"fire"

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

Cardigan Integrated Care Centre is a brand new healthcare centre in West Wales, housing a GP practice, dental service and pharmacy.Each unit was pre-plumbed and tested at the Venesta factory, reducing installation time by 50% and giving the end user added peace of mind.The aim of the £24m development was to provide safe, sustainable, integrated care for local residents. The anticipated high footfall meant durable and hardwearing solutions were required in all consultation rooms and washroom areas.Hygiene and infection control were of paramount importance, so we worked closely with Accredited Installers, Shire Integrated Systems, to ensure fit for purpose healthcare solutions were selected.Vepps Boxed-Out Units were specified for all the consultation rooms and offered speedy installation, while maintaining the integrity of rear fire walls and acoustic rated walls. The Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) box sides in ‘Shadow’ were rebated into strong extruded aluminium frames that provide flush, easy to clean surfaces.Meanwhile, Vepps Wall System panelling was specified for the toilet areas, which meant the WCs, flushes, basins and taps were pre-plumbed and thoroughly tested before being delivered to the Centre for installation.Read the full case study for full details.

Located in East London, on a water gateway between the River Thames and over 2,000 miles of navigable canals, the six-building Limehouse Basin development comprised of a white EPS insulation board that was fixed to horizontal PVC rails that created a drained cavity between the insulated façade system and the substrate.Due to strict regulations introduced in December 2018 following the Grenfell tragedy, which states any building exceeding 18 metres in height must have walls comprised of non-combustible materials, this building was deemed non-compliant, unsafe, and not fit-for-purpose.Development owners Beckford, supported by the Building Safety Fund (BSF), required an expert team to execute the removal of the existing EWI and replace it with an appropriate alternative, without disrupting the unique aesthetic of the building.The combination of K Systems and Retrofit UK, two companies renowned for their expertise, quality of service, and superiority in the market, was an obvious choice for Beckfords.We have a good portfolio of BSF projects to date, and Limehouse Basin is another great example of how our team along with one of our approved installers can help make a building fit for purpose, whilst overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Unrivalled expertise and professional delivery are apparent in every groove and corner of this refurbishment.Our ServiceTogether with Approved Installer Retrofit UK, K Systems continued works despite Covid restrictions (adhering to Government guidelines) to deliver the Limehouse Basin project within the agreed timeframe and with minimal disruption to residents as requested by the client.Removal of the existing EWI system took place in rotation with the installation of the new system, and a robust programme was put into place by the contractor to ensure the building was not exposed to the elements for long periods of time, ensuring the residents were kept as comfortable as possible especially during the winter months. Decanting of the residents did not take place, so we worked alongside all parties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents were prioritised during the works.Due to the nature of this project, technical monitoring from the K Systems team was increased, and weekly visits were planned along with a reactive approach to any on-site issues that arose from a technical perspective. Our technical teams actioned regular quality assessments and maintained open communication with all stakeholders.The result – an industry-leading insulated façade solution that fulfilled Beckfords’ criteria and delivered an outstanding architectural design and structure, fully compliant with fire regulations and boasting a better U-value which translates to better living conditions for the residents.Technical Project DetailsThe key objective for the Limehouse Basin project was to remove the non-compliant EWI system and replace it with a non-combustible system to meet current building regulations.Our team insist on being involved from the very concept of any BSF project to ensure an accurate specification could be developed and allow any initial underlying issues to be identified and rectified swiftly. Therefore, our Technical Team witnessed the removal of the existing system and inspected the substrate thoroughly.After extensive scoping, the K Systems M, mineral wool insulation, system with a silicone render finish was chosen as the preferred option, meeting the demands and needs of the client and current building regulations. This system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (an A2-s1, d0) bringing it in line with mandatory Government requirements for buildings over 18m tall.With superb acoustic qualities and excellent environmental properties, the M System didn’t just tick the fire resistance box. The thermal performance of the building was significantly enhanced, with a U-value of 0.30W/m².k being achieved.The shape of the buildings were complex, with numerous curved areas of various facades. This meant the finish required an expert eye and a skilled hand to deliver seamlessly. Both K Systems and Retrofit are renowned for their expertise and superiority in the market, and therefore such challenges were overcome, and high standards of workmanship delivered.Another very challenging aspect of the build was the replication of the rainscreen cladding to the front of the buildings. This detail was successfully created by using tape joints, stop beads, and black silicone mastic to create a shadow gap – further testament to the expert capabilities of our team. This particular finish not only delivered the desired aesthetic but delivered an additional benefit of cost savings for the client.We worked closely with Retrofit UK throughout the duration of the refurb and as a result the Limehouse Basin buildings have a contemporary finish and attractive aesthetic worthy of the projects postcode, and one we are confident existing residents welcomed and potential residents appreciated.

