"fire protection for building frames"

Our modular Stainless-Steel Balustrades offer a luxurious aesthetic as a result of the natural metallic sheen and precision-engineered detailing. Another benefit of incorporating our Stainless-Steel Balustrades is that they are completely resistant to fire and retain their strength at high temperatures. Our Brise Soleil Solar Shading grilles provide a modern, durable and maintenance-free alternative to curtains and blinds and are also A1 Fire Rated. Robin Hughes, Castle Retirement Living’s CEO, says about Neaco’s contribution “good quality products and great people to deal with. We’ll work together again”.

Location: Southampton City CentreProject Type: HousingDevelopment Cost: £20mProduct: Complete Aluminium Eaves SystemElliptical Fascia with THX Soffit Panels100mm Round Contemporary Rainwater Pipes​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7012 Matt Basalt Grey: Marine SpecificationFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Crest Nicholson PlcArchitect: HNW ArchitectMain Contractor: Crest Nicholson PlcSub Contractor: Roweaver Developments Ltd

Location: Clitheroe, LancashireProject: EducationalProduct: Elliptical Aluminium Fascia with Secret Fix Panel SystemShadex 260 Solar Shade Vertical Stack (Structural Steel Support)100mm Round Contemporary Aluminium Pipe​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7039 Matt Quartz GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Stonyhurst CollegeArchitect: Cassidy + Ashton ArchitectsMain Contractor:  Globe Construction ManagementSub Contractor: Blackwell Stanistreet

Location: Mile End, LondonProject Type: EducationDevelopment cost: £26mProduct: Vertical Panel Privacy ScreensMeridian Wall Copings​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7043 Matt Verkehrsgrau BFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Queen Mary University of LondonArchitect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects LtdMain Contractor: Bouygues (UK) LtdSub Contractor: M.Clarke & Sons LtdSub Contractor: Rollecate Facades Ltd

Location: Bracknell, BerksProject Type: ResidentialDevelopment Cost: £33mProduct: 600m Bullnose FasciaRaking Secret-Fix Panel Soffit320m Meridian Coping250m Balcony FasciasFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7005 Satin Mouse GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Redrow Homes LtdArchitect: Vista ArchitectureMain Contractor: Redrow Homes LtdSub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd

Location: Truro, CornwallProject Type: Retirement HousingDevelopment Cost: £16mProduct: Vertical Eaves System with Curved VergeMonocoque Support System100mm Round Contemporary Rainwater PipesMeridian Wall CopingsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7015 Matt Slate GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Churchill Retirement LivingArchitects: Planning Issues LtdMain Contractor: Churchill Retirement LivingSub Contractor: Roweaver Developments Ltd

The Project Aston University Student Union at the heart of the University’s campus has seen a £6.5m investment.  The new, two-story building, home to over 100 student clubs and societies, acts as the social hub for the 13000+ students at the university & replaces the old 1960’s Building. The Universities brief was to incorporate the local area into the project using images of Birmingham City Skyline. The Challenge Offer a full height cubicle system, suitable for the environment and to a specification befittng the digital imagery. Digitally render images onto Laminate and apply to the façade of the full height system. Manage the precise fabrication process through the factory. The Solution  Excelsior’s Flush 30 Cubicle System encompasses a rebated aluminium frame to the doors and pilasters. The aluminium edge detail provides a robust trim and looks innovative within this modern building, an unrivalled system within the washroom market.The images, supplied by the client were digitally rendered onto laminate by Formica Younique and applied to the façade of a full height Flush system.Max McLoughlin, CEO of the Student Union comments: ‘We want the building to make students feel proud to be at Aston University. From a design perspective, we wanted the students to feel fully immersed in life on campus & we are very happy with the result’.

