"fire"

The Battersea Power Station has dominated the London skyline since the 1930s. The coal fired power station was designed by one of Britain’s great modern architects Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Battersea Power Station’s incredible rebirth will see it transformed into one of the most exciting and innovative mixed-use neighborhoods in the world, comprising unique homes designed by internationally renowned architects, set amidst the best shops, restaurants, offices, green space, and spaces for the arts. The Effisus Ecofacade Envelope Systems is being applied at this iconic project in order to assure the most efficient façade weathertight system.

Glasgow Harbour is one of Clyde Waterfront regeneration projects. This regeneration development will benefit Glasgow and Scotland economically and socially. Major infrastructure works have been carried out along the Expressway at Glasgow Harbour with £25 million spent on local roads improvements. In addition to its residential and commercial facilities, Glasgow Harbour also have features around 50 acres of open public space, and approximately 3km of waterfront walkways. Effisus A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane, was the chosen membrane to protect the new façade against moisture, driving rain and wind.

The University of Central Lancashire development of a new UCLAN Student Centre 7,304 sqm and University Squares 8,440 sqm.Soundis was approached by BAM Construction to supply the Absorb-R WoodTec Walls Slats and the Absorb-R SofTone Fabric Baffles. These where installed by our installation partner UK Acoustic SystemsThe WoodTec Wall Slats are based on a fibre gypsum board which has excellent properties regarding both fire safety and acoustics. The slats are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which results in 100% straight aligned slats over their full lifetime.

40 Percival Street is a residential reclad project located in London . The facade utalised a number of differing random UnAcol and Anolok II anodic colour's in line with the Architects design intent.The supplied Anodised panels are A1 fire rated and offer exceptional recyclability, minimal maintenance, and proven lifetime performance, successfully responding to the need for a sustainable solution for today’s façade applications.The colour's used on this were:Anolok II B711Anolok II B713Anolok II B715UA130-1UA140-2United Anodisers worked closely with Sotech and the architect Bickerdike Allen Partners.

Vtec Texture Panels were specified in the room designs for the first flagship Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone, London. The existing concrete slab didn’t have a high quality finish, so Vtec’s rough concrete panels were included as part of the design. They are very light so can be used to create stunning ceilings. Following sign-off of a trial room, Vtec’s Rough Concrete Horizontal panels in Light Grey, fire resistant grade, were installed in all 95 hotel bedrooms. The team worked closely with the contractor throughout this phased project to help them deliver stunning results.

Abu Dhabi Airport Company signed a contract for the construction of infrastructure integral to the Abu Dhabi International Airport expansion. The project was set to be delivered across multiple work fronts including airside and landside airport operational areas. Surespan was asked to supply a number of 2-hour fire-rated, FACTA Class AA, SAC floor hatches with a free-standing guard rail to three sides and a hinged gate. In addition to this, a number of Grade 304 Stainless Steel roof hatches with a unique ‘sandblasted’ finish and built-on non-penetrative SureGuard hand railing were also supplied.

The Adelphi is an iconic art deco building & the plans for its refurbishment, took this into account, when thinking of its new design. We were asked to manufacture & supply, bespoke horizontally orientated, SG European oak veneered panels, fire performance doors & toilet cubicle fronts. Horizontal matching throughout called for a detailed analysis of the scheme, ensuring the horizontal matching was seamless throughout the project. All the veneer was a stained finish, making the project even more of a challenge as colour consistency throughout was key . We also supplied factory primed doors & framesets for finish on site.

Hull's Preston Road Estate recently saw 130 artists use 22 empty houses for unique graffiti artworks in a weekend-long takeover. Hundreds of litres of Sandtex masonry paint were donated to the Bankside Gallery street art collective to create blank canvases on the houses for the artists to paint over. The takeover drew artists and visitors from across the country, and has put pride back into the community. A similar event took place last year, and Humberside Fire & Rescue Service has since reported a 41 per cent drop in vandalism on derelict properties that feature the murals.

