"fire escape equipment"

Working on the Ground Floor Lobby, First Floor Gym, Level 10 and Level 17, Planet’s southern contracting team provided an extensive range of fire-rated and non-fire rated partition and door solutions to Building D of the Nine Elms development in Battersea.In the Ground Floor Lobby, non-fire rated single-glazed automatic bi-parting sliding doors were installed along with with 3150mm high LOFT20 XL partitions with reeded film. IsoPro doors (40 dB Rw) provided access to co-working spaces and meeting rooms.FireTec Ei30 fire rated doors and LOFT transom bars provided exit route protection on Level 1 in communal areas and on Level 10 along with a FireTec Ei60 window.On Level 17, two FireTec Ei30 double door sets with overhead panels provided access to the indoor lounge area and bar area, while a single LOFT20 screen offered additional natural light passage between the lounge and adjoining demonstration kitchen.

Baldovie EFW CHP Facility is a energy from waste site using around 110,000 tonnes of residual waste per year from Dundee and Angus to generate electricity. Project/doors:7 Insulated Roller Shutter Doors1 High Speed Door - Speedor StormThe challengeDue to the nature of the build and technical challenges from the onset, Hart worked direct with the contractor and the consultants in the design phase to provide a solution to suit each challenge faced such as corrosion, odours, noise and infestationThe solutionInsulation is a key feature of an energy saving environment. Insulated roller shutters have a thermal value of minimum 0.69w/m.sq.k and 18db to minimise operational noise. The Speedor Storm is an extremely robust door with wind class 5 up to 8m. Moisture-controlled electrics protect from varying temperatures within a building, and mechanical components are protected from dust and dirt controlling the escaping dirt, odours and noiseThe successFollowing extensive communication with the contractor and the consultants to ensure the smooth running of the project, the steelwork was designed and installed correctly to allow for the timely installation of the Hart manufactured doors. Each door was made to measure and each activator and safety device fitted to suit the environment

A programme of works carried out at a Nottinghamshire hospital has seen a number of products from the FIREFLY range employed to upgrade the passive fire protection throughout the roof spaces, with the manufacturer providing site specific design details to assist the highly experienced contractor complete the project on time. DC Fire Protection Ltd., based at Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, works right across the country covering multiple sectors of the construction industry, installing active as well as passive fire protection systems.  For its 10 week contract at the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre at Kirby in Ashfield, the specialist installed dozens of rolls of the Titan Lite™ fire barrier as well as the Apollo Horizontal barrier, Collaroll and two of the 1200 x 600mm FR120 Access Panels to link some of the safety zones being created. Built in 2007, Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre is conjoined to the existing Ashfield Community Hospital and offers extended health services to the local community, supplementing the current services by providing purpose-built rehabilitation facilities, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other community health services.  It also offers consulting rooms, treatment rooms and an activities of daily living suite, rehabilitation and gym areas.A Director of DC Fire Protection, Daniel Mabbott, commented: “We have been dealing with FIREFLY for a number of years, including buying large quantities of the Titan Lite™ and Apollo Lite , which we use for commercial contracts as well as other work.  We often propose the use of FIREFLY systems to clients and in this instance, where we were simply given the performance standard the client required, we proposed the use of Titan Lite plus Apollo Horizontal to upgrade the exiting fire walls which no longer comply with current requirements.” “There were a number of plastic PVC-U soil stacks rising through the roof in what was specified as a Controlled Zone, for which FIREFLY provided us with a bespoke detail to protect them where they passed through the barriers, while we installed a couple of their FR120 Access Panels in addition to the fire doors which we fitted in a number of locations throughout the roof.  The project was completed on time and we have now moved onto another contract where we are again using a number of FIREFLY products.”Third party approved, FIREFY Apollo Horizontal 30:30 provides 30 minutes integrity and insulation to exceed the minimum requirements within the Building Regulations relating to fire barriers.  In common with other FIREFY products, Apollo Horizontal is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabric, being flexible and lightweight making it easy to install. Specifiers and specialist fire contractors wishing to find more information about the full range of products available from FIREFLY can visit www.tbafirefly.comImages shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