In Rugby, 57 aerial masts and a radio station are the genesis for the beginning of a new town, centred around the recently finished Houlton School. The carefully considered design of the School by Van Heyningen & Haward (VHH), is the successful retrofit of a collection of historic, grade 2 listed radio station buildings. Its cost-effective evolution into a thriving, sustainable secondary school comes through the careful integration of the previous buildings and by choosing to use products that fitted soundly within the pre-existing vernacular.Adapting the original framework to today’s standards was a job that took years to come to fruition, careful application of steel frame and the restoration of the original brickwork has meant that the two main listed structures, Transmission Hall and Power Hall will become a place of learning for generations of students. Handmade clay bricks provided by Michelmersh were vital to the restoration of the project, where they were used to ensure the structures could be repaired and retained rather than rebuilt from the ground up.Throughout the project, various elements of the building's industrial past have been retained, with arched windows and high ceilings to ensure that the history of this nearly century-old building is revered, but not overpowering compared to its newly instated modern sensibilities.Houlton School recently won the Refurbishment Category at the BDA Brick Awards.

Aurora is a first-class, highly sustainable office building in the heart of the city of Bristol and one of the greenest offices outside London and among only six in the UK to achieve a special BREEAM 2014 Outstanding Environmental Award for its sustainability credentials. Aurora, which provides 95,000 square foot of Grade A office space on the Floating Harbour, also achieved LEED ‘Gold Standard’ and is currently the only building in Bristol to exceed BCO design guide criteria.The aim of the design was to provide a space that is efficient, offers maximum natural daylight and promotes health, wellbeing and productivity amongst users. To achieve this inspiring working environment Lusso provided and installed the glazed partitions to create a stunning glass atrium within the 7-storey building. This was a challenging design which involved close collaboration between Lusso, Bush Consultancy, and Willmott Dixon to create a system where the framework floated off the slab edge. The structural complexity of this atria required a bespoke solution, which involved close collaboration with the architects from conception.The Lusso 25M single glazed framed system was used within the interior of the building which allows the maximum amount of daylight possible uniformly spread throughout the interior making Aurora, arguably, one of the best office space Bristol currently has to offer.

111 The Strand, is an eight storey landmark office and retail building in central London. The property occupies a corner position on the Strand with a return frontage to Savoy Place. The majority of the 30,549 ft² office space is let to CVC Capital Partners.The iconic building is well-known for its contemporary appearance. The limestone façade with metal frames with curved bays of stone and glass, and a stone relief depicting the surrounding area truly stands out.With the recent acquisition of the long leasehold office building, the private equity firm CVC Advisors Ltd found it time for a complete refurbishment. The existing reception area and office floor 1 to 6 were stripped and upgraded to Category-B Standard. This is inclusive of new MEPH installations and a commercial kitchen fit out to service the meeting room suites and dining areas.Stravifloor Channel, a floating floor system using isolated steel channels with proprietary elastomeric pads, four layers of plywood, and a special damping layer was installed in the catering kitchen on the 5th floor of this fit-out project. The isolated steel batten system with enhanced stiffness was designed to minimise the transfer of impact noise to the office floors below.During the installation, an elastic Perimeter Strip was applied around the floors’ perimeter, to completely decouple it from the building structure.

Project/ObjectiveProtection of apartments and adjacent businesses from noise and vibration due to dropping freeweights.

As described by Eastleigh Borough Council, the £25 million facility underpins the council’s commitment to promoting a healthy borough. It incorporates a high quality design in keeping with the parkland environment and has high environmental standards. The new building will boast many facilities that are larger than at present, including an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a larger, versatile learner pool, 15-badminton court sports hall, a versatile, multi-station gym and a group spinning studio. This case study will look at the challenges and solutions of this vast project that involved insulating and waterproofing over 8,500m2 of flat roof areas.Following decades of experience using Polyroof’s liquid systems to protect buildings throughout the district, including waterproofing the original Fleming Park Leisure Centre back in the early 1990’s, Eastleigh Council specified the Protec system for the project.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the iconic Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, one of Scotland’s largest sports facilities, needed a new roof to protect the important building. With the previous roof membrane nearing 30 years old and in a state of disrepair due to the challenging Scottish weather, the centre needed a long-term and robust roofing solution.Planned by Perth and Kinross Council’s arms-length body Live Active Leisure, the £700,000 project also aimed to improve insulation and ventilation in order to enhance the venue’s environmental performance and efficiency. With the building needing to stay fully operational during the works and the added difficulties presented by weather and the domed shape of the roof, the project provided a real challenge for the contractors.Roofing:Mechanically fixed Sika Sarnafil S327-15 EL light grey over Sika Sarnatherm insulation S327-15 EL.

