"barrier"

The BBC Elstree Studios, Borhamwood, are home to some of the top shows on British television today including; Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice, The Chase and Pointless. But let’s not forget its film heritage – Indiana Jones, Star Wars, The King’s Speech and Paddington.Now Newgate are having a piece of the action.Here at Newgate we are proud to have been awarded a new £40,000 contract to supply not only our range of vehicle access gates, but five sets of pedestrian control gates too.Whilst this is definitely one of our more exciting projects, this is not our first venture into “TV LAND”, as we have previously supplied security barriers to the original BBC HQ in London and the film set of Coronation St, in Manchester.

Lang+Fulton were asked to supply louvred screening to provide shelter and a visual barrier for the café and outdoor pool areas at the Portavadie Marina Resort. A 2.5m high screen of Italia-100 panels was installed to provide 100% visual screening. The louvres have a free area of 29%, which helps to reduce wind loading, but, in order to cope with potential storm force conditions, the RHS posts were specially designed in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-4. A store area for bins and a secure compound for service plant fored an additional part of the contract. The steel louvres were polyester powder coated in a muted grey (RAL 7015) to a marine grade standard of finish to blend with the surroundings and withstand the harsh coastal climate.

Hitherfield Primary School & Children’s Centre provides community and children’s services and extended day care for pre-school age children in Streatham. The £1.2m project at Hitherfield was won by Architype whose philosophy is “to be bold and honest in the use and expression of materials, rooted in environmentally sustainable design and based on simple strong ideas”.Lang+Fulton were asked to supply non-climbable, Novara-34 barrier fencing, adjacent to the ramp which provides wheelchair-friendly access. The 1250mm wide grating panels and 130x15mm flat bar posts with base plate fixings were specified by the architect to accommodate any potential loading to the fencing. Entrance gates were made to match with provision for intercoms.Finish: hot-dip galvanized

Raybloc (X-ray Protection) Ltd is proud to present a case study highlighting our exceptional collaboration with Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.Our partnership involved the manufacturing and supply of top-of-the-line radiation shielding solutions that included Frameless Operator Screens, lacquered veneer finish lead-lined doorsets, PVC encapsulated lead-lined doorsets with astragal meeting stiles, and a window door combination set. As well as these fixings, Raybloc also supplied and installed the lead-lined boards for lining the walls and ceilings to create a complete radiation protective barrier between the controlled areas and their surroundings.These cutting-edge products have not only prioritised patient and staff safety but have also significantly contributed to optimising workflow efficiency and creating a healing environment.

Lionweld Kennedy designed, fabricated and supplied modular flat packs of both steel and GRP gratings, handrails, barrier ladders and gates to the 'GDF Suez Cygnus Bravo' gas field, which is owned by Heerema Fabrications. Using both steel and GRP, Lionweld Kennedy were able to design a system of walkways and handrails around the 250km2 field. Cygnus Bravo is an unmanned satellite wellhead platform tied-back to Cygnus Alpha’s processing platform. Cygnus Bravo is located approximately 150km off the coast of Lincolnshire, UK.Both our steel and GRP products can withstand harsh environments, such as oil rigs due to their durability from the high-quality material.Using both products in conjunction allows for a cost-effective flooring and safety solution for the client.

Contacted by Tefken Construction, we designed, fabricated and supplied modular flat packs of both steel and GRP gratings, heavy duty barrier rails, gates, ladders, treads and handrails to the 'Chirag Oil Field'.Our designers ensured that all material and placements could withstand the given environment. Using both steel and GRP allowed for cost efficiencies for the client, while maintaining a great strength for their platforms and rails.Our modular flat packs allow the client to install their flooring and other items easily.Chirag is an offshore production, drilling and quarters (PDQ) platform located 120km east of Baku in the Caspian Sea, at a water depth of 120 meters.First oil from the platform was achieved on 28 January 2014.Total Chirag production was on average 53,000 barrels per day.

A ground-breaking initiative that certifies installers of gas membranes has been launched by JUTA UK and the British Board of Agrément working closely with specialist installer DMI and other industry partners.The new Gas Membrane Approved Installer Scheme is the culmination of three years’ work and is the first of its kind in the UK, delivering supply chain reassurance of high-quality products installed by competent, certified professionals to ensure safe outcomes.It is ‘absolutely right that competent and trained professionals should install these critical barrier applications, which play a key role in the built environment and are designed to last for the lifetime of structures into which they are installed. We talk as an industry about sustainable and resilient solutions for the built environment, and that means using the best possible products, independently certified, installed to the highest possible standards, designed to last for the lifetime of the structure.

The M4 Junction 3-12 motorway upgrade project, which started construction in July 2018, is designed to increase capacity, and reduce congestion between Junction 3 (Hayes) and Junction 12 (Theale). In the sections where there is no pre-existing hard shoulder for conversion into an additional running lane, a total of 11 overbridges needed to be demolished and replaced with longer decks to enable continuity of the widened carriageway. The £848m project is due for completion in Spring 2022, by which time it is expected that approximately 680,000t of material will have been excavated, 1.8M.m² of new surface laid, 130km of cabling installed and 63km of concrete barrier positioned. Cordek were approached by the Principal Contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture to provide a lightweight structural fill solution to be used for the embankment construction adjoining the Datchet Road Overbridge, between Junction 5 and Junction 6.