ChallengeThe project, at Winston Court in North Walsham, is organised by Benjamin’s Building Company, part of The Benjamin Foundation. Benjamin’s Building Company is a social enterprise that works to create homes, training and employment opportunities for vulnerable people. The ambitious venture will see the development of four, self-contained accommodation units. Seeking help in this task, The Benjamin Foundation turned to CRASH for assistance in locating suppliers and materials.SolutionKnauf Insulation donated 24 rolls of 150mm Loft Roll insulation, 48 rolls of 140mm Rafter Roll 40 and 72 rolls of 110mm FrameTherm® 32 for the project. These glass mineral wool insulation products are extremely easy to handle and install, being lightweight and easily cut to size, benefiting the large project.BenefitsBy its nature, Loft Roll is non- combustible and classified as Euroclass A1 to BS EN ISO 13501-1, a crucial requirement to any public building. Additionally, Loft Roll insulation has been manufactured with ECOSE® Technology which delivers superior environmental performance, as the binder technology is up to 70 per cent less energy intensive than traditional binders. The technology has been developed for Knauf Insulation’s glass and rock mineral wool products, enhancing their environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. Insulation products made with ECOSE® Technology contain no dye or artificial colours – the colour is completely natural.

Located in the East Midlands, Mountsorrel Quarry supplies the construction industry with large volumes of essential materials, which are used for construction projects throughout the UK.Due to an industrial fire which left a screen house beyond repair, a complete rebuild was required which included the design, supply and installation of safe, compliant access solutions.RequirementWright Engineering Group required four floors of open mesh flooring, handrail, stanchions and treads to re-build an industrial building at Mountsorrel Quarry that burnt down in November 2022, for the site to be back to full working capacity.SolutionLionweld Kennedy Group designed, manufactured and installed four floors of steel and GRP access solutions to the Mountsorrel site, enabling the building to be rebuilt safely. LK 20mm ball proof Safegrid flooring was required due to the height of the building and permanent access needed under each floor.Customer FeedbackLionweld Kennedy Group were by far the standout choice of all of the suppliers we contacted. From the beginning theservice was second-to-none, all items arrived on their project critical specified delivery dates, and the quality of the products were of a very high standard.Lionweld Kennedy Group remain a preferred supplier within the Wright Engineering Group due to the high quality of products and the excellent customer service always received.Luke Fagan, Construction Manager, Wright Engineering Group

A catastrophic fire meant the original property at this site was uninhabitable and beyond repair. Planning permission was granted for a new house to be built, of a similar size, but different proportions. The new home has been exquisitely designed to be in keeping with the natural surrounding landscape and the traditional building that was there previously.Clement was delighted to be chosen to manufacture bespoke steel windows and doors for all elevations of the property. The EB20 range with multi point locking was specified. Offering elegant slim frames, a high level of thermal efficiency and when combined with multi point locking, it meets the enhanced security standard - PAS24.Attention to detail was crucial on this project, not least because of all the different leaded light designs on the steel doors and windows. In total 38 windows and 14 sets of steel doors were manufactured, all power coated RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey (matt). Beautiful Eaton and Kensington handles were chosen to complement the fenestration which were all painted to match the frames. Jon James, Contracts Manager at Vale Southern said:“The new steel windows and doors are a major feature of this stunning property; in line with the rest of the building they are of a very high standard. Clement have stuck to the various time scales and have helped us with any issues that have arisen after. We have worked together on a few projects now and have been pleased with their service.”

