"ductwork fire dampers and ancillaries"

One of Scotland’s most famous whisky distilleries is undergoing an ambitious redevelopment project in order to meet increased demand from overseas. The steelwork for the new build elements of the work are being given fire protection using Nullifire’s revolutionary new one coat intumescent SC902 system.

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is a tourist attraction at Bournemouth Beach. The 18 hole course is part of Bournemouth’s famous seafront, which has over 7 million visitors per year. For safety purposes, it was necessary to fit Stair Nosings onto a fire exit staircase at the site.

Cladding is being replaced on a flat block in Nottingham’s Hockley after it was found to contain similar insulation material as Grenfell Tower. Klasse G-board has been chosen as part of the re-clad project, especially for its A1 fire-rated, fully non-combustible properties.

C-TEC’s revolutionary new evacuation alert system, EVAC-ALERT, has been specified for a new purpose-built residential building in London.Located in the Elephant and Castle area of the London Borough of Southwark, Joyce Newman House is an 8-storey block of 40 spacious living spaces commissioned by Leathermarket JMB, Southwark’s largest resident-managed housing organisation. The affordable-housing development also features landscaped gardens, an interactive playground and a communal kitchen garden for residents to grow their own vegetables.Specified and supplied by Churches Fire & Security working alongside Blu Electrical Installations Ltd, C-TEC’s EVAC-ALERT has been designed to comply with the new BS 8629, which recommends evacuation alert systems be installed in all new blocks of flats over 18 metres to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part or all of a building in an emergency.The system consists of a 2-loop control panel connected to a host of single and multi-way interface units, self-testing sounders and visual indicators. Simple and intuitive with manual controls to allow firefighters to easily operate the evacuation alert devices located inside flats on a zone by zone or floor by floor basis, the panel is stored in a secure vandal resistant cabinet which can only be accessed by the FRS using a special copy-protected key.David Collins, Project Manager at Churches Fire & Security, said: “Evacuation alert systems ensure firefighters can alert occupants in a building of the need to evacuate if a fire gets out of control. The EVAC-ALERT system we’ve specified provides peace of mind for residents and, crucially, also demonstrates that building management have taken every precaution possible to protect the people residing in the property. Our client is delighted with the system.”Certified to all relevant EN54 product standards, EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new cloud-based remote access data management software which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing.

BackgroundLocated in the Ancoats area of Manchester, the Albion Works strip and re-fit project was funded by the Building Safety Fund, a Government Fund to remove unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential and mixed-use properties that are 18 metres and over and do not meet building safety regulations.K Systems Approved Installer QFF Façades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering of the 8-storey residential building.The original 60mm EPS system was stripped from the building and replaced with a safe, thermally efficient façade solution, which upgraded the fire performance of the cladding, ensuring the safety of both the building and residents.Our ServiceK Systems provided support throughout the application process for this Building Safety Fund project. The Technical team offered on-site technical and installation support throughout the build process and supported QFF to ensure quality and reliability.We produced a bespoke specification and worked closely with Thomason Consulting and QFF Façades to agree and deliver specifics such as fire stopping and abutment details.From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which aided a smooth installation process with minimal disruption.Technical Project DetailsThe original sheathing boards were replaced, and the K Systems Exicco M drained cavity façade system was installed. This high performing drained cavity system was specified as a requirement for this steel frame residential building. 60mm mineral wool insulation was specified to retain the line of the existing façade.Fire safety with high rise buildings like Albion Works is of utmost importance and this solution generates high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (A2, s1-d0 rating), meaning the latest building regulations were complied with. Additionally, the thermal performance of the building improved with a U-value of 0.28 W/m²K being achieved. Residents will therefore enjoy reduced heating costs and better living conditions.For the finish, silicone thin coat render ensured that aesthetically Albion Works had a clean, crisp attractive appearance. This durable, low maintenance render transformed the outside of the building and will ensure a longlasting finish to the property.

