"external doors"

SDS were pleased to work with Kier Construction and IBI Architects on this exciting project, manufacturing and delivering bespoke Dfendor PVC postformed doorsets for the Theatres and Endoscopy areas. The design team chose from our wide range of finishes for the scheme, opting for the ever popular snowflake and carbon colours. Dfendoor offers a well proven solution for heavy use areas within a hospital. The doors for Sancta Maria were designed with x-ray and laser protected viewing panels, ideal for their environment. This combined with the robustness of these doors, makes them an effective, functional and competitive choice.

Jewers Doors have recently completed the supply and installation of nine sets of large Osprey sliding-folding doors to secure three new Civil Defence stations in Dubai located at Nad Al Sheba, Al Mizhar and Jebel Ali.

In June 2021, work finished on the regeneration of a social housing project in Glasgow, Scotland.The project saw the replacement of 34 doors for Parkhead Housing Association, which were in poor condition due to the age and constant use of the existing door sets.

As part of their expansion, The Wild Place Project (Bristol Zoo Network) enlisted our help in the construction of their new Giraffe Enclosure. The £1m purpose-built giraffe home was constructed over 1.8 acres and needed bespoke doors to suit the needs of the giraffes. HAG designed special doors in-house; the doors needed to be sliding to allow easy access for the zoo keepers, insulated and, obviously, rather tall to accommodate the giraffes comfortably! The giraffe enclosure has been a huge success with the public and HAG truly enjoyed being part of such a unique project.

Timber patio doors. Door replacement and window replacement

The JR provides acute medical and surgical services including trauma, intensive care and cardiothoracic services. It is situated in Headington, about three miles east of Oxford city centre. It is the largest of the Trust’s hospitals, covering around 66 acres.SDS was pleased to work with Mclaughlin and Harvey Contractors and to have been specified by Lewis Hickey Architects.The new extension to the existing Emergency Department was designed to provide better use of space, more diagnostic equipment and improved dignity and privacy for patients as well as improved turnaround times for ambulances.Facilities include an extra nine bays for the immediate care of seriously ill patients, including a paediatric resuscitation room and an isolation room. An additional CT scanner with control room, as well as a nurses’ bay and improved bereavement and relatives’ rooms, will also be provided in the new area.Dfendoor doors were used throughout this scheme, where impact resistant doors were key to maintaining fire door and infection control compliance throughout the busy area . A wide range of SDS colours were used from midnight blue through to lupin – also our range of wall protection products were used in matching colours to create a very impressive finish throughout.

Hart Door Systems has worked with a number of UK water companies to improve site security and efficiency. In particular the need to secure remote and often unstaffed but vitally important sites. Water sites have particular needs which require reliable and secure doors and the engineering expertise that Hart offer.The challenge This Yorkshire Water had 3 existing un-secure horizontal doors. These manual operation doors had fallen into disrepair and presented a security risk. Automatic doors were required to provide efficiency and security. The solution The Hart solution was to install its roller shutters, fitted in a customised way to suit the environment and to ensure security, ease of installation and minimum disruption. One of the things Hart has significant experience in is fitting doors that add security features but without the need for additional structural works. Disruption was further minimised by working in collaboration with the main construction contractor, scheduling the work to fit in with not only the day to day operations, but other work happening concurrently.Because of Hart’s experience on sites such, existing vital operations were worked around – which continued during the removal of the old doors and installation of the new. The success Several more SR rated doors are planned at the same site, so that the company can replicate the success and the improved security that has been provided.Hart has gained invaluable experience working with various water companies installing high specification SR rated security shutters. These doors meet an established set of standards to prevent unauthorised access and have been tested and shown to minimise the threat of certain intruder attacks.For those sites that need constant access by people and / or traffic, the Speedor brand of doors can provide additional high speed operation. Speedor and SR doors can be used in combination to give complete flexibility and the best of both worlds.