Trafalgar Place, London designed by De Rijke Marsh Morgan Architects (dRMM) is a Stirling-award shortlisted mixed-use project designed as part of the Elephant and Castle regeneration. It offers 235 homes set within a reinvigorated area, designed to replace 1960’s era mega blocks. Each new home comes with its own garden, balcony or roof terrace and has been designed to maximise light and space.A rich combination of MBH PLC’s Freshfield Lane clamp-fired Danehill Yellow, Anthracite, Selected Lights, Selected Darks and First Quality Multi bricks were used to create a stunning vertical gradient that helps to both blend in with the established vernacular while creating a modern identity befitting such an expansive redesign of the area. FabSpeed blended all the brick special products which had to be meticulously coordinated and blended to achieve the gradient colour change on the main facade.Additional care was given to the landscape, with pre-existing trees integrated into the project and a variety of open spaces created to allow residents to find solace amongst natural environments despite the site’s proximity to the wider city.Trafalgar Place won the ‘Best New Place to Live’ and the ‘Mayor’s Award for Planning Excellence’ at London Planning Awards, in 2016 and Best Housing Design Award at the 2015 Brick Awards.

Designed by architects Studio E, the BREEAM Excellent rated building features over 2,000 Ultima aluminium insulated panels in varying lengths and depths up to 4500mm and 800mm respectively, finished in four different RAL colours The company also supplied a range of ventilated Bird’s Beak style panels, pressings, copings and cills that further added to the overall aesthetic of the building’s façade. The Ultima aluminium insulated panels were designed, supplied and manufactured by Metalline Architectural Fabrications. Metalline has become one of the UK’s leading fabricators of specialist architectural fabrication in the UK, developing innovative solutions for a range of flagship projects. Finished in four different RAL colours – reed green, pastel green, light green and mint turquoise – the overall effect of the multi coloured, multi-dimensional panels is one of inspiration that sits perfectly with the ultimate goals of the Academy’s vision for its pupils future. Metalline’s Ultima aluminium insulated panels are extremely versatile and possess excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance ratings. They are typically produced using class A1 non-combustible insulation core and can be adapted to fit a variety of facade details, which include the ability to be glazed into a standard curtain walling or structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Ultima aluminium insulated panels can be fabricated up to an impressive 6000mm in one length.

‘The STEAMhouse building’, launched by Birmingham University is the winner of the Victorian Society’s Birmingham and West Midlands Conservation Award, in recognition of outstanding restoration.The STEAMhouse building dates back to 1899 and was seriously damaged by fire in 2007. Previously used as a manufacturer for the Eccles Rubber & Cycle Company this Grade A listed building undertook a £70m transformation to become the creative hub it is today. The space now supports businesses, academics, hosting companies and start-up businesses, supporting enterprise and industry. The Victorian Society was so impressed with the transformation of this historic building that it has been presented with the 'Birmingham and West Midlands Conservation Award 2023', in recognition of outstanding restoration.Mumford & Wood supported this transformation by designing and manufacturing 45 bespoke timber windows and door, tailored to fit the unique openings found on the façade of the building.Matthew Blaylock, Commercial Director, Mumford & Wood states:“We enjoy the challenges that listed buildings bring, and so with strict planning requirements in place, we understood the importance of replicating the detail of the original windows but offering the performance of a modern day product. Timber Casement windows were designed for the ground and first floor, and Timber Vertical Sliding Spring Sash windows to the second floor. These were chosen from our Conservation range and tailor-made to replicate the original frame margins and Ovolo profiles. It’s always an honour to work on a historic project like this, it’s what our products are designed for.”

One of our latest projects was for a school in Barking, East London. The school required new waterproofing on their roof and chose OptiTec because we have a range of suitable products to choose from, offering excellent durability and longevity at a great price.Specification – Systems UsedFor this project, a long-lasting system was required with a Broof T4 fire classification for safety. Our technical team advised the OptiPlan-FB (PVC Single Ply) system for this project as it met the brief safety-wise, but it’s also excellent value for money over a large area.The OptiPlan-FB system is a fibreglass reinforced, fleece-backed synthetic waterproofing membrane made from premium quality PVC-P, offering exceptional resistance to weather and UV rays. A great benefit of this system is that it can be installed year-round due to having excellent flexibility in cold temperatures.This system was installed by an OptiTec Approved Contractor to ensure the highest quality of fitting with the option for a labour and materials guarantee if required.Challenges PresentedThere were no real challenges presented during installation and everything ran smoothly. We have a technical team on hand at all times to provide support and advice where required so we can always overcome any challenges presented in the best way possible.ResultsThe results of this project are fantastic and the client has expressed their satisfaction with the professional installation of the system and the overall finish.

