"assistance call systems"

Over 300 Optima casement windows and 60 doors from Profile 22 were used in a new 85-bed care home and 45 assisted living apartments in Sutton Coldfield. Background The Sutton Rose development in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield is a new build 85-bed care home with 45 assisted living apartments. The developer is renowned for delivering exceptional quality projects, which means suppliers have to meet exacting standards and quality specifications. The window and door contract were awarded to Sutton Designs in Kingstanding, Birmingham, with manufacturing undertaken by Profile 22’s Approved Commercial Manufacturer, Central Window Systems in West Bromwich. The two companies had worked on previous care projects, which meant that as well as being able to demonstrate their ability to meet the tender requirements for this project they also brought a proven track record. The window specification The window and door system specified for the project was award-winning Optima from Profile 22, a fully-integrated 70mm system which offers a step-change in advanced window design. The high-specification system comes with an impressive set of credentials and design flexibility to meet all commercial project requirements. In this project, all windows were fitted with open-out restrictors for the safety or the residents and all window and doors needed to comply with fire and smoke escape protection measures. Optima offers market-leading structural strength and high-security features and casement windows are PAS24:2016 approved as standard which was important to meet the project specification. The windows and doors were manufactured in Anthracite Grey on White to match other developments in building contractor’s portfolio and create a sleek, modern aluminium aesthetic. A carefully managed installation process Sutton Designs is an experienced new build and commercial window installation company and has worked with Central Window Systems for over three years. The two companies worked in close partnership to ensure all windows and doors were manufactured and installed to the required timescales. The project was completed during the Covid-19 pandemic, which meant appropriate health and safety considerations also needed to be taken into account. An impressive new elder care development The completed project will provide modern and well-equipped homes for the residents. Jon Gregory, Owner of Sutton Design concluded: “The quality of Optima from Profile 22 and the commercial expertise of Central Window Systems were fundamental to the project’s success. This is a very impressive development and we were delighted to have been part of its construction.” For more information on the Profile 22 range, please visit www.profile22.co.uk or call 0808 101 4143.

When it comes to residential, commercial or any structure below ground, waterproofing is a critical component within the construction process for protecting and preserving a building. A poorly designed or installed waterproofing solution can fail leading to significant implications on the structure itself.Delta Registered Installers, Abtech (UK) Ltd were called upon to give assistance on a particularly technically complicated project where approaches to waterproofing design and installation had been incorporated, however the system had failed. For a great remedial waterproofing outcome, seek assistance from an experienced waterproofing company to inspect your site and carry out the remedial work.The property when built had a Type C, cavity drain membrane systems incorporated (not a Delta System), however there was no basement drainage incorporated into the design to manage water ingress.In principle a Type C, drainage system is a water management system. The Type C system is used to control water ingress once it has penetrated the structure.  Moisture or running water travel behind the Type C membrane within a controlled drainage system. A Type C System isn’t classified as a barrier but provides protection by means of water management. For a Type System to be successful a suitable drainage system is required to collect and discharge water ingress to a suitable and safe evacuation point (either by natural forces or a mechanical pump system).When correctly installed, groundwater drainage channels effectively relieve hydrostatic water pressure in the below ground structure. They are installed below flooring membranes at the floor/wall junction.

When your new call centre is too "echoey" meaning your clients can't understand what your team and trying to say down the phone who do you go to for help - JCW saved the day for People HR

