"internal doors"

AATi are pleased to have supplied its bronze castings for the expected high footfall at its third CrossRail-connected site, the DLR station at Pudding Mill Lane. The station site will be the eastern tunnel portal for Crossrail, located south-west of the DLR Pudding Mill Lane station and is a crucial part of the Crossrail route.

Glasgow Queen Street is the third busiest station in Scotland and serves the center of the city of Glasgow. It underwent a £120 million redevelopment starting August 2017 as part of Scot Rail’s Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Project. Footfall 16 million per year.

Due to the sheer volume of passengers, this lead to overcrowding at the station in peak times, so in mid- 2010 TCR drastically reconstructed and upgraded to relieve congestion but also keep future developments in mind.

Following AATi’s long association with LUL, and other major rail developments, bespoke versions of AATi's SN93/SL3/280 stair nosings with plain ends and landing plates all cast in Nickel Bronze were specified for the many stairs at St. Pancras Thameslink along with other various products. The castings were all made and cut to specific widths &lengths, the coloured resin fill was stopped short at the ends to satisfy the architect's exacting details.

Every false fire alarm is costly, but in a post-COVID world, there is now even more pressure on the leisure, retail, and hospitality industries to prevent false alarms in their premises.The leisure, retail, and hospitality industries were hit hard by COVID-19; as we begin to emerge from the pandemic businesses will be keen to make up for lost time, avoiding the loss in revenue caused by false fire alarms.Home Office figuresDespite two years of restrictions and lockdowns, false fire alarms continue to cost the UK, Home Office figures reveal that there were a total of 2,497 false fire alarms caused by the “malicious activation of [a] fire call point/alarm” in England for the year ending September 2021 – surpassing challenged hoax calls as the largest reason for malicious fire alarms.Accidental activations too remained a significant cause of false alarms; 12,732 false fire alarms were recorded due to the accidental and careless activation of fire alarm and fire-fighting equipment, including manual call points.With the restrictions, closures, and reduced footfall faced by businesses, we might have expected to see the number of false fire alarms fall significantly during the pandemic. This serves as a timely reminder of the persistence of unwanted fire alarm signals, and the need for leisure, retail, and hospitality premises to seek a solution to avoid further disruptions post-COVID.Although necessary once a fire alarm sounds, a preventable evacuation ultimately means unhappy customers, disruption for businesses, and unnecessary strain for our stretched emergency services.At a time where it is prudent to avoid the crowded corridors and large gatherings at assembly points that follow a needless false alarm evacuation, it has become even more important to prevent false alarms.Continuing to be the largest incident type, false fire alarms accounted for 41 per cent of the incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England for the period – fires accounted for just 27 per cent.Over £1 billionWith similar figures reflected across the UK, over £1 billion is lost every year due to false alarms. To recoup this cost the London Fire Brigade became the first fire service in the country to recover costs from buildings including leisure, retail, and hospitality premises, with a poor false alarm record.A false alarm is defined as a fire alarm signal caused by means other than a genuine fire, which has activated a fire detection and alarm system, these can include: equipment false alarm, environmental influences, accidental damage, and inappropriate human action, including the malicious activation of a manual call point.Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Act 2005, it is the responsibility of the building owner or the ‘responsible person’ to ensure effective fire precautions are in place to protect staff, customers, or visitors.Several precautionary steps can be implemented to prevent false fire alarms before they occur; routine testing and maintenance to call points is a must to assure proper operation, but it is not the only proactive approach.BS 5839-1:2017As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points should be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b, that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”Following the introduction of the new recommendations in 2017 malicious false fire alarms have fallen by 18%, an indication of the effectiveness of protective covers, however, every false alarm is still costly.Firefighters respond to fire signals as if they are real, this exposes the public and fire crew to unnecessary risk in their swift response to false alarms, directing them away from real emergencies.LeisureLeisure premises are particularly susceptible to false fire alarms, whether it be wayward sports equipment in sports hall and gymnasiums, or high-traffic areas in music venues, cinemas, and theatres.Concerts, football matches, and even