"fire"

OverviewPowrmatic Wall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators were specified to help to protect Pepperl + Fuchs’ new HQ and logistics centre in Singapore.Project BackgroundWall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators for Pepperl + Fuchs, a global manufacturer of process automation specialising in the manufacture of sensors. One area of the company’s new Singapore facility is a high bay warehouse that required an automatic natural and smoke ventilation system to meet fire safety regulations.Project SolutionWall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators were specified to help to protect Pepperl + Fuchs’ new HQ and logistics centre in Singapore. Powrmatic Partners INNIVATE, therefore, proposed a solution using low-level inlet ventilators on two walls with exhaust ventilators at a high level on the same walls. In all, 36 Powrmatic Opensky ventilators have been supplied for the project – 18 on each wall divided into nine at the low level and nine at the high level.Project ResultAll of the smoke ventilators are fitted with 24 V DC actuators and grouped to operate simultaneously in the event of the fire alarm system being activated. Each Opensky ventilator is fully insulated and finished in a polyester powder coating in a complementary colour to that of the surrounding cladding. INNIVATE provided a ‘one-stop’ supply and installation solution from the early stages of the project through to final testing and commissioning, ensuring that the installation meets the requirements of both Pepperl + Fuchs and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.Paul Paffett, Innivate Director added “Our partnership with Powrmatic is going from strength to strength and this project just highlights how we are working together providing our clients with natural and smoke ventilation systems. The Powrmatic Wall Opensky was selected due to its performance and value, as well as its high level of reliability”.

Knolly’s House, a residential block of flats in London, required refurbishment works to the internal communal walkways and concrete stairwells as the existing waterproofing had reached the end of its serviceable life. The waterproofing needed to be fast cure as the communal balconies were the only access to the flats. Therefore, Proteus Waterproofing specified Pro-BW® Plus system.High Performance WaterproofingAs constant access was required by the residents, a fast cure waterproofing system was vital. Pro-BW® Plus was selected as it can be fully installed in three stages, each only taking forty-five minutes to cure before allowing foot traffic. Pro-Aggregate EM was incorporated for a slip resistant finish. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor to ensure the project was completed to a high standard, including an aesthetically pleasing finish.Health and SafetyTo minimise disruption to residents, particularly on communal walkways which may also form the fire escape routes, the waterproofing system needed to be fast cure. Proteus Waterproofing’s liquid applied systems are cold installed and therefore remove the risk of fire to the building. The low noise application also allowed the Proteus Approved Contractor to complete the works safely.Long Term PerformancePro-BW® Plus is a high performance, rapid curing protective waterproofing membrane for balconies and walkways making it ideal for refurbishment where structural movement has occurred. Pro-BW® Plus reduces installation time from days to hours. Suitable for a variety of external applications, Pro-BW® Plus can be installed on concrete & asphalt for communal and private balconies, walkways, staircases and pedestrian ramps. As it is a cold applied installation, the system meets health and safety criteria by minimising risk to both operatives and members of the public. Pro-BW® Plus is BBA Certified and manufactured in the UK.

The sound effectAt the same time, it provides effective sound dampening with an impressive acoustic class of ‘A’ to create a harmonious environment wherever it is specified. Feltfon Linear’s appearance is akin to wool, it has a strong textural appeal and represents a further exploration of material innovation.Based on a linear design and so in keeping with Gustafs well-known design language, this iteration of Feltfon can be specified with strips of wood in between the felt ribs, creating an appealing nature-inspired surface solution.Although this solution can be customised for each project, it is a uniquely designed ready-to-use system. Unlike most felt installations, Feltfon Linear uses the standard Capax Quick-Up installation system for walls and ceilings. Fully demountableThis system is sturdy for use in high traffic environments, it has the benefit of being able to grip multiple rib widths and it is also fully demountable during or at the end of its useful life. The range has a thickness of 9mm: comparable products do not usually have such generous proportions. This means it is suitable for high-traffic commercial application, for example, in school environments and other public spaces. Gustafs Acoustex material has a fire rating of B-s1,d0, in line with Gustafs continuing commitment to the fire safety of its products.Sustainable and flexible choiceFlexible in its design, the Feltfon Linear ribs can be chosen from a mix of three wool shades of grey, with many widths and depths to choose from as well. It is a sustainable choice too, with this next generation textile composed from a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled material.Feltfon Linear pushes the boundaries of what is expected of a felt product system creating an attractive practical solution with infinite possibilities.Feltfon LinearFeltfon Wall installationFeltfon Ceiling installation

