"cavity closers"

Project DetailProject: The Library of BirminghamLocation: Birmingham, UKProduct: TS.9205 DABC High usage architectural door closerProject DescriptionThe Library of Birmingham was prime location to enhance the centre stage of Centenary Square on Broad Street. Surrounded by some modern and some authentic buildings they designed and built a building to remember, a building with purpose and need with over one million books, a building that provides a resting and learning ground for all ages and all walks of life.The library reverbs with space for all and endless supply of modern and old, lighting and architecture that is out of this world and a variety of door sizes tall and small that comes as a challenge for any manufacturer.  A Rutland architectural slide arm door closer of well proved engineering was used to bring the building together, ease the door action and blend into the surrounds. The TS 9205 door closer with its varying power and high efficiency catches the moment in its Satin finish. The TS 9205 architectural door closer was chosen for the new building fit out with in the many and vast places of the centre because of:High efficiency and ease of operation which matched the varying ages of the persons using the centreVariable power size to help ease the speed of fitting and adjusting.35 year guaranteeMatching the aesthetic finish and design for the modern building.

Project DetailProject: The St Anthony HotelLocation: San Antonio, TX, USAProduct: ITS.11204 Concealed slide arm closerProject DescriptionThe St Anthony Hotel, a 277-room luxury hotel and venue, required more than 300 concealed door closers in an antique brass finish, so as to complement the historical décor. They chose the ITS.11204 because it:Has cam actionIs easy to openCan be concealed in a fire doorIs fully certifiedHas a fully adjustable power size and slide arm fitting

Project DetailProject: Radisson Blu HotelLocation: East Midlands Airport, UKProduct: TS.11204 Cam Action and TS 9205 Door ClosersProject DescriptionImmaculate en-suites, ball rooms, conferences or just a bed for the night is never more peaceful than when you are behind highly engineered door controls.Rutland Door Controls are used on the Radisson Blu Hotel – East Midlands Airport, part of The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, that cares for the CEO, directors and key share holders of companies.The TS 11204 Cam Action and the TS 9205 Door closers were used extensively on these hotels due to the:ease of openingconsistent controlaesthetic appearancesall giving the user a seamless experience during their stay inside.Although a door closer is a small element of building design it makes an enormous difference to its operation.Check out our website and insist on certification standards, guarantees and fire door safety by using Rutland door controls. www.rutlanduk.co.uk;

Richard Richardson-Derry of GEZE UK looks at how a properly fitted fire door with the appropriate components can give occupants vital time to escape in the event of a fire.Despite what most people believe, toxic smoke is the cause of the most deaths in fires, as opposed to the fire itself. So what constitutes a fire door?The BWF Fire Door Alliance states the term usually refers to a fire door leaf which is the main component installed into a fire-rated frame, along with ‘essential ironmongery’ to make the door perform correctly in the event of a fire.However therein is the challenge – when not required to be a fire door it must still perform everyday functions of providing safety, security, privacy, separating different areas and reducing noise in a building.When an architect specifies door products, it is imperative that as well as achieving the everyday design requirements, factors relating to fire resistance are also a key consideration in order to achieve regulatory compliance.Under the spotlightApart from the frame and door leaf, a fire door includes a door closer, smoke seals, hinges, push pads or handles, signage, and maybe a vision panel. Each and every component must be fit for purpose; should any component fail then the whole fire door assembly could fail. And any item that is badly fitted or wrongly specified could contribute to the spread of fire.For each part of the fire door there are standards that must be adhered to.The door and frame should be installed securely and plumb and true with a maximum gap of 3 mm to all sides for a fire door with smoke protection (for a general fire door the gap can be up to 10 mm).The door closer is an important part of the fire door assembly and it is critical to specify a suitable unit and ensure minimum size EN 3 is used.All doors must be fitted with intumescent seals – they play a major role in fire safety as they will expand to around 10 times their volume when significant heat is applied.Hinges are a critical part of a door, carrying its weight and allowing free movement of the door leaf but also helping to keep the door straight during a fire episode. There should be three hinges in a fire door up to 2,100 mm high. For doors over 2,100 mm high, exceeding 150 kg, or over 100 mm wide there should be four. All hinges for fire doors should be made of steel or stainless steel and have a melting point of no less than 800°C.All relevant push pads, handles and kick plates must have the required test data and standards and should have a melting point of at least 800°C. Locks need to comply with BS EN 12209 and lever handles with BS EN 1906.Signage on a fire door is required, such as ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ or ‘Fire Door Keep Locked’. They need to conform to BS 5499: ISO 7010.Vision panels can be introduced to a door specification for reasons of safety, aesthetics, or to allow transfer of light, however the relevant seals must still be used so as not to compromise the integrity of the fire door and only suitable fire tested glass should be used.Specifying a closer for a fire doorThere are four main types of closer – surface mounted with link arm, surface mounted with guide rail, concealed, and floor mounted closer. All should be tested, approved and certificated to harmonised standard EN 1154, BS EN 1634-1 and have Certifire or similarly approved testing. In addition, a closer should be CE marked or hold the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certificate (effective fromJanuary 2023).There is also the application to consider: which closer is best suited to the door type, size, location and intended use of the door? Another consideration is the best fitting arrangement, and again this is dependent on door type, size, location and use.There are several different configurations for a variety of applications that also need to be taken into account including fitting configurations, using brackets, mounting plates or spindle extensions to overcome specific site details. All should be specified in accordance with test evidence.Another consideration is being able to adjust the closer. The correct adjustment of the closing force is needed to ensure it meets the requirements for access under Part M and BS 8300 with Part B of the Building Regulations for fire as well. Correct adjustment refers to electro hold open, back check, closing speed, and latch action to ensure the door opens and closes safely and securely.All door closers complying with EN 1154 will have a six figure classification which should be marked on the door closer.The power of door closers according to the EN 1154 standard are rated from one to nine, for example a size three door closer has a closing force of 18 Nm (Newton Metres), where Nm is the closing force exerted by the door one metre from the hinge point. It should be noted that the minimum size allowed for any door closer on a fire door is size three.In summary, while all the component parts of a fire door must be thoroughly tested and conform to all relevant standards, the most important aspect is that they must work together as a doorset.Richard Richardson-Derry is national specification manager for GEZE UK