Injecting present-day performance into an historic passenger lift whilst conserving its yesteryear veneer – updating access in the transformation of the Grade II-listed, YMCA’s The Bristol Wing. The site dates back to the 13th century and boasts a colourful history that includes being home to a prison, the Chief Constable, the Invisible Circus theatre troupe, a group of artists, crown courts and a fire station. The original New York-style passenger lift was around 80 years old and operated within a traditional cage structure rising through the central stairwell of the building to serve five floors.

A triplex of customised Stannah lifts are delivering vital office access and goods movement in the Record Store, an Art Deco, former record-pressing factory and part of the £250m regeneration of The Old Vinyl Factory, erstwhile home of record label EMI, in West London. The triplex operates in wall-mounted shafts in the spacious lift lobby, an integral part of the compact, central core. Their design supports an efficient blueprint, also minimising the structural impact on the building. This core also doubles as a fire-fighting shaft, comprising a firefighting stair, mechanically ventilated firefighting lobby and a firefighting lift.

Jesus Church had Selectaglaze secondary glazing installed by partner Fenestral, to raise the thermal efficiency of its thirteen lancet shaped stained glass windows in the north and south walls. The heating of the church is run on an antiquated oil-fired system which takes time to warm up the building. Once heated, a great deal of the energy was lost through the original windows. Special timber grounds were produced with enlarged gothic curved heads. By fitting the units nearer to the reveal, the primary windows are beautifully framed and the 13, Series 41 side hung casements have clearance to open.

Roché are proud to be a specified supplier for Transport for London (TfL).Our shutters are installed throughout the TfL underground and overground network, including the much-anticipated, state-of-the-art Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) project.By collaborating with Walker Construction, amongst others, on various TfL projects, we are playing our part in keeping the capital moving and improving the vital transport infrastructure.Roché’s aluminium and steel shutters are installed on station entrances, ticket offices and kiosks (including Krispy Kreme and Lola’s Cupcakes). Our fire-rated shutters are keeping people safe, whilst security-rated shutters are protecting property.

Creating uncluttered storage solutions for learning environments Over the years, the school’s infrastructure has had to keep pace with increases in establishment. One important area of basic school administration is ensuing that areas for children’s personal belongings are provided and that these are kept clean and tidy, free from trip hazards, compliant with health & safety and fire regulations. Like many primary schools, Ferndale used a system of pegs and shelving to accommodate their children’s belongings.Inevitably, with a large number of active children, their coats, shoes, boots and lunch boxes are routinely left on the floor within designated storage areas.

Uxbridge's largest ever luxury commercial space is a monumental 324,630 sq ft. Radii AG was approached by dn-a architecture and Bowmer and Kirkland with the task of designing and installing a five-story central atrium with additional fire-solutions. Radii AG offered a streamlined design to ensure a stunning appearance with a time-conscious installation. Linear 27 was used with 40dB Rw toughened laminated glass for the atrium.This helped create the 100-meter long 'street' that ran along the heart of the building. FireStop E30 single-glazed partitioning screens, with FireTec doorsets and automated sliding doors were also installed.

The architects Willmore Isles of Bristol had to work closely with the local planners to demonstrate a design for the Pittville Campus which was sympathetic to the surrounding buildings and would sit comfortably within the streetscape. AluK aluminium window and door systems were integral to that design, providing a timeless, contemporary aesthetic which suited both the refurbished and new build areas of the development. Products included; 58BW top swing casement windows for the 577 student rooms, GTB55 TB commercial entrance doors and fire exits door for the eight separate accommodation blocks, and SL52 curtain walling for the refurbished communal areas.

PROJECT OVERVIEW IQE, the leading supplier of advanced wafer products and material solutions to the semiconductor industry, planned a £100million investment to create a state-of-the-art semiconductor facility over the next ten years. The works were undertaken on the old LG site in Newport, which had stood redundant for twenty years. The new compound semiconductor wafer foundry is set up at the site as part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to creating the world’s first ‘semiconductor cluster.’We were first engaged by the architects Atkins, who was looking for a system that could be installed to expeditated programme but still achieve the GMP standards, including ISO 4 to ISO 7 cleanrooms. Atkins saw the Norwood Mediline partition 60min fire rated system as the perfect solution, allowing the build to be prefabricated and modulated, however still giving their second fix subcontractors full access to the partition void, which included gases and electrical works. We worked closely with Atkins, developing a design that could be installed quickly but maintained a high quality and specification.  During the construction phase, we worked closely with the appointed principal contractors, CMB Engineering. The project was delivered on time and recognised in Wales by winning the Constructing Excellence awards. Norwood’s relationship with CMB Engineering and Atkins has continued to grow, securing several future projects with the team.As part of our scope, we designed, manufactures and installed our Medline solid and glazed partitions, walk on ceiling and fire rated single and double doors.