Being positioned along The Highway, a major east-west route into central London, Ensign Court is a 14-storey high-rise build that symbolises the beginning of London’s heart, welcoming people into its urban core and existing as an important representation of its character.With this metropolitan embodiment in mind, the development is a statement of modernity and urbanity, requiring contemporary designs and cutting-edge materials to establish a framework of quality and character, to accompany its remarkable location.Project BreakdownHaving been previously occupied by commercial space, Ensign Court was rebuilt to offer 65 residential units designed to accommodate for affordable rent, shared ownership and private sale, as well as 7 units of new commercial space on the ground floor. To support its modern appeal, the project was intended for Class A use and therefore required an effective non-combustible balcony solution that would enhance its stylish aesthetic and ensure durability for the safety of its residents.The SolutionBeing compliant with the latest fire safety law, Hyperion Aluminium 145 Pro-Grip aluminium decking was used to furnish the 520 m² of balcony and terrace areas on this build, complete with fire-rated edging, joists, pedestals and screws. This beautifully engineered A2 fire-rated aluminium decking board was used in the colour Dusty Grey, perfectly fitting the contemporary aesthetic of the Ensign Court build with elegance, simplicity and style. With market-leading value and Qualicoat certified power coating, this non-combustible decking system was the ideal addition to this exquisite development, offering assured safety, high slip resistance and refined aesthetics.EnviroBuild will continue to push towards the ever-improving innovation of non-combustible systems, and strive to lead the rise of safer, fire-rated solutions for both commercial and residential construction.Project DetailsSize: 520 m²Product: Dusty Grey Hyperion 145 Pro-Grip, MESA Non-combustible Pedestals, MESA Aluminium Joists, Aluminium Edging, MESA Protective Membranes, Screws, FastenersContractor: ENGIEArchitect: Maccreanor LavingtonDeveloper: L&QLocation: London

The new energy efficient Agrivaal building in Pretoria’s Tshwane Central Business District is using advanced natural ventilation and smoke control solutions from SE Controls Africa to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while improving safety by ensuring escape routes are smoke free in the event of a fire.

THE PROJECT The Stephen A Schwarzman Centre is a new state-of-the-art performing arts and exhibition development that will house the University of Oxford’s Humanities department. The architect, Hopkins, is well known for designing environmentally efficient buildings, and the main contractor Laing O'Rourke has a wealth of experience of building large complex structures. Fosroc was invited to provide a full waterproofing system for a two-level basement due to their technical expertise, customer care, and proven products. Three forms of waterproofing were proposed; pre-applied membrane, waterproof concrete and a cavity drain system. The project also included a complex detail where the new basement needed to punch through the secant wall into an adjacent basement. THE SOLUTION Fosroc entered into an early design development phase with Laing O'Rourke to progress the waterproofing design and overcome some of the particularly challenging aspects of the scheme. Design meetings were held to address these issues in advance of the scheme going to site. The primary protection proposed for the base was the robust Type A Proofex Engage pre-applied fully bonded membrane. Its unique mesh system allows a full bond to concrete and prevents water tracking between the concrete and membrane. Type B watertight concrete containing Supercast WCP – an integral hydrophobic pore-blocking admixture was used as secondary protection for the base and primary protection for the walls. Secondary protection for the walls was provided by the Type C Proofex Cavitydrain drained cavity system, that channels water ingress into the basement drainage system. Laing O’Rourke then appointed Fosroc’s in-house design service WDS to complete the design with the required professional indemnity insurance cover. WDS has delivered a fully detailed coordinated set of design drawings to detail the waterproofing installation, helping Laing O'Rourke to complete to the very highest standard. THE BENEFITS Fosroc were able to calculate approximate quantities for the scheme, including all ancillary items. This, coupled with a planned project programme enabled the supply of materials to be accurately scheduled, avoiding delays and improving the level of cost certainty for the client. By using the three types of protection, the basement of the four-storey academic building is afforded the maximum level of long-term protection against water ingress. The installation team have been very satisfied with the design provided by WDS, and the products and service received from Fosroc throughout the installation.

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

An ambitious £37.5 million Littleport complex comprising special educational needs (SEN) and primary schools, an Academy and a leisure centre. Rockfon ceilings, baffles and wall panels are installed throughout. Rockfon products were chosen because they offer excellent sound control, Class A1 fire safety and durability.

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

The modern hotel is just one of several new developments being constructed, as the existing town centre is being physically moved and relocated a few miles away.Working with Glasfasader Norr AB, we supplied our Pyroguard Protect toughened fire safety glass throughout the hotel’s internal atrium.

