"access equipment and safety systems"

Tailored Railway Entrance Matting SolutionsINTRAsystems is proud to be an approved supplier for Great Western Railways (GWR). Our products exceed the demanding performance standards, so we were the natural choice when they needed railway entrance matting for the new station at Green Park in Reading.Located on the Reading to Basingstoke line, Green Park connects the pioneering business park with residential areas and Reading Football Club’s Select Car Leasing Stadium.The new, state-of-the-art station is designed to withstand heavy foot and wheeled traffic from daily commuters for the 60 businesses within Green Park as well as the regular stream of football fans!Enhancing accessibilityFollowing the latest directive from the Department of Transport, Network Rail and their own accessibility goals, GWR has incorporated distinctive route markers into the flooring. Textured areas and high-contrast colours flow around the station concourse, signposting key routes, obstacles or points of interest to help visually impaired and disabled passengers navigate more easily.GWR had wanted to the carry the design through to the Entrance Matting too, adding a stripe of contrasting colour to link the entrance area with the onward concourse. This meets and exceeds the latest ‘Technical Specifications for Interoperability, Route Identification for Persons of Reduced Mobility’, (TSI for PRM.)Optimal performance and effortless maintenanceWe successfully completed a similar project at Perry Barr Station, so were confident in meeting the challenge, and produced design recommendations to match in with other textural and visual flooring features for the TSI for PRM.Having reviewed the design and budget requirements with GWR, our spec team recommended INTRAform, a recessed aluminium system with Linear fibre combined with a ribbed rubber insert.Set into ‘closed construction’ channels, the system is effective for scraping off dirt and keeps dirt on the surface of the mat making cleaning and maintenance easy.Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal and FunctionalityThe ridged appearance of INTRAlux Linear fibres in Anthracite and alternating rubber sections met the client’s brand guidelines, DDA compliance requirements as well as the wayfinding needs of the TSI for PRM. And the neat design finish ties in well with the flooring texture beyondLinear fibres are hard-wearing with a 1400g/m² looped pile and a textured appearance.The Art and Science of Railway Entrance Matting DesignINTRAform, like the majority of INTRA’s easy to install products, features interlocking plank sections which can be cut and configured to create patterns, stripes, or other striking designs. The robust aluminium profile is ideal for heavy-duty applications too and comes with a 10-year warranty.The planks are easy to cut and install, provide flush transitions between outdoor and indoor flooring substrates to meet DDA regulations.Ensuring safety and efficient maintenance is of paramount importance on the railways so getting the right materials specification for each situation is vital. Facilities teams need a product that performs at a high level and adheres to all the various restrictions and regulations.Precision in Every DetailGWR chose a specification with outstanding performance and design flexibility, but they also earned LEED and BREEAM points for sustainability.INTRAform is EPD-verified and uses 100% recycled aluminium frames which can be recycled or reused again and again. We collaborated closely with the design team and provided detailed drawings and measurements for the Entrance Matting to ensure the success of the project.Even with such detailed specifications and drawings however, we understand the allowance for anomalies on site. INTRA supplied the planks 50mm oversized for on-site trimming. The installers could get a snug fit and adjust the planks incrementally to align accurately with the other textural and contrasting features in the flooring scheme.Elevating EntrancesThe Railway Entrance Matting now continues the signposting sections, linking up with the station flooring designs perfectly.Reactions and feedback from staff and passengers using the new station have been excellent.The Entrance Matting is already delivering on the objectives of keeping people safe, protecting the flooring beyond and providing key visual cues. And with INTRAform’s 10-year warranty and proven track record, it will stand the test of time.

A single storey timber frame house, based on Passivhaus principals with specialised wheelchair access, situated in Fife, Scotland.

The washrooms at this stunning hotel, feature accessible bathroom fixtures and fittings from our Fitzroy of London Gosfield collection.

