"lifts"

Wensleydale Cheese has been made in Wensleydale, Yorkshire since 1150 when monks settles and lived at monestary at Forsnear Hawes. Today cheese is till handcrafted with the original recipe at the two Wensleydale Creamery sites using milk from local cows.Wensleydale Creamery required floor finishes throughout production floors which would be hygienic and very durable to provide a long term solution. Excellent chemical resistance was required against regular spillages from dairy produce such as whey.Dairy production procedures mean that floors are subjected to heavy duty use and impact from fork lift trucks and storage equipment.SystemThe system chose was FasTop TG69 polyurethane floor screed which has been applied throughout the two creamery sites. The system provides a completely seamless finish which is ant-slip even in wet conditions and which can be cleaned to the exacting conditions required in a modern food factory.Coved skirting has been formed around perimeters of all production and storage areas to create a 'tanked' finish which can be cleaned with hot water processes such as steam cleaning. The product has been tested and certified by Campden BRI as a non-taint product and is certified by HACCP as a food grade material.

A £40 million investment, 13 roof areas, eight different roof levels, and a steady stream of visiting students to keep happy throughout – the University of Reading (UoR) Library’s complete refurbishment was a large and challenging project spanning three years.Originally opened in 1964 and later extended in 1985, the library’s internal and external revamp was designed to increase space, improve facilities for individual study, provide better access and security across the building, and improve energy efficiency.In addition to a new-build Café extension, a new entrance canopy, a new ground-to-roof level lift and stair core extension – each featuring a new flat roof area – there were also 10 existing flat roof areas refurbished, coupled with the replacement of windows and re-cladding of the building’s exterior.Following a competitive tender based on an outline specification, Owlsworth Roofing, Sika Sarnafil single ply flat roofing specialists, impressed with the level of detail included in their quote and were awarded the contract by main contractor ISG.Roofing:Sika® Sarnafil G410-12 ELF.Sika® Sarnafi G410-12 EL.Sarnavap®-5000E SA.Sarnavap® HD SA.Primer 600.Sikatherm® PIR Insulation and Sarnacol®-2162.

Cargo Bikes are quickly gaining popularity for domestic use, with families finding them ideal for the school run, shopping, transport and leisure. They are a fun, environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to car ownership. Unfortunately, these benefits are often only available to households with sufficient storage space.In partnership with Cyclehoop, Westminster council was the first local authority in the country to provide secure on-street cargo bike parking for residents, with a Cargo Bikehangar installed in St Johns Wood.Residential cycle parking in WestminsterWith a large proportion of high-density housing stock including town houses and apartment buildings in the borough, on-street cycle parking is key to enabling residents to cycle. Westminster council’s existing Bikehangar scheme boasts over 180 units, and management is undertaken in-house. The council aims to reach carbon net zero by 2030, and cutting transport emissions by encouraging cycling and cargo bike use is an important element in the strategy. Westminster Council has joined the Cargo Bike charter, pledging to support cargo bike usage for businesses and residents alike.This hangar is … the first Cargo Bikehangar in Westminster and the first in the country that is fully accessible, step-free from the carriageway which I think is a huge deal. We want to make cycling accessible to more people and installing this kind of hangar means that for the first time residents will have somewhere safe to keep a cargo bike.– Cllr Max Sullivan – Deputy Cabinet member for city Management and Cycling Champion for Westminster CouncilThe need for residential cargo bike parkingThe problem of cargo bike parking was of great concern to resident Suami Rocha, a national standards cycling instructor and father of three. Prior to the Cargo Bikehangar, the family cargo bike had to be stored upright in a cupboard with the handlebars folded. This made usage inconvenient, and often prevented Suami’s partner from using the bike without assistance. Security was also a problem; when Suami was unable to lift and fold the bike due to an injury, it had to be stored outside, making it a target for thieves. While a bid to steal the bike was unsuccessful, hundreds of pounds worth of damage was inflicted during the attempt.These experiences led Suami to campaign for external storage for the family cargo bike. Over a number of years, he contacted the council and the relevant cabinet members and gained the support of the London Cycling Campaign and Westminster Healthy Streets. His persistence paid off, and Westminster Council contracted Cyclehoop to supply and install the Cargo Bikehangar in early 2024.The Cargo BikehangarLocated just a short walk from Suami’s home, the Cargo Bikehangar provides space for two cargo bikes. It features two ground anchors to lock the bikes, an innovative fail-secure lock mechanism and robust security fittings throughout. It has been awarded the Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond accreditation, the highest available in the sector. The Cargo Bikehangar is designed around usability, it is installed parallel to the road and opens directly onto the carriageway, eliminating the need for heavy cargo bikes to be lifted up or down a curb. A gas spring assisted door and solar powered internal light make loading and unloading convenient, while a high visibility bollard protects the loading space in front of the unit from being blocked by a vehicle.Now Suami and his family can access their bike quickly and conveniently with no need to lift it or fold it. They can rest easy, safe in the knowledge that the bike is stored securely. The second space in the unit was also rented to a second cargo bike user within days of becoming available, making efficient use of the parking bay the unit occupies.As cutting transport emissions becomes ever more important in the push for carbon net-zero, supporting alternatives to car use is a great way for local authorities to progress towards their targets. By providing secure on-street storage, councils can help residents make the switch to a cargo bike and reduce the number of journeys made by car.If you have any questions about the Cargo Bikehangar or setting up an on-street residential cycle storage scheme, please contact our expert sales team.Contact UsAs we can see today, the types of bikes in London are changing. You need the right bike for the right journey for the right number of people. To accommodate that, you need Bikehangars like this. I’m hugely grateful to Westminster for being the first in the city to deliver a Bikehangar like this for family bikes and cargo bikes that members of the public can use.Will NormanWalking and Cycling Commissioner – Greater London Authority

