"engineering"

One of the world’s finest examples of architectural design and engineering innovation, WestKowloonStation sets a new benchmark for railway transportation. Collaborating with JV architects Aedas and AECOM and JV contractors Leighton Asia & Gammon Construction Limited, SAS designed, manufactured and installed products including bespoke straight and curved baffles, atrium panels and bulkheads, lighting trough and ceiling panels.

When a new COVID-19 Lighthouse Laboratory was approved in Plymouth in November 2020, the Government required a quick turnaround to set up the testing facility in order to meet demand and tackle the virus. After its proven success in supplying the Nightingale Hospitals, Totus Engineering specified Marshall-Tufflex PowerPoles and Odyssey Bio trunking to complete the fit out.

Explaining our winch systems to potential customers can be quite a challenge. The problem is, the product has been engineered to be very technical and has mas many design features. It is hard to bring these to life through a conversation or via email.We have teamed up with the talented team at DCS Sonovision to work on a new multi-rope winch system animation.

Washroom installed new male and female washrooms using bespoke design elements to create a unique space to complement the rest of the building. The full height Alto toilet cubicle doors were finished with a striking dark wood effect Engineered Veneer, which ensures a consistency of colour for each cubicle door, and the bespoke floating trough vanities were manufactured in white Silestone.

Part of an 1885 Ashlar Dressed Bridge widening and strengthening scheme, the listed Victorian Parapet required uplifting, repairing and refitting. ASF's unique position of having our own on site foundry, pattern shop, casting engineers and metallurgists meant we could complete this task using traditional techniques whilst managing to retain about 75% of the original damaged parapet railing.

The site engineers approached ASF to develop a specialised quayside post and rail system that has a straight post on the inland side of the riverside path and a curved quayside profile on the waterside. Critically the base and top of the curved post had to be on the same vertical plain, thus not interfering with the width of the path. Posts are finished spun galvanised offering a maintenance free finish for many years

A recent project in a rural location near Sandwich, Kent involved a creative restoration of a former engine shed to provide five spacious homes that boast a high-spec contemporary interior, while retaining the character and appeal of the original building. The developers opted for our Featherboard fence panels; a timeless style of fencing that satisfies the need for privacy with its simple, solid design.

Brookfield is the new home for School of Business at University of Leocester. Sympathetically renovated, Brookfield House was built in 1870 and is the former residence of Thomas Fielding Johnson, founder of the University of Leicester.University of Leicester engineer: Rick SturgessContractor: Henry Boot Construction LimitedArchitect: ChG Architecture & Joseph GoddardAspex supplied: Salto access control solutions, Novista concealed doorsets

One Crown Place is the latest high rise addition to London’s skyline. Home to 246 luxury apartments, high-quality office space, a boutique hotel and members’ club, it is located between the City of London and Shoreditch. Designed by internationally renowned architects Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF), the development features two prismatic towers of 28 and 33 storeys.For the apartments, interior designers, Bowler James Brindley specified custom designed kitchens by Italian company Arclinea featuring a dark lacquered finish with engineered stone worktops and glass fronted cabinets.The Fire regulations which apply to high-rise living accommodation meant that the open plan kitchens in each apartment would require a fire suppression unit complete with sprinklers to be fitted. These units need to be installed and maintained by a specialist engineer and can also cause damage within a property should they be activated due to a fire.  Therefore, the team of architects, designers and builders were open to the idea of an alternative, unobtrusive design-led fire prevention solution, such as the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard.

Canal Architectural were approached to design, manufacture and install a luxury feature staircase for Gresham Street. A leading workspace design company collaborated with the Technical Sales Team to engineer a four flight staircase for the atrium of the building.The 50,000 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of London was developed to connect its employees and working spaces together. The mild steel structure featured oak timber box treads, painted stringers, bronze metallic balustrade and a wrapped brown leather handrail. The entire development was transformed into a contemporary co-working area for a modern and innovative space for the specialist investment firm.The Canal site team worked closely with the contractor throughout the entire installation process to ensure smooth delivery in line with current building regulations. Canal Architectural are proud to have a long-standing collaborative relationship with leading design and build firm. Canal has worked directly with the workspace design company to engineer exquisite architectural metalwork designs for some of the UK’s most prestigious projects over the years including Gresham Street.