The ChallengeLocated in the city of Nancy, the Centre Prouvé offers a flexible conference space complete with a 3000 m² exhibition hall, two auditoriums, thirteen meeting rooms and a panoramic reception area.With glass playing an integral role in the building design, the architect required a proven smoke control solution that would not distort the aesthetics of the development while adhering to safety regulations. Additionally, due to the high footfall of visitors, the chosen solution would have to be maintenance-free.As a leading fire-glass specialist, Pyroguard was approached by the architect Marc Barani of Atelier Barani to offer a suitable solution.The SolutionTo meet these requirements Pyroguard recommended Smokeguard – a permanent, maintenance-free glazing solution that acts as a smoke barrier, keeping low-level toxic fumes at bay for up to half an hour to give visitors maximum time to exit the building safely.Thanks to its perfect transparency, Smokeguard also met the aesthetic requirements with the 8 mm thick tempered monolithic glass offering 87 percent light transmission, to provide the perfect transparent protective barrier with minimal visual impact.As a result, over 100 m² of Smokeguard was installed in the atrium, escalators, and lift areas utilising its patented fastening system to mount the system to the ceiling areas.Click here for further information on Smokeguard or for further advice and support please contact us.

A traditional hotel located in an iconic location.A traditional hotel, in the heart of St Pauls, one of London's most iconic locations.Nestled in the heart of London, Lost Property Hotel stands as a unique retreat near St. Paul’s Cathedral, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the art of eccentric living. With 145 rooms exquisitely designed with a modern flair, alongside a restaurant, bar, and coffee house, Lost Property promises a distinctive experience for travel enthusiasts seeking a memorable escape. The hotel’s central location offers convenient access to London’s iconic landmarks, including the Tate Modern, London Bridge, and Tower Bridge.Our team supplied bespoke riser doors strategically placed within the corridors. These doors serve a dual purpose – facilitating access to essential utility spaces while seamlessly blending into the overall design. The riser doors were carefully selected for their fire-resistant properties, ensuring compliance with safety standards without compromising on the hotel’s artistic vision.The key innovation lies in the wallpapering of the riser doors. The doors were expertly covered with wallpaper matching the surrounding area, effectively concealing their utilitarian function within the artistic tapestry of the hotel. This meticulous integration ensures that the riser doors become an inconspicuous part of the corridor, maintaining the immersive atmosphere Lost Property Hotel strives to create.

London's most sustainable office space.The JJ Mack Building, strategically located just 150m from Farringdon Station, stands as one of London’s most innovative and sustainable office spaces. Beyond its prime location, the building distinguishes itself by embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance the well-being of its occupants and champion sustainable operation practices.The JJ Mack Building stands out for its integration of smart and intelligent building features. Utilizing a highly detailed “digital twin,” the entire building’s systems are meticulously modeled, allowing for comprehensive monitoring and control at various levels. This innovative technology ensures a dynamic and responsive environment tailored precisely to occupant needs.The digital twin technology isn’t just about monitoring; it facilitates the precise tailoring of the building’s performance, aligning every aspect with occupant requirements. This commitment to customization enhances the day-to-day experience and supports highly sustainable and considered operation. In this endeavor, we played a vital role by supplying concealed metal riser doors on all floors.Our contribution to The JJ Mack Building involved providing fire-rated metal riser doors, seamlessly concealed on all floors. These doors play a crucial role in the building’s safety infrastructure while remaining discreetly integrated into the overall design. The concealed doors align with the building’s commitment to a sleek and modern aesthetic, ensuring a seamless blend of safety and design.