False fire alarms have risen by nearly 16% in just 6 years at NHS trusts across England; stretching resources, unsettling patients, and disrupting vital healthcare.Figures from NHS Digital reveal there were 19,566 false fire alarms at NHS trusts throughout 2020/21, with some trusts recording upwards of 500 false alarms.The worrying results reveal that both in the past year and historically, several patients have sustained ‘injuries during evacuation’, highlighting the damaging effects of an unnecessary evacuation.With appointments cancelled, operations delayed, and a fall in emergency department attendances during the period, we might have expected to see the number of false fire alarms fall significantly during the pandemic.At a time where it is vital to avoid the crowded corridors and large gatherings at assembly points that follow an evacuation, it has become even more pertinent to eradicate the causes of false alarms ensuring a socially distanced environment for vulnerable patients.Of the 19,566 false alarms 5,742 resulted in a callout, firefighters respond to all alarms as if they are real. This exposes the public and fire crews to unnecessary risk in their emergency response to unwanted fire signals, directing them away from real emergencies – threatening to place added pressure on the NHS.Across the 216 NHS trusts listed within the data, a total of 1,175 genuine fires were recorded.False alarms cost businesses and Fire and Rescue Service authorities an estimated £1 billion a year in the UK. In order to recoup this cost, the London Fire Brigade became the first fire service in the country to recover costs from hospitals with a poor false alarm record.A false alarm is a fire alarm signal caused by means other than a genuine fire, which has activated a fire detection and alarm system, these can include: equipment false alarm, environmental influences, accidental damage, and inappropriate human action, including the malicious activation of a manual call point.As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”This is supported by fire safety guidance set out by the Department of Health which outlines the importance of “initiating measures to reduce false alarms and unwanted fire signals,” such as “the provision of lift flaps, or lift flaps combined with a local alarm device [which] are sufficient to control the possibility of undesirable actuation by patients.”Safety Technology International manufacture a range of protective covers, from integral covers to outdoor and sounder models; there are variations to suit all applications. These covers are specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The Call Point Stopper is a protective cover ideal for areas with a risk of accidental activation, such as hospitals and healthcare facilities. The polycarbonate cover does not restrict the legitimate operation of vulnerable call points and helps distinguish a fire call point from a green electronic door release – often located nearby, this is a common cause of false alarms.Fire crews recently attended a false fire alarm at the Royal Blackburn Hospital after a discharged patient broke five break glass call points. If there is a history of malicious activations whereby patients or visitors intentionally activate the fire alarms, causing unwanted evacuations and disrupting important healthcare, the Euro Stopper offers a solution.The Euro Stopper provides a tamper-proof cover featuring the same sturdy UV-stabilised polycarbonate housing as the Call Point Stopper with the useful addition of an optional integral sounder and glow-in-the-dark frame. The 96 dB sounder emits a piercing alarm when the cover is lifted drawing immediate attention to the area, acting as a pre-alarm in a real emergency.If further robust protection is still required the Universal Stopper provides IP56 protection from the elements, with a tough outer dome or low profile cover strong enough to withstand the severest of knocks from hospital beds, trollies, or wheelchairs. An optional sounder and break seal acts as an additional deterrent against malicious activation.Conforming up to IP66, the Enviro Stopper offers the same protection against both accidental and malicious activation whilst guarding against ingress in harsh environments, such as wet rooms or wash down areas.

Client: Basra Sports City, Iraq Project Design: 360-Architecture Structural Engineering: Thornton Tomasetti Main Products Used: EMSEAL SJS SystemThis spectacular 65,000-seat, combined FIFA and Olympic event compliant stadium in the City of Basra, Southern Iraq, is built on geology that dictated the need for substantial seismic stadium expansion joints up to 400mm wide. The Project Design team had good experience on major projects with EMSEAL jointing systems for use in demanding situations such as stadium concourses, so they specified the EMSEAL SJS-Seismic Joint System. Each custom assembly was produced in our Toronto facility to the measured field dimensions for installation according to a detailed plan, with training at EMSEAL’s Boston, USA Training Centre, with a full-size mock-up of a tread-riser-tread assembly to match those in Basra. The EMSEAL SJS System ensures continuity of a watertight seal through changes in plane and direction, whilst accommodating the potentially high movement within the joints and without transferring any tensile stress to the structure. The system is free of any additional hard, noisy anchors or connections and does not present any slip or trip hazards. It also safely accommodates the high point loads of small-wheeled fork lifts and stacker trucks for facility maintenance crews and of course, the food and drink wagons and millions of footfalls per game from the fans. 

Client: University of Brighton Consultant: Stripe Main Contractor: Keir Construction Specialist Contractor Thelwell Flooring Main Products Used: Emseal DSM SystemThis new multi-storey car park for the University of Brighton is part of a major redevelopment of the former Preston Barracks site in the City. There are 550 parking spaces on 7 floors, including 55 EV charging bays, plus there is a PV array on the roof with the power stored in batteries on the ground floor, which also includes 330 cycle parking spaces. The car park design uses a Vertical Circulation Module (VCM) that provides a more efficient solution for confined sites, as this contains no external ramps and traffic circulation is via slopes within the floors themselves. This creates more parking spaces in the steel framed structure in the centre, with two lift and stair cores positioned at each end. This design also made it possible to locate the necessary structural expansion joints transversely between these 3 parts of the structure and away from major traffic impact areas. The engineers specified these joints to be a nominal 40mm wide to accommodate a high movement capability of up to +/- 50% (i.e. total 100%), as they knew these could be quickly, securely, and durably sealed using the Emseal DSM System. This also saves time on site as it is installed from above, allowing other trades to continue working below, plus as it is bonded into position, there is no potentially damaging drilling for mechanical fixings.

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.

REQUIREMENT: A modular step unit and upper landing to the basement goods lift.The new system would replace the narrow concrete steps, which were concluded to be unsafe and didn’t have handrails to prevent falls.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:A site survey was carried out, and an in-house 3D ramp design was drawn to suit the space.The drawing shows that the air conditioning unit above the step unit would need to be moved 200mm away. END RESULT: We installed a yellow modular system straight over the existing steps within a few hours.This approach prevented the concrete steps from being removed and saved the client the extra time and money involved in hiring another trade to complete the enabling works. A bespoke platform joins the upper landing, and the feet were fixed into the concrete floor to keep the system securely in place.FEATURES INCLUDED:Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a step system to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Standard Colour: Yellow – one of the easiest colours to see because of its ability to reflect light. The handrails are powder coated to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.