Located in Prescot, Merseyside, the new Shakespeare North Playhouse boasts a traditional, 470-seat timber theatre at its heart. The home of some of the great author and playwright’s earliest works. This prestigious building captures the soul of Elizabethan storytelling, drawing in modern audiences from across the country. Opened in 2022, the new theatre has played a ‘leading role’ in the ongoing regeneration of Knowsley. Carrying the weight of one of the all-time greatest wordsmiths, meant that every inch of the Shakespeare North Playhouse had to combine the upper echelons of modern design quality with the traditional soul of a 16th century theatre.Traditional feel, modern capabilityTasked with providing a powerful first impression to the entrance of this characterful building, our INTRAflow product in a brass anodised finish was a great choice for the Matting. In keeping with the bronze within the reception area, the brass anodised finish added an extra quality touch. The INTRAlux Elite fibre insert completed the warm, welcoming look achieved in the final outcome.The INTRAflow product is perfect for heavy footfall areas and so, just the ticket for audiences of nearly 500 people all coming and going at once.An important consideration was the traditional wooden seating areas within the theatre. It was essential that the Entrance Matting would remove dirt and moisture quickly and effectively to protect such a unique interior. The foyer area has no external overhang meaning very little protection from the elements. All combined, this meant a high-performance specification was required. The debris channel systems help ensure as much dirt as possible is removed on entry.Sustainability and designSustainable practices and materials were a must for the client. To truly bring this archaic theatre into the modern world, the project had to be completed with the planet at its heart. With such traditional materials being used for the interior, we made sure to use sustainable products, with 100% recycled aluminium.At INTRAsystems, we make all of our products as sustainably as possible. Our aluminium Entrance Matting systems are fully recycled and completely sustainable. After all, Shakespeare built the Globe, so we want to protect ours.Ease of InstallationThe installation process being as simple as possible was a driving factor in the client’s decision to choose INTRAsystems. The building’s design needed a striking entrance mat stretch across the entire width of the entrance, which was a sizeable space, covering 30 m2 in total. Our plank system made light work of a tricky job.Project Outcome at Shakespeare North PlayhouseThe client is delighted with the sleek new Entrance Matting. INTRA’s high-spec products deliver the very latest in modern entrance matting performance and functionality, while simultaneously staying true to the traditional feel that was so important to the client.

This refurbishment project in Farringdon had timber decking and joists on the balcony floors, the development was unable to pass fire safety assessments and required remediation. 