pantomimes have all been interrupted mid-performance in the UK, and in some cases even cut short by false fire alarms – resulting in disgruntled fans and calls for refunds.Government fire safety guidance for theatres, cinemas, and similar premises, highlights the need for protective covers to combat both accidental and malicious activations: “To reduce the risk of malicious or accidental operation which may promote panic you should consider as part of your management plan alternative arrangements such as the guarding of manual call points (e.g. with a simple, easily removed, cover).”A hinged cover around a call point is also likely to solve the problem of accidental activation or damage in storage areas where there is a continual movement of equipment.Whilst guidance for open air events and venues draws attention to the high risk of malicious activations in certain public areas, such as large beer tents – in this instance, alarmed call point covers might be more effective.RetailFor retail premises, trollies and shopping bags threaten the accidental activation of manual call points and the evacuations that follow threaten both a loss of customers and profit. However, robust polycarbonate covers can be fitted to protect sensitive break glass units and deflect heavy blows.This is reinforced by the Government’s fire safety risk assessment for shops: “False alarms from electrical fire warning systems are a major problem (e.g. malicious activation of manual call points) and result in many unwanted calls to the fire and rescue service every year.”Shopping centres and supermarkets are regularly forced to evacuate hundreds of shoppers due to unwanted fire alarm signals; abandoning their shopping on conveyor belts, baskets, and trollies. Owing to the disruption many choose not to return to complete their purchases.HospitalityThis phenomenon can be particularly detrimental for the hospitality industry, where evacuations following false fire alarms leave restaurants and bars vulnerable to incidents of “dine and dash.” Some hospitality premises have lost out on upwards of £1,000 when customers walked off without paying after a false alarm.Fire safety guidance for licensed premises reinforces the need to put a stop to false fire alarms within the industry: “Fire alarm systems should normally conform to the current edition of BS 5839, with consideration made for prevention of false alarms.”Alarm fatigueRepeated false alarms reduce the public’s confidence in fire alarms, contributing to alarm fatigue and a complacent attitude towards evacuations. Alarm fatigue occurs when a person becomes desensitised to an alarm due to repeated false alarms and as a result, fails to react appropriately in an emergency – having potentially fatal effects.The Manchester Woolworths fire in 1979 is a devastating example of alarm fatigue, as the fire alarm sounded customers were reluctant to leave the store. By the time they realised they were in danger, it was too late, ten people died in the blaze.Alarm fatigue also poses a serious threat to the hospitality industry, with Government fire safety guidance for sleeping accommodation, such as hotels, stating: “If there are excessive false alarms in your premises, people may become complacent and not respond correctly to a warning of a real fire. In such circumstances, you may be failing to comply with fire safety law. All false alarms should be investigated to identify the cause of the problem and remedial action taken.”In some areas of hospitality premises, such as function rooms in a hotel, call points can be vulnerable to malicious and accidental activations – to reduce this risk, protection for manual call points is advised.Some hotel guests react casually to fire alarms, often wrongfully believing them to be a “hoax” or “prank”, reducing response time and delaying evacuation. As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover preventing false alarms whether accidental or malicious, halting alarm fatigue.Call point protectorsSafety Technology International manufacture a range of protective covers, specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The STI story began in 1980 with a challenge by a school headteacher who wanted to stop their false fire alarms. Founder, Jack Taylor, used his expertise in security systems to invent the first and original Stopper® polycarbonate protective cover. From integral covers to outdoor and sounder models; there are now variations to suit all applications.The tamper-proof polycarbonate covers ensure call points are protected without restricting legitimate use in a real emergency, a combination of optional warning alarm, flashing beacon, and break seal acts as a deterrent against malicious activation.As we enter transition to the “new normal” it is imperative the leisure, retail, and hospitality industries prevent false fire alarms in their premises. Conforming to BS 5839-1:2017 to protect manual call points from false activation, whether accidental or malicious. Not only to aid economic recovery post-pandemic but to keep fire safety at the forefront of customers’ minds. Failure to address false fire alarms allows alarm fatigue to manifest, and this can prove to be costly – in every sense of the word.