The Oak Cancer Centre at The Royal Marsden’s Sutton site is a state-of-the-art research and treatment facility, designed to bring the hospital’s 400-strong research team and its clinical care facility together under one roof. Specialist brickwork contractors, Lesterose Builders, were appointed by main contractor ISG to design and build the 2,800m2 masonry façade. As a result, they were responsible for ensuring the façade complied with the relevant thermal and fire safety regulations. The time and cost challenge The architect’s specification named a rock mineral wool product, but when Sam O’Keefe, Commercial Manager at Lesterose Builders, tried to place the order, there were two problems. He explained: “The first issue was availability – there was an eight to ten week lead time due to materials shortages. And the second issue was cost. We discovered the original insulation manufacturer had two planned price increases, and the extended lead time and phased delivery schedule meant that the Oak Cancer Centre project would be hit by both.” These two issues would not only delay the build, but would push it significantly over budget. So Lesterose Builders needed another insulation solution. Meeting the specification Lesterose Builders turned to Knauf Insulation, a fellow member of the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC). Knauf Insulation’s sales team looked at the specification and was able to offer an equivalent – 200mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.  Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a rock mineral wool insulation product with a thermal conductivity of just 0.034W/mK, which meant it would meet the U-value of 0.21W/m2K. It is also non-combustible with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, which means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. It is British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified for masonry façades at any height as well as for the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market. This meant Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was suitable for use in the Oak Cancer Centre because it complies with building regulations that ban the use of combustible materials in the walls of relevant buildings over 18m tall. In addition to fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers excellent sound reduction characteristics. Crucially, Knauf Insulation was able to meet both the schedule and cost parameters for the project. “Once we had confirmation that Knauf Insulation could match the specification and deliver to the planned timescales and budget, it was then a case of getting the architect’s approval. This went extremely smoothly. We just made a technical submittal with the datasheets and environmental product declaration (EPD) and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was approved for use without any queries.” Ease of installation The seven-full loads of insulation were purchased through Parker Building Supplies. These were delivered to the site in eight phases in line with the schedule of works. The product is designed to be easy to install correctly. Superior robustness and durability mean it can be manoeuvred easily into place. And unlike some competitor products, it can be installed with either face of the slab against the substrate, speeding up installation and preventing incorrect installation. Furthermore, the natural flexibility of rock mineral wool means it adapts to minor imperfections in the substrate, while slabs knit together when tightly butted, eliminating air leakage that could reduce thermal and acoustic performance. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It 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 generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (Gold) certification. Construction work is known for its challenges, particularly around budgets and schedules – but thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, Lesterose Builders was able to overcome both these issues and meet the required specification factors for the Oak Cancer Centre. 

“We needed extremely detailed U-value calculations, and Knauf Insulation is one of the best at supplying these”, Paul Mann, Sales & Pre-Construction Director, TAC Projects.3,000m2 of Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is providing essential comfort and fire safety for vulnerable residents in a new development on a challenging site.Quantock House, Taunton is a new collection of 88 assisted living apartments set over nine storeys in a prime position at the heart of Somerset’s county town. It is the latest development from Platinum Skies, part of the Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH). Specialist contractor TAC Projects was tasked with the technical design and overall delivery of the façade.There were two essential considerations for the insulation specification. The first was that it had to be non-combustible, with a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. “We never use combustible materials on any residential façade, regardless of height” explained Paul Mann, Sales & Pre-Construction Director, TAC Projects. “This is especially important in developments with vulnerable residents.”The second was thermal performance. The façade had to achieve a U-value of 0.18W/m2K, but with a complex design including acute angles between elevations and an undercroft car park, detailed calculations would be needed to support the specification. This was not just for best practice; to insure the building, the NHBC insisted on detailed supporting data for all products used in its construction.“The original specification from AAH’s architect was for Rock Mineral Wool. Our need for more robust U-value calculations, among other reasons, led us to choose Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab” said Paul. “That meant we were able to get 3D U-value calculations from its Technical Support team”.3D U-value calculations provide a much more detailed and accurate model of a building’s thermal performance. They give contractors, architects and third parties valuable reassurance that the interactions between different building elements have been properly considered, such that the calculations will more accurately reflect the energy efficiency of the building in the real world.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a non-combustible Rock Mineral Wool insulation that offers exceptional thermal and acoustic performance. It achieves Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, and is BBA certified for the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market.It is designed to be easy to install correctly. Slabs are robust enough for easy manoeuvrability, but capable of flexing to adapt to imperfections in the substrate and to interlock when butted together. This is critical as it prevents the air gaps that can occur when using other, more rigid types of insulation; gaps which can compromise thermal, fire or acoustic performance.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It 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, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.In addition to the 3D U-value calculations, the project required an extra level of service and logistical support. With no storage space on site, and only room for one lorry at a time, deliveries had to be meticulously planned to keep the job running smoothly. Distributor CCF, who supplied the insulation, worked closely with TAC Projects to schedule deliveries in line with their plan of works.“Our business is all about trust” continued Paul. “AAH is trusted by its customers to provide safe and warm homes. We’re trusted by them to build non-combustible, energy-efficient façades. And in turn, we trust Knauf Insulation to give us the innovative products and service we need to do that.”Thanks to these trusted relationships, the residents at Quantock House will enjoy their new homes in warmth and comfort, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are built using sustainable, non-combustible materials.