Suma International Manufacturing Company fabricated 773 fire doors for Tamdeen Square Residential Towers, which are situated in Kuwait City.The FD60 doorsets incorporated Halspan Optima door blanks.Tamdeen Square is a new urban development in the south of Kuwait City that will feature 74 retail stores, a hotel, and Tamdeen Square Residential Towers. Strategically located in Sabah Al Salem, the project location has access to two of Kuwait’s main highways – Fahaheel Express Highway and the Sixth Ring Road Expressway.The Tamdeen Square Residential Towers project features three 40 floor towers with luxury residential apartments featuring a swimming pool, gymnasium, multi-purpose communal spaces, and a car park containing 800 spaces. The three towers combined contain 256 sea-view luxury apartments and 7 car parking floors.The elegantly constructed apartments have been finished to the highest international standards, and as such, Suma International Manufacturing Company decided to incorporate Halspan Optima door cores in this project.The fire-rated doors feature wooden frames and are located in all of the main entrances, the staff entrances, and the entrance doors in every apartment per level, the doors feature a bamboo veneer face panel and the drivers’ entrances feature white paint.Halspan Optima is durability tested to severe duty and features Halspan’s unique 3-layer particle board and is suitable for veneer, laminate, or paint finishes.Photography courtesy of Suma International Manufacturing Company.

The redevelopment of Thrayle House involves a collection of new builds with heights of up to 20 storeys. Changes to fire legislation placed a ban on using combustible materials on the external walls and specified attachments of new high-rise buildings. Materials used in the construction of relevant residential buildings have therefore been limited to those with a fire-rating of Class A1 or A2 under EN13501-1 standards.Project BreakdownOrientated around quality and high specifications, Thryale House was after a balcony flooring system to support its 170 new homes, accommodating for a variety of resident needs, from the elderly to families and couples.Designed to comply with all current legislation, EnviroBuild’s Luxury Porcelain Tiles were selected to furnish all balconies across the Thrayle House collection.The SolutionThese complete non-combustible balcony systems offer solutions to meet the requirements of any project without compromising on quality or sustainability. Iron, from the Ergo collection, was selected to beautifully accompany the existing shades of the build, supporting the charismatic aesthetic developed through its local connections.Along with its reliable non-combustibility, a variety of impressive benefits include anti-fade technology, scratch resistance and low maintenance requirements for resident security and ease.Project DetailsSize: 460 m²Product: Iron Outdoor Porcelain PavingSubstructure: MESA Paving SupportsClient: Henry Construction & Network HomesArchitect: PRPLocation: London