THE PROJECTThe village of Comrie is located towards the western edge of the Perth & Kinross Council area, approximately 40 kilometres west of Perth in Scotland. The waterproofing system used to cover the buried water tank at Comrie Distribution Service Reservoir (DSR) was many years old and had failed. As part of the ongoing Scottish Water SR21 framework, Fosroc and The Fraser Bruce Group have developed a wide range of solutions for waterproofing water tanks that have been proposed and agreed by both Morrison Construction and Scottish Water. This project involved removing the soil overburden and the existing waterproofing system, before mechanically preparing the deck and applying sheet membrane.THE SOLUTIONOnce the overburden and existing waterproofing were removed it was apparent that there was severe ponding on the tank roof. The decision was taken to prepare the deck and apply an external self-leveler to prevent the ponding of water. The perimeter and upstand detailing was carried out before Fosroc’s self-adhesive sheet membrane Proofex 3000 was applied to the primed, horizontal surface. The surface was then protected with Proofex Sheetdrain 80, a drainage and protection membrane. After the membrane was laid, the access hatch upstands received two coats of Nitocote CM210 before more Proofex 3000 was applied and terminated just below the height of the new overburden. The access hatches were then sealed in place with Nitoseal MS600.THE BENEFITSProofex 3000 membrane, which is cold applied and comes in 1m x 20m rolls, is self-adhesive, thereby reducing the amount of product and application time. The applicator was able to cover large areas in far less time. The membrane is made from cross laminated HDPE film to protect against damage, while still being sufficiently flexible for detailing around corners. It is resistant to ground water, soluble sulfates and chlorides, offering robust protection from aggressive ground salts. Its use with Sheetdrain achieved a high quality, reliable installation compliant with EN 13707:2004. By combining the use of Nitocote CM210 and Proofex 3000, Fosroc were able to provide solutions for both exposed and buried areas of the tank with no compatibility issues between the products.

Bespoke resin flooring for luxury stablesTattersall Race Course (Ireland) required a bespoke resin flooring solution that could offer a very specific blend of outstanding durability, slip resistance, ease of maintenance and visual appeal. It was also crucial the new floor would be equally fit-for-purpose internally and externally, without losing its safety properties when exposed to weather changes.Tattersall is an international firm offering 10,000 thoroughbred horses each year at 15 sales at either its Newmarket headquarters in England, or at Fairyhouse outside Dublin, in Ireland.As a premier facility that offers only the best horses to the most discerning customers, Tattersalls takes immense pride in maintaining immaculate premises. This focus requires regular maintenance and refurbishment projects, and Degafloor is proud to have been involved in one of the most recent.Working in conjunction with approved partner Larsen Contracts (Ireland) Ltd, we were invited to assess the current floor finish within one of the stable blocks at Fairyhouse and recommend a bespoke resin flooring finish, based on Degafloor’s slip-resistant Full Broadcast System.To achieve the best and most consistent finish possible, the heavily tamped concrete was diamond ground, then shot blasted. The bespoke resin flooring was applied in 6 layers; first a primer, next a scratch coat was applied to create a smooth and even finish. The main system layer was then installed and a full broadcast of bauxite applied. The system was finished with 2 x coats of clear Degafloor MMA seal.Speaking on behalf of Larsen Contracts, Contracts Director Eddie O’Brien said, “It is an honour to have been involved in this project and to work for Tattersalls and, in a small way, play a part in maintaining Ireland’s rich horse racing heritage.”

