"barrier queue management systems"

This project was part of an extensive refurbishment of the Sherfield Building, transforming an existing bar area into a restaurant with meeting rooms and public toilets. Imperial College wanted to create sleek, modern washrooms that would handle heavy traffic. “Our key considerations were to provide a contemporary facility which could be used as a benchmark for all future public toilet spaces throughout the college. Sourcing products made in the UK, with readily available parts, was an important part of our selection process, making Venesta the ideal choice.” - Dan Curtis, Strategic Development Manager

BackgroundK Systems’ retrofit of the REEMA non-traditional construction Properties in Swindon, South-West England, is a stellar example of the company’s ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Swindon Borough Council had a development of 50+ properties in Upper Stratton all with aged facades and poor thermal qualities, some with U-values as inadequate as1.59W/m ² K.K Systems supported Swindon Borough Council, led by Projects Surveyor John Black, to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on five primary objectives:- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home (SAP rating)- Deliver greater thermal comfort for residents- Choose a solution with acoustic benefits and non-combustable benefits- Reduce tenants’ energy consumption- Deliver an attractive aesthetic that would uplift the areaHaving a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver its clients’ visions, K Systems partnered with approved installer, Rateavon Ltd, to scope out theproject and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.Our ServiceK System worked in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council and Rateavon Ltd to upgrade these poorly insulated houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.One of the primary requirements was to improve the performance rating of each home, with a target U-value of 0.30W/m²K. In fact, K Systems exceeded that in the project delivery by achieving a U-value of 0.29W/m²K.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Digital technology was deployed from the very beginning to produce models and CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) to not only assure Swindon Council the finished project would meet its specific requirements, but to also guide the design process and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.Regular inspections and site audits were carried out alongside Swindon Council to ensure the same level of care and attention to detail that applied when specifying theproject was being applied during its implementation and delivery.Technical Project DetailsOn initial inspection, K Systems found a problematic substrate. The REEMA hollow panel non-traditional construction properties are constructed of a concrete frame with thin concrete panels to the exterior façade. This type of thin panel construction created a significant challenge for the team to find a suitable EWI fixing, but with the help from Rawlplug, one of our EWI fixings suppliers a robust and safe fixing solution was found, without compromising the existing REEMA construction.Harnessing years of EWI system design knowledge and unrivalled expertise in this field, K Systems worked closely with Rawlplug and a structural engineer to identify a suitable fixing detail and pattern which would not only be robust but also suitable for this type of substrate.With a structurally strong solution agreed, focus then turned to the appropriate insulation solution.After a comprehensive scoping process taking into consideration client requirements, project objectives, budgets and timeframes, K Systems specified the industry proven K Systems M, Mineral Wool EWI system to not only significantly boost thermal performance of the buildings but also reduce noise pollution for the tenants.K Systems 100mm Mineral Wool insulation has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the refurbishment as it would combat the increased heating costs faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building and reducing the risk of condensation or mould damage.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- non-combustibility, A2-s1,d0 fire rated- its excellent acoustic properties, reducing noise pollution- its environmentally friendly composition as the insulation is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)- its workability and easy to cut format, reducing labour time across the board for the team.Having identified solutions that improved structure and thermal performance, K Systems then offered the best quality finish for the properties – an aesthetically pleasing, cost effective combination of VBriQ+ clay brick slips and Silkolitt+ silicone render that both Swindon Council and the residents would be proud of.VBriQ+ is a lightweight, highly durable, clay brick slip system and a more cost-effective finish option in comparison to tradition brick systems without compromising on quality, weather resistance, workability and durability. This made it perfect for a project of this scale – a project which required maximum and long-lasting impact without incurring maximum costs.The Silkolitt+ silicone render finish rejuvenated the properties’ exteriors and massively enhanced the area’s overall aesthetic, making it a much more appealing place to set up home.Yet again going the extra mile for clients to ensure unrivalled workmanship and longevity, K Systems finished all 52 properties with K Pro - a water-based protective treatment used to provide long term enhanced water repellent properties to external render and other masonry surfaces, helping combat the problems associated with water intrusion including efflorescence, frost, water-soluble pollutants and algae growth meaning the substrate will stay clean and dry for longer.K Systems and approved installer Rateavon Ltd delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Swindon Council, and the residents of the newly improved homes.John Black, Projects Surveyor at Swindon Borough Council, said:“Throughout the project K Systems have supported Swindon Borough Council agreeing all detailing to ensure current day Building Control Regulations were met. They supported resolutions throughout the project lifecycle and were really reactive, visiting site and supporting when required. They carried out weekly detailed spot check reports with photographic evidence and also checked batch numbers of materials. They delivered a great service. A really successful project.”

