"fire hose reel systems"

Jewers Doors have completed the installation of five of their Osprey sliding folding doors to new private aircraft hangars and integral fire station at Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire.

Pyroguard’s range of toughened fire safety glass was specified throughout Campus Lelystad in The Netherlands – a beautiful school campus, consisting of six interconnected buildings in a striking circular formation.

Pyroguard’s range of toughened fire safety glass was recently installed inside this prestigious government building in New Delhi, India with framing partner M/s. Sukriti Doors.

A Manchester based passive fire protection specialist has utilised products from the range of FIREFLY – including the versatile Phoenix Smoke & Flame barriers – to achieve the compartmentation of concealed spaces within the new Macclesfield manufacturing facility of a world-leading pharmaceutical giant.Firetech UK Ltd. is a key sub-contractor to DES for the construction of the extensive new laboratories and production plant for AstraZeneca, part of the FTSE 100 company’s continuing investment at its East Cheshire site for the distribution of drugs to markets around the world. Firetech was established more than 25 years ago and makes extensive use of FIREFLY  flexible fire barriers for its work on both commercial and domestic contracts. In the case of the Macclesfield project, Firetech purchased the FIREFLY  products via national distributor, Encon.  The Contracts Manager for Firetech UK on the Macclesfield Project, Josh Dodds comments: “We work nationwide though predominantly in the North-West of the country and have been using FIREFLY  products for the past five years, including here on this very large new plant.  Early on in the contract we installed a large quantity of Titan Lite™ 120:60 fire barriers in the ‘Amenities Area’ of the building and then when we were tasked with installing a series of smoke and flame barriers in the ceiling voids over the laboratories, we proposed the Phoenix product as being the most cost-effective solution. The work consumed approximately 540 square metres of the Phoenix to create a series of vertical barriers valued at some £50K.  Although we were able to employ standard details for the installation of the Phoenix barriers  and the Collaroll which wraps some of the beams and other features, FIREFLY has been involved from the earliest stages, providing general guidance and carrying out inspections.  The project has gone very well.”FIREFLY Phoenix is a lightweight smoke and flame barrier which facilitates compartmentation within buildings to provide up to 120 minutes’ integrity under BS476 Parts 20 & 22.  Certified by IFCC, the flexible and straightforward to install material is suitable for both new-build and retrofit situations.  Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios. The flexible barriers are easy to install horizontally or vertically using a full selection of ancillary products.  Used mainly in the construction industry across the UK and Europe, FIREFLY fire barriers help to contain fire, giving building occupants extra time to evacuate and the fire service to enter safely.Images shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