Forbo Flooring Systems’ Marmoleum was the product of choice for a creative breakout space at investment management firm, Triple Point. With its growing headcount, Triple Point appointed AW Spaces to create an environment that could accommodate the company’s hybrid working strategy, whilst developing a light and warm aesthetic.  Founded in 2004, Triple Point employ 215 people and manage over £2.7 billion of private, institutional and public capital across five distinct investment strategies: Social Housing, Energy, Digital Infrastructure, Private Credit, and Venture. Each of these strategies helps to solve a problem society faces, and each one creates opportunities for investors.  With the company’s increased headcount and the new hybrid working strategy, AW Spaces suggested increasing the size of the breakout area available to employees. The aim was to make this area feel different from the working environment, by incorporating warmer colours with a dynamic flooring design.   Another important aspect for this project was the environmental impact. Lisa McLeod, Design Director at AW Spaces spoke on this, saying: “Sustainability was a big part of Triple Point’s brief. As such, when it came to choosing a floor covering for the space, the sustainability aspect led us to look at products such as Forbo’s Marmoleum. After discussing the sustainable flooring with Triple Point, where I also sent them a concept image of a design, we decided it was the perfect solution.  “Not only did Marmoleum fit the sustainability requirements, but it’s also available in a variety of contemporary designs that match in tone with each other, which allowed us to create a very dynamic space. Additionally, it’s a really nice material to work with, which aided the installation process.”   Forbo’s Marmoleum was specified in Terracotta, Titanium and Vintage Blue from the Marmoleum Walton range, and in Neptune Blue from Marmoleum Piano. Lisa commented on these choices, saying: “We chose these colours as they work beautifully together and coordinated with the joinery so it looked as though those elements rise from the ground. We also really liked the warmth of the Terracotta colourway and the brightness of Neptune Blue, which provided some contrast from eachother without looking disjointed from the joinery they connected to. The choice of colours really helped us to convey the feeling that this space was for relaxation rather than work, with all the colours flowing into one-another nicely.”  This refurbishment wasn’t like a typical installation as there were multiple different colourways which had to be combined in different shapes. As opposed to a typical refurbishment where tiles or sheet flooring is laid; this flooring had to be cut into shape in situ. The finished flooring mixes curved edges with sharp points, with all four colourways meeting towards the middle of the floor then flowing out at different angles around the room.  Lisa continued “The pattern was quite complex, so Forbo recommended an installer called Medifloor to us who could take on this challenge. We had worked with them on a couple of occasions before, so we knew they had the credentials, and they did a fantastic job with pinpoint accuracy!  “We’re absolutely delighted with the finished result and I’d say the breakout space remains my favourite part of the entire project.”  With a unique installation, a specialist approach had to be taken by installers, Medifloor. Jim Gordon, the Director of Medifloor, spoke on this, saying: “AW Spaces gave us this amazing design for Triple Point, which was extremely challenging to create with all the different curvatures. So, to achieve it we actually used computer aided templates which allowed us to cut the perfect curve – something that’s really hard to acheive in flooring.   “Forbo’s Marmoleum Walton was perfect for this, as it’s the only sheet flooring that lends itself to the natural materials used in this project and looks amazing when finished.”  With this method, a creative and dynamic flooring solution was created. With the installation starting in July 2022, Triple Point’s office refurbishment was finished in mid-September 2022 and has been well received by the staff who use it.  Luke Francois, Guest and Employee Experience Manager at Triple Point, concluded: “We asked AW Spaces to create a bright and inviting space, with a focus on using sustainable products and services, and Forbo’s Marmoleum ticked all the boxes for this. We’re happy with the end product delivered by AW, Medifloor and Forbo.” For more information about Forbo’s range of office products, visit: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices  

This spacious showroom in Germany for one of Europe's leading furniture manufacturers is zoned beautifully throughout with Milliken's Wireframe cushion backed carpet tiles and Open-Shut wood style planks from the First Call luxury vinyl tile collection. The acoustic performance of the floor coverings offers a comfortable and sound absorbing solution for this double height open space.

Improving accessibility has always been a recurring theme in the specification of Neaco’s products and so it proved again when the company’s balustrade systems were called into service for entrance ramps at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service’s new cutting-edge Hull Central Fire Station. Jefferson Sheard Architects sought to design an accessible and welcoming facility to serve the local community. Neaco’s contribution was integral to this objective with aluminium handrails and balustrade to steps and two extensive ramps at the main entrance. The system was also specified with glass infill panels for a first-floor terrace.