Le Fitz Roy is a chalet at Europe’s highest ski resort, bustling Val Thorens in the French Alps. Extensively renovated in December 2021, its modern makeover includes a Turkish hammam and a heated pool carved out of the mountain, a bar designed as an open space on the terrace and the ease of ski-in/ ski-out accessibility. In true chalet style, as well as slate-grey interiors there's also plenty of old-school, cosy charm too, from antique wooden skis mounted on the walls, stone and oak architecture warmed by flickering fires, and classical French cuisine in the restaurant.The traditional York roll top tub has been specified in a number of rooms which, after a long day on the pistes, is exactly where you want to come back to.Marlborough

A stunning refit of a listed building overlooking Green ParkDevonshire House is a Grade 2 listed gem residing in Mayfair, and we worked with Bain Capital and TP Bennett Architects and their respective contractors on the refurbishment of the fourth-floor offices and their four expansive external terraces. The challenge was to find a decking solution that was fully compliant with the latest Building Safety Regulations while maintaining the aesthetic of this historic London property.MyDek’s Luxura – an A1 fire-rated composite – was chosen for the project as it seamlessly aligned with the building’s aesthetics while delivering a robust, enduring surface for the upgraded outdoor spaces. The roof terraces had a limited loadbearing capacity that could not accommodate concrete paving and Luxura emerged as the ideal solution, allowing for top quality decking that remained well within structural limits.

Project DetailProject: St Bernard’s HospitalLocation: London, UKProduct: ITS.11204 Surface slide arm closer with cushion stopProject DescriptionSt Bernard’s Hospital underwent a redevelopment to upgrade infrastructure. It required approximately 60 concealed, slimline closers for locations that needed to adhere to high hygiene standards. The closers also needed a means of back check or the ability to stop doors from bumping into objects behind them. The hospital installed the ITS.11204 because it:Comes with an adjustable angle cushion stop for easy fittingHas cam actionIs easy to openAdheres to high hygiene standardsIs suitable for fire doorsComes with a 10-year guarantee as per requirements‘They work as if they are not there! Very smooth and not obtrusive.’ – Staff Nurse

Project DetailProject: Hotel BridgetLocation: ParisProduct: TS.3204The Hotel Bridget in Paris is a authentically Parisian corner building in the district of Menilmontant. Inside the decor blends styles to bring to life the culture of eastern Paris. Here, design is taken very seriously and every aspect is cleverly fitted together from Metro-style blue tiling to stonework and word.The TS.3204 in Polished Brass was used for the hotel, an ideal fit to the elegant corner hotel. The classic scissor arm is a perfect addition to the authentic and charming fit out with the Polished Brass finish bringing out the modern aspects of the hotel. The TS.3204 is a fixed power size EN 3 and is Fire tested to one hundred and twenty minutes. With a ten year guarantee, you can’t go wrong with this closer.

Tolson’s Mill is a grade 2 listed former mill close to Tamworth. This iconic and unique development consists of 51 new canal side apartments and 10 town houses all offering a bright and stylish finish. These apartments offer a unique waterfront lifestyle, blending tranquillity with a vibrant local community. Set right beside the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal the Mill is divided into floors of 10 apartments. The annex will be divided into a range of 2 to 4 bedroom townhouses making full use of the annex and its dual aspect, which overlooks the canal.Cellecta’s HiDECK Structural was specified by Crosby Granger Architects due to it being a conductive structural floorboard and having outstanding acoustic and fire performance and low thermal resistance.Brookland Group was awarded this 8,940m² contract to construct this refurbishment located in the district of Lichfield.

Dura Deck Flip® Composite Decking | Case StudyOver the past six years this Georgian property has been lovingly restored by Ciara and her husband Ben, including underpinning work to the foundations and a new roof.Journalist Ciara’s passion for the unique and creative really shone through in her design for her composite decking area. With a love for creamy based neutrals to complement the earthy red brick tones the house, she chose pretty Dura Deck Flip composite decking in the colour Weathered Cedar for the main decking area. UV resistance, scratch and stain resistant and with a Class C fire rating, it was installed on rot-free Dura Deck Aluminium pedestals and bearers for a low-maintenance ‘fit-and-forget’ decking solution.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the new landmark Antwerp Port House comprises of a new highly architectural four-storey extension positioned above a restored former fire station. Providing 12,800m2 of office space, the project has given the Port Authority a single headquarters building for the first time.ComFlor® was the preferred flooring option out of five put forward, based on its light weight and cost. The system also provides the required strength, could achieve the required load and span requirements and offered a fast build time.5,000m2 of ComFlor® 80 in 0.90mm gauge, as well as a quantity of ComFlor® 60 in a 1.20mm gauge for the sloped stairs, was used to deliver the flooring solution, all supplied by Dutch Engineering.

Port Glasgow Shared Campus SchoolArchitect: Ingenium Archial ArchitectsInstaller: MoorconProduct: Shiluvit by OranitOfficially opened Spring term 2014 the Port Glasgow Shared Campus School is the first project of its kind in Scotland.The new school building houses both Port Glasgow High School and St Stephens High, as well as sharing its ample resources with the Craigmarloch Additional Support Needs School.500m2 of ‘Shiluvit’ panels in Nordic Pine were used across the atrium and second floor corridors of the new shared campus in Glasgow.The product was chosen for both its excellent fire-retardant properties as well as the brilliant acoustic protection it provides against spaces like this which would otherwise be affected by high levels of sound reverberation.