“How good is Knauf Insulation’s specification and technical support? Let’s put it this way, I’ve used Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for every façade project since.”- Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding The Weald of Kent Grammar Annexe extension is a new three-storey satellite facility for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in Sevenoaks. It comprises state-of-the-art classrooms for a cohort of 90 boys. A2O Cladding were appointed by Willmott Dixon to deliver the technical design and installation of the façade, which is finished with a white and grey silicon render set against a red Corium brickslip façade. One of their first tasks was to finalise the insulation specification based on three key requirements: thermal performance, non-combustibility and sustainability. Meeting the thermal performance challenge The first factor, the thermal performance of the rainscreen façade system, initially proved more difficult than expected. Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding explained: “U-values provided by the architect for a rainscreen façade system are a bit belt and braces because they’re based on assumptions. So, once we’ve confirmed the sub-structure, we redo them to ensure they’re an accurate representation of the building’s thermal performance.”   “The problem is the manufacturer we were working with couldn’t deliver the U-value of 0.18 W/m2K because they didn’t have the right software.” For most applications, the simplified methodology used for calculating U-values is sufficient. But it is not recommended for rainscreen façade systems, because it does not take into account the complex interaction between the Steel Frame System (SFS) and the insulation. Instead, a blanket correction factor is applied, which can lead to the over-specification of insulation – as it had in this case. To prevent this, 3D U-value calculations should be used. They thermally model the build-up based on the complex interaction between the insulation and the rails and brackets. This ensures greater accuracy giving the specifier a true picture of how the build-up will perform after construction, so it matches its design. But most manufacturers don’t have the capability to undertake these complex calculations in-house, so outsource the service to a third party at a cost to the contractor. Before they went down this route, A2O Cladding asked project architect Bond Bryan for advice, who suggested they contact Knauf Insulation.  “We’d not used Knauf Insulation before so didn’t know the standard of their technical support. The biggest tick in the box was they do free 3D U-value calculations – it really helped to keep the project on track.”  Using these calculations, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the façade insulation. The product has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK and crucially, a depth of just 150mm would meet the required U-value.  They also recommended 150mm of Rocksilk® EWI Slab with a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK to insulate the rendered external walls. A2O Cladding also decided to use Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Slab 35 to insulate the junctions at roof level to ensure continuity of insulation. Fire safety at every height All three products have the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire, should it occur. This meant they met the second specification factor, non-combustibility.  “The Annexe extension is under 18m tall but that would never influence our choice of insulation material. The A2O ethos is that we don’t touch combustible stuff when there are suitable non-combustible solutions available. I mean why would you introduce that risk? Using Mineral Wool insulation gives us, and the school peace of mind.”  Patel goes on to explain that Willmott Dixon has a reputation for quality and will only authorise the use of tested and certified systems. “As the façade contractor, it’s our job to ensure the quality of the supply chain. The fact that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings and for so many different build-ups meant it met the rigorous standards demanded for the project.” A focus on sustainability But choosing suppliers isn’t just about performance and fire safety. The third factor in the specification process was sustainability.  “As we finalise the technical design, we need to provide Willmott Dixon with a Technical Submittal for every product, and this includes details of its green credentials. It was another example of how Knauf Insulation makes things simple for contractors. They have EPDs for every product and all the relevant ISO standards, so our insulation specification sailed through.” As well as producing products that improve the thermal efficiency of buildings, Knauf Insulation has been taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. One example of this is its unique bio-based binder, ECOSE® Technology, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly. From technical support to performance and sustainability, Knauf Insulation scored top marks in all categories – which meant that A2O Cladding didn’t need to compromise on any of their specification requirements or criteria. 

As a consequence of the Grenfell tragedy, an assessment of the building envelope was carried out on the 275nr residential apartment block in the centre of Leeds. It was found to be non-compliant with current regulations and in urgent need of replacement.The VariAL-SF system was selected as it complied with an A2 fire rating, with EN13501-1 classification by third parties, and satisfied the detailed planning constraints.The importance of the cladding refurbishment and replacement on this high-rise residential building cannot be understated. The building was identified by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service late in 2019 as being high risk from the perspective of residents safety, due to the fact it was clad in flammable panels and onus was placed on the building owner to take swift action to make the building safe. As such, an ambitious 52 week programme for complete removal of the existing cladding and replacement was set out and achieved by the project team, despite significant limitations in terms of access and logistical challenges.To the passer-by, there is barely any discernible difference in the aesthetic of the building’s new facade, the colour-matching of the panels is incredibly accurate and allowed for a seamless transition to a much safer environment for the building’s residents.The apartment block was in the middle of a built up residential area. The contractor needed to obtain road closures from Leeds city council for two main roads which ran the full length and one side elevation.Furthermore the other main elevation was a pedestrian walkway with access to the apartment block , a hotel and several commercial buildings therefore safe access routes and segregation had to be installed and coordinated with the various parties involved.In addition, the building had to be reclad using 125ft cherry pickers working off the main road and pedestrian walkways therefore protective tracking systems had to be laid over the tarmac and paving to protect the existing materials.Throughout the building refurbishment, which took exactly 52 weeks, access to all the various buildings was maintained and contractor site personnel worked closely with adjacent building owners and especially the management team of the apartment block which accommodated 270 apartments to ensure minimal disruption.