Kings College London Residences manage accommodation for students at sites across central London. They provide facilities, support, and a programme of activities to help ensure their students have the best possible university experience. With close proximity to the cycle super highway, cycling is a fast, fun and practical solution for students’ transport needs. However, for many students, bike maintenance can be a barrier to cycling.Sustainability is a key theme within KCL residences and the university as a whole. Throughout February the university runs daily events on the topic, including a seminar on cycling in London. With this in mind, the residences team identified our Deluxe Bike Repair Stations as a great way remove the bike maintenance barrier, and to boost cycling culture within their student and staff cohorts.KCL GDSA Residences chose Cyclehoop following similar successful projects undertaken on KCL campuses. Our teams surveyed various locations across two sites, facilitated the eye-catching custom KCL branding, supplied the units and completed the installations. The repair stations offer a dedicated space for bike maintenance, convenient access to high quality tools and a focal point for the cycling community to meet and connect.The bike repair and pump stations are a brilliant asset to enhance our students’ university experience. They promote the benefits of cycling and empower students to choose a sustainable mode of transport, helping fight poor air quality and climate change. Cyclehoop managed the project from supply to installation, the whole process was entirely stress-free.Maddie JammehResidence Manager, King’s Residences

Since opening in 1993, the Corner House Nursery in Sheffield has expanded from a 22 place nursery to a 127 place nursery offering childcare for children aged 6 months to 4 years. Faye Puzzovio, an Interior Architect and Financial and Business Manager at the nursery, wanted to celebrate the 20 year anniversary by completing the latest stage of refurbishment in the nursery. Faye chose Bushboard’s Tiny Stuff toilet cubicle range; safe, fun and reliable nursery toilet cubicles, designed specifically for infant and nursery school children, with anti finger trap hinges, crescent pilasters and curved doors.

Products used:EW | Cavity Barriers and Firestops for Masonry External WallsBB-CB | Balcony Bracket – Cavity Barrier Siderise has provided a proven range of cavity barriers and an innovative new balcony bracket for a residential building located within a new sustainable community in north London.A landmark 64-acre regeneration project taking shape near Finsbury Park, Woodbury Down will feature over 5500 new homes and community facilities whilst maintaining a sustainable approach to development.Working with Berkeley Homes and façade contractor Swift Brickwork on Block B of the development, Siderise provided a range of fire compartmentation solutions including both the EW cavity barrier formasonry walls and the new BB-CB Balcony Bracket – a ready-to-fit cavity barrier solution offering 2 hours fire resistance, which addresses the complex detailing where a balcony interacts with the building envelope,and allows for simple abutting of the EW products to provide continuity of the cavity barriers.The ongoing and long-term collaboration with Berkeley Homes led to Siderise recommending both the EW cavity barrier to seal the gap between the inside of the floor slabs and the exterior brick façade, and also the new BB-CB balcony bracket - cavity barrier, the first time this innovation has been installed in balcony applications.Siderise developed the innovative ready-to-fit BB-CB solution for balcony applications in order to speed-up the installation and provide a tested fire compartmentation solution for an area where high workmanship skills were required.In addition to the bespoke technical support and guidance provided throughout the project, the Siderise Inspection App offered the developer an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of their installation work on this residential building throughout the contract. By capturing the relevant information on a standard smartphone or tablet device, Swift Brickwork was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution and ensure 100% quality assurance on the installation of the cavity barrier system.

INNOVATIVE OFFICE INSTALL CREATES STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE SPACE Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) range was specified by design and fit out company, Oktra, to transform an office building into a stylish and modern workspace. It was also installed adhesive free using IOBAC MagTabsÒ, to help achieve Akoya’s sustainability requirements.  Oktra were recruited by Akoya and Brunswick Property Partners, to repurpose an office building to create a vibrant and attractive space for young professionals and entrepreneurs to work in. Formally known as Knollys and Stephenson House, the building will be rebranded as Mosaic East, a comprehensive refurbishment of one of East Croydon’s most iconic office developments.  Typically, carpet tiles or exposed raised access flooring are the go-to solution in these scenarios, however with a premium design required, Oktra opted for something different, as Danielle La Porte, Designer at Oktra explains: “Akoya wanted to create a range of category A office suites that would be memorable to tenants, while also meeting sustainability requirements. With this brief in mind, we specified Forbo’s Allura Flex LVT, which is available in range of elegant colourways and wood effect designs – perfect for this project! “We wanted to add some brand identity within the category A suites, so we decorated some of them in a light pink colour with linear LED lighting, and other suites in a light sage green colour. To complement the colour palettes, we chose Allura Flex LVT in the Light Honey Oak shade. We then asked the flooring contractors, The Commercial Flooring Company, to install the planks in a beautiful herringbone pattern to really enhance the aesthetics of the space.” However, appearance wasn’t the only area of concern, with Akoya also conscious of the sustainability requirements. Danielle addressed this, saying: “The aesthetics of the flooring weren’t the only thing we had to keep in mind, we also had to ensure that whatever floor covering we specified would meet Akoya’s sustainability aims. It was for this reason that we specified Forbo’s Allura Flex, as it can be easily installed adhesive free, using IOBAC MagTabsÒ.” IOBAC’s innovative MagTabsÒ provide a two-dimensional hold, with one side being magnetic and the other a dry-tack adhesive. This means they can be easily magnetised onto metal raised access flooring, like those at Mosaic East, and the chosen flooring simply placed on top, negating the need for traditional adhesives. Ian Spreadborough, Founder and Director at IOBAC explains further: “Our MagTabsÒ essentially allow flooring contractors to quickly place floor coverings down onto raised access flooring, without damaging the substrate or the flooring itself. The phrase we use is ‘hard to shift, easy to lift’. The idea is that the flooring is securely fitted but can then be lifted back up to be reused elsewhere, or simply be replaced by another floor covering further down the line. “Oktra approached us as they had used our MagTabsÒ on a previous project and had been extremely impressed by their performance, so were keen to use the product again. Additionally, Forbo’s LVT and carpet tiles are approved for use with the MagTabsÒ, making it the logical choice. On top of this, Brunswick, who own the raised access flooring itself, were keen to maintain the condition of its asset, so, the tabs served a double purpose, protecting both a heavy carbon embodied asset, in the raised access flooring, and Forbo’s floor coverings.” Jon Cochrane, Director - Asset Management & Sustainability at Brunswick Property Partners, commented on the use of IOBAC’s MagTabsÒ, saying: “Cleaning adhesive residue off sub-floors in between leases is often messy, expensive and time-consuming. In some cases, the raised access floor panels are so badly contaminated that they must be completely replaced, something which isn’t sustainable, environmentally or financially.  However, using IOBAC MagTabsÒ to install floor coverings removes this issue completely. This means that our asset, in this case the raised access flooring, is protected and kept damage-free for longer-term usage.” It wasn’t just the sustainability benefits that drew Oktra towards MagTabsÒ, with the installation benefits of the tabs also a deciding factor. Daniel Hassan, Operations Manager at The Commercial Flooring Company, commented on this, saying: “Thanks to IOBAC’s MagTabsÒ, it took a team of three fitters around five days to install 900m2 of flooring in a herringbone pattern, which is challenging to install and would have taken much longer to do through traditional methods. This provided a great time saving and allowed the other trades to work around us whilst we fitted the flooring.” The time saved during the installation stage meant the project as a whole was able to be completed in just 10 weeks, a quick turnaround for such a large job. Danielle concluded: “We’re really happy with the finished project, as are Akoya; the flooring looks amazing and we’re delighted to have been able to get it fitted so quickly, as well as meet Akoya’s important sustainability aims.” To find out more about Forbo’s offering for office spaces, please visit: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices.To find out more about using IOBAC MagTabs, please visit: Adhesive-free Flooring Installation System - IOBAC MagTabs® | IOBAC | NBS Source (thenbs.com) 