Custom 3D Gustafs walls were designed and created especially for the Weir Group HQ at 1 West Regent Street in Glasgow.The two 35m long feature walls on both the 9th and 10th floors of the building are constructed of bespoke 3D facetted panels with integrated doorways, seating, and a reception desk.Gustafs panels were specified for their A2-s1,d0 resistance to fire, retaining their structure and producing minimal smoke and spread of flame. Gustafs' 100 year history of carpentry and working with wood enabled them to create the 3D wall to the exact specifications of the architect to be installed perfectly by Giotto.LSA Projects also supplied standard flat acoustic ceiling panels and linear ribs to the scheme to give acoustic control in the open plan meeting room area.

Sto has supplied the StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system with StoLotusan render for the new Day Case and Eye Unit building at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. Specified by Gilling Dod architects of Chorley, who worked closely with the main contractor Tilbury Douglas, the StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with excellent fire protection characteristics. With an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, the non-combustible mineral fibre insulation is fully bonded to the substrate and therefore no additional firebreaks are required. Ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects, its efficient single-leaf construction also means that interior space within the building is not reduced.  For this project, the system’s mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the lightweight steel frame and sheathing board substrate with mechanical fixings and StoLevell Uni adhesive and levelling mortar. A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards, with StoLotusan and StoSilco renders used for the final finish on different sections of the building, using light colours from Sto’s architectural colour range.  StoLotusan is the only render available that uses Sto’s patented Lotus-Effect® technology which delivers impressive water and dirt repellence. It forms a unique surface texture, similar to that of the lotus leaf, that causes the rainwater to run off the render quickly and easily, removing any dirt or dust as it goes. Providing outstanding resistance to the growth of algae and fungus, the building will retain its looks for many years to come.  The new Day Case and Eye Unit is the result of a major £17.5 million investment in developing enhanced ophthalmology and day case services. The new Day Case and Eye Unit now offers an extensive range of diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients with medical eye conditions.

EnviroBuild provided 223m² of Non-Combustible Luxury Italian Porcelain for the The redevelopment of 1 Bomore Road, located in Kensington London. This project  involved the removal of outdated wooden planks to be redesigned and fitted with high quality materials and non-combustible options. This contemporary 5-storey project, orientated around unique architecture, luxury living and sharp aesthetics, now offers 32 new residential units. Developed with a focus around landscaping, modernity and sustainability, 1 Bomore Road needed external flooring materials that would suit the existing clean creative of the project plans and comply with contemporary construction requirements, contributing to its unique architectural juxtaposition of harshness and harmony.Due to the non-combustible benefits and sustainable values, EnviroBuild’s Porcelain Paving and 145 Pro-Grip aluminium decking was chosen to furnish the external floors and attachments on this leading-edge development.From the Luna range, silver porcelain tiles brighten the communal courtyard, patio and corridor areas of 1 Bomore Road, as well as the rooftop penthouse terrace, providing an authentically light and natural stone furnishing. Offering impressive durability, stain resistance and anti-fade technology, the fire-rated A-class porcelain flooring system has been engineered to be naturally slip and scratch resistant. Furthermore, made with 40% recycled material and 100% renewable energy, EnviroBuild porcelain paving is designed to the highest standards, offering innovative solutions to current harmful construction materials and methods.These reliable fire-rated porcelain tiles are supported by complete non-combustible substructure and accessories for a beautifully efficient and time-saving balcony and terrace flooring option, making planning and installation as easy as possible.Project DetailsSize: 223m²Colour: Silver 800x800mmProduct: Non-Combustible Luxury Italian PorcelainSubstructure: Non-Combustible pedestalsLocation: LondonClient: Graniger Plc.Contractor: Axis EuropeArchitect: 3D Reid

Proteus Waterproofing were contacted to assist with the roof refurbishment for the The Co-Operative Group, Wembley. The existing felt waterproofing and timber deck had failed allowing water ingress into the residential building below. Upon further inspection, Proteus established that the existing roof lacked any insulation and therefore did not meet current Building Regulations. a Proteus Pro Felt® system was specified as a competitive and cost effective waterproofing solution.High Performance WaterproofingThe roof coverings and timber decking had to be removed. A new 18mm ply wood deck was installed to the roof pitches before a high performance Proteus Pro Felt® system could be laid. This incorporated 120mm Proteus Pro-Therm® insulation to ensure all current building regulations were met. Due to the 45 degree pitch of both the front and rear roofs, Proteus needed to design a fixing method to ensure the felt and insulation did not slip in the warmer weather. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor, to ensure the project was delivered to a high standard.Health & SafetyWhen working on public buildings, safety is always of utmost importance. Proteus Pro-Felt® Self Adhesive Mineral Capsheet has the highest European Fire Rating, BROOF(t4), making it the ideal felt to use on public building as the risks to operatives and members of the public are greatly reduced. All Proteus Waterproofing specifications promote fire safe installation methods conforming to the industry lead Safe2Torch guidelines.Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Felt® is a High-Performance range of bituminous membrane system, tested to perform in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. It has class leading modified bitumen content which allows the flexible membrane to move with the building and ensure long term durability and performance with guarantees available up to 25 years.