The Wilberforce Trust is a charity dedicated to helping and empowering those with sight and hearing loss and impairment in the York and North Yorkshire area to live fulfilling and independent lives. The Trust had tenants in community based supported housing and family homes around York but wanted to deliver an innovative ‘extra care’ housing scheme designed especially for people with a visual impairment and other disabilities; the first of its kind in the area.Wilberforce House offers 30 one-bed, open-plan purpose-built, self-contained apartments along with a Living & Learning Zone – providing education and leisure activities – a courtyard cafe and offices for the Trust itself, all set in four acres of accessible landscaped gardens, including a large sensory garden. The apartments utilise smart home and assistive technology personalised to their lifestyle needs.A consultant was employed to review the development’s plans with regard to fire safety. His report included recommendations for additional fire safety measures including the ability for cooker hobs to be switched off by an alarm, as kitchen fires are a significant risk with 50% of all accidental house fires starting in the kitchen. WHY THE FIRECHIEF KITCHEN STOVE GUARD? The initial solution proposed was costly as it meant hob alarms would need to be hard wired into each apartment’s fuse board. Damian Pocknell, Head of Housing, Facilities & IT at the Wilberforce Trust recalled having seen and read about the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard and realised that this would be much more cost effective. The fire consultant agreed and subsequently signed off on the Kitchen Stove Guard as the approved solution.  

This communal area in a residential building in Toulouse is a bright and relaxing space designed to encourage interaction among the residents. Milliken's award-winning Colour Compositions modular carpet planks and First Call LVT provide a rich and vibrant injection of colour and shifting textures. Contrasting tones of Milliken's Formwork colours range give the TV/gaming room a fun, dynamic aesthetic.

Harbour Light Assisted Living CIC housing association approached Hush Acoustics to upgrade the floor within one of its flats to offer a higher level of soundproofing in line with the specific requirements of one of its tenants.The housing association, which specialises in providing bespoke accommodation and services to assist people with disabilities to fulfil their responsibilities as tenants and help them live an independent life, sought to improve the acoustic performance of a separating floor in the flat for a new resident. The individual suffered from an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which meant any flooring solution had to be appropriate for their needs, not only to reduce both impact and airborne ‘noise nuisance’ encroaching to the flat below, but also to ensure the final floor finish could be fully bonded to the acoustic substrate. The potential noise issues were regarded as higher than typical domestic noise which meant a more robust specification was required.The solution was provided by Hush Mat 15 with Hush Ply 28 overlaid. This provided the required mass, flexibility and isolation, as well as a robust surface to allow the floor covering to be directly bonded, ensuring it could not be lifted.

The Ambient Assisted Living Lab (AAL) within Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh’s acclaimed National Robotarium, aims to revolutionise the way assisted living care in the UK is delivered in the community using robotics and AI. With its purpose-built facilities within a recreated home setting, scientists, and engineers within the AAL will collaboratively research and create robotic and smart technology solutions in its open and remote access living lab, helping improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with assisted living needs who want to live independently.Sharing this ethos of improving people’s wellbeing through design, Pressalit has been leading the way in assisted living technologies for the bathroom and kitchen for almost fifty years. Pressalit was therefore delighted to be asked to contribute to the inspiring work being carried out at the National Robotarium, the UK’s largest and most advanced centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, which recently opened in Edinburgh.Featured in the AAL is the Pressalit PLUS track system, which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of different bathroom products. This bathroom is equipped with plenty of our products like the PLUS shower seat, PLUS support arms, and our MATRIX SMALL wash basin with integrated handrail, to name a few. The room can be configured to suit individual user and carer requirements, optimising space for wheelchair or carer access, whilst also future proofing the room.Meanwhile, Pressalit’s height adjustable INDIVO kitchen system brings a sense of independence to daily tasks in the kitchen and dining room. With a simple press of a button, sink and hob worktop heights can be adjusted to suit standing and seated users, and wall cupboards can be brought within easy reach. Tasks from washing up, cooking and preparing food, to sharing a meal at the table, can be carried out in an environment that is safe, comfortable and inclusive.Adam Southcott, Sales and Training Consultant from Pressalit, explains:”Assisted technologies form the future. Pressalit's knowledge and expertise in developing both bathroom and kitchen systems has brought independence to many individuals' homes and social care settings. We are delighted to be associated with the National Robotarium and the research it undertakes. By combining technologies in the AAL environment, individuals, carers, care homes and social care professionals have a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the innovative solutions that are available, now and in the future, to help transform daily routines and enhance independent living.”

