional testing to ensure it meets the stringent quality standards relating to vehicle restraint systems of BS EN 1317 Part 2. It can be used on both soft and hard ground.Featuring TVCB blocks approved by the Highways Agency for use, it is ideal for security applications at major events, as below-ground foundations are not required.Our RDS PAS68 crash fence system consists of panels and posts installed and removed within minutes. The system uses an RDS block with the appropriate post arrangement. Our RDS PAS68 fence system has been crash-tested and rated to BSI PAS68:2010 standard. This means it can stop 2.5-tonne and 7.5-tonne vehicles.The system provides the product attributes normally only found in permanent installations. In addition, its simple deployment means the on-site disruption usually associated with installing and removing a fence line is kept to a minimum.Zaun also supplied our HiSec 358 anti-climb mesh fencing to combat the issue of intruders being able to scale the fence.InnovationCPNI and the Government were concerned about the threat of a ladder or other climbing aids used to lean against CCTV columns, making it easier to scale the fencing and gain entry into the secure area.Zaun’s solution was to create a number seven style CCTV column and base, which is completely self-supported and mobile and sits back from the fence line. Zaun’s design team created an innovative CCTV column featuring a unique number seven shape. This design meant the CCTV column would project over and outside the fence line, providing excellent visibility and obliterating the external climbing aid threat. The column was constructed from a custom-rolled, lightweight profile; it was also very easily installed on-site. The unique design also included a concrete base comprising a folded steel shell filled with concrete poured on-site. It incorporated forklift holes, ensuring the base is mobile and relocatable easily using a forklift or Moffatt on site.At the top of the base, a fixing system was designed, which allowed the columns to be attached and pivoted and then subsequently raised into the upright position with ease. This system allowed the CCTV installers to mount their cameras and other equipment to the top of the column at ground level before raising the column into place and negates the need for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms or MEWP’s.Zaun designed and manufactured more than 700 CCTV columns and bases to be used at the Commonwealth Games and are deployable for other events.

Premier Loft Ladders has released technical data and a BIM object on NBS Source for the Supreme Vertical loft ladder. This heavy-duty retractable ladder offers safe and easy access to loft spaces and plant rooms that can only be accessed via an elevated wall hatch. As such, it is easier for architects and designers to find and specify a solution for this otherwise challenging access requirement.The heavy-duty concertina ladder offers a load rating of 200 kg per tread, making it suitable for both residential and commercial projects. It also benefits from being very easy to operate.The product data can be found within section L30 (clause 41 and clause 421).

Chelsea Waterfront is a high-specification new development centred around the iconic Lots Road Power Station where car parking is facilitated by a basement accessed by automatic bi-fold gates. Having been specified by Terry Farrell, Bolton Gate Company were chosen to design, manufacture and install a set of gates which included two automatic bi-fold gates with an adjacent personnel gate. The main gates provided secure vehicular access being activated by card reader and the adjacent hinged gate allowed selective personnel access by key fob. A polyester powder coated finish in Basalt Grey was applied to blend in with the surrounding structure.

Koster flooring products were chosen to protect the floor for this change of use garage from vehicle storage to a workshop. The garage has a single skin wall with no insulation and an uneven floor. The floor area was primed then leveled using Koster SL Premium followed by two coats of Koster EM-VS. Kiln Dried Silica Sand was spread between the coats to provide a non-slip surface. Insulation, stud walls and work areas were then completed with materials and equipment being moved or dragged across the coated floor. Koster EM-VS is scratch resistant and therefore prevented any damage from occurring.

GEC Anderson units were specified as part of the extensive upgrade and improvement works at London’s busy Bank Station.The usual stringent fire regulations applied to the below-ground staff mess area. GEC Anderson are well versed with these special requirements, having supplied well in excess of one hundred London Underground locations over the last few decades. Installation was also handled by the GEC Anderson team.As well as the usual benefits of robust, professional and hygienic equipment that is associated with GEC Anderson’ stainless steel kitchens, special measures were taken to ensure that no combustible or smouldering elements were included in their construction. 