Croesyceiliog School is a comprehensive state-funded secondary school in the Croesyceiliog area of Cwmbran. It has over 1,500 pupils, between the ages of 11 to 18. Demolition of school buildings was carried out, followed by the construction of a new three-story school building, two story sixth form, and sports block. This development is part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme, which has created 1,200 school places. The Considerate Constructors Scheme awarded the project 46/50 and stated that it was “consistently achieving extremely high standards within the industry”.Cellecta’s RUBBERfon Impact 3 was specified in this project due to its effective barrier to impact sound transmission and to ensure compliance with legislative requirements. It is available in various thicknesses ranging from 3mm-8mm and made from high compressive strength and 100% recycled rubber.Kier Group was awarded this 2,805m² contract to construct this redevelopment in South Wales.

Reducing pavement clutter in Hackney.Dockless hire bikes are a great way to get around, but they can lead to inconsiderate parking and increased pavement clutter.To encourage responsible parking, Hackney opted to create designated parking areas for both the end-user and the scheme operator. They selected 71 locations and Cyclehoop installed their newly launched Mobility Corral, which offers clear advantages over simple road-marked boundaries and built-out parking options. When installed on the carriageway, it creates a physical barrier to separate dockless bikes from other road users, helping prevent damage from falls or vehicle strikes. The enclosure encourages neat, ordered parking for a tidy streetscape. High level signage makes the corrals visible to users from a distance. Signage can also be customised with branding and instructions. The modular construction and minimal ground fixings allow corrals to be relocated, expanded or reconfigured to meet changes in demand.

The new flagship outlet of Pioneer Foodstore in Carlisle was built to a high specification with the aim of significantly extending their client base. The planning application had to meet the requirement for a screen to conceal the roof-top services and air-conditioning plant.Italia-80V was proposed, which could be bent to a radius, to fulfill the vision for a semi-circular end to one side of the compound. The 2950mm high steel louvre panels were welded onto appropriately shaped RSA support rails at top and bottom, which were supplied with multiple holes for fixing to the posts to ensure perfect continuity of spacing. A double-leaf gate was also seamlessly incorporated by using a front fixing design.Lang+Fulton worked closely with the architect at an early stage to advise on the fixing points for the posts which would carry the screen. This ensured that the thermal barrier and waterproof membrane could be wrapped up the footings for a neat and effective installation.

Over the Summer of 2018, Cyclehoop installed first batch of Bikehangars in Salford, Greater Manchester.Transport for Greater Manchester’s  overall aim is for the proportion of journeys made by bike to increase from 2 per cent today to 10% by 2025. This target has been broken down in to a package of proposed improvements for the region, partly funded by two Cycle City Ambition grants, awarded by the government and the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.Lack of secure cycle storage provision has been a barrier in realising this goal. At Cyclehoop, our commitment is to break down barriers that prevent people from cycling.In June this year, we installed 11 of our award-winning Bikehangars in June on residential streets in Salford. This will run for a test period of approximately 12 months. Cyclehoop’s team installed these 6-space units over the course of a week, primarily to provide cycle parking for residents with little or no internal space to store bikes.The Bikehangar has a galvanised sheet steel body that protects up to 6 bikes from the elements and vandalism. Along with a lockable, gas-sprung door which can only be accessed by registered members. Crucially, all of this is achieved in just half a car parking bay.If the Salford pilot is successful, Salford City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester plan to roll out the scheme to other areas. To find out more on the current Bikehangar locations, pricing and how to apply, please click here.Cyclehoop were praised for their delivery of the project and the fledgling pilot scheme has been received extremely well across the board.Councillor Antrobus, Lead Member for Planning and Sustainable Regeneration said:“Many people say they would like to cycle but have no space to store a bike at home. These new Bikehangers solve that problem and are already proving extremely popular. It’s all part of our commitment to encourage more people to cycle in Salford – either for commuting to reduce congestion on the roads or for pleasure and health benefits”While Infrastructure Manager for Cycling and Walking, Catriona Swanson commented:“The bikehangars look great and have generated a lot of interest from cyclists. We’ve had a lot of positive comments from cyclists and cycling campaigners for piloting the scheme in Greater Manchester.”

The London Borough of Waltham Forest jumped onto the Bikehangar Rentals Scheme in 2015 as part of the council’s Mini Holland programme. The borough is set to become one of the most cycle-friendly boroughs in London.In March 2017, we celebrated the installation of the 100th Bikehangar with a special photoshoot with the residents and the local cycling officer.Waltham Forest’s special 100th Bikehangar resident, Yvonne says;“The Bikehangar is going to benefit me hugely, I have arthritis and am unable to carry my bike up the stairs to my flat on the first floor. Now I don’t need to worry about it.”After a busy year of installations, we reached the 250th Bikehangar in the borough by July 2018. To mark this milestone, our designers at Cyclehoop have customised a very special Bikehangar with an image of the reservoir in the Walthamstow Wetlands. Residents of this very special Bikehangar will be able to enjoy this special design, while having the piece of mind that their bikes are safe and dry.Find out more here: Waltham Forest celebrates their 250th Bikehangar in the borough!To date, we have installed 250 Bikehangars in the borough providing 1,500 cycle parking spaces. Reaching this milestone is a great reflection of London’s growing cycling culture. The capital has made leaps and bounds in the development of its cycle infrastructure over the past few years, going beyond simply painting blue cycle lanes on busy roads and actually creating fully segregated cycle superhighways. Our Bikehangars dotted around the city are just one example of this hard work.Waltham Forest’s Cycling Officer, Eric Duval said:“Finding somewhere to leave your cycle at home can be difficult and a barrier to cycling before you even start. We want everybody to have somewhere to park by 2020 and Bikehangars are the perfect way to remove this barrier. The demand for secure residential cycle parking has grown from 100 requests in 2015 to over 2000 and we are currently working on rolling out a further 30 in the coming months. As a result of Cyclehoop delivering our project, we have been able to complement the Mini Holland programme by providing over 700 cycle parking spaces in 2.5 years.”

