"fire protection"

Deansgate Square, one of Manchester’s highest profile city centre residential developments, is using mechanical smoke control and ventilation solutions from SE Controls to protect residents by keeping corridors, stairwells and escapes routes clear of smoke, should an apartment fire occur.

The Friedrichscarrée is a modern office and retail complex in the center of Stuttgart.Named after the former king of Württemberg, Friedrich I., it is characterised by its modern architecture and glass front. In addition to numerous companies, it now also hosts retail, catering businesses and event spaces. The good access to public transportation and the close proximity to restaurants and cultural institutions, make Friedrichscarrée an attractive location for businesses and visitors.As the general contractor for the expansion, Lindner carried out an extensive interior construction - ranging from drywall work to floor systems and wall cladding. In addition to high-quality floor coverings and also partly automated partition walls, the special construction of the hollow floor FLOOR and more® for the pedestal in the barista bar was a central element of the revitalisation. Lindner hallway ceilings LMD, heating and cooling ceilings and acoustic sails were also installed to optimise room acoustics.Furthermore, GiB mbH supported Lindner in upgrading the existing fire protection. The entire conversion was carried out during ongoing business, which required precisescheduling of noise-intensive work.

Project: 1 Aylesbury Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0DRClient: MeritcapeArchitect: Atum Design LabM&E consultant: EngDesignProtecting Cities Against Fire with Advanced GlazingDaylight-flooded spaces command a premium from tenants, but in the densest urban areas – where buildings are very tightly packed – it can be difficult to achieve. Not least because of the need to protect against the spread of fire.This was the challenge for developer Meritcape when they set out to refurbish 1 Aylesbury Street – a converted historic warehouse building in Clerkenwell, East London.The designers wanted to fill every floor of the building with natural light, from both the front and the back of the building by using floor-to-ceiling glazing on every floor. However, the rear of the property was just three metres away from a neighbouring building.To prevent fire spreading from one building to the next, building regulations specify the fire resistance that external walls need to be able to provide. This is given as minimum requirements for integrity – how long they can contain smoke and flames – and insulation, or how long they can prevent the escape of heat. Steve Bond, technical and customer support manager, fire, at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: “When you have two buildings this close together, standard glazing is not an option, as it doesn’t put up enough of a barrier to fire spreading outwards from the building.“That’s where fire-resistant glazing can make a big difference. By providing protection against fire while also letting light flow in, we can create light-filled spaces in very built-up parts of the city where not long ago it wouldn’t have been possible.“As well as sealing in flames and smoke for at least an hour, the glass also provides radiation shielding that reduces the amount of heat energy that can pass outwards through the glass – another key means of spreading fire.” The rear façade of the building is glazed in Pilkington Pyroclear® Plus insulating double-glazed units, delivering not only the right level of fire resistance, but have also been designed to give excellent thermal insulation (U-value) properties to reduce heat-loss from the building.Davood Kiani, Senior Project Consultant at Meritcape said: “Those looking for modern commercial space expect floorplans to be well lit with natural light, and this is one of the main design challenges when working with buildings in the most densely urban areas of the city.“Fire regulations are one of the big reasons for this, so Pilkington fire-resistant glazing means we can achieve the best of both worlds - a building that meets or exceeds all of the safety regulations while also feeling spacious and airy.”A total of 800 m2 of Pilkington glass was used in the project, including in the front façade of the building, in which hundreds custom-sized small double-glazed solar-control units were used to imitate the crittall steel-framed windows that are a signature feature of buildings in the area.Images by S G Photography

This development includes a tower that will exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa, and a sanctuary development with exclusive villas and a canal district. Sustainability is at the heart of development, with a road and transport network designed to minimize environmental impact, as well as various ecological initiatives, including artificial forests and open green spaces. In this project, it is being used the A2 Class fire rated weatherproofing membrane Effisus Vapour FR to protect façade from environmental agents with superior fire resistance, and the bi-adhesive tape Effisus 2Bond DS, to seal the connections on the façades.