Situated in one of the most expensive boroughs in the Capital, this grade 2 listed building houses 24 luxury apartments, and 1 penthouse across its 6 floors.This building was ahead of its time in 2008-10, with a curved façade and panoramic views for each apartment, designed by award-winning architects Dixon Jones. Dixon Jones Architects closed its door in September 2020 after 30 years. The architects state they were negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and were both in their 80s when they closed. Some of their most famous projects include the Royal Opera House, National Gallery and Oxford and Cambridge Universities to name a few.The prices of the apartments range between £1-2 million and its understandable when the interior features contemporary finishes, full-height windows, balconies with private terraces, lift access and a car parking space. It’s set in an ideal location with 3 stations all within 0.6 miles and Chelsea football club, and Westminster hospital both within walking distance.We worked with the Architects to reach the solution of our timber leaf riser door system, Una. This allowed them to fit standard ironmongery including locks, flush bolts, and handles. The architect chose to go with our butt hinges to allow for a contemporary finish to match the interiors, although these riser doors were installed in the corridors.

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……….

Coventry Station UpgradeStreet furniture | Railway seatingPlatform seatingLocation: CoventryCoventry Rail Station introduced some Townscape CT Block Seats as part of a multi million £ upgrade.The new railway station building and multi-storey car park is open, buses can now use the interchange on Warwick Road which is accessed via a tunnel under Warwick Road.As the existing railway station is Grade II listed, which means there is limited scope for creating additional capacity within the existing station building, the Coventry Station Masterplan project was developed to deliver new infrastructure to meet current and projected future passenger growth. Using funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal, £82million was used to improve accessibility and capacity.The new station building will house up to five retail units and has passenger facilities including new waiting rooms, toilets and ticket machines. The new multi-storey car park has been constructed above the new station building with integrated lift access from the car park to station level. The upgraded facilities include Townscape CT Block Seats with Hardwood Deck Seat Tops to provide additional seating to the busy Rail/Bus/Taxi interchange. The Contractor was Buckingham Group.

Fast-Track SolutionClient: Randox LaboratoriesMain Contractor: Corramore ConstructionScreed Installed By: O'Neill Concrete Flooring LtdScreed Supplied By: Robinson ConcreteCemfloor C30F6 was chosen for this project due to the fast-tracked construction of a new laboratory to provide urgently needed Covid-19 test kits.As part of their on-going commitment to produce much needed Covid-19 test kits; Randox Laboratories Ltd invested in a new facility at its existing headquarters in Crumlin, Co Antrim.The specialised laboratory, the development of which was fast-tracked over the space of four weeks, is the first step in a wider diagnostics investment programme from the company.Given the tight construction programme; Cemfloor were contacted and asked to propose a solution for the project.Cemfloor CT C30F6 was specified and over a period of just 2 - days; 3800m2 was installed by O'Neill Concrete Flooring Ltd with the screed being supplied by Robinson Concrete Ltd.Due to the high early strength of Cemfloor C30; the screed was loaded with access lifts 3 - days after installation which ensured that the build programme was able to continue with minimal disruption.A liquid surface DPM was used to allow the vinyl flooring be installed onto the screed only 7 - days after installation.Due to the incredible amount of effort by all parties involved; the entire project finished ahead of schedule with no issues.

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.

Radii designed, manufactured and installed solutions for 71 offices and meeting rooms across Baker Botts’ new 27,000 sq ft space.The standout contribution to this project was the installation of stunning curved glazed screens for the executive meeting rooms. Using a Parallel 50 double glazed system with angled façade abutments, the luxurious design was accompanied with acoustic blank 64mm veneered timber doors, achieving 40dB Rw, and flush bonded Align glazed pivoting doors.Baker Botts’ office fronts comprised of Linear 59 single glazed partitions with adjoining Radii Glide sliding doors and bespoke drywall endcaps. Concealed deflection heads helped to create a flush look with clean lines, while a special bronze finish — applied to the metalwork at Radii’s dedicated in-house powder coating line — complemented the colour palette throughout the space.For small-to-medium size meeting rooms Linear 30 and Linear 64 single glazing, both offering 41dB Rw, were used alongside Parallel 50  fins, Glide glazed sliding doors and Align pivoting doors. All meeting rooms for Baker Botts were installed with retro-fit room booking, facilitated with cable routes provided down the door legs.Finally, Linear 25 single glazed partitioning was placed alongside single glazed Hogan door sets with access controls in Baker Botts’ lift lobby.

As part of the iconic Manchester Central Library's three-year overhaul to make its facilities more accessible, a bespoke flooring solution was supplied of Resuflor Terrazzo and Resuflor Screed to complete this refurbishment and give the buidling a great new appeal. The terrazzo provided a super smooth decorative floor and the epoxy screed incorporated fine aggregate on the surface to the stairs and ramped areas of the building to promote an anti-slip finish.The multi-million pound refurbishment project saw public entrances of the Grade ll listed building restored to their 1930's appearance. New staircases and lift shafts were inserted to improve access throughout the building.The brief on this project was to provide a modern functional flooring solution that complemented the library's unique neo-classical style.The besposke design of Resuflor Terrazzo was supplied in a special colour pallet to complement the neo-classical design features of the library. The system was chosen because of its seamless properties, ensuring a flat, continuous floor surface with extreme durability for a long term solution.The product was also used as a pre-cast terrazzo system on some central stair areas of the library.Resuflor Screed was supplied and applied on the ramped areas as a semi-decorative finish with a special aggregate bead incorporated for improved slip resistance.The end result was a functional floor capable of withstanding heavy footfall that fitted with the aesthetic requirements of the overall design superbly.