Glasgow’s latest redevelopment project, located on Langside Road, is built upon the former site of the city’s Victoria Infirmary and consists of a large housing development that includes 413 flats, offices and retail space. The 3.75 hectare site, which is situated next to Queen’s Park on the south side of the city, forms an important part of the Battlefield area’s character, with the buildings’ exterior reflecting and complementing the surrounding heritage by using the city's traditional blonde coloured sandstone.  As part of the construction process, Bilco UK was commissioned to supply six ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, in addition to seven E-50TB Roof Access Hatches, to provide the highest standards of safety and efficiency, whilst being sympathetic to the project’s overall design.  Installed onto the roof areas of four blocks of flats by Scottish contractors, Procladd Small Works Ltd, Bilco UK’s ESW-50REM Smoke Vents were specified to provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Featuring a linear actuator operating mechanism that opens the cover to 140 degrees within 60 seconds, the smoke vents ensure compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2.  The built-in wind deflector also provides protection against smoke being blown back into the vent in the event of a fire., whilst the newly-designed closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket helps meet Building Regulation air leakage targets by providing a better seal of the cover to the curb. With the addition of a fixed vertical ladder, the smoke vents can also be used by maintenance engineers for roof access.  Billy Baillie, Managing Director at Procladd Small Works Ltd, said: “We have a longstanding relationship of over 20 years with Bilco UK, and will continue to do so over the forthcoming years, due to their impressive product quality and outstanding service. Bilco UK’s Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents were incredibly easy to install, and knowing they’re engineered to meet the highest industry standards, it provided both ourselves and the client with the confidence that the installation would set the standard for performance and longevity.” Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, Bilco UK’s E-50TB Roof Access Hatches were also installed to provide engineers with safe, regular and convenient access to the roof to conduct essential maintenance. Engineered with compression spring operators to provide easy one-hand operation, the roof access hatch meets the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, whilst the automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress. The overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover also ensure weathertightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of resilience. Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Drawing on our longstanding relationship with Procladd Small Works Ltd, it was fantastic to work together on this project, which has been designed to positively impact the city’s culture. The products installed were manufactured with fire safety and efficiency in mind, delivering assurance of the durability and suitability of the installation for years to come.”For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696. 

Among many similar new-build projects completed or underway across the country, non-combustible Rockpanel is providing stunning facades for this eye-catching, contemporary urban living in Bracknell, Berkshire, while meeting the stringent regulations regarding fire-safety in high-rise residential structures.Consisting of 242 apartments divided across two distinct angular blocks of up to 11 storeys, this residential scheme promotes itself as heralding a new era in luxury living for the region. The wedge shaped blocks are placed at angles to create a broad, elegant thoroughfare where seating invites residents and others to linger and enjoy the landscaped surroundings. Stepped elevations allow for generous terraces to one block while the acute angle formed on another results in striking feature balconies. The mix of sleek white render contrasts well with the Rockpanel Woods facades which add a natural, organic warmth. Meeting challenges to create a landmark development The Building Design Group were architects for the project. With offices in Birmingham and Tamworth, BDG has evolved from its inception more than 45 years ago, in to a dynamic, forward thinking practice. Describing the development, they said, “BDG were appointed following a successful planning process to develop this project further to tender stage and beyond. The site itself presented numerous challenges in terms both of access and existing constraints located above and below ground. However, we believe we succeeded in progressing the technical design to the extent that our client's aspirations could be met, both in terms of cost and the desire to establish a landmark development for the future.”Vascroft Contractors Ltd were main contractors for the development. The London-based firm has grown from its founding in the 1970 by two brothers, into a thriving concern made up of four divisions working on projects across all major building sectors. Around 2500sqm of facades were installed at Grand Exchange, using a mix of Rockpanel Alder and Slate Oak surface designs from the manufacturer’s super realistic Woods range, along with RAL 2010 colour-matched deep orange accent panels. Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. Stoneguard Managing Director, Nic Constantinou, spoke about the project, “Vascroft approached us early on in order to begin the design process and ensure the smooth delivery of panels throughout the build. The 11mm Rockpanel FX-Xtra System specified by the architect, with grooves at 300mm centres achieving the effect of wood planks perfectly, meeting the aesthetic requirement for the project, while offering the long-term performance and low maintenance advantages of Rockpanel. Although the majority of panels were cut off-site, the flexibility of Rockpanel meant the more complicated architectural features of the build could be cut to size on site easily. The lightweight nature of the material ensured it could be distributed swiftly around the complex shaped build.” The ultimate facade systemThe facades were fixed to a concrete frame with bespoke Protec SFS system infill, which Stoneguard design and manufacture themselves. The project also utilised FSI cavity barriers and ROCKWOOL Duo Slab® insulation, which offers great thermal and acoustic values and achieves European fire class A1. Combined with Rockpanel A2 and an aluminium or steel substructure it fulfils the most rigid fire safety requirements and is required in achieving A2-s1,d0 Euroclass rating to secure the ultimate protection and safety for the building’s users.Rockpanel facade panels and ROCKWOOL insulation products share common characteristics, including their inherent sustainability and non-combustibility, which is due to the naturally occurring and replenishing volcanic rock used in the manufacture of the stone wool that forms their core. Grand Exchange Building Manager, Adam Spiers, “I must commend the design team for their outstanding work on the facades of the building. The exterior looks stunning. The attention to detail and the architectural finesse are truly commendable. The residents are exceptionally pleased with both the building and its exterior. Their positive response reaffirms our belief that the Grand Exchange has not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of design and functionality.”Rockpanel offers specifiers design freedom, enabling virtually unlimited colour matching and an unrivalled range of surface design finishes, from the super-realistic natural Woods used at the Grand Exchange, through Metals and Stones collections to specialist ranges including unique, transformative Chameleon, which changes hue depending on the way light hits its surface and the angle of view. 