A new education facility for Birmingham City University – STEAMhouse 2 - marries the restored frontage of a former Victorian industrial building with a brand new addition designed to promote interdisciplinary courses that bring together artists, scientists and engineers with input from industry.  The locally-listed red brick and terracotta façade of the 1899 Belmont cycle works was preserved after a disastrous fire gutted the building in 2007. That now fronts a new brick building the rear elevation of which boasts Corporate W20 windows in black plus two fire-rated Crittall windows and two fire-rated Crittall doors installed in a fire escape. Beyond this is a new four and five-storey building comprising workshops and teaching spaces. The new and reconstructed buildings are linked by an open central space, beneath a transparent roof, to encourage interaction between students and trainees attending the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) – based university courses on offer.  The Crittall profiles are sensitive to the industrial heritage of the original building while complementing the 21st century ethos underpinning the STEAMhouse’s ambitions. 

AliDeck is thrilled to have supported such a key remediation project at IET London: Savoy Place and on a recent site visit following completion we enjoyed the incredible views that overlook some of London’s most iconic scenery. The venue has been home to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) since 1909 and hosts a wide range of events every year. It’s a real peach of a building, steeped in history.

Network Rail’s nationwide initiative for high specification, durable AFA platform access bridges required AATi to supply re-engineered ‘Coverall’ combined stair nosing and step covers. These small design changes have again improved bridge construction techniques and the long-term performance of the stairway, and removed dirt-traps and improved drainage. AATi supplied their SN293 WL307 UR to fit the needs.

Project Overview:Guttermaster, a leading provider of bespoke architectural solutions, partnered with Airbus Defence and Space to supply custom column casings for a project that represented Airbus's local commitment to international programs. Despite budget constraints, the project showcased outstanding collaboration between design, client, and contractor teams, ultimately delivering exceptional value for money.Client Information:Client: Airbus Defence and SpaceLocation: [Specify Location]Project Details:Scope of Works: Supply of bespoke column casingsClient's Requirements:Airbus Defence and Space needed custom column casings for a project that symbolised their dedication to regional execution of international programs. The project objectives were as follows:Custom Design: The column casings needed to align with Airbus's corporate identity, reflecting their commitment to innovation and industry leadership.Budget Constraints: The project had to be executed within a limited budget, making cost-effective solutions essential.Collaborative Execution: The project demanded close collaboration between design, client, and contractor teams to ensure the desired outcome was achieved cost-effectively.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster undertook the project with a focus on innovative design and cost-effective solutions:Custom Column Casing Design: Guttermaster's design team worked closely with Airbus to create bespoke column casings that aligned with Airbus's corporate identity while ensuring affordability.Value Engineering: Guttermaster's engineers utilised value engineering techniques to optimize the materials and manufacturing processes, allowing for cost-effective yet high-quality column casings.Collaboration: The project's success hinged on open communication and collaboration between design, client, and contractor teams, ensuring that the casings met the client's objectives and the budget constraints.Results:The collaborative effort between Guttermaster, Airbus Defence and Space, and the contractors resulted in a project that exceeded expectations:Custom Design: The bespoke column casings perfectly embodied Airbus's commitment to innovation and excellence, serving as a fitting representation of their corporate identity.Budget Adherence: Despite budget constraints, Guttermaster's value engineering approach ensured that the project was delivered within the financial limitations, providing Airbus with excellent value for money.Collaborative Success: The project exemplified the effectiveness of a collaborative team approach, as design, client, and contractor teams worked harmoniously to achieve the desired outcome within the budget.Conclusion:The partnership between Guttermaster and Airbus Defence and Space in supplying bespoke column casings for Airbus's commitment to regional international programs reflects the power of collaboration and innovative design. This project showcases Guttermaster's ability to deliver cost-effective yet high-quality solutions that align with the client's corporate identity and objectives. The resulting column casings represent Airbus's dedication to innovation, collaboration, and industry leadership, making it a compelling embodiment of their mission.