To provide safe and reliable closing of the numerous internal doors, Halsall Lloyd had no hesitation in specifying products from dormakaba. “Our experience of dormakaba products is of high quality design and manufacture and virtually silent and reliable operation. They perform their job admirably and are commensurate with the high quality aspirations that Hope University hold for their campus.” commented. Architectural hardware distributor PSL supplied TS 92 silver Contur cam action door closers for the conference and classroom timber doors and a further TS 93 silver Contur cam action door closers for corridor doors where disabled access was a priority.

When Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS trust approached us, they required new doorsets as their existing double-leaf corridor doors with surface mounted, scissor-arm closers were presenting a ligature risk and were regularly over-opened, causing damage. Plus, the leaves were vandalised, requiring regular repainting. We supplied our extra-wide, single-leaf doorsets with concealed hold-open closers, offering superior safety by reducing the ligature risk. We also used a vandal-resistant PVC facing to brighten the space and minimise regular maintenance costs.

Project DetailProject: TGI FridaysLocation: The Avenue, O2 Arena, London, UKProduct: TS.9205 BC High usage architectural door closerProject DescriptionThe O2 Arena in London was prime location to enhance the many food stores and eating places. Known by many as a great place to be, it makes sense to serve food where the need is greatest. After a concert, during a football match, or at the time when and where Royalty give special speeches or Charities give heart rendering calls for action, you can be assured that food is being prepared and served to all.The O2 Arena stands at the centre of all time and show cases the TS 9205 iconic high usage door closers that work while you shop or eat or rest. Set at the busiest spot in the restaurant between the stores and the front of house, it shines under pressure and speed of use powering the doors quietly to a closed position. The TS 9205 door closer with its varying power and high efficiency catches the moment in its Satin finish.The TS 9205 architectural, third party UKAS approved door closer was chosen for the refurbishment fit-out with in the many and vast places of the centre because of:High efficiency and ease of operation which matched the regular use and high trafficVariable power size to help ease the speed of fitting and adjusting.35 year guaranteeMatching the aesthetic finish and design for the modern building.

Eye-catching, fire-safe Cavity System 2 and SpeedySlip Brick Façade for Wheatstone House, London Using a new and innovative non-combustible external wall insulation system, SPSenvirowall delivered on creating a fire safe and thermally efficient building. SPSenvirowall provided its innovative new product, the Cavity System 2 to the development, delivering results which are outstanding and produce an intriguing and engaging brickwork façade. To reach the highest standard of fire safety for the external cladding, SPSenvirowall supplied its Cavity System 2 solution for its A2-s1, d0 fire-rated classification in accordance with BS EN13501-1.