Introducing the ultimate solution for a safer and healthier workplace - R-Tek Manufacturing's modular PVC safety floor!Our safety floor is specifically designed to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls, ensuring that your employees can work confidently and without worry. Made from high-quality PVC material, our safety floor is extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent long-term investment for any business.Not only does our safety floor provide excellent slip resistance, but it's also incredibly easy to clean and maintain. With its hygienic surface, our safety floor is perfect for environments that require high levels of cleanliness, such as hospitals, laboratories, and food processing plants.Installing our safety floor is quick and easy, with minimal disruption. With its modular design, you can easily replace damaged tiles without having to replace the entire floor.We offer a combination of colours to differentiate between areas such as walkways, racking areas or wheeled traffic zones, however we can also print your health and safety messages on our award-winning R-Tile range.The R-Tile offers a range of health and safety advantages:•Anti Slip Protection•Industry-Standard Certifications•CE Accredited•Fire Retardant•Chemical Resistance•Noise & Dust Reduction•ESD / Anti Static•REACH Regulated •A+ BREEM Standard•Sustainable & Recyclable 

Surespan designed and manufactured Glazed Roof Hatches with fixed glazed sections and a vertical end door for the 79&Park residential.The projectOscar Properties commissioned BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) to design and construct 79& Park residential building. The building is located on the edge of Gärdet, a treasured national park. The architects made conscious decisions throughout the process to provide a sensitive, respectful building with exceptional residences with spectacular views.All Oscar Properties projects aim to add value to the city and the surrounding environment.  79&Park architecture appears like an extension of the park, a gentle hillside seamlessly blending into the nature around it. The project was named Europe’s best housing project in the Internationally recognised real estate competition The International Property Awards.ProductSurespan designed and manufactured multiple glazed roof access hatches in various sizes including 2200 x 2115, 3160 x 1553, and 4175 x 1025.  As part of the glazed roof hatches a vertical door was designed for easy access to the roof spaces. The final glazed hatches were finished off with a polyester powder-coated finish.  Features:These glazed roof hatches feature a specialist sensory control panel. A 1-minute warning sound is activated when rain is detected, and a movement sensor prevents the closing of the hatch. Other features include opening in case of a fire and a keycode pad for exiting.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust boast a brand new Assessment and Treatment Unit at the Lynfield Mount Hospital in Bradford.STJ Projects Ltd manufactured and installed a full range of doorset solutions across the new unit including:R-Quest Severe Duty Seclusion Suite doorsets, which are steel interlaid to provide a severe robustness R-Quest Heavy Duty Fire Rated doorsets R-Quest Heavy Duty Anti-Barricade doorsetsR-Quest Lock Back Frames, both 90 & 180 degree lock back facilitiesThese doorsets look stunning with real Ash hardwood frames and architraves, clear lacquered to show the beauty of the timber, along side the door leaves which varied in colour and material. The Seclusion & Common area Bathrooms were impact resistance and anti-bacterial PVC encapsulated and all other doors were faced with anti-bacterial laminate, with a natural Pearl Grey colour across all common areas with individual bedroom doors having their own unique colour. This ATU facility, for adults over 18 with moderate to severe learning disabilities and mental health problems, whose needs cannot be supported at home, in the community or in other adult mental health wards is a fresh offering to provide the much needed support they deserve from daily living needs to maintaining independent skills.

One of the first projects we worked on with Vox Ignis was a 16-storey student accommodation development in Bournemouth with an adjoining car park and office building, that required an Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS). The property developer was – and remains to this day – one of our largest clients, so we knew we had to work with a partner we could trust and that had the capability to provide us with products that were really at the cutting-edge of the safety and security industries.Prior to this, just after they’d launched Vox Ignis, the two founding partners of the firm had both paid a visit to our headquarters in the South East to show us their marketing material.  Once they demonstrated a few examples of their products, we were sold on them As a company which specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of fire and security systems, we know that the products we buy have to be not only innovative but also aesthetically pleasing, as a lot of the people we work with are architects and creatives. This is what really made Vox Ignis stand head and shoulders above everyone else we’d worked with. Not only were their products leaders in their field in terms of technology but they were also, by far, the best-looking products out there from a design point of view.3x VILX-TMS-W-8 Master Stations6x VILX-EX-8 Expander Panels44x VILX-OSB Type B Outstations

Designed by Fife Council Property Services, the newbuilding constructed at Auchmuty High School inGlenrothes, Scotland, sees the new development replacethe old high school with better learning facilities andadvanced learning equipment.Allgood provided Fife Council with a complete accesscontrol and ironmongery solution, which makes the majorityof the school keyless.Allgood Trio created an advanced access control package,containing proximity readers and access control handlesets, that provide traceable audit throughout the buildingand in addition to the ability to control access to variousareas. The package also included software which allowsthe deletion of a card if it is lost or stolen, providing a betteralternative to the expensive process of replacing lost keys.Allgood Trio also supplied and installed the automatic doorset solution, which satisfied Fife Council’s requirement forthe doors to automatically drive open and remain open inthe event of the fire alarm being activated, providing smokeventilation through the main central core area of the school.The solution also allowed staff to control the main entrancedoors and pupil entrances during specific times. (i.e.granting pupils access during school; start, finish and breaktimes and being locked outside these time periods).The whole package provided by Allgood Trio was deliveredon time and within the clients budget, including theinstallation of both access control and automatic doorsetsby Allgood Trio engineers.