The Emerald rises 40 stories above one of Seattle's most desirable neighbourhoods. The LEED Silver certified building manages to redefine luxury living. According to the idea of Hewitt architecture studio from Seattle, high-quality, natural materials as well as the sophisticated daylight concept blur the boundaries between the interior rooms and the picturesque nature. This is particularly evident on the second and third floors where the Pilkington Profilit™ channel glass system spans the outside of the fitness centre and community meeting spaces. Large, glazed areas can diffuse extensive amounts of natural light deep into interior spaces without loss of privacy.Apart from channel glass, Pilkington Pyrostop® Line fire protection glass also ensures natural light deep into the interior. Both products were installed in systems from Technical Glass Products.A transparent façade with Pilkington fire-resistant glass was planned to separate the fitness studio from the corridor in terms of fire protection. The spacious inner façade made of glass provides plenty of light in the training area and enables the desired feel-good atmosphere in the fitness studio. At the same time, it directs a lot of light into the interior of the building.The fire-resistant glass Pilkington Pyrostop® Line was used in a Fireframe Clearview® system from TGP with Heat Barrier frames and doors from the Fireframe Heat Barrier series. This generously fire-resistant and at the same time impact-resistant solution could be implemented without a vertical frame between the individual panes, with almost colourless transitions between the adjacent glass panes and without coloured inner glass spacers.

Situated in Devils Bridge just outside Aberystwyth, Wales. Since opening in 1962, thousands of campers have stayed at Woodlands Caravan Park enjoying the rural location, tea rooms, waterfalls and the famous three bridges. The park draws in hundreds of campers every year, the park’s manager Victoria Chism wanted to update the washrooms so that site appealed to even more visitors. Victoria chose the Bushboard’s Quadro range in SGL for the ladies and gents washroom cubicles and shower areas. Quadro has a unique pilaster shoe allowing for extra floor fixings and a continuous headrail, delivering both strength and style.

Ireland's newest major sporting venue, the inspiring Aviva Stadium, required a fittingly impressive entrance and exit zone aesthetic for its opening year. Accommodating up to 50,000 seated spectators meant issues of safety were key to the specification process, and the entrance flooring system chosen had to be the highest level functionally as well as aesthetically. Fortunately, Forbo Flooring system's extensive portfolio of entrance matting systems offered the ideal products for the job. Robust, smartly attractive and with moisture absorbing qualities for anti-slip safety, Nuway Tuftiguard was used for entrance areas

Fernie Fields Sports Club decided to extend their changing rooms to meet current football requirements.Definition contemporary flush-fronted toilet cubicle range was chosen to bring a wow factor. Manufactured in Sage Green Solid Grade Laminate to ensure durability.Stephen the Trustee Vice Chairman and project manager explained, “We chose the sanitaryware to be pre-plumbed and we definitely think this was the right choice to speed up the operation on a tight deadline”. Read the whole case study on our website.