There are few landmarks in the world more famous than the Eiffel Tower. When it came to the latest round of renovations for this romantic French landmark, two of Schlüter’s own iconic products proved to be key. Constructed between 1887 and 1889, the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated at the Exposition Universelle of 1889, held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was a feat of engineering and architecture and today welcomes almost 7 million visitors a year.

The University of Macau campus in China is separated from the Taipa island by a river. The campus has more than 60 buildings and entrance can be accessed through an underwater tunnel. The campus was designed by He Jingtang, an architect and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Lorient supplied a combination of AURA® AAS8501 drop seals and AAS4504 threshold plates, LAS3002 si door bottom seals and LAS1025 compression seals.

IntroductionSurespan designed and manufactured the highest hatch in the world, a 600mm diameter submarine access hatch located 816 meters up on the Burj Khalifa. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, soaring 828 meters above Dubai. The design for the 162-story tower combines local cultural influences with cutting-edge technology to achieve high performance in an extreme desert climate.Products suppliedWe supplied;Surespan was selected for its engineering expertise, innovative designs, and unique skills.The team designed and manufactured a 600mm diameter, polish grade 316 stainless steel simulated submarine access hatch with handwheels. The hatch is located at 816 meters and is used for maintenance access to the aircraft warning lights.The projectAs part of the 1.5-billion-dollar mega Downtown Dubai project, the government of Dubai decided to build the world’s tallest building. This project redefines what is possible in the design and engineering of supertall buildings.  Architect firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill design inspiration for the tower was taken from the shape of a regional desert flower the Hymenocallis, also known as the desert lily and the patterning systems embodied in Islamic architecture.

Installer – Metclad ContractsMain Contractor – R G Carter, CambridgeArchitect – MCW ArchitectsClient – University of BedfordshireSystem(s) – Vantage®️ SF in Anodised Regency Gold and PPC 9006 Syntha Pulvin Bespoke Curved Internal Rooflights and bespoke flashings throughout.The University of Bedfordshire has invested 40 million pounds in this new STEM building at its Central Luton campus.STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, however Pharmaceutical and Chemical Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, and Mechanical Engineering are also taught there.The project was a very big challenge to our design teams as the specification from MCW architects was predominately regency gold anodised . This spec calls for a special grade of aluminium and the finish means that we must leave welds as laid. Consequently, we had to consider different methods of fabrication to resolve with stunning resultsWe supplied our Vantage®️ SF Hook on rainscreen in both regency gold and powder coated, 9006 Silver however, the pinnacle of our supply was the bespoke curved anodised rooflight in silver 9006

We worked with architects IMA to create an innovative new modular cycle centre for a central London office. The cycle centre includes our Forza solid grade laminate lockers complete with digital code access locks. We also installed our highly engineered Marcato toilet and shower cubicles, fitted with stainless steel locks and coat hooks, and finished the new space with bespoke Corian trough vanities.

SIG Design & Technology and SIG Insulation are working with the Interserve Kajima consortium on a batch of seven secondary school projects to deliver a value-engineered, robust roofing solution. At Stopsley High School there are two roofs installed by Briggs Amasco in an approximate 16 week programme. The largest roof measures some 2500m2 and the inverted roof build up selected and supplied by SIG comprises IKO’s PermaTEC hot melt waterproofing system.

Moralt Laminesse FireSmoke door blanks were supplied through James Latham in Thurrock to timber engineering specialists David Smith in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire for a new 474 door school project in Carshalton. Moralt‘s Laminesse laminated timber core door blanks were chosen for the project on account of their lighter weight yet solid timber construction. This product suits the higher-traffic school environment extremely well.

There are a total of 30 active SmokeStop smoke curtain barriers, 5 vertical FireMaster fire curtains and 2 FireMaster Concertina multi-faceted fire curtains installed within the university building offering protection from fire and smoke. With a large central atrium in the centre of the building, smoke control was a huge necessity on this project and therefore various bespoke engineered solutions were required to help solve the smoke and fire requirements.

One of the impressive venues for the 2014 Winter Olympics in the Russian city of Sochi. Construction time/completion of the project: 2012. Area: 12,000 seats. Area of construction: 18 534 m². Total area of the building: 54 870 m². Client: SC Olympstroy. Architects: MC Mostovik Architects. Construction engineer: Andrey Ustinov, Andrey Veter. Products: O.novo Toilets. O.novo Washbasins. Subway Urinal. Subway Washbasins. Omnia architectura Toilets.