450 sash windows restored and double glazing installed by ventrolla at royal academyKEY FEATURES: COMMERCIAL, GRADE II LISTED, SASH WINDOWS, EDUCATION, RENOVATION, DOUBLE GLAZING, VENTROLLA PERIMETER SEALING SYSTEM, VICTORIAN.After the existing windows, dating back to 1862, were given their marching orders due to their poor condition, the timber renovation specialists were drafted in to upgrade the ageing sashes.As part of a £7.5 million refurbishment across two years, the Grade II listed building, used by the Army Medical Directorate, presented 450 sash windows in dire need of  complete renovation and upgrade due to many years of exposure to the elements.The majority of sashes were one and a half metres tall with larger ground floor windows reaching two and half metres.The deteriorated condition of both the sashes and frames meant the building was very draughty with many of the windows being rotten and inoperable.To remedy these problems the rotten timber was routed out of the original box frames, and replaced with Ventrolla’s patented epoxy resin VR90. Preserving the original sash windows was just as important as improving the energy efficiency of the building.Following this process, the unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was installed to combat draughts and reduce external noise. The sash cords were then replaced, pulleys serviced and sashes correctly balanced to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the windows. Andy Meachen, Project Manager of the Military Academy, said:“The service that Ventrolla provided was excellent and we were very pleased with the final result. We have really benefited from the renovation work as the building is noticeably warmer, there are no more draughts and the windows now open easily.”“We were very concerned about maintaining the aesthetics of the building and being sympathetic to its heritage, Ventrolla managed this beautifully.”“Due to their professionalism and craftsmanship, we have also asked them to start work on our Old College renovation project too.”The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst was founded in 1947 and offers military, practical and academic training.With over 30 years experience, Ventrolla offers a tailored range of period window solutions. Their unique service includes draught-proofing with the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) and fitting replacement double-glazed sashes that incorporate the patented Sash Removal System (SRS) for easy painting and future maintenance.They also offer complete new timber windows, secondary glazing solutions and a wide range of window hardware. Ventrolla has its head office in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and regional offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.

The stunning state-of-the-art, multi-level, Better New Addington Leisure & Community Centre, designed by GT3 Architects for the London Borough of Croydon features buff brick cladding with 3D- textured detailing thanks to external cladding supplier Aquarian Cladding Systems.The project was part of the Southern Construction Framework and followed a string of work carried out by Willmott Dixon for the Borough. It was also home to the building contractor’s first Building Lives Academy, aimed at upskilling young people in the area and providing them with an opportunity to join the construction industry.Originally, another brick cladding system was specified for use, however due to the complexity of the stepped window frame detailing, the additional cladding support rail cost, the time it would take to install, and a lack of product warranty from the supplier, an alternative cladding system was sought to meet the programme and budget.To resolve the challenge, Aquarian and specialist cladding contractor Express Dry Lining, part of Aquarian’s Approved Installer Network, worked closely together to achieve an acceptable finish to match the specified material, which suited the local vernacular thus meeting the aesthetic, programme, and commercial requirements.Peter Head, Director of Express Dry Lining said: “The design and installation support of Aquarian helped us ensure that all stakeholders were supported throughout the process of material selection, buildability, component production and assembly to achieve a photogenic building free of defects which will last. This is one of those projects to be proud of for a very long time.” In addition, the solution had to be a cladding system that used brick slips which could also be produced as standard bricks to build landscaping planters and achieve a seamless ‘hit-and-miss’ brick feature in the façade. As an innovative, panelised, insulating brick cladding system, which has been successfully tested to BS8414 on five separate occasions and has an EN13501 fire rating of B, s1, d0, Gebrik was perfect, with Aquarian supplying 1126m2 to the project.To achieve the 3D features in accordance with the architect’s design brief, eighteen different panel and corner components were produced, 25% of which were bespoke and therefore project-specific.The expertise of Express Dry Lining in the setting out of the substrate ensured the 60mm thick ‘brick wallpaper’ is consistent across the entire façade with perp joint alignment across both the stretcher and stack bond panels. And their attention to detail in ensuring the system was cleaned down after pointing ensured the façade was completed on time and to everyone’s satisfaction. The finished project was completed six weeks ahead of the revised programme with Gebrik significantly contributing to the speed of construction and reduction in programme, leading to significant cost benefits elsewhere. The London Borough of Croydon is delighted with the quality of the completed building, with Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, quoted as saying, “This is a stunning new centre with first-class facilities for everyone in New Addington to enjoy and be proud of.” Peter Head concluded by saying, “It is unlikely any other brick cladding solution could have been used as cost-effectively and efficiently as Gebrik to create a façade of such high quality.”

On behalf of client Adlington Properties, this £110,000 12 month project was delivered in conjunction with specialist commercial fabricator Dempsey Dyer and contractor Gladman's Construction. It features: 300 frames Deceuninck 5000 Series Tilt and Turn 9016 White on White Decoroc

This project has been built up using 2500 m² of translucent blanc Venus sheets. These sheets were assembled on frames made with Barrisol® profiles specially designed for this project. Architect : Stanley Saitowitz Office/ Natoma Architects, Inc.