Challenge:Driven by a respect for the environment, Heritage Homes wanted to create energy efficient homes for the future. A high sustainable build standard was required as part of their prestigious ‘Future Collection’ homes for the phase two zero carbon homes development.Solution:IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels use a patented combination of a polymer isolator and galvanised steel to bond the internal and external walls together by spanning the intervening gap creating a powerful thermal break. The one-piece lintel solution accommodated different lengths to minimise and conserve energy for each home by reducing thermal bridging at non-repeating junctions. IG’s technical team determined the loading and specification requirements at window and door openings. This fabric first approach contributed to an AA* energy efficiency rating and ensured each home built was comfortable, energy efficient and modern for years to come.IG’s LP windposts accommodated different lengths and factored into account wind load conditions. The windposts were installed into the inner skin of the cavity walls spanning vertically between the floor structures, providing additional lateral support for the large panels of brickwork and openings. All windposts included top and base place connections for fixing to the structure along with ties.Testimonial:“At Holland Park our homes are built with an AA* energy efficieny rating. IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels provided a fabric first approach to improve the thermal performance of our homes by reducing thermal bridging at non-repeating junctions”.Guy OlliverCommercial and Technical Manager at Heritage Homes

The landmark Health Innovation One building is an innovation hub offering co-location space for external organisations as well as being the new home for Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research. The space is designed to encourage collaboration, where external organisations can draw upon the University’s expertise to address significant health challenges and improve health and wealth outcomes in the region and beyond.Architects John McAslan + Partners sought to realise the University’s ambition to establish itself as a major international presence in the field of Health and Medicine through the design of this new HIC. JMP’s campus masterplan will bring together businesses, the NHS, students and academics from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds. Central to this campus is the Innovation Hub, representing phase one of the development.The scheme comprises a café, quiet reading areas, private meeting rooms, open breakout zones and a business lounge for more formal conversations. Close consultation with the University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine has resulted in a scheme that offers maximum flexibility, the promotion of interdisciplinary working and collaboration, the provision of exceptional working and learning environments, and a holistic building design that is sustainable and energy efficient, targeting an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM standard.To achieve this performance for the £3M glazing package, fabricator Alucraft working to main contractor BAM Construct, utilised Metal Technology’s System 17 Curtain Walling in a bronze anodised finish and from our Thermal ranges, System 5-20D Doors and 5-20 windows.

The Trumpington Residents’ Association and Cambridge City Council wanted to update a 60-year-old pavilion at the heart of the village in a £600,000 community project.Cambridge architects 5th Studio designed a striking colourful exterior cladding. They turned to an artist specialising in the treatment and perimeter fencing manufacturer Zaun to create the multi-coloured stripe effect with a specialist bright green protective steel mesh ‘cage’.The SolutionTrumpington Pavilion employs an unusual multi-coloured exterior treatment. An artist specialing in the technique has dribbled green, blue, red and yellow randomly onto a corrugated plastic sandwich sheet, which is then covered with Zaun’s Duo8 mesh in bright green, fixed to coloured timber battens.The pavilion includes a main building with a hall, youth room, kitchen, toilets, office and inter-connected changing rooms for two teams plus an officials’ room.The doors to the changing rooms are in boldly contrasting colours. At the same time, an eight-metre green mesh electric sliding gate protects the building but opens to provide unrestricted access to the patio and the King George V Playing Fields beyond.Zaun installed the Diamond cantilever sliding gate with Duo8 mesh in-fill, KeyFob and internally mounted switchto ensure both the safety of all users of the pavilion when the gates are operated especially children, and the security of the contents when the pavilion is not in use.The original pavilion, built in the early 1950s, was about half the size of the new main building, including a small hall and changing rooms.

Facing the necessity of establishing a functional serving window for seamless paperwork exchange with drivers, our client sought to upgrade from their standard UPVC residential-style window. Recognising the limitations of the existing setup, we proposed a tailored solution to meet their specific operational needs.In response, we engineered a robust commercial-grade aluminium horizontal sliding window, meticulously designed to streamline the paperwork exchange process. This innovative window system allowed for effortless sliding, enabling staff to quickly and efficiently pass documents to drivers with ease. Unlike traditional push-out UPVC windows, which were ill-suited for regular use in such contexts, our solution featured enhanced locking mechanisms and draft sealing, ensuring optimal security and insulation. By prioritising durability, functionalist, and user convenience, we provided our client with a vastly improved window solution perfectly tailored to their operational requirements.

This seafront-facing cafe sought to enhance its customer experience by incorporating a serving window section, enabling them to serve ice creams and slushies during the summer months, as well as offering late-night out-of-hours service year-round. However, ensuring the security of the staff within the premises remained a top priority.To address these needs, our proposal centered on the installation of a bi-parting window system. This solution not only optimised the available opening space but also effectively safeguarded the interior during non-operational hours with its comprehensive locking mechanism. By seamlessly integrating functionality with security, we provided the cafe with a versatile solution that met their operational requirements without compromising on safety.