The Protec System was used to waterproof the domed green roof areas of this striking, sustainable house development which was featured on Chanel 4’s Grand Designs. With an ambitious vision and a tight budget, Robert and Milla Gaukroger set about transforming a dated 1980’s house overlooking Lake Windermere into a state-of-the-art, eco-conscious home. Since the house lay in beautiful hillside surroundings, in order to blend into this setting, the domed roofs of the house were to be covered with a wildflower meadow mix to provide a green roof construction.The SolutionThe Protec System was chosen as a waterproofing membrane for the roofs as it is ideally suited for green roof applications. Lightweight, flexible and highly durable, the system can easily accommodate structural expansion movements and is tough enough to resist root penetration. The Protec system was applied to over 350m2 of domed roof to provide a long-lasting waterproofing membrane.The key reasons why Eastleigh chose Protec are the same reasons that has seen it become one of the fastest growing cold-applied liquid roofing systems in both the new build and refurbishment markets. Combined with the timber cladding to the verticals of the building, the finished aesthetics of the development blended seamlessly with the surrounding areas.A warm roof build-up that can be made waterproof at multiple stages:For larger projects the Protec system can be made temporarily waterproof at two stages prior to the application of the full waterproofing system. The first stage is upon installation of the sealed, aluminium-faced vapour barrier.The second phase follows the reinforcing of the foil-faced insulation board joints with Protec resin and taping mat. This enables a much more controlled approach to the installation with a greatly reduced chance of rain causing disruption and damage during the works.Highly flexible membrane:Regardless of the size of the roof, Protec forms a homegenous membrane, without a single joint or seam and without the need for any expansion joints.RapidCure technology for quick installation:The application of Protec as a liquid, through to the curing process where a solid, tough membrane that can be walked over, takes only 30 – 60 minutes. This enables large sections of the roof to be fully completed in a short space of time.Installing the Roofing SystemsThe Protec System provided waterproofing to all flat roof areas as well as the extensive parapet wall sections. The roof areas were made up of two designs: the Protec Warm Roof System (approx 7,500m2) and Protec applied to concrete as part of an inverted roof design (approx 1,000m2).The roof installation was carried out with a planned, phased approach that was synchronised to the wider construction schedule. For the warm roof areas, the first stage was to fill the troughs of the structural metal roof deck with acoustic insulation infills that will dampen external noise within the leisure centre. Next, the crowns of the deck were primed ready to receive the self-adhesive vapour barrier.The use of a high-performance aluminium vapour barrier not only eliminates the risk of condensation within the roof, but also provides temporary waterproofing protection, which is extremely useful on larger works such as this.The Polyroof RES Insulation boards, which comprised of a two layer system totalling 170mm to achieve a U-Value of 0.14 W/m2K, were bonded using high-performance PU adhesive to the vapour barrier. Following the wind uplift calculations it was determined that mechanical fixings were not required for this application – making for an extremely rapid installation. As you can probably imagine, fixing through 170mm of insulation into the crowns of the metal deck can be a tricky and time-consuming task.A key advantage of using a tongue and groove insulation system is that the finished surface of the roof is smooth and level without any unsightly board steps that can also lead to standing water issues. The insulation board joints were sealed using Protec resin with Polymat Taping Mat 450 which, in addition to providing additional strength to the joints, also creates a temporarily waterproof layer.For the inverted roof sections, Protec was applied directly to the primed concrete/screed surface. The membrane was inspected by Polyroof Technical Services, signed off and then covered with inverted roof components. An interesting fact when using Protec in inverted roof situations is its incredible durability performance – as tested by the BBA, Protec “can provide an effective barrier to the transmission of liquid water and water vapour for the design life of the roof in which it is incorporated”.Monitoring and CompletionThroughout the duration of the contract, Polyroof Technical Services carried out regular site visits that were reported back to Interserve as part of Polyroof’s free-of-charge contract monitoring service. This enabled the client to keep up-to-date with the progress of the roof installation in detail and also provided peace of mind that the original specification was being closely followed and implemented.Polyroof worked closely with the Roofline Group during the installation, enabling the challenges were identified and solved in an efficient and coordinated manner – saving the client time and money.