Hush Acoustics provided the acoustic floor and wall solutions for a development in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire involving the conversion of a former Woolworths store turned snooker hall, which was being transformed into a ground floor sports shop with nine first floor apartments above. In addition to meeting the acoustic performance requirements, the client was also keen to ensure the design would meet the fire regulations required.Following a site visit, the Hush HD1030 system was specified for the separating floors. This is compliant with UK Building Regulations Approved Document E and is suitable for refurbishment projects with timber structures that incorporate lath and plaster ceilings – all with the benefit of a 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.We worked closely with EH Building Contractors to ensure the HD1030 acoustic floor system was installed to the required standard. For the separating walls, Hush Twin Frame Metal Stud Party Walls were installed onto the plywood structural floor and isolated using Heavy-Duty Isolation Tape. The stud walls were insulated using the Hush Slab 100 Sound Absorber, ensuring the cavity between the two stud frames were kept clear.The client had initially discussed keeping the original existing lay in grid ceiling within the shop, however, in order to achieve outstanding acoustic performance, the majority of the perforated metal panels from within the lay in grid ceiling had to be removed. Some of the original ceiling could be retained, however, with higher performing ceiling tiles used to replace it in other areas, maintaining the original features as per the client’s request.Once completed, acoustic testing was carried out on site to determine the success of the acoustic design and installation. First of all, the twin metal stud wall was tested, which achieved an airborne performance of 56db (DnTw+Ctr). An airborne sound test was then conducted between the sports shop and one of the first floor apartments which showed a performance of 47 dB (DnTw+Ctr).All of the acoustic performance goals were achieved without any significant ceiling treatment and our client was happy with the results.

This scheme was designed by the architects Hawkins Brown and constructed by Mace, who were very easy to work with and have a great project team.One of the main challenges of the project was the fact that is was being constructed during lockdown, and both design team and project team were all working from home, but because of such good communications across the teams, everything flowed very well. N06 East Village is located at the site of the former 2012 Athletes Village and close to the London Olympic Park 2012, so there’s plenty of sports locations nearby!The façade sections were constructed using a modern method that involves some manufacturing and assembly being completed offsite. They were pre-assembled and fixed offsite onto the precast concrete floor units and this new high rise construction solution, removes the need for scaffolding Because each floor is fully enclosed, it reduces project time and the risk of site operatives working at height and increases project speed time with less labour needed on site. This was especially beneficial considering construction was during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is believed that throughout this project there was 40% less vehicle movements to and from site and 70% less site waste created.*We supplied the original Quadra metal riser doors throughout the two residential towers however we have since improved the doorsets and they are now Quadra+. N06 East Village project has a modern interior with bright, bold colours featured on both the inside and the outside façade. Selo’s concealed riser doors were a perfect fit with their interior design providing a sleek, flush solution throughout the corridors.This project was one of the first major projects that we supplied our Quench fire-stopping protection to after they requested a factory fitted fire stopping solution. Quench is a safe and reliable solution that is pre-fitted to the riser door frame, removing the need to apply intumescent mastic. It has a 120minute fire resistance rating when used in conjunction with Selo’s Quadra+ riser door system. This solution removes the need to work inside the riser to apply the intumescent and thus removing the fall risk and hazardous working environments.*Source: https://www.cast-consultancy.com/knowledge-hub/plot-n06-east-village/

The world’s premier destination for design and decoration excellence. Home to 120 showrooms and over 600 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, it is the largest of its kind in Europe.Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned construction and interior fit-out specialist with the ambition to create a huge and lasting positive impact on society, the main contractor who hired us to meet their client’s project specifications. The product selected for the project was the Soundis Absorb-R GypLine αw (also commonly known as a Seamless Monolithic Acoustic Spray Plaster System) which is an extremely flexible seamless sound absorption system. It is a non-perforated, monolithic system consisting of a mineral fibre panel with a layer of micro-porous plaster. Excellent Sound Absorption was required at this project and therefore our task was to ensure class A sound absorption within the large atrium. The Absorb-R GypLine αw was used as a seamless high performing sound-absorbing system, a system with excellent eco-credentials. The GypLine αw insulation board also benefits the energy performance of any building by enhancing the insulation of the building envelope.We were challenged with working almost 20 meters above the floor which adds difficulties to any installation but nothing we haven’t overcome before in previous projects. Absorb-R GypLine αw was selected as the finish offers unrivalled levels of sound absorption but also ensures walls and ceilings are clear of panels and visible acoustic solutions, providing a virtually seamless monolithic surface for walls and ceilings in a choice of RAL colours. This seamless and complete solution can be adapted to a wide range of rooms, from home use, office space to conference halls, auditoria, theatres, recreational sports and educational areas. The Absorb-R GypLine αw acoustic system is environment-friendly, fully recyclable and has natural components that offer optimal sound absorption with extensive resistance to fire.