A Somerset based kitchen designer and supplier of bespoke appliances, as well as units and islands, has called on the services of GEC Anderson for the fit-out of her own home.

A folly; an ornamental building with no practical purpose built in a large garden. Whilst aspects of this definition can be applied to describe Wolverton Hall Folly, it certainly contradicts the ‘practical purpose’ element with the most appealing of purposes. Wolverton Hall Folly is a retreat for contemplation, an office away from home, a place to entertain and somewhere to enjoy the views, sun and a good book. Can we therefore call this beautiful building a folly?

Power-assisted pocket doors with effortless activation and a smooth, silent operation.A contactless electro magnetic propulsion system silently opens and closes the door with no or minimal user handling.Motus can be controlled several ways depending on your application:Nudge and goThe standard method; simply nudge the door open or closed and Motus will assist with the rest.Touch-less sensorThe sensor is fitted to the wall and by simply moving your hand in front of the sensor this activates the door.Simultaneous openingNow available as standard when using double doors, Simultaneous opening activates both leafs in a seamless fashion.Fire rated to FD30All trim designs (Visible / Concealed / Shadow Gap) and on all configurations over a wide range of sizes.

neaco provided a bespoke modification to its Techdek aluminium decking system as part of a bridge specification at the Grand Canal Dock development project in Dublin. Using the renowned design versatility of the company’s technical team and state-of-the-art precision engineering facilities at its Malton factory, neaco developed a unique grille surface which features tactile strips to alert visually impaired pedestrians when they are nearing a step. Providing a high architectural aesthetic, Techdek is extremely versatile and can be used in many other applications, including staging, modesty screens, solar shading, maintenance galleries and roof access walkways.

When Bill and Angie first moved to Thorpe in 2002, 10 years later and with their retirement in sight, they knew they had their dream location, but refurbishing the existing building would have been challenging. They opted for a self-build bungalow design by Kingspan Potton called the Dartmoor, a stylish design with cladding. Bill explains his choice: ‘We wanted our home to have a contemporary look and to achieve this cladding was a must. We looked at all the options including Hardie® Plank and for us it was an easy decision; quick to install, cost effective and beautiful’

“From the materials used throughout the build process to how it’s powered, along with creating new areas of natural habitat to enhance the biodiversity of the site and local area, we’re bringing together skills and expertise from across McDonald’s and the partners we work with. From 2023 furniture and construction materials in new and refurbished restaurants will be made with recycled or certified materials and designed to be recycled or reused at end of life ”Construction Director, McDonald’s UK & Ireland The Absorb-R ToughSound acoustic-panels are environment friendly, fully recyclable natural components that offer optimal sound absorption and extensive resistance to fire. Surface applications include ceiling and wall mounting.Absorb-R ToughSound is a high performing high impact sound absorbing wood wool system, concept with excellent eco credentials which store heat from the ambient air.

The contractor for the project, Spetisbury Construction, replaced the existing composite decking boards with our non-combustible aluminium decking. The decking boards specified for this project were our ridged Senior Board, chosen for its strength and stability, but also for its excellent slip resistance. This was an important feature to help protect the elderly residents from falls in wet weather.

Broadgate, at the heart of the City of London, is home to a mix of prestigious buildings and architectural designs. One of the latest building designs is UBS’s new headquarters, by Ken Shuttleworth of Make Architects, which promises to be one of the world’s greenest buildings.With the project well underway, ISG Construction called-upon Roché to assist, thanks to our track record in handling unique, high-profile projects. We installed a number of fire curtains, fire shutters (including a bespoke design 9m-wide fire rated shutter) and V77 vision shutters.

BMJ transformed its London office into a more flexible and dynamic, ‘smart hub’ style workplace. A combination of Milliken's carbon neutral LVT and modular carpet floor coverings have been define the various collaboration areas, meeting spaces and workstations. This installation is a great example of the flexibility of modular floor coverings and in managing acoustics in a largely open workspace.

With a purpose-built development on the cards in its home town of Wrexham, Wales; Moneypenny had a 10-acre plot with which to design a new office space which could house up to 1,000 employees. However, unlike many traditional office projects of this nature; Moneypenny approached the building design in a very unique way. The £15m headquarters’ top line brief was to create a development which would literally ‘put a smile on people’s faces’.