OverviewPowrmatic Wall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators were specified to help to protect Pepperl + Fuchs’ new HQ and logistics centre in Singapore.Project BackgroundWall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators for Pepperl + Fuchs, a global manufacturer of process automation specialising in the manufacture of sensors. One area of the company’s new Singapore facility is a high bay warehouse that required an automatic natural and smoke ventilation system to meet fire safety regulations.Project SolutionWall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators were specified to help to protect Pepperl + Fuchs’ new HQ and logistics centre in Singapore. Powrmatic Partners INNIVATE, therefore, proposed a solution using low-level inlet ventilators on two walls with exhaust ventilators at a high level on the same walls. In all, 36 Powrmatic Opensky ventilators have been supplied for the project – 18 on each wall divided into nine at the low level and nine at the high level.Project ResultAll of the smoke ventilators are fitted with 24 V DC actuators and grouped to operate simultaneously in the event of the fire alarm system being activated. Each Opensky ventilator is fully insulated and finished in a polyester powder coating in a complementary colour to that of the surrounding cladding. INNIVATE provided a ‘one-stop’ supply and installation solution from the early stages of the project through to final testing and commissioning, ensuring that the installation meets the requirements of both Pepperl + Fuchs and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.Paul Paffett, Innivate Director added “Our partnership with Powrmatic is going from strength to strength and this project just highlights how we are working together providing our clients with natural and smoke ventilation systems. The Powrmatic Wall Opensky was selected due to its performance and value, as well as its high level of reliability”.

Premcrete assisted BAM Nuttall on the Heathrow Tunnel project to undertake refurbishment work on the main and cargo access tunnels to the airport.The Challenge:Heathrow Airport has awarded BAM Nuttall a contract valued at more than £85m to undertake refurbishment work on the main and cargo access tunnels to the airport.Part of the refurbishment works was to carry out concrete repairs to the spalled concrete using an R4 Structural Mortar in accordance with BS EN1504.The Solution:Premcrete supplied BAM Nuttall with Teknocem S which met the performance specification.

The Stannah Midilift SL platform lift was specified by Phil Walker, client agent for Wicstun Veterinary Group: “The new-build practice in Market Weighton needed supplementary access to bring it into line with current access-for-all legislation. Stannah was our first-choice lift company as they are local, which supports our build policy of sourcing local suppliers wherever possible. They are also an established UK company with a lengthy track record—just the reassurance needed that we would get the best lift solution for the job!”

A bespoke up and over garage door designed and manufactured by Rundum Meir has brought 21st century functionality, access and security to a Grade II listed property in Belgravia. One objective of the renovation project sought to improve access to the garage, which faces a desirable residential street close to Eaton Square Gardens. The transformation had to be done in a way that was sympathetic to the local architecture and compliant with the house’s listed status. The garage doors of the properties lining this cobblestone street are fine examples of the 19th century coach house tradition.