BH2 is a £30m development creating a newly-constructed leisure complex in Bournemouth  •  Originally a two acre NCP car park and bus station, main contractors Vinci has built a new 10 screen Odeon Multiplex cinema, café, casino, restaurant and retail complex.  •  Structura was appointed to design and supply Kalwall translucent facades to enclose the external fire escape routes around the perimeter of the building.  •  Structura installed multiple Kalwall translucent elevations, totalling over 1000m2, providing natural daylight to internal areas by day and a soft ethereal glow which brings the area to life at night.The SolutionPanter Hudspith Architects replaced the original curtain wall and specified Kalwall® for the front elevation. Unusually, this unique translucent cladding is fitted with a tight 150mm wide grid, known as Verti-Kal™, which not only serves to emphasise height but is the first of its type in the UK. On this scheme the Kalwall panels also insulate to 0.78 w/m2 making the building eye-catching and sustainable.Unlike conventional glazing, Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is bathed with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced.Kalwall is increasingly being used in the UK for new buildings and also for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. One of the main attractions of specifying Kalwall is its unique effect on both the interior and exterior. Although translucent, it offers the big advantage of privacy while the elevations appear crisp and simple. When illuminated at night they emit an inviting ethereal glow.The CommentsArchitect James Jeremiah comments, “This is the first time we’ve specified Kalwall and it fulfils our vision of retaining the modernist characteristics of the building. One of our original concepts for the building was of a zoetrope (one of the earliest forms of moving image) and there’s a strong history of using transparency in films with people moving behind the shadows. We felt the Kalwall system was a very good fit for what we wanted to achieve”.Amanda Birch, Technical Editor Building Design writes, “To appreciate fully the building’s transformation, it is best viewed from the street. The concrete structure has been retained along with its striking line of concrete columns, which are now a strong feature of the front elevation. The original coloured insulated glass panelled system has been replaced at first and second floor levels with Kalwall’s 75mm thick insulated cladding system creating a dynamic façade that is particularly effective at night.

OverviewKEA Dublin is a 2787m² shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project BackgroundIKEA Dublin is 30,000 square-foot shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied 73 Roof Opensky smoke ventilators to the new IKEA store in Dublin. Specified and installed by Air Design Systems Ltd, the installation is providing full smoke ventilation to five separate areas within the store.The second area is the show room and café which were naturally ventilated by louvred ventilators and split into zones using a fixed smoke curtain. A similar approach was taken with the self-serve warehouse and checkout area, which was also naturally ventilated using louvred ventilators and fixed smoke curtains. Polycarbonate blades are used on the louvred ventilators to allow natural light to enter the spaces. Additionally, the escape staircases were ventilated using louvred ventilators at the head of the stairs and a local control panel with an emergency break glass.Project Result“We were involved from the very early in the design stages of the project, using our knowledge and experience of installations within other IKEA stores and warehouses to engineer a suitable, cost-effective solution,” recalled  Air Design Systems Ltd Director Alan Clare.“Within these works we have had to include for three separate main control panels, all electrical wiring run in fire-protected cable, local control panels with emergency break glasses and a mimic control panel linking all smoke ventilation zones. We also provided rain sensors, roof access hatches, and head of lift shaft cowls,” he added.Due to the success of the project, there was a requirement within a year of opening to extend the warehouse area. Air Design Systems Ltd was awarded the sub-contract to extend the system into the new space and link back to the existing control system. In total, a further 14 Powrmatic ventilators were installed in the warehouse roof & walls and at the head of the two additional emergency staircases.Powrmatic’s Roof Opensky ventilators are attractive, low-profile units that have been specifically designed for both smoke and heat exhaust and natural ventilation applications. The Opensky can be roof or wall mounted for exhaust or inlet and can be supplied with a hinged base for use as an access hatch. They are tested for use as smoke ventilators to BS EN 12101-2.

To ensure the safety of students, Sharpfibre Limited installed passive fire protection via Nullifire products. The intumescent paint Nullifire SC902 was applied in order to protect the outer steel structure from the potential effects of the fire. Thanks to its high coverage potential, the option of applying the required thickness in a single application, and its fast curing, the Nullifire SC902 was able to significantly accelerate the project process.

The smart equipment in the rooms, for instance the lights, room temperature and entertainment options, can be controlled conveniently from the bed. Another aspect of the room comfort is also that there is e.g. a shower stool in the shower and a hinged support rail next to the toilet. The subtle design can be followed through down to the smallest detail thanks to the purist accessories of HEWI's Range 162. Each room is designed individually so that the furnishings are perfectly matched the guests' personal preferences.