Living Systems Institute on the Streatham campus at Exeter university.The rainscreen facade is clad in a perforated anodised Vantage® DF panel. Bespoke anodised window pods complete our offering.The main contractor and our customer BAM Construction used the specialist installation skills of Varla Cladding.This new building will bring together mathematicians, scientists and engineers in a bid to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of human, animal and plant diseases.

Location: Barnet, LondonProject Type: HousingDevelopment Cost: £26mProduct: Balcony Cladding with THX Soffit PanelsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7022 Matt Umbra GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Redrow HomesArchitect: Fourpoints ArchitectsMain Contractor: Barratt Developments PlcSub Contractor: Balguard Engineering Ltd

Potato Wharf scheme comprises 191 apartments in Manchester. The canal-side development scheme led by Lendlease is set amongst surrounding waterways and a vibrant modern community within a historic setting.  Location: ManchesterContractor: LendleaseArchitect: David Vanderson of Weedon Architects, helped by mechanical and electrical engineers, Hulley & KirkwoodAspex supplied: Integra Living doorsets, Novista Steel Riser Doors, all complete with a full Ironmongery package.

Developed on what was previously the Strathclyde Police Headquarters, Holland Park is a residential complex with 4 towers ranging from 6 to 22 storeys in height, around a courtyard formation.ChallengeSpecialist building envelope company MetalTech Roofing & Cladding were contracted to secure the façade on this new development, with the task of fixing nearly 9,500m2 of façade to the external face of the buildings.SolutionMetalTech approached Fixfast and requested a technical façade calculation for the Fixfast façade support system, which we provided alongside technical advice.The Fixfast façade support system is a system for any application - including SPIDI® Max brackets: one bracket design means the system can be used in vertical or horizontal installation configurations and is engineered for both fixed and sliding points. Essentially, one bracket design means all challenges solved - simplifying material selection and on-site installation management.The unique ribbed bracket design offers superior strength, allowing systems to be engineered for heavier loads, or potentially fewer brackets per square metre for lightweight panels.With MetalTech needing to fix the façade simply but fast, Fixfast were able to work with them to get deliveries to site when they needed them, with the assurance of a versatile façade support system that works in a range of applications - wall cladding, soffits, or ceilings. "In addition to supplying an innovative support bracket for this contract, Fixfast also continued to provide their usual first-class service. Engineering and design services were available from the outset and technical support was gratefully accepted during the build to help overcome some difficult details. We were fortunate in being able to use the same SPIDI Max bracket for both façade and soffit support in both aluminium and stainless steel. This greatly helped to simplify our process from design through to install. And with the site being in a restricted, city centre location, timely and flexible deliveries were required - which Fixfast duly achieved."MetalTech Roofing & Cladding Ltd

The self-build project is situated in the small coastal village of Borth and stands prominent on the cliff overlooking three miles of gently shelving golden sand. The private dwelling offers a breath-taking vantage point for the homeowners achieved by Keystones carefully considered bespoke bow lintel design for a 13.7m curved span panoramic living room window on the upper floor.ChallengeKeystone’s technical team appreciates the importance of personalisation and were tasked with turning the clients dream vision for the family home into a reality. The unique structure would require a continuous irregular lintel to accommodate the variations of internal and external curves above each opening for the perimeter of the living room.The lintel was designed to incorporate the distinct feature window which will add interest to the room and soften the space where light would enter.SolutionKeystone’s technical engineer was tasked with creating a structural steel solution capable of accommodating the curved structure and unusual loading conditions – tailor made to suit the lifestyle requirements of the client.The engineer worked closely with the client to develop the lintel for the complex curved opening and provided comprehensive technical support from design through to installation. This included a site visit to ensure all measurements were accurate with minimal tolerance. For buildability and logistical purposes, the 13.7m bespoke bow lintel was delivered as five separate components and fixed together on site.The innovative and intelligent design fitted and aligned perfectly with the contours of the building and achieved the desired continual curved opening bringing a sense of flow and energy to the room. Keystone lintels also provide special lintels in stainless steel to prevent corrosion in buildings that are subjected to aggressive environmental conditions, typically in coastal locations within 500m of the shoreline.Testimonial“I was unsure if the vision I had for this project was even possible, but Keystone’s team of engineers offered a creative and effective solution, ensuring an incredibly personalised touch to the building.”Lee JenkinsSelf-builder

