"rail"

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

Yeoman Shield were proud to supply Guardian Handrail, incorporating signage, to a pioneering scheme by Bradford Teaching Hospitals to provide a dementia friendly environment in their hospitals. The Horton Ward at ST Luke’s Hospital was transformed using a grant from the Prime Minister’s “Challenge on Dementia Fund”As part of the refurbishment, which involved the use of art, colour and signage to help dementia patients to navigate their way round the hospital, Yeoman Shield were approached by Bradford Teaching Hospital to supply a handrail that would also act as a directional guide.“We have worked with Yeoman Shield many times and when we gave Area Sales Manager, Steve Hawke, the brief for the refurbishment of The Horton Wing, Steve presented us with the Guardian Handrail that has the capacity to carry signage on the face of the rail which would ideal for this project.” Stated Project Manager, Shane Embleton.The Guardian Handrail, installed by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, to corridors on level 1 & 2 of The Horton Wing, was supplied in a Dusty Grey colour with contrasting accessories in Mid Grey to highlight the corridor openings to doorways and lifts.Signage was incorporated flush to the face of the rail in White offering directional information to hospital visitors and patients.Ultra Corner Protection Angles were also fitted to vulnerable corners of walls to prevent damage which is easily caused by passing people, trolleys and equipment.“Not only did the Guardian Handrail lend itself perfectly to the environment the trust wanted to create but offered the obvious functionality of a hand/protection rail which will help to keep the newly refurbished corridors looking smart well into the future.” Concluded Shane Embleton.

Yeoman Shield Anti-Ligature handrail system is being utilized in a newly commissioned dementia unit in South Wales.Ysbyty George Thomas, as part of Cwm Taf Health board’s Valley Life Initiative, has recently undergone a refurbishment to become a health and wellbeing centre for people with cognitive and memory problems.Throughout the design process of the new Dementia Unit, comfort and functionality for clients who would be accessing the area was paramount. Not only were aesthetics taken into consideration with a stunning welsh valleys mural wallpaper installed in between bright colourful “front doors” but safety aspects were of a prime concern.For safeguarding measures Yeoman Shield’s Anti- Ligature Guardian Handrail was chosen, as both a supportive and wall protection rail system, along the main corridor of Ysbyty George Thomas as well as through the Dementia Unit.This Anti-Ligature handrail has a continuous fixing block which runs the full length of the back of the rail eliminating any points that can easily have a length of material or cord wound around it, preventing the possibility of harm to patients. To ensure that the terminating ends of the handrail are not used in a similar way, a tightly fitted wall return is added to totally enclose the ends allowing no gaps between the wall and the rail.Supplied in a dark grey colour as a good contrast to the light wall colour scheme, the Guardian Handrail also dovetailed perfectly into the wall paper design by resembling the top of the depicted drystone walling.“We are exceptionally pleased with the new Dementia Unit and the complementing look, quality and functionality of the Yeoman Shield Anti-Ligature Guardian Handrail.” Commented Jeanne Smith, Directorate Support Manager, Mental Health, Cwm Taf University Health Board

This Cycle Hub at Horsham Station is the third Hub that Cyclepods have installed for Southern Rail as part of their Cycle Provision Scheme. The Hub has 130 bike spaces using the Easylift+ two-tier storage system and is fully equipped with CCTV, Bike Pump & Repair Stand, Motion Sensor Lighting and Secure Access Control System and push release exit.

Project:Surespan designed and manufactured a massive Biomass access hatch for a fuel plant in Coatbridge, Scotland.ProductBiomass Cover features an opening 3500 (137?) x 4000 (157?) with a sliding cover features fixed external rails and electric operation. A further two sliding covers were supplied sized 2500 x 4000 and 1500 x 4000mm

Project:Surespan designed and manufactured a massive Biomass access hatch for a fuel plant in Coatbridge, Scotland.ProductBiomass Cover features an opening 3500 (137?) x 4000 (157?) with a sliding cover features fixed external rails and electric operation.A further two sliding covers were supplied sized 2500 x 4000 and 1500 x 4000mm

Part of an 1885 Ashlar Dressed Bridge widening and strengthening scheme, the listed Victorian Parapet required uplifting, repairing and refitting. ASF's unique position of having our own on site foundry, pattern shop, casting engineers and metallurgists meant we could complete this task using traditional techniques whilst managing to retain about 75% of the original damaged parapet railing.