Bilco UK has supplied an innovative replacement roof hatch for a medieval church in Norfolk. St Mary’s is one of the 653 churches within the Diocese of Norwich. When it came to providing a means of safe access to the roof area a product was required that was both technically and architecturally suitable. Medieval Masonry Ltd, a specialist contractor in the restoration and conservation of historic buildings with over 50 years of experience in the industry, installed Bilco UK’s S-50VMTB VersaMount® Replacement Roof Hatch.

This project was a fit out of an existing commercial space to form a state of the art outpatients unit and imaging facility.Key to the clients design on this project is the need for products that are functional and compliant to a healthcare environment.SDS Dfendoor is used in our unique American Walnut finish, giving the look and feel of a luxury hotel and yet enabling compliance at all times and guaranteeing top level aesthetics.The project is effectively complimented by the use of the coordinating range of Dfend wall protection enabling discreet protection of common areas of damage in this robustly trafficked environment.

Education at Queensmead is not limited to the statutorydelivery of the National Curriculum. It includes a wide rangeof extra-curricular activities which incorporates a busy sportsand performing arts programme.

Swedish Luxury Home prepared for concealed blinds in every window. Amazing level of detail everywhere from bespoke flooring up to the top floor ceiling via floating staircase.The property developer wanted to future-proof the house with Blindspace so potential future needs for privacy or shading would not impact on the clean design.

Ahmarra manufactured Q-Mark certified FD30 fire doorsets for Octavia House School, an independent specialist therapeutic school in Great Baddow, Essex. Selected from our Education Range, the pre-hung doorsets were manufactured from sustainably sourced FSC® certified timber and supplied with fully compatible ironmongery. The client chose colourful Formica F6901 Vibrant Green, F8820 Leaf Green, F4177 Lime and F8755 Lemon high pressure laminate facings, in line with the Octavia brand’s colour scheme.

BDP approached Furnitubes with a concept seating design for the redevelopment of Thomas More Square. The designs were characterised by a complex arrangement of intersecting angled planes to fit into dedicated alcoves in the raised planters. From this concept Furnitubes designers developed the complex geometry by 3d modelling each of the 6 unique seating structures, and a complementary large scale wall-top platform. Seating was used in mirrored pairs either side of the main walkway and included flat benches, and seats with single plane and compound angle backrests, all custom-designed and made to fit the challenging levels of the site.

Products: Flexi Everyday – H Frame Kits and Flexi-Feet, Flexi Light – Base & Extender frames, Flexi heavy – Modular Frameworks & Custom Frame Services: Cable trays, Ducts, A/C Splits & Air-handling units. Roof build-up: Warm roof design – PIR/PUR insulation with PVC/TPO field membrane. An assortment of products was required to support various services such as cable trays, ductwork, condensers and air-handling units. In addition, due to one of the air-handling units being extremely wider than usual, we also had to manufacture a bespoke custom framework for this item.

Begbroke Innovation Centre - the new multi-use building at Begbroke Science Park will help small and medium-sized science businesses take their projects to market, and provide facilities for researchers from the University. The open space outside the new building comprises of a number of straight and curved gabion walls, which on their own do not provide any suitable seating for users. Furnitubes supplied a number of Lapa gabion seat and bench platforms for the new building, which were installed on the gabion walls outside the facility offering new comfortable seating provision for everyone.

Franke Water Systems were thrilled to be chosen to provide the complete range of sanitaryware to the Kia Oval at Kennington for their redevelopment project. Products such as their composite Miranit washtroughs, stainless steel urinals, washbasins and WC’s plus complementing grab rails were all part of the installation. Martin Cosgrove from Mectric Solutions commented “Product quality was a huge factor in deciding on which supplier to choose for such a prestigious project and with a brand name like Franke, we knew we would get the best quality that would last for years to come, and still look good too!"

As part of the Lincoln High Street improvement scheme Lincolnshire County Council required seating with a significant visual presence to be used as part of traffic-calming measures as well as providing useful short term seating for shoppers. Furnitubes’ in-house designers developed a unique circular bench for the scheme. The steelwork was supplied in a hardwearing corten effect nylon coating, with the iroko hardwood slats in a finish coat to maintain good long term colouration. Overall the scheme has provided this section of Lincoln High Street with a new lease of life.