BCL are proud to have been a part of the team delivering the £400m redevelopment of London Bridge Station, designed by Grimshaw Architects and developed by Costain. The redeveloped station expects to see 75 million passengers pass through each year as part of the £6.5 billion Thameslink project. As part of the refurbishment the structure was replaced by pre-cast concrete bridge decks. The underside of these new decks became the ceiling which was then clad with our high performance Alpha acoustic timber panel system.The BCL “Alpha” panel system spans over 7,000 square metres of Western Red Cedar panels in three distinct patterns, providing class A and B sound absorption to reduce noise from passengers and trains. The panels are fire treated to Euro class B, fully demountable, have fully concealed fixings, and involve integrated lighting troughs. Our open configuration system allowed Grimshaw to design the unique panel composition to the highest standard. With the ability to be flexible along with outstanding acoustic performance and the standard of design and installation services, it was clear that our BCL panels should be the system of choice.There were some significant challenges with the project, not only the control of ambient sound from the passengers using the station, but also the structural reverberation produced by on average 18 trains per hour and, given its prominence, the need for upwards blast protection in the event of a terrorist threat. All challenges have been met by the BCL design, making the ceiling system the perfect solution.With the London Bridge Station redevelopment, as with every project BCL take on, our design, manufacture and installation teams provide the knowledge and skill needed to ensure the highest standard of work is achieved at every stage of the project.Client: National RailArchitect: GrimshawMain Contractor: CostainSize: 7,000m2Location: LondonCompletion: September 2016Western Red CedarAcoustic class A & B3 different slat arrangementsFully demountableBomb blast grid system (for maintain structural integrity)

Nestled in the heart of Central London, Chelsea Creek stands as an epitome of luxury, offering residents a uniquely European style of living along its canalside homes. The residential development boasts a stunning location characterized by tree-lined avenues and meandering waterways, providing an exquisite urban lifestyle.In our collaboration with Chelsea Creek, our focus was on enhancing both safety and aesthetics within the residential spaces. A key component of this project was the installation of metal riser doors tailored to meet the project’s exacting standards for both functionality and aesthetics. Designed to seamlessly integrate with the sophisticated surroundings, these fire-rated riser doors ensure compliance with safety standards while preserving the high-end residential atmosphere.The choice of metal riser doors not only aligns with the upscale environment of Chelsea Creek but also serves a crucial functional purpose. Ensuring fire safety without compromising on the luxurious aesthetics of the development, these doors exemplify our commitment to delivering solutions that prioritize both form and function. Crafted for both durability and visual appeal, these fire-rated doors not only ensure safety compliance but also contribute to the overall sophisticated aesthetic of Chelsea Creek.

Location: Canary Wharf, LondonMain Contractor: Canary Wharf Contractors LtdWood Wharf B2 is a modular construction project located on the edge of Blackwall Basin, Canary Wharf.All 279 serviced apartments were manufactured at their specialist construction site, fitted with kitchens and bathrooms and even furniture — before being transported to the site and craned into position.OBEX supplied fire-classified membranes that have been developed specifically for modular construction, including the 0400FR Class B Modular Roofing Membrane, as well as the 0223FR Class A2/W2 Breather Membrane.Storeys: 21Apartments: 279OBEX Fire-Rated products required: 4

Metal pipe boxing from the Pendock Profiles range is being used at a London tower block to conceal and protect fire sprinkler pipework, cabling and other services as part of a fire safety upgrade and refurbishment programme.Bespoke manufactured to the exact dimensions and project requirements, the metal boxing is non-combustible, which makes it suitable for use in public areas, such as lift lobbies, landings and corridors, where no sprinkler heads are present.Finished in white PPC, the metal pipe boxing not only improves the overall aesthetics, but also provides durable protection for pipework and services, while the integrated hinged inspection panels allow easy access for routine checks and maintenance.

Installed by AliDeck Approved Installer, Alu-Installations, this terrace decking project used our 30mm Senior Flat Board to deliver a slip and fire-resistant deck to replace the existing timber.

The University of Bedfordshire’s Luton Campus has been completely re-dressed in a stunning mix of Rockpanel External facades, providing beautiful, fire-safe, future proof accommodation for thousands of students.

Nestled in the heart of London's prestigious Mayfair district.80 New Bond Street stands as a beacon of elegance and luxury. This iconic address is renowned for its exclusive boutiques, high-end galleries, and renowned auction houses, making it a coveted destination for discerning shoppers and art enthusiasts alike. With its historic architecture and contemporary allure, 80 New Bond Street encapsulates the essence of sophistication, offering a unique blend of heritage and modernity.Completed in 2024, it has created new office spaces and has incorporated a sophisticated, spacious reception area.Throughout the development, our flagship product Quadra + was used. It is perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.