The Calvert Trust was set up to provide a fully-accessible luxury holiday home for people with disabilities and their families to stay in. As such, they wanted to make sure that any accessible equipment included in their lodges and chalets was as discreet as possible. We worked with them on their Kielder campus, and created bespoke Integralift hidden hoist systems to go around the double bed from either side. You wouldn't even know they were there! Take a look at the photos on our website.

Within the school grounds is a grassy area with play equipment that needed to be demarcated in order to distinguish it from the rest of the playground and allow different age groups to play simultaneously yet independently. We supplied 19.1 metres of 1.2m high Anti Trap Bow Top fencing, and a 1.2m high 1.5m wide single leaf self-closing gate, both finished with a blue RAL 5010 polyester powder coating to match the school colours.

EVAC-ALERT, C-TEC’s powerful BS 8629 compliant evacuation alert system is protecting seven high-rise residential tower blocks in the heart of London. Guinness Square in Southwark and the Houses of Aubin, Clemoes, Maitland, Sherratt, Southgate and Sweeting in Brixton’s Loughborough Park are all managed by The Guinness Partnership, a 130-year-old charitable organisation that prides itself on providing high quality homes to improve people’s lives. The upgrading of the life safety systems was deemed vital to ensure the protection of residents living in the properties.Orestone Controls, the BAFE SP203 and SP207-accredited specialist systems integrator, was tasked with equipping the blocks with fully BS 8629 compliant evacuation alert systems to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part, or all, of a building in an emergency.  Ryan Mullen, Orestone’s CCO said: “Demand for evacuation systems is at an all-time high due to a combination of improved fire safety standards and new legislation. We’ve particularly noticed an increase in enquiries and orders since the new Part B of the Building Regs came in last year, as this says they must be installed in all new high-rise residential buildings over 18m in England. The new HSE ‘Be Ready’ campaign will also no doubt trigger new contracts with local councils and private companies over the next six months.”Ryan said: “We chose to specialise in EVAC-ALERT primarily for the ‘handholding’ service C-TEC provides, namely the first-class technical support that is so important on life-safety system projects. From the very first demonstration of EVAC-ALERT at our offices, to where we are today, C-TEC has supported us and our relationship has gone from strength to strength. We are experts at installation, highly conversant with the standards and because of this we have had to expand our fire division again with additional dedicated engineers to deal with growing demand. We have also started to work for other Housing Associations including GreenSquare Accord on some of their high-rise buildings.”As BS 8629 is a relatively new standard, C-TEC is very keen to ensure to educate people about its requirements. Throughout a project, the company is there to make life easier for the client, be that the consultant, the installer, the owner or building management company and they can assist with plans, technical drawings and the loop calculations required.By using the unique evacuation alert system software created by C-TEC’s R&D team and undertaking an assessment of a building, Orestone calculated exactly which devices are required. Special requirements for, say, elderly, vulnerable and disabled residents, were also taken into consideration. For example, visual indicators, vibrating pillow pads, etc. C-TEC also provided free advice and training on commissioning, cause and effects.  Ryan said: “Our engineers are constantly expressing how simple and intuitive EVAC ALERT is to install. The wiring is very straightforward and the flat interface units give you confidence that any short circuits will be isolated protecting the integrity of the loops. There’s no doubt that the system’s simplicity has allowed us to achieve minimal disruption to residents and work around their busy lives as we can be in and out of each flat in under an hour.  “Customer satisfaction is very important to Orestone and we consistently score five out of five on reviews. We take time to engage with residents and explain how the systems we are installing are designed to protect them. At Guinness Square we even held a joint open day with The Guinness Partnership to showcase the technology to residents, which the London Fire Brigade also attended and which was very successful.”The systems in each high-rise typically consist of 2-loop control panels 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 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.Peace of mind that there is a Plan B if everything else goes wrong is crucial in the current climate, not just for owners and residents, but also for the fire service. By installing an evacuation alert system, building management can be confident that every precaution possible has been taken to protect the people residing in the property.EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and is fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new Cloud-based fire alarm remote access, service and site management software package which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing. 