What used to be the site of the Cannon Brewery, dating back to the 1670s, and the home of London’s largest brewery, is now a modular arrangement of 198 apartments with a selection of one, two and three bedroom flats and five town houses built around a landscaped courtyard. The project was designed by architects Hamilton Associates and completed in 2022.Literally a stone’s throw from our Studio in Clerkenwell, London, this was a remediation project, where the existing timber was removed and replaced with our BalcaSmart Aluminium system, in order to make sure the building complied with new fire regulations. The rear of the building also features our TerraSmart Pedestal system.Our aluminium decking system is non-combustible, achieves Euroclass A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1:2018, is ideal for all steel, bolt-on and cantilever balconies, and most importantly ensures the safety of all residents. This is what futureproofing is all about.

Lucent W1 is a high profile mixed-use building comprising 111,000 sqft of CAT Acommercial space, 30,000 sqft of retail space and seven new residential units in WestLondon. The development is built with sustainability at its core, including a BREEAM‘Excellent’ rating and pending Gold WELL accreditation.The design of the building, behind the famous Piccadilly lights, meant that traditionalinstallation methods could not be used while maintaining the fire separation wall. Thisconstraint meant building could only commence from one side and required a newsolution. We designed bespoke wind posts and cut the boards to the exact anglesrequired so that they could be fitted from one side only. Combined with Specwall’sinherent firestopping properties, this made us the perfect choice to solve the designissues at Lucent W1.

Structural Repairs’ office space was beautifully and seamlessly integrated into one of Windsor’s iconic train station arches. This newly built office space boasts from its impressive structural logistics and boldly featured decorative and themed memorabilia at many of its cozy corners.Via a combination of the fire grit machine, TORC system (seen in the images and videos), water by pressure and a DOFF system, the carbon accumulated in the brickwork was removed. These methods, especially the DOFF system, work with high-pressure stream and extremely high temperatures.Brick cleaning is an arduous and labor intensive process by which a brick masonry, also known as a layer of brick which has been laid on the wall’s outermost surface, is cleaned. Brick cleaning is required at various different stages of a building’s life, and with our arch, a cleaning was more than overdue to restore it back to its original condition!

Surespan manufactured and supplied over 86 different access hatches including;Hydraulic HIAC coversStainless Steel Internal HIAC coversStainless Steel Roof HatchesThe HIAC hatches were primarily 1800 x 1800mm and were rated FACTA Class ‘B’ vehicle loading. They were hand pump operated via hydraulic cylinders. A further 70+ covers were manufactured in stainless steel to fit 1220 x 1220mm with 50mm and 80mm recesses. The internal HIAC was 600 x 600mm and featured gas spring assistance, 20mm recess for marble and a polished stainless steel top trim.The Roof Hatches supplied were 800 x 900 and 600 x 600mm stainless steel and were fire-rated for up to 2 hours. They were powder-coated RAL 9010. 

In May 2017, the Main Building which housed the lounge, dining, reception area, and the Taphuis Bar, was gutted in a fire. Only the walls were left standing and all of its contents were destroyed. Because of the historic significance of the building, the project team needed to move through a strenuous process of permissions and approvals to start the rebuild. Part of the brief, was to ensure that as far as possible, original materials would be used, that would reflect the previous look and feel, making the sourcing and availability of crucial importance. This building in particular, dates back to the early 1700's and finding timber for the roof structure was a challenge. They decided to use Spruce.The biggest drawback of using Spruce is that it is a very light and pale coloured timber. To achieve the aged look and feel of the original timber, they used Rubio Monocoat's Pre-Color Easy and Hybrid Wood Protector.