The Palais Coburg in Vienna was bought by POK Pühringer, a private foundation, with the intention to convert it into a luxury hotel resort. The architect goal was to reveal and use the beauty of the old and well-preserved bricks beneath the entrance hall by building a skylight above it. Vetrotech recommended the use of Lite-Floor, a walkable fire-resistant glass solution, which resists fire for up to 30 minutes. This eye-catcher made of glass, features a special screen printing on its surface, which acts both as a design element and a protective anti-slip layer.

Fire separation between floors reinstated with FireMaster® Fire Curtains

Our range of products meant all of the fire curtain requirements were met and the fire regulations could be adhered to keep the occupants of the building safe. Coopers FireMaster Concertina is a great way to offer compartmentation between floors and was installed because there were no columns at the atrium to install side guides and there is no smoke extraction system on the atrium so functional gaps were not allowed.

The ideal fire curtain when radiation tenability is of concern.

Spinnaker House is a residential building located at Battersea Reach, with views over the River Thames. It was designed by Broadway Malyan Architecture firm, with a contemporary specification, including full heigh glazing to enhance natural daylight. The location of the building is very attractive, because it offers prime transport links to London´s most fashionable area. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied, using an A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane.

Berkeley Homes’ flagship Woodberry Park apartment development in North London is using an advanced smoke and natural ventilation system from SE Controls to not only provide protection for residents in the event of a fire, but to also create a better environment by actively managing any excessive heat build up in corridors.

Over time bricks can discolour and lose their lustre because of the impact of wet weather, air pollution or efflorescence. The result can have a detrimental effect on a building’s visual aesthetic, compromising the architect’s design vision and reducing the value of the property for the owner. Brick manufacturer, Vandersanden is the first company to develop a viable, large scale coating solution to provide superior protection against efflorescence as well as secondary protection against the effects of pollution.Vandersanden’s automated coating formulation makes facing bricks water-repellent and resistant to the effects of air pollution and efflorescence, ensuring façades remain beautiful and untarnished throughout their lifetime. This innovative and environmentally sustainable process which also makes it easier to clean the brick, if dirt or damage does occur, has now been fully rolled out across the entire Vandersanden hand-formed brick range available to UK specifiers.Vandersanden worked with Belgian University, KU Leuven, to develop the solution which treats bricks with a special coating after the firing process. The process penetrates to a depth from 5mm to 15mm whilst retaining the original colour of the brick.The liquids contain no harmful substances or chemicals that can damage the brick or the environment and is automatically applied at Vandersanden’s manufacturing facilities in Belgium and The Netherlands.A coated brick has exactly the same pore structure as a non-coated brick and the number of pores and their size remain the same. However, as the walls of the pores are covered with a water-repellent layer, the water droplets are no longer attracted to the walls and will not be absorbed. As the pores remain open, the bricks also retain their resistance to frost.Applying the coating during the production process, eliminates the need to coat the bricks with an applicator once they have been installed, which is a highly specialised and expensive process. It also reduces the often laborious and costly task of prepping the facade for a coating and the regular maintenance required.“Creating beautiful facades that will stand the test of time remains crucial for Vandersanden,” says Jean-Pierre Wuytack, CEO at Vandersanden. "Thanks to our commitment to innovation in product design and manufacturing, we can ensure a lifetime of colour-safe brick performance for architects and their clients. We are proud of our coated solution which demonstrates how Vandersanden is the natural partner for architects who care passionately about creating the very best, most long-lasting aesthetic for their buildings.”Vandersanden coated bricks come with a 25-year guarantee and the company has worked hard to ensure these bricks can be delivered at the same cost as non-coated bricks.Vandersanden produces a vast array of high-quality bricks in different finishes and colours, ranging from reds and browns, to greys, creams and buffs that will inspire and enable the design and construction of beautiful buildings.To find out more, register for our RIBA approved CPD #2 "How to avoid brick stains and efflorescence" here CPD – Continuing Professional Development | Vandersanden