Mercer West, Madison East is a cutting-edge community in the heart of Leeds' cultural quarter. The Bike Storage Company installed our space-efficient Two Tier Racks, allowing the development to provide exceptional bike storage and encourage active lifestyles for over 300 households. The Projectmercer West Madison East is a striking new 333-unit build-to-rent development in one of Leeds' most vibrant neighbourhoods. This cultural hub takes residents away from the river Aire, arts venues, independent restaurants, retail, and more. With such a pedestrian-friendly location, providing ample on-site bike storage was crucial for enabling active lifestyles. The ChallengeOur challenge was to create secure bike storage for over 300 apartments in a space-constrained city centre. We overcame this challenge by installing our Two Tier Bike Racks, which are tailored to Mercer West's needs and can accommodate hundreds of bikes. The racks are made from durable steel and maximise efficiency and ease of use through our Gas Assisted lifting, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all residents. The SolutionThe Bike Storage Company's Gas Assisted Two Tier Racks provided the perfect space-saving solution. These innovative racks feature: Vertical bi-level design to double bike storage capacity Gas-assisted lifting for easy operational access to the upper-tierEasy-grip red powder-coated handlesHigh-security locking points and bike separation in each spaceQuality hot-dipped galvanised steel construction with a 10-year warranty. The Bike Storage Company could optimise every square foot of the designated bike storage spade by specifying this product.Residents Benefits Safe and plentiful bike storage enables Mercer West Madison East's community to fully embrace active, car-free lifestyles. Residents can walk, run, or cycle to nearby attractions instead of driving. They enjoy: Secured bike parking just steps from their homeUser-friendly experience with assisted upper racksAdded convenience from ground-level loadingPeace of mind from bike locking points and durable construction The prioritisation of bike parking promotes environmental sustainability while supporting the health and wellness of community members. The Two Tier Advatange The Two Tier Racks minimised the total footprint required for bike storage by maximising vertical bike storage capabilities. This opened more square footage for other residential amenities within the development's limited urban site. The centralised storage areas and easy accessibility from racks encourage residents to cycle more often for daily commutes and recreational trips. This aligns perfectly with Mercer West Madison East's active listing environment within Leeds' cultural hot spot. The Gas Assisted Two Tier Racks provided ample secure parking within the Mercer West Madison East development's space constraints. Residents can conveniently store bikes while taking advantage of the cultural quarter's amenities just steps away.

Project overviewOne Albert Quay in Cork, Ireland is Johnson Controls’  global headquarters. A new construction on previously derelict ground, it is designed to demonstrate the full range of possibilities smart, connected Internet of Things (IoT) technology can offer across the security, fire prevention, HVAC, building management and facilities management spectrum. Innovative, integrated technologies, which govern everything from security of access systems to the menu of the in-house restaurant, are deployed across the building’s 170,000 square feet. Making the most of the available data, the IoT systems work in conjunction with each other to provide employees and building visitors with improved health and safety, streamlined building access and real-time updates on key matters including local traffic, parking spaces, lunch menus and room bookings. One Albert Quay points to a smarter future in which connected devices and data gathering will revolutionise routine tasks and provide helpful efficiencies and services. The Grade A building has also brought new opportunity and investment to the city of Cork. Johnson Controls is on track to build a 500-person workforce and One Albert Quay also plays host to a number of major international companies including PWC, Investec, Arup Engineering, Malware Bytes and Hortonworks helping to boost Cork centre’s reputation as an international business hub. Designed to Gold LEED standard, the building is widely known for embracing new technology to benefit its occupants and the environment. Product and services applications Highest level of building solutions and services:Victor platform: including fire, CCTV and access controlFire: Tyco Zettler ProfileCameras: Tyco - American DynamicsBuilding management system: JohnsonControls MetasysHVAC: HitachiLifts: SchindlerAccess control: Tyco CEM Systems AC2000Fire suppressionPA and VAOpenBlue: Effective space utilisation, minimised energy consumption and optimised equipment performanceHighest level of building integration with:External temperature and humidityAmbient noiseGases: CO, CO2, NO2, O3ParticulatesWind speed and directionRainfall Customer needsThe designers of One Albert Quay aimed to make the building as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. This would include the implementation at construction level of energy saving insulation, rainwater collection, automatic power use management and sustainably-sourced building materials. Almost a fifth (18 per cent) of total UK carbon emissions come from non-domestic buildings. One Albert Quay needed to send a message that office buildings can be a part of the solution rather than the problem.Once constructed, the building needed to incorporate IoT systems to process and connect data from access management, CCTV, lifts, room reservations and traffic movement, in order to improve facility management and security capabilities. It was also essential to ensure that data was stored securely to avoid the danger of an information breach.  OpenBlue technology deliver optimised space utilisation through data insights from the building, energy audit and advisory brings recommendations and through measurement, monitoring and evaluation demonstrates progress towards carbon emissions and net zero goals. The designers also aimed to provide the best possible employee experience for those working in the building. This would include installing IoT-based information-gathering capabilities to monitor employee transport methods, parking, progress through the building, restaurant purchases and energy use.Finally, these systems had to drive a real-time update service providing employees with information on every aspect of the building and the immediate surrounding area. This in turn would help them plan their day and maximise resources - for example, by helping them avoid arriving at the building’s car park when it is already full.Johnson Controls solutionJohnson Controls delivered Ireland’s smartest building in a rapid 16 months from breaking ground to completion.“When we decided to develop Ireland’s smartest building, Johnson Controls was the obvious partner,” commented Martin O’Brien, project manager at John Cleary Developers Group. “Johnson Controls’ unrivalled expertise in fire and security, along with their new breed of connected systems and IoT platforms, meant that our building was both future proof and a pioneer in integrated systems. Our tenants, a mixture of tech and financial companies, all feel like One Albert Quay is a perfect fit for their business needs.”“As one of the world’s leading engineering and design consultancies, Arup aims to shape a better world. Choosing to locate our office in Cork at One Albert Quay, the smartest building in Ireland, created the opportunity for us to be part of an exemplar development,” Liam Luddy, director Arup Engineering. “At One Albert Quay we have a smart and energy efficient environment. This enables our staff to deliver to their full potential while realising their individual ambitions as we deliver innovative and creative solutions for our clients.”One Albert Quay is highly energy efficient, and was certified Gold under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) scheme. The accreditation dictates that at least a 36 per cent saving must be achieved in energy-related operating costs across the building. To reach this target, Johnson Controls installed rainwater harvesting and treatment facilities, highly efficient solar-reflective external glazing, LED lighting with lux-level sensors throughout and solar thermal collectors to pump natural heat into the building. The development also has a glazed central atrium which brings light into the centre of the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Internally, the building’s advanced integration of a wide range of Johnson Controls and Johnson Controls IoT solutions means that access management, CCTV, lifts, room booking and payment systems are all linked to one another, giving managers a single comprehensive view over the whole facility.As an example, when someone enters the building, the AC2000 Linux-based access management system identifies which floor they are booked to visit and, in tandem with Schindler’s smart lifts, directs them to the lift which will get there first, saving on time and energy. Once arrived at that floor, the system will only let them into meeting rooms for which they have been pre-approved, reducing the risk of information breaches. The car park also has number plate recognition technology installed to ensure that only employees or registered guests can gain access.The building’s stairways, corridors and wider floors also have capabilities to provide information on employee health and flow through the building to help inform items such as restaurant meals based on accumulative activity levels. The restaurant operates a cashless system, providing transaction data to aid in development of menu options. In addition, these information discovery practices allow management to ensure evacuation procedures are safe and effective and improve the use of office space throughout the building. This has helped boost flexible working habits, as employees can now be pre-warned when their floor is particularly busy, and helped to find desk space elsewhere. All the information collected is anonymised before processing and storage to ensure the highest level of security and privacy, and employees can choose to opt-in to specific programmes involving data collection for research and development purposes. The system’s integrated, unified architecture points to the future of office block management, when central intelligence will manage all companies in the building from one dashboard. However, tenants’ systems are kept segregated behind separate firewalls to ensure internal privacy.‘We’re extremely proud of the way in which the One Albert Quay development demonstrates the impact of integrated, connected technology for security and facilities management,’ said Donal Sullivan, vice president and general manager at Johnson Controls. ‘We believe that this is not only an exciting development for Tyco, providing an advanced global headquarters from which to manage the company’s recent merger with Johnson Controls, but also for businesses at large looking forward to the future of working environments. By integrating access, fire and security systems with innovative new data-gathering techniques and site management tools, businesses can massively reduce their administration costs, save on energy and improve employee experience. Connected technology is here to stay, and as One Albert Quay proves, it is the key to a highly efficient and stimulating business environment.’