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, serving over 350,000 people in North London, has been a pillar of healthcare for a century. Embracing innovation, they recently expanded their services to include on-site electric vehicle (EV) charging, aligning with the government's Net Zero goals. In collaboration with Rolec, they installed 23 dual socketed BasicCharge pedestals, providing 46 EV bays in their new parking garage. Compliant with regulations and designed for accessibility, the solution includes LED amenity lighting and a Smart back-office management system for tailored charge point management and tariff settings. This initiative reflects the hospital's commitment to both public health and environmental sustainability.Click "view more" to read the full case study.

The Silverstone Experience is a new technology driven and interactive visitor attraction opened in the summer of 2019 celebrating the exciting past, present and future of Silverstone and British motor sport.Fuelled by the most comprehensive and accessible collection of British motor sport records, the visitor can delve deep into the history of both Silverstone and British motor racing through an immersive state-of-the-art visitor journey.The system specified was Resuflor Topcoat which uses the Resuflor HB high build epoxy resin product incorporating an aggregate scatter used to create a hard wearing anti-slip finish which could be cleaned and also provide a safe surface for busy footfall. Resuflor Topcoat is regularly specified in automotive type workshops.

Duo D410/D411 Glass InfillDuo D431 Perforated Infill Top FixDelta Balustrades were pleased to play a part in of the large Birmingham BSF Scheme with the completion of several hundreds of metres of balustrades in this new build project. Balustrades were installed to far reaching street areas with feature stairs leading to 2nd floor. Continuing across atrium bridge links on both 1st and 2nd floors, several staircases, and external terraces the Duo system provided a focal point for the building.In line with Birmingham City Council’s requirements for schools, guarding to atrium edge and external terrace was required to be 1500mm high above FFL. A number of special access gates were required to match adjoining balustrades.

Installer – Richardson RoofingMain Contractor – John F Hunt LtdArchitect – Scott BrownriggClient – Firmdale Hotels plcSystem(s) – Vantage®️ SF and bespoke flashingsThis is our premium CWCT tested secret fix rainscreen located in this trendy part of London.The rainscreen is 3mm aluminium and powder coated to RAL 7016 and RAL 7037.It is showcased on all 4 elevations of this residential and office development directly adjacent to the Soho hotel.It was an interesting challenge for our logistics team delivering to this urban development with very limited access and plant.BTS Facades & Fabrications smaller sprinter vehicles were used for handball unload on site.BTS are proud to be involved with yet another Scott Brownrigg architectural design.

Focus is a new ‘ultra-modern working space’ in Dursley, designed to provide comfortable, flexible and convenient working and collaboration spaces to freelancers and local businesses in the surrounding area in the Cotswolds.Planet’s western contracting team worked directly with clients the Cullen Group on this fit-out to bring the eye-catching by design interiors experts OMO to life.Our popular and versatile PURE20 (40dB Rw) partition system was used to great effect for Focus’ office fronts and single person phone booth spaces, with the slim profile IsoClear glass doors (34dB Rw) providing access.Curved PURE20 glazing was also manufactured by Planet at our in-house facilities and used with IsoClear for two of the space’s larger ’domed’ meeting rooms.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525Colour – S 7500-N with textureless anti-slip1300m²Installation dates - July 2021 (10 days) Museums and performing arts venues are subject to intensive use by millions of shuffling feet, day in day out as well as heavy loads from equipment and installations. Stratum were chosen to prepare and resurface 1300m2 of the existing floor to the iconic main space of the Roundhouse, in Camden, which had endured 15 years of heavy use. The building is a heritage site, originally built as a steam engine shed, therefore our flooring needed to meet the functional requirements for the users but also sensitively fit in with the history of the space and its aesthetics. The surface needed to be hardwearing allowing for large scale builds for various productions, involving plant use, installation of temporary structures, staging etc. We sanded back the entire floor, repaired the damage and installed Bolidtop 525 over the top with textureless anti-slip coating. Challenge-      Working within an extremely busy venue with a tight time scale and no room for error.-      Being a heritage site we would need to be mindful of the original structure of the building-      Large footprint spanning across the main space of the venue.-      No dust creation allowed due to sensitive electrical equipment. Solution-      We agreed a slot and timescale to carry out all of the works in 10 days. We programmed out the works for the customer and provided them with daily updates.-      We used the highest grade dust extraction equipment. We ensured that labour and materials were all available in a timely manner.Benefits/Installation-      The customer was able to select the same smooth, matt appearance they had before but with a different colour choice and the addition of our new tried and tested textureless anti-slip coating.Result-      After 15 years of heavy use this magnificent heritage site has a seamless, durable and safe floor reinstated to provide the functional qualities required for many years of intense footfall and wear the performing arts industry creates. The floor sympathetically compliments the building with a simple, matt finish. "We used Stratum to floor the corridors and they did a great job. We chose them for the main space after James’ thorough prep before we committed to the job. The onsite team were a pleasure and worked tirelessly to resurface the floor in the allocated time. We’re over the moon with the result. It’s never looked better”. Ruth Butler| Head of Technical and Production| The Roundhouse, Camden