A 200 sqm, highly energy-efficient new build project in a remote location in the Highlands of Scotland. Built using sustainable materials, and with the timber frame sourced locally and wood fibre insulation used alongside SuperFOIL Insulation throughout. Powered throughout the year using solar PV and battery storage.Looking to increase the thermal resistance of the building envelope in order to reduce energy usage. With the building using an air source heat pump and underfloor heating, they wanted to make sure that any heat loss was minimised and it was vital that they chose the correct insulation for the walls and roof.Solution: SuperFOIL SF19+ is a multifoil product with a total of 11 layers, made of wadding, aluminium coated PET layers and Foil Laminated Outer Layers. At only 40mm thick and providing an R-value of 2.14 when used in a roof, SF19 can be used on its own or in combination with other types of insulation. A fully flexible product that provides a vapour control layer as well as acting as a radiant barrier.

When a high-end development of a new residential student accommodation building in Gloucester city centre required over 3800m2 of high-quality flooring, they turned to Gerflor for a complete solution. The world class flooring installed would include Gerflor’s Tarasafe Impression and Tarasafe Standard vinyl safety flooring, Taralay Impression Comfort heterogenous flooring, together with their stunning Creation 55 LVT and Gradus Boulevard 5000 high performance Secondary Barrier Matting Tiles.Cityheart Living’s accommodation in Cityheart’s Blackfriars Residence is brand new and offers high specification and secure student accommodation to the University of Gloucestershire.Midas Group, a multimillion-pound construction group with seven offices around the southwest and Wales, had been appointed by the developers Cityheart Living as main contractors but went into administration in 2022. Vitruvius who are a team of project and construction management consultants swiftly proposed a Construction Management approach to restart the project and were appointed to take over the project.

Chapter Aldgate in White Chapel, close to the fashionable Brick Lane Market, offers high end student accommodation. It is one of nine accommodation buildings operated under the Chapter brand, which aims to provide a unique living experience for students from across the globe.Architects were appointed to the refurbishment project at Chapter Aldgate to deliver a new reception space, private and communal study and social areas, a new gym, fitness studio, lecture spaces and ancillary office facilities.Greystar, the owner of the Chapter accommodation brand, working with the architects, approached Meesons with the challenge of conceiving a physical entry barrier that would complement their radical idea of stripping back the interior space to reveal the raw structure of the building. The choice of interior scheme including metalwork, panelling and ceramic tiles sets this project apart from other student accommodation projects.Chapter Aldgate provides accommodation to 400 students and has a front of house team on duty during the day and security personnel overnight.

 Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility that treats all of the residual household waste generated in Essex and Southend. To meet the structural design criteria of the contract, a very strong roof profile was required. To ensure fully effective sealing, this had to be a plain sheet without stiffening ribs. The requirement was met by a specially modified Trisobuild® R60 roof profile in a higher strength steel. The modified Trisobuild® R60 solution spans 2.65m. Tata Steel altered its production tooling to manufacture 26,000m2 of the modified R60 roof profile in double-sided Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®.Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® was chosen to optimise protection against the corrosive internal environment and external weather side of the bio-stabilisation halls. Super durable Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® provides exceptional corrosion resistance which has been proven in natural and accelerated testing. Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® exceeds the requirements of CP15 (as per EN 10169.2010), demonstrating excellent barrier properties when used internally.Images courtesy of UBB (Essex) Construction JV.

One of the largest and busiest ports in Europe required a major upgrade to its perimeter security fencing. Due to an increase of migrants trying to cross the borders illegally, there was a need to improve the fencing around the port to ensure people who did not have the correct paperwork or permissions to travel across the border were kept safe and out of harm’s reach whether it’s those attempting illegal breaches into the port site or those responsible for preventing them from doing so.The fencing was designed to prevent migrants from trying to stow away on trucks; usually, this would happen as the truck slows or comes to a stop, and the migrants would run and get inside the trucks to hitch a ride across the border.A migrant camp nearby, which it is reported housed more than 10,000 people, ensured a constant threat of illegal migrants trying to cross the border. Many displaced migrants congregate here in an attempt to cross the borders by illegal and dangerous means. People smugglers were a constant problem, many promising migrants jobs and security once they had crossed the border.The SolutionZaun HiSec 358 Fencing was installed along both sides of the main road into the port, which aimed to prevent the migrants from getting onto the vehicles as they slowed or came to a halt. This anti-climb mesh fencing system features 12.7mm x 76.2mm tight mesh apertures, which prevents people from getting a foothold and scale the fencing to get over and prevents objects from being passed through the fabric. It also provides resistance to cutting by conventional hand tools and is employed extensively in higher security applications supported with detection and surveillance technologies.In addition to the anti-climb mesh, Zaun’s Flexible Security Topping (FST) was also installed to the top of the fencing to ensure that anyone who did somehow manage to scale the fencing could not get a grip over the top of the fencing. FST is designed in such as way what it moves as people try to climb it. Installed with concertina wire, this provides the port with a fence that works as a visual deterrent and a practical one.High-security temporary fencing and barrier systems, including SecureGuard, were also installed around the port, which provides high security, a movable border that can not only be easily converted into a PAS68 HVM perimeter but is also movable if the perimeter needs reducing or expanding for any reason. This movable barrier system also featuring FST and concertina wire as a topping for an additional deterrent.