Premier Vision Communal Entrance Doors

University of Leicester have recently introduced their renovated £24m Percy Gee campus. The four-storey expansion features a new dedicated informatics lab, a high-tech media centre and a performance studio, an integrated student and library hub, as well as new food court.University of Leicester engineer: Rick SturgessContractor: Henry Boot Construction LtdArchitect: Shepheard Epstein HunterAspex supplied: Novista concealed timber doorsets, Salto access solutions, integrated with automated doors internally and externally

West Lothian Council schools, Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy, are maintained by Bellrock Group under a contractual PPP3 project agreement. Taking on this maintenance management for the two school buildings places the Bellrock management team as the Responsible Person when it comes to compliance to fire safety maintenance which incorporates fire rated doors.With this in mind, Martin Igoe, Senior FM for Bellrock, engaged with Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services when it came to assessing and protecting the condition of the schools’ fire doors with an impact protection system.As a brand name of Harrison Thompson & Co. Ltd. who are a registered FIRAS Warringtonfire (a UKAS accredited scheme for fire door and passive fire resisting products installation) company, Yeoman Shield Fire Door Team were able to undertake a conformity survey of the doors in both schools.This consisted of an assessment of the condition of the fire doors, noting remedial work required to improve the doors functionality, replacement of doors where required as well as noting advisory door protection products that could improve the look, condition and extend the life cycle of the doors by solving impact damage problems.After an itemised quotation for the work had been raised and accepted, Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives carried out the work simultaneously at both school sites simultaneously in accordance to Bellrock’ s programme.Remedial work to both frame and fire doors, replacement doors as well as Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Protection products which were Door Protection Panels, Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad Glazing Beads were fitted by the accredited teams following best practice guidance.Martin Igoe commented “Having previously used Yeoman Shield on school projects in Aberdeenshire I was more than happy to again collaborate with Yeoman Shield for the Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy.“Their door protection products are great; not only have Yeoman shield re-certified the old fire doors for conformity, they have also extended the life of the doors by fitting a hard-wearing cladding to each. This makes them more durable for the rigours of school life, they look amazing and are so easy to clean.Further phases of the fire door work have been scheduled for later in the year.

The hospital needed to ensure good accessibility and create demarcation areas for staff and visitors. We provided various systems including automatic revolving doors and sliding doors, an automatic revolving door with a diameter of 5.4 meters, and various swing door operators for the automation of both wooden single-action doors and fire-resistant doors. We installed swing door operators and sliding door operators which ensure convenient, comfortable and safe access between the departments. In addition to the benefits of comfort and energy-savings, the solution provides safe escape routes and easy access for both able-bodied and disabled people.

Lomax + Wood were selected, from the UK’s finest timber window specialists, to design and produce a range of premium quality oak windows and doors for the Standard Groups first UK hotel. The building, a local landmark was previously the Camden Town Annexe with a brutalist seventies style, now reimagined as the “new cultural crossroads of London”.Lomax + Wood were selected, from the UK’s finest timber window specialists, to design and produce a range of premium quality oak windows and doors for the Standard Groups first UK hotel. The building, a local landmark was previously the Camden Town Annexe with a brutalist seventies style, now reimagined as the “new cultural crossroads of London”.Made-to-order oak windows and doors to the ground floor and eighth.15 Box sash windows with bespoke under panels.8 Curved on Plan fixed casements.34 Fixed casements.17 Single doorsets.10 Sliding doorsets.3 Double doorsets.1 Bifold doorset3 Casements with bespoke under panels.Specialist ancillary joineryEuropean oak timber specified with OSMO 420 clear UV oil finish externally and internally.Bespoke sections machined to accommodate additional thickness of specialist glass units.Glass was a key factor in the design process, specialist 13.5mm laminated outer pane/12mm cavity and 11.5mm inner pane (37mm overall) was required to meet the acoustic requirements of the project, provide solar control and give as neutral an appearance as possible. Specific glass marks required.Bespoke Curved on Plan units with curved glass sourced from a European specialist.Black ceramic coating to hide air conditioning units behind on specific frames.The overall requirement was for a ‘handmade look’, with internal and external linings added to the ground floor windows and a dummy peg detail on the corners. All the ironmongery was bespoke with some handles for the ground floor reception and bar areas by Forms & Surfaces, sourced from U.S.A. Door cylinders were also bespoke as an additional length was required to accommodate the unusual frame thickness.Design required to adapt stable door details to accommodate panic bolt hardware for garden area.The bell boy entrance door was a particularly unusual detail for Lomax + Wood with a bespoke aluminium cover with circular cut outs, manufactured to cover the timber door behind.Overall the project was challenging but Lomax + Wood specialise in producing high performance, made-to-order timer windows and doors to meet our clients specification and aesthetic requirements. It is important to note that the oil finish does require high maintenance and will not be viable in all situations.In addition to timber windows and doors we also provide aluminium composite products which are on display, with our traditional range at our head offices in Essex.