As part of the £25 million Wolverhampton Academy Trust sponsored Bilston Academy, BCL are proud to have been part of the overall process. This project was delivered through the BSF programme by Carillion PLC and was designed by Capita. The academy was designed with the ability to deliver a modern multi-disciplinary education centre for the 1200 students of Wolverhampton Academy in mind. The building is made up of 4 differently themed zones, a dedicated engineering hub, a science super-lab and a combination of grass and astro-turf sports pitches.Using 69 x 44 mm of Siberian Larch, the external walls were covered, with the timber installed vertically at 100 mm to form an open screen detail across the building, including the plant room and roof areas. Each slat was treated to Class 0 SSF, using the non-com impregnation system from Lonza Wood Protection. In doing this, BCL ensured the building would have complete fire protection for its entire life without requiring any maintenance.As per all BCL panel systems everything was designed and pre-fabricated off site into a panellised system, fitted using secret fixings. Installation time was dramatically reduced along with on-site waste, meaning the 3000 m2 envelope was constructed quickly and efficiently.Client: Wolverhampton AcademyArchitect: CapitaContractor: Carillion PLCLocation: WolverhamptonCompletion: April 2013 Siberian LarchFSC CertifiedSecret FixingsClass 0 SSF

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.

DRU Polo gas stoves bring warmth and comfort to Cornish hotel suitesDRU Fires, in partnership with leading Cornwall fireplace dealer Kernow Fires, has supplied five DRU Polo balanced flue gas stoves for the new beach lofts at one of Cornwall’s leading hotels.Watergate Bay Hotel on the north coast of Cornwall, originally designed to a be a railway terminus hotel, has been developed into an inclusive year-round destination. Its spectacular clifftop setting and location just a short hop from Cornwall Airport Newquay makes it a primary choice for travellers from all corners of the UK and beyond.The recent closure of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant on the site paved the way for the £1.4 million development of the seven new beach lofts by contractors GSI and interior designers Dynargh Design, right above the beach. Described as ‘surf-in surf-out’ accommodation, the lofts have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic sea views. All have been designed to feel like modern city lofts, with warm textures and sustainable materials.High energy efficiencyThe DRU Polo gas stoves were chosen by Dynargh Design for their contemporary design, fitting in with the overall design and aesthetic of the beach lofts. In addition, they were selected for their A energy rating, 92% efficiency and the convenience of gas with easy remote-control operation. They have all-year-round use and are suitable for chilly autumn days and cool summer evenings. Their balanced flue system offers flexibility of installation, as they require no chimney and only need proximity to an outside facing wall. This enables them to be installed in the living space, bedroom or bathroom subject to the design of each individual suite.The beach lofts were completed in time for Cornwall’s peak 2021 tourist season, which has been hugely successful due to many more people taking their holidays in the UK during the Covid 19 pandemic. Impressive outlooks and sustainabilityKernow Fires owner Simon Breckon commented: “We’re pleased to have contributed to the success of the beach lofts and have seen strong growth in Cornwall’s domestic and commercial fireplace markets this year.”Watergate Bay Hotel CEO Will Ashworth said: “The beach lofts are our best rooms. They are sized very generously and the interior design represents our new approach to contemporary Cornish beach living.” Dynargh Design director Matt Hulme said: “The lofts have some of the most impressive outlooks of any hotel in Cornwall. But the interiors also needed to have enough appeal in the winter, when it’s dark at 5pm, that it feels warm, natural and enticing.”Sustainability was also an important factor in the design. “Getting active in the beautiful natural environment is at the heart of the Watergate Bay experience, and we’re committed to minimising the environmental impact of our design choices,” adds Will Ashworth.For further information visit: drufire.com, kernowfires.co.uk and watergatebay.co.uk