Project DetailProject: National Bank of KuwaitLocation: London, UKProduct: TS.9205 High usage architectural door closerProject DescriptionThe National Bank of Kuwait’s London head office required 36 fully adjustable door closers to fit a range of door sizes. They chose the TS.9205 because it:Is easy to install, as it is power adjustable by spring from size EN 2-5, meaning it can be fitted and then adjusted afterwardsHas fire rating on all fitting applicationsCan be installed on the push or pull side of the doorIs easy to open for any age or person, for compliance with the Equalities Act

Project DetailProject: Motel One – ManchesterLocation: Manchester Piccadilly, UKProduct: TS.9000 range of architectural closers for main reception and TS.3000 range of contract closers for apartmentsProject Description“Manchester has got everything except a beach,” said Ian Brown, lead singer of The Stone Roses. The city in the northwest of England is known as a party and music capital. Bands such as Oasis, The Smiths or The Chemical Brothers have their roots here. However, if you want to experience all the different aspects of this diverse city it would be best if you booked a longer stay at your cheap and centrally located Motel One Design Hotel in Manchester.Brand new and built in a very tight but friendly spot the Motel came as no surprise requiring a couple of door closers for its Hotel and resting overnight stay accommodation. The TS 9205 were chosen for heavily used entrance area and the TS 3204 were chosen for their bedroom doors because:They are supported by an established companyHave excellent right up and guaranteesVery easy and fast to fit and adjust making them the perfect answer for the contractor and door manufacturer.

THE PROJECTRecticel’s Eurothane® GP and Eurowall® Cavity provided the quality PIR solution for two city-based social housing developments. Melody Gardens and Corporation Road in Salford, Manchester were built on behalf of Places for People and For Housing. Watson Homes carried out the work on both developments. For Melody Gardens, it involved the building of a four-storey block compromising 48 apartments; nine two-storey houses, and a bungalow. The properties were built on a 0.4-hectare site once occupied by a Catholic church.THE SOLUTIONEurothane® GP, a low-thermal conductivity panel, provided Melody Gardens’ groundfloor insulation. In conjunction with Eurowall® Cavity, it was also installed at Corporation Road which comprises 18 one-bed and 15 two-bed apartments. The products’ durable thermal performance ensured both developments become a valued addition to Salford’s social housing portfolio.Mike Watson, Construction Director at Watson Homes explained:"Recticel’s high-quality products were essential to ensuring the fabric of both developments was fitted with insulation that will fulfil the occupants’ long-term domestic needs. In terms of installation, the panels’ easy-fit properties made quicker and lighter work of a potentially challenging project."Used products:Eurothane GP: Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installersEurowall® Cavity:Eurowall® Cavity is a specialist high performance solution for cavity walls, with precision-cut straight edges to ensure gaps between boards are kept to a minimum. It has a low emissivity facing which delivers improved thermal resistance within the clear cavity.  

Southfields is the most convenient station from which to reach the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, venue of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships; Wimbledon Park station is slightly closer as the crow flies but requires a longer walk.

Kingspan cavity wall insulation is helping to insulate a rural development of affordable homes.

Accessible for every visitorThe landmark £78 million Darwin Centre is the most significant development at the Natural History Museum since it moved to South Kensington in 1881. With over four and a half million visitors passing through its doors every year, choosing the right door products was crucial if this popular tourist attraction was going to stand the test of time.dormakaba’s contribution to the projectdormakaba TS 92, TS 93, and ITS 96 cam-action door closers were specified due to their low opening forces in accordance with BS8300 and their aesthetical design, which is in keeping with the overall style of the Darwin Centre. The TS 92 and TS 93 cam-action closers have been installed with the electro-magnetic hold-open feature and have been designed to remain open, closing automatically if the fire alarm is triggered. Offering the illusion of an invisible closer, the ITS 96 is a concealed cam-action closer hidden within the door leaf and frame, complementing the overall modern and sleek design of the new centre.As part of the brief, a wall of glass was to surround the technology and displays within the Darwin Centre, only accessible by staff through glass doors. Due to the small diameter between the wall and the glass door, specialists in glass interior products, Harbrine, overcame this by using dormakaba’s EA pinch free patch fitting which allowed safe access with a clear view of the museum display.dormakaba BTS 75V and BTS 80 floor springs also feature at the redevelopment. These floor springs feature a hydraulically controlled closing cycle, adjustable closing speed and mechanical backcheck.Also installed is dormakaba’s ED 200 – an automatic swing door operator that offers an optimum solution for safety in high traffic areas. During an emergency, fire doors and exit doors must continue to open for people to exit, but close firmly to prevent the fire or smoke spreading. The ED 200 is particularly appropriate for internal fire door applications and has been successfully third party fire tested to EN 1634-1 on timber doors. Its unique package of safety, security and interfacing features means that when a fire alarm is actuated, or when the power is cut, the closer will revert from automatic to manual operation with a hydraulically dampened spring close action.

The Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norfolk is a new £12.5 million hospice that will provide state-of-the-art palliative care for 24 patients alongside day care facilities, a wellness centre, gym and community hub for those being cared for at home. It will also be used for education and research into palliative and end-of-life care. The facility, designed by LSI Architects and delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, features both traditional masonry cavity walls, and a masonry rainscreen façade.  Meeting the brief At just two stories high, the building doesn’t fall under building regulations that ban combustible materials in the wall build-up. But even so, combustibility was a key factor when it came to specifying the insulation. Jordan Armstrong, Associate at LSI Architects explained: “As a practice we always try to minimise fire risk, especially for a project like The Priscilla Bacon Lodge, which will house extremely vulnerable people. So, it was essential that the materials we used were non-combustible, which meant mineral wool insulation was the only solution. “We regularly use Knauf Insulation products, so we specified DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 for the cavity walls because it’s a high-performing glass mineral wool insulation that we expected could meet our required 0.16 W/m2K U-value. We were also keen to specify their Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls because then we would have one manufacturer for the whole build, and we think the products will work well together.” DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 is full-fill insulation solution with a thermal conductivity of 0.032W/mK. While Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls is a rock mineral wool product with a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. Both products are BBA certified for the application. In addition to non-combustibility and thermal performance, both products also offer sound reduction characteristics. Ease of installation Both DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab contain a water repellent additive that preserves the integrity of the slabs while they are exposed during construction.  The products are also designed to be easy to install correctly. They are sized to suit standard centres for installation between wall ties or brick restraint systems. Slabs are robust so they can be manoeuvred into place while maintaining the flexibility required to adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate to prevent gaps that reduce thermal, fire and acoustic performance.  Lastly, they are both manufactured using ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly. The product is soft to touch, easy to handle, and generates low levels of dust and VOCs. So, when it came to specifying the insulation for the Priscilla Bacon Lodge, Knauf Insulation’s DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls ticked all the boxes. 

Does the new library bring the Bilbao effect to Alexandrina?The cultural centre Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in April 2002 was built under the auspices of UNESCO, and aims to build on the glorious past of the ancient library.dormakaba's contribution to the projectOnly 30 metres separate the library from the Mediterranean. Its deepest sections lie 18 m underground and 12 m below sea level, calling for sophisticated structural measures. Library stocks had to be wellprotected against both water and fire.To guarantee this protection and user comfort, the architects turned to dormakaba. The fire protection and smoke check concept includes TS 93 cam-action door closers and ITS 96 integrated door closers, some with electromechanical hold-open, plus BTS 80 and BTS 80F floor springs.

Case study for cavity wall insulation upgrade at St James Wood apartments, Dublin.

Standing tall in a prime location at the entrance to the Salford Quays – one of Greater Manchester’s most vibrant and prominent media and culture hubs – Anchorage Gateway is here to make a statement. The 250,640 sq ft, 29-storey residential high-rise, completed three months ahead of schedule, is set to be the tallest residential brickwork building in the UK.  Yet, behind this traditional brick façade finish is a design that demanded a modern approach to diverting moisture from the cavity to the outside of the building, using construction methods far more efficient than the conventional. Key information Completion date September 2023 Sector Residential Developer Cole Waterhouse Main Contractor Domis Construction Façade Contractor Kinlan Brickwork Delivery Architect Jon Matthews Architects  Products used Siderise CT Cavity Tray  Design and specification Representing the gateway entry point into Salford Quays, the build-to-rent (BTR) Erie Dock Apartments (Eda) development replaced a vacant four-storey office block of 1990s construction with a building designed to offer a truly contemporary residential experience. Hosting 290 apartments of various sizes and private amenities such as co-working spaces, a fitness studio, a screening room, and more, it was important that the building’s exterior reflected a feeling of home and community, giving it a sense of place in this rapidly developing part of the city.  The building’s L-shaped footprint is emphasised by the use of stepped massing, with the slimmer block extending to the top of the building and external rooftop terraces at the crown of each ‘block’. Each elevation is constructed from pale-coloured brickwork, supported by an SFS System and concrete core works, giving the building a solid and striking, yet clearly domestic feel in an area dominated by glazing and cladding.  Moisture management is a fundamental element of any masonry construction, and cavity trays must be installed to ensure that any rainwater entering the wall cavity through the external brickwork is directed away from the inner structure, reducing the risk of internal damp and mould. Main contractor, Domis Construction, and brickwork contractor, Kinlan, had previously been using the traditional approach comprising metal cavity trays. However, in their search for a more efficient method that could improve the speed and cost of delivery without compromising on quality, they came across Siderise CT Cavity Tray.  After carrying out their due diligence, the team engaged the Siderise Site Services to deliver training onsite, which included a benchmark installation. It was then that Domis Construction and Kinlan realised the huge labour and time-saving benefits Siderise CT Cavity Tray could offer and that ‘it did what it said on the tin’. The factory-engineered system was subsequently trialled on a section of another Salford project before being put forward to the fire consultants and building control officers for the high-rise Anchorage project.  The CT Cavity Tray achieves an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification to EN 13501-1, is BBA certified and can comply with NHBC, LABC and Premier Guarantee warranty requirements.  David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Siderise CT Cavity Tray has been a gamechanger for us. We’d been using traditional all-metal cavity trays, site-formed and pre-formed. Even though we’d used Siderise Cavity Barriers and Firestops before, we were somewhat unsure about this single-fix tray and insulation combo at first.   Nevertheless, we researched the product, confirming that it met regulatory compliance criteria and seeing the potential benefits in terms of time saving ability, labour cost reduction, and scaled-down site complexities associated with specialist tools, equipment, and segregated workshop areas for onsite fabrication.”  Installation and inspection Over 3,200 units of Siderise CT Cavity tray were used on the project, helping to realise installation benefits that carried real value for the project. On previous projects where traditional cavity tray solutions were used, the installation teams would need to share masts with the bricklayers on a 50/50 circa ratio. This meant that the bricklayers would take longer to complete their job, due to the time it would take to form and fit the cavity trays, as well as other products, ahead of them.   By using the pre-engineered Siderise CT Cavity Tray, which combines a flexible aluminium tray with non-combustible insulation, the installation team was able to install this lightweight element much faster with just a cutting knife and sealing tape for joining at details such as corners or windows. The requirement for specialist equipment, isolated onsite workshop zones, vast site storage facilities, soldering, sealants and installing insulation as a separate fix and was eliminated, enabling them to free up mast usage, with an estimated ratio of 70/30 in the bricklayers’ favour, speeding up the build programme.   David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Working with our brickwork contractor, Kinlan, the Siderise Site Services team came down and delivered an in-person practical training programme before the install and it was during this in-depth session that we started to realise the operational advantages it would have. They have also been supporting us continually on the build, checking how we are installing their product and giving us any advice necessary to ensure a top-class delivery.”  Summary Anchorage Gateway demonstrates, with tangible evidence, how traditional building methods can be improved using modern products that have been engineered and tested to meet the demands of contemporary construction, allowing the creation of beautiful brickwork buildings without sacrificing on speed or quality of build.  