Cycle Parking and Street Furniture Provided:BXMW/LIG Lightwood cycle sheltersBXMW/GH0 Harrogate cycle standsBX47 3000 Thornhill stainless steel framed seatsBXPU 1800 Trelewis duracast™ polyurethane (PU) bollards

When the government instructed people to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, the gym where Wirral-based personal trainer Megan Hewitt worked closed down. So, Megan and partner Dan decided to build a fitness studio in their garden to allow her to conduct video personal training sessions during lockdown. To ensure the 6m x 3m timber frame building would be suitable for use all year round, it was essential to insulate the roof and walls.The couple researched various types of insulation online and narrowed it down to Mineral Wool because of its thermal performance and fire safety. They had three other considerations: it had to be good at blocking noise, have excellent sustainability credentials, and be easy to install, as they planned to fit it themselves.Just one product for all applicationsTheir research showed that Knauf Insulation 50mm and 70mm OmniFit Slab ticked all the boxes. It is a multi-application slab, meaning the couple didn’t need to purchase separate products for the roof and walls. What’s more, it offers a higher level of thermal performance than alternative versatile slabs on the market.It is manufactured from Glass Mineral Wool and is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not add to the development or spread of a fire should it occur.Keeping quietAs any exercise fanatic knows, a good workout needs a strong soundtrack and Megan wanted to motivate clients without becoming a noisy neighbour. OmniFit Slab provides excellent levels of acoustic performance thanks to its open fibre structure that absorbs sound waves.Insulation that doesn’t cost the earthSustainability was another important factor for the couple. Like all of Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool insulation, it is manufactured from up to 80% recycled content, mostly used glass bottles and jars that would otherwise go to landfill.It is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, 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.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold Standard.Its softness was a benefit that Megan noticed during installation. She said: “I remember helping my Dad with our ‘old-school’ Mineral Wool loft insulation when I was younger and it was horrible, it irritated my skin for 24 hours after. But the OmniFit was fine – there was no irritation whatsoever.”Installation was no sweatA tight fit between joints is essential to eliminate gaps that can reduce thermal and acoustic performance, but with some types of insulation it can be difficult to achieve the high quality installation required. OmniFit Slab is manufactured to provide friction fitting to ensure all joints are sealed correctly. Despite having no previous experience, Megan, Dan and a friend fitted the 40m2 OmniFit Slab themselves over the course of a day.“Before fitting the insulation, we watched an installation video on YouTube,” said Megan. “We followed the techniques shown and it was really easy to install. We had no problems at all.”“I’m delighted with the finished result. When the fitness studio was finished, we kept turning up the stereo to see whether the insulation really was soundproof – even at full blast, you couldn’t hear the music outside. It’s amazing.”“Before we put the insulation in, I was exercising in winter gear with the radiator on full – now the studio is lovely and warm. I’m back in vests and I haven’t had to put the heating on at all.”Thanks to Knauf Insulation OmniFit Slab, Megan and her clients can enjoy a high energy workout in a warm, safe environment – without disturbing her neighbours. What’s more, the insulation is sustainable and will ensure the studio’s energy consumption and carbon emissions are low over its lifetime. Note: Megan, Dan and her friend maintained social distancing guidelines during the insulation install. Megan continues to follow government guidelines for the operation of gyms and exercise facilities, conducting her sessions online when in-person training is not possible.

Kingspan Klargester oil separators as part of carpark design to protect ground water from oil pollution.