Hardtgenbuscher Kirchweg school sports facilities in Cologne-OstheimBRINGING COLOUR INTO PLAYAs a district of Cologne, Ostheim is primarily a residential area for the neighbouring industrial zones of Kalk and Mülheim. Ostheim is shaped by residential neighbourhoods with dense high-rise construction and social housing.In 1981, a new school centre was built on Hardtgenbuscher Kirchweg to accommodate the rapidly increasing population, comprising the Heinrich Heine Gymnasium and Albert Schweitzer Realschule secondary schools. In addition to three multi-purpose halls, the school complex has a large outdoor sports facility, which is also used for external sports events.The outdoor sports facility was completely renovated and remodelled in 2022/23. Various Polytan surfaces were used as part of the design. Nowadays, Hardtgenbuscher Kirchweg is home to a large synthetic turf playing field with an athletics track running around it, facilities for long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin, as well as a multifunctional playing surface that combines two courts each for handball, basketball, volleyball and tennis.The large football pitch was equipped with the Polytan LigaTurf Cross synthetic turf system, which combines smooth and textured filaments. Both textile fibre types combine to create a single hard-wearing surface, with a look and feel that is barely distinguishable from natural football turf and is used successfully in professional sport worldwide. Thanks to its textured filaments, LigaTurf Cross ensures low and easy maintenance, as well as greater infill stability and an increased turf volume.The football pitch is surrounded by a four-lane running track, which can also be used as a sprint track on one of the long sides, for which two additional lanes have been added. Like the javelin throwing facility a little to the side, it is laid in sky blue Rekortan M. Our Rekortan M is a genuine high-speed synthetic surface designed to support top sporting performance. The combination of an elastic base layer and a solid construction not only makes it fast, but also guarantees optimum conditions for professional athletes and discerning amateurs alike.Both curved sections of the athletics track are also used – on one side, there is a gymnastics area with fitness equipment and high jump facilities, while on the other side, there are provisions for long jump and shot put. Both are also made of Rekortan M, but laid in different colours. Brown and beige were used in the gymnastics area, while beige and orange alternated in the long jump.In addition to the running track, our high-precision system for professional performance diagnostics – Polytan SMART – was installed. The Polytan SMART system consists of integrated, maintenance-free, magnetic timing gates that are permanently and securely installed in the ground. It is accompanied by a sensor weighing only 15 grams and the tried-and-tested diagnostics software from Polytan’s partner, Humotion. Even amateur athletes can benefit from the system by using the free Smart Run by Humotion app on a smartphone, which is worn on the body using a running belt. The measurements – such as distance, time, number of steps and step frequency – are evaluated and analysed directly in the app. In Ostheim, a total of 6 magnets have been embedded in the surface, two in the running track and four in the sprint track.The multifunctional playing field is based on PolyPlay S since different colours make the court playable for handball, basketball, volleyball and tennis. While the primary colour is beige, the four handball goal areas on two parallel handball courts are finished in sky blue. The rectangular zones under the four hoops on both basketball courts are a striking bright orange colour. The volleyball playing surfaces are shaded brown. The lines for the four different ball sports are drawn in red, yellow and white.The school sports facility in Ostheim shows once again that Polytan offers a broad portfolio of high-quality sports surfaces that are suited to the most varied requirements. On the multifunctional playing field, the colour scheme and coloured lines also demonstrate that different sports can be played compactly on one and the same surface. One thing is certain: Polytan has brought a whole host of colour into play in Ostheim. The outdoor sports facility is used for school sports and by SC Köln 2000 e.V., a club that offers its members a wide range of sporting activities.

School kitchen flooring refurbishment Millfield School kitchen flooring has recently been subject to a significant makeover. The existing vinyl finishes were showing significant signs of wear and needed to be replaced with a new flooring that offered better slip resistance and durability without the need for frequent repairs.The services of specialist industrial flooring installers, Inca Flooring & Structural Ltd, were called upon to offer advice and guidance in selecting the most suited school kitchen flooring solution.Millfield School required a flooring solution that could withstand the test of time in a constantly busy kitchen environment. In order to fulfil the client’s requirements to the highest standards, the contractors recommended using Degafloor’s fast curing, slip-resistant Full Broadcast System with associated coving.Degafloor Full Broadcast is specifically designed to deliver outstanding hygiene, performance and safety even in tough environments such as commercial kitchens, canteens and food technology areas.The school kitchen flooring was installed across two kitchen areas. Due to the ultra-fast curing nature of Degafloor MMA and flexibility of the contractor, the entire project was completed over the Xmas break.