Ahmarra Door Solutions manufactured over 200 fire doors for the Pears Building, which is situated next to the Royal Free Hospital in London.The FD30 and FD60 doorsets incorporated Halspan Optima door blanks.The Pears Building will accommodate the UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation. This is a state-of-the-art medical research centre which will advance the understanding of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis, and for traditional and tissue-developed transplants.Designed by Hopkins Architects and constructed under main contractor, Willmott Dixon, the building’s seven-storey structure includes laboratory space, research facilities, offices and two levels of patient accommodation, which will enable people undergoing clinical trials to rest and recover there.Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, sustainability was at the heart of the building’s creation. As such, Ahmarra Door Solutions used Halspan as all Halspan fire door blanks are made from FSC® certified timber.Photography courtesy of Cannon Photos Ltd.

Peregrine Bryant were appointed to design a scheme for Stationers Hall to improve access and rationalise the internal layouts to enhance the building as a function space. The building, located near St Paul’s Cathedral, has a history that stretches back to before the Great Fire of London and any work requires a lot of co-ordination as parts of the complex range from Grade I listed to Ancient Scheduled Monuments.3v were asked to provide a full hardware service for this historic building which included scheduling all new and existing doors, rationalising ironmongery throughout and undertaking a full review of fire requirements. All new ironmongery was finished in antique brass with the exception of the toilet areas which use a split finish of antique brass externally and satin stainless steel internally. The main task was to ensure there was more continuity in the ironmongery used throughout the building so that it complimented both the aesthetics of the building and the function as an events space.

The White City project consists of a 35 storey tower and two 19 storey towers. Two of the buildings are set within a lagoon water feature which cascades towards the lower landscaped gardens surrounding the site. The project is due for completion in 2022. The development will provide 526 private apartments.Quadra is the most complete high-performance metal riser doorsets.Perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.A design innovation – Quadra+ is the original riser doorset from Selo, now featuring an Adjustable Frame to enhance installation speed and fire compliance. The screw-operated adjuster bolts allow for simple and secure Quadra+ frame installation.

Architect: Faulkner Browns ArchitectsInstaller: Topfix InteriorsProduct: ‘Shiluvit’ by Oranit1000m2 of PEFC Certified Shiluvit panels from Oranit were installed to the ceilings of the swimming pool and gym areas at the new sports facility St John’s School in Leatherhead.Faulkner Brown Architects specified Yellow Pine panels with a white stain for the space, choosing 7-502 modules with 22mm wide by 45mm deep blades with 40mm gaps for impressive acoustic control.Oranit is a specialist ceiling solutions suitable for most installation areas. As standard it is impregnated for Euroclass B,s2-d0 for resistance to fire, achieving top results against surface spread of flames, smoke production, and flaming droplets or structural integrity in case of fire.Additionally for this installation the panels were lacquered for humidity resistance, this treatment provides additional protection to the wood against water damage and can also be used for panels being installed outside.

Middlewood Locks is a prestigious 25-acre mixed-use regeneration scheme of Salford’s canal district. The first development phase included the construction of Quarry, an eight-storey building combining ground floor commercial space, luxury apartments and an undercroft car park for residents. It was the insulation for this car park that threw up a challenge for sub-contractor Horbury Building Systems. A complex underdrawing method had been specified, comprising the installation of timber battens, non-combustible mineral wool insulation and a separate soffit insulation over the top. Installation would be extremely labour-intensive, so Horbury Building Systems consulted Knauf Insulation about whether it could provide an alternative that would meet the thermal performance and fire safety requirements, but also be easy to install. Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team reviewed the specification and recommended 185mm Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra to achieve the required 0.18 W/m2K U-value.  Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra is a Rock Mineral Wool insulation slab bonded to a 6mm off-white weather resistant facing board which provides a two-in-one aesthetic and thermal solution. It has a low thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK and is designed for use as an insulated underlining solution in semi-exposed environments. The off-white cementitious particle board reflects light which makes it ideally suited for use in car parks. As well as thermal performance, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra is non-combustible. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so it will not contribute to the development or spread of a fire should it occur. This is important because car parks can contain large quantities of a potential propellant – petrol. So the insulation will help to ensure the fire safety of the rest of the building.   Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra also has good sound absorption characteristics so it provides high levels of sound reduction. This reduces noise from the car park, minimising disruption for the people living and working in the premises above. As well as meeting the specification, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra has been enhanced to add rigidity and is easy to install. The board is simply placed onto the concrete soffit and fixed into position with five drillscrews. This reduced the installation method from three separate phases to just one, saving Horbury Building Systems time and associated labour costs. Stephen Hampshire, Contracts Manager at Horbury Building Systems said: “We found the panels easy to install. Firstly, we marked and drilled the fixing points at bench level. Next, we held the panels in place to the underside of the concrete – although the panels are lightweight ‘this is a two-handed operation’ – then we drilled through and fixed.”  “We took care in lining the panels together when installing it against the soffit and with some minor tweaking up and down we got a nice flush finish.” Being able to align the panels exactly is not only important for ensuring a good finish. It also means that the slabs will butt tightly together, reducing unintended air gaps which can reduce thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance.  The insulation was supplied to the Middlewood Locks construction site by distributor Galaxy Insulation.  Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra, the underlining of the car park at Middlewood Locks was easy to install, is aesthetically pleasing, and provides complete thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance.