During the autumn of 2023, we installed this beautiful, natural themed new play area at St Martin’s, Jersey. This project saw a collaborative design approach with a local playground expert on the island, who helped select the equipment, surfacing, and shape the landscaping elements of the works.The centrepiece item was a modified version of the ever popular Lappset Spell Hill, where a set of monkey bars, fireman’s pole, and a different specification slide were added to the original design, to increase the play value and age ranges of who can use the equipment.Two new sets of swings, a seesaw, two spring riders, and musical play panels ensured a well balanced playground that appeals to all ages and abilities. Making the park inclusive for all, no matter their physical abilities, was an important consideration when designing the area, and the large, upright basket swing and sensory attributes of the musical chimes, together with the tasteful landscaping created a welcoming environment for all.The surfacing chosen was mix of green and beige wet pour rubber, ensuring the natural theme carried through to all elements of the design.We loved working on this project, and it was great to shape the design with the input of local people on the island. Get in touch today for any similar requirements!

Nestled at the heart of the University of Warwick campus, Scarman House is a 210-bed hotel accommodation and conference facility. This versatile establishment provides not only comfortable lodgings but also top-notch conference facilities, well-equipped meeting rooms, and enticing on-site dining options.In the summer of 2023, the hotel underwent a three-floor refurbishment project. Towelrads, in collaboration with the architect firm Baker Hicks, was instrumental in identifying optimal heating solutions for both Electric Towel Rails and Radiators. The client’s vision was to maintain a modern yet contemporary aesthetic in the individual rooms.We take pride in crafting a bespoke solution by designing, specifying, and supplying our Pisa Chrome Electrical Towel Rails for the bathrooms. These towel rails are equipped with Smart Thermostatic Elements, enabling occupants to have complete control over time and temperature settings, ensuring a comfortable stay.For the radiators, we selected a range of Vertical and Horizontal Windsor Column Radiators. This option added a touch of modernity blended with a hint of retro charm to the rooms, all while delivering exceptionally high heat outputs.Throughout this project, the collaborative partnership proved essential in navigating and meeting the challenging project timelines, ensuring its successful and timely completion.

Pyrobel Vision Line, frameless fire-resistant glazed partitions

Location: Netherfield, NottinghamshireProject Type: EducationalProduct: Aluminium Plain FasciaKwikfix Soffit Planks (Perpendicular)​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7015 Gloss Slate GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Nottinghamshire County CouncilArchitect: Nottinghamshire County CouncilSub Contractor: Cladceil Ltd

The ChallengeNo. 1 Horgan’s Quay is one of the development’s three office buildings, with the upper floors of the new modern structure cantilevered over the site’s original Goods Shed. The lobby area features a large glazed partition on the first floor, helping to create an open, light space, as well as sympathetically blending the old restored structure with the new.KCC Group, a door and glazing contractor, were appointed to deliver the EI30 SWS Screen works on the project. Site Contracts Manager, Ger McNamee, said: “In order to ensure the safety of those within the building, 30-minute fire protection was required for the reception area, providing a fire barrier between the lobby and the first floor. Once we had the fire safety glass specification from the architect, O’Mahony Pike Architects, it was up to our team at KCC Group to source a supplier – this is when our relationship with Pyroguard began.”The SolutionTo ensure that the desired aesthetic was achieved, while also meeting building safety regulations, Pyroguard Infinity T-EI30/24-2 SWS fire safety glass was chosen by KCC Group and installed in the glazed partition, within a Jansen steel profile system.Pyroguard Infinity is a range of fire safety glass certified for butt-joint applications. With no vertical frame profiles required, it’s the ideal solution for providing visually appealing seamless partitions. Manufactured to EI classification, Pyroguard Infinity provides the highest level of integrity and heat insulation, protecting against flames, smoke and heat.

Artform were a part of this project from the very beginning and were available to tackle the challenges with their expertise. Specialist lifting equipment was needed for the installation due to the 4.4tonne weight of the Moonstones. The Artform team, having installed Moonstone Benches previously relied on their knowledge to make the install as smooth as possible offering full assistance to the site team. The new Ice Arena has improved a part of Slough by revitalising the space it inhabits to encourage the wider community to come together and be social.

The Bořislavka shopping center equipped its ceilings with Barrisol® The Recycled sheets with a P50 perforation (2.8 mm) in order to improve its acoustics while bringing a touch of aestheticism in this place with a unique and contemporary architecture.It is nearly 1800 m² distributed in 151 recycled sheets which were installed in the alleys of the shopping mall. The range of Barrisol® Recycled sheets is 100% recyclable and is manufactured from recycled Barrisol® materials (50% pre-consumer).