PROJECT OVERVIEW We were awarded the prestigious project to provide our cleanroom system for a new Compound Semiconductor Innovation Centre which will provide a collaborative environment for innovation, testing and research. The world-leading Catapult Innovation Centre will drive advances in compound semiconductor technology and applications, enabling the UK to spearhead future technologies, including autonomous vehicles, 5G mobile networks, renewable energy and the Internet of Things (IoT).SCOPE OF WORKOur scope of work encompassed design and installation of our Mediline partitioning solid and glazed systems to create an IS07-classified cleanroom along with a number of laboratory environments, including a photonics lab, a power electronics lab, an advanced packaging suite, an evaluation lab, a radio frequency lab and a high-power lab. We also provided pedestrian doors, our Metal Pan Ceiling and fire rated vision panels.

Shard Place is a 26 story residential development housing 176 apartments from studios to three bedrooms and the third building in Renzo Piano’s Shard Quarter. Situated between St. Thomas Street and London Bridge Street and adjacent to The Shard, Shard Place was previously Fielden House before demolition. Shard Place is one of London’s most central and connected residences, a 28-minute train ride from Gatwick international airport and a short stroll to London’s South Bank. It encompasses five-star amenities, including a rooftop pool, fitness suite, cinema room and private roof garden.Cellecta’s HiDECK Structural 28 was specified by Renzo Piano Building Workshop due to to it being a conductive structural floorboard and having outstanding acoustic and fire performance and low thermal resistance.Mace was awarded this 12,000m² contract for this development in London.

Fowey Hall is a hotel located within a mansion on 5 acres of grounds overlooking the Fowey Estuary. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Fowey town centre and 8 miles from the Eden Project. The scheme comprises of a refurbishment, reconfiguration and extension of the existing four-star family hotel including rooftop extensions, this provides enhanced facilities including additional guestrooms, new creche and children's playroom, lounge area, and outdoor swimming pool with pavilion. Landscaping works, additional parking, and associated infrastructure. This project also includes associated infrastructure works and access roads.Cellecta’s HiDECK Structural 25 was specified by Jeremy Blake Architects due to it being a conductive structural floorboard and having outstanding acoustic and fire performance and low thermal resistance.Brady Construction Services was awarded this 320m² contract for this development in Cornwall.

“From the materials used throughout the build process to how it’s powered, along with creating new areas of natural habitat to enhance the biodiversity of the site and local area, we’re bringing together skills and expertise from across McDonald’s and the partners we work with. From 2023 furniture and construction materials in new and refurbished restaurants will be made with recycled or certified materials and designed to be recycled or reused at end of life ”Construction Director, McDonald’s UK & Ireland The Absorb-R ToughSound acoustic-panels are environment friendly, fully recyclable natural components that offer optimal sound absorption and extensive resistance to fire. Surface applications include ceiling and wall mounting.Absorb-R ToughSound is a high performing high impact sound absorbing wood wool system, concept with excellent eco credentials which store heat from the ambient air.

The Lucent Development creates balance that boosts productivity and wellbeing.Lucent W1 is quite literally built around nature, with a tree towering in the central atrium and an internal green wall that stretches the full height of the world-famous external lights. The innovative Fletcher Priest design has created offices that are cocooned away from the surrounding city, while 20 terraces allow panoramic views across the capital.For this design, Selo used the Quarda Riser Door which are the most high-performance metal riser doorsets. 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.

The centrepiece of the building at 80 Fenchurch Street is a stunning glass atrium that spans the entire length of the core structure, flooding the lower floors with natural light and providing a breath-taking arrival experience when entering the building’s lobby.Radii AG were commissioned to utilize their intricate knowledge of glass to produce a dynamic, multi-storey frameless glazed atrium that matched the ambitious design intent.An additional consideration was for the atrium to accommodate the stepped, angular elevation changes due to the terraced roof gardens on the top five levels.The finished atrium at EightyFen epitomises Radii AG’s core philosophy of extracting the full capabilities of glass as a building material.Structural, acoustic and fire rated performance all formed a part of the finished installation, allowing Radii AG to provide a bespoke, technical solution alongside dramatic visual aesthetics.

In May 2018, Australia’s visionary theatre, La Mama, was destroyed by fire. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of The La Mama Community, this iconic theatre has now reopened to the public and UltraScape are delighted to have played a part in its restoration.BackgroundLocated in Victoria, Australia, La Mama Theatre is home to responsive, inclusive and diverse independent theatre making. With a reputation steeped in visionary arts, La Mama Theatre is the number one destination for audiences to discover the next generation of theatre artists.The ChallengeA fire devastatingly destroyed this much-loved theatre in May 2018. The damage was so extensive, La Mama theatre needed to be completely rebuilt. Part of the restoration included an additional structure to the front of the theatre and new paved area.The SolutionThe incredible La Mama community raised over $3,400,000 to help restore the theatre back to its former glory. To grout the Recycled Brick Paving at the theatre, Instarmac International’s Australian partners, and specialist paving distributors, Prolific Stone International, supplied UltraScape flowpoint smooth.Greysea Group, the contractors completing the paving installation, have been using flowpoint since it was first introduced into Australia in 2020.UltraScape flowpoint smooth is a flowable grout which allows for large areas of paving to be grouted quickly. Suitable for joints from 3mm to 50mm and as deep as 200mm, flowpoint smooth has been developed over a number of years to provide a durable finish which will not crack or stain – even in the hot Australian temperatures.With an initial set after just 15 minutes, and a walk on time of one hour, it is unsurprising that flowpoint smooth has become synonymous with fast application, cost-effective and robust jointing.UltraScape flowpoint is available in four varieties – original, eco, smooth and fine – and two colours – Natural Grey and Charcoal. UltraScape have jointing solutions for all designs and tastes.ResultsLa Mama Theatre opened to the public in December 2021 with great applause. The newly refurbished theatre is fully accessible, has a dedicated rehearsal space, new bar, green room and mezzanine floor for their next generation of theatre artists to perform on.