OverviewCryfield Village, Warwick University, is a state-of-the-art student accommodation development, replacing outdated residences. Built as a series of townhouse-style apartments and studios, the village will eventually house around 830 residents. The new residences are fitted with photovoltaic panels that convert the sun's energy to electricity, supporting the University's aim to reach net zero carbon by 2030. The designers were keen to make a statement with the village properties and to impart a warm and welcoming feeling for the first year students.The SolutionWithin our “Collections” we have a number of terracotta-coloured finishes. The client particularly liked the tones and texture of ‘Cracked Clay’ from our Evolution range, and the 25 year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion was an important consideration. As do all our powders, Cracked Clay meets the Reaction to Fire Standards for fire classification A2-s1,d0, suitable for use on multi-storey residential buildings.We coated 900 m2 of aluminium cassette panels for the façade and roof of the phase 1 property which will house around 383 first year students. .The appealing, warm and eye-catching finish is (we think) a marked improvement on the existing building as one of these images shows.Benefits of Using PowdertechPowdertech has over 30 years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatingColour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.The Evolution range has a 25 year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the panelling free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

One of the key towers within the prime Nine Elms redevelopment in Lambeth, is Terracotta clad The Atlas which is nothing less of a statement and a local landmark. BackgroundFollowing the international recognition of the Broadcasting Tower building in Leeds that in 2010 won the CTBUH "Best Tall Building" award and became an industry referent, when Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios were given the arduous task of designing The Atlas building in Vauxhall, they knew that the World was watching and that their next joint venture with Downing Construction couldn’t be anything less than a statement and Argeton terracotta was selected as the material of choice for yet another prestigious project. The projectFCB Studios and the Lambeth planning committee wanted to portray the essence of Lambeth’s strong pottery and ceramics industry and of the site’s past which once was home to the Royal Doulton ceramic factory and Argeton Terracotta provided a solution that offered the versatility to respond to the technical challenges of modern high rise construction and ease of installation that would allow to meet a tight programme whilst answering to the aesthetic requirements and fitting in the concept sought.Industry leaders independent façade engineering consultants Wintech worked in the project from its birth and during the development of the scheme ensuring all of the engineering challenges were overcome and they worked together with FCB Studios in developing an algorithm to randomly distribute a mix of glazed and unglazed ceramic finishes, to resemble the speckles often found in traditional pottery. Argeton Terracotta provided a range of colours and finishes to meet the scheme requirements including a specialist hand-fired finish with special glaze for the lower areas of the scheme. Alumet’s record of outstanding delivery of full envelopes for some of the most reputable Main contractors nationwide combined with their over 20 years of expertise led them to be nominated façade contractor for the new build student accommodation tower which they delivered on time and on budget thanks to the cost effectiveness and ease of installation of the Argeton system.SolutionTerracotta is one of the cladding resources of choice in the market because it is a natural and versatile material that gives architects freedom of expression whilst it gives cladding and envelope contractors the advantages of a quick and easy installation process. The Argeton system is one of the principal terracotta systems used Worldwide not only because it is a natural and versatile material but also because it offers a technical and cost-effective solution for the residential, commercial and health and education sectors. Argeton is CE and UKCA marked and one of the most tested systems in the market including a BBA and an EPD. NHBC approved and not subject to any restrictions on building height or proximity to boundaries thanks to its Euro-class A1 Fire certification, it is no surprise Argeton is one of the materials of choice not only in new builds but also for refurbishment or re-clad. Durable and fully recyclable, ISO 14025 and EN 15804 (European BREEAM equivalent) certified, sustainability is at the heart of Argeton’s values.

Jewers Doors have just completed the installation of sixteen sets of Phoenix Swift bi-folding doors for the newly constructed Fire and Ambulance stations at the $15.5 billion EXPO 2020 Project in Dubai. 

