"safes and strongrooms"

Working with Kier Construction, BOYCO successfully transformed this secondary school's changing room spaces.Project ScopeNorth Chadderton School in Oldham, is renowned for providing a supportive, and creative learning environment. The school was challenged with needing to create additional space for students, sparking a new construction project.Team BOYCO proudly worked with Kier Construction, to help transform the newly developed learning spaces at the secondary school. Part of the Oak Trust, BOYCO supported the school’s expansion project with the design, manufacture and install of a range of changing and cloakroom furniture.The BOYCO WayBespoke DesignTeam BOYCO’s in-house design and project management teams worked closely with the Architects drawings, designers at Kier Construction, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the task at hand. We collaborated closely to create designs that showcased a range of BOYCO’s market-leading changing and cloakroom furniture that seamlessly integrated with the school's aesthetic.Our Peg Rails, Island Bench Units, and Wall Fixed Bench units were carefully chosen to maximise space, whilst meeting the practical needs of both students and staff.Quality ManufacturingFrom our factory in Greater Manchester, we ensured that every piece of furniture was crafted with precision using high-quality materials. The durability of the furniture was a key consideration to withstand the daily demands of a bustling school environment.A bespoke requirement from North Chadderton, was that Oak timber was used. This was a symbolic request from the Secondary School, as they wanted showcase being part of the Oak Trust.BOYCO also acknowledged that the cloakroom furniture would be a frequently used, with placement in a high touch point communal area.Therefore, as per all BOYCO timber, the Oak is coated with anti-microbial lacquer which is formulated to stop bacteria from surviving on the surface – preventing the spread of 99% of known bacteria. This is a suitable fit as it supports a clean and safe learning environment.All metalwork to the Benches, Units, and Peg Rails are coated with our unique ‘Hot Dip’ nylon. This also provides anti-microbial protection and is 500x more abrasion resistant than the next powder coating, a great match for the school’s changing room.Expert FittingBOYCO provided a full fit out service to complete this project. Our expert team of fitters worked to exceed expectations and meet tight timescales, completing the full fit out of all spaces during the schools Christmas Holidays. This ensured that the new learning spaces were ready for when students returned in the New Year.Project Success99% satisfaction score from Chris Gregory, Project Manager at Kier Construction.

The National Physical Laboratory, the UK’s National Metrology Institute, was due a washroom upgrade and Dart Valley Systems provided products for the project. Developing and maintaining national primary measurement standards, the NPL has been responsible for building reliable and successful measurement foundations that help evolve antibiotics to tackle resistance, more effective cancer treatments, superfast 5G and unhackable quantum communications. The range of products provided are as follows: ·       40 x AT03-011 Aquarius DM A45 tap spout only in s/steel with pex hoses ·       40 x WC02-013 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 1 ½“·       40 x WC03-013 Low voltage WC flush valve with programmable sensor (1 ½“ base c/w mains PSU)·       17 x WC02-001 Concealed plastic cistern – cistern only – 1 ½“ ·       17 x UC00-002 Auto-Syphon for cisterns – 8 ¼“ x 1 ½“ BSP ·       12 x AT00-007 Two station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR·       3 x AT00-003 Two station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR ·       1 x AT00-002 Single station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR ·       1 x AT00-004 Three station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR·       2 x AT00-006 Single station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR  ·       2 x AT00-008 Three station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR·       7 X UC01-024 Flushmatic downlighter kit for suspended ceilings in White - Mains ·       24 x AC17-047 Thermostatic mixing valve 4in1 15/22mm  Our DVS no-touch WC flushing system is an electronically operated drop valve that replaces the traditional syphon and delivers a measured volume of water to the lavatory bowl from the cistern. A simple wave of a hand past the fitted sensor will activate the electronic Flush valve. The system typically saves 30% on water costs, is vandal-proof, and is easy to install and maintain. For over a hundred years, the NPL has worked with its customers to convert scientific proficiency into economic success, proficient employment, and an enhanced quality of life. As an institute that has aided in saving lives and protecting our environment, National Physical Laboratory has played an enormous role in helping the British public feel safe and secure. 