Surespan designed and manufactured multiple recessed floor access hatches, for the construction of the Halley VI British Antarctic Research Station.Products suppliedSurespan design and manufactured a total of 27 HIAC Recessed Floor Hatches. These hatches provide the access an escape requirement for the structure and are located throughout the research station.We supplied;12no HIAC DL/FR30 1180 x 10707no HIAC DL /FR30 1180 x 10703no HIAC 800 Diameter FR304no HIAC 750 x 750 Lift Out FR601no. HIAC 1000 x 1000 FR30 The Features:The hatches supplied feature a fire rating of between 30-60 minutes and radius corners instead of the standard square corners. The projectThe £22 million unique and innovative research station was designed by Faber Maunsell and Hugh Broughton Architects, and built by Matlock-based Morrison Construction.Objectives;Minimize the environmental footprint of the station.Provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment to live in.To be able to be fully relocatable inland.To allow the station to climb above the annually rising snow levels. The research station comprises seven interlinked modules on hydraulic legs fitted with skis, enabling the units to be towed into new positions. The blue modules contain bedrooms, laboratories, and office areas. The red module features a brightly lit, double-height space that is used for social activities.Halley Vi is the world’s first re-locatable and award-winning research facility providing scientists with state-of-the-art laboratories and living accommodation.

IntroductionSurespan designed and manufactured multiple recessed floor access hatches, for the construction of the Halley VI British Antarctic Research Station.Products suppliedSurespan designed and manufactured a total of 27 HIAC Recessed Floor Hatches. These hatches provide access and escape requirements for the structure and are located throughout the research station.We supplied;12no HIAC DL/FR30 1180 x 10707no HIAC DL /FR30 1180 x 10703no HIAC 800 Diameter FR304no HIAC 750 x 750 Lift Out FR601no. HIAC 1000 x 1000 FR30 The Features:The hatches supplied feature a fire rating of between 30-60 minutes and radius corners instead of the standard square corners. The projectThe £22 million unique and innovative research station was designed by Faber Maunsell and Hugh Broughton Architects, and built by Matlock-based Morrison Construction.Objectives;Minimize the environmental footprint of the station.Provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment to live in.To be able to be fully relocatable inland.To allow the station to climb above the annually rising snow levels. The research station comprises seven interlinked modules on hydraulic legs fitted with skis, enabling the units to be towed into new positions. The blue modules contain bedrooms, laboratories, and office areas. The red module features a brightly lit, double-height space that is used for social activities.Halley Vi is the world’s first re-locatable and award-winning research facility providing scientists with state-of-the-art laboratories and living accommodation.