The G8 Summit in Enniskillen of the world’s most powerful politicians involved 4,700 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers and 3,600 from other UK forces in a security operation that cost about £60m.The PSNI wanted the securest G8 ever at a time of ‘severe terrorist threat’ and hoped that its reputation for dealing with public disorder plus unprecedented physical, cyber, technical and logistical protection would keep many potential protesters away.The SolutionPSNI approached Zaun to design, manufacture, project manage and install an ‘impregnable cordon’ around the world leaders to guarantee their security throughout the summit at Lough Erne.The rectangular site was protected on its long northeastern boundary by the Lough Erne lake. After extensive testing, Zaun designed its single largest ever temporary installation using two of its premier high-security fencing systems for the other three sides.It installed its 3.6m high SecureGuard PAS68 temporary security fencing along the 5.7km road to the southwest of the site, which runs broadly parallel with the lough. In addition, Zaun integrated rising arm barriers and 10 PAS68 gates for secure access control along the fence line.It also put in 1.7km of its award-winning Rapid Deployable System (RDS) at each end, creating a secure perimeter from the road to the edge of and into the lake.RDSZaun had to make several adaptations to its multi-award-winning RDS that was first used for four political conferences on the mainland in 2012 and bought by The Home Office to add to the National Barrier Asset.In addition to the cable system on the front of the fence line gives the system it's PAS68 rating of 30mph (PAS 68:2010 V/7500(N2)/48/90:11.6/0.0), Zaun incorporated further enhancements to prevent mob attack on the run-up to the summit. Both RDS and SecureGuard were extensively tested by PSNI and the Home Office against mob attacks. These tests will now form the basis of a new standard adopted by the Home Office when testing systems.Zaun also created specially designed posts to carry additional one-tonne weights to prevent movement on the 30-metre section of RDS fencing that actually tracked into the lake itself to discourage protesters from breaching the perimeter via the water.RDS was used on remoter areas around the edge of forest land, dirt tracks and grassy knolls with undulating ground, and boggy land at the airport to provide Airforce One and other presidential jet landings.

Job: Maldron Hotel Swimming Pool Renovation, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.Smet Supported Partner:Precision Building Services – Mark PembertonProducts: Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed BinderMerlin Barrier CoatSopro RAM 3 (454) Renovation and Levelling MortarSopro GD 749 Universal Floor and Wall PrimerSopro DSF® 523 Tanking MembraneSopro PUK 503 PU AdhesiveSopro VF HF 420 – VarioFlex® High Strength Flexible Tile AdhesiveSopro’s No. 1 Flexible Tile AdhesiveSopro FKM® XL 444 – Extra Light Weight Tile AdhesiveSopro Sanitary SiliconeSopro DE 014/015 Sealing CornersSopro FEP 508Sopro DBF-638Racofix 818Description:SMET supplied Smet Supported Partner, Precision Building Services (Mark Pemberton), for the renovation of the Maldron Hotel Swimming Pool, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. A total area of Floor screed @ 140m² | Wall tiling @125m² | Floor tiling @ 140 m² was completed.New floor installation with fast-track – rapid drying floor screed solution, using Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder, a fast-setting screed which was laid to falls prior to waterproofing and tiling providing an early completion. German-made Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder is a special polymer-modified binder for particularly economical ­production of high-strength, rapid-set cement screed – based on DIN 18560.Rapidur® B5 is suitable for use on heated screeds, bonded screeds, unbonded screeds and floating screeds. This flooring solution is particularly useful for fast-track or tightly scheduled screed laying. The newly laid Rapidur® B5 screed floor is ready to receive floor covering after approx. 3 days – after achievement of moisture content ≤ 1.8 % CM. Sopro Rapidur® B5 is supplied in 25kg bags, with 40 bags per pallet.Sopro Rapidur® B5 was installed directly on top of Merlin Barrier Coat wet on wet. The screed was ready for waterproofing/tiling after 3 days. This system was also used to repair the Jacuzzi’s surrounding walls prior to waterproofing, tiling, and grouting.Sopro RAM 3 levelled the deck area (3-60mm) between the drainage channel edge and pool perimeter movement joint. Sopro RAM 3 was bonded with Sopro GD 749.

Nestled in the fashionable, switched-onNestled in the fashionable, switched-on London borough of Camden, high-performance London Max Fordham House has been completed  to the highest energy saving standards with to the highest energy saving standards with SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT.An ultra-low energy, all-electric, contemporary three-bedroom ‘Passivhaus’, Max Fordham House is specifically designed by bere: architects to feature a thermal envelope geared towards reducing heat loss. The less heat lost from a building, the more overall environmentally efficient it can be. One way to do achieve as little heat loss as possible is making the building airtight, which is the aim of the Passivhaus system.SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, a structural OSB panel with integrated vapour control developed by MEDITE SMARTPLY especially for use in Passivhaus construction, is the vital ingredient in this project. Specified by the award-winning Bow Tie Construction company, SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT provides a state-of-the-art, engineered vapour barrier with consistently high vapour resistance over the entire surface.“The house uses a fabric-first Passivhaus approach, requiring only a fraction of the energy needed by a similarly sized home built to the minimum requirements of UK Building Regulations, for all uses including “The house uses a fabric-first Passivhaus approach, requiring only a fraction of the energy needed by a similarly sized home built to the minimum requirements of UK Building Regulations, for all uses including heating,” Hagop Heath-Matossian, Business Development Manager at Bow Tie Construction, says.“We chose to specify SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT because it is efficient, reliable and it was important to us that all timber products used were sustainably manufactured and sourced; AIRTIGHT offered us a guaranteed sustainable timber solution. Vitally, the client was delighted with the end result.”Max Fordham House, which was completed in the Spring of 2019 and achieves an Energy Performance Certificate of B 83, is the third project that Bow Tie Construction has specified PROPASSIV for, favouring it for its rigidity and quality assurance compared to a traditional membrane-based system.Hagop explains: “AIRTIGHT was specifically used to insulate the roof of the Max Fordham House, but has been used within the entire interior space in other Passivhaus projects previously, to great success.”In most Passivhaus projects in the UK, a membrane is used as an airtight barrier for the properties’ insulation, however, such solutions can be easily damaged during the construction process. SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT offers a solution to this as it will not come apart during a negative pressure test like a membrane would.