Set to be the tallest building in Africa at 250-metres with 55 stories, Mohammed Tower IV is a new high-rise tower designed by Rafael de la Hoz & Hakim Benjelloun to resemble a rocket on its launch pad. The striking development will be visible from 50km in all directions and forms the centre piece in the Bouregreg Valley Development Project, which plays a leading role in the development programme for Rabat, ‘the City of Light,’ in the Moroccan Capital of Culture. Once complete, the project will provide a luxury hotel, commercial offices, high-end residential apartments, and a viewing sky terrace.The ChallengeSustainability and energy efficiency are both primary design considerations in this project, with the client aiming to achieve LEED Gold and HQE quality standards. LEED certification provides an independent guarantee of a building’s green features, with a LEED Gold rating representing first-class leadership in resource-efficient building design, construction, operations, and maintenance.Farrat were contacted via our export partner in the GCC region, UniGroup, to supply a high-performance, robust, and certified fire-resistant thermal break solution to mitigate against thermal bridging across façade connections for contemporary facade design company Glassline Abu Dhabi. Farrat Structural Thermal Breaks are favoured across the construction industry, as the most efficient & responsible way to thermally separate structural connections and prevent heat loss in the building envelope.The thermal breaks would form part of a wider sustainable construction program, alongside smart energy efficiency systems such as 3350 m² of photovoltaic solar panels on the South façade, rainwater recovery and wastewater recycling systems and an internal energy recovery system to produce hot water.The SolutionFollowing a review of the connection designs, Farrat TBF was selected as the optimal structural thermal break material for extensive use across the façade connections of Mohammed Tower, to prevent heat transfer through steel beams where the external building aspects meet the interior.Farrat TBF is an A2 rated non-combustible structural thermal break material capable of maintaining superior structural performance at temperatures more than 1000°C. Farrat TBF also provides high-level thermal performance to solve structural thermal bridge issues and exceeds all current fire regulatory requirements for buildings above (and below) 18m.Following several high-rise fire tragedies across the globe, increasing numbers of building designers are looking to go beyond the standard when it comes to fire safety.The DesignThe inherent non-combustible composition of Farrat TBF was the solution to the fire element of the design, allowing unrestricted use in the high-rise construction. Use of the material’s remarkably high compressive force resistance allowed Farrat to assess the transmission of loads through the structural connection, sufficient to maintain performance under influence from weather stresses.The Outcome“In designing and securing this high-performance project, Farrat utilised the full extent of our material research & development skills and harnessed our extensive experience of thermal bridging projects in all climates and circumstances around the globe,” states Chris Lister, Commercial Manager of Structural Thermal Breaks at Farrat.“The resulting construction details are to the highest levels of structural and fire safety performance whilst also being beautiful in their simplicity.”Structural Thermal Breaks with FarratFarrat Structural Thermal Breaks are favored across the construction industry, as the most efficient & responsible way to thermally separate structural connections and prevent heat loss in the building envelope.#onamission

Kelly is a lifestyle writer whose popular blog, My Norfolk Home, covers home decor ideas & renovation inspiration. Kelly selected a Dimplex Grand Noir Opti-MystTM fire. The Grand Noir, is a beautiful electric stove, combining the classic feeling of a wood burning stove with modern electric functionality.

Dacatie's TFR Fire Rated Cavity Closers were used in this residential project by Willmott Dixon. The 133 homes come in a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses, and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. It is part of the Bristol Mayor’s commitment to build 2,000 new homes, including 800 affordable, in the city.