UNITE is the UK’s largest provider of student hospitality and accommodation. UNITE focuses on the provision and management of high quality, well-located student accommodation and hospitality services at affordable prices.Our patented 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® which are Secured By Design approved were installed in selected accommodation and on-site hospitality management offices providing security for the students and offices whilst making sure rooms felt welcoming and homely.Steve Pinder, National Security Manager at UNITE said; “My role within UNITE is to look after the security needs of all managers within the business and our student customers who live in our accommodation. The safety and security of our 38,000 student customers is of high priority to us. I look after physical security, CCTV, access control, locks, doors, windows and anything to do with the security internally or externally. CCTV is a major part of our every day lives, it deters criminal activity but it doesn’t solve crime. 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® is a trusted partner of UNITE and are integral to the overall physical security decision process. When looking to enhance the security at a small number of our sites, 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® was the only supplier that met our requirement to better protect our accommodation and our customers. We have also used 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® to secure our on-site hospitality management offices.”“The 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® system has been effective and a great success for us because of the versatility of the blinds. It allows for the windows to be opened while still having window security. We have not had any security incidents since and 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® has never been breached.""𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® looks like traditional vertical blinds yet it is an effective deterrent because each aluminium blind blade has a steel rod within it. We haven’t found another product that is better or more cost effective. “The feedback we get from customers is that when they see their room and see the blinds, they are reassured by having this added protection on the window. We didn’t want to put grilles on the windows as our student accommodation is like a home from home. Presently 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® has been solely retro fitted, however longer term UNITE may look to design-in 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® for their future developments. The fact that 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® have their own installation team has always been a benefit and the product has always been delivered on time and to budget.” Steve Pinder, National Security Manager at UNITE

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed this month by Falco for Rochdale Infirmary Hospital in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Installed on behalf of Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, the new cycle hub provides patients, visitors and staff members travelling to the infirmary with up to 22 secure cycle parking spaces utilising the FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle rack design.The two-tier cycle racks are housed within a bespoke 6m x 4m version of the FalcoHub cycle hub, completed with energy efficient LED lighting, a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, NHS branding graphics and powder coating in an NHS blue RAL colour.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, installed next to the electric vehicle charging points and adjacent to the main entrance.Rochdale Infirmary is the second cycle hub installation carried out for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, with another recent installation in November last year for The Royal Oldham Hospital, consisting of a bespoke 11m x 4m cycle hub with associated two-tier cycle racks, cycle helmet lockers, automatic powder door with a secure access system, branding graphics and powder coating.The FalcoLok cycle hub as shown here at Rochdale Infirmary, is a contemporary cycle store manufactured from a combination of a galvanised steel frame and reinforced safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area. The FalcoHub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations so that the whole design meets the UK/European CPR regulations EN1090 and is CE marked as per UK law.In addition to the cycle hub shown here for Rochdale Infirmary, Falco has also recently installed cycle hubs for many locations across the UK including Stromness Travel Centre in the Orkney Islands, Crewe, Runcorn, Birmingham International, Warrington Bank Quay and Carlisle station for Avanti West Coast, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, The Royal Oldham Hospital for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee and a bespoke cycle hub for Leicester City Council.For more information about the project here at Rochdale Infirmary or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust is a not-for-profit Registered Social Landlord (RSL) providing affordable housing for over 17,000 people across Buckinghamshire. With a stock of nearly 8,500 homes, it is always looking for new and innovative ways to improve safety, improve customer service and keep costs down, maintaining its goal to develop neighbourhoods that provide thriving places to live.

The world is focused on social distancing, safety and health; this latest project brings nature a little closer to help improve on all counts with socially distanced greenery. Leicester City Council’s urban environmental goals called upon the flexibility and experience of a rapid taskforce of installers from Hedera Screens to bring green elements across the City during lockdown and beyond.

Health & Safety Executive figures show that handling materials is the second most common cause for injuries on construction sites and the Union of Construction, Allied Trades & Technicians states that workers are constantly being exposed to health risks. Leading bead manufacturer, Renderplas, says choosing PVC beads over metal counterparts could reduce the number of on-site injuries.