Brandsafe supplied and installed a wide range of impact protection products at this site. Armco safety barriers, bollards, flexible delineators, speed bumps, wheel stops, lamp post protectors, pedestrian guardrail and handrail were all specified. Secure cages with digital locks were also supplied by Brandsafe to protect key equipment within the building. Click the link to read more about how Brandsafe provided full external and internal protection for this industrial workplace.

The Aberdeen Altens Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Scottish Highlands and east coast. Conveniently located just outside the city, this popular hotel also offers a well-equipped contemporary business and conference centre. Architect and design consultants ICA was appointed to design a flexible open plan restaurant and bar area that would reflect the beauty and history of the locality and offer a high quality dining experience for discerning hotel guests as well as local residents and businesses.

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.

Working at height carries a great deal of risk: it’s responsible for 28% of fatal and 7% of non-fatal injuries to workers, according to the latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).Due to this increased risk, you, as an employer, need to ensure that your staff are able to undertake this work in the safest way possible. In this guide, we will take you through the Working at Height Regulations, as well as helping you find the right training and equipment solutions for your business.

BW Workplace Experts looks to Oscar Acoustics to create health-enhancing workplace of the future Making a sound choiceOffice fit-out professionals, BW Workplace Experts, who specialise in delivering welcoming office environments, enlisted the help of Oscar Acoustics as part of a major workplace fit-out to ensure optimal acoustic comfort for occupants and a calm ‘home from home’ experience for staff.Central to achieving their goal of creating a peaceful office ambience was the issue of noise reverberation. It was imperative that workers using the office space could communicate easily without needing to shout and that staff could work harmoniously without distractions.The challenge: unconventional working spaces Located at Herbal House in Farringdon, London, BW Workplace needed to allow for agile ways of working, providing flexible environments that offer focused work areas, co-working spaces and relaxed break out areas. A combination of both impromptu and formal meeting rooms was also required.  Working alongside architects TP Bennett, Oscar Acoustics were faced with the challenge of how to achieve the perfect acoustic balance within the two-floor Manhattan loft-style space. As office workers would be dealing with important sensitive circumstances, such as judicial matters, unwanted noise needed to be kept to a minimum, allowing staff to concentrate and focus on matters at hand.Leanne Baird, Head of Marketing at BW, said: “We needed an effective design solution to deal with reverberant noise so that staff remained free of distractions and their ability to concentrate was not impaired by excessive noise. “Having worked with Oscar Acoustics previously, we knew we were in safe hands as far as finding an effective noise-reduction solution was concerned. Their expertise in architectural acoustic finishes was crucial to the success of this project.”The solution: calm, inviting interiors that sound as good as they lookChosen for its ability to absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it, Oscar’s SonaSpray K-13 is a seamless acoustic spray with a deliberately industrial, coarsely textured finish that helps control stressful noise reverberation in buildings. Blending in seamlessly with the fluid, flexible workspace, the spray was completed in a single application, allowing BW to keep to important project deadlines, with minimal installation time.  Sustainable acoustic solutionsSonaSpray K-13 also contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. By choosing SonaSpray K-13, all parties could feel confident that the application met the highest health and welfare standards due its non-hazardous, GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality. As a seamless M1 certified Low Emitting acoustic spray, it also contains renewable natural resources such as wood, and cotton which effectively lowers the carbon footprint of the building project by sequestering rich stores of carbon for the lifecycle of the structure. In a world where environmental impact is paramount, SonaSpray K-13 boasts further green credentials, having been covered by the Environmental Product Declaration in accordance with ISO 14025 and meeting the Living Building Challenge and LEED requirements. In addition to these, Oscar Acoustics are ISO 14001 certified; completing the environmental jigsaw and making them Great Britain’s most sustainable acoustic solutions provider.Fire rated acoustic sprayIt was also imperative that employee safety was considered, especially in terms of fire safety. Knowing that SonaSpray K-13 not only met but significantly bettered the updated Approved Document B fire requirement (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1,d0 fire rating), gave both architects and designers complete peace of mind that should the eventuality occur, the acoustic spray would provide little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, assisting in the safe escape of its occupants.Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics says: “When we were first approached by BW, we knew just the solution for this type of acoustic problem in an office space. With years of experience providing acoustic solutions to commercial workspaces, our tried and tested SonaSpray range is our go-to choice for achieving superb acoustic results without design compromise. “Working with BW has been a fantastic experience. With the increased focus on wellbeing and the work-life balance becoming more prevalent, office space must reflect this change. It’s long been recognised that poor acoustics and excessive levels of noise can be bad for occupants’ health so it was great to see this issue being taken seriously, to improve the daily lives of employees using the building day-to-day.”Image credit to Tom Green Photography.