Birmingham’s Grade II listed Municipal Bank, a significant historical site, had sat unoccupied since 2006 before being purchased by The University of Birmingham which planned to convert it to a civic space that could benefit all.Built in the 1930s by T. Cecil Howitt, a refurbishment and extension of the building was planned to provide the University with a brand new city-centre based campus. The bank’s redevelopment has since created a learning space for students as well as exhibition and event spaces, meeting rooms and public areas, including a café.Architect, Glancy Nicholls designed the extension and refurbishment. The build was complex, having to accommodate and preserve many heritage features. Main contractor, Galliford Try chose to specify Knauf for a number of internal elements, including Knauf Shaftwall and Knauf plasterboards, due to their experiences of using Knauf products. Drywall Contracts were responsible for the installation of Knauf products, which proved highly compatible with the build’s heritage elements. Honouring the Bank’s historical architectural standing was at the core of the project’s design and construction. “Working around historic architecture, there were a lot of bespoke elements to this project. It was key that modernisation didn’t take away from any historic features and working with Knauf products helped achieve the project with that mindset,” said Jon Jacznik, Director of Drywall Contracts.  For example, a technique called Ashlar plastering was used to create a tile affect that mimicked heritage designs on Knauf boards and partitions. Freddy Maxwell-Heart, Site Manager at Galliford Try, noted that “Knauf successfully worked with heritage plasterers to achieve this effect consistently.”Another integral aspect of the build was the need to bring the 100-year-old building up to modern specifications so that it could meet today’s building regulations. Several Knauf high performance boards were used on this project, their characteristics lending themselves to the practical and regulatory requirements of the build.Knauf Impact Panel, for example, was chosen for use in areas of The Exchange which are open to the general public due to its impact resistance and robust qualities.Being a mixed-use space with offices and events spaces, thorough sound proofing was needed in places. For this, Knauf Sound Panel and Shield Plus was used to ensure a suitable and comfortable environment throughout the building.Knauf Fire Panel also featured heavily in this project. This helped ensure the building’s fire standards met stringent regulations, especially given its Grade II listed status.Construction of The Exchange took place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 during a nationwide lockdown. This was a challenging time for the industry, but Jon remarked that “Knauf continued to supply systems to ensure client requirements were met with as little disruption as possible.”Similarly happy with the level of support Knauf offered, Freddy observed that “Knauf were very helpful throughout and, Project Technical Manager, Tom Chamberlain was particularly helpful in addressing technical issues.”Jon agreed, adding that “Tom worked closely with the contract manager to overcome all the nuances and oddities the building threw at us. There was a lot of coordination between parties and frequent changes to the plans which Knauf responded to promptly.”Opened in September 2021, the re-developed Exchange offers a significant contribution to the heart of Birmingham and the city’s wider Arena Central masterplan.

Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments. The largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighborhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers. The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea, in the city centre, and modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable city for pedestrians and cyclists with green spaces and open spaces. In the north of the city is Ann Court, a large development located next to a large municipal park built on the site of a former car park that has been demolished. Being developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex. To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency. As part of the specification, 2,400 square meters of 220mm URSA Walltec Black 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office. URSA Walltec Black 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex. Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create cavity that ensures the properties of the system. This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.  Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls.  “During the early stages of the project, we were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall(a commendably low 0.18 W/m2K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification.” 

The Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norfolk is a new £12.5 million hospice that will provide state-of-the-art palliative care for 24 patients alongside day care facilities, a wellness centre, gym and community hub for those being cared for at home. It will also be used for education and research into palliative and end-of-life care. The facility, designed by LSI Architects and delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, features both traditional masonry cavity walls, and a masonry rainscreen façade.  Meeting the brief At just two stories high, the building doesn’t fall under building regulations that ban combustible materials in the wall build-up. But even so, combustibility was a key factor when it came to specifying the insulation. Jordan Armstrong, Associate at LSI Architects explained: “As a practice we always try to minimise fire risk, especially for a project like The Priscilla Bacon Lodge, which will house extremely vulnerable people. So, it was essential that the materials we used were non-combustible, which meant mineral wool insulation was the only solution. “We regularly use Knauf Insulation products, so we specified DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 for the cavity walls because it’s a high-performing glass mineral wool insulation that we expected could meet our required 0.16 W/m2K U-value. We were also keen to specify their Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls because then we would have one manufacturer for the whole build, and we think the products will work well together.” DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 is full-fill insulation solution with a thermal conductivity of 0.032W/mK. While Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls is a rock mineral wool product with a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. Both products are BBA certified for the application. In addition to non-combustibility and thermal performance, both products also offer sound reduction characteristics. Ease of installation Both DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab contain a water repellent additive that preserves the integrity of the slabs while they are exposed during construction.  The products are also designed to be easy to install correctly. They are sized to suit standard centres for installation between wall ties or brick restraint systems. Slabs are robust so they can be manoeuvred into place while maintaining the flexibility required to adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate to prevent gaps that reduce thermal, fire and acoustic performance.  Lastly, they are both manufactured using ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which 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. The product is soft to touch, easy to handle, and generates low levels of dust and VOCs. So, when it came to specifying the insulation for the Priscilla Bacon Lodge, Knauf Insulation’s DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls ticked all the boxes. 

The Cartcraigs high-rise project located in the heart of Southside Glasgow was a rewarding project to be involved with allowing real transformation and change in several key areas.The tower block was originally built in the 1960’s with a grey cladding finish but due to decades of inclement Scottish weather, the building was weather-beaten, tired and dated. With its stature and prominent location, the building should have been an attractive living option in Southside Glasgow but instead was unappealing to potential residents, and in desperate need of modernisation.Rising fuel prices and the current poor thermal performance of the tower block, meant it was extremely difficult and expensive for tenants to heat their flats – so much so that many occupants were considered in a state of fuel poverty.In collaboration with MAST Architects and our approved installer PWM, we designed a façade solution that not only significantly improved the thermal performance of the building, but transformed Cartcraigs aesthetically creating a modern, fit-for-purpose living space.A complete revamp which has given the building a new lease of life and delivered safe, modern and energy efficient homes for the residents.Our ServiceDue to the scale of this project, the congested location and small site footprint, we had to work closely with our approved installer, main contractor, and local authority to ensure minimum disruption to both the residents of Cartcraigs and residents of the surrounding area.Delivery routes and schedules were agreed to ensure consideration for local residents throughout the project.As part of our service commitment, our Site Application Specialists carried out regular site visits to ensure our system was installed to the highest standard and in line with our specification.They were available throughout the duration of the project to provide technical guidance, installation support and ensure the highest levels of quality. This allowed the K Systems Technical & Logistics Teams to support the schedule of the project with timely delivery of materials to site and ensuring there were no delays during the installation and inspection processes.“In conjunction with the Architects we approached K Systems to design a system to comply with fire regulations and offer a solution to make the look of the building more aesthetically pleasing along with making it a point of interest within the Southside area. Great site support was provided by Ally along with Technical/Service support from Jim and Martin. The team at PWM look forward to working on our next project with K Systems.”Kevin Fox, PWM Projects ManagerTechnical Project DetailsThe original façade incorporated a 25mm cavity with reinforced concrete inner leaf shaped panels, which could be seen beneath the then grey façade panelling. Wheatley Group, the client, had requested a clean, crisp, and smooth finish that would also comply with Scottish Fire Regulations.After numerous design meetings taking into consideration client requirements, budgets, and timeframes, we put forward our industry-proven K Systems M Silicone EWI system. The system was designed using 160mm non-combustible mineral wool insulation to meet the 0.18 (W/m2K) U-value requirement, making it the perfect choice for the refurbishment to combat the heating issues faced by residents and futureproof the building as a viable living space for years to come.Bespoke technical detailing and rigorous adherence to our high-rise policy ensured a high performing system with an A2 non-combustible fire rating, complying with all safety regulations for buildings over 11m in Scotland. The 160mm insulated grey and white façade delivered a really attractive high-rise that will now better withstand the Scottish elements.The finish used was our high-performance thin coat render, Silicone TC15. The contemporary colours of grey and white were chosen from our wide range of colours which visually transformed the 17-storey building. Our polymer rich Silicone TC15 allows ease of application, and its hydrophobic properties will provide a clean, crisp and low-maintenance finish for years to come.Our specification included bespoke detailing to provide solutions for Cartcraig’s individual retrofit design challenges. We also commissioned wind load calculations and fixing pull-out tests to determine optimum fixing patterns to anchor the EWI system to the different substrates. Ultimately, a safe, thermally efficient and visually appealing result was achieved.“K Systems provided a great overall package from the inception of this project with design advice, through the technical stages, with assistance through specification and then with the provision of weekly reports and checks once the project got on site. Cartcraigs, being a high-rise block needed monitoring and adherence to the project specification, and having the K Systems team providing regular on site checks gave the design team the assurance that all requirements were being met.”David Locke, Mast Architects