Part of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Princess Anne Hospital opened in 1981 and is known as a centre of excellence for maternity care. Providing specialist care for women during pregnancy, as well as genetics and breast screening.Project Year: 2023Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 FrameArchitect: Strata DesignClient: West End ConstructionProject Background: During the first wave of Covid, a piece of art named 'Game Changer' appeared at Southampton Hospital, this was a gift from Banksy to thank the 14000 staff members, as well as honour the work of NHS workers everywhere. The canvas was auctioned to raise money for NHS charities and organisations, raising a total £16.8m.Part of these funds have been used to improve the facilities, and this is where Landscape Architects Strata Design and West End Construction were engaged, to design and build a rooftop oasis for all the hospital staff, to have a place to enjoy and unwind.Solution: Working collaboratively and having surveyed the site where a window was to be turned into a door, FAAC Entrance Solutions proposed a framed SL500 bi-parting sliding door, in order to both maximise the opening width as well as keep the natural light into the building. Being a staff restricted area, access control was also a must, so this was integrated with existing staff passes to facilitate swipe access and with our QFlow traffic light system which regulates occupancy. The SL500’s framed system is a robust resilient door, making it perfect to manage high volumes of traffic as well Southampton coastal wind loads. Additionally, with its thermally broken profiles, additional tight-fitting brushes, it will contribute to keeping energy costs down in comparison to slimmer or manual door entrances.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

The 115,000 square feet, 12-storey office scheme Eden/A3 Bailey in Manchester is designed with the ambitious goal of becoming one of the most environmentally friendly offices in the UK.  This ambitious goal included one of the biggest green wall façades in Europe in accordance with Passivhaus principles. As such, it was imperative the products specified were both sustainable and high performing to meet the demands of the brief.The challenge would be to strike a balance between performance on site and sustainability in the long term. This meant suppliers who could demonstrate a commitment to sustainability within their supply chain were at an advantage. Combined with their quality and high-performance products, Knauf were chosen.Neil O’Toole, sub-contractor for Linear Projects elaborates: “Given the aim of the project, we needed to use specialist products. This combined with the familiarity we had with Knauf meant that they were specified for use within the building itself.”Rahul Vishwakarma, the architect for the project from Make Architects continues. “Knauf offered guidance not just on their own products but on overall wall build ups which assisted in making design decisions . Furthermore, we found that their sustainability credentials aligned with the project.”The specialist products used included Knauf Shaftwall. Designed to meet fire safety requirements and building codes, Shaftwall provides high levels of fire protection enhancing the level of safety within the building for occupants. Using Knauf Shaftwall also allows for greater space optimization, by allowing for the creation of fire-rated vertical shafts, including elevator or stairway enclosures and horizontal shafts for electrical and plumbing services. Ensuring centralized services within designated areas and freeing up space.What made Knauf Shaftwall really stand out for Rahul though was the versatility it offered. As he explains. “Knauf Shaftwall was perfect for use on this project because it can be adapted to different building designs and configurations. Giving us much greater flexibility in terms of the build-up and layout, thus allowing us to customize the system to meet the specific needs of the project. That it is durable and long-lasting was an additional benefit.”A range of Knauf High Performance Plasterboard was used to meet the acoustic requirements of the office space. Knauf Soundshield Plus and Performance Plus were used to ensure a quieter more comfortable working environment and to provide Knauf Performer wall types as partitions throughout the building.  Furthermore, Knauf boards contain Recycled Gypsum along with Natural and FGD gypsum to form a strong core and system performance.Knauf Encasement system with Fire Panel was used to meet the safety requirements for the building, by offering fire protection to encase the steel work throughout the building.Knauf Test Data was used to enable the boards to contribute to the holistic performance required. This was particularly attractive for the architects given the use of heat pumps throughout the building.Knauf Ready Mix Finish provided a sustainable addition to the products used. As not only did reduce the amount of water that needed to be introduced into the build, but it also reduced the amount of waste produced. This is because any unused product can be put back into the bucket and used for another project.Whilst these products assisted in the development of the Eden/A3 Bailey, there were challenges.Something that Neil elaborated on. “At the start there wasn’t a full design, which meant we had to be agile and smart with how we approached the build. We were having to adapt as we went along, something we were only able to do thanks to Knauf. Their familiarity with the systems we were using meant they gave us advice on the best way to put things together. And if we had any questions or needed help, they were always on hand to provide it.”Neil Shaw, Contractor at B&K expanded on these issues. “Initially, there were a few challenges regarding getting a fire system installed. We needed one that had fire test data to meet the requirements of the project and be compliant with regulations. We tested a few systems and eventually settled on Knauf Fire Panel as it was the system that best met our needs.”Throughout all these challenges, both Neils felt that Knauf were incredibly helpful and supportive.As Neil O’Toole explained. “I’ve known some of the team at Knauf for a long time. They were fantastic, they assisted with the design and provided site audits, ensuring that any questions we had were answered and any help we needed was provided.”Rahul agreed with the sentiment. “The project is quite a tricky one in terms of what we are hoping to achieve, but the team at Knauf are brilliant. It’s been really helpful being able to talk to the team at Knauf who are really knowledgeable about the field and are always quick to respond to any questions we’ve got.”The project is ongoing, but the signs are there that it will achieve its aim of being one of the most environmentally friendly building within the UK.