Client: Bristol City Council Consultants: Chapman Taylor Architects & Arup Design Main Contractor: Bouygues UK Specialist Contractor: Optimum Dry Wall Systems Main Products Used: Emshield DFR-2 SystemOn the site of the former ambulance station adjacent to Castle Park, the largest urban green space in Bristol, this development is designed to provide 375 new homes, with a mixture of build-to-rent and affordable housing units. This comprises a new 26-storey tower, which will be the tallest building in Bristol, together with a 10-storey block, plus a third central building connecting the two, and providing a business centre and leisure facilities for the residents, as well as direct access to the park. The architects designed wide structural expansion joints to accommodate the anticipated levels of movement between the different building structures, as well as in and between the main reinforced concrete floor slabs and the structural frame of the building. They also wanted to reduce any noise transmission through the joints and to ensure that the designated levels of fire protection were maintained, which meant that the joints had to be treated to provide 2-hours fire resistance. To meet all these demands, the answer was a single solution using Emshield DFR-2 (horizontal floor joints) / WFR-2 (for vertical wall joints) systems. These produce a watertight joint, that can accommodate high movement up to 100% (+/- 50%), greatly reduce sound transmission (STC 62; OITC 52), and which are CE Marked to EN-1366-4 for up to 4 hrs fire resistance. 

The Royal Russell School in Croydon demonstrates the vast variety of waterproofing applications with which DANOPOL membranes can be specified. From standard flat roof areas to pitched standing seam roofs, vertical applications and accessible terraces, the flexibility of specification is really showcased on this project. The most noticeable feature is the stunning standing seam roofs, which are also DANOPOL HSF+ membrane, completed with ALPHA PROFILES. These ALPHA PROFILES are raised PVC profiles made from DANOPOL materials which can be retrospectively heat welded to the surface of the completed waterproofing system. The use of Alpha Profiles is rapidly increasing as the design may be highly customised and the installed centres can be changed to suit a clients particular aesthetic preferences and are often installed to obscure any standard membrane overlaps. An advantage of selecting DANOPOL membranes over a traditional metal standing seam roof option is that at less than 3.00kg per m2 for the waterproofing membrane, the system is incredibly lightweight and may be installed onto many lightweight structural substrates. The reduced load, when compared to traditional standing seam roof options, can also translate into savings on the underlying supporting structure. Our DANOPOL+ HSF membrane was also utilised on the terrace areas, which included vertical detailing to clad the internal faces of the parapet walls, providing a fully-encompassing watertight finish to the roof areas. Waterproofing System: DANOPOL+ HSF 1.5mm - Dark GreyConstruction Type: New Build Warm Roof Sector: EducationApprox. Size: 1,300m2Warranty Period: 20 Year

Project DetailProject: RAF WaddingtonLocation: Lincoln, UKProduct: TS.9206 High usage heavy duty architectural door closerProject DescriptionHousing electrical control equipment securely, the heavy duty doors of the substation are fitted with TS 9206 heavy duty door closers.Steel door sets and heavy duty door closers go hand in hand for the RAF Waddington. The TS 9206 Door Closers was a perfect choice due to the below factors:Mechanism has immense torque and control to combat the exposed locationHeavy duty to control the large size and weight of doors requiredVersatile for multiple door typesWhen it comes to quality, robust construction, and iconic surroundings – Rutland have the perfect door closer every time.

This playground in Singapore seamlessly blends play and sustainability. The natural, unpainted design complements its eco-friendly theme, making it an engaging and sustainable space for kids and caregivers.Mixing fun and sustainability were key factors in this playgroundIn Singapore, the Holy Grace Presbyterian Church Playground embodies the perfect union of play and sustainability. Designed meticulously for the church's kindergarten children, it features Flora playground equipment known for its sustainability and varying difficulty levels to nurture children's risk-taking abilities.Users appreciate the interactive features, diverse entry points, and a captivating bridge connecting towering slides.The benefits of a natural, unpainted option, align perfectly with the playground's nature-inspired design. This project showcases how thoughtful design creates an engaging, sustainable playground for children and caregivers alike.