County Sligo has been blessed with a brand-new luxury hotel, the internationally renowned Radisson SAS Hotel, where the comfort of guests and staff is of paramount importance. Every precaution has also been taken to ensure the safety of residents including the installation of high quality, clear view fire-resistant glass products, Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur®, which have been fitted extensively throughout the entire hotel.Pilkington Pyrodur® is a laminated glass with a special interlayer, developed for the optimum combination of minimum thickness, integrity fire resistance and impact performance. In a fire, the glass forms an opaque barrier to exclude flames and hot gases as well as blocking the sight of the fire, hence reducing panic. In addition to its integrity performance Pilkington Pyrodur® reduces the transfer of radiant heat significantly.Jackie Corcorran of main contractor, J J Rhatigan & Co. Galway was closely involved in the specification of the specialised glass alongside White Bros. Joinery Sligo & Jim Walsh of Greaney Glass Galway. 160 m2 of 10 mm Pilkington Pyrodur® with a 30-minute integrity rating was installed within the corridors of the building. In other areas where there is a slightly greater risk of fire, such as the kitchen area, internal doors and function room screens, were fitted with 21 mm Pilkington Pyrostop®, which provides 60 minutes fire integrity and insulation.Specialist glass & glazing contractors, Greaney Glass, were responsible for installing the fire-resistant glass and Ivan Greaney, Managing Director, comments: “For such a prestigious project it was imperative we used a fire-resistant glass we could trust. There could be hundreds of people within the hotel at any one time so we needed to use materials that would provide maximum protection under the most extreme circumstances. As Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur® are backed by a full suite of impact and fire performance tests, we had no doubts that this was the ideal glass for this project.”Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur® provide excellent levels of protection and have been tested and assessed to BS and EN standards. Not only do they offer excellent fire-resistance they also fully comply with impact safety tests and permit safe breakage in the manner of a laminated glass. In addition, they provide acoustic improvement over standard fire-resistant glass, an important consideration in the hotel that offers a peaceful and relaxing retreat for guests.

The purpose of this development is making the re-cladding of an existing building removing Aluminium Composite Material insulation and cement particle board and replacement with new 3mm aluminium cladding and associated works. The new building will include a mixed tenure unit of 138 one, two and three bed apartments. It’s design was developed by the PRP Architects. Its design was developed by the PRP Architects. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied, using an A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane.

ResQ-Window Fire Curtains Installed in new hotel at the refurbished Trocadero Building

The Guernsey Airport Fire Station, dedicated to preventing plane fires, is strategically situated near the airfield for swift emergency response. G4S Secure Solutions (Guernsey) LTD, representing the Guernsey fire service, commissioned the project. HAG Ltd assisted in installing four electrically operated Q Doors, opting for a product with thermal features and effortless operation over traditional sectional overhead doors.

The new corporate headquarters for Mellon Bank comprises offices and a trading floor, and is located on the site of the former Times Newspaper Headquarters in Queen Victoria Street. The site falls within one of the designated Strategic View Corridors, intended to protect long distance views of St Paul's Cathedral and the roof terrace provides the perfect place for employees to meet, relax and enjoy the great views.Buzon were specified to supply and install 20mm external porcelain tiles on BC-FR class B fire-rated adjustable pedestals on the roof terrace and access stairwell, along with fire-rated spacer tabs and shims.

A busy access corridor linking one wing to another at a major Yorkshire Hospital now benefits from a wall protection system supplied and installed by Yeoman Shield.The heavy footfall, wheeled equipment and bed trolleys continually traversing the path between two busy wings was starting to take its toll on the walls and corners of the corridor in the form of marking, denting and scratching.Keen to maintain the high smart standards as well as lifecycle and sustainability of the property, the hospital choose a protection system from Yeoman Shield to overcome such damage.200mm Protection Rail was fitted “flat-back” to the wall on one side of the access way with FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels installed below the rail.Rubber stop ends/returns (new to the Yeoman Shield range) were applied to the rail as added defence against heavily laden trolleys and carts that may come into contact.The opposing wall was also offered protection by the same Yeoman Shield 200mm Protection Rail this time installed on 60mm “stand-off” allowing the system to become a supportive rail for those who require it. The rail was again finished with the durable hardwearing rubber accessories.Matching 75 x 75 mm Corner Protection Angles were put on vulnerable corners on both sides of the walkway completing a comprehensive wall protection system that will help to reduce the time and money spent on redecoration and repair over the lifecycle of the building.More information on Yeoman Shield’s cost-effective wall & door protection systems can be found at www.yeomanshield.com or by calling 0113 279 5854.