Heavy duty surfacing was required for new access roads and car parking areas as part of a project to extend this business park located close to the A1 near Biggleswade. Using HGV resisting Ultiphalt HD asphalt on access roads combined with ULTIPOROUS free draining asphalt on parking areas provided both sustainable drainage and long term durability.

Dura Deck Flip® Composite Decking | Case StudyThe Lock at Greenford Quay is a development of 194 waterfront apartments, located in the London Borough of Ealing in West London. It features a beautifully landscaped garden with innovative seating areas and a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views.Landscape Architects and Environmental Planners Standerwick Land Design worked with landscape services specialists Valley Provincial to bring the new areas to life. With over 45 years’ experience, Valley Provincial has won multiple awards for its high-end commercial and residential projects.The company was responsible for the installation of Dura Composites’ Class Bfl fire-rated Dura Deck Flip decking and A2 fire-rated substructure system on the terrace and within the communal garden. Wanting to create a natural look and feel that enhanced the pretty waterside setting, but which met stringent safety protocols, Valley Provincial chose Dura Deck Flip in the Weathered Cedar and Pebble Grey colour pairing.

We provided 260m² of our Hyperion non-combustible aluminium 145 Pro-Grip Decking for Acton Gardens Phase 9.2. Acton Gardens is the regeneration of the former South Acton Estate - this particular phase consisted of a 15 storey structure, totalling 203 units. This project demonstrated an amazing approach to mindful practise through fantastic external appearances and brilliant work with the local community. The assurances made in terms of the environment, safety, and personnel were outstanding.Our client sought a dependable and contemporary non-combustible aluminium decking for their residential balconies. The hidden fastener system used in conjunction with Hyperion 145 Pro-Grip provided a robust flooring solution with a crisp finish that could easily be installed on aluminium joists. The end result is balcony flooring which fulfils legislative requirements as well as our clients aesthetic desires.Project DetailsSize: 260m²Colour:Anthracite GreyProduct:145 Pro-Grip Aluminium DeckingSubstructure: Aluminium JoistsLocation: LondonClient: AYM Services

Gerflor’s highly proven, slip-resistant Tarasafe™ Standard vinyl flooring was found to be the perfect safety flooring solution for the heavy-duty, high slip-risk areas within the City of Hull’s new state-of-the-art, multiple events complex, named the Bonus Arena.