FIRETITE Best Practice Case Study Cavity insulation installed at Goswell Road, Barbican, London.

FIRETITE Best Practice Case StudyLime Street cavity wall installation Dublin South Docklands

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

Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Board was used in a £440 million redevelopment of a retail and leisure destination in the centre of Oxford.

The 18-storey Telereal development now known as The Helm, comprises 159 residential units, 2,800sqft of retail space and 37,000sqft of Grade A office and underground car parking, developed by Watkin Jones and utilising SPSenvirowall’s new and innovative Cavity System 1. The £300,000 façade package utilised a high-performing, buff flexible brick slip (SpeedySlip) and 100-150mm mineral wool to achieve a 0.20 u-value calculation. The application of brick slips to the Cavity System gives the Helm development a traditional and authentic finish desired by the client.

Achieve better U-values whilst maintaining traditional cavity widths.Developer Mentmore Homes has built two five-bedroom houses in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, which are valued at £2.5million each. The walls required an insulation panel that achieved better U-values whilst maintaining traditional cavity widths. Eurowall +, manufactured by Recticel Insulation proved the ideal solution.Nicholas Peck from Mentmore Homes explained:"We wanted to make the properties as energy-efficient as possible. To make this happen, the best place to start is the insulation. Specifying Eurowall + meant we didn’t have to increase the size of the wall cavity and lose space inside the properties. The panel’s interlocking feature was another reason for its specification because it slots together so easily and will remain solid and airtight. We required a high quality product for this extremely high-profile project - Eurowall + didn’t disappoint."About Eurowall® +:Eurowall® + is a premium, high performance full fill insulation board with precision cut tongue and groove joints on all four sides. This ensures that the boards lock tightly together minimising heat loss through thermal bridging. This unique joint offers increased protection against wind driven rain as well as improved windtightness. Eurowall® + is also designed with a 10mm cavity requirement in mind, so that space can be left for conventional bricklaying techniques.