The Problem:Associated problems caused by damp and flooding are commonplace throughout the UK’s housing stock. Growth of black mould and efflorescence caused by salt transfer can lead to thedelamination of the plaster and there is no simple resolution. Often the only choice left to the housing association or local authority is to remove the original plaster and treat the walls with a Damp Proof Course (DPC), before waiting for it to dry to receive a backing plaster – all at the expense of the landlord or local authority.The Solution: A Modern, Lightweight Renovating Plaster:Limelite Renovating Plaster solves all of these problems. Firstly, it can be applied to damp walls, saving an enormous amount of money for time that would be otherwise spent waiting for the walls to dry out – it effectively controls dampness passing through walls, as well as providing a barrier against salt transfer – ultimately allowing the substrate to dry naturally. Secondly, and crucially, Limelite Renovating Plaster will withstand damp issues caused by future events, which may be likely in properties susceptible to damp and flooding.Thirdly the Limelite plaster system offers Thermal Insulation by drying the walls rapidly, reducing loss of heat and insulating the internal walls to meet modern day standardsThermal Conductivity, λ10,dry,mat, P=50% = 0.17W/m.KThermal Conductivity (k) at 0% moisture = 0.13W/m.KAnother benefit with Limelite plasters for internal use is their fire resistance/protection as a non-combustible product (as defined by BS476:Part 4) which can be assigned Class O in accordance with the requirements of the National Building Regulations and Reaction to Fire = Euroclass A1 Making the Difference for Local Authorities Dudley Council in the West Midlands is among the many local authorities that specify the use of Limelite Renovating Plaster when tackling such issues in social housing.“Where a renovating plaster is required we use the original and proven, Limelite” said Andy Pratt, Specification and Design Manager for Dudley Council, which has been specified by the council for over 40 years.Where existing plaster is sound, a small area of plaster is removed and replaced with Limelite.In more severe cases where the existing plaster is unsound, all plaster is removed and the wall is treated with a DPC before Limelite Renovating Plaster is applied. Limelite Renovating Plaster is also used for patch repairs in areas such as window reveals, where again the damaged plaster is removed and replaced with Limelite.A BBA Approved SystemLimelite Renovating Plaster is a BBA approved solution, when used as the backing plaster in a 2-part system, finished with our High Impact Finishing Plaster - a hard, durable finishing plaster that produces a Grade D impact resistant surface.

The campus in Colchester, which is home to 15,000 students, is undergoing a massive phased transformation. Benx-RCM are currently supplying into phase three of the campus-build, known as The Pastures.Split across five new buildings, The Pastures will bring an additional 1,262 student bedrooms to the Colchester campus. One of these blocks will create a new hub which will include a reception, a post room, an administrative area and a student services centre, along with a laundrette and staff welfare facilities.Overseeing this £168 million project as main contactor is Bouygues Construction.Stanta were awarded the SFS infill package at the site. As part of this package, Benx RCM were selected to supply Y-Wall external sheathing board for the entire project.Y-Wall is a flexible calcium silicate based fibre cement building board, offering excellent fire properties as well as high levels of dimensional stability. The Y-Wall BBA Certification provided the Stanta project team with assurance that this building board solution has been tested to exacting standards, evaluated onsite, as well as undergoing a life expectancy assessment and a quality management system review.Y-Wall was utilised to create a sheathing for the five high rise structures. In buildings with storeys more than 18m above ground level, any products used in the external wall construction should be of limited combustibility. Being a non-combustible, A1 fire-rated building board, utilising BS EN ISO 1182 and BS EN ISO 1716 tests, Y-Wall is the optimum solution for a project of this type and size.In specifying the building board for this project it was important to ensure the optimum racking performance to enhance structural strength. Y-Wall conforms to European Norm - BS EN 594:2011 - the certification which proves the system has been rigorously tested and offers excellent racking performance, structural strength and stability.Specifying a building board that is fully tested to BS EN 1062-1 allows for adequate moisture resistance and durability. Y-Wall fully complies with this standard which ensures the building boards will have a life equal to that of the building. Selecting a building board with good external performance and durability is important, particularly through the build phase, as the product may be left exposed for several months prior to a secondary facade being installed over the top of the system. In order to generate speed and ease of construction, Y-Wall was supplied pre-cut to specified panel sizes. The fabrication work was undertaken by Benx Façades at its dedicated facility, to ensure a seamless process.