IntroductionThe Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray has been installed as part of a new-build project, Addiscombe Oaks in South London, helping to safeguard the development from fire and future building regulation changes.OverviewAddiscombe Oaks is a residential housing development designed by Gardner Stewart Architects (GSA) and developed by L&Q. This new-build development offers a selection of contemporary studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments. Conveniently located in East Croydon, residents of Addiscombe Oaks will benefit from quick transport links into London Bridge, Brighton and Gatwick airport, in addition to nearby shopping centres and parks.Working alongside brickwork contractor Lee Marley Brickwork, Keyfix supplied 2,200 metres of its Non-Combustible Cavity Tray (NCCT), 434 preformed Corner Units, 1,362 preformed Reveal Returns, 8,700 weep vents, as well as Non-combustible Cavity Tray Lintels (NCCTL) over 264 openings.The primary objective for the client was to ensure that the building was constructed in line with updated building regulations, and to ensure that the building would be future-proofed against potential regulation changes. Keyfix was able to meet this objective, as its NCCT is designed to last for the life of the building. The Keyfix NCCT is a fully compliant, A1 fire-rated system, manufactured using Class A1 Non-combustible Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, resulting in a lifespan of 125+ years for the entire system. Therefore, its use ensures that the building is protected, should building regulations become stricter in the future.ChallengeFurthermore, the main challenge the client faced on the project was keeping to the tight project timeframes. The project ran from October 2021 to August 2022, and the main contractor required an accredited solution which could be delivered in line with the tight-build programme. Keyfix resolved this challenge by supplying products which improved buildability. In particular, the provision of preformed corner units helped to significantly save time on installation.SolutionThe Keyfix NCCT was specified due to its ‘self-supporting one-piece system’ which allows for an easy and efficient installation. The NCCT’s unique design incorporates a stainless steel tray to provide rigid self-support across the clear cavity and requires no reinforcement from the internal structure using mastics or tapes. This design saves precious time for the bricklayer and eliminates clashes with other components.Likewise, the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray Lintel was specified due to its A1 Fire Rating, high performance stainless steel, and ease of installation. As the NCCTL requires no tape or mastics, it is a system that allows the contractor to ‘fix and forget’. The design of the NCCTL also incorporates mechanically fixed Stop Ends to capture and channel water outwards via the Keyfix NCW (Non-combustible Weep). The NCCTL is the maintenance-free solution that can accommodate openings up to 2822.5mm, with lintel lengths based on brickwork opening sizes with the range based on 215mm stretcher bond as standard.Moreover, Keyfix supports its clients with the provision of a technical review of architects drawings and a comprehensive schedule and location layout plan on every project. On Addiscombe Oaks, Keyfix engaged with L&Q and Lee Marley Brickwork early on so that any challenges could be resolved before construction took place, ensuring that the project ran smoothly. Keyfix’s team attended design meetings, followed up with calls to site, and provided a Tool Box Talk and CPD webinar presentations to provide technical support and educational resources alongside its products.Martyna Kielbasa, Senior Design and Technical Manager at L&Q commented: “The non-combustible cavity tray was specified as it aligned with the non-combustible scheme throughout the whole development. Keyfix’s representatives supported our subcontractor throughout the construction process by assisting with technical reviews, itemised schedules and sign-offs on specs.”Commenting on the NCCT, Kieran Coyle of Keyfix stated, “The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray is an A1 fire-rated system, ensuring our customers peace of mind as their buildings are future-proofed and safeguarded against fire, in addition to onsite efficiency.”Addiscombe Oaks is now complete, with the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray system having played an essential role in the construction of a safe residential development that is future-proof against possible regulation changes.

Landmark is a 180,000 sq ft prime office development located in Manchester’s premier business district. Partially built off-site, it has been designed to achieve the highest sustainability standards – a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’ and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A so the thermal performance of its insulation was hugely important.Building regulations in England and Wales ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. With 14 floors and a roof height of 27m, the architect, Squire and Partners, specified non-combustible insulation with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification.With this in mind, external wall sub-contractor FK Group consulted the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team for advice about which insulation to use. The team conducted 3D U-value calculations and determined that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab in thicknesses of 50mm, 100mm and 150mm would achieve the desired U-value.Rocksilk® RainScreen SlabRocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. It is BBA certified for use over 18m and has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, meaning it met the required specification for fire safety.FK Group also sought advice about what to do if the Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was exposed to rainwater during installation. There is a common misconception that the thermal performance of Mineral Wool will be permanently compromised if it gets wet, but this simply isn’t the case. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been developed for external applications – its fibre matrix promotes water run-off, and it contains moisture-repellent additives in the binder. This ensures it can withstand higher levels of exposure to moisture during installation. Knauf Insulation also provided advice on the storage of insulation on site to protect the insulation from prolonged exposure to rainwater prior to use.Offsite constructionLandmark was built using an offsite construction method. Decorative concrete rainscreen panels were manufactured by Techrete in Hull. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was fitted offsite before the entire panel was transported to Manchester and craned into position on the concrete frame.The Knauf Insulation Specification Team provided further support by carrying out visits to both the Techrete manufacturing facility and the construction site to check the insulation was being installed correctly.SustainabilityAs well as its thermal and fire performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers considerable sustainability credentials. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that 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 binder, 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 and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This is beneficial when insulation is being installed offsite in an enclosed industrial environment.Enhancing the St Peter’s Square heritageMurray Levinson partner at Squire and Partners said “Landmark is an important project for Squire & Partners, representing our first completed new build project in Manchester. When we were approached to design Landmark, we recognised an opportunity to extend the cluster of prime office buildings of the adjacent St Peter’s Square southwards. Our design concept aligned itself with the new developments, whilst creating a building which enhanced its specific site heritage and context.“A priority for both ourselves and the client was to create a building with exceptional sustainability and wellbeing credentials, and we are proud to have achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings,” added Levinson.Thanks to its thermal performance, fire safety and environmental credentials, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab will contribute to Landmark achieving the world's foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. All of which means this will truly be a landmark building both visually and in terms of sustainability.For further information about how our insulation can contribute to BREEAM, see below.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/all-downloads?search=BREEAM