A new state-of-the-art business incubation building in Dorset has been completed with the use of an integrated package of Sto thermal insulation and external render and paint products. The company’s StoTherm Vario and StoTherm Classic insulation systems were specified for the new Innovation Studio at the Arts University Bournemouth, along with StoSilco exterior render and StoColor Dryonic façade paint.

This property in Devon isn't far from the coast. The owner wanted to keep a traditional look and feel to their property but without the issues that typically come with Black Antique hardware made from malleable iron.With this in mind, our CO7200C DURATIQUE Door Handle and LP400 DURATIQUE Letter Plate were fitted to this Solidor 'cottage style' door.Made from Stainless Steel, our DURATIQUE Hardware Range provides a traditional antique look and feel but with modern, high quality performance and durability. The stainless steel base prevents corrosion and the screw holes and handle centres are CNC machined for consistency.

Jewers Doors’ local reseller; Rumaillah Warehouse Equipment WLL, have recently completed the installation of 30 sets of Swift-SEW automatic bi-folding doors for the new Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot complex in Qatar. The scheme is expected to open in 2020 and will provide an efficient transportation system for the people living in, and commuting to the new Lusail City, where the new 80,000 seat Lusail Stadium will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final.

Case Study – Power Grab ‘n’ Bond Customer: Signal Signs – OmaghProject: Pat Kirk Car Showroom, Strabane Power Grab ‘n’ Bond Eliminates the Need for Mechanical Fixings!Mechanical fixings on bright, new external facades can be ugly and distracting, especially when being installed at the entrance of Pat Kirk Motors stunning new car showroom in Strabane, Northern Ireland.With clean lines and seamless transitions throughout the building, mechanical fixings where exactly what the architect DID NOT want. This was the challenge presented to Michael from specialist installers McLaughlin Joinery who were tasked with fabricating the entrance and installing the façade design created by Signal Signs on extra-large 1500x3000mm sheets of Dibond® aluminium composite metal panels. A Stickler for Quality!Being a real stickler for quality and perfection Michael McLaughlin believes in always using the best materials, tools and brands to ensure the best, most durable and superior finish on his projects. He immediately sourced Power Grab ‘n’ Bond as he knew it is the best construction adhesive in the market, with excellent initial grab and exceptional tensile and sheer strength. Guaranteed to adhere to metal, wood and concrete substrates it totally eliminates the need for additional mechanical fixings. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is developed by leading British manufacturers CT1, the No1 sealant and adhesive in the UK. CT1 is always leading and providing the industry with the very latest technology. Now thanks to its unique ‘Tribrid®’ technology Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a revolutionary product in the field of heavy-duty versatile bonding. Why Choose Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?Working with large Dibond® metal 1500x3000mm panels being installed at height in an external environment Michael and his team needed a solution that would grab, hold and act instantly without needing to be braced and supported. With incredible initial grab, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a fast curing, non-shrinking and almost odourless adhesive that held the metal sheets with immediate effect.Three times stronger than regular hybrid polymers, the ‘Tribrid®’ technology in Power Grab n Bond ensures a phenomenal final tensile strength of 22kg/cm2, yet remains flexible, won’t dry out nor become brittle and will work effectively in temperatures ranging from 90°C right down to the Baltic cold -40°C.In fact, not only does Power Grab ‘n’ Bond successfully stick Dibond® to wood and concrete it will adhere to all metals (including lead), stone, granite, ytong, marble, MDF, fiberglass, glass, polystyrene, mirrors and most plastics (except PP, PE and PTFE).Creating a Superior Mechanical Fixing Free FinishUsing a heavy-duty caulking gun, Michael applied Power Grab ‘n’ Bond straight from the cartridge, onto the back of the Dibond® Sheets, allowing it to rest for 4-5minutes to begin activating, before fixing them directly into place.Originally created for facades and heavy stonework such as the installation of quoins, the versatility, strength and reliability of Power Grab ‘n’ Bond means it now used more widely by professional shop fit out companies as well as specialist trades, landscapers, kitchen fitters and bathroom installers. It is tested by a UKAS Accredited lab to BS EN 12003 (Determination of shear adhesion strength of reaction resin adhesives) and BS EN1308 (Determination of slip resistance).Power Grab ‘n’ Bond provided the perfect solution as it’s the ultimate grab adhesive, eliminating the use of mechanical fixings completely and coupled with the rapid curing characteristics saved a lot of additional labour time and cost.Michael said;“The result is exactly what the architect and client wanted, a stunning external façade, with no unattractive mechanical fixings, that not only makes a statement entrance but creates a stunning backdrop for promo photos of new cars too.”Grab also ‘n’ Bond is made in Britain with British technology and British design. Its available now in all good builders’ merchants nationwide and online from www.ct1.comCT1 often copied never equalled!We Innovate – Not Imitate!