As part of the £25 million Wolverhampton Academy Trust sponsored Bilston Academy, BCL are proud to have been part of the overall process. This project was delivered through the BSF programme by Carillion PLC and was designed by Capita. The academy was designed with the ability to deliver a modern multi-disciplinary education centre for the 1200 students of Wolverhampton Academy in mind. The building is made up of 4 differently themed zones, a dedicated engineering hub, a science super-lab and a combination of grass and astro-turf sports pitches.Using 69 x 44 mm of Siberian Larch, the external walls were covered, with the timber installed vertically at 100 mm to form an open screen detail across the building, including the plant room and roof areas. Each slat was treated to Class 0 SSF, using the non-com impregnation system from Lonza Wood Protection. In doing this, BCL ensured the building would have complete fire protection for its entire life without requiring any maintenance.As per all BCL panel systems everything was designed and pre-fabricated off site into a panellised system, fitted using secret fixings. Installation time was dramatically reduced along with on-site waste, meaning the 3000 m2 envelope was constructed quickly and efficiently.Client: Wolverhampton AcademyArchitect: CapitaContractor: Carillion PLCLocation: WolverhamptonCompletion: April 2013 Siberian LarchFSC CertifiedSecret FixingsClass 0 SSF

ChallengesSinclair Watt were provided with a detailed brief to provide accommodation for a new main entrance and reception area, product display hall, meeting room suite, additional office space and customer service telephone hall and ancillary accommodation. By necessity these were required to be large spaces to accommodate large numbers of employees and visitors.The building had to achieve seven basic goals – to allow VELUX to be a good neighbour, to be simple and beautiful, to make arrival a good experience, to be a model of balanced daylight, natural ventilation, good indoor comfort and healthy materials, to apply a well-defined, high-quality structural concept, to obtain good sustainable standards with a minimum use of energy, to be visible and logical, and to create value and express the VELUX values.The ceiling systems had to meet the Class 1, aesthetic, fire and acoustic performance required for the 37,673 ft² two-storey building which features an engineered timber and steel structural frame. The project was the first time Zentia’s Ultima+ Finesse mineral tiles had been installed in Scotland.SolutionsSinclair Watt met the brief by incorporating a regular and prominent engineered timber and steel structural frame that provided a design with a clear distinction between the supporting structure of the building and the facades and roof. This was both to create clarity and logic in the design and to make it possible to replace or update the not-so-permanent parts of the building.The internal design incorporates a central street and atrium that acts as a meeting place as well as a general circulation area and allows the best use of natural sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the building. The building provides good indoor comfort and utilises healthy materials.The three key areas – energy efficiency, healthy indoor environment and renewable energy – constitute the basis of the new building. A fabric-first approach for the building was adopted with high insulation levels and low air permeability rates to reduce overall heat loss from the building. This combined with a natural ventilation and daylighting strategy, and the use of LED lighting and air source heat pumps as the main heating source, resulted in a highly energy efficient and sustainable building.Some 1,1,00 m² of the Zentia Prestige hA+ Tegular15 tiles were used in the ground floor offices and storerooms, while 100m² of the Finesse tiles were used in the restaurant, kitchen and toilets. The Ultima+ range features class-leading light reflectance of 87% and Euroclass A2-s1, d0 fire classification, the Tegular15 variant with Class A sound absorption and Finesse a fully concealed, fully painted edge detail.Architect Iain Mitchell said: “We specified the Zentia systems as they have a good product range, good suspension systems, with good product information and good technical backup. They met all the aesthetic, fire and acoustic performances.“Zentia shadow and transition trims were used so the Zentia ceilings tie in well with adjacent plasterboard walls and ceilings. The client is very happy with the ceiling installation and building as a whole.”Colin Burns, commercial director of specialist sub-contractor PFP, said: “We had some meetings with Zentia to talk through the detailing of the Finesse element and put it to the guys on site but apart from that, and some coordinating with services, it was very straightforward. It looks good as it always does and gives a nice bright finish. It was interesting to be the first installer of Finesse in Scotland.”

SE Controls' brief was to supply, install and project manage a full turnkey solution to meet the fire safety and smoke ventilation needs in three of the new buildings at the Nottingham Chettles Yard student housing development.

Here East involved the transformation of the former Media Campus.  The team at Laing O’Rourke were tasked with designing the building’s fire protection scheme that also accommodates building movements such as movement between floors and in services.