When the London School of Economics (LSE) sought an architect for The Marshall Building, it held an international competition to select a contemporary design that matches its global academic reputation.The winning design by Grafton Architects features striking pale stone rainscreen cladding that contrasts with the red bricks of surrounding buildings on Lincoln’s Inn Fields.At 10 storeys high, the building needed to conform with the changes to building regulations which ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m in England and Wales. As a result, Grafton Architects specified Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the three external wall build-ups.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use at any height and the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK.With U-values of 0.14 Wm2K, 0.20 Wm2K, and 0.21 Wm2K required for the different rainscreen wall build-ups, sub-contractor I&S Construction consulted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team about the right depth of insulation. After conducting U-value calculations, 150mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was recommended for all three build-ups.As well as fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent sound absorption properties.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It 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 also 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.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, the Marshall Building will provide students and academics at LSE with a comfortable and quiet environment to facilitate their world-class academic work.

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.

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.

American software giant Adobe has opted for C-TEC’s innovative SigTEL disabled refuge system at its impressive UK Headquarters in Maidenhead, Surrey.With its powerful controllers and extensive arrangement of fire telephone and disabled refuge outstations, the system is central to protecting the state-of-the-art UK offices of one of the world’s most successful software and technology-based companies. However, according to David King, Installation Manager at Niscayah Group, the company that completed the project at Market House, the installation was far from straightforward as the building already had a SigTEL disabled refuge system installed on one floor which needed to be connected to new equipment so to create one large system for the entire four-storey building.Said David: “The challenge was to interface an additional Master Controller and various outstations to the equipment already in operation. To achieve this we temporarily suspended the system and used C-TEC’s new EVC423 software to completely reprogram it once the new Controller and outstations had been installed.”Although specifically designed for the programming of larger SigTEL systems, C-TEC’s new EVC423 is also excellent for programming smaller disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation systems.Said David: “The software proved to be a lifesaver on this particular project as it enabled us to program the entire system from scratch very quickly reducing system downtime. The fact that you can edit outstation/extension names using a PC makes programming so much quicker and easier”As a result, Market House now has a fully operational disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation system. In an emergency situation, the system will enable clear two-way communication between building management and people located in the refuge areas to, firstly, assist rescue teams in finding people and, secondly, to let stranded people know that help is on the way.Based in London, Niscayah Group is a subsidiary of Swedish-headquartered Niscayah AB (formerly known as Securitas Systems AB). Specialising as an integrator, the company offers complete fire and security solutions for customers with high demands for security and efficient solutions.

Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding has been specified as the building material of choice by luxury developer Cedarmill Developments, adding real kerb appeal to its latest residential project in Hornchurch, Essex.Over 450sq.m of Cedral Lap in colour Pewter has been installed across a selection of three storey family homes, creating a contemporary visual appeal that perfectly encompasses the developer’s commitment to providing the highest standard in premium housing.Cedarmill Developments is dedicated to constructing residential and commercial properties across the UK’s Southern regions, offering clients first class functionality and style. The latest site in Havering consists of a combination of luxury detached houses, which will be completed in autumn 2019.Seamus Tattan, Senior Contracts Manager at Cedarmill Developments, said: “This is the first time we have specified Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding and we are already looking to utilise the material on a further two upcoming residential developments as we are so impressed with it.“Initially, we were looking for an exterior solution that offered the highest standards in aesthetics and fire performance, whilst offering the greatest value for money. Cedral surpassed these requirements, enabling us to create a resilient and stylish exterior that we are confident will offer the same impressive kerb appeal in years to come.”The properties’ ground floor is constructed of brick, with Cedral Lap clad across the first and second floors. This creates a contemporary New England style aesthetic that works in perfect harmony with the sleek black windows and doors.Seamus continued: “I cannot fault the Cedral team for their expertise and guidance, from the initial specification process, right through to final installation of the product. We look forward to working with Cedral on our upcoming developments as we continue to create beautiful homes.”Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding is a low maintenance alternative to traditional cladding materials, offering a minimum life expectancy of 50 years. Resistant to rot, attack from insects and the external elements, the easy to install solution is available in a wide range of shades and finishes and has a Class A fire performance rating.