Kooltherm K108 Cavity Board has been installed on the first phase of houses constructed in the major redevelopment of The Poets in Swinton

A higher quality of assisted livingProviding a higher standard of care for elderly residents, this purpose-built care home in Stirling, Scotland, has been designed to accomodate 65 residents in a relaxed, luxurious setting. Every aspect of the design was focused on avoiding an ‘institutional’ feel that might be regarded as typical of care environments, and instead achieve a desirable place to live with tasteful design features and creature comforts.We were delighted that Rutland closers were selected for the building’s fire-rated doors. One of the selected finishes, Antique Brass, is often chosen from our wide range, as it has proven popular in luxury care homes for its premium aesthetic, and the more homely feel that it provides.Life safety in fine formOur underlying purpose is to enhance life safety at every fire door. But we always say that maintaining life safety doesn’t have to diminish the aesthetic of an environment. Our tried, tested and certified door closer models are available in the widest range of finishes, making it perfectly possible to protect lives and enhance quality of life.65 - Luxuriously-appointed roomsFD30/60 - Fire-rated doors2x Premium closer models specified in two designer finishesTS.9205: Key features+ 15 finishes in stock+ Universal application+ Adjustable power size EN2-5+ Tested to BSEN1154 and EN1634-1+ Assists BS8300 for Doc M contracts+ CE and UKCA marked+ 35 year guarantee

CHALLENGEAn ambitious project, and one of the first certified PassivHaus homes in the UK - the Denby Dale PassivHaus in West Yorkshire, had to to use 90% less energy for space heating than the average UK dwelling – with a space heating need of only 15 kWh/m2/ year. The three-bedroom property is the first UK Passivhaus to be built in a traditional style using cavity wall construction and had to be built to a tight budget of £141,000.SOLUTION“We decided to go down the cavity wall path and arrived at the design for several reasons including: planning restrictions, thermal store, cost, and maybe most important of all, buildability,” explains Bill Butcher, Project Leader.Excellent performing insulation is obviously fundamental to Passivhaus construction and the Denby Dale house has 300mm Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 in the walls, 500mm Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 44 in the roof void (both of which incorporate ECOSE® Technology) along with 225mm of high-performing Polyfoam® Floorboard Standard* insulation in the floor.“We’re fully filling the cavity with glass mineral wool insulation for the walls above ground, because it helps minimise air movement in the cavity and offers greater flexibility, fitting snugly around the ties, openings and imperfections of the masonry surface.” comments Bill Butcher.Economics, performance, availability, ease of fitting and reducing thermal bypass were all among the benefits of the Knauf Insulation products chosen.*No longer sold through Knauf Insulation.BENEFITSGlass Mineral Wool was specified over rigid insulation to ensure a tight thermal fit. Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slabs are flexible enough to eliminate air gaps and prevent heat loss due to their inherent ability to knit together at joints between the slabs. If rigid insulation is used and fitted badly with too many gaps, air movement around and between the insulation boards is increased, which can drastically reduce its insulation value.Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slabs are BBA Certified for all exposure zones and formally guaranteed for 50 years to prevent the transmission of liquid water from the outer masonry leaf to the inner masonry leaf.In addition to its thermal performance glass mineral wool also has other sustainable features. In manufacture it uses a high content of recycled glass bottles and requires less overall energy consumption than some alternative products, resulting in less carbon emissions. In addition, it can be recycled at the end of a building’s life and has zero GWP and zero ODP. ECOSE® Technology further extends these established green credentials as it is manufactured with 70% less energy than traditional binders and the products contain no dyes or added formaldehyde – providing the ideal solution to the eco-friendly house.

To ensure these new homes both are energy efficient and warm, the project team sought to surpass the Building Regulations. This led to the specification of Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Board, which boasts a thermal conductivity of just 0.18 W/m.K across all available board thicknesses. In addition to its outstanding thermal performance, Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Board also features a water–tight, vapour–open polypropylene fleece outer facing which protects against moisture penetration. As a result, it can be installed with a void of just 10 mm, limiting the thickness of the external walls.

Artesian House is an eight-storey building comprises 73 mixed-tenure flats, located in Bermondsey, London that is managed by the Hyde Group, alongside a large number of private leaseholder.Artesian House features a distinctive curved design, and so frequent design meetings were crucial to the success of the project. To ensure compliance and thermal performance for the project, three ROCKWOOL® products were specified, namely for cavity barrier protection and insulation.With this in mind, ROCKWOOL Rainscreen Duo Slab, ROCKWOOL SP Firestop Slab and ROCKWOOL SP Firestop Open State Cavity Barrier (OSCB) was installed throughout the building.