It never ceases to amaze us what a difference a new finish makes to wood cladding. We have recently had a customer who was in desperate need of a makeover for cedar clad garden office & gym.Roger at R and A Pressure Washing has given us another great case study to show you and we think it’s looking amazing. When the office was installed 2 years previously, the customer had used Seasonite new wood protection to protect and stabilise the new wood. The wood therefore needed a good clean before a finish could be applied, as you can see:Now they wanted to complete the look and were straight back to Owatrol products with the help of Roger!Firstly, he applied Net-TrolBy using this powerful and fast acting wood cleaner and brightener, Roger was able to restore the natural colour of the cedar cladding and decking and clean it quickly and easily. Before starting work, Roger masked off all the areas of the building which he didn’t want to be treated.Net-Trol is non-aggressive and is harmless to plants, so Roger didn’t need to worry about it damaging the grass next to the garden office.Firstly, he wet the cladding and the Southern Yellow Pine decking with fresh, clean water.They then applied Net-Trol with a synthetic roller and then scrubbed the surface with a stiff synthetic brush.After leaving it to stand for around 15 minutes, the customer then scrubbed the surface whilst simultaneously rinsing it with water. You could also use a pressure washer, max. 60 bar.If the surface starts to dry while you’re leaving the Net-Trol to work, simply mist it with some water.If you want, you can repeat the procedure but in this case, the client did not have to.The customer then left the cladding and decking to dry for 48 hours before applying the finish.Next, Aquadecks was appliedA water-based penetrating wood finish that provides advanced UV protection, Aquadecks was the ideal choice to revive and protect this customer’s cladding and decking.One of the great things about Aquadecks is that maintenance is easy, with no sanding or stripping required.Roger applied a liberal amount of Aquadecks. He worked in sections that he could complete within 30 minutes, working in the direction of the grain.After the ‘wet look’ of the first application disappeared, he then applied a second coat of Aquadecks. He then allowed it to penetrate for 15-20 minutes.Roger then wiped away any excess Aquadecks that had not penetrated. This avoided it drying in shiny spots on the surface of the cladding.Aquadecks comes in a variety of colours but in this case the customer chose a Honey tint, which we think looks stunning.By using Net-Trol and Aquadecks, Roger has given his customer’s garden office and gym a makeover that has brought the building and adjacent decking back to life.

VISION 8000 Non fire rated doors were installed at Hamad International Airport.These were a bespoke specification to feature in the stone tiled walls.

The Peninsula London, 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ The Peninsula London offers 190 exquisitely styled guest rooms and suites by Architect and Designer of Interiors, Peter Marino. Superbly situated alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London occupies one of the city's most prestigious addresses.The Peninsula Hotel London, renowned for its luxurious hospitality, sets high standards for safety, comfort, and tranquility. Ensuring secure utility access and acoustic comfort is essential for its distinguished clientele. This case study highlights the successful collaboration between The Peninsula Hotel London and Rapid Access Ltd, a leading Manufacturer of 2-hour fire rated Riser Doors with a 40DB acoustic rating.Challenges:1. Safety and Compliance: The Peninsula Hotel London demanded access solutions that met stringent fire safety and compliance standards, ensuring the safety of guests and staff.2. Acoustic Comfort: Maintaining a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere within the hotel's opulent surroundings was a top priority.3. Efficient Utility Access: The project required access solutions that facilitated efficient maintenance of utility systems without compromising safety or tranquility.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, recognized for their expertise in access solutions, was chosen to address the specific needs of The Peninsula Hotel London. The solution included the supply and installation of 2-hour fire rated Riser Doors with a 40DB acoustic rating, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. 2-Hour Fire Rated Riser Doors: Rapid Access Ltd provided riser doors that met stringent fire safety standards, ensuring the safety of guests and staff.2. 40DB Acoustic Rating: The riser doors were equipped with an acoustic rating of 40DB to maintain a peaceful and quiet environment within the hotel.3. Efficiency and Security: The access solutions allowed for swift and secure access to utility systems, enhancing operational efficiency while upholding safety and tranquility.Implementation:The supply and installation of 2-hour fire rated Riser Doors with a 40DB acoustic rating by Rapid Access Ltd were carried out with meticulous attention to safety and acoustic comfort. The installation process was executed to meet the highest standards set by The Peninsula Hotel London.Conclusion:The collaboration between The Peninsula Hotel London and Rapid Access Ltd exemplified the successful integration of access solutions that met stringent safety, acoustic, and efficiency standards in a luxury hospitality setting. The installation of 2-hour fire rated Riser Doors with a 40DB acoustic rating not only met functional needs but also contributed to the overall safety and comfort of The Peninsula Hotel London, enhancing the guest experience. This case study underscores the importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for high-end establishments with specific safety and comfort requirements.