Enhancing Accessibility and Efficiency: Creating user friendly entrances at Birmingham UniversityWe’ve had a long-standing relationship with Birmingham University, having installed many doors and operators in the past. The University has a large campus, and we have a few projects under our belts where improved sustainable access has been achieved.Below is a fine selection of some of our more recent installations.Project Year: 2023Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Main entrance)Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Harding Building)Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 F (Arts & Law Building)Project Background: The University’s goal is to make every door and every entrance accessible for everyone so it's inclusive, reflecting their commitment to diversity and equality. By prioritizing accessibility, they aim to ensure that all members of the university community, regardless of their physical abilities, can navigate the campus with ease. Through these efforts, Birmingham University continues to set a standard for higher education institutions striving to provide equitable access to education and resources for all.With this in mind, the facilities management team required robust, reliable and energy saving elements to their entrances.Solution: Two of the buildings required strong operators to withstand the daily use of their current swing doors. Our elegant heavy duty SW200 swing door operators were incorporated into one of the University’s main entrances and The Harding building, which both required reliability and ease of entrance, as students are often carrying heavy bags full of books and electronics. The SL500 Frame sliding door was installed in the Arts & Law building, allowing for a seamless and responsive entrance as you enter the bright lobby. This helped to reduce the amount of energy required in this building, making it more efficient at heating and cooling.We have more projects in the pipeline with Birmingham University as they continue to enhance their facilities. Our commitment to providing first-rate door solutions and operators aligns perfectly with the university's mission to create a welcoming and accessible environment for students, staff, and visitors.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is the latest local authority to receive a network of the UK’s most user-friendly bike hangar design - the FalcoPod. Falco manufactured, supplied and installed four units complete with both smart app electronic access and manual key access to three residential areas across the borough.The FalcoPods were installed this winter as part of a two-year trial to provide secure, on-street cycle parking facilities for residents who don’t have access to private cycle parking, such as a garage or shed. The bike hangars provide secure lockable storage for 24 bikes and are located across the north of Bath on New King Street, Sydney Buildings and Great Stanhope Street.Each mobile app bike hangar and mobile app cycle hub provides Southwark residents with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user registers for a place through the Falco Rentals website, downloads the app, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within minutes. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with both app and key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of Bath and North East Somerset Council Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Bath residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for Bath and North East Somerset Council shown here, Falco also provides a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s including the London Borough of Southwark, the London Borough Westminster, London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton and Brighton & Hove City Council.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

Brand New Oasis Academy, Silvertown Leads Education Facilities by a Mile with Garden Roof Spaces, and Rooftop Sports Pitch In the heart of what is now the Royal Docklands, a former industrial zone south of Royal Victoria Dock lies a brand new carefully considered Academy. Set to serve 600 students in this emerging community, the “superblock” thrusts modern educational facilities well into the 21st century. Despite the constrained site, the building design harmoniously incorporates vantage points from outdoor social spaces at varying levels.There’s no need to worry about a gravelly all weather pitch causing havoc at your hockey match. There’s a state-of-the-art full size Multi-Use Games Area, lush planted external roof spaces, a double height sports hall, and main hall/performance area making up the core of the building inside.CLIENT BRIEF AND DESIGNRenowned in their field, regeneration experts Morgan Sindall required a single sourced end-to-end roofing solution that could deliver a full system specification underpinned by a 35-year system warranty, installation expertise and site management.Understanding the Architect’s vision at award winning Rivington Street Studio to create a transformative educational haven and maximise the potential of the outdoor roof areas helped the Alumasc Roofing team bring this roof to life.PARTNERSHIPWorking with the project teams across Morgan Sindall, Rivington Street Studio and Fenland Flat Roofing pushing the boundaries and setting the standard for the future of the built environment in the Education sector.Tim Mott, Senior Design Manager, Morgan Sindall, “Brian and the Alumasc team have been on-site with additional safety constraints and delivered high-quality regular progress reporting to achieve the deadlines for the students to move in next year and really put these fantastic facilities to use.”Brian Cottington, New Build Regional Manager - South East & London, “The original specification included warm roof build ups which utilised tapered insulation, however this was subsequently adapted and working closely together with the Architect, Morgan Sindall and Fenland Flat Roofing we implemented a universal standard build up using an inverted system, with less complexity whilst achieving the high system performance and BRoof (t4).”Richard Trew, Associate, Rivington Street Studio, “The garden roof areas and outdoor space bring this building to life and against the industrial backdrop create a nurturing school environment. It was great working with the Alumasc team solving problems and overcoming design challenges along the way.”Chris Preston, Estimator, Fenland Flat Roofing, “Working closely with the local Alumasc Roofing Site Technicians and engaging in extensive discussions agreeing the final system requirements meant the installation process ran smoothly.”ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSSED SOLUTIONThe high performance Hydrotech inverted roof is a special formulation of refined asphalts and synthetic rubbers with 30% recycled content. Installing insulation with exceptional thermal properties including 300mm extruded polystyrene insulation and 56mm inverted upstand insulation effectively reduces heat loss.SAFETY PERFORMANCEThe application is a one-component, hot-applied, fully reinforced, flexible, self-healing hot melt monolithic membrane, applied in a liquid state to the substrate giving a 100% absolute and seamless bond.The Academy has a 35-year warranty for the works and has a fire classification of BRoof (t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5.ABOUTThe Oasis Academy is set to open its doors February 2022. Images courtesy of Rivington Street StudioCompletion: Autumn 2021Main Contractor: Morgan SindallAlumasc Registered Roofing Contractor: Fenland Flat RoofingArchitect: Rivington Street Studio