Winner of Best Refurbishment Project at the RCI Magazine Facade Awards 2021The original design concept for this 22-storey office tower refurbishment, including 439 contemporary micro-apartments, was based upon a construction method that did not work from a programme perspective, this part of the development was to propose an alternative construction method to achieve the same/similar aesthetics whilst ensuring the project requirements were met. The client understood from the outset, due to the nature of this scheme, that they needed to liaise with the supply chain and design team to ensure they could produce a design that was viable to construct. At this stage, the VariAL-H aluminium rainscreen cladding system became a key consideration as it offered a lightweight, flexible, safe and aesthetically-pleasing solution.Once the project team adopted this approach involving tailored panel shapes and configurations, they engaged the supply chain in project meetings from the design development stage and decided to produce on-site mock-ups, not only to benchmark the façade for the client, but also to trial the design to ensure the process capabilities and confirm that the finished product worked and would meet the design criteria. With minimal design tolerance, this was an invaluable exercise that allowed them to resolve any issues and to adapt the design to accommodate the on-site installation of the façade system leading to several mock-ups being produced before they were satisfied with the results. Furthermore, it allowed the wider supply chain to have their input and ensure that they were happy prior to them commencing the full works.The Wembley Point project posed difficult questions pre-construction and pre-contract award. Could the project team come up with a system that met budget requirement and aesthetic expectations, but also achieve a challenging programme that allowed the contractor to work “top down” and achieve water tight status floor by floor whilst fitting out internally?To meet the quality, time constraints and budget we engaged with Build-Therm Services and our wider supply chain from the moment we were invited to tender. In developing a competitive, supply chain led solution, it gave us the confidence to produce a solution which had not previously been offered by the ERS/Architects.Early engagement allowed us to have critical technical input at design meetings and assist with early design concepts. Innovative design development was an important factor in achieving client satisfaction and specialattention to detail was needed to address the unique aspect of the existing building design, balancing this with the architect’s design intent for the refurbishment.

One of the largest and busiest ports in Europe required a major upgrade to its perimeter security fencing. Due to an increase of migrants trying to cross the borders illegally, there was a need to improve the fencing around the port to ensure people who did not have the correct paperwork or permissions to travel across the border were kept safe and out of harm’s reach whether it’s those attempting illegal breaches into the port site or those responsible for preventing them from doing so.The fencing was designed to prevent migrants from trying to stow away on trucks; usually, this would happen as the truck slows or comes to a stop, and the migrants would run and get inside the trucks to hitch a ride across the border.A migrant camp nearby, which it is reported housed more than 10,000 people, ensured a constant threat of illegal migrants trying to cross the border. Many displaced migrants congregate here in an attempt to cross the borders by illegal and dangerous means. People smugglers were a constant problem, many promising migrants jobs and security once they had crossed the border.The SolutionZaun HiSec 358 Fencing was installed along both sides of the main road into the port, which aimed to prevent the migrants from getting onto the vehicles as they slowed or came to a halt. This anti-climb mesh fencing system features 12.7mm x 76.2mm tight mesh apertures, which prevents people from getting a foothold and scale the fencing to get over and prevents objects from being passed through the fabric. It also provides resistance to cutting by conventional hand tools and is employed extensively in higher security applications supported with detection and surveillance technologies.In addition to the anti-climb mesh, Zaun’s Flexible Security Topping (FST) was also installed to the top of the fencing to ensure that anyone who did somehow manage to scale the fencing could not get a grip over the top of the fencing. FST is designed in such as way what it moves as people try to climb it. Installed with concertina wire, this provides the port with a fence that works as a visual deterrent and a practical one.High-security temporary fencing and barrier systems, including SecureGuard, were also installed around the port, which provides high security, a movable border that can not only be easily converted into a PAS68 HVM perimeter but is also movable if the perimeter needs reducing or expanding for any reason. This movable barrier system also featuring FST and concertina wire as a topping for an additional deterrent.