In collaboration with Wynne Construction, BOYCO assisted in renewing Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi’s facilities including their classrooms, drama studio, IT suites, and science labs. We provided several bespoke fittings, tailored to fulfil the needs of this Secondary school community.Project ScopeSituated near Afon Teifi, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, (Cardigan School), fosters the motto of ‘every pupil will succeed’. Affirming this statement, the school worked closely with local authorities to initiate the refurbishment of current facilities, and a new build part of the school. The BOYCO Way BackgroundThe goal of the project was to increase the capacity of the school, due to it catering for pupils from Secondary to Sixth Form level. The newly developed learning environments were designed with enough space for staff to teach and support the development of pupils.We worked closely with both our supply chain partners, and Wynne Construction to ensure the running of the project went as smoothly as possible.To support overall sustainability and social value efforts, and to align with our values, we sourced fitters as well as materials local to the project site. This ensured a streamlined installation process for our customer and showcased our commitment to supporting local businesses and the communities that surround our project sites.Fitting to the school’s aesthetic, our in-house designers, in collaboration with architects, worked meticulously to craft products that looked visually appealing and balanced comfort with functionality, adapting to different subject needs and classroom environments.This ranged from the Drama Studio requiring a Teacher Wall to provide an interactive focal point for classroom activities, to Science Lab Worktops robust enough to withstand daily usage by students. Quality Bespoke ProductsIT SuiteCatering for over 650 students, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi requested that we placed a high emphasis on space saving, and making classroom space usable to the full extent.For the IT Suites, we implemented 'Sawtooth Benching’. This layout angles towards the front of the classroom, providing an ergonomic and optimal view for students, reducing strain. This creates a more comfortable environment for students working on screens.Incorporating this forward slant allows students to effortlessly turn to each other, creating a collaborative environment that positively enriches their learning experience.Considering practicality in daily school life, the benching was designed to facilitate cable management, with dividers positioned in the middle of the table to keep the workspaces tidy and organised. This adds safety for those that use the IT Suites. Science LabWhen designing the Science Laboratories, special considerations were made regarding the worktop surfaces. Due to potential exposure to various chemicals, liquids, and heat, the material needed to be suitable for heavy-duty use and therefore a long-lasting solution was selected. Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) worktops were utilised due to their heavy-duty scratch and wear resistance, impact resistance, and ease of cleaning.A solid material with smooth machinability, it has hydrophobic properties preventing dampness, something traditional tabletops cannot provide. Perfect for bespoke fittings, it was tailored to the specific needs of the customer, whilst also providing an optimal surface finish. For Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, this created an aesthetically pleasing environment whilst positively contributing to student safety.Following the theme of utilising space, the depths of the worktops were adjusted by BOYCO to align with side walls enabling greater aisle space between the Lab Benching. Enhancing manoeuvrability within the Lab reduces the risk of accidental collisions or spills, and facilitates ease of equipment sharing, contributing to a cooperative learning space. Staff RoomIn conjunction with ensuring an amazing space for students, this project also placed staff spaces at the forefront of works. The staff break out room was renovated to emulate a relaxing, resting space. As per the School's requirement to utilise all space, our in-house designers crafted a Tea Point fixture for Teachers and Visitors to access refreshments.An Econotop Worktop was favoured with its laminate coating, achieving an easy clean surface perfect for food and drink preparation. Customisable by colour, Oak Laminate doors were added alongside the worktop, enhancing the finished structure, and fitting with Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi’s bespoke requests. Project SuccessTeam BOYCO successfully completed a full design, manufacture, supply and install service for this project. Our teams visited the site often throughout the project, ensuring that each element of the works exceeded expectations of all those involved and aligned with our ‘Built to Last’ ethos.We are proud to have worked with Wynne Construction on this refurbishment. We look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship and can’t wait to get started on our next project.

Creating Safe Spaces with Hands-free Access

The number of Davit Arms required for a project should not sound like the quintessential British question of "one lump or two" for your cup of tea.It should depend on the specific project parameters but it is a question we are often asked, even if the employer's requirements or access strategy specifically identify a quantity.There are however a few definitive requirements. If the system is designed for single users (due to roof/building structural load limitations for instance), then two Davits must be provided to facilitate safe rescue. Equally, although Davits are component form and portable, the units are not light to carry between buildings, might be too large for service lifts and no one even wants to think about the stairs - the buildings being cleaned by rope access for a reason!Additionally, the duty holder and building owner should consider cleaning times and crew efficiency. Responsible IRATA contractors operate in a team of three, with one level 3 supervisor and two operatives. With a single davit, two of the team are effectively non-productive.Finally, it can be that multiple outreach davits are required. The projection requirements can vary depending on rooftop socket locations, parapet sizes, and façade elements. For extended cleaning cycles, Davit arms should project so that there is a naturally extended reach.Leave the one lump or two questions for your cup of tea, or number or shots of espresso if you prefer……….