The site engineers approached ASF to develop a specialised quayside post and rail system that has a straight post on the inland side of the riverside path and a curved quayside profile on the waterside. Critically the base and top of the curved post had to be on the same vertical plain, thus not interfering with the width of the path. Posts are finished spun galvanised offering a maintenance free finish for many years

We are proud to have been a part of the renovation and expansion works at the 18-hole championship Suffolk Golf Club for the past 12 months. The overall project included vanity units and shelves, basic shower cubicles, saloon door shower cubicles, heavy duty lockers, bench seating and coat hook rails, toilet cubicles and IPS panelling, and boxed in pipework creating a bench seat.

Network Rail’s nationwide initiative for high specification, durable AFA platform access bridges required AATi to supply re-engineered ‘Coverall’ combined stair nosing and step covers. These small design changes have again improved bridge construction techniques and the long-term performance of the stairway, and removed dirt-traps and improved drainage. AATi supplied their SN293 WL307 UR to fit the needs.

ASF had already manufactured and supplied stainless steel street furniture and the ASF 5006 hand rail system to the Bradford Library refurbishment project. We were approached to offer our channel fixed glass as infill panels for slate piers on the pedestrian walkway. Toughened glass panels were supplied in an invisible fix channel with a loading certified to 3kN. (Higher loadings are available).

Yeoman Shield’s new Guardian Twin Handrail was installed as part of the ward refurbishment project recently undertaken at Barnsley Hospital, South Yorkshire.A 350+ bed hospital built in the 1970’s and serving a quarter of a million people in the Barnsley area, the hospital demands a constant regime of maintenance throughout its premises.Maintaining its high standards, Barnsley Hospital have improved the surroundings and facilities in 6 of the hospital wards, including the discharge unit, female trauma and elective orthopaedic unit.As part of the refurbishment project Yeoman Shield were employed to remove the old bump rail and handrails and replace them with the dual purpose Guardian Twin Handrail to corridors and waiting areas throughout the 6 wards.The twin handrail was supplied with a 50mm dia. PVCu upper handrail for support to those who need it and a lower 125mm deep protection rail which, standing slightly forward of the handrail, offers protection to both the wall décor and the handrail itself, minimising on repair and replacement.Supplied in a Pastel Blue colour with contrasting accessories in Pebble Grey the Guardian Twin Handrail from Yeoman Shield was complemented with matching 200mm protection strip and corner protection angles.A member of the nursing staff on the discharge unit commented: “Previously down the corridors in this ward we just had a protection rail but now it has been replaced with a system that offers a handrail as well and we have found it a great help to our clients who attend the unit.”Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust commented that they have worked with Yeoman Shield previously and have always found their products and workmanship to be of a high standard.For further details and options on the Yeoman Shield Guardian Twin handrail and the new Guardian 50mm dia. Handrail range go to www.yeomanshield.com/handrails or call 0113 279 5854.

Part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, Derby Cathedral School is a coeducational secondary school providing education to more than five hundred pupils between 11 and 19 years of age. It is sited within an urban area flanked to the East by the rail lines approaching the city’s station. Rockpanel was specified for exterior facades to elevations of the new three storey school building and adjacent double-height sports hall.

Working with Siemens on their project, Lionweld Kennedy provided the steel walkways for the Three Bridges Depot.The depot is purpose built for Siemens, marking a major milestone for the Thameslink Programme, which will transform journeys for passengers. Three Bridges Depot will play a significant part in housing and maintaining the new fleet for the Thameslink network.Spanning around the size of 13 football pitches, the new depot will support rail beams and allow for important maintenance work.