PaxLock Pro, Net2 and Entry Provide Robust, Wireless Access ControlHumberside Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for the fire and rescue service across the East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, and North and North East Lincolnshire, serving a population of almost one million people. Providing a professional and skilled emergency response service; 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service also offer a range of other services and functions, including assistance with animal rescue, dangerous chemical spillages, local and wide area flooding, road traffic collisions, aircraft and railway incidents.RequirementThe Fire and Rescue Service required an access control solution that could secure multiple sites on a single system. The system needed to be robust and reliable, to maintain the security of the premises whilst allowing ease of entry and exit when responding to an emergency. Flexible access permissions across 12 of the fire stations in the region were also essential.Humberside Fire and Rescue Service worked with Delta Security Systems Ltd to recommend an access control solution that could meet their requirements. Based in Hull, Delta Security Systems supply electronic security systems for domestic and commercial use. They recommended Paxton’s flagship access control system; Net2, with PaxLock Pro; wireless access control in a door handle, and Entry; IP video door entry.Type of sitePublic Sector; Emergency Response LocationHull, UK Number of sites/doors/users12 sites260 doors300+ users Solution requiredManage and control access to all fire stations in the regionFlexible access permissions for short term site accessPin and token authentication for increased site security ResultRead in/read out access control providing fullaudit trail of who is on siteSecure fully manned and on-call stations withcentralised access managementRobust, multi-site access control solutionCentral management with remote access capabilities Paxton products usedPaxLock ProNet2 Plus ControllersNet2Air BridgeNet2 SoftwareEntry Standard panelEntry Standard MonitorP50 ReadersKP75 Readers

For the refurbishment of Edinburgh College’s busiest campus, its FM team called upon Forbo Flooring Systems’ Modul’up adhesive free sheet vinyl for its unique ability to be installed quickly and easily, while reducing downtime and disruption to day-to-day college life – as the floor covering could be walked on immediately after installation.

Osprey Development’s planning application was approved to convert The Blue Anchor into a two-storey four bedroomed home with remodelling and alterations to the single storey rear extensions including changes to the roof.

Eagle have completed another successful installation for Cala Homes at Sandy Lane Cobham. The installation consisted of 2 sets of electric gates and intercom system to the houses. Compliance with latest directives is essential so these gates were force tested and issued with a declaration of conformity. Eagle support all installations and are able to offer a 24hour emergency call out to offer peace of mind in the unlikely event something should go wrong. In the event of power failure all systems can be manually overridden. All systems are supported with CAD drawings and cabling requirements for intercoms and access control

In this stunning building conversion, Milliken's Comfortable Concrete 2.0 'paves' the corridors (Laid Bare) and adds a beautiful dusting of colour (Urban Poetry)to the meeting rooms. In the acoustic booths, Lightbox provides a pops of vibrant, dynamic colour and acoustic performance. Milliken's LVT in the natural wood aesthetic of Open-Shut and mineral effect of Earth Science deliver practical slip resistance and FlexForm Sound™ acoustic performance.

Working with Epwin Window Systems on any project can be like a breath of fresh air. Putting it simply, our experience & expertise in commercial projects counts. We’ll save you time & money, we’ll always work for the best overall outcome. We know that you’re the construction experts. Our job isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to help you do what you do best, more economically & more efficiently. Simplifying the task of installation, reduce site damage & cut down on survey times while delivering the right windows & doors for all your projects. Call us.

When Ainsley Gommon Architects was tasked with designing the new sixth form college in Connah’s Quay, it called upon Forbo Flooring Systems to ensure the interior design would easily accommodate changes in the curriculum, while clearly defining departments.Deeside Sixth, a joint development between Coleg Cambria, local schools and Flintshire County Council, is a £14.6 million state-of-the-art centre, which provides a learning environment to offer enhanced curriculum options to A Level students.