A busy service corridor in a medical education and research facility, has recently been refurbished with the help of products from Yeoman Shield’s heavy duty range.Wanting to protect vulnerable walls and corners throughout the heavily used service corridor, the facilities management invested in a complete Yeoman Shield heavy duty wall protection system installed by their directly employed fixing operatives.A striking and durable protective finish to the corridor walls was achieved with Yeoman Shield Chequer Plate Wall Panels. The panels were paired with heavy duty Rubber E-Fender running at the top and the bottom of the chequer plate at such levels to absorb impact from the most frequently occurring and heaviest of blows from footfall, trolleys and motorised carts.Yeoman Shield HD75 heavy duty Rubber Protection Angles were fitted full height to vulnerable corners protecting the structure.Designed specifically to protect areas in a building that experiences heavier footfall such as warehouses, storage and service facilities, the heavy duty protection products, when installed, keep areas damage free, providing an easy clean hygienic surface whilst putting an end to frequent costly re-pair and re-painting, offering long term savings on maintenance budgets.

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 ...

oopers Fire embarked on a transformative project to bolster fire safety measures within the intricate network of tunnels beneath the Great Mosque of Mecca, revered as Al-Masjid al-Haram. Given the significant foot traffic, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage, the need for robust fire safety infrastructure was paramount.Drawing on its legacy of innovation, Coopers Fire engineered a suite of advanced smoke curtains tailored to the unique requirements of the Mecca Tunnels project. These cutting-edge solutions, including the SmokeStop D600A Smoke Curtains, were meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with the tunnels’ architecture while ensuring optimal functionality.

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.

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.

About the project:Dublin Doors are a distributor of door leafs to door manufacturers throughout Ireland. Since Brexit, the market in Ireland requires the EN 1634-1 fire testing standard, as opposed to the previously accepted the British Standard BS 476. A customer of Dublin Doors wanted an overhead concealed door closer combined with 44mm thick doors, and it had to pass the EN fire testing standard.The specification of the doors was: (A) 44mm PB hardwood lipped all round door (B) 38mm PB core faced with 3mm mdf, routed with 2mm decorative groove in the faceDublin Doors were very aware that EN testing is widely considered to be more onerous than BS testing. The inclusion of a drop seal was also a point of concern - many companies have found that using drop seals to control smoke can appear to make the fire test harder to pass, with some experiencing prolonged flaming at the threshold. Rutland was able to help by providing its concealed closer ITS.11204, which can be used in 44mm fire doors – one of only a handful of concealed closers on the market that can do this. Rutland was also able to tap into its network of experts and consultants to discuss possible options, to help Dublin Doors to arrive at a combination that met the specification, and was most likely to succeed in the test. Dublin Doors were also required to write a Pre-Test Verification (PTV) before the test – a requirement at many test labs now. Rutland used its expertise in compliance to help complete this specification.The outcome:The results were excellent, with both doors lasting 49 and 51 minutes respectively in the fire test, for what was a 30-minute FD30 doorset, the more onerous European standard EN 1634-1 to achieve – E30. In our experience of fire testing, this is an excellent result for a 44mm solid timber door, and the Rutland team were just as pleased as Dublin Doors that the door, along with its concealed closer, passed with flying colours.

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.

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.

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.