The building was constructed using ICF blocks that are to have a rendered finish. Internally the ground floor is a concrete slab and the upper floor has timber posi-joists with the Lewis Deck and resilient strips laid above. 16mm underfloor heating pipes are then clipped into our new clip rail system with a free flowing screed then poured on top, 50mm thick. This then gives 20mm cover to the heating pipes, maximising the efficiency of the whole system.

ATi Supplied anti-slip stair nosings for another AFA ‘Access for All’ footbridge at Liphook station in Hampshire. This is part of a Network Rail replacement project worth £5.3million, the bridge is set to provide better journeys for passengers and improve station access. The structure features a lift on each platform to provide the step-free access for disabled users. The footbridge with runs over two platforms, upgrading CCTV and lighting simultaneously.

The smart equipment in the rooms, for instance the lights, room temperature and entertainment options, can be controlled conveniently from the bed. Another aspect of the room comfort is also that there is e.g. a shower stool in the shower and a hinged support rail next to the toilet. The subtle design can be followed through down to the smallest detail thanks to the purist accessories of HEWI's Range 162. Each room is designed individually so that the furnishings are perfectly matched the guests' personal preferences.

An impressive version pedestrian guardrail using the machine topped ASF 5008 bollard as posts, and solid bar stainless steel vertical infill panels to create the guardrail. This system is made to order, and as such can be set up to host any combination of post and panel or hand railing. Contrasting polish finish can be used on the bollards to show the machined top as more of a feature. Posts can be reinforced to make them ram raid resistant.

A raised garden patio has been secured by a glass railing, supported by SPIG-LITEadvanced. The first few images of installations have been arriving and we love this one by Veon Glass Ltd. A raised patio must have it’s edges protected, but not everybody likes the look of wood or metal railing options. Glass provides a sleek and modern aspect to the garden. The SPIG-LITEadvanced raises the glass above the ground, allowing water to flow beneath, making it the ideal balustrade solution for poolside or wet areas. The product is lightweight and compact, enabling easy and quick installation. As with all Pure Vista products, the glass angle can be adjusted to ensure the glass is perfectly aligned. The best windbreak solution, when you have a view, is glass balustrade. As can be seen from the photos, the glass provides protection from the wind and allows a clear line of sight onto the lawn. A great solution for this family home and everybody can enjoy watching a game of football from the patio. To find out about what building regulations require of your glass balustrade project, refer to our building regulations web page.Installation and photos by Veon Glass Ltd.

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.

The Elephant and Castle project, will incorporate 1000 apartments, retail, restaurants and leisure facilities along with new cutting-edge campus for London College of Communication with exhibition and cultural spaces. Will also include two underground and a mainline rail station, 28 bus routes, excellent road connections and one of London´s first Cycle Superhighways will ensure the development is easily accessed. Effisus Vapour FR System Class A2 was chosen to protect the insulation and building interior.

Lionweld Kennedy provided 'North Pole Depot' with the supply and installation of 2nr maintenance access gantries with integral lifting beams, end stairs, demarcation fences and removeable polyester powder coated lift out handrails.Owned by Hitachi Rail, the North Pole Depot gives direct access to both West London and North London Lines.Utalising our range of safegrids and saferails, we created a accessible and safe platform, which complies with British and European standards.

Neaco supplied a bespoke specification combining a railed Juliet balcony design with its contemporary glass balustrade to meet the aesthetic requirements of The Pembroke, a prestigious development of luxury apartments in Sevenoaks, Kent. Designed by BHD Architects, the project formed part of an extensive redevelopment of a site at the junction with London Road and Pembroke Road, and included the construction of a new apartment complex comprising 22 properties with parking at basement level. The scheme was designed to fit into the established pattern of development of the surrounding area, in terms of scale and appearance.