450 sash windows restored and double glazing installed by ventrolla at royal academyKEY FEATURES: COMMERCIAL, GRADE II LISTED, SASH WINDOWS, EDUCATION, RENOVATION, DOUBLE GLAZING, VENTROLLA PERIMETER SEALING SYSTEM, VICTORIAN.After the existing windows, dating back to 1862, were given their marching orders due to their poor condition, the timber renovation specialists were drafted in to upgrade the ageing sashes.As part of a £7.5 million refurbishment across two years, the Grade II listed building, used by the Army Medical Directorate, presented 450 sash windows in dire need of  complete renovation and upgrade due to many years of exposure to the elements.The majority of sashes were one and a half metres tall with larger ground floor windows reaching two and half metres.The deteriorated condition of both the sashes and frames meant the building was very draughty with many of the windows being rotten and inoperable.To remedy these problems the rotten timber was routed out of the original box frames, and replaced with Ventrolla’s patented epoxy resin VR90. Preserving the original sash windows was just as important as improving the energy efficiency of the building.Following this process, the unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was installed to combat draughts and reduce external noise. The sash cords were then replaced, pulleys serviced and sashes correctly balanced to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the windows. Andy Meachen, Project Manager of the Military Academy, said:“The service that Ventrolla provided was excellent and we were very pleased with the final result. We have really benefited from the renovation work as the building is noticeably warmer, there are no more draughts and the windows now open easily.”“We were very concerned about maintaining the aesthetics of the building and being sympathetic to its heritage, Ventrolla managed this beautifully.”“Due to their professionalism and craftsmanship, we have also asked them to start work on our Old College renovation project too.”The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst was founded in 1947 and offers military, practical and academic training.With over 30 years experience, Ventrolla offers a tailored range of period window solutions. Their unique service includes draught-proofing with the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) and fitting replacement double-glazed sashes that incorporate the patented Sash Removal System (SRS) for easy painting and future maintenance.They also offer complete new timber windows, secondary glazing solutions and a wide range of window hardware. Ventrolla has its head office in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and regional offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525Colour – S 7500-N with textureless anti-slip1300m²Installation dates - July 2021 (10 days) Museums and performing arts venues are subject to intensive use by millions of shuffling feet, day in day out as well as heavy loads from equipment and installations. Stratum were chosen to prepare and resurface 1300m2 of the existing floor to the iconic main space of the Roundhouse, in Camden, which had endured 15 years of heavy use. The building is a heritage site, originally built as a steam engine shed, therefore our flooring needed to meet the functional requirements for the users but also sensitively fit in with the history of the space and its aesthetics. The surface needed to be hardwearing allowing for large scale builds for various productions, involving plant use, installation of temporary structures, staging etc. We sanded back the entire floor, repaired the damage and installed Bolidtop 525 over the top with textureless anti-slip coating. Challenge-      Working within an extremely busy venue with a tight time scale and no room for error.-      Being a heritage site we would need to be mindful of the original structure of the building-      Large footprint spanning across the main space of the venue.-      No dust creation allowed due to sensitive electrical equipment. Solution-      We agreed a slot and timescale to carry out all of the works in 10 days. We programmed out the works for the customer and provided them with daily updates.-      We used the highest grade dust extraction equipment. We ensured that labour and materials were all available in a timely manner.Benefits/Installation-      The customer was able to select the same smooth, matt appearance they had before but with a different colour choice and the addition of our new tried and tested textureless anti-slip coating.Result-      After 15 years of heavy use this magnificent heritage site has a seamless, durable and safe floor reinstated to provide the functional qualities required for many years of intense footfall and wear the performing arts industry creates. The floor sympathetically compliments the building with a simple, matt finish. "We used Stratum to floor the corridors and they did a great job. We chose them for the main space after James’ thorough prep before we committed to the job. The onsite team were a pleasure and worked tirelessly to resurface the floor in the allocated time. We’re over the moon with the result. It’s never looked better”. Ruth Butler| Head of Technical and Production| The Roundhouse, Camden