The Crown Estate's flagship project in Haymarket, London, involved preserving the original façade and structure while modernizing the rear to create world-class restaurants, retail spaces, and open-plan offices. Adexon successfully installed a number of 30- and 60-minute vertical fire curtains at 1 and 2 St James’ Market, all within agreed timeframes; covering multiple floors and ensuring fire safety without compromising the historical integrity. The project, executed with Balfour Beatty and designed by Make Architects, regenerated the West End with 210,000 sq. ft of modern offices, flagship stores, and restaurants within over half an acre of revitalized public space. Despite the challenge of maintaining Grade II-listed facades, the project successfully blended historical preservation with modern development.

Yeoman Shield HessianEx wall panels at 1250mm high and 50x50mm Corner Protection Angles in Lilac was fitted on the ground & 1st floor corridors and plaza area. HessianEx panels, cut to 300mm wide was fitted as an attractive protection strip in waiting areas, to protect against chairs being pushed up against walls and causing marks and scuffs.

When Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust earlier this year approved capital funding to convert a disused area of Chapel Allerton Hospital into a new dental facility, they engaged with Yeoman Shield wall & door protection specialists to provide durable yet attractive wall protection that would achieve the interior fit-out brief.

Yeoman Shield protection panels have been a great success at Springwell School in Hartlepool. The environment is safe, nurturing and stimulating, so that every child reaches their full potential with the help of Yeoman Shield products.Yeoman Shield protection panels have been an un-mitigating success at Springwell School in Hartlepool.The school caters for children aged 3 to 11 years who have a broad range of specialist needs and the vibrant and busy spaces can suffer from impact damage caused by the everyday activities of the students and staff.To counteract such damage and to keep the classroom and communal areas looking clean and welcoming the school have previously utilized Yeoman Shield FalmouthEx Wall and Door Protection Panels.Site Manager, Dean Henson commented “We already have Yeoman Shield protection panels on walls and doors in areas around the school, including the hall which can be used for many things ranging from a dining hall to activities hall. The panels have been in place for around 5 to 6 years and still look as good as new.”Having proved to be long lasting and durable the school decided to bring Yeoman Shield installers back during the February half term to continue the wall protection panels throughout corridors.Yeoman Shield 2.0mm thick FalmouthEx protection panels were supplied on this occasion in attractive mid grey and lilac colours with the addition of a waved top giving a decorative feel to the walls.Manufactured from a non- porous rigid PVCu the protection panels are not only easy to clean but are inherently hygienic as they do not promote the growth of bacteria or mould.As recognised by Springwell School the implementation of wall and door protection systems can reduce the amount of time and money spent on the repair and re-decoration of wall and doors throughout the buildings, extending the lifecycle of the interior decor.

BoKlok is a home ownership concept from Sweden, owned by Skanska and IKEA that produces sustainable, quality, low cost, space-saving, functional housing at a price that enables as many people as possible to afford a comfortable home. Working in Conjunction with IDMH (a modular timber framed housing contractor) a range of great value homes in the heart of South Bristol were created. A total of 94 homes consisting of a mix of residential houses and apartments. Product supplied:ReadyFIT interior doorsets featuring a Paintgrade Premium door design primed in white with satin ironmongery. These were non fire rated. Riser and communal doors were provided for the project in Paintgrade premium design with an FD30 fire rating. SecureFIT Flat Entrance Doorsets were also supplied in the Paintgrade Premium door design fully finished in Grey for a premium aesthetic.  These are FD30 fire rated for increased protection. Project Address - Airport Road, Bristol BS14 9TAClient - BoklokCustomer (Subcontractor) - IDMHStatus - Complete

100 Bishopsgate is a 40-storey tower situated in the heart of the City, a stone's throw from famous London landmarks such as the Gherkin. As the building focuses on panoramic views and high-quality open concept office spaces, it was integral that we ensured that our compartmentation solutions did not interfere with the aesthetics of the building but would still provide the necessary fire safety. Working closely with main contractor Multiplex and other trades, Adexon successfully installed over a hundred of our Fire Curtains, including some non-standard components such as satin-finish stainless steel bottom/guide rails. All systems were installed on time!