Villa Wippermann in Halver, Germany is an old factory owner’s beautiful villa, originally belonging to the Wippermann family, built back in 1892. The old villa was renovated to serve as a regional museum and a cultural meeting place. The fire protection and heritage conservation requirements, in particular, presented a demanding challenge to the planners of the escape routes and escape staircases. Space-saving design was required, while creating a staircase system without any additional connection to the building (no transfer of forces into the historical building structure). The architectural appearance of the building also had to be preserved in the best possible way, and safe use by visitors had to be guaranteed in the event of an emergency.The criteriaThe client, City of Halver, involved experts, architects and engineers in the make-over of the museum. The project had a significant focus on safety in case of fire or other events that need safe evacuation. The parties involved required a spiral staircase as a fire escape solution, to be installed without causing any damage to the building.Minimum strainThe engineer and architect were both very aware of the fact that various environmental conditions such as wind and vibrations can cause too much load, leading to damage to the building.DesignAs stated in the project criteria, the architectural heritage of the building had to be preserved. This called for a safe but well-designed spiral staircase, fitting into the environment and to the unique architecture of the building and maintaining the appealing aesthetics of the Villa Wippermann museum.The solutionBased on these project criteria, PcP delivered a proposal that presented a safe and secure spiral staircase for the museum. The project architects and the planners from the building and heritage authorities accepted the proposal.Spiral staircase made of galvanised steelA complete spiral staircase system was designed and tailor-made to support the unique criteria of the project. A large steel pipe at the centre of the staircase provided solid support to the entire structure. A slim handrail system followed the spiral shape of the staircase. All details and products were made of galvanised steel, matching the architectural and aesthetical look of the building. The staircase links the historical building together with modern architecture.The staircase was designed by PcP and manufactured using modern industrial production methods, combined with handmade finishes and details.OPTIMO® steel treads and gratingsThe PcP OPTIMO® O3 spiral treads and gratings were used for treads and landings, providing safety in terms of optimal slip resistance, capacity and fire proofing. The high and certified slip resistance according to evaluation group R13/V10 and the limited views below allow even people with a fear of heights to walk safely. The surface of OPTIMO® O3 flooring delivers the very best drainage of liquids.The resultAs a result of the strong collaboration between architects, structural engineers and planners from heritage protection and fire protection, a safe, solid and aesthetically pleasing spiral staircase now compliments the museum.Today, Villa Wippermann museum stands as a harmonious building with a perfect balance between modern and old architecture in beautiful surroundings.

OverviewThe UK’s first dedicated horticultural scientific centre of excellence has opened to the public – protecting the future of plants, people, and the planet at the iconic RHS Garden Wisley, situated in Woking, just 30 minutes outside London. RHS Hilltop has been dubbed The Home of Gardening Science, and at a cost of £35 million, is the largest ever investment in horticultural science. The site boasts 3 purpose-built laboratories, a herbarium and digitisation suite, learning studios & a teaching garden, interactive displays and a world class collection of horticultural exhibits across 3 gardens that brim with ideas that reflect the latest research. RHS Wisley’s library and archive contain rich and varied collections, including botanical art, 28,000 horticultural books & records, which places itself as the most complete record of the UK’s horticultural heritage. PartnershipHAG Ltd. were chosen by Geoffrey Osborne Ltd. to work on RHS Wisley’s impressive and forward-thinking purpose-built space to offer fire protection & security solutions across the site, including in the herbarium and café. With over 35 years of industry experience, and being well known for our quality, integrity, and reliability, we were the perfect choice to offer solutions to fire protection and security needs, meaning a more streamlined experience for the main building contractor. Andy Jasper, Programme Director of the Wisley Strategic Investment Programme:“We are so proud to announce the opening date of RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science. Working so closely and collaboratively with Contractors and Consultants was wonderful and together we have overcome the challenges of Covid-19. We would like to express our most sincere thanks to all the teams and individuals involved in this project who have worked so hard and with such passion and commitment.” The ProjectLike many new builds, RHS Hilltop used the very latest in environmentally friendly techniques in their build process. This included installing their own renewable energy sources, using high levels of insulation and astonishingly, 99% of waste during construction was recycled. The RHS Hilltop facility measures 4,750 square meters and was part of a wider 5-year transformation program at RHS Wisley. With an investment of £35 million, it is easy to see how seriously the Royal Horticultural Society are taking their legacy and setting themselves in good stead for scientific research in the future. HAG installed fire curtains and fire shutters across the site, which are essential to ensure safety and time to exit the buildings in the event of fire. Our insurance-certified roller shutters were supplied and fitted to their exacting standards and are fully covered by LPCB Certification, to give optimum security protection. We were pleased to be involved in such a stunning development and look forward to working with both Geoffrey Osborne Ltd and the RHS again in the future.