Park House surgery in Cannock is an NHS facility serving the local community. Offering a wide range of health services, it is a busy centre with constant pressure on room space.Working with Horsley Huber Architects and contractors, Three Sixty Commercial Interiors, Style was specified to install two moveable walls to enable the surgery to divide its office space into separate rooms, as and when required.The Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls, which are light and smooth to operate, allow staff to quickly reconfigure the office space, depending on the number of people involved and activities taking place.Delivering an impressive 55dB acoustic barrier, staff can work, provide client consultations, host meetings, or run training sessions either side of the walls, completely undisturbed.At Park House surgery an oak finish was added to the panels, however the individual surface finishes are almost unlimited - from genuine wood veneers to decor surfaces.Style is the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG and offers an extensive range of moveable, folding and partitioning walls with manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic operation suitable for all requirements and budgets.

Westoe Crown Village by Taylor Wimpey is a development of 685 homes near South Shields, Newcastle. The coastal neighbourhood offers a range of apartments, three-storey townhouses and two-storey houses. Designed with the assistance of local community organisations to ensure an innovative and stimulating environment, Northumbria Police also assisted and advised on the best ways to reduce the potential of crime within the environment.Westoe Crown Village also introduced a village square, primary and nursery school, community centre, healthy living facility, shops and offices – all essential for a growing area of Newcastle. The centre of the village was also designed to have a crucial emphasis on disabled access with ramps, dropped curbs and a lack of barriers implemented so as to create a fully accessible centre for those with additional needs.Carlton’s Ridings Gold Antique clay bricks were used to exemplary effect in the construction of the project with the soft pink, orange and red hues providing a summer-y, pleasant glow to the area, perfect for its close proximity to the beach. The brick also provides a fitting complement to the featured off-white facades that surround certain buildings.

A new state-of-the-art Jaguar Landrover showroom was built for the Helston Group in Taunton. The facilities reflect the latest corporate identity concept and comes complete with a new workshop, multi-storey rooftop parking, and an interactive showroom configuration with display systems.The showroom features wide open spaces and a large sales area to provide the customer with a first-class experience. It also affords staff members greater visibility throughout the showroom and forecourt areas. Lusso were appointed by main contractor, Acheson Construction, to provide internal glazing throughout the showroom and workshop area. Lusso 25 frameless single glazed partitioning system and complimentary Lusso glass doors were installed to form individual offices which allow privacy when needed, whilst still maintaining visibility of the showroom. Lusso 105 double glazed frameless partitions were installed to provide a barrier between the showroom and workshop area.The use of stylish internal glazing as part of the backdrop to the stunning Jaguar Landrover range certainly makes an impact. The end result blends functionality and aesthetics, providing a stylish and contemporary showroom worthy of the prestigious Jaguar Land Rover brand.

In its largest building project in over 100 years, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Exhibition Road Quarter achieves architectural cohesion between museum and street with the help of Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) and Alumasc Roofing Systems. In a project that demonstrates expertise across the full building envelope, Alumasc Wade HCE drainage channels and access covers were installed to provide almost invisible yet functional water management, and a bespoke hybrid roofing system installed using Hydrotech and Derbigum waterproof roofing.Designed by Stirling Prize-winning Architect Amanda Levete and her practice AL_A, the landmark project aimed to “break down the barrier” between the great cultural artery of Exhibition Road and home of over 5000 years’ worth of cultural history.The entire project encompassed the construction of the Salisbury Gallery, a flexible 1100m2 temporary exhibition space, the Blavatnik Hall, a new entrance into the V&A from Exhibition Road, the Aston Webb Screen, a newly created colonnade formed from the original 1909 structure, and the Sackler Courtyard, a key area that strives for unity between the street, the museum, the historical and the modern.

The Bourne Academy, Bournemouth was to undergo a £10 million renevation, a project that would include many newly constructed areas. The building was dreary and outdated, and to create an aspirational environment, to inspire students to achieve, it was necessary to greatly improve the facilities. The main part of the brief was to cover an area surrounded by 3 buildings with a tensile canopy. Curtain walling was required to the open side, along with fabric side sheets incorporating clear windows and a printed logo of the school.Broxap Ltd was successful in tendering to supply a range of its products throughout the Academy.Working with its designers, the client and the architect, Broxap developed a suitable scheme.Products included several Newcastle Senior mono-pitched covered walkways and Newcastle Senior symmetric walkways.The Keep It Kool division of Broxap provided four Cairns perimeter beam waterproof shade sails, a barrel vault entrance canopy and a large bespoke waterproof tensile canopy. The bespoke canopy spans an enclosed central eating and socialising area, which is laid with artificial grass.Other products supplied were Wardale cycle shelters, Wardale cycle compounds, picnic units, seating, barriers and planters.