Furnitubes' designers were set the challenge of devising a 3-part seating arrangement for Mark Street Gardens in Hackney. The seating would fit between existing lines of granite setts and alongside retained planting. The benches combine galvanised steel plate ends and sub frame, which sit well within this urban environment, and oiled iroko hardwood slats. Armrests have been carefully positioned to allow maximum usage of the seating area but also to deter rough sleeping which has been an issue at the gardens in the past. We wish Hackney well in their upcoming Green Flag application for Mark Street Gardens.

The new Ardley EfW Plant, including a 12m basement built over an Artesian Well, presented a host of construction challenges. Due to the extreme water pressure created by the Artesian Well, as well as ammonium salts in the ground, Fosroc worked closely with Tata Projects specifying a solution using Proofex Engage to provide a watertight, chemically resistant barrier, with Supercast SW20 in the construction joints to reinforce the floor to wall joint. Fosroc provided a ‘total solution’ package to ensure Tata Projects could feel confident with the proposed specification, from basement waterproofing, to grouting crane bases, flooring and sealants.

Members-only club in London’s Covent Garden, The Conduit Workspace focuses on sustainability and ethical hospitality, encouraging creativity and collaboration.Featuring relaxed working and dining spaces as well as event space, a library, and rooftop bar and restaurant, it spans across six floors offering everything needed to connect its members.The brand new rooftop terrace was created in partnership with the House of Champagne, Ruinart, with the goal to place nature at the heart. The rooftop features plants chosen specifically for pollination as well as upcycled and recycled furniture and art.To complete the rooftop extension, designer, Alice Crispi, approached us after seeing our RailRoad seating range - she wanted a continuous wavy modular solution that would also accommodate large planter pots within the curved sections. A 15m RailRoad Delta seat with a continuous backrest was delivered in modules making it easily transported to the roof terrace. A UVP protective coating in teak was also applied over the timber slats to maintain the wood’s colouration.Surrounded by greenery, members can relax and enjoy stunning views across London from the rooftop terrace.

The Skyper building complex in Frankfurt am Main boasts a very special architecture. The three-part complex – consisting of the 153.8-metre Skyper high-rise with 39 floors, the neoclassical Skyper Villa from 1915 and the Skyper Carrée – offers a total of 53,900 m2 of office space for numerous companies and banks. When the existing single access entry systems were dismantled in the summer of 2020 as part of renovation work on the foyer, the owner opted for a new, modern solution that would blend in perfectly with the architecture of the skyscraper. Every day, large numbers of people go the foyer to get to their workplace. Numerous visitors also pass through this area. This called for a solution combining functionality, safety and an appealing design.

Former Midlands Bank building which is Grade I listed, has recently been renovated to provide a 252 bedroom hotel, restaurant with ancillary uses including bar, health and leisure facilities, event spaces, roof top terraces with a bar/restaurant and a swimming pool.

In 2019 as part of Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s £3.6million visitor centre development, AATi were approached to manufacture Cast Iron anti-slip floor plates to construct the “Walk of Art 2”. This, a striking 100 metre long installation designed by Gordon Young, a well-renowned artist known best for his large public art installations. 51 cast Iron plates make up one of the entrance walkways and bear over 10,000 names of supports of YSP, immortalising them for future generations.

The Excelsior Building is a new addition to the impressive Haberdashers’ Aske’s School campus in Borehamwood. The courtyard comprises planted beds, with social spaces and pathways in a mix of resin-bound gravels and synthetic grass surfaces. To allow pupils to enjoy this new outdoor space a seating system was required that was sufficiently flexible, and RailRoad was the ideal choice. Over 60 linear metres of the Delta version from the RailRoad range was supplied, creating 4 long curvi-linear seating runs and also some shorter independent straight units, together with purpose-made steel planters.