Battersea Town Hall is a handsome civic building, from 1893 and Grade II* listed, and now one of the UK’s most significant arts centres. Suffering a tragic fire in 2015 it has been expertly restored to an extraordinary, almost Pompeiian post-fire richness and complexity.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed custom electric blackout blinds to the main vault with reproduction door vision panel covers, with heritage finishes and designs.

This student residence hosts the capicity to house students as well as offering 380m2 of office space. In order to comply with passive fire protection requirements Nullifire recommended the use of FB750 fireproof panels, FS702 flame retardant acrylic sealant, On-Site Water-Based Intumescent Basecoat SC801, and On-Site, Water-Based Intumescent Basecoat SC802. The combination of these products provided all of the necessary safety measures for occupants in case of a fire.

Balfour Beatty approached Planet Partitioning with a high-performance refurbishment specification for the UK's largest private hospital. For all the patient and treatment rooms, Planet Partitioning used p20 demountable glass partitioning with Eclipse sliding doors. FireStop partitioning ensured that lift lobby partitioning has a fire integrity and insulation rating of EI120/120. Doors for the lift lobby are fire rated for EI 60/60 and steel framed.

In the world of education, the physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping the learning experiences of students. To ensure that every child has equal access to education, the Department for Education (DfE) in the United Kingdom has laid down comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of school buildings. Two key documents, BB103 and BB104, stand at the forefront of this initiative, setting standards to promote inclusivity and accessibility within educational settings.BB103 | Designing Accessible School BuildingsFor mainstream schools, BB103 mandates the inclusion of accessible facilities to accommodate pupils, students, staff, and visitors with disabilities. Crucially, this includes the provision of a specialist hygiene room equipped with either a fixed or mobile hoist, alongside ample space for assistants to facilitate the changing process.In primary schools, the hygiene room must span a minimum of 9m² and feature essentials such as a changing bed and accessible WC.Secondary schools, on the other hand, are required to allocate a minimum of 12m² for their hygiene rooms, which should additionally incorporate an accessible shower, sluice toilet, and changing trolley. These specifications are designed to ensure that hygiene rooms meet the unique needs of students across different age groups and educational settings.According to recent statistics from the DfE, approximately 14.1% of children in the UK have special educational needs, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that school environments are inclusive and supportive.BB104 | Catering to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)BB104 further refines the standards for hygiene rooms in special schools and alternative provisions (APs). For non-ambulant special schools or units, the guideline stipulates the provision of one hygiene room for every 12 non-ambulant pupil places. These rooms must be equipped with a fixed hoist, a changing bed, a wash hand basin, an accessible WC, and an accessible shower, underscoring the comprehensive support required for students with profound disabilities.In ambulant special schools and APs, one hygiene room per setting is mandated, featuring either a fixed or mobile hoist, a changing bed, a wash hand basin, and an accessible WC.Additionally, all hygiene rooms are required to have facilities for waste disposal, such as a sluice or equivalent, to maintain hygiene standards and ensure the efficient management of waste.Conclusion | Building for a Brighter FutureAs educators and stakeholders in the education sector, it is our collective responsibility to champion inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of school design and construction. By understanding and implementing the guidelines outlined in BB103 and BB104, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.How can we help? Our skilled team have many years’ experience of planning and installing equipment within public environments such as schools and universities. Please do get in touch if you need help or advice with your project or further support on the Government requirements for equipment that needs to be installed to support SEND students.