IntroductionThe Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray System has played an important role in futureproofing a major new residential development in Stratford’s Olympic Park by exceeding new building regulations whilst improving build quality and installation efficiency on site.OverviewLocated in the very heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Chobham Manor in East London is the first of five new neighbourhoods in the former home of the 2012 Olympics. Comprising 850 new one, two and three-bed homes alongside community facilities, shops, public green spaces and community areas, this stunning new development has sustainability at its core with all homes built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.In a design by JSA Architects and built by Taylor Wimpey, the layered brickwork façade features projected bay windows, balconies and set back terraces. To meet the requirements and a tight build programme, Keyfix worked with subcontractor Chine Brickwork and supplied 4545 metres of Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCT) along with Corner Units and Weeps on blocks A, B and C which form Phase Four of the development.ChallengeThe challenges for Keyfix were the unique brickwork build programme which incorporated two runs of cavity trays being supplied per floor to accommodate brickwork corbelling and recessed brickwork.SolutionAs the corbels where built at a different stage on the build programme so the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Trays had to project out either side of the pier when initially being installed. Therefore, when the infill corbels where being built the continuous run of tray could link in seamlessly. A task that would have been near impossible had the system relied on tapes or mastics to make the linking joint.The Keyfix stainless steel NCCT was specified due to its self-supporting system which doesn’t need fixing back to the internal concrete frame and clips together for fast and easy installation. It is essentially a ‘Fix & Forget’ solution with no additional fixings, sealants or onsite fabrication required by the brickwork contractor. Therefore, installation of the trays did not impede the speed of bricklaying even when compared to traditional DPC. Installed in the outer leaf with no connection with the inner skin, this innovative cavity tray system does not create a thermal bridge and eliminates all differential movement issues.With a lifespan of 125+ years it is the only non-combustible cavity tray system that does not rely on tapes and mastics to make watertight joints, therefore elimating one of the main reasons for product failure.Commenting Kieran Coyle of Keyfix said: “Holding an A1 Fire Rating, the Keyfix non-combustible cavity tray solution exceeds the minimum standards set out in ADB (Approved Document B), whilst ensuring this new development meets and exceeds the latest regulations. If the regulations become stricter, it will also be futureproofed maximising the whole-life value of the development.”The award-winning Chobham Manor Phase Four is now complete, with the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Tray playing an integral part in the creation of a safe and resilient development that will transform the Olympic Park into a lasting legacy for East London.For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the product guide, visit https://keyfix.com/or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com

Located in the painstakingly conserved 16th century Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Patrick Geddes Centre is aworld-class centre for learning. Steeped in history, culture andarchitectural wonder, it reopened as a community, conferenceand events space following a £6m restoration in 2017.Allgood was selected by conservation specialist architectsLDN to deliver an ironmongery solution that would providemodern facilities within the picturesque Category A-listedmerchant’s house, without compromising the integrity of theoriginal building.Prestigious heritage hardware brand Frank Allart was chosen,and an antique brass finish was applied to blend in with thehistoric areas of the venue. Throughout the modern quarters,the high-performance and ultra-durable Modric stainless steelrange was used.Bespoke hinges and door closers were developed to matchthe different manufacturers’ ironmongery, while Certifireapproved Alite door closers and Allgood’s integrated securitypackage including secure access controls, intercom andvideo entry systems were employed to deliver a high-qualityfinish.

Location: Finchley, LondonSpecwall was used on the internal leaf of the cavity walls, with a brick tie system fixed directly to the panels, cavity insulation and brick outer leaf, as well as being used to accommodate the difficult curved façades. The installation of the internal walls at Beechwood Avenue needed to begin before the development was made watertight, necessitating a product like Specwall which can be used in all weather conditions. This enabled the required programme savings on the development which allowed it to proceed on schedule.Additionally, the site was constricted and external access was not available, requiring a wall system that could be built from the inside. Specwall satisfied this condition, and furthermore, the installation provided protection for the rest of the internal works to progress before the external masonry followed at a later date.

ChallengeThe boundary between adjoining properties has always been assumed to be an area of neutral heat loss. However, research undertaken by Leeds Metropolitan University, MIMA (the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers’ Trade Association), BRE (Building Research Establishment) and Knauf Insulation has revealed that a significant amount of heat is actually lost through uninsulated cavity party walls.It is estimated that there are 7.4million existing party walls that have been built with a cavity across the UK.Although these walls provide fire and acoustic separation to meet the requirements of relevant building regulations, the thermal performance of a party wall had not previously been considered.Knauf Insulation has provided solid evidence that its Supafil® Party Wall glass mineral wool blowing insulation is a reliable way of eliminating party wall bypass and so City West Housing Trust, a Salford based housing association, has installed the product as part of a pilot scheme to a number of its properties.Working alongside Bridgewater Surveyors and others, City West wanted to improve the energy efficiency of their tenants' properties and are continually looking for other ways to reduce energy costs and consumption. Knowing that by insulating the cavity party walls of properties could lower energy bills for their tenants they embarked on the trial project – with the aim of a possible roll out across other areas in the North West.After approaching Knauf Insulation for advice, City West and Bridgewater Surveyors settled on a reliable solution: Knauf Insulation’s Supafil® Party Wall insulation.SolutionSupafil® Party Wall prevents heat loss through party separating cavity walls by fully filling the cavity. Supafil® Party Wall is an in-situ formed unbonded, non-combustible glass mineral wool. Knauf Insulation have now completed an extensive research programme to develop a proven methodology for installation into existing homes to add to the product’s use in new build applications.As well as being an excellent thermal insulant, Supafil® Party Wall insulation also has good sound absorption characteristics which help to ensure that when a party wall is upgraded, it complies with the requirements of Approved Document Part E of the Building Regulations - which is designed to protect occupants from noise in adjoining rooms or buildings.As part of the Salford project, houses were tested before and after the installation took place. The reduction in the heat loss was equivalent to an improvement in the effective U-value of the party wall of at least 0.5 W/m2K. This shows there is a significant beneficial impact for tenants in fully filling cavity party walls with Supafil® Party Wall Insulation.Supafil® Party Wall insulation fitted into City West’s obligation to maintain a greener environment as the product conserves energy and reduces the emissions of the major greenhouse gas, CO2. The energy and CO2 emission saved by the product in use vastly outweighs those generated in its manufacture. Supafil® Party Wall has a generic BRE Green Guide Rating of A+ and has zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential.When completed, the trials will measure the extent of customers’ energy bill savings – estimated to be up to £90 a year – as well as the amount of carbon emissions that could be reduced."We are committed to ensuring our properties are as energy efficient as possible and along with Supafil® Party Wall insulation we have installed cavity and loft insulation to our portfolio of properties."Gary Vaughan – Head of Sustainability & Supply Chain, City West