Originally built in 1986, Dukes Court has formed part of a £77 million regeneration scheme in Woking, Surrey. The redevelopment included new signage and pedestrian routes, updated office space, a new restaurant and a living ‘green’ wall - aimed to improve air quality. Outside of Dukes Court a new pedestrianised public space was designed and required the creation of large wavey planting beds all in corten to sit either side of the entrance to the building. The planter had to adapt to the stairways, slopes and columns present in the final design, adding a lot of complexity to the required planter wall geometry.Our latest solution, AKRI steel retaining planters were best suited for this as they are flexible enough to allow for varying levels and can be manufactured in the desired style of corten to harmonise with the existing building facade. The AKRI planters were then welded on top with a return, to create an attractive wave look. The finished scheme has created a pleasant, open space for tenants and members of the public to enjoy.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have announced their new policy on Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) that came into effect at the start of this month.The policy affects all calls to the fire control operators who will confirm a fire before the incident requires the fire service to be dispatched.Scotland have a continuously high rate of false alarms attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with over 57,000 unnecessary journeys a year. This is why the new policy adopts a ‘call challenge’ policy to reduce the number of false fire alarms attended by the service.False fire alarms cause disruption in various ways, from impacting the time and resources of fire and rescue services, implicating people’s safety and harmfully impacting the environment. False alarms are also costly procedures, not only for the Fire Service but also businesses where the false alarm takes place.These UFAS have many detrimental effects:They impact on resources available to attend real fires.They impact on time available for other valuable work, such as training and community safety activities. Where fire crews comprise on-call (retained) fire fighters, the crews may be unnecessarily taken away from their place of work.They impact on road safety, as a result of fire appliances travelling under emergency conditions.They impact on the environment from the number of appliance journeys. The new guidance on safe investigation of unwanted fire alarm signals aims to challenge calls to confirm fire or signs of fire in order to ensure resources and time are being used effectively. However, the SFRS will continue to attend calls received from automatic fire alarm systems and if the signal has been initiated by a manual call point (MCP), heat or smoke detector or sprinkler system, in premises in which people sleep. There will also be fire service attendance in non-sleeping risks if there is physical signs or technological indication of a real fire, such as the fire alarm signal triggered by a manual call point.Although the policy will significantly reduce the number of false alarms attended by fire crews, there is still more to be done to decrease the vast number of unnecessary call outs.Protective covers from STI help to reduce both malicious and accidental activations of manual call points, available in various sizes, mounting options and custom text available to suit all applications. The tough polycarbonate covers have been specifically designed to help deter false alarms and prevent vandalism of various devices. The range of Call Point Protectors are highly effective without restricting legitimate operation of the devices, meaning they are easily accessed in emergency situations.For more information on the new policy, visit the FIA website here: https://www.fia.uk.com/news/guidance-on-safe-investigation-of-fire-alarm-signals-in-scotland.html?utm_source=Fire%20Industry%20Association&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=14001136_June%202023%20MMU

After a much anticipated wait Spurs have finally moved into their new stadium. The stadium is now one of the largest in the Premier League with a capacity of 62,062, boasting the world’s first dividing retractable football pitch to reveal a synthetic turf underneath, enabling NFL matches to be played at White Hart Lane along with concerts and other events. Working closely with F3 Architects to create a bespoke design incorporating the clubs branding onto theanti-slip stair nosings. Bespoke design is just one service that AATi can offer, with the latest 3D printing and CNC machining.

A chapel was first built at Swan Hill in the town of Shrewsbury in 1767. In 1868, this was demolished and replaced with the current building; schoolrooms were then added in 1880. Charters Property Ltd who specialise in property development, consultancy and project management, recently purchased the deconsecrated church and have transformed the building into a prestigious development of four fabulous homes.Sensitivity was key when renovating the property and the majority of the original features have been preserved. Original stone walls, lintels and cills have been repaired and impeccably replaced. The walls and roofs have been insulated and energy saving measures implemented to create a comfortable, efficient living environment.Although it was possible to restore some of the original fenestration, double glazed replacement steel windows were still required throughout the building. Clement were thrilled to manufacture these new steel windows and doors. Various Clement ranges were used to meet the different criteria required for the project. For example, the Brooking range was used for the beautiful arched head windows on the front elevation as it would best replicate the originals which would have been silicone fronted. EB16 was used for other windows where silicone fronting was not required and W20 was used to make the steel doors. In total over thirty individual windows were specified, all in various shapes and sizes.Clement Conservation Rooflights were also specified, which bring masses of light in through the beautiful, high ceilings.James Charters, Director of Charters Property said “We were very pleased with the attention to detail and finish of the steel windows, Clement took ownership of their section of the project and were able to deliver a complex scheme on time and to a very good standard. They remained client focussed throughout and we will happily use their service again.”Photography: Photos supplied by Charters Property and taken by Kate Sanders Photography