Sash Window Renovation at Grade II Listed Chester Railway StationThe period windows of the historic Chester Railway Station have undergone significant refurbishment as part of a £10 million renovation effort to restore the Grade II listed railway station, part of the Chester Renaissance programme. The sash windows dating back to 1848 have been restored by leading period window specialist Ventrolla.Having deteriorated over time, several sashes needed a complete renovation to improve the facilities in the Arriva Training Room and Medical Room as they were experiencing troublesome draughts, leaks, rattles and operational issues.Due to the historical nature of the building it, was imperative that the new sash windows retained the heritage without compromising on quality.THE PROJECT WORKSThe unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was installed to combat draughts and reduce external noise.As part of the sash window repair, the sash cords were replaced, pulleys serviced and sashes correctly balanced to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the windows.The project was completed in two phases, both being done through the weekend so as to minimise commuter disruption.The original curved window located in the Training Room was given a complete overhaul, replacing the single-glazed panels with bespoke slim double-glazed units. On completion of this, the two large curved windows of the Medical Room were also fitted with double-glazed units using traditional methods of carpentry to retain the aesthetic features of the building.Gareth Ellis, Site Manager from MPH Construction, who oversaw the project, said:“The work that Ventrolla did was very impressive. The craftsmen were professional and efficient, completing the work promptly and delivering a superb finish.”“An unexpected benefit was the reduction in external noise, which due to the station’s high footfall can often lead to disruption and distraction for the staff when dealing with important matters.”DO YOU HAVE A SASH WINDOW PROJECT YOU NEED HELP WITH?Whether that’s your own home or a commercial project you’re tendering for, with almost 40 years’ experience, Ventrolla offers a tailored range of period window solutions including repair and renovation, new timber windows, double glazing, secondary glazing and a wide range of window hardware.Our head office is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with regional offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.You can contact our helpful team today on our website, by emailng info@ventrolla.co.uk or calling 0800 0277 454.

Eastbourne station is located in East Sussex. It was originally built in the 19th century and is classified as a Grade II listed building. Over the years, the station has undergone several renovations and upgrades.Back in October 2020 it was announced £5 million would be spent on restoring Eastbourne Railway Station to its ‘former glory’. Work done includes canopy refurbishment, slate roof replacement, masonry work to the front of the station, and new roofing above the atrium.Twinfix were approached to replace the glazing panels on the 32 lanterns on the station’s train shed with something hard wearing, sustainable and modern but without losing the period look. The change was needed because, according to the plans, the existing fixtures were ‘life expired and inefficient’.Twinfix supplied their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roof glazing system, glazed with 6mm solid obscure polycarbonate. The new glazing spanned 1243 square metres and was installed by Gable, on behalf of Main Contractor BAM Nuttall.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated. The system is also completely recycleable.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works. A slight redesign of the original roof allowed 96 access hatches to be installed, making maintenance easier. Installed it’s almost impossible to detect the modern materials that have been used to bring this historic structure back to life.During the renovation work, Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said, “The quality of work on site is being completed to a very high standard and we’re taking great care to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.”

Eastbourne station is located in East Sussex. It was originally built in the 19th century and is classified as a Grade II listed building. Over the years, the station has undergone several renovations and upgrades.Back in October 2020 it was announced £5 million would be spent on restoring Eastbourne Railway Station to its ‘former glory’. Work done includes canopy refurbishment, slate roof replacement, masonry work to the front of the station, and new roofing above the atrium.Twinfix were approached to replace the glazing panels on the 32 lanterns on the station’s train shed with something hard wearing, sustainable and modern but without losing the period look. The change was needed because, according to the plans, the existing fixtures were ‘life expired and inefficient’.Twinfix supplied their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roof glazing system, glazed with 6mm solid obscure polycarbonate. The new glazing spanned 1243 square metres and was installed by Gable, on behalf of Main Contractor BAM Nuttall.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated. The system is also completely recycleable.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works. A slight redesign of the original roof allowed 96 access hatches to be installed, making maintenance easier. Installed it’s almost impossible to detect the modern materials that have been used to bring this historic structure back to life.During the renovation work, Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said, “The quality of work on site is being completed to a very high standard and we’re taking great care to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.”