North Acre, a magnificent five-bedroom barn conversion, commands breathtaking views over the picturesque countryside near Shaftesbury in Dorset's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Gowercroft products used:Peveril Lift and Slide DoorsKedleston Tilt and Turn WindowsMelbourne DoorsHardwick Casement WindowsAccoya®Vanessa and Bruce Jones, longing to build their dream home in the countryside, were thrilled when they discovered a spacious plot with an abandoned steel-framed agricultural building.The 400-square-meter south-facing structure, once a cattle shed, held immense potential for their vision of a modern, open-plan, eco-friendly family home."North Acre's location captivated us instantly. We realised that, with the right design, this industrial-looking farm building could be transformed into a light-filled, airy sanctuary for our family," shared Vanessa Jones.Uniquely Integrated DesignCampbell Jackson Architects approached the conversion with a focus on celebrating the structure's grand scale, shape, and utilitarian simplicity."Our philosophy is to create buildings that are harmonious and appropriate for their surroundings, revealing the distinctive qualities of each project. In this case, we aimed to maintain the barn's unassuming presence within the rural landscape while welcoming the stunning views into its light-filled interior spaces," explained Jamie Campbell.The original concrete hardstanding served as the footprint for the new design, with the core steel framework supporting a metal-clad roof. The use of pre-cast concrete panels at lower levels and extensive Siberian larch cladding contribute to a contemporary and understated aesthetic.Thoughtfully Framed ViewsThe south-facing elevation of the design purposefully responds to the panoramic views. Landscape Tilt and Turn windows and Lift and Slide doors from Gowercroft Joinery were carefully incorporated, allowing for perfectly framed vistas."We sought high-quality traditional timber windows and doors that would seamlessly blend with the concrete lintels and the Siberian larch cladding. Over time, the cladding will naturally weather from its original blond colour to a sun-bleached patina," shared Jamie.Gowercroft's windows and doors, renowned for their silver-grey translucent finish, were chosen for their contemporary aesthetic. The Accoya® timber's grain pattern shines through, complementing the desired tone.Throughout the project, Gowercroft supplied 22 Accoya® tilt and turn windows and four doors, all finished with their exclusive semi-transparent grey coating. These windows and doors enhance the flow between interior living spaces and offer captivating views of an exquisite indoor winter garden.The Perfect Match"We are absolutely thrilled with our new home. Campbell Jackson Architects' remarkable design has brought our original vision to life in ways beyond our imagination. The quality and beauty of the timber windows and doors from Gowercroft complete the picture," expressed Vanessa Jones.The Gowercroft team went above and beyond, ensuring that every detail, both technical and aesthetic, was meticulously considered to ensure their windows and doors were the perfect match for the new home. The specially developed micro-porous protective finish from Italy guarantees exceptional performance and virtually maintenance-free enjoyment.North Acre stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between Campbell Jackson Architects and Gowercroft, where architectural excellence and exquisite craftsmanship converge.

25 Churchill Place is a 23 storey commercial office tower in Canary Wharf, London. The tower includes 20 floors of high quality (Grade A) office space and is one of the most energy efficient office buildings in the area. Environmental features include lifts that store energy that is re-used elsewhere in the building, and also a highly efficient air conditioning system.Standing at 130m tall, 25 Churchill Place has a VIGIL2 EVAS voice alarm system and an Omnicare EVC system installed.Initially the voice alarm system was installed to service the ‘shell and core’ of the building, with the system racks being designed and built to enable the fitting of ‘tenant’ functionality as and when required. This process is easily achieved due to the modular design of a VIGIL voice alarm system and is a frequently used benefit for ‘new builds’.For the disabled refuge and fire telephone system (EVC), the loop wired Omnicare system was chosen. Canary Wharf Contractors (landlord of BP4) opted for the dual coloured combined fire telephone (red)/disabled refuge (green) outstation which provides users with a choice of communication method.Both systems were designed and installed by Global Fire & Security Systems - one of our Gold Account achievers. Commenting on the installation, Stuart Beeley, Operations Director, Global Fire & Security Systems, said “We have worked closely with Canary Wharf Contractors and Baldwin Boxall on many great projects, and BP4 is another one to add to that list. We choose Baldwin Boxall systems, not only because we know them to be well built and reliable, but because of the support we receive from the company - at all levels.”

The Award winning Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park in Llandovery, Southwest Wales is a family run park with a large range of facilities open all year round. It is an ideal base for touring, exploring, walking, mountain biking or cycling on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Cambrian Mountains. Erwlon Caravan Park contacted Frontier Pitts to upgrade their site entry and exit access control to an Automatic Rising Bollard system.The 600mm lift height stainless steel bollard was installed complete with safety photocells, safety vehicle detector loops and dual direction LED traffic light system. The bollard was connected to ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) which is linked back to a popular booking system for Holiday and Caravan Parks called ‘Anytime’. The complete system allowed visitors to book their holiday online and allows authorised visitor vehicles to gain access to the park during their stay, even allowing entry in the middle of the night when reception is closed. On the last day of the stay the system automatically deactivates the vehicle registration number after a predetermined time. Easter Holidays are known to be one of the busiest times of a Caravan and Holiday Parks year, and Erwlon Caravan Park were very pleased with the system. Frontier Pitts manufacture a range of made to order perimeter security barriers, bollards, and gates. We have installed equipment at many sites nationwide and have a network of Technical Consultants that will visit any site in the UK to provide you with a full proposal and quotation. We also provide a range of maintenance contracts and response times to suit your sites individual requirements.

England’s home of Rugby has been given an impressive face lift with bespoke aluminium shingles and engineered ceramic granite rainscreen cladding materials supplied by EH Smith.2,350m2 of interlocking cladding panels were manufactured from aluminium alloy 3005H45, 0.9mm – 1.2mm thickness with a precoated Aluquartz zinc brushed finish. These were all supplied to a tight site programme of works and installed whilst the stadium was still operative having a fully concealed clip / bracket fixing support system.In addition to the shingles, EH Smith Facades supplied 500m2 of specialist Italian engineered ceramic granite cladding panels in three different formats; 6mm traditionally bonded, 12mm rainscreen panels on a secret fix aluminium support, and 6mm thick material incorporated into the spandrel panel of the curtain walling. All the ceramic panels were supplied with a Hytech impregnated coating which gives a self cleaning mechanism and air purification through a phototcatalytic reaction.EH Smith in conjunction with our Engineering partners Systea worked closely with the cladding contractor Prater to provide a full static calculation and indicative setting out and fixing details for the structural aluminium support grid to provide a cost effective support solution for this unique cladding façade.Project: Twickenham StadiumPlace: LondonCountry: UKBuilding type: Sports + Culture + RecreationType of construction project: RenovationCompletion: 2018SYSTEA wall bracket: Aluminium-L-BracketSYSTEA profile system: ALWI-V and UBE NGCladding material: Aluminum shingles and ceramic panelsFastening: ConcealedArchitect: KSS Design, LondonPhotos: EH Smith Specialist Facades