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. 

The Ladderswood Development is a regenerative project based in the London Borough of Enfield. There are 112 properties, all overlooking a central sculpted landscaped area within the development. Given the interior shape and goal of creating comfortable living spaces, both contractor and installer agreed that Knauf offered the performance they needed. The project was award to drylining specialists S&R London Ltd. in April 2022. Interior work began in January 2023, and they were tasked with bringing the internal aspects of the development up to specification. Elion Mucaj, Quality Manager for S&R London explains. “When we got the project at Ladderswood early last year, we were initially asked how we were going to ensure it was completed to a high standard that would make the development attractive to future residents. We explained our operating process, and what we were aiming to do to ensure that the client’s needs were met.”“Once the client was satisfied, they mentioned they wanted Knauf products used internally because of their previous experience using their range. Coincidentally that was our thoughts too! We knew when we saw the specification, we wanted to use Knauf throughout to hit those performance targets.”Meeting the brief.Being a residential development, fire performance and safety was one of the key considerations for product choice. To achieve this, it was decided that Knauf Fire Panel should be used, with Elion commenting. “Knauf Fire Panel was brilliant; it has the fire performance we needed for the project and of course the warranty it comes with means that we had peace of mind that the product would be secure.” To achieve the level of acoustic performance and comfort for the apartments, Knauf Soundshield Plus was put to good use. “We knew we needed a solution which would ensure minimal sound transfer between the homes. From using the product before and speaking with Knauf, we opted for Soundshield Plus. It was ideal for use within the main walls of the properties.” To round out the overall performance of the properties, Knauf Moisture Panel was used in each of the bathrooms. Chosen for its excellent moisture resistant properties, Moisture Panel helped to minimise any potential damp-related issues and reduce snagging.“Knauf Moisture Panel was the first thing we thought of when it came to the bathrooms. We knew that it is perfect for places that get very humid, and with its material makeup it can really reduce the amount of damp related issues that could develop in the properties. In the long run, it would save everyone a lot of hassle.”Supporting factors.When looking back over the reasons for specifying Knauf for the interior, Elion recalls it wasn’t just the performance guarantees which helped swing the decision.“We have used Knauf in the past and the benefits of using their products are many, but the key thing for us is the technical support. It’s phenomenal and is available as and when we need it.”“Whenever we had questions, we’d get in touch with Knauf and they’d happily answer, no matter how big or small. They also made regular site visits to make sure that everything was going well and that we were all on the same page.”With performance being at the heart of the offer, Knauf was the first choice for both S&R London Ltd. and the client, Mulalley. However, it highlights the importance of the support behind the products which can make the difference on site. Being able to quickly answer technical queries, offer visits to site, and performance guarantees, all adds up for a compelling manufacturer offer. 