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

Closomat has vast experience in the retail sector, commissioning, project managing, installing and maintaining Changing Places toilets for leading retailers, shopping centres and retail parks, throughout the UK. Changing Places by Closomat are well thought-out and include high-spec, high-quality equipment that meets the needs of both users and providers. They enable customers with complex toileting needs to access the toilet safely when shopping and ensure providers are confident the facilities they offer are robust and meet all of the required standards. From January 2021, changes to Building Regulations in England mean that it is now compulsory for any new shopping centre or retails park with gross floor areas of 30,000m2 or more and retail premises of 2,500m2 or more, to include at least one Changing Places toilet. The same rule applies to existing retail spaces if they undergo major refurbishment.Changing Places by Closomat can be found in the following: Retail premisesIkea – Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Dalton, Edinburgh, Gateshead, Greenwich, Lakeside, Leeds, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, WembleyMorrisons - Aberdeen, Cheltenham, Dalton, Festival Park (Stoke on Trent), Glenfield, Newport (Isle of Wight), Little Clacton (Clacton on Sea), Plymouth, Newcastle under Lyme, Starbeck (Harrogate), StranraerShopping Centres and Retail ParksBullring, BirminghamFrenchgate Shopping Centre, DoncasterThe Lexicon, Bracknell The Malls, BasingstokeMerry Hill, Brierley Hill near Dudley (Intu)McArthur Glen, Bridgend and YorkOrbital Shopping Park, SwindonSilverburn, GlasgowTouchwood Shopping Centre, SolihulThe Trafford Centre, ManchesterWest Quay, Southampton (Intu)In addition to meeting full British Standards, the Changing Places facility at West Quay, Southampton, Merry Hill near Dudley, and Ikea in Greenwich include the added benefit of a Closomat wash and dry toilet, for those who may lack the ability to wipe themselves – allowing the facility to support a wider range of users.

A client with a strong reputation for sustainable construction needed a flood defence system to protect a large substation in Croydon.UK Power Networks and ClancyUK Power Networks is responsible for electricity distribution and maintenance across London, the southeast and east of England. Clancy contracts for UK Power Networks refurbishing substations. Clancy was founded in 1958 and is now one of the largest privately owned construction firms in the UK. Its vision is to be “trusted to deliver smarter, greener infrastructure brilliantly.”The challengeClancy managed construction and implementation of the Andel flood defence system for UK Power Networks.Location: the substation is located within a flood risk area and is critical for maintaining electricity supply to thousands of homes and businesses.Sustainable: they wanted an environmentallyfriendly approach in line with their commitment to sustainability.Disruption: the aim was to protect transformers from flooding to maintain reliable electricity supplies to homes and businesses.Protection: they needed to protect the transformers from flooding to maintain network resilience.Inconvenience: they wanted a solution that would cause minimum disruption to the site allowing for continuity of service.Cost: they needed a cost-effective solution compared to the costs normally associated with traditional flood defences.The solution Andel FloodWall and Andel FloodBlox® Andel FloodWall is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative for perimeter flood defence and is suited to commercial, residential, new build and retrofit installations. Panels and posts are constructed from robust, 100% recycled, nonporous, post-industrial plastic waste.This means the substation now has:A sustainable, cost-effective and environmentallyfriendly system compared to traditional flood defence systems.A flood defence system with a lower carbon footprint compared to an all-concrete construction.A modular solution that was easy to transport and speedy to assemble on site with minimum disruption.A robust perimeter flood defence designed and tested to meet the requirements of British Standard BS 851188-1:2019 for Flood resistance products.Andel FloodBlox® is an easy-to-use, lightweight, demountable flood barrier for all types of openings such as gates, house doors, patio doors, garage doors, warehouse and factory doors as well as creating easy access within a perimeter flood defence wall.This means the substation now has:A lightweight, easy-to-use demountable flood barrier allowing easy access to the bund.Proven technology that uses the natural pressure and weight of floodwater to create a watertight seal.The result Sustainable: Panels and posts are constructed from 100% recycled, post-industrial plastic waste, reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional allconcrete flood defences.Convenient: A modular, easy-to-assemble system causing minimal disruption to on-site operations as no heavy machinery was required.Effective: FloodWall and FloodBlox® provide a robust, tried and tested flood defence solution allowing easy access to protected areas.Cost: The modular and flexible system reduced installation time and delivered a cost-effective solution.Excellent communication: The on-site Andel team worked closely with the client, ensuring open and constructive dialogue with regular updates on progress and timescales.Added value: The project also included installation of Andel’s market-leading BundGuard® units, a bund dewatering solution previously supplied to the client and contractor on other sites.What the customer said;We made the right choice working with Andel on the UK Power Networks Croydon project. Andel has worked with Clancy before providing pollution prevention products and maintenance services for the electrical distribution sector.As a safeguard against the increasing risk of flooding, Andel were able to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the Croydon substation, protecting UK Power Networks transformers from the risk of future flooding.Craig Aust, Project Manager, ClancyIt was great to work with Clancy on the UK Power Networks Flood Defence project at Croydon Substation. We were tasked with delivering a robust, reliable and environmentally sustainable solution to protect the transformers on site from the risk of flooding. Working closely with Clancy Project Manager, Craig Aust, we were able to navigate the project to deliver a solution that sat in line with their values of delivering quality and sustainable practices. We are delighted to have successfully delivered a flood defence system that ensures the transformers are protected from the ever-increasing risk of flooding. 