Overview The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is located in the City of Westminster and is the oldest theatre in London still in use. There have been four different theatres built on the site, the first of which opened its doors in 1663. The current theatre was designed by Benjamin Dean Wyatt and opened in its current format in 1812. The theatre, now owned and operated by Andrew Lloyd Webber's company LW Theatres, has just gone through an astonishing £60 million refurbishment, designed by architects Haworth Tompkins, which includes new bars, dressing rooms and even a new 16 person lift to grant easy access to upper levels! Installation Over the past 2 years, C.A.T. has worked closely with the client, the architects and the flooring contractors - to supply a range of solid brass flooring profiles and stair nosings throughout this iconic building. Hand-finished here in the UK, these Brass Nosings adorn the staircases within the theatre's auditorium and many of the original cantilevered staircases in the foyers and Royal Boxes. Alongside Loughton Contracts, C.A.T conducted multiple site visits, to measure and template the hundreds of steps across the theatre. These measurements were conveyed to our fabrication team, who worked extremely hard to bring the nosing’s to life and replicate the detail of the treads, to ensure the overall finish was first class. Last but by no means least, as you walk into the newly refurbished theatre foyer, you will be greeted by the stunning bespoke carpet by Alarwool, expertly finished by Loughton Contracts, with our 16mm solid brass rods, hand-turned by our factory and hand finished in antique brass, to match the nosings and trims throughout. Be sure to look up too, the atrium roof is simply stunning!

F. Ball products including Styccobond F48 PLUS fibre-reinforced high temperature grade vinyl adhesive, have helped transform a disused agricultural building into a new state-of-the-art distillery and visitor centre at Treggudick Manor, Cornwall.Flooring contractors installed a variety of floorcoverings, including vinyl sheet and tiles, wood and carpet tiles, throughout the 620m2 space at the English Spirit Distillery.The installation began by mechanically grinding the building’s recently installed power floated concrete screed to create a ‘key’ for subsequently applied subfloor preparation products. Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was then applied to create a barrier to prevent excess subfloor moisture attacking adhesives and floorcoverings, potentially leading to floor failure.Following this, contractors primed the surface using Stopgap P141 primer, and once dry Stopgap 300 HD levelling compound was applied in the kitchen that serves the café. Elsewhere, Stopgap 1200 Pro high performance levelling compound was used to create a perfectly smooth base for floorcoverings.Styccobond F48 PLUS was chosen to install Altro Ensemble wood-effect Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) in the restaurant and shop, each comprising an area of approximately 100m2.In the kitchen, Altro Stronghold ‘Dolphin’ grey vinyl safety flooring was adhered with Styccobond F73 PLUS one-part, moisture-curing heavy-duty adhesive and in the offices, Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier created a permanently tacky film to hold Heckmondwike flint grey carpet tiles firmly in place when subject to normal foot traffic but enable them to be lifted and replaced should they become worn or damaged.

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

Yeoman Shield were proud to supply Guardian Handrail, incorporating signage, to a pioneering scheme by Bradford Teaching Hospitals to provide a dementia friendly environment in their hospitals. The Horton Ward at ST Luke’s Hospital was transformed using a grant from the Prime Minister’s “Challenge on Dementia Fund”As part of the refurbishment, which involved the use of art, colour and signage to help dementia patients to navigate their way round the hospital, Yeoman Shield were approached by Bradford Teaching Hospital to supply a handrail that would also act as a directional guide.“We have worked with Yeoman Shield many times and when we gave Area Sales Manager, Steve Hawke, the brief for the refurbishment of The Horton Wing, Steve presented us with the Guardian Handrail that has the capacity to carry signage on the face of the rail which would ideal for this project.” Stated Project Manager, Shane Embleton.The Guardian Handrail, installed by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, to corridors on level 1 & 2 of The Horton Wing, was supplied in a Dusty Grey colour with contrasting accessories in Mid Grey to highlight the corridor openings to doorways and lifts.Signage was incorporated flush to the face of the rail in White offering directional information to hospital visitors and patients.Ultra Corner Protection Angles were also fitted to vulnerable corners of walls to prevent damage which is easily caused by passing people, trolleys and equipment.“Not only did the Guardian Handrail lend itself perfectly to the environment the trust wanted to create but offered the obvious functionality of a hand/protection rail which will help to keep the newly refurbished corridors looking smart well into the future.” Concluded Shane Embleton.

dormakaba helps provide ‘Access for All’ at £14.5M Clapham Junction Station refurbAs Europe’s busiest railway station with 41 million trains passing through each year, Clapham Junction welcomes hundreds of thousands of passengers onto its platforms every day. Delivered by Network Rail with main contractor Osborne, the improvement package makes the station fully accessible for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility, heavy luggage or children.dormakaba's contribution to the projectDelivering smooth operation and closing reliability in all weathers and seasons, dormakaba’s ED 100 swing door operators proved perfect for the entrance‘s new automatic doors.During in-house testing at temperatures of -15°C, the ED 100 was proven to provide full performance, and reliable closing. Also equipped with dormakaba Wind-Load Control, the ED 100 swing door automatic operator can recognise and compensate for wind loads with a force of up to 150 N (maximum admissible force) making it the perfect solution for doors subjected to high winds and extreme temperature.As part of the major improvement works, dormakaba FFT folding space saving doors completed the construction of the brand new ticketing facilities, travel information screens and toilets in a fully-refurbished ticket hall.For the entrance to the new lift lobby at Platform 17, dormakaba supplied the ES 200 sliding door operator. Easy to install and set-up, it features a powerful motor and a dynamic acceleration/deceleration control capability to ensure reliable operation. The operating performance of the ES 200 is matched by its clean design that complements any building.