Project DetailProject: BMW Sytner – NottinghamLocation: Nottingham, UKProduct: TS.9205 Architectural door closersProject DescriptionSytner is the second largest prestige motor dealer in England. It recently invested £4 million in a state-of-the-art accident repair centre in Nottingham, which has been fitted out with the very best furnishings, finishings and fixtures.However, it soon became apparent that door closers on several of the office doors needed adjusting and replacing. They had been incorrectly fitted and adjusted, which was causing wear on the products and making the doors bang shut. Due to the complicated engineering, a specialist was required, even for fitting. The centre had been visited by various tradespeople, who attempted to rectify the door closers, but after a short time they found themselves faced with the same problem again.We replaced the existing door closers with TS.9205 door closers because of their:Engineering with precisionDesign assurance and 35 year guaranteeConsistency of movementSteve Maples, Sytner Bodyshop Manager, said: “After being on site for 15 minutes, Rutland were able to cure the issue we had with our existing door closers. Thank you for your help.”

ASF were approached by AECOM Engineers regarding the Mid Calder Fish Pass and Viewing Platform. A number of cast iron post options were investigated. The ASF Buckden 2 Rail Post was eventually chosen, with a new bespoke post made to act as a guardrail panel post for the viewing area. Double gates were bespoke manufactured to compliment the scheme.The cast iron posts are 100% recycled, and 100% UK manufactured in our own, onsite foundry

11 Ducie Street is home to 250 of BDP’s Manchester based staff. It comprises 2,500 square metres of open plan office space with a further 400 square metres of ancillary areas, including meeting rooms, exhibition space, café and reception area.This award-winning building was designed by BDP’s architects and engineers, with a strong emphasis on functional, aesthetic and environmental considerations. It has achieved an excellent BREEAM rating and is certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Neutral Company.

Designing for these major weather events is a balancing act. Architects and structural engineers have to keep one eye on the day-to-day use of the building and the other on the safety of the occupants should a major weather event occur. This is especially important for high-occupancy buildings, such as schools and hospitals and those that are essential to emergency efforts in the event of a storm, such as emergency-response centers. The easy answer is to create a building akin to a totally sealed, in-house safe room, but this does nothing for aesthetics.

Data Centre’s are one of the many sectors to be seen to utilise the roof spaces. In particular to Data Centre’s; Mechanical and Engineering services are typically installed on rooftops that offer multi-functional elements to the building, making the selection of the roof system more critical. There are a number of factors that are considered when selecting roof waterproofing systems, they should be robust and offer the benefits to future retrofits along with the accessibility for adaptions but most importantly they should be certified to both the Building Standards and the Insurers Requirements.

We’ve given a Victorian office building a modern makeover by replacing the existing washrooms with a modern new design. Our flush fronted Alto toilet cubicles, which are designed to provide a virtually seamless façade, were finished with an attractive dark wood effect Engineered Veneer to ensure a consistency of colour for each cubicle door. Laminated duct panels were installed behind the toilets and urinals in a soft grey colour and we also designed bespoke white Corian vanity units.

Ayrshire technical College required replacement of their rooflights which are positioned over engineering workshop areas. The designated areas required good levels of light but with high quality transmission and insulation. The college needed a solution that was easy to install and so project time managed to ensure minimised noise and disruption. A series of Multivault GRP vaults were installed covering an area of approx. 800m2 or 15% of the total roof area providing an economic and yet highly effective daylighting solution.

Surespan recently travelled to Lithuania to manufacture and supply a floor hatch to enable Finnish energy company Fortum to access their biomass pit at their new energy plant.The 5000 x 5000 mm hydraulically operated, the double-leaf hatch was designed to be easily operated by an electrically driven pump power pack. Fortum wanted the simplest operation for a grab crane to gain easy access to the biomass plant so Surespan worked with engineering consultants AF Consult to come up with an effective solution.