The Challenge Oc’Via Construction, the partnership building the £2bn TGV Fast Rail line to Montpellier in France, entrusted the treatment of its wastewater to BioKlar Ltd, part of the Marsh Industries Group, commencing in January 2013 with the supply, installation and maintenance of a 340pe wastewater treatment plant at the Central Administrative Centre near Nîmes. The variable nature of the load, combined with stringent French and local Authority requirements in this environmentally sensitive area, were a particular challenge. See the link to our website for more details

Gent Sint-Pieters railway stationCHALLENGE Gent Sint-Pieters, the main railway station in Ghent, is undergoing a spectacular metamorphosis today. The listed main building, constructed for the 1913 World Exhibition, has to remain untouched. Behind the old building however the platforms, waiting rooms and the central passengers corridor are being entirely refurbished. Architect Voncke’s objective was to create a pleasant atmospheric site with a 35,000 sqm open and attractive central hall, broadened and completely covered platforms and renovated rails. Functional, well-designed and above all spacious! As the 12 rail tracks had to stay on ground level, the passengers alley was excavated to a lower level under the railroad tracks. This necessitated permitting considerable daylight to enter the underlying levels.SOLUTION Transparent canopies, featuring large glass sections and translucent floors were all designed with this purpose in mind. To gain even more light the architect chose RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT for waterproofing the platform canopies. The six long rectangular platform blocks, differing in height, are interconnected and make one large roof. The white highly reflective RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT membrane on top of the construction reflects the daylight through the high side windows. A clever way to add extra day-light to the underlying areas. 

Berry Systems helped our client Wates become car park compliant by designing, manufacturing and installing our vehicle restraint systems. A combination of our RB1, Barrier Rail profile and a Bespoke Rectangular Hollow Section system was utilised to fulfil the client’s requirements and exceed their expectations.Redrock is a new leisure facility located in the centre of Stockport which has a 360 space multi-storey car park.Popular restaurants and a cinema now feature in the location to help provide localswith a safe, secure and modern leisure facility where they can relax. Berry Systems were keen to get involved in such a project and help contribute to the development ongoing in the area. Using our expertise of the car parking industry, we designed, manufactured and installed a system that met their requirements exactly.The RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) System we specified on the project was made bespoke and suited more to their aesthetic needs. We combined the vehicle restraint systems with handrail and mesh to provide additional pedestrian protection. Cladding rails were also created and supplied to support the exterior cladding that was specified on the project. Throughout this project, our client took advantage of our consultancy services to work together to create a solution that was compliant, safe, stylish and  satisfied both parties.

Winslow’s brand new railway station has received a huge cycling boost after Falco manufactured and installed a series of 68 cycle parking spaces with associated cycle canopies this month.The new station is located on the western outskirts of the town, at the junction of Buckingham Road and is being built for Winslow as part of the East West Rail project, which is to re-establish the route between Oxford and Cambridge.As part of the new development, Falco installed a series of 68 spaces of the UK’s best-selling two-tier cycle rack, combined with 15m of the open and spacious FalcoRail cycle canopy, providing cycle-rail users with everything they might need as part of their daily commute.Two key products of the scheme are the tried and tested FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle parking system and the EN 1090 FalcoRail cycle canopy, which have been used throughout the railway network to give cyclists using the railway the same experience across the region’s stations. When combined together, the Falco facilities create the ultimate cycle park - providing cyclists with high levels of cycle security in a spacious contemporary canopy design.The FalcoLevel Premium+ two tier cycle racks incorporate an integral gas strut to enable easier lifting of heavier bikes as well as additional locking points so that cyclists have multiple security points for their bikes.Once up and running, Winslow Station will become a stop on the new East West Rail line between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge.In addition, Winslow is only one of hundreds of key UK-wide stations to receive Falco cycle parking in recent months, with major installations also including flagship cycle parking infrastructure for Manchester Piccadilly Station, a bespoke cycle hub for Kenley Station, cycle shelters for Uttoxeter, Boston and Long Eaton Stations and a flagship cycle hub at Walkden Station.For more information about the cycle parking installation at Winslow Station, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Established in 1787, Lord’s is the most famous cricket ground in the world, and well known for its glamour and historic charm. With sustainability high on the agenda for developments, it made sense to choose a fencing company when the need arose, which shared the same ethos and supplied products to satisfy green requirements. Jacksons' Venetian Hit and Miss fence panels were installed with gravel boards, capping rail, and slotted posts, to provide privacy across the windows of the Thomas Lord Suite, replacing the existing timber fencing that had fallen into disrepair.

Neaco have supplied a wide-ranging balcony balustrade and internal balustrade specification at a development of luxury waterside apartments in Guisborough, North Yorkshire. The company’s glass panelled Juliet balconies and bespoke walk-on balcony designs are featured alongside balustrade installed to an interior mezzanine and a communal roof terrace. Handrails and balustrade have been precision-manufactured in aluminium featuring a powder coated finish in one of Neaco’s standard metallic colours. The rails and stanchions combine superbly with tinted toughened glass infills for a stylish modern aesthetic.

Another development of luxury apartments – this time on the scenic coast of Yorkshire – has specified Neaco’s range of glass balcony designs, balustrade and metal grating. The complex of 32 properties includes balustrade installed to a terrace to the front of the building, our standard Juliet glass balcony designs throughout and a number of our bespoke walk-on glass balcony designs with our aluminium grating systems used as flooring. The balconies and balustrade include aluminium stanchions and rails specified in a black powder coated finish which complements the tinted glass panels.

Installer – Thirdway ConstructionMain Contractor – Thirdway ConstructionArchitect – Thirdway ArchitectsClient – V7 Asset ManagementSystem – Vantage®️ EMSA site assembled expanded mesh systemAddress – The Forge, 43 Church Street West, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6HTThe system utilises Nvelope’s NVF2F bracket and rail systemThe Vantage®️ EMSA system has been tested in March 2019 at the VINCI Technology Centre UK.This project is being called the work place of the future and were very proud to be associated with it

Bexley College is just over 100 years old. It moved to its last site in Belvedere in the mid-1960s and has recently moved again to a new £20m campus in Erith. ‘The overall look of the new college was extremely important from the offset, Martin Peat, Vice Principal of Finance and Resources explains.' Martin chose Bushboard’s Profiles toilet cubicle range, a robust and hardwearing system which features individual head rails for style and durability.Read the whole case study on our website.

This project was part of an investment to re-enliven the shared space of this popular seaside location, as part of the social and economic regeneration scheme. Artform supplied the Stop Bollard from the Metro40 Collection, designed by BMW Group Design Work, for use outside of Eastbourne Train Station. The bollards were required as a physical demarcation between the pedestrian zone and the drop off point, which is designed to be at the same level, without a kerbside. The products installed will serve as highly visible barriers with the addition of reflective banding that meet Network Rail’s safety standards.

Accoya was selected as the ideal material for this breathtaking home in West Vancouver. Accoya was used for the railing, siding, fencing and soffits throughout the property. In addition, an Accoya handrail was specifically custom designed by Upper Canada Forest Products. Unlike anything surrounding it, this home’s irregular shape and atypical residential building materials are more akin to modern-day South American projects that stem from their surroundings to showcase concrete’s versatility. This is why the Accoya was left in its rough state, to accentuate the minimalist and harmonious aesthetics of its natural environment.

To repair the deteriorating riverbed was a specialist one which made both local and national news.Situated in Carlisle, Cumbria, the River Eden railway viaduct recently required an urgent repair solution to the deteriorating riverbed condition, where trains were having to operate at reduced speeds of 20mph over the Victorian and 1940s-built structures.Detailed laser surveys carried out by Network Rail showed fast flowing water on the River Eden had caused parts of the riverbed to wash away, posing a risk to the viaduct foundations.

A luxury spa in Berkshire was looking to convert their terrace into an appealing dining area. The management needed a beautiful solution with minimum disruption, as the outdoor dining area was able to stay open to the public during construction. Duro Excellence EasyClick System was installed in colours denim and moor oak. The aluminium rail system was the perfect frame for the outdoor area’s low threshold. The boards simply clip down into place, ensuring swift, trouble-free installation. It was essential that the boards were not screwed through the surface, as customers were walking barefoot.