The indoor and outdoor spaces of the Vechiul Cazinou in Arad are dressed elegantly by the refined beauty of porcelain tiles for public spaces from Atlas Concorde. Learn more.Built as a promenade and event venue for the aristocracy of the time, the splendid Vechiul Cazinou in Arad represents the history of a building that to this day is a centre for social and cultural events. Following renovations that transformed the structure into a luxury event venue, the Vechiul Cazinou is for all intents and purposes a mix of ancient and modern where the exterior grandeur is matched by a refined interior beauty in sync with today's interior design trends. In this context, Atlas Concorde ceramic surfaces with their various looks were selected to decorate some of the interior and exterior spaces of the prestigious building, bringing a breath of modernity blended with timeless elegance. Floor tiles, wall tiles and furnishing accessories made with marble-effect porcelain create sensations of luxury, hospitality and enjoyment within the building. Featuring a combination of elegant Italian marble in neutral tones and bold colours, marble-effect tiles have created a universe of style with unlimited potential and a wide variety of uses. The beauty and aesthetic refinement of the indoor spaces is also extended to the outdoor spaces where stone-effect and concrete-effect  porcelain tiles adorn the outdoor ventilated facade, the parking area, and the evocative terrace. The exterior ventilated facade, made using stone-look porcelain tiles, replicates and reworks the authentic appeal of the most popular and sought-after limestones, recounting the stories of ancient times and places. The choice of porcelain tiles for the ventilated facade was an ideal solution in terms of appearance and performance because it is a material capable of aesthetically enhancing the structure, ensuring harmony with the external environment, and at the same time maintaining the high level of technical performance necessary for design purposes. Together with the stone-effect surfaces, concrete-effect porcelain tiles complete the decoration of the outdoors, giving them the warmth of a lived-in space, the authenticity of places that are born to a new life, and the understated elegance of industrial recovery. The result is a minimalist ambiance but one with a strong aesthetic personality capable of conveying a sense of feeling at home even in a public space. The mix of textures used on the floors and walls of the prestigious event venue in Arad once again confirm that Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles are the right choice for spaces intended for public use. In fact, porcelain surfaces are the ideal choice for high-traffic spaces because they combine technical functionality and beauty, ensuring a durable, safe material.

 Scope of Works After more than a dozen years of intensive use, the flooring of Newcastle Academy’s sports hall was showing its age. TVS addressed areas of localised damage and sanded the floor to create a better surface for bonding – all in preparation for a rapid flooring makeover. Next TVS installed a new, self-levelling and seamless polyurethane performance wear layer. It was finished with a new sports grade polyurethane topcoat in RAL 7000 ‘Squirrel Grey’ designed to give the sports hall a more updated look. Then, following discussions with the Academy, priority sports were identified and a customised line marking plan agreed for the compact sports hall. Finally, brand new, extra wide cover details were supplied and installed to ensure protection at all points of entry. The total installation took just 5 days and delivered an instant transformation. For those looking to update, replace or refurbish sports facilities after a decade or more of use, this project underlines the distinct advantages of selecting TVS polyurethane sports flooring, namely: • No necessity to fully remove the existing sports flooring, saving time and expense • No need to re-screed the subfloor or install new shock-absorbing layers Providing existing surfaces still perform to required standards, TVS can rejuvenate surfaces with a new hard-wearing polyurethane layer that transforms its appearance and provides significant time and cost savings. "This is our first time working with the team at TVS Group and its safe to say it certainly won’t be the last! From start to finish we have nothing but praise for the great level of communication, professional advice and guidance we received from the onset of this project. What we found to be particularly helpful was the number of questions and communications that took place to ensure we had the right installation for the Academy, that the specification met with Sport England criteria and, as importantly, that our students and community groups would have an exemplary sports facility available to them. Pre contract health and safety information was provided timely and without issue. The installation team worked fantastically and from a contract management perspective were excellent to work with. Post installation we were provided with the O&M manual. The installation itself is fabulous and our students and staff are amazed at the transformation of the sports facility in just a small number of days. We look forward to many years use of our fantastic new facility!" Vickie Keeling, Trust Director 