The new £8.5m Allam Diabetes Centre at Hull Royal Infirmary plans to treat and care for patients with diabetes and metabolic bone diseases.It also includes a significant amount of clinical research facilities supporting not only diabetes and endocrinology, but also vascular surgery, neurology and other research departments. Its curved towers flank a glass entrance, which leads to a large waiting area and reception. Spread over three storeys are consulting rooms, specialist treatment rooms, office space and changing rooms as well as a roof terrace on the second floor. Designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’, the thermal performance of the insulation specified for the Allam Diabetes Centre’s flat roof was hugely important. Another crucial factor was fire safety. Although the application doesn’t fall under current fire regulations banning combustible insulation, the architect specified that only non-combustible materials should be used during construction.  Main contractors Zenith Developments appointed specialist contractors Fosters Roofing to install the roof. They in turn tasked DANOSA UK with supplying all the materials for the roof construction, including the insulation. “The build-up of the Allam Diabetes Centre was a single-ply warm roof with a tapered insulation scheme to provide the fall required for rainwater run-off,” explained Steve Downey, Commercial Director at DANOSA UK. “Tapered insulation schemes are always more difficult than traditional flat roofs, so we asked Knauf Insulation for technical advice on how to achieve the required U-value of 0.18 W/m2K.” The Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab. It is BBA certified for use on mechanically fixed flat roof build-ups and is suitable for all types of roof deck.  As well as excellent thermal performance, Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. It also provides excellent sound absorption so will help reduce the drumming effect of rainfall.  Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab contains a special water repellent additive and is manufactured using Knauf Insulation's Krimpact® Technology which provides high levels of compressive strength and durability. As the project was a tapered insulation scheme, Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab was manufactured to order to ensure the correct fall was created. The tapered insulation scheme wasn’t the only challenge with the Allam Diabetes Centre – it also features a curved façade, which added complexity for the installation team at Fosters Roofing.  Paul Foster, Managing Director at Fosters Roofing said: “Insulation needs to be carefully cut to the exact shape of the building otherwise heat can escape making it less energy efficient. Thankfully Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab was easy to cut and quick to install, so it wasn’t a problem.” Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab has also been designed to knit together during installation so there are no gaps that could affect thermal, fire or acoustic performance. By using Rocksilk® Flat Roof Slab, Fosters Roofing and DANOSA UK were able to achieve the required specification for the tapered insulation scheme on the new Allam Diabetes Centre. This will contribute to the energy efficiency needed to achieve the BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. 

On behalf of contractor Bouygues UK and client Student Housing Company, with specialist commerical fabricator customer Dempsey Dyer, this £340,000 project features: 694 frames Deceuninck 5000 Series Tilt and Turn Decoroc 4 sided colour U Values: 1.4

On behalf of contractor Bouygues UK and client Student Housing Company, with specialist commerical fabricator customer Dempsey Dyer, this £340,000 project features: 694 frames Deceuninck 5000 Series Tilt and Turn Decoroc 4 sided colour U Values: 1.4

Nicholson worked closely with CEL Leadwork Ltd to manufacture the AIRTRAK® ventilators to suit the exact site dimensions and also to ensure that the AIRTRAK® ventilators were manufactured, stocked and delivered to site within the required time frame to keep the contract on schedule.