Children and adults can enjoy a workout together thanks to the innovative design of an outside gym installed at Hadley park.Sunshine Gym worked with residents, parish councillors, the local authority and outside play consultants to develop the open space.Thought to be the first of its type in the UK, the public outdoor gym features separate areas for children and adults.But with the two sides facing each other, all age groups are encouraged to get fit in the outdoors together as the equipment is mirrored in both gyms.Safety factors considered by Sunshine Gym included the location of the children’s equipment so adults can supervise while taking advantage of the health park themselves.A fence also surrounds the children’s area so that it is safely enclosed. Playground markings mean youngsters can take part in additional games and activities as well as make use of the multi gym fitness equipment.On the opposite side, equipment for adults and young people include a rower, double health walker and double slalom skier alongside a sky stepper to get the heart pumping with cardiovascular routines.Parallel rails, double squat push and Sunshine Gym’s combi pull down challenger and power push offer a strength workout, coupled with an accessible arm and pedal bike suitable for wheelchair users and those who may have difficulties with mobility.In between the sections, a sprint track was marked out.Councillor Derek White, chairman of the health scrutiny committee at Telford and Wrekin Council, said: “The community decided they wanted something that was a bit different, something that was healthy and that the community could engage with.“They thought it was important to provide for adults and young people, but also for children as well.”The park is being maintained by Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, which held public consultations over the park design with development consultancy apT, part of Telford and Wrekin Council.  Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council chairman Malcolm Smith said: “The new gym has increased awareness of the park to the local community and has already become a popular community venue which the community value.“The park is now used as a community meeting point to meet old friends and new, and exercise together.“Being in the outside this healthy park aims to connect people to nature where they may unwind in the park and exercise for free to maximise the free health benefits on their doorstep and positively impact upon the community.”Bespoke seating and signage, designed, built and installed by Sunshine Gym, completed the near-£40,000 health park project.Councillor Hilda Rhodes, Telford and Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for parks, green spaces and the natural environment, said: “The gym facility has transformed an underused open space into a well-used healthy park.“This provides opportunities to exercise and for quiet contemplation to support mental health and has become a park with a purpose.”

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

Quadra+®Metal door with insulated coreA very economical solution with fire resistance up to 2 hours whilst maintaining sleek aesthetics. The door leafs are hung on a unique quick-release pivot system and is supplied with all ironmongery pre-fitted which allows for a swift and simple installation. The Quadra+ system can be provided in banks of up to 6 doors wide and still maintain 2 hours fire rating, an industry first.

In an opera production a 3D HDD projector was supposed to project images onto the stage during performances. Standing as it did on a trolley, which was to be moved over a tiled floor, the projector was virtually unusable. The problem was solved by combining an increase in the projector frame to 10 kg with the assembly of pneumatic levelling mounts PLM-1 from ACE. PLM is located in the low-frequency range and is primarily used when measuring tables, test equipment and high-performance machines need to be perfectly isolated.

A leading European mail-order company for work wear and protective equipment, wanted to use a building material that was ultra durable and therefore reflected and complemented their brand image. Accoya® wood, used as screening for the building, illustrates to perfection the hard-wearing and practical elements of this work wear brand. Roggemann, Accoya’s German and Polish distributor, supplied 500 m2 of Accoya® for the project. The Accoya wood was additionally coated with a transparent stain to highlight its natural beauty.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) protects the security, independence and interests of the UK at home and abroad, working with its allies and partners whenever possible. The MOD needs to make sure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that all expenditure is kept within budget. Extensive assets of the MOD need to be maintained in a state of readiness at all times. It’s a round-the-clock task operated on an enormous scale, often in hazardous conditions and in extreme weather. An example of this is the maintenance of aircraft.

We were delighted to complete this project for Worthing district council in Sussex, in the summer of 2023. Showcasing our Spiel Bau range of equipment, we installed a beautiful stainless steel multiplay structure, and stainless steel aerial runway. Fun colour combine with excellent play features, with the Mikado tower’s nets, slides, climbing walls and bridges giving children hours of endless fun. We surfaced the area with black with blue fleck wet pour rubber flooring. 

We designed and installed a beautiful LEAP for a housing developer in Wickham, Hampshire, that added a fantastic new play area to the estate. Given the rural nature of the site, with a stream running adjacent to the park and wild meadows next door, a natural theme was required for the surfacing and equipment. Lappset’s Flora range was ideal for the setting, and a Spell Hill multiplay made for a fantastic centrepiece to the area. A Basket Swing, standard swings, springers, and junior multiplay completed the area, which was surfaced in a green blend TigerMulch mix.