Rekortan M and Polytan SMART on the Tooting Bec Athletics TrackOPTIMAL PREPARATION FOR THE 2024 OLYMPICSOnly a few miles from Wimbledon is Tooting Bec, a district in the south of London. A stone’s throw from the tennis mecca, sport is serious business: Tooting Bec Lido is not only one of the oldest open-air swimming pools in the United Kingsom, but remains one of the largest to this day. It is located in the expansive park, Tooting Commons, which is also home to the Tooting Bec Athletics Track & Gym, whose members have a comprehensive range of fitness facilities at their disposal.The accompanying pavilion has a fully equipped fitness studio, while an athletics facility allows athletes to train outdoors. It includes an eight-lane running track, which is used by individual athletes, schools and clubs. A stand offers seating for over 400 spectators, while a floodlight system allows the facility to be used year round.In the summer of 2022, the eight-lane running track and its three integrated sprinting lanes were fitted with our synthetic surface Rekortan M in brick red. This is Polytan’s all-rounder for competitive tracks and training facilities in athletics. The non-porous sandwich system is primarily used on running tracks and run-up tracks. Since Rekortan M meets the strict emission limits for indoor spaces, it is not only suitable for open-air athletics facilities, but indoor facilities too.At the same time as installing the new surface, the Polytan SMART timing system was also integrated – our sophisticated method for the measurement and documentation of training performance. The Polytan SMART system in Tooting Bec consists of 33 integrated timing gates on the running circuit and sprinting track, a sensor weighing only 15 grams, and the tried-and-tested diagnostics software from our partner Humotion, or alternatively, the user’s own smartphone. With the performance diagnostics system, the sensor can automatically measure agility tests, jumping tests, endurance tests such as the Cooper test, tapping tests and sprint tests. It is optimal for performance diagnostics, be it for a single athletes or an entire team, either in athletics or team sports.For professional athletes and ambitious amateur runners, the detailed documentation of training exercises and performance is simply ideal. That’s why Polytan SMART is the perfect solution for athletes like the Herne Hill Harriers, an amateur athletics club based in Tooting Bec.The club is also home to Katie Snowden, 2023 British champion in the 1500-metre race and one of our brand ambassadors. She is preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris at the Tooting Bec Athletics Track. Polytan SMART enables precise time measurement and performance diagnostics that only measure her exact timing, but also important running parameters, such as number of steps, step frequency and stride length. The results helps Katie Snowden to direct her training more effectively and ultimately optimise her performance, so she can race to the top at the Olympic Games. Polytan is proud to be a part of her dream.