The Anchorage Gateway in Salford Quays is a new multi-storey building in the centre of Salford. The main wing is 29 storeys high whilst the lower tower tops out at 19 storeys. The ground floor contains almost 400m2 of commercial space and the upper floors contain 290 residential units and 800m2 of amenity space.The building is reputed to be one of the highest brick clad buildings in Europe, Kinlan Brickwork being specialist sub-contractor.Domis Construction is the main contractor on this scheme. URSA UK Ltd was chosen as the preferred insulation manufacturer. We supplied over 11,500m2 of 100mm URSAPAN BLACK - a unique glass mineral wool rainscreen cladding insulation slab;·      Euroclass A1 fire rating (non-combustible).·      Thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK.·      BBA Certified. Kate Fox, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands stated, ‘Following the success of this initial partnership URSA are now the preferred supplier of rainscreen insulation and our products have been used on Fifty5ive Queen Street in Salford with others in the pipeline including Derwent Street’.

Chatham Waters is a large development of 199 luxury apartments in Kent, with far-reaching views over the historic Chatham Docks. Each of the 199 homes features its own large balcony space with Euroclass A1 fire-rated aluminium decking and porcelain paving used interchangeably throughout the scheme to provide zoning and interest.Systems UsedBalcaSmart® Aluminium decking system with boards in RAL 7036 (Platinum Grey) passes beautifully into Quadro porcelain in the shade ‘Argento’. Selected for their low-height build-up, TerraSmart® Pedestal and BalcaSmart® Aluminium decking systems utilise very similar low-height non-combustible RP-FR and RD-FR pedestals, which work together to achieve a seamless transition between zones. DetailThe contrasting external flooring is mirrored in the intermittent placement of the brass screening throughout the buildings in the scheme, providing a distinctive and luxurious appearance.

Project type: RestaurantLocation: Rutland Street, Ilkeston, DerbyshireProduct: Shadex 100 Brise Soleil Horizontal Support method: First Fix Brackets: Through CladdingFirst Fix Brackets: Curtain-walling MullionsFirst Fix Brackets: Blockwork, Before RenderFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 5012 Matt Light BlueFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Architect: Peart Bradley ArchitectsContractor: Coxmoor Projects LtdSub Contractor: R. & J. Projects Ltd

Location: Bexley, Greater LondonProject Type: EducationalDevelopment Cost: £1.1mProduct: Curved Plain Fascia with THX Soffit PanelsMeridian Wall CopingShadex 260 Drop-in Cassettes (Structural Steel Supports)Contemporary Rainwater Pipes​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7011 Matt Iron GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Beths Grammar School, BexleyArchitect: Ingleton Wood ArchitectsMain Contractor: Horizon ConstructionSub Contractor: Specialised Fixings of Ipswich

Over 60 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series floor access covers were chosen for the development of a sizable extension of King’s Cross tube station. An access solution was required to provide access to essential under floor services including ventilation ducting, electrics, communication cables and rail services. The specification required a solution that would prevent the passage of fire through service channels. Howe Green’s 7500 Series access covers met requirements with a three hour fire rating. In addition to single covers, Howe Green’s innovative multi-part covers were also used.

Project type: Hotel Location: Marriott Courtyard Sandy Park Hotel, Sandy Park Way, Exeter, EX2 7NN Project Cost: £35mProduct: Complete Eaves System Including: Meridian Coping System, Fascia Soffit, Hidden Aluminium Gutter Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey Fire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018) Support method: Monocoque Support System Architect: Kensington Taylor Architects Contractor: DNA Intergrated Construction Sub Contractor: T.A. Colbourne Projects

Location: Bournemouth, DorsetProject Type: Mixed use – Housing, Hotels & RetailDevelopment Cost: £20mProduct: 800m Meridian Aluminium Wall CopingsCurved Aluminium FasciaSecret Fix Soffit Panels Rainscreen Panels​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 9007 Matt Anthracite Grey Aluminium: QC2 Powder & Marine Specification Fire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: McAleer & RusheArchitect: White Ink ArchitectsMain Contractor: McAleer & RusheSub Contractor: Rollecate Facades Ltd