Zoo Animal Enclosure Heating SolutionIn partnership with HEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Powrmatic was approached to develop a heating solution for the White Rhino’s House at Whipsnade Zoo, which saw the installation of an overhead gas-fired (LPG) continuous radiant heating system, as the previous electric heating system inside their indoor habitat was not efficient enough and heat was escaping through the timber structureProject BackgroundThe White Rhino house at Whipsnade Zoo is the home to a herd (also known as a “crash”) of seven southern white rhinos, Sizzle being the only male – the six females are; Mikumi, Bertha, Tuli, Jaseera, Fahari, and Nandi. Sizzle and Tuli are the parents of the latest baby rhino Nandi born in August 2021.The heating inside their indoor habitat at Whipsnade was not efficient enough. Localised electric heaters were spread around the large space to create coverage, but the heat was escaping through the timber structure. It was decided to upgrade the structure by foam insulation to the internals of the asbestos roof and to provide a new continuous gas-fired overhead radiant heating system providing blanket heat coverage to the complete floor area of the house.  Project SolutionHEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, who undertake servicing of HVAC equipment at Whipsnade Zoo on behalf of Pareto FM for the end client ZSL (Zoological Society of London), approached Powrmatic to develop a heating solution for the rhino’s house. The brief was to provide an overhead gas-fired (LPG) radiant heating system to blanket cover the complete floor area of the rhino house, but also design it so that it could be zone controlled, should one of the herd have a need to be in an area of a higher or lower temperature.The LPG propane tanks for the heating system needed to be sunk into the earth at the edge of the rhino house to avoid having to remove any trees, thus maintaining the conservation ethos of ZSL. For a structure such as the rhino house, being the size of a large sports hall, a Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ continuous gas-fired radiant tube system comprising; 4 x 73kW burners was the proposed solution, arranged in 4 temperature zones, with the new MC400/C controller and just the one flue discharge to atmosphere.Project ResultThe installation of the new PCV+ continuous overhead radiant heating system was skilfully undertaken by HEVAC Services Ltd, with the contract programme being driven by the daily habits of the rhino herd! Whether they wanted to be in their house or out on the field. Thus, the logistics of undertaking the heating installation were unique compared to working in a standard commercial/industrial environment.The White Rhinos now have a refurbished home and a heating system that delivers radiant heat in exactly the same way that we (and the rhinos) receive energy in the form of heat from the sun. Radiant heating systems efficiently radiate infrared radiation, which is the transfer of energy in waveform from a hot surface to a relatively cooler surface without heating the medium between. Thus, the rhinos can bask under the radiant heat, whether indoors or outside under the sun.The ZSL Whipsnade Zoo White Rhino Enclosure now benefits from a highly energy-efficient Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ system, listed on the Carbon Trust Energy Technology List (ETL), endorsing the Seasonal Space Heating Energy Efficiency of; 92.1%, and thus delivering low; energy usage, fuel bills and carbon emissions minimising their impact on the environment.

Norstone UK is the leading provider of natural stacked stone and stone veneers in the UK. When used for interior applications such as around enclosed fire places and feature walls, Norstone recommends Hardie® Backer cement backerboard for tile and stone. Jack Jago, Director of Norstone UK, explains how the relationship with Hardie® Backer board came about: ‘we were having problems with many projects that have existing plasterboard where people wanted to tile stone on the plasterboard. But this won’t work as it will pull away half of the time as Norstone is a natural stone; it weighs 65kg per square metre.’

The owner of family business The Fabulous Fascia Company Ltd, Gary has been providing high-quality improvements on homes, schools and commercial properties across East Anglia for years, but says he hasn’t found anything to match the quality and long-lasting results of Hardie® Plank cladding. Five times thicker than vinyl, resistant to fire, moisture, rot, and able to withstand winds of up to 150mph, the product’s maintenance free upkeep appealed to Gary. He believes Hardie® Plank is delivering great visible results for his clients, plus long-lasting reassurance there will be no further outlay on keeping that look.

Neaco’s roof walkway system has been installed at world's largest single standing seam roofing project at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The $100 million development includes the airport’s new terminal building, railway station, air traffic control centre and the main fire and rescue facility, requiring a combination of straight, tapered and curved roofs with high acoustic and thermal performance specifications. The development involved the construction of 350,000 square metres of Kalzip standing seam roofing - the largest single Kalzip project ever undertaken – which includes Neaco’s aluminium open grille walkways and associated handrails.