The role of the maintenance team is critical to keep flood lighting operational at all times. Accessing flood lights for maintenance, however, is the tricky bit. Every facilities manager knows, where possible, working at height is to be avoided. This is where the flood light winch comes into its own.

Situated in Richmond, Surrey and overlooking the River Thames, the Petersham Hotel undertook a refurbishment of the Tower suite to ensure an unforgettable visit alongside the equally picturesque views. Tile and stone protection experts Schlüter-Systems were on hand to provide a level entry system solution for the bathroom of this stunning area of the hotel.

FORBO’S CONTEMPORARY PORTFOLIO HELPS TO CREATE INSPIRATIONAL AND SUSTAINABLE STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONArchwood House, a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Peckham, was commissioned by the University of the Arts London (UAL) to house its students. Tasked with creating proactive and forward-thinking spaces for residents to live and study in, architects Nelson and Long specified an array of solutions from Forbo Flooring Systems’ contemporary portfolio to make this happen. Forbo’s Coral entrance flooring, Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), Tessera carpet tiles, Eternal de Luxe Decibel general purpose vinyl and Surestep and Safestep safety floor coverings were all installed throughout the building.Comprising 343 bedrooms and 50 studios, Archwood House provides students with accommodation close to UAL buildings and is designed to provide students with the creative and inspirational spaces they need, to enhance their university experiences. Nelson and Long worked closely with UAL to develop a design that would create spaces which were flexible and would allow residents to flourish in their surroundings.Alicia Nelson, Co-founder of Nelson and Long commented on the brief they received: “Our client’s brief was to create innovative and inspiring spaces for UAL’s creative students to learn and grow in. It was also important that the spaces equipped students with the tools they needed to have a successful time at university, from studying to socialising. Sustainability was top of the agenda too, so we needed to carefully consider the materials we specified to ensure we met the requirements.”With the project brief in mind, Alicia set about sourcing materials that reflected the needs of the building: “Due to the variety of high-quality and sustainable products available within Forbo’s portfolio, as well as its reliable customer service, we opted for a variety of Forbo floor coverings for Archwood House, including its Allura LVT and Tessera carpet tiles.“We specified Forbo’s Allura LVT in a variety of colourways for a few different areas of the student accommodation, including the games room and common room which are situated in the street building – a separate part of the accommodation. The warm colours that Forbo’s Allura LVT are available in helped to provide a stunning backdrop for each space which then enabled us to build out, incorporating different textures and colours to the overall design. For example, we used the Smoke Cement shade for the ground floor corridors, games room and study room, to elevate the design and provide a nice neutral finish. As well as the beautiful designs available, Forbo’s Allura LVT is also easy to clean, which was an important factor for this project, given that lots of students would be using these spaces.“We then opted for various designs from Forbo’s Tessera collection, which are lovely, elegant and durable loop pile carpet tiles. Forbo’s Tessera Layout in the Graphine colourway was the perfect solution for the stairs, cluster corridors and other high traffic areas, thanks to its hard-wearing nature. The understated grey shade also complemented the neutral colour palette we were using for these areas.”Alicia also specified Forbo’s Tessera Chroma carpet tiles in the Pathway and Tuxedo colourways, which were installed in the bedrooms and the cinema room respectively to create a homely feel to the rooms. Not only this, but Forbo’s Tessera Chroma carpet tiles are made with 62% recycled content by weight, aiding in creating a more sustainable scheme.This was combined with Forbo’s Eternal de Luxe Decibel vinyl floor covering in the communal and studio kitchens. This solution served a double purpose: It reduced impact sound by 17 dB and provided an R10 slip rating, both of which were key to creating healthier and safer spaces for residents to live in.With safety in mind, Alicia also specified a range of Forbo’s safety flooring, as she explains further: “For the staff kitchen areas, toilets and prayer room, we needed to ensure maximum slip protection and that’s why we chose Forbo’s Surestep and Safestep floor coverings. The prayer room, in particular, which contains a wudu sink, needed to be a safe and neutral environment for residents to use, and Forbo’s Surestep offered the perfect solution. As a genuine safety flooring with guaranteed lifetime slip resistance, as well as an R10 slip rating and a 36 PTV score, it was the ideal solution to ensure the safety of residents. Not only this, but it comes available in a range of stylish colourways, such as the neutral wood décor we specified, which complemented the overall design.”In addition to this, to maintain the condition of the interior floor coverings, Alicia opted to use Forbo’s Coral Classic entrance flooring system in the Mouse Grey colourway. Alicia explains more here: “We wanted a solid barrier matting, that would reduce the walked-in dirt that you’d expect to see in a city centre university accommodation. With students coming and going all day, it was key to install an effective entrance flooring system to reduce cleaning and maintenance. Forbo’s Coral was just the solution we needed, with the Mouse Grey colourway matching the other grey textile carpets we’d specified, whilst also helping to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture from being brought in on the soles of shoes and treads of wheels.”Having opened in September 2022, Archwood House has been positively received by both staff and residents, who are delighted with the overall design and feel of the building.To find out more about Forbo’s offering for student accommodation, visit:WWW.FORBO-FLOORING.CO.UK/STUDENTACCOMMODATION