Berry Systems carried out works for Westfield for The Broadway shopping centre in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Our spring steel posts and a selection of our industrial items were utilised to provide effective barrier protection. The Broadway is a shopping and leisure complex located in Bradford, West Yorkshire that is home to both high street and luxury brand outlets. Built in 2015 by the Westfield Corporation, it houses over 1,000 car parking spaces for customers to visit the complex with ease. Because of this, sufficient car park protection was required to create a safe parking facility. Berry Systems delivered an effective vehicle restraint system solution to ensure the site was compliant and met legislation. For this project a spring post system was utilised as it has a single anchor fixing and a small footprint so it doesn’t encroach into the parking bay. This was of great benefit to the client as we were still able to deliver superior protection, without affecting the amount of car park spaces required. We also paired the spring post system with handrail and mesh to increase the level of protection for pedestrians. Additional items, such as our height restrictors and wheel guides, were installed from our industrial range to help reduce speed and prevent unwanted access to site.

CHALLENGEIn Toronto, ON a large mail sorting facility was having an issue with chemicals coming from a concrete processing plant bordering their employee parking lot. The customer was looking to create both a visual and physical barrier from the equipment and excess dust. The fence had to be 2.4m tall, solid and without worry of material maintenance. They wanted to replace the existing fence that was just chain link with tarps, and an eyesore on their property.SOLUTIONA much more visually appealing and effective solution was found with hanit® 100% recycled plastic tongue and groove boards by HAHN, supported by galvanized steel beams. The 3.6m long beams were sunk 1/3 of the length into concrete, then filled with the 3.8cm x 13cm x 2133cm long T&G boards. Each panel was further reinforced at the base using a small hanit® support. The result was a simple, long-lasting privacy fence that met the customer’s needs. Shown here nearly three years after installation, the privacy fence has been a continued success. After numerous seasonal changes and close exposure to the conditions produced by the concrete plant, this installation demonstrates the durability and potential applications of hanit® 100% recycled plastic products. 

With stringent demands in terms of design, comfort, and functionality, the new City of Glasgow College is considered a ‘University of the Future’. GEZE UK made a key contribution to the modern look & feel of the technical college with custom door solutions, including revolving doors and swing doors.State-of-the-art door systems for the City of Glasgow CollegeThe £228 million project for a capacity of 40,000 students and 1,300 employees was completed by the Sir Robert McAlpine construction company. The entrance areas on the west and south sides were designed using GEZE door technology to reflect the structural aesthetic of the City Campus.The highly modern new building, with over 1,000 classrooms, boasts a striking design while fulfilling high requirements for functionality and safety.Manual revolving doors ensure the flow of trafficThe west and south wings impress with modern steel and glass façades with two manual revolving doors. An additional automatic swing door was installed directly beside each of the revolving doors.Manual revolving doors with TSA 325 NT door drives are the ideal solution for the building's specific requirements in terms of functionality and ease of access. The generous door leaves are easy to move, and the integrated control mechanism stops pushing behind an individual entering into the swing door. In addition, the revolving doors effectively protect the lobby from draughts, dust and noise.Automatic swing doors, designed as emergency exitsThe automatic swing doors directly besides the revolving doors were equipped with electro-mechanical GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F swing door drives to offer maximum flexibility. They can be activated with the push of a button, providing barrier-free access for persons with restricted mobility. The door drive is just 7 cm tall, and integrates discreetly into the door frame to move the door leaf precisely, reliably, and extremely quietly. In the event of a fire, the swing doors also serve as barrier-free emergency exit doors.Automatic sliding doors: effortless door comfortA single leaf automatic sliding door with GEZE Slimdrive SL NT drive guides students and visitors into the interior of the Riverside campus. The highly modern building, which was nominated for the prestigious Stirling Prize, houses student accommodation hat is home to over 3,000 ship building and marine technology students.The slim Slimdrive SL NT drives (just 7 cm tall) integrate almost invisibly into the modern, column-encased entrance area, moving door leaves of up to 125 kg quietly and effortlessly. This makes it the ideal drive solution for a public building with consistently high traffic in both directions – especially one such as Riverside that is also used as a residential building. GEZE's modern door solutions have played a key part in ensuring students can move comfortably and safely through their environment.

In 2016, the Aberdeen City Council embarked on an ambitious project to refurbish the historic Union Terrace Gardens in collaboration with LDA Design from Glasgow. The primary goal was to breathe new life into this iconic space while preserving its historical elements. This initiative was undertaken in close collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland to ensure the site’s cultural heritage preservation.To align with modern sustainability standards, GreenBlue Urban collaborated with the chosen landscape contractor, Ashlea Landscapes, to implement green infrastructure solutions. The urban tree planting products included RootSpace 600, Re-root barrier 600, ArborGuy deadman anchoring system, and RootRain ArborVents for continuous aeration and irrigation. These elements not only contributed to the aesthetics but also promoted the health and longevity of the newly planted trees.Collaborative SuccessThe success of the Union Terrace Gardens project can be attributed to the strong collaboration between the local authority, designer (LDA Design), contractor (Ashlea Landscapes), and suppliers (GreenBlue Urban). The project exemplifies a harmonious relationship between stakeholders, leading to a landscape transformation that respects the heritage of the site while embracing sustainable and inclusive design principles.The revitalisation of Aberdeen Union Terrace Gardens stands as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through collaboration, careful planning, and a commitment to preserving historical and cultural heritage in harmony with nature.