The recently renovated 'schloss Colditz' in Saxony, Germany is a great example of how to reconcile the often conflicting demands of historic preservation and fire-protection. The renovation has not just fulfilled fire-protection requirements but the planners have used extremely discreet solutions that fit with historic preservation requirements. Many of the passageways have been fitted with Teckentrup T30 all-glass doors, which combine functionality with aesthetics and maximum transparency.

This elegant extension, designed by award-winning practice Chris Dyson Architects, not only significantly increases the footprint of the client’s North London home, but also delivers a uniquely versatile living space for use all year round. The pure scale and the innovative use of glazing for the extension as well as for the new top floor dormer cannot fail to impress, and yet the architectural language reflects the calm, understated style for which Chris Dyson Architects have become acclaimed. Bespoke rooflights, supplied by Glazing Vision, not only flood the ground floor with natural light, but they also help moderate the temperatures throughout the house.The client was seeking to refresh the property by adding an extension to the rear, which would enable the existing ground floor spaces to be connected through a single flowing space, creating a welcoming and flexible environment for hosting their growing family and for entertaining guests.The top floor bedrooms were accessed via a narrow hallway where a small dormer window provided minimal daylight and restricted views of the garden. Creating a living space on this floor where the family could relax and enjoy some downtime was also part of the client’s brief to Chris Dyson Architects.Glazed openings for harmonious integrationThe design for the extension was a solid and robust structure that would integrate harmoniously with the main body of the house and would serve as more than just a “sunroom”. The traditional proportions of the classic orangery have been achieved by Chris Dyson Architects through the use of precast stone columns and five glazed openings, which connect the new internal space with a raised external terrace leading to the rear garden.New internal glazed doors enable the formal dining room and the breakfast room/kitchen to be opened or closed to the main orangery space, providing flexible spatial and acoustic barriers without compromising the natural light entering the entire area.For entertaining and parties the space is ideal, allowing people to freely move between rooms and out onto the garden terrace.Maximising daylight, moderating room temperaturesThe insulated walls and the energy efficient double-glazing of the orangery would serve to keep the space warm in the winter months. In the summer opening the doors would help keep the space comfortable. To further regulate the internal temperature a full width rooflight from Glazing Vision was installed, equipped with sliding elements. Chris Dyson Architects chose Glazing Vision due to the high quality of their products and their ability to create beautiful bespoke solutions.The architects worked closely with Glazing Vision’s specialist CAD designers and technicians to design custom rooflights to meet the exacting requirements of the orangery roof as well as the new glazed dormer.Given the exceptional size of the extension roof, 3320mm x 10900mm, Glazing Vision’s factory precision-engineered a special Dual Sliding Over Fixed Rooflight, comprising 8 sections. The 2 end sections were manufactured to slide over the 6 fixed central sections, traversing in a side-to-side, rather than an up-and-down slope operation.Normally supplied in a RAL7015 slate grey to the exterior and RAL 9010 pure white to the interior, the entire framework of this super-sized Dual Sliding Over Fixed Rooflight was supplied in a bronze finish, which was a key part of the architectural design.With such a complex rooflight, with fixed and sliding sections, a quiet and efficient operation was fundamental to the specification. Electronically controlled at the touch of a button, each of the 2 sliding sections of glazing can be retracted easily, revealing generous openings, and sky-only views. An added safety feature is the manual override should the electronic control system stall.On the top floor the existing narrow hall has been opened up and extended to create a new living space. The bespoke glazed dormer by Glazing Vision provides expansive views across the garden, and an abundance of natural light. A large Bi-parting 1-wall Box Rooflight, measuring 4850mm in the width, was set into the sloping roof. At a total height of 1700mm the rooflight also enhances the feeling of loft in this relaxation area.Supplied in 6 sections, the Glazing Vision Box Rooflight was configured such that the 2 central sections were bi-parting, sliding over 2 adjacent fixed sections. Two additional fixed sections and 2 fixed end panels completed this fully glazed, customised dormer. In order to provide privacy from the neighbouring properties, and conform with Planning Regulations, these end panels were manufactured in satin etched glass.Once the 2 sliding sections are retracted, there is a handsome opening, giving an almost balcony-like effect, and encouraging the user to appreciate the garden vista during the day and to delight in the starry landscape at night. The Glazing Vision Bi-parting 1-wall Box rooflight helps to regulate the temperatures and the air quality throughout this upper floor, allowing copious amounts of fresh air to circulate when it is open. Rain sensors, offered by Glazing Vision as optional extras, were also installed to provide additional security should the weather suddenly turn inclement.Chris Dyson Architects are to be complimented on the sensitive integration of a contemporary orangery in this family home as well as on the bold extension of the top floor. Form and function are in perfect harmony and the Glazing Vision rooflights will ensure that there is an ever-changing canopy to the spaces below!This project was shortlisted for the AJ Specification Awards, in the ‘Doors and Windows’ category.