Naylor Concrete supplied Hi-Spec, Fire Spec and Stainless Steel L-Strip Lintels to the Sun Lane Leisure project in Wakefield. Sun Lane Leisure is an inspirational venue for the district built on the site of the old Sun Lane Baths and will allow Wakefield district residents to swim, get fit and stay active in a purpose built and modern facility that includes: • Six lane 25m pool with adjustable depth • 13m x 7m studio pool with adjustable depth • 100 station fitness suite • Multi-use activity studio • Health suite with steam room and sauna • 130 capacity spectator viewing area

The new site comprises a 20-cell custody suite and a three-storey office building, which accommodates more than 300 officers and staff and provides both Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, which shares the office building, with modern, 21st century facilities. Marshalls provided a range of products from the Landscape Protection portfolio for the exterior space, including Geo bollards, Geo seating, a Pluto cycle shelter and bespoke concrete planters. Due to the security required around this sensitive building it was important that the items of furniture specified had the required protection against potential accidental or criminal damage ...

Beauty & Heritage - Marley’s Hawkins Fired Sienna clay plain roof tile, the perfect specification choice for a new development in Warwickshire. Properties had to fit seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, while also meeting strict planning regulations. Keith Greenall, MD for Greenall Construction, “The mock Tudor architectural style, incorporating natural materials meant we wanted to find a roofing solution in keeping with the look we had established. “The development required a clay tile perfectly matching the aesthetics within the village & the planning committee were happy the clay material suited the ambience & style of the development & local area.”

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

Sherwin-Williams FasTop polyurethane floor screed range is used mainly in the food industry but because its so tough as a long term solution it used throughout industry where heavy duty use demands the most durable flooring solution.Not only do floors in rail maintenance areas and train stations need to withstand heavy footfall traffic, they also need to be non-slip in all weathers, and conform to strict fire regulation and legislation. Our anti-slip, seamless systems are chemical and impact resistant, as well as being cleanable. For this large area in Moscow FasTop TG69 met all the requirements.

Project DetailProject: National Bank of KuwaitLocation: London, UKProduct: TS.9205 High usage architectural door closerProject DescriptionThe National Bank of Kuwait’s London head office required 36 fully adjustable door closers to fit a range of door sizes. They chose the TS.9205 because it:Is easy to install, as it is power adjustable by spring from size EN 2-5, meaning it can be fitted and then adjusted afterwardsHas fire rating on all fitting applicationsCan be installed on the push or pull side of the doorIs easy to open for any age or person, for compliance with the Equalities Act

Festool, a premium brand Power tool manufacturer, has recently refurbished their UK head office to create a healthy acoustic environment. ROCKFON® Tropic™ ceiling tiles were chosen to replace the dated wet felted tiles. ROCKFON Tropic is perfect for a busy office environment offering the highest Class A sound absorption to reduce reverberation and an outstanding fire safety rating, A1. A robust ceiling tile which is easy to clean with a vacuum. It is available in a range of sizes and installation options including semi-concealed and visible grid tiles giving architects the freedom to design offices to any configuration.

The Bridle Works building is situated on Cathedral Street in Glasgow and is a 19 storey 414 bed high rise student accommodation building.The building is packed full of amazing features & facilities under Novel Student operations. The facility includes a cinema, a private dining area, gaming room, 'glam' room and on-site fully equipped gym and access to personal trainers.The external façade has been finished with a number of Aluprof products including MB-SR50N EI curtain walling, MB-86 windows and MB-78 EI fire rated glazing systems.Architect: Manson ArchitectsMain Contractor: Watkin Jones Group

Planet used p100 demountable double-glazed screens for all the classroom frontages and set black laminated timber classroom doors, and for the offices, 30-minuet fire-rated glass doors into our white aluminium slimline door frames. P20 single-glazed demountable partitioning features in the library and sixth form, which includes a gap between each panel of glass, an aesthetic feature to complement the internal atrium glazing. Eclipse sliding doors were used throughout. Planet's Architectural Glass' in-house design team worked with Aedas to make sure the angled atrium glass was in line with the design intent.

Decorative wall linings from the Pendock Linea building linings range are being used at 2 Ruskin Square in Croydon, to conceal mechanical details surrounding a ground floor feature wall & fire curtain, while also providing a consistent finish to lift lobbies on each level of the 10 storey building.Designed by architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the building provides 340,000 square feet of office space and incorporates retail units at ground level. The bespoke wall linings are manufactured from 3mm thick aluminium with a RAL 8022 finish and were also installed by Pendock using a concealed panel hanging system.