IntroductionThe speed of installation and improved build quality of the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray System has played an important part in the construction of a major new high-rise residential development in West London and at the same time help meet and exceed regulatory requirements.OverviewLocated close to the Thames in Brentford West London, Verdo – Kew Bridge is a new mixed use development which forms part of a major new regeneration scheme that includes the new community stadium for Brentford FC. Designed by Broadway Malyan and built by developer EcoWorld, it comprises of 487 new one, two and three-bed homes alongside retail and business spaces, public green spaces and community areas.In order to safeguard the future of the development, Keyfix supplied 765 metres of Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCT) along with 2490 Corner Units, 4000 Pier Units and 5000 Weeps on blocks E,F,G and H of the development.ChallengeOne of the key challenges for Keyfix was the brickwork build programme which required early completion at the lower grid line levels of one to six. This was due to the scaffolding needed to be stripped away because it was blocking a walkway at Brentford Stadium and therefore needed to be cleared prior to the start of the new football season.SolutionWorking to a tight schedule, the offsite fabrication and preforming of bespoke non-combustible cavity tray units in line with the brickwork set out drawings saved time for the installation team at brickwork contractor DWG. This one-piece NCCT system allowed for a very simple and very efficient install, enabling the brickwork façade to continue at a fast pace.The Keyfix stainless steel NCCT was specified due to its self-supporting system which doesn’t need fixing back to the internal concrete frame and clips together for fast and easy installation. It is essentially a ‘Fix & Forget’ solution with no additional fixings, sealants or onsite fabrication required by the brickwork contractor. Therefore, installation of the trays did not impede the speed of bricklaying even when compared to traditional DPC. Installed in the outer leaf with no connection with the inner skin, this innovative cavity tray system does not create a thermal bridge and eliminates all issues associated with differential movement.Furthermore, the NCCT is manufactured with integral Stop Ends on each cavity tray to ensure water is trapped and channelled outwards via a Keyfix Non-combustible Weep (NCW). The integral Stop Ends also facilitate perp joint width adjustability of +/- 3 mm between 7–13 mm if required.With a lifespan of 125+ years it is the only non-combustible cavity tray system that does not rely on tapes and mastics to make watertight joints, therefore eliminating one of the main reasons for product failure.Commenting on the project, Kieran Coyle, Keyfix Technical Sales Manager said: “Verdo – Kew Bridge was the first project in which we created and used a Component Schedule and this is now the same component schedule template we use on every project. It allows installers to use new Component Codes to identify the different components and install the system to its full integrity.”Holding an A1 Fire Rating, the Keyfix non-combustible cavity tray solution exceeds the minimum standards set out in ADB (Approved Document B), whilst ensuring this major new development meets and exceeds the latest regulations. If the regulations become stricter, it will also be futureproofed maximising the whole-life value of the development.Set to make its mark on West London, Verdo – Kew Bridge is on track for completion, with the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Tray meeting the contractors requirements and enabling the creation of a development that has safety built in.For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the product guide, visit https://keyfix.com/or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com

At Exeter Park, PFC Corofil offered technical solutions by our ASFP trained technical team for a fully tested range of cavity barriers to enable Longworth design team to specify the correct barriers for each location throughout the open façade.

For what is one of London’s tallest residential towers, Siderise, leaders in the development of fire, thermal and acoustics insulation solutions, has provided cavity barriers and perimeter fire seals as part of the glazed curtain walling system for the Landmark Pinnacle Tower.