Third Space has opened its sixth and most luxurious health club in London with spacious training areas, state-of-the-art facilities, tranquil yoga studio, 20m adult pool, cycle amphitheatre and special facilities for youngsters.Free Weights AreaTVS Group’s heavy-duty, interlocking SPORTEC® Style Tiles, custom-produced black and grey-flecked finish perfectly completemented the gym’s colour scheme. Installing a layer of SPORTEC® Team Cup-X flooring beneath the tiles provided extra protection for the concrete subfloor and will further reduce noise and vibrations, while TVS proprietary rubber ramped edges created a neat transition with adjacent gym areas.Stetching AreaTo offer comfort and durability for the club’s large stretching area, TVS Group installed its SPORTEC® MotionFlex product, a fine-grained polyurethane puzzle-mat. It is ideal for fitness applications involving floor-based movements and wellness activities. The interconnecting tiles are simple to install and neatly shaped to suit most flooring schemes while their elegant dark grey colour set the calming mood for this part of the gym.Athletics-Based Track AreaTVS Sports Carpet was selected for the track as it offers excellent grip underfoot, especially relevant for speed, agility and quickness drills. The durability of the surface also allows athletes to push or drag a sled, helping to further develop their muscular strength and endurance. The track was supplied in a cool, oceanic navy blue and white colour scheme.Main Gym AreaThe expected high usage of the main gym area meant the flooring had to be sufficiently resilient. To achieve this and to ensure a perfectly level flooring finish across the gym, TVS Group first laid a dense rubber shock pad over the concrete substrate. It was overlaid with a covering from the highly wear resistant SPORTEC® Purcolor range. A light grey finish was chosen to reflect the sophisticated look and feel of the club.The StudioIn the studio, where high intensity training will take place, TVS Group opted for a highly elastic shock-absorbing underlay overlaid with a wear-resistant performance layer called SPORTEC® Color. The combination will protect the concrete substrate below while offering a comfortable and safe surface above for those involved in a diverse range of training activities.Other Fitness AreasIn other areas of the gym TVS Group supplied and installed a variety of high performing acoustic underlays, helping reduce noise and vibrations caused by treadmill running and other high impact activities in the studios.

Falco is pleased to announce another installation of the UK’s only automated cycle wheeling ramp, for 20 Ropemaker Street, located within the heart of the city. The new automatic cycle wheel ramps have been installed by Falco as part of a £240m state-of-the-art development bringing a new commercial building of more than 450,000ft² of Grade A, BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ office space and premium retail provision to a prominent corner site just north of Moorgate Station.The automated bike wheeling ramp known as the ‘VeloComfort®’ is a huge innovation and Falco is once again delighted to bring what is standard Dutch cycling technology to the UK market. These wheeling ramps provide cyclists with the next generation of accessibility and are designed to assist users with manoeuvring their bikes up and down stairs with virtually no effort.This is particularly important where a bike is either heavy or perhaps has a basket or panniers and makes carrying a bike up stairs or even using a traditional wheeling ramp difficult. The VeloComfort® range comes in two patented innovative designs, one for manoeuvring bicycles up the stairs - VeloComfortUp®, and one for down - VeloComfortDown®!Falco supplied and installed 22m of both VeloComfortUp® and VeloComfortDown® designed to meet the client’s exact stair dimensions.The VeloComfortUp® is essentially a mini ‘travellator’ or conveyor belt which starts once the integrated sensors detect a bike and automatically stops if the conveyor is completely free of bicycles. The high quality conveyor (kevlar-based) belt runs in a durable, low-maintenance aluminium double-sided channel and is powered by an electric motor. The entrance and exit of the conveyor are aesthetically, functionally and safely integrated into the system, with the electric motor positioned on the side of the conveyor belt.The VeloComfortDown® is a simple and effective non-electric cycle / bike wheeling ramp designed with a gutter brush to reduce the speed of the bike. The gutter brush is made from a high quality, durable and low-maintenance aluminium double-sided channel, which is equipped with brush strip on both sides. The friction of the gutter brush ensures that the bike slows down, allowing the user to determine his/her own pace during the descent.Falco provide complete supply and installation of the VeloComfort® cycle wheeling ramps as well as free rendering graphics to help the client to visualise the scheme, free UK-wide site surveys and free CAD design and schematics.A video demonstrating the VeloComfort® Bike Wheeling Ramp can be viewed by clicking here.For more information about the innovative VeloComfort® Bike Wheeling Ramp, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