Tolson's Mill, Tamworth is a new £16 million development consisting of 51 canal side apartments and 10 town houses. Set within a five-storey textile factory, each apartment and house is set to retain the industrial character of the grade 2 listed Mill building. Leading the project development was Brookland Group with subcontractors V&D Interiors fitting out each of the living spaces. In designing the building, Crosby Granger Architects placed safety and comfort as the main priorities for product specification.Given the listed nature of the building, ensuring the materials used met and exceeded safety needs was critical. Likewise, ensuring acoustic performance would be key given the luxurious nature of the apartments and town houses.    For Calvin Challis, Commercial Manager at V&D Interiors, using Knauf products was the sensible thing to do. “The goals of the architect were to ensure a quality, soundproof interior which meant that the product specification met and exceeded this expectation. That’s where Knauf came in. Not only were they always there to help and ready to listen if we had any questions, but their product were also the right choice to achieve the goals specified by the architect.” Attaining this level of performance would be achieved using Knauf performance systems products including metal partitions, which not only offer speed advantages on site, but enhance fire protection as well.Meeting the acoustic needs of the brief, standard 12.5mm and 15mm Knauf Soundshield Plus were used on the walls and ceilings. Soundshield Plus provided enhanced acoustic performance and excellent fire resistance. Importantly, Soundshield Plus can give up to 54Db acoustic sound reduction when used as part of a Knauf system. Getting the perfect finish throughout was achieving by using a mixture of Knauf finishing products. This included jointing tape, intumescent and acoustic mastic for their fire and acoustic performance attributes, and Knauf Fill and Finish. The result was a high-quality finish on partition walls with necessary performance built in.Ensuring consistency throughout the interior, Knauf Ceilings were specified for their acoustic performance and peace of mind both ceiling and wall systems would complement each other. “From a specification point of view, it was critical we knew that all products used would achieve the performance required. This was the main point for the architects but for us on site, having all the product come from a single supplier made it easier to source the right materials and know they’d install and work together easily” Calvin recalls. While efficiencies were gained on site by using Knauf systems, one of the biggest advantages this approach offered was the peace of mind through warranties. Calvin explained why this was so important: “The Knauf System Performance Warranty meant everyone knew the products would perform as intended for the lifetime of the system, with guarantees in place in the unlikely event of something going wrong.” “Having that security in place was vital for all involved, it meant we could get the support we need for installation and the main contractors and client would be protected going forwards. Especially on a listed building project, you need to have that peace of mind in place.”For added reassurance, Calvin recalls how Knauf would provide onsite support in the form of inspections “Knauf were brilliant, if we needed any help or assistance, they were more than happy to help. They came to the site a few times, to inspect the installation and provide some guidance if we were unsure of something. This was particularly helpful when it came to checking the acoustic ratings. They were able to check the acoustic ratings and ensure that they met the requirements, and that the client was satisfied.” The apartments that form part of the luxury residential development at Tolson's Mills and Tamworth were completed in November of 2022, with the houses scheduled to be finished in June 2023.

Forbo Flooring Systems' unique and comprehensive product portfolio has brought to life a striking new refurbishment project at Leaseplan UK, Berkshire, where a wide range of Forbo's textile and resilient products have been specified as part of an exciting modular flooring solution. Flooring contractor: Crisp Designed Ltd

Automated parking system will combine storage and service for classic, racing and luxury cars.Lödige Industries has secured a contract from SSR-Performance to deliver an automated car storage system. The 141-space facility in Munich, Germany is billed to be the most modern automated system aimed at luxury and classic car owners.About the new classic car parking facility in Munich SSR-Performance is constructing a 10,000 m² classic, racing and luxury car hub with specialist repair and styling facilities, race sports services and showroom. The new automated classic and sports car storage facility complements these plans. The contract with Lödige Industries includes the planning, construction, installation and servicing of the new robotic system. Work on site has already begun and is scheduled to complete in early 2020. Combining maintenance and storage of classic, racing and luxury cars on a restricted footprintConsistent humidity and reduced levels of oxygen are important to reduce corrosion and fire risk when storing classic cars. Humidity, temperature and atmosphere inside the robotic parking system are controlled to cater for the specific requirements of vintage cars. “I have been looking for a facility like this myself for several years now. When it became clear that it didn’t exist, I decided to build one myself,” says Stefan Schlund, Managing Director of SSR-Performance. “After visiting Europe’s largest public robotic parking facility in Denmark a few months ago, I was impressed. In working with Lödige Industries, I have chosen an experienced partner that not only understood my needs but also knew how to make them happen.”In the fully automated facility, cars will be parked in one of the access cabins from where they will be transported into the system by a flat robot carrying them by their tires onto a transport vehicle and from there onto the parking space.About the customerStarting in spring 2020, SSR Performance GmbH will offer a demanding clientele automotive services with a focus on sports cars, classic automobiles and motor sports under one roof. SSR is opening an automotive competence and service centre in the north of Munich, which will offer a large number of lifting platforms, an air-conditioned four-wheel drive performance test stand, a showroom and fully automated nitrogen storage areas for exclusive cars on 10,000 m² of floor space and six levels.Challenges of storing classic, racing and luxury carsThe German market for classic cars is constantly growing and faces a gap in combined storage and service for classic, racing and luxury cars.Providing enough parking spaces on the restricted footprint, is one major issue SSR Performance faces.When storing classic cars, consistent humidity and reduced levels of oxygen are important to reduce corrosion and fire risk.High security standards need to be provided in storing classic, racing and luxury cars, as they value significantly higherA thorough maintenance and cleaning of the classic, racing and luxury cars is the basic requirement for an optimal storage. This prevents the formation of rust or other deposits on the vehicle.Our solution and benefits for the customerSSR Performance recognised the market gap and took the opportunity to serve high-quality service and storage for classic, racing and luxury cars within a new facility in Munich.Humidity, temperature and atmosphere inside the robotic parking system are controlled to cater for the requirements of vintage cars.The automated parking systems, provided by Lödige, delivers high security for customers, as access to the cars stored within the system is only for authorized personal.Our CUBILE technology uses a flat transport robot, which carries the cars by their tires and therefor reduces the risk of damages.The customized automated parking system for SSR Performance features direct automated access to mechanic workshops. With this fully automated link, SSR can provide the unique combination of storage and maintenance for classic, racing and luxury cars to their customers.“I have been looking for a facility like this myself for several years now. When it became clear that it didn’t exist, I decided to build one myself. After visiting Europe’s largest public robotic parking facility in Denmark a few months ago, I was impressed. In working with Lödige Industries, I have chosen an experienced partner that not only understood my needs but also knew how to make them happen.”- Stefan Schlund, Managing Director of SSR-Performance