The ChallengeInstalled within the reception hall and circulation areas of the two towers, Pyroguard Protect, which was chosen by fire protection specialists, Pyrometal, has helped architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel achieve his ambitious vision, without compromising on safety.Following the successful testing, Pyroguard Protect was installed throughout DUO-1 and DUO-2.In the reception hall, Pyroguard Protect EI120 was fitted inside PYROTEK steel profiles to form full height glass partitions and in the circulation areas on each floor, around 690 square metres of E30 was used inside double-leaf doors with EI60 glass partitions.The same was also used in the corridor doors as a means of compartmentation, which connects various areas to the stairs and lift landings.The SolutionTours Duo rises on a former industrial site on the edge of the River Seine in the Paris Rive Gauche district and at 180 m, DUO-1 is set to be the third tallest building in the capital.The pair of towers, DUO-1 and DUO-2, which lean to form an impressive asymmetrical ‘V’, will house offices, retail spaces, restaurants, a hotel and a top floor panoramic bar.In the design of the mixed-use scheme, Ateliers Jean Nouvel was tasked to create high performing, aesthetically striking buildings and as such, decided to take a bioclimatic approach to reduce energy use and make the most of the outdoor weather conditions.Giving the best protection for people and property, Pyroguard Protect provides integrity and heat insulation for 30 to 180 minutes (EI classification).The solution also provides 1B1 impact classification without the need for additional counterpanes, high performing acoustic properties and peace of mind throughout the lifespan of the product due to its UV stability.

Broughton & Yeamans House are high rise apartment blocks in Bristol, Avon, under the management of Bristol City Council. The roof areas, totalling over 3,500m2, had originally been waterproofed with asphalt and then later treated with a coating repair.Unfortunately, water ingress continued to be a problem with leaking occurring at numerous locations. Not wanting to cause further disruption to the residents and to avoid costly damage to the interior of the buildings, the council contacted Polyroof and a survey of the roof was arranged.The survey by Polyroof’s Technical Services highlighted the extent of the issues within the roof, including identifying water ingress through the many vertical sections present on the roofs, including parapet walls and the lift house building. After performing core tests on the roof, it was shown that the existing roof build, which contained insulation as part of a warm roof design, was in a suitable condition to be retained and overlaid – avoiding costly disruption for the client and residents.A bespoke specification was drawn up by the Polyroof Technical Team that provided a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure the apartment blocks were fully protected from the elements.To make sure the roof could be left in a totally weatherproof condition, it was necessary to treat not only the flat roof sections but the vertical areas too. The client was keen to improve the thermal performance of the buildings by adding additional insulation, but it was imperative that disruption was kept to a minimum – not only would stripping works impact on the buildings’ residents, but hauling waste materials from such a great height would be costly and logistically challenging.With BBA approval, top-rated fire performance and Polyroof’s trusted 20 Year Accredited System Guarantee, the client has total peace of mind that the apartment block could not be better protected for decades to come.

MODERN COASTAL ARCHITECTURE CREATED USING TECHNAL SYSTEMSLayered recessed glazed facades, created using TECHNAL aluminium systems, maximise occupant views and deliver a sleek seafront architectural focus for new, luxury apartments overlooking the beach at Gorey in Jersey.Designed by Jersey-based Morris Architects, the development called The Beach comprises six apartments across four floors with undercroft car parking. Constructed by main contractor, Camerons, the glazing package was coordinated by installer Style Windows who worked with fabricator Bonam and Berry Ltd to develop the specification. “Using layered glazed balconies and recessed facades, the building takes on a stylish streamlined appearance. A sweeping corner provides an open, translucent structure, which minimises impact on the adjacent cottages and the beach. Secondary vertical columns have been used to help articulate the horizontal curved form of the balconies.”Ricardo Marques, architectMaximising the beautiful view for the building’s occupants using minimal profiles was a priority for the design team, without compromising the façade’s weather performance at this exposed location. This was achieved using a range of aluminium systems from the extensive TECHNAL range.  For easy access to the balcony area on the seaside elevation, the TECHNAL C160S Lift & Slide aluminium door system has been installed to each level, combining minimal sightlines and high thermal performance with a user-friendly slide action that glides, effortlessly. One of the door sets is an impressive 4.5m wide x 2.4m high, comprising only two panes, both of which are sliding. "Coastal developments always require a diligent approach to glazing specification. The architect had a clear vision for the building and the facade required a precision specification to achieve the right balance between aesthetic and performance in relation to the building's exposed location. Whilst installing beach-side was challenging, the finished facade looks impressive."Dave Sutcliffe, Style WindowsTo achieve the curved glazed corners at each storey level, TECHNAL Elegance 52 ST Curtain Walling has been fabricated to the specified quadrant, with an external radius of 1.9m, resulting in an impressive glass arc width of almost 3m. Combined with the 2.4m floor to ceiling height, the Elegance 52 ST system has allowed for a truly breathtaking sweeping curve to the building. Internally, the mullion of the curtain walling aligns perfectly with the adjacent Lift & Slide doors, giving the façade an elegant, continuous flow across the elevation."This is the beauty of TECHNAL systems. Even with the high wind loads of this exposed location, we have been able to create a sleek facade solution."Ricardo Marques, architectOther TECHNAL systems used on the project include four single doors and one double-set from the Dualframe Dualsecure 75mm range as well as its STII Doors to the entrance and escape doors. A selection of Dualframe 75mm SI windows in top hung, side hung and pivot configurations have also been installed throughout the building.Taking advantage of the dual colour facility and to combat the extreme weather conditions of this coastal location, externally the systems are anodised to Anolok™ Umber 543 in contrast with the white rendered walls. Internally, a white powder coat finish has been used to maintain the light bright design inside the apartments.To the north facing elevation, standard low-e toughened glass was specified with the rest glazed using solar control glass."Bonam and Berry has supplied TECHNAL architectural aluminium products continuously for over 40 years, and uses the complete range of systems for residential, commercial, educational and all public and private sector applications."Andrew Spencer, Commercial Director at Bonam & Berry