Preserving History and Enhancing Architecture at South London Gallery Fire StationIn the heart of South London, the transformation of a former Victorian fire station into the captivating South London Gallery (SLG) Fire Station has rekindled the area's artistic spirit. This renowned contemporary art gallery, a beloved cultural institution, has expanded its footprint through a thoughtful restoration that highlights the heritage of the building and introduces inviting spaces for creative exploration.A Glimpse into the RestorationThe South London Gallery Fire Station, located just steps away from the main SLG building on Peckham Road, has emerged as a remarkable annex. This visionary project, undertaken by 6a architects, has effectively doubled the gallery's size, presenting an additional 425m² of public space. Through this transformation, the gallery's facilities have been expanded to include an archive gallery, exhibition spaces, community facilities, education spaces, and even an artists’ studio, all thoughtfully designed to elevate visitors' experiences.Reviving Victorian EleganceThis project's significance lies not only in its architectural prowess but also in its historical roots. The original fire station, dating back to 1867, served as a testament to Victorian Gothic architecture. Originally designed by Edward Cresy Jr, the building housed fire brigade officers and their families alongside operational spaces.Over time, the building transitioned from a fire station to various uses, even serving as a butchery factory. However, in 2014, the SLG was given the building to revitalise it into a hub for artistic and cultural enrichment. This endeavour was made possible through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and the Mayor’s London Regeneration Fund.Architectural Symphony: The Restoration Process6a architects undertook the restoration with utmost respect for the building's historical character. Though structurally sound, the building required extensive restoration due to water damage and dry rot. The design aimed to retain the original layout and scale while introducing brighter and more inviting spaces.A new light-filled atrium was a central addition to the design, bringing a sense of openness to the interior. An iconic feature of the restoration is the gault brick façade on Peckham Road, meticulously repaired to its former glory. The main entrance, a striking aspect of the restoration, was reinstated with splendid double doors, custom-crafted by Gowercroft Joinery, known for their exquisite work on heritage projects.Timber Heritage Doors: A Testament to CraftsmanshipCentral to the restoration's success are the timber heritage doors that stand as a testament to both history and innovation. Gowercroft Joinery's skillful craftsmanship brought these doors to life, harmonising the heritage aesthetics with modern functionality. Weighing approximately 250kgs each, these solid timber double doors were engineered with precision to maintain their authenticity while offering optimal performance.These timber heritage doors, made from sustainable Accoya® timber, embody energy efficiency and durability. The exterior's timeless black finish, coupled with energy-efficient glazing, seamlessly contrasts with the interior's clean white aesthetics. These doors have not only restored the building's original entrance but have also breathed new life into the spaces within.Celebrating Heritage, Fostering ArtSince its opening in September 2018, the South London Gallery Fire Station has garnered acclaim for its sensitive restoration and architectural brilliance. This restoration has successfully achieved a delicate balance between historical preservation and modern innovation, resulting in a space that exudes elegance and charm.As a hub for artistic expression, education, and community engagement, the gallery continues to build on its legacy. By embracing the past and embracing the future, the South London Gallery Fire Station has become not just an architectural marvel but a beacon of culture and creativity for London and beyond.Margot Heller, the Director of South London Gallery, aptly summarises the project's essence: “Gowercroft Joinery’s recreation of the original Victorian fire station doors have helped to bring this distinctive and historic building back to life. Our expansion into this Fire Station has been truly transformative for the South London Gallery, enabling us to undertake a major step change in the scope and impact of our artistic and education programmes, championing the importance of art and culture in a new public space that is free to all at a time of rapid change in the local area.”Experience Art and History Unite at the South London Gallery Fire Station. Explore the Heritage Timber Doors that Bridge Time and Craftsmanship.

Rosa Alpina is a boutique Alpine hotel that boasts a two Michelin-starred restaurant and a scenic setting in the Dolomites – one of the world’s most beautiful places.The original building dates to 1850 and local antiques, wood carvings and old photographs complement its wood-panelled ceilings and thick, frescoed walls. Fresh flowers and roaring fires complete a convivial vibe.The 51 spacious rooms and suites each feature a seating area and subtle cream and grey colour scheme. Newer guestrooms offer more contemporary design, with glass-encased fires and sleek timber furnishings, yet still respect local traditions with wood-panelled ceilings, fire wood baskets and ceramic stoves. The new Vetralla bath has specified within these new contemporary rooms.Photography: © Six SensesPhotography: © Six Senses