This home built by Wok Stehr and his team in Howick was designed by Daniel Marshall Architects. The home incorporates stunning Accoya windows and doors that are large and some are raking and meet at obtuse angles. Accoya with benefits of outstanding durability and stability is able to withstand such design, making it possible to meet the requirements of the build.

A comprehensive fire door replacement programme throughout the 5-storey Ladywell Unit which provides mental health services including a psychiatric intensive care unit.Advanced Timber Systems supplied fully PVC encapsulated ‘Vanta-form’ Door-sets and specialist anti-ligature hardware to give a robust, compliant and durable solution in this complex environment.Glazed Side screens were supplied with toughened security glass to enhance the safety for patients and staff without compromising visibility through corridors.

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.

Skelbrooke Seclusion Suite, Skelbrooke Ward, DoncasterWorking with Raceway Builders, on behalf of Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, we were responsible for the supply and installation of the following elements:R-Quest Severe Duty Steel interlaid seclusion doorsets, incorporating our own Pill & Beverage HatchR-Quest Heavy Duty cross corridor doorsetsSteel interlaid external doorsetAnti-attack internal viewing screenAnti-ligature ironmongery including Surelock McGill multipoint locksBespoke manufactured CCTV & storage cupboard with anti-ligature hinge and lockFloor to ceiling storage cupboard with anti-ligature hinge and lockRecessed wall storage cupboard with anti-ligature hinge and lockAll doors (including cupboard doors) within the seclusion and de-escalation space are PVC encapsulatedOur Pill & Beverage Hatch offers a high level of security and safety, when opened, the door becomes a shelf allowing staff to place items and stand back allowing residents to take the items. Once the resident has taken items, the door is pushed closed instantly locking shut. There is then an additional 3 bolt locking mechanism for additional security

Traditional Windows and Doors for a Historic Pub Renovation and Executive Housing DevelopmentThe Melbourne Arms, a cherished historic pub near Derby, underwent a remarkable transformation into a prestigious executive housing development. To preserve the charm and character of the old English pub, bespoke traditional windows and doors were essential.Restoring the Melbourne ArmsThe Melbourne Arms, a listed building with a rich 228-year history, had fallen into disrepair until Stanton Developments acquired it in 2018. They embarked on a comprehensive restoration of the pub and the creation of five additional houses on the site. Unsuitable extensions were removed, allowing the pub to be transformed into two linked detached four-bedroom family homes. The restoration honoured the original features, including the iconic stacked chimneys and distinctive inglenook fireplace."From the double-height skirting to the reinstated upstairs fireplace, we feel privileged and proud to have renovated this historically significant building," expressed Andy Turner, Stanton Developments.Creating an Enclave of HousesIn addition to the pub restoration, Stanton Developments built five new properties on the site, forming an enclave that harmoniously complemented the landmark pub. Each house was individually designed while respecting the aesthetics of the original structure and blending seamlessly within the local conservation area. The houses were named after former proprietors and notable figures associated with the property's history.Award-winning architect Matthew Montague designed the properties, adding his touch of excellence to Stanton Developments' vision.Gowercroft's ContributionGowercroft, known for their expertise in traditional windows and doors, was selected to provide the windows and doors for the Armsgate Development. The focus was on combining historic styling with modern performance, using the finest materials. Accoya® Windows from the Hardwick Range, featuring flush casement windows, and a selection of Accoya® doors from the Melbourne Range were chosen.To maintain individuality, each house had subtly different front door designs and colours, tailored to the specific property. Elaborate ironmongery and Accoya surrounds distinguished the larger properties, setting them apart.Attention to DetailPreserving the authenticity of the original window design was crucial for the plot that once housed the pub. Gowercroft crafted traditional Georgian bar windows, while also introducing unique triangular-shaped windows that added a touch of originality to the development.The combination of Stanton Developments' commitment to historic restoration and Gowercroft's expertise in traditional windows and doors resulted in a remarkable housing development that seamlessly merged the past with the present.