78/92 Great Portland Street consists of a group of mixed period buildings which is under redevelopment by Great Portland Estates to provide 23,000 sq ft of residential flats, 11,000 sq ft of retail units and 18,000 sq ft of offices at a cost of £19million. Lang+Fulton installed 45.3 linear metres of louvred panels 1100mm high with 3 access doors, galvanized and ppc RAL7038. The louvred panels were inverted to provide maximum visual screening from ground level.

THE PROJECTThe Tapestry project is a high-end residential development located in the heart of King’s Cross, London. The area is home to internationally renowned St. Pancras Station and Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, and is in the midst of a major urban redevelopment.The Tapestry building was designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects who have created a clear relationship between the internal and external areas of the building, with breath-taking views over Gasholder Park, Regent’s Canal and the city of London beyond.The project is influenced by the heritage of the King’s Cross area, reflected in the refined interiors meticulously created using a combination of the finest materials hand-picked by interior design architects Johnson Naylor, and the design and layout of the mailboxes and their location was no exception.THE PRODUCTOur mailboxes were designed to blend into the background of the reception lobby area with a clean elegant finish, configured into a visually interesting layout staggering each vertical column of mailboxes.The mailboxes are located in the reception lobby area of the project where residents will walk through to access their apartments. The model of mailbox used in the project was chosen for its minimalistic and flexible design proven on other notable projects in London such as the Fitzroy Place building.The NW2 mailbox is a horizontal product which is perfect for projects requiring a high quantity of mailboxes in an area with a restricted height. The banks of mailboxes have been recessed into the wall, which ensured that there was maximum room for residents to access their mail whilst other building users had unobstructed access in the area.The mailboxes are finished in a special matt finish which compliments the finish of the reception area. The door of each mailbox has been engraved with a bespoke font and infilled gold – matching the brief of the project.

Templeton House, a remarkable Georgian mansion in Roehampton, London, has undergone a meticulous restoration, capturing the essence of its historic grandeur while introducing modern comforts. Led by Richstone Properties, the project celebrates architectural authenticity and exquisite craftsmanship.Architectural Authenticity:Extensive research and collaboration with Historic England ensured the restoration honoured the original layout and design of Templeton House.The exterior structure was restored to its former glory, with meticulous repairs, cleaning, and recreations of features like the Doric portico entrance and Portland stone staircase.Neglected gardens were revived, featuring a reflection pond and replanted cedar trees, reminiscent of the mansion's illustrious past.Craftsmanship and Bespoke Features:Gowercroft Joinery played a pivotal role in the restoration, producing award-winning windows, interior doors, and bespoke joinery.The Winston Heritage sliding sash window was developed and manufactured, providing a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern efficiency, The innovative windows featured Accoya® timber and vacuum glazed units.Our attention to detail extended to replicating traditional putty lines, restoring original ironmongery, and incorporating bespoke elements such as curved top-lights and internal shutters.Recognition and Acclaim:The restoration project received high praise at The Georgian Group's 2019 Architectural Awards.Gowercroft Joinery was honoured with the 2019 British Woodworking Federation's 'Woodworking Project of the Year' award.The innovative Heritage windows developed by Gowercroft garnered industry recognition, including the 'Best Windows' category at the 2017 Build It Awards.Templeton House stands as a testament to the seamless integration of architectural heritage and modern refinement. This remarkable restoration showcases the dedication to preserving history while creating a haven of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury.