"fire protection"

This colourful Cibes A5000 platform lift is installed in an old fire station in Falun, Sweden.

We’ve been a strategic partner with Willmott Dixon for several years now, ever since our Fire Door FoamTM was mandated on their ‘Yellow Book platform’.  The online manual exists to enable their staff and supply chain partners to use verified products on their projects. To meet their careful criteria we had to demonstrate the foam’s high-performance fire-stopping capabilities when installed between different substrates and timber fire doorsets.  As such a safety-critical component, we also had to provide its third-party test certification from Certifire, IFC and Warringtonfire to assure them of its credentials.Ryan Atkinson, Senior Strategic Buyer at Willmott Dixon comments“Fire and Acoustic Seals Fire Door FoamTM is now listed on our ‘Yellow Book platform’ – Willmott Dixon’s online guide to preferred materials, site installation and workmanship best practice. The foam went through our rigorous diligence checks to ensure it meets the set criteria required to become a specified product in the guide and to become a key component of the Willmott Dixon standard kit of parts. This product represented a rounded view of quality, cost and time which are some of the key factors we consider when selecting products for our ‘Brand Standard’.”Our Fire Door FoamTM has since been used on many Willmott Dixon projects across the UK. One of these is the high-profile Perry Barr Residential Scheme in Birmingham which will provide 1,400 much needed new homes in the city when complete.Ashley Devonport, Senior Quality Manager at Willmott Dixon comments“Fire and Acoustic Seals Fire Door FoamTM has been used to seal the gaps between the door and substrates on the apartments, risers, and communal areas on the prestigious Perry Barr Residential Scheme. This product is mandated on our Yellow Book platform and was selected for its excellent fire-proofing properties and independent test evidence. Julian and the team also provided excellent product training and speedy technical support when needed.”Contact the team for more information about Fire Door FoamTM. 0121 521 2179 | sales@fireandacousticseals.co.uk 

Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford, Somerset, United Kingdom, houses more than 400 cars and motorcycles. The museum opened in 1985 to showcase the personal collection of John Haynes OBE, publisher of Haynes Manuals. Charitable Trust museum management decided that the site was due for renovation. A two-plus year refurbishment resulted in a modernized museum that incorporates an S-shaped glass two-story foyer, and inside the numerous buildings, renovations continue to allow for more exhibits. Before the renovation, the museum had not incorporated fall protection anywhere onsite, but management saw the timing as appropriate for its introduction.

The new site comprises a 20-cell custody suite and a three-storey office building, which accommodates more than 300 officers and staff and provides both Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, which shares the office building, with modern, 21st century facilities. Marshalls provided a range of products from the Landscape Protection portfolio for the exterior space, including Geo bollards, Geo seating, a Pluto cycle shelter and bespoke concrete planters. Due to the security required around this sensitive building it was important that the items of furniture specified had the required protection against potential accidental or criminal damage ...

As business evolves and requirements change in our fast-paced world, Movawall Systems Ltd 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.

A fire rated loft hatch and ladder provides safe and convenient access into a loft or attic, while still providing up to 120 minutes of fire resistance. It can also provide high levels of thermal insulation and therefore help to keep energy costs down. Premier Loft Ladders has released an application solution guide for fire rated loft ladders. It provides useful tips and advice on subjects such as the choice between aluminium or wooden fire rated loft ladders, as well as considerations such as thermal insulation and strength. You can also find details of their fire rated product range.

Based on a proven formulation that has been used in more than 60% of the world’s offshore oil and gas facilities, Chartek 7E was the natural PFP choice to secure the specified lifetime of this vessel. This tried-and-tested formulation is the result of AkzoNobel’s decades of technology leadership and continuous innovation, powered by unrivalled testing capabilities that allow coatings to be exposed to a wide array of extreme conditions in order to measure resistance. Combined with the expertise gathered from protecting more than 6 million square meters of steelwork over the last 25 years with Chartek 7 alone, AkzoNobel is highly equipped to provide PFP solutions to the oil and gas industry worldwide.Chartek 7 is one of the core products of the Chartek range, with a track record of over 20 years providing exceptional protection against pool and jet fires, with proven long-term resistance against fire damage and corrosion. Chartek 7E applies the same technology with a self-reinforced formula that is mesh-free, helping to achieve weight reduction through a safety-first approach.

Product:Surespan 140° thermally broken aluminium smoke ventilator and roof hatch designed to EN12101-2. ]The AOV also offers push-button comfort ventilation in one package! This one-stop solution for smoke vent requirements to meet building control can achieve 1m² airflow and is available in standard stocked sizes or made to any size in between 900 x 900 and 1260 x 1260. Wind deflectors to improve airflow. RE 1,000 Ventilation 10,000 Vent Offset mechanism for Roof Access Snow Load SL500 Wind Load WL1500 Temperature Class T (-15°) Fire Resistance B300

O1A Architects oversaw the conversion of a former Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Islington into two luxury town houses with roof gardens and many unique features. O1A chose DRU Metro 100XT/2 corner gas fires for the main living areas in the properties. They utilise the balanced flue system to be flexibly located anywhere in the building without the need for a chimney. False chimneybreasts have been created in each property to house the impressive log-effect fireplaces. They also accommodate the flat screen TVs making perfect focal points and conceal the concentric flues, which exit the building through the roof.

Gradus has supplied and installed a range of bespoke wall protection solutions throughout the new Same Day Emergency Care building at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Fitted by the Gradus Contracts Team, the system includes wall guards, corner guards and combination handrails.

The ChallengeAs a multinational business and leading employer within the region, the telecommunications giant was keen to lead the way in India’s fire safety standards, equipping its employees with both a comfortable and safe working environment. At the heart of this mission was the challenge of balancing the practical everyday needs of employees with the safety standards required of modern offices. In solving that challenge, Pyroguard – together with local partners, Pacific Fire Controls – was able to play an integral role by providing fire-rated safety glass specifically for the project.The SolutionUsing Pyroguard T EW 120, a toughened safety glass from Pyroguard’s Firesafe range which is capable of delivering radiant heat, smoke and flame protection for up to 120 minutes, the ambition of creating a light-filled workspace for employees could be realised.The glazing’s light transmission characteristics meant natural light could be maximised, while its sound reduction reflected the needs of the busy office.Having been fire-tested by Efectis France and certified for use with timber frames, Pyroguard and Pacific Fire Controls were able to install modern dividing walls to create break-out spaces, facilitating meetings and collaborative working – while still keeping safety in mind.

The £11 million Auditorium at the Fire Station is a new live music and events venue in the heart of Sunderland city centre, developed by the Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust, that required an Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS). Officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales in 2018, the project forms a key component in the masterplan for the city’s Music and Cultural Quarter, built around the refurbished Dun Cow pub and the recently renovated adjacent Engine Room at the Fire Station.Products used - Lexicomm Network disabled refuge system, including integrated emergency assistance alarm.

Working on the Ground Floor Lobby, First Floor Gym, Level 10 and Level 17, Planet’s southern contracting team provided an extensive range of fire-rated and non-fire rated partition and door solutions to Building D of the Nine Elms development in Battersea.In the Ground Floor Lobby, non-fire rated single-glazed automatic bi-parting sliding doors were installed along with with 3150mm high LOFT20 XL partitions with reeded film. IsoPro doors (40 dB Rw) provided access to co-working spaces and meeting rooms.FireTec Ei30 fire rated doors and LOFT transom bars provided exit route protection on Level 1 in communal areas and on Level 10 along with a FireTec Ei60 window.On Level 17, two FireTec Ei30 double door sets with overhead panels provided access to the indoor lounge area and bar area, while a single LOFT20 screen offered additional natural light passage between the lounge and adjoining demonstration kitchen.

The ChallengeWith the architects hoping to realise their vision of space and light on the ground floor, but the fire officer demanding fire safety partitioning around the base of the lift shafts, Pyroguard tendered a stylish, high-performance solution – a lobby encased in glass and steel, capable of delivering best-in-class performance credentials and aesthetic appeal in abundance.Working closely with steel frame and glazing specialist Pacific Fire Control, Pyroguard designed a modern glass wall, with a glazed door and stylish, thin steel frames which were independently fire tested by Efectis France.The scheme amendment was accepted by both the architects and the fire officers, declaring Pyroguard as their manufacturer of choice for this flagship leisure development.The SolutionA subsidiary of India’s largest business conglomerate, the Tata Group, the Indian Hotels Company is known for its relentlessly high standards, which are visible across its portfolio of hotels.Meeting this quality benchmark head-on, Pyroguard supplied 390 square metres of ultra-thin lightweight Pyroguard Firesafe, which offers protection from flames, smoke and radiant heat for between 30 and 120 minutes.This EW-classified product is UV stable and offers exceptional light transmission, making it the perfect solution for encasing the lift lobby. The toughened glass was installed in fire-resistant steel screens and door frames around the lobby.

In 2019/20 works were undertaken to prolong the life of the promenade structure and adjacent shoreline at Aberavon. The implementation of the Shoreline Management Plan has served to protect residential and commercial properties from coastal erosion. Geofabrics HPS11C is a thick needlepunched non-woven geotextile manufactured from 100% virgin polypropylene high tenacity fibres containing 1% active carbon black. The main function of HPS11C is to prevent loss of the sub-soil from below the rock armour. With challenging low particle size subsoils, the HPS11C was ideal with its combined filtration and permeability characteristics.

Location: The Whiteley, LondonMain Contractor: Laing O'RourkeDesigned by Foster + Partners, the new Whiteley will deliver 139 world-class, modern residences, 20 new shops, cafes and restaurants, a central public courtyard, a cinema, a gym and London’s flagship Six Senses hotel and spa with 110 rooms, as well as its social wellness club, all set behind a retained and restored Grade II-listed façade.OBEX were selected to supply the CORTEX ‘Fire Rated’ products, not only to ensure compliance with the latest regulations, but to give peace of mind that the required performance standards would be met.World-class Modern Residence: 139New Shops, Cafes & Restaurants: 20Room Hotel & Spa: 110

The MRT project is a planned 3-line mass rapid transit system with a total of 101 stations. Klang Valley MRT is poised to be the backbone of the public transport system in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and is expected to become operational in phases and save 280 million man hours annually in commuter travelling time. The roofs required engineered horizontal lifeline systems for workers to be kept safe while performing periodic maintenance tasks. These systems had to be robustly designed to arrest a worker’s fall and also protect the building envelope from damage in the event of a fall.

Due to a high demand from our valued customers, we are proud to announce the latest product to our range - electric meter cover. Our Fire Rated Overboxes are a retrofit solution for keeping your gas and electrical meters safe from fire and tamper. These are ideally suited for refurbishment and newbuild products for multi-occupancy properties such as apartment blocks.

Located near Taunton, Somerset, the Halcon Centre provides short breaks, with 24-hour professional care, for up to 18 adults who are physically disabled or have sensory loss. SureProtect Design® bespoke wall cladding was installed in the main corridor at the centre featuring a row of imitation panels, that have been designed to look hand-drawn with a marker pen to offer the homely feel the centre was looking for. In addition, the Halcon Centre further increased the corridor walls’ protection by installing Gradus’s CGH5090 High Impact PVC-u Corner Guards and WGS200 Wall Guards, both in colour Gravel.

To meet the fire stopping requirements for a major new residential development in Salford, PFC Corofil has provided a proven range of fire-stopping insulation systems.

We supplied and fitted a combination of Wall Protection solutions at St Ninian’s High School in East Renfrewshire, reducing the impact of scuffs and scrapes in the school’s corridors, improving its internal appearance and enhancing the environment. “We were looking for a way to deal with wear and tear and how to keep the school in pristine condition, particularly after the refurbishment of certain areas,” explains Anne O’Neill, Business Support Manager at St Ninian’s. “It was clear that a new approach was needed, so we contacted Gradus about their wall protection solutions.”

Project:Surespan manufactured and supplied a series of fire escape hatches at Portugal’s €950 million underground Metro in Porto. The huge double-leaf hatches automatically open if the fire alarm system is activated to allow passengers safe exit to ground level. In addition, they can be manually opened with the touch of a button. This project was undertaken after Surespan successfully carried out similar work at Athens Metro.

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.

PFC Corofil’s proven range of fire-stopping insulation systems form part of the façade system and will maintain fire compartmentation at a stylish new high-rise residential development in Manchester.

When Bodmin Community Fire Station in Cornwall needed a hardwearing, hygienic, and safe flooring solution for their fitness room and gym, they turned to international flooring specialists Gerflor. Its’ Taraflex® sports flooring was supplied and would deliver to the highest standards required by the site users. In acknowledgement of the brave and hard work of Cornwall Fire Service crews, Gerflor donated 60m2 of this world-renowned sports flooring in the colour ‘Red’.

For a major new residential development in the Salford area of Greater Manchester, PFC Corofil has provided a proven range of fire-stopping insulation systems as part of the façade system and to maintain fire compartmentation of the buildings.

Gradus has supplied and fitted a range of wall protection solutions as part of the £16m newly built Bitterne Park School in Southampton. The new school includes 80 new teaching classrooms, a purpose-built assembly hall/theatre, a new dining space with a fully fitted kitchen and purpose built fully fitted classrooms to house the students as part of their Food and Nutrition studies.

Surespan designed and manufactured several fire-rated roof hatches for the Killeen ISD East/West Ward Elementary School, in Killeen Texas.  The Project:Huckabee is the architect behind the East/West Ward Elementary School, tasked with replacing two 60-year-old campuses, by combining them into one new holistic learning environment. The planning behind the architecture focuses on efficiency, function and ease of wayfinding. From simple to navigate corridors, modernised classrooms and glazing to illuminate the interior with natural light. East/West Ward Elementary School blends district design standards with innovative thinking to achieve spacial efficiency and maintain equitability.Product:Surespan designed and manufactured five 35.5-inch x 35.5-inch Fire Rated Roof Hatch with an integral guard hand railing attached. These hatches are thermally broken and have been designed and tested with 4-hour fire resistance for integrity to EN 1634-1:2014.  Features:These hatches are using environmentally friendly materials such as non-combustible minerals and fireboard cladding to achieve a top-performing thermal efficiency. All the hatches were finished in a light grey polyester powder-coated finish for an aesthetically pleasing solution. The coating is set to last many years, just like the durable masonry veneer that is featured in the building, helping to maintain the space for years to come. 