Radii’s elegant slimline double glazed Parallel 50 partitioning (45dB RW) with pivoting glazed doors were used for meeting rooms and quiet rooms across all three floors of the development, including some with electronic access controls integrated into our systems. Our Parallel 84 double glazed fronts (45dB RW) with integrated single Glide sliding door (38dB RW) were also utilised on the Lower Ground Floor.A set of Linear 59 (39dB RW) single glazed fronts with bi-parting sliding doors, installed to run within a drywall pocket, were used on the larger executive meeting rooms.All partition and doors used were installed with recessed head tracks and fully extruded aluminium mullion and transoms — mirroring the existing on-site Radii products that formed part of the restacking and reconfiguration work — with varying levels of privacy achieved with reeded manifestation.Radii also developed bespoke drywall end caps and finished them to match our glazing systems, neatly integrating the ends of the drywall crosswalls with our glazed fronts.

As part of the refit, the building required a new roof as it was showing signs of wear and had started to leak. As well as a waterproofing solution, the client wanted to improve the thermal performance in line with current building regulations. For health and safety reasons, the client also requested a flame free roofing solution.

Improved handling efficiency, better utilisation of space and enhanced safety have been achieved by Bott Limited following the installation of a Mezz Lift from Penny Hydraulics to lift loads from ground floor to a mezzanine in the stores at its dedicated commercial vehicle conversion workshop facility.

OverviewA successful installation of 40 x Powrmatic SRP U Tubes at a hangar facility in Boscombe. With the system design by Powrmatic, ABS, a leading HVAC and installation company, was entrusted with this significant installation project. The installation aimed to provide efficient heating performance, reduce energy costs, and improve the overall comfort and functionality of the hangar.Project BackgroundThe Weighbridge Hangar Building 499 at MOD Boscombe Down operated by QinetiQ required a new heating system due to the life-expired existing system. The hangar required a powerful heating system that would operate efficiently during the cold winter months while reducing energy costs. A new Powrmatic SRP U-tube herringbone radiant heating system was produced in line with the design intent of WYG on their tender documents. J & B Hopkins secured the M & E contract and employed the services of ABS Ltd to undertake the installation of the radiant heating system. ABS Ltd, formed in 1978, offers a full range of professional services including the installation and maintenance of both radiant and warm air heating systems to both commercial and industrial properties throughout the UK.SolutionThe MOD hangar facility, situated on an exposed location, at Boscombe Down required a robust heating solution to withstand the cold winter months. 40 Powrmatic SRP radiant U Tube PVU50 Hi/Low heaters each rated at 50kW on a herringbone system layout with ducted fresh air onto each burner to comply with fire safety standards were installed by ABS Ltd. To maximize efficiency, the heaters mounted at an impressive height of 23 meters in line with Powrmatic’s design drawings were arranged in 8 lines of 5, with 3 heaters connected to one fan and 2 heaters connected to another fan. The heating system incorporated Powrmatic MC200 controllers and black bulb sensors for precise temperature control across the hangar.ResultThe final stage of the installation was completed by J & B Hopkins, arranging for the necessary gas and electrical distribution services to the radiant heaters and discharge fans. The 40 Powrmatic SRP radiant U Tubes installed by ABS Ltd effectively heated the facility, providing a comfortable and conducive environment for the workforce during the winter season. Additionally, the new heating system reduced energy costs and eliminated the need for multiple exhausts on the rooftop hence retaining the aesthetic design principles of the hangar. The commissioning was successfully carried out when all services were completed, providing a satisfied client with a capable heating installation within the hangar, for the exposed site location.