Rockfon was given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of a wide range of spaces while contributing to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental status of this stunning project.This new five storey medical school enables students to experience real life situations encountered by those in the medical profession. It includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms to simulate hospital wards or a GP surgery, a pro-section anatomy suite and bio-medical and health sciences library. Professor Mary Stuart was University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor at the time, “It represents more than just a building – it is a commitment to current and future communities in Lincolnshire to develop sustainable healthcare for the region.” HLM were the client architects, ‘The scheme has been modelled to create the optimal sustainable environment through informed decisions on site layout, massing, orientation, building fabric, elevational treatment and Integrated renewable energy systems. To further enhance student mental health and wellbeing, the scheme uses biophilic design principles including natural lighting and ventilation, visual links to natural landscape features and natural materials.’Meeting and exceeding client aspirationsShradha Mishra was Project Manager for the Estates Department at University of Lincoln. At its completion she said, “The Lincoln Medical School… has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout the design and construction process. With this in mind, the strategy for the building required exposed ceilings and therefore it was important to review and manage the acoustic requirements of the spaces to ensure a suitable working and teaching environment. Following extensive design and consultation with acoustic engineers, Rockfon were recommended for installation across the project which included a variety of both suspended ceiling grid tiles and acoustic baffles in open plan areas to support the absorption of sound.”BAM were main contractors for the project with BAM Design leading architectural design. Brebur Limited were responsible for the installation of ceiling and wall systems at Lincoln. Operations Director Vinny Lilley had this to say, “We have an excellent relationship with Rockfon. Their wide range of specialist products always ensures the architectural vision is achieved. They are always on-hand to offer technical advice and commercial acumen, with around 2,500sqm of tile and grid components being supplied by regional distributors.Acoustics reducing stress and enhancing healthAcoustic Rockfon Eclipse® islands are utilised within open plan areas where they are suspended on wires from the soffit, giving the illusion that they float. They can be specified in a variety of shapes with unlimited custom colour matching. Eclipse islands are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. At Lincoln they are also present as wall panels to further control sound.Improved acoustics can increase focus by 48% and reduce stress levels by 27%, which aids learning and wellbeing (independent research). The high light reflectance characteristics of Rockfon ceiling and wall systems also help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and enhancing health.Elsewhere within the school, Rockfon Blanka® is installed. Available in a wide range of sound control and durability performance characteristics, its non-directional, anti-static surface prolongs product life. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “All Rockfon ranges are made from inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which offers no sustenance to microorganisms and demonstrates outstanding reaction to fire. Most are available in a full range of formats including concealed, semi-concealed and visible grid options from our extensive Chicago Metallic grid systems.” Specialist ranges for every spaceHTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was the perfect fit at Lincoln where it offers outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 4) also mark it out as a first choice for healthcare specification, along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1). Also within the building, the superior moisture resistant properties and wipe clean surface of Rockfon® Koral™ were important considerations for its use. Affordable, Rockfon® Artic™ was also put to good use in several areas at the school. In common with other Rockfon ranges, both Koral and Artic offer excellent sound absorption and fire safety characteristics.Shradha Mishra continued, “Since completion of the building, we have had positive feedback from building users about both the aesthetic appearance of the Rockfon products along with the acoustic performance of them.”