Carreg Hir is an amalgamation of 3 existing primary schools from the Briton Ferry area. Now a two form entry school for 420 pupils, with a 30 place nursery. Julian Davies, Principal Architectural Manager at Neath Port Talbot Council, chose Bushboard Washrooms to supply the school toilet cubicles as we were able to achieve the full specification required for the entire project. Profiles Kids and HiZone was chosen in vibrant colours and WC ducting and easy access panels in the staff toilets. Read the whole case study on our website.

The first thoughts about safety at work are always about physical injury prevention as well as inhaling fumes, hazardous substances, etc. However, Occupational Noise, which is the amount of acoustic energy received by an employee of a company, can cause permanent damage if it is continuous.In the UK, The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, came into effect for all industries from April 2008, which is quite late when you consider that the harm hearing loss can cause. Harm such as Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise in the ear or head, caused by a problem with the inner ear.The sustaining of high noise levels can also mask warning signals, prevent concentration and vital communication.Most authorities around the world have agreed that noise becomes dangerous when it’s higher than 85 decibels during a typical 8-hour work shift. However, noises under 85 decibels can also cause issues with the general public who are in and around the working environment.An example below shows the different examples of noise levels in decibels – the definition of noise is sound that is unpleasant or causes disturbance.ReductionIf a noise can’t be reduced by engineering the equipment, then acoustic quieting is required. This is the process of dampening vibrations from machinery and systems such as flue systems.With the increasing demand for noise attenuation, the demand for noise reduction from flues and chimneys in marine and industrial situations mean that many companies have developed their own silencer programmes. These tend to be combined with flue systems to have a product range which is reducing sound at the design stage

JP Morgan is one of the largest investment firms that reside at Canary Wharf. They had a requirement for premium commercial shower cubicles for their staff. Glass and chrome was to a play a key features into the shower design, and we created a bespoke cubicle system to meet their requirements. Read the full case study on our website.

Hexham and Northern Mart is an auction house in Hexham (25 miles west of Newcastle), specialising in the sale of livestock and cattle to farmers across the North East of England. The business decided it was time to replace its old gas-fired heating system with a more sustainable alternative – one that would not only reduce energy consumption and running costs, but also earn additional income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Minimising impact on day-to-day operations during the transition was another key consideration. Managing director Robert Addison tasked renewable energy specialist and NIBE Pro Installer Calibrate Energy Engineering with finding the right solution to meet the heating and hot water demands of the 112,050sq ft building.The SolutionThe team at Calibrate specified, designed and installed a 300 kW renewable heating system made up of five 60 kW NIBE F1345 ground source heat pump (GSHP) units. They paired this with a 50 kW solar PV array, fitted to the roof of the main pen area, which partially powers the NIBE GSHP system. The in-ground heat collectors required for the GSHP were laid in the fields around the buildings, with the controls units sited in a prefabricated plant room to the rear of the premises. The installation took just three months from start to finish, and during this time it was business as usual for Hexham and Northern Marts.ResultsDocked together in a cascade for greater output capacity, the five NIBE F1345 GSHP units now meet 95% of Hexham and Northern Marts’ 394,000 kW/h annual heating and hot water demand. Meanwhile, the 50 kW solar PV array generates enough free electricity to offset a significant 50% of the power needed to run the GSHP system. Hexham & Northern Marts is set to make a 236% return on investment – reaping an estimated £862,000 in energy savings and commercial RHI payments over the next two decades.Customer Testimonial“We couldn’t be happier with our new renewable heat and power sources. As well as delivering instant reductions in energy usage and subsequent savings on heating bills, the NIBE GSHP solution is providing us with a steady stream of income for the next two decades, thanks to the RHI. The power produced by the solar PV panels is an added bonus, and makes running the heat pump system even more cost-effective.“As a result, we’re expecting to see returns of more than double our original investment over the next 20 years – which is absolutely invaluable from a business point of view. Not only this, but we’ve got an efficient, reliable renewables setup that’s fit for the future, and will continue to deliver ongoing savings for years to come.”Robert Addison, managing director, Hexham & Northern Marts