The new Dunfermline Learning Campus will incorporate the relocation of a college and two schools: a new Fife College Halbeath Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. Due to open in 2024, the 55 acre, circa £220m ‘super-campus’ will accommodate up to 2,700 school pupils and 2,500 college students.Designed by AHR Architects, the high school development is being delivered by BAM Construction for Fife Council and is one of the largest Passivhaus buildings in the world, at 26,666m². The schools form part of AHR’s and Fife Council’s journey to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.Metal Technology has been appointed to supply its ‘next generation’ System 5-45 Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling. Both high performance products have been purposefully designed to meet the required Passivhaus energy-efficiency criteria and have been approved as Certified Components by the Passive House Institute, with System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling achieving the highest ranking of A+.Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Further products to be supplied for this exemplar campus include System 5-20D Hi+ doors, System 23 Louvres and LV023 Barrier Grilles.

St. Enodoc golf club is famous for its panoramic views, perfect lawns and luxury days out. In between the Cornish rain showers this team of Camel Glass installers managed to install the MEGAgrip frameless glass balustrade to the newly refurbished roof terrace at St Enodoc golf club. A strong glass outdoor safety barrier providing shelter from the wind to people outdoors enjoying the view of the sea and watching the golf. The customers wanted a commercial grade frameless glass balustrade with no handrails, instead of the traditional style of galvanized railing. MEGAgrip was used in this situation due to its force loading capability and ability to hold Centryglas ensuring it’s safe to use at this height and location. This MEGAgrip safety screen posed some challenges for Andrew, John and John, the installers, the heavy glass needed to be taken high in the air to reach the scaffolding platform. Using a telehandler they managed, to lift the glass safely into position. However, there was another challenge waiting, the initial installation of steel was slightly misshapen, meaning the original fitters had to return to rectify the problem and therefore delayed the glass balustrade completion.  Even so, the MEGAgrip installation was completed successfully and fulfilled the customer brief. Now, the balcony is a very enjoyable spot to sit and watch the golfers on the course.

Berry Systems supplied and installed Internal and external vehicle safety barriers at new Aggreko, Dumbarton plant to protect; doorways, walkways, columns, site and equipment.Aggreko PLC, the world leader in the field of power and temperature control rental, has become the first company in the UK to have Berry Systems’ new Stopbollards installed at its new 170,000 sq ft Dumbarton facility.The many, internal and external vehicle doorways at the brand new Dumbarton site were identified very quickly as needing special protection. Glasgow architects Bradford Robertson considered a number of options before concluding with main contractors, Morgan Sindall, that our SlowStop bollards would prove a cost effective solution. During a collision, the kinetic energy of the impact is progressively absorbed as the post tilts, compressing an elastomeric sleeve within the base. The post is able to tilt from its vertical position to an angle of 20 before it locks within the base. After the impact the post will return back to its vertical position, ready to perform once again. A total of 104 SlowStop bollards were installed at Dumbarton, along with a variety of other products from our range.https://berrysystems.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Berry-Case-Study-Aggreko-Dumbarton.pdf

Berry Systems helped our client Wates become car park compliant by designing, manufacturing and installing our vehicle restraint systems. A combination of our RB1, Barrier Rail profile and a Bespoke Rectangular Hollow Section system was utilised to fulfil the client’s requirements and exceed their expectations.Redrock is a new leisure facility located in the centre of Stockport which has a 360 space multi-storey car park.Popular restaurants and a cinema now feature in the location to help provide localswith a safe, secure and modern leisure facility where they can relax. Berry Systems were keen to get involved in such a project and help contribute to the development ongoing in the area. Using our expertise of the car parking industry, we designed, manufactured and installed a system that met their requirements exactly.The RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) System we specified on the project was made bespoke and suited more to their aesthetic needs. We combined the vehicle restraint systems with handrail and mesh to provide additional pedestrian protection. Cladding rails were also created and supplied to support the exterior cladding that was specified on the project. Throughout this project, our client took advantage of our consultancy services to work together to create a solution that was compliant, safe, stylish and  satisfied both parties.

Artform Urban supplied multi-use planter benches to one of the largest retail destinations in the UK, the Metrocentre, attracting millions of visitors each year. As part of ongoing efforts to revitalise the centre and create an inviting atmosphere, Artform Urban Furniture proposed the installation of their Triangle Planter System in key public spaces.The Triangle Planter System combines modern aesthetics with functionality.Each planter is constructed from durable powder-coated steel with integrated seating which is clad in Okoume sheets, an attractive and hard-wearing plywood perfect for busy environments.The triangular shape allows for flexible placement to create an array of configurations, optimising the use of available space. They act as natural barriers, guiding foot traffic and improving the overall flow within the Metrocentre. The planters were strategically placed in high-footfall areas, including entrances, walkways, and plazas. Their design has helped to define and delineate pedestrian walkways, seating areas, and open spaces as well as enhancing the overall ambiance of the Metrocentre. The Triangle bench is part of the INSIDE + OUTSIDE range which aims to provide versatile and aesthetically appealing furniture solutions for both interior and exterior spaces. This range combines functionality, durability, and style to enhance various environments such as public spaces, commercial areas, and residential settings.