Technowood facade and ceiling systems, pergolas and many other products are used in Istanbul Airport spaces. These have different function such as entrance gates, check-in areas, passport control points and restaurants.Technowood real timber veneered product were used in this high-energy environment was due to the Euroclass A2 fire rating, adaptability in design and performance as real timber all without the short comings of solid timber.Lightweight, fascinating shapes and hidden fixing systems all add to make these products the most innovative and GOTO products used for all scale projects for both interior and exterior projects.“Why use solid timber when you can use a little 2% if you use Technowood products”If you can draw it, send it to us and use the skills of our in-house Architects to offer advice, realisation of all fixing considerations to be presented with the full scale of problem solving and a simple solution of installation for your contractors.I could write thousands of words, hyperbole and details of what for how and why but in this instance, I’ll leave you be with the photos that speak sufficiently for themselves…Credits and Further informationArchitect: Grimshaw in partnership with Nordic Office of ArchitectureLocation: Istanbul Airport Interiors Materials: Technowood louvres, panels and claddingCompletion: 2013

Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School are being redeveloped on the existing site of the high school which was demolished. The new buildings are located to the rear of a Grade II listed school building which was retained as part of the development. The £36.1m project forms part of the Government Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).

Wood burning stoves are needed to offset the high energy prices.With a house building boom due to the lack of housing, plus the combined shock of energy prices – building houses with secondary heating, such as stoves, has returned to the forefront.Wood-burning stoves are now highly efficient and designed to offset any carbon they release into the atmosphere. Eco-friendly, modern stoves are why Rose Builders decided to add stoves and chimneys to their housing development in Lawford Green. In addition, various houses within the site had the option of adding a wood-burning stove with a built-in chimney.

SureSet FlexiSet, made of 50% recycled car tyres, was installed to support the sustainability part of the brief given by New Forest District Council. SureSet resin bound paving improves the drainage and surface water issues in the car park by allowing rainwater to flow through the paving instead of running off onto the car park surface. The benefits of a SureSet resin bound tree pit: Aesthetically pleasing Safer. Permeable Easy to maintain Guaranteed for 21-year. The EcoBatcher will save a project of this size 298 single-use plastic buckets! Read the full case study on our website.

The front garden consisted of the typical grass, a narrow footpath, and shrubs. It was prepared prior to arrival removing all elements including the soil which was made level and topped with a free-draining compacted stone, this is the required substrate for SureSell. Once the cellular structure is in place it's filled with loose stone and then suitable for a final layer of smooth yet permeable resin bound paving.

Over 1,000 Profile 22 Optima Chamfered Windows have been used in a conversion project in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. Sim Chem House in Cheadle Hulme was a six storey office block built in the 1960s. The building had been empty for many years and fallen into disrepair. It was purchased by developers Inspired Homes to be redeveloped into 184 studio, one and two bed ultra-high quality apartments aimed at young homeowners.

A £4.6 million project by Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) delivered family homes for affordable rent on a neglected brownfield site as part of a series of measures to maximise energy efficiency. he award winning windows deliver easy-to-maintain aesthetics, but, more importantly for this project, exceptional security and low U values.

Dacatie's TF Multicloser and SF Multicloser profiles were used in the Phoenix Wharf development of 4 bedroom homes.Phoenix Wharf is located within the Sandwell and Swan Village area of West Bromwich, less than six miles northwest of Birmingham.

Brunswick House is a superb new residential scheme of 251 bedrooms, incorporating a mixture of studios and cluster rooms. The scheme is designed to offer outstanding student accommodation for undergraduate, postgraduate and international students in the heart of Cambridge. The client required stair nosings for 7 staircases meaning a total of 296 steps that would be durable enough for high traffic student usage. There was an additional design restraint in that the staircases would be made out of cast metal and therefore no mechanical fixings could be used.

Hadrian’s Tower is the tallest building in Newcastle at 82 metres high. Located in the heart of the city, it is a residential skyscraper with 162 luxury apartments. The tower has 26 storeys, and incorporates a champagne lounge and a coffee house among other communal spaces.

St Richard’s Hospital provides a full range of acute services for the people in Chichester and the surrounding area, including an Accident & Emergency department. A new entrance to A&E was being created and as with all healthcare projects, the aim was to help the hospital maintain clean, safe and effective treatment spaces, which is especially challenging in an extremely high traffic environment in 24 hour use such as the Accident & Emergency department.