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley Homes LtdWest End Gate is a mixed-use development by Berkeley Homes Ltd on Edgware Road in London W2, near the prestigious neighbourhoods of Marylebone and Little Venice.The development comprises 844 apartments (including 175 affordable), 8 shops and a restaurant, along with a new public plaza and improvements to Edgeware Road Junction.The full OBEX CORTEX Class A Through-Wall System has been specified on this project, including fire-classified Breather Membrane, Vapour Control Layer, Interface Sealing Membrane system, and the Score'N'Snap Cement Board system.With each OBEX product carrying a Class A fire-classification, it puts this façade installation by OCL Facades Ltd at the pinnacle of full compliance and highest performance.Residential Apartments: 844Buildings: 8Storeys: 29

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 AliDeck System has rapidly become the de facto standard choice for balcony fire safety remediation projects. With our large range of non-combustible aluminium decking boards, joists, and pedestals our products offer practical and cost-effective solutions for any conceivable balcony refurbishment works.

The building of a new fire station and safety centre in Lymm was part of a comprehensive plan to improve response times across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley HomesOval Village is a mixed-use development in Kennington, London SE11, built on the site of the Oval Gasworks. The 2ha site overlooks the Oval Cricket Ground and will be redeveloped with 738 new homes, offices, retail and leisure facilities.This is another landmark project where the OBEX CORTEX 0500FR Class B Membrane and the 0771FR Class B Paste Adhesive were specified - critical to the installation achieving the required performance standards and fire-classification.New Homes: 1309Acres: 8Office Space: 12798 sq.mRetail Space: 2525 sq.m

Deptford Fire Station is a Grade II listed building in Lewisham having been originally constructed in 1903. Bolton Gate supplied the folding appliance bay doors in the 1960’s and although still functional after fifty years, they were in need of replacement due to frequent usage. Since the building is listed, every effort was required to replace the doors on a like for like basis and Bolton Gate were engaged to supply new folding shutters to the same design which were installed and handed over recently. This is the latest in a list of several fire station contracts undertaken in London.

Leafy Windlesham in Surrey was the location for this 5-bedroom, £15,000,000 mansion by Searchfield Homes, complete with a 4-metre deep basement containing a swimming pool and spa pool, all of which needed to be protected from water ingress and ground gases.

Celebrating 50 years trading this year, as part of their celebrations and charitable activities, Harrison Thompson were pleased to offer their services to their local hospice.The Sue Ryder Wheatfields at Headingley Leeds is a charity run 18-bed hospice, offering the very highest care and services to patients with life-limiting conditions and their families, free of charge.“For our 50th anniversary, we wanted to focus our charity efforts on local organisations.” Explained Harrison Thompson Director, Graeme Brumwell.“Serious illness has touched a number of lives within the company and Wheatfields Hospice has been a facility close to our hearts helping families on these difficult occasions.“It seemed only fitting that we should offer something back for the care that Wheatfield has provided over the years.” Concluded Graeme.Yeoman Shield – the wall and door protection division of Harrison Thompson – got in contact with the Hospice to offer free material and installation for wall and door protection products to be fitted in an area of their choice which was gratefully accepted.2.0mm thick wall protection panels in Cream were fitted to the bedroom walls at the head of beds protecting from marking and damage which can occur from the movement of both the bed and medical equipment.In the corridors, Yeoman Shield’s Fire Rated Door Edge Protectors were fitted to the meeting edge of doors helping to protect from damage and helping to prolong the life of expensive to replace fire doors.The installation of Yeoman Shield will help Wheatfields to keep looking smart and inviting for all those who use the facilities whilst importantly helping to reduce their repair and redecoration cost over the years to come.Sue Waddington, Service Improvement Matron commented “I cannot commend high enough the service that we have received from Yeoman Shield’s contract department.“Due to the nature of our provision of specialist care and services, we had to call on Yeoman Shield at short notice to carry out the work when rooms were available. The installation was undertaken with great empathy and regard for the surroundings.“Now completed the Wall & Door protection looks great and dovetails into our existing décor lovely and gets the hospice well on the way to our forthcoming refurbishment plans for the inpatient unit” Concluded Sue.