Jewers Doors were approached by Charles Mador Chartered Architects to design and supply a series of doors to secure the five teaching bays on the two-tier 60-bay driving range at Northwick Park Golf Club and Clubhouse

Designed and Manufactured by Simplicity Timber Solutions Accoya was chosen as the ideal wood for these curved folding sliding doors in a project called The Hermitage. Accoya was selected due to its aesthetic appearance and ability not to shrink or swell during seasonal weather changes. Keep a look out as The Hermitage project is set to be featured in the December 2016 issue of Grand Designs.

Woldgate School secured £1.3 million for improvements to its buildings from the Department for Education. The funds were to cover work including the removal and replacement of external walls not of brick construction, as well as windows and doors, many of which were the originals from when the school was first built. Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor Kingfisher Windows was appointed principal contractor for the works. The company undertook the design, manufacture and installation of the window element of the project and worked closely with trusted sub-contractors to deliver other aspects to the high standards the project demanded.

Accoya® wood has been used in a distinctive residence in Paros, a popular Greek Island in the Aegean Sea. Atlas Wood, joinery manufacturer from Greece supplied 92 windows and doors to complete this project. Accoya wood was specified for the project because of its exceptional stability, class 1 durability and extended coating maintenance cycles required for this all year round warm Mediterranean climate.

The Sash Window Workshop were contacted by a couple who were looking to undertake a large project to transform a property in Gloucestershire into an elegant family home.The new wooden windows and doors had to deliver elegance and the traditional look and appearance that the customer wanted from both the inside and outside. They also needed to meet modern window performance standards, with double glazed windows and doors.They arranged to visit the workshop to have a look at how the windows and doors are manufactured and were delighted with the quality, thought and workmanship that goes into all the windows and doors they manufacture. The customer therefore decided to place an order for all the new timber windows and doors.After the work was completed, they commented that they are so pleased and happy with the end result. The customer also noted that the sash windows and doors were instrumental in the transformation of the building into a beautiful family home.

Examples of the martec Premier E door and side screens.

As residents have a varied degree of mobility, care was taken to ensure a level threshold on all doors to external spaces. To achieve this, whilst keeping the area well insulated, the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was specified. 40 mm Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was installed on the terrace below Kingspan Thermaroof TR27 LPC/FM. Kingspan OPTIM-R panels were also installed on the balconies, with matching thicknesses of flex infill strips laid around the edges. A further layer of Kingspan Thermataper TT47 LPC/FM was installed above this, providing a fall to the gutter.

Installation of 2 security revolving doors at Luxe Fitness, Bristol.

Abbott Nutrition develops and markets a wide range of science-based infant formulae & medical nutritionals. Abbott nutrition required hygienic door solutions, windows and transfer hatches for its new manufacturing facility. The factory it the country’s fifth facility under Nestle and is considered to be among the company’s most advanced worldwide.  Dortek supplied Fire rated single action and sliding doors across the facility. Their smooth and seamless construction means there are no ledges where bacteria can gather. Our encapsulated doors are hygienic, easy to clean and 100% waterproof. Dortek GRP doors are ideally suited to milk processing areas and have been installed in facilities worldwide.

Arguably the most famous department store in the world, Harrods of Knightsbridge is a huge retail concern with over 5000 staff members working in over 70,000 square meters of retail space split into 300 plus departments over seven floors.When Harrods decided to redesign their staff food court they required double action doors that were aesthetically pleasing, had a high hygienic rating and were easy to use and they also needed a double action door with a 120 minute Fire Rating.SolutionDortek Installed Polyethylene doors that could be used as personnel doors. They also allow easy movement of trolleys and kitchen equipment between the three distinctive kitchen areas. Dortek also installed double-action 2-hour fire rated GRP doors into a 2530mm wide structural opening to enable staff to bring in large pieces of kitchen equipment when necessary.

Based in Central London, this private hospital boasts a clean, sharp design.The entire hospital is fitted with bespoke products to accentuate the premium setting. This Private Healthcare branch has been refurbished to equip SDS DFendoor doorsets in Woodgrain effect combining stunning looks, durability and hygiene.This great looking project boasts many bespoke features including 3 metre high woodgrain encapsulated SDS DFendoor’s, including doors with a different finish and colour on each side and colour matched cladding. SDS is proud to have added to the overall design and execution quality.