Bushboard Washrooms worked closely with Stephen Ratcliffe – Club Chairman and Project Manager to deliver a bespoke sports changing room that was in keeping with the clubs colours.Stephen chose Bushboard’s Baseline toilet cubicle range for its “robust, stylish and practical” design. Manufactured from Solid Grade Laminate it was important to ensure the cubicles and vanities are durable to withstand the rigours of such a demanding environment.The changing room had perimeter benching with strong hardwood slats and our wall mounted coat hook rail paired with SGL carcass lockers.Read the whole case study on our website.

To make sanitation convenient for the busy doctors and nurses, our conveniently sized, pre-plumbed recessed and boxed-out units, from our Vepps healthcare range were placed in all consultation rooms. “The move into the new building was the biggest event in the Doctors’ Practice for a generation. The selection of Vepps units in the consulting and treatment rooms was an important part of delivering a modern Primary Care Centre, with modern, compliant, spacious, bright and colourful rooms, fit for delivering Primary Care Services for the next generation and beyond.” - David Golland, Project Manager for Strand Medical Centre, Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex

Schlüter-Systems have become part of a historic refurbishment which will see the grand Chancery Court Hotel, London, a 1914 Edwardian heritage property, revamped with elegant and contemporary bathroom suites.

Beechview Drive is a development by MD Constructions Ltd consisting of 8 brand new, luxury detached family houses set in a secure gated development. Each comprising 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, stunning kitchen diners and integral double garages. Licata Building Systems supplied full silicone render systems and clay brick slips systems for the facades of the houses. The combination of the two finishes created a modern style to the development. Full Licata waterproofing systems were used in the bathrooms of the properties and were also finished of with high quality premium Italian porcelain tiles supplied by Licata.

Wick Tower is an iconic building for the locals which lay derelict for 20 years. Licata Building Systems was part of the process to bring Wick Tower back to life. Our silicone render system was used to create an aesthetic façade finish. The render system used maintains it’s clean fresh look for many years to come due to its self cleaning properties and will protect the structure from moisture.

Established in 1976, Corfe Hills School in Dorset welcomes over 800 secondary and sixth form students through their gates each year. Since achieving Academy status in 2011, Corfe Hills have been looking ahead, keen to develop a schedule of works for building improvements that support the school’s growth and ultimately safeguard the building’s future.Over time, the existing roofs across the site had experienced continuous water ingress issues that needed to be addressed. Multiple roof penetrations from the roof lights were leaking water; the existing waterproofing system and the overlaid bituminous membrane were failing in places resulting in splits and blistering, and the metal roof had rusted beyond repair. With rain seeping directly into the classrooms below, action had to be taken to ensure the site was remedied to a safe and comfortable learning environment for students and staff.Garland Technical Manager, Paul Boole, was instructed by building surveying firm Kendall Kingscott to support Corfe Hills approaching CIF bid for the critical roof refurbishment works. An essential part of the brief was to ensure that the buildings were not only fully waterproofed but to upgrade the overall thermal efficiency, alongside securing a robust 20-year guarantee.In support of the CIF bid, Paul carried out a thorough investigation of the school’s roof assets for Kendall Kingscott, producing core sampling data, detailed condition surveys and U-Value calculations to outline a clear specification for the works required. 

A stunning project, the Gothia Towers Exhibition Centre in Sweden benefits from the installation of five, state-of-the-art, fully automatic, Skyfold vertical-rising partitioning walls. Dividing the cavernous space, the row of Skyfold walls can be individually lowered at the press of a button, forming an exceptional acoustic barrier in minutes. “The exhibition centre now has incredibly flexible function space, allowing various rooms to be created to match the needs of the moment.” said Julian Sargent, group managing director of partitioning experts Style, sole distributors for Skyfold in the UK.