Most commonly, we undertake domestic dwarf balcony projects as retrofits on older buildings, which were built to meet lower balustrade height regulations than we have on new buildings today.The extra height provided by a glass balustrade gives the user added protection from the wind as well as providing a more comprehensive safety feature. In this domestic dwarf balcony installation in Devon however, the architect opted for a dwarf balcony from the outset because it created a useful balance between the feeling of security that the homeowners who had young children desired, whilst maintaining the most important aspect of the view, which is eye level as you sit on the balcony looking out.Pure Vista proposed using SPIG-LITEpro for this installation.SPIG-LITEpro is a domestic appropriate product that achieves up to 0.74kN in line with building regulations for a single use domestic property. One of the benefits of using SPIG-LITEpro as a dwarf balcony solution, is that it is spigot-based rather than channel-based, meaning that the balustrade system doesn’t encroach on the view – a significant consideration when the glass is only partial-height. The SPIG-LITEpro system is highly aesthetically pleasing, looking stunning alongside both contemporary and traditional architecture. The installation itself was taken care of by Camel Glass who are specialist architectural glass installers, also based in Cornwall. 

As business evolves and requirements change in our fast-paced world, London Wall Design continue to bring ground breaking, intuitive products to the industry and pride ourselves in being able to create unique and bespoke systems for all our clients, whatever the application. One of our latest projects which has been installed and tested has made us particularly proud and set a new standard in acoustic movable walls.The requirements on this project were clear and simple with very specific needs for one of the leading pharmaceutical companies and we were going to tackle it head on. A movable acoustic wall with radiation protection for a research and testing environment needing to maximise flexibility while still offering the safety and protection required in a radiology environment.Our Type 100SE semi-electrically operated movable wall was developed and tailor-made for this requirement; with X-Ray protection and specialised seals to ensure the ground-breaking radiation protection and acoustic levels would be achieved. Each wall weighed in the region of circa 6 tons and the top hung system was fitted with our Type “K“ track which allows for remote and varied stacking locations. The walls varied in width and height but were all finished in Rigato Formica laminate with aluminium protective edge trims. The vision panels in the pass doors were fitted with Med-X type single glazed glass between two layers of 4mm thick toughened glass.

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

PROJECT BACKGROUND: Patients, staff, and visitors for the Oxford Road site of Manchester Royal Infirmary use the linking Hathersage Road Car Park daily.REQUIREMENT:A compact internal ramp for the level 2 and level 7 entrances.END RESULT:Two small internal ramps with bespoke yellow handrails and a 1:15 gradient were installed within a few hours. Our ramps come in components that were small enough to be carried into the carpark lift and onto the levels.The ramp feet were bolted into the ground to keep the systems securely in place.FEATURES INCLUDED:Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Powder coated Finish – rails are coated with thermosetting powder to provide a non-conductive, non-slip and scratch resistant surface.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights.EXTRA FEATURE INCLUDED:Yellow Powdercoated Handrails – yellow is one of the easiest colours to see because of its ability to reflect light.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp and level changes.

Kingspan RMG600 Raised Access Floor panels are being utilised across multiple state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities including specialist laboratory spaces.The flooring solution provides the facility management team with a great deal of flexibility – rapid access to the void, enabling reconfiguration, fault-finding or simply maintaining the many metres of cables and pipework that are required to service such a leading-edge education building.