The Skyper building complex in Frankfurt am Main boasts a very special architecture. The three-part complex – consisting of the 153.8-metre Skyper high-rise with 39 floors, the neoclassical Skyper Villa from 1915 and the Skyper Carrée – offers a total of 53,900 m2 of office space for numerous companies and banks. When the existing single access entry systems were dismantled in the summer of 2020 as part of renovation work on the foyer, the owner opted for a new, modern solution that would blend in perfectly with the architecture of the skyscraper. Every day, large numbers of people go the foyer to get to their workplace. Numerous visitors also pass through this area. This called for a solution combining functionality, safety and an appealing design.

Koster Flooring systems were used in the refurbishment of a hotel in London as a part of a complete basement waterproofing solution.Due to height restrictions, a waterproofing system and functioning vapour barrier with self leveled finish were required within a 10mm build up. We achieved this using the Koster VAP Lite System.For more information or for a for assistance with a full specification, please contact technical@kosteruk.com.

Ballyseede Castle located near Tralee, dates back to the 16th century but was transformed in the 1960s into one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels. As part of a new extension Brett Martin Daylight Systems was called upon to provide an aesthetically pleasing daylight solution for the orangery. Brett Martin supplied a comprehensive bespoke rooflights package helping to create a light, bright environment for guests and staff, whilst blending beautifully with the character of this stately, listed building. Our bespoke rooflight systems are precision-engineered and highly adaptable, providing specifiers with a versatile way to create architecturally stunning pitched skylights.

Maritime outfitter giants – Scandia have expanded their worldwide footprint into Singapore. Genesis ASL15 is the perfect accompaniment to this project with its’ energy efficient solution to illuminate steps. Should a local or emergency power failure occur on stairways, increasing the risk of hazard for evacuees, the Aluminator® system allows the evacuee to orientate, locate stair edges and risers, and to assist in the safe evacuation of the premises. This is a great example of when great things happen- the job was quoted on the Thursday, shipped Friday and installed on the Tuesday!

Delta products were used at ground level on a semi-detached property in Hertfordshire that suffered from severe flooding. After the flood at the Grade II listed property in Long Marston, restoration experts DJ Hutchings of Towcester was called in, and – in turn – they called upon the services of Peter Cox . Work includes the full strip-out of all wall finishes and the solid floor on the ground floor. Mass underpinning took place to all the external walls. Included in the materials supplied by Delta is the MS500 system applied to all ground floor walls and MS20 on the floors.

Handyside is a compact, contemporary space that comprises a children’s play area for families to enjoy. The pathways were created with curved plant and tree beds, defined with Perimeta HiGrade Bespoke organic shaped raised planters in CorTen steel. The landscape also called for a steel planter system that could accommodate varying heights. The Kinley team worked closely with Townshend Landscape Architects right from the concept stages of the ambitious design to engineer a planter system that created and enhanced the vision.

Throughout many years, Dart Valley Systems continue to improve washroom facilities and assist in saving water and money across Tesco stores nationwide.The push taps installed in the washrooms were running longer than required. DVS recommended automatic taps as the lifetime is longer and potentially, up to 30% savings can be made. Even though flow rates may be similar, automatic taps will only run when they are detecting hands. See table below detailing estimated savings at this store when using automatic taps.

Grimsby based fabricators Fabrique Specialist Glazing were a perfect choice to complete all the fenestration needs for a brand new Holiday Inn Express in Grimsby Town Centre. Fabrique approached their aluminium supplier Kestrel Aluminium Systems to assist them with the project and the two companies worked in partnership for the entire project, from product specification to delivery.

Glassfields is a new high-spec office development which forms the gateway to Bristol’s Temple Quarter. The completed building offers the perfect environment for how businesses work today.With 93,000 square feet of high-quality office space, it has been designed with the tenants’ well-being in mind and provides a flexible, adaptive, and creative space. The design of the interior called for an industrial look which made Lusso 25 Geometric glazed partitioning system, with its black powder coated frames and banded look, the ideal choice. High acoustic Silenzio doors and Lusso 25 frameless single glazed system, also powder coated in black, were used to complement the design. The overall look provides a stunning, dramatic, and classy environment in which to attract and retain talent.The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent accreditation and an EPC rating A, embracing industry best practice, energy efficiency measures and sustainable technology.