Guernsey Airport Fire Station are a service specialising in the prevention of plane fires, located within proximity to the airfield to allow quick action in the event of an emergency. The work was implemented for G4S Secure Solutions (Guernsey) LTD on behalf of the state of Guernsey fire service at Guernsey Airport. HAG Ltd was enlisted to help the installation of 4 electrically operated Q Doors. Originally using sectional overhead doors, they instead switched to a product which had thermal properties and ease of operation.

Senior Architectural Systems has taken its aluminium fenestration solutions to new heights after being specified on the new Oaklands Rise mixed-use residential development in London, which is not only one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects but also one of Senior’s largest contracts to date.Designed by CZWG Architects and constructed by the Vistry Partnership, the £175m scheme comprises three major tower blocks which vary in height from ten to 27 storeys. Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system has been used to create the striking faceted curved elevation, with the smooth rounded corners of the balconies and corner apartments further accentuating the design. Senior’s robust SPW500 aluminium commercial doors were used externally and installed to the fire exits and main entrance, with SPW600 aluminium doors fitted internally throughout communal areas.With the need to increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the scheme, Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows and PURe® SLIDE patio doors were also chosen for the scheme. As well as contributing to lower energy bills for the residents, the slim sightlines of the PURe® aluminium windows and doors perfectly frame the development’s far-reaching views over London and the attractive green streetscape below. The stylish PURe® SLIDE aluminium sliding doors also provide select apartments with access to individual roof terraces, creating a seamless link between the interior and exterior spaces.

Fircroft House in Essex has been completely transformed from a tired 1980s detached property into a distinctive home with a contemporary edge.Renovated throughout, Fircroft House features a new ground floor extension, pale grey timber-effect external cladding (replacing a brick and render façade), and brand new Rationel alu-clad windows and doors. In fact, sixteen new windows are installed across the property, including opening and fixed units, two large sliding patio doors, and a solid, grooved front door flanked by glazed side lights and set beneath an arched portico. When planning the refurbishment of Fircroft House, window and door replacement was a project priority, as the original property had single glazed, leaded, all-timber windows which made the interior very dark and were thermally inefficient. All-aluminium glazing was initially considered because the homeowners wanted an affordable, durable and contemporary frame design which looked more attractive than uPVC. They changed their mind, however, when they saw Rationel AURAPLUS alu-clad windows installed at a friend’s home: ‘The idea of a frame which combined timber and aluminium was very appealing,’ they say. ‘It offered the best of both worlds with hardwearing aluminium outside and thanks to the wood, a more tactile finish to the inner frames, so we decided to find out more.’ The homeowners are delighted with their new windows and doors and would happily recommend Rationel: ‘We are very impressed with the package offered by Rationel,’ they say. ‘The windows and doors are all high quality, low maintenance and look great, and the service we received from okoHaus was amazing from start to finish.’

London Stadium (formerly and also known as Olympic Stadium) is a multi-purpose outdoor stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London.Project/doors:21 Fire and Security shutters (2010)50+ Fire and Security shutters (2015)The challengeHart assisted with the specification prior to the award. Technical collaboration was ongoing ensuring that integration and operation of the shutters went smoothly with safety and continuity in mind. Hart was subject to strict working practices and the factory was visited to review progress and audit Hart's quality system procedures.The solution2010 - Manufacture, supply, deliver and install 21 Fire Resistant and Security Shutters to the Olympic Main Stadium requiring advance battery backup and operational features. 2015 - Manufacture, supply, deliver and install over 50 Security and Fire shutters to the new build including kiosk shutters, security entrances and POD buildings surrounding the arena. The successHart was chosen out of 50+ door companies to supply all of the roller shutters to the London 2012 Olympic main stadium. Hart was again awarded all of the roller shutters under much competition on the stadium transformation project in 2015 which was transformed to cater for the multi-use environment.The review:“You should be commended for the cooperation, commitment and effort applied by your entire team. From early design discussions to your final commissioning activities of the 50 new shutters onsite, it was a pleasure to work with such proactive and knowledgeable organisation.” Jon Pepper, Project Manager, Balfour Beatty