Project typeRefurbishmentContractorWilliam Bowley Projects LtdBrief descriptionRecently retired, the clients were looking to move from London to the bustling seaside town of Poole. They found a chalet bungalow at a desirable location right by Poole Park and only a short distance from Poole Harbour & Sandbanks beaches. However, due to it being previously rented out long term, it was in need of a lot of modernisation.The client’s desire was to create a large steam shower area in the master en-suite with plenty of space for them to relax, listen to music and unwind after a busy day.Due to the size and layout of the existing en-suite, and especially its low angled ceilings, careful planningwas required to provide the client with the desired, spacious steam shower without compromising too much on the floor space.RequirementsSteam shower area with sound & lightingThe clients wanted to create an area for absolute relaxation, a private wellness oasis, accessible only from their bedroom.Required components• watertight and steam-proof components with longevity• spacious seating area• practical storage• sound technology• lightingProducts usedBase products• wedi Vapor 85 building boards with pre-installed vapour barrier membrane (SD value of 92)• wedi Sanoasa Bellina seat element• wedi Sanoasa Bellina carrier element• wedi 610 adhesive & sealant• wedi Tools joint reinforcement tape, self adhesive• wedi 620 sealant• wedi Tools waterproof sealing tape• wedi Tools waterproof sealing corners• wedi Tools washers, stainless steelProducts usedIndividual products• 1600 x 950 x 50mm wedi Fundo Riolito shower element(1100mm channel on the long side and DN50 horizontal drainage)wedi solutionsDesigned & built by the installer• a practical and easy to maintain niche for storage(using the trimmings of Vapor 85 building boards)The required technology was integrated into the wedi elements by the installer, providing the clients with the perfect atmosphere to promote well-being.‘Compared with cement board/aqua panel, wedi is truly a superb system; easy to use and fit, lightweight and perfect for tiling over. I will definitely be using wedi for future bathroom installs’Nick Turner, Director at William Bowley Projects Ltd.

A selection of our high-performance aluminium fenestration solutions has been used for this new café and drive-thru at a popular shopping destination in Wales.The new Starbucks at Parc Pemberton Retail Park has been designed by G1 Architects and built by Trojan Construction, with the aluminium fenestration package skilfully delivered by specialist contractor Sherwood Aluminium Systems.The project features both our cost-effective SCW aluminium curtain walling and our robust SFG shop front glazing system, which are both ideally suited for use in the retail sector as they combine slim sightlines with a robust and durable construction. Our curtain wall system has been used to create a bright and airy interior in the café, and the SFG system has been integrated with our SD aluminium doors to provide safe access at the entrance and exit. Our SD aluminium commercial doors have also been used on the drive-thru building, with the powder-coated aluminium frames perfectly complementing the use of timber cladding and grey façade design.The new Starbucks outlet has benefited from both Trojan Construction and Sherwood Aluminium Systems’ extensive experience undertaking similar schemes for the retailer across the UK, with Sherwood Aluminium Systems named as a preferred supplier for Starbucks.

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.

Profile 22 has supplied its Optima Casement solution to 84 social housing properties in Hulme, Manchester. The three blocks of two and three-storey buildings belong to People First Housing. David Smith, director of A&D Joinery, said: “We’ve been working with Profile 22 since 1991. On this particular project we were fabricating and installing windows from the new Optima range, which we’ve been using since it was launched in 2016. “Profile 22’s specification manager had done an initial window design survey and technical design drawings, which we were able to use during the tendering process.”

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.

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

Newton Specialist Contractors ASF Waterproofing were called in to investigate why the Bridge Master’s Quarters at No.1 Tower Bridge was suffering from damp and proceeded to install multiple Newton products to resolve the issue.At the world-famous Tower Bridge, landscaping contractor Maylim was commissioned by the City of London Corporation to investigate why the Bridge Master's Quarters at No.1 Tower Bridge was suffering from damp.After excavating, they discovered that the structure had no effective damp proofing protection. Newton Specialist Contractor ASF Waterproofing were commissioned to install new damp proofing measures to solve the issue.ASF Waterproofing approached the project in two phases, using multiple products to effectively damp proof both inside and outside the building. At the start of phase one, ASF correctly prepared and cleaned the internal wall surfaces before installing a new damp-proof course by injecting Newton 804-DPC into the walls at regular intervals, then sealing the holes with Newton 313-WP. The walls were then smoothed with a new internal render, ready for Newton 103-S to be quickly and easily sprayed to provide a final barrier to water.For phase two, the ASF team turned to the external walls of the structure, preparing and cleaning the surface before applying a new external render coat. The wall was then thoroughly waterproofed with four coats of the flexible, resilient Newton 109-LM. To ensure that the building was completely protected externally, the waterproofing began at 1 metre below ground level and extended all the way up to the existing windowsills.Thanks to their meticulous attention to detail and high standard of installation, ASF Waterproofing were able to provide both the contractor and the client with a high-quality and comprehensive damp proofing solution. As a result, the City of London Corporation can now hand over the building to the new lease holder, safe in the knowledge that it is well protected from damp.

During the London 2012 Games, Frontier Pitts protected various Olympic sites including the Olympic Park, Greenwich Park, Old Trafford and St James Park. Three pairs of Frontier Pitts PAS 68 Terra V Gates were installed at Greenwich Park venue. VIPs to Greenwich Park during this time included members of the Royal Family. After the games, our client described the Terra V Gates as the ‘Best Security Gates of the London 2012 Games’. The Terra V Gates are a pair of bi-parting hinged gate leaves that were successfully impact tested to PAS 68 stopping a 7500kg vehicle travelling at 50mph.

“It is a nice refresh compared to the previous look” - Tara Vickers, Office Manager, United Talent Agency The office toilets needed refreshing to reflect the company’s style, especially with clients using the facilities. In this particularly narrow washroom layout, the Unity, full height,inline cubicle design served as a space saver. Accessed with doors on the side, rather than face on, the walls absorb the depth of the cubicle, maintaining a spacious environment. The finished washroom boasted a fresh, contemporary space which met all initial requirements. The client was particularly pleased with “the sleek look of everything”.