The London Borough of Southwark is the latest local authority to receive a network of the UK’s most user-friendly bike hangar design - the FalcoPod. Falco manufactured, supplied and installed a total of 72 units with manual key access, four units with smart mobile app access and three cycle hubs with smart mobile app access across the borough.Falco is delighted to be working with the Greater London Council to roll-out their next phase of residential bike hangars. The FalcoPods were installed this Autumn and residents from the borough are now enjoying access to the latest on-street bike hangars.The images attached show the manual and smart bike hangar installations, supplied in a vibrant leaf green RAL colour, installed across Southwark at locations including Reynolds Road, Scylla Road, Shawbury Road, Fenham Road and Grove Hill Road.In addition to the bike hangars, three hardwood clad cycle hubs complete with FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks and smart mobile access were installed to accommodate a total of 60 bikes, located at Bridges House, Hood House and Elmington Road.Each mobile app bike hangar and mobile app cycle hub provides Southwark residents with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user registers for a place through the Falco Rentals website, downloads the app, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within minutes. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with both app and key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of the London Borough of Southwark Council Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Brighton residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for the London Borough of Southwark shown here, Falco also provides a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s including the London Borough Westminster, London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton and Brighton & Hove City Council.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

This month, Falco began a new roll-out of the UK’s leading smart bike hangar design with integrated mobile app access for Brighton & Hove City Council, adding a further 40 hangars across the city.The first 100 FalcoPod bike hangars have already been installed, providing 600 cyclists across the city with a secure dedicated cycle parking space, directly accessible from their own smartphone.The new roll-out of 40 hangars will increase capacity by a further 200 cyclists, providing a city wide network of 800 secure cycle parking spaces. Each futuristic bike hangar - the first of its kind in the UK, provides Brighton residents with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user simply downloads the app, registers for a space, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within seconds. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.The images attached show the new smart residential bike hangar installations, supplied with bespoke Brighton & Hove City Council branding graphics, installed across Brighton at locations including Balfour Road, Ewhurst Road, Ewhurst Road, Palmeria Square and Waterloo Street.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with both app and key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of the Brighton & Hove City Council Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Brighton residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for Brighton & Hove City Council shown here, Falco also provide a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s across the UK including; London Borough Southwark, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Sheffield City Council.The smart FalcoPod bike hangar as shown here in Brighton, is a simple and effective cycle parking facility designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. Operating like a giant bread bin, each hangar is a secure and lockable unit capable of accommodating up to six bikes each.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

Long-standing UltraFloor customer, Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd have used UltraFloor’s expert subfloor preparation materials at a brand new medical centre in North London.BackgroundA new medical centre has recently been built to service the residents of North London. Before the centre could be opened to patients, the floors needed to be primed and levelled in preparation for the flooring installation.The ChallengeWith vulnerable patients using the facilities daily, it was imperative that the new medical centre was a safe, calming and hygienic environment for both visitors and staff. A variety of Polyflor vinyl and skirting were due to be installed across the centre and therefore subfloor preparation materials needed to be suitable to install each of them, without delay.The SolutionFollowing a bespoke specification written by UltraFloor’s technical team, Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd used UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer and Level IT Two to install a range of Polyflor vinyl’s across the 800sqm medical centre.Formulated to promote adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.After the screed had been primed and fully dried, Level IT Two was applied across the new building.There are many reasons why Level IT Two has become UltraFloor’s most popular floor leveller. Its exceptional flow characteristics make it a very easy material to apply to a variety of subfloors in both commercial and domestic flooring projects. Its low odour formulation means this fantastic all-rounder leveller is equally suited to confined areas, proving particularly popular in the education, health and hospitality sectors.With a set time of 2.5 hours, Level IT Two can receive bonded floor coverings after just 8 hours, making it an ideal choice for projects with a tight deadline. What’s more, because Level IT Two is available as a two component system, it takes the guesswork out of mixing, reducing site errors and guaranteeing a perfect application every time.After just a few hours, the various floor coverings were then installed across the medical centre.ResultsThe team at Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd began their work at Green Lane Medical Centre in the early part of 2022 and completed the 800sqm project by May 2022. On working with UltraFloor, Riley Goatham, Procurements and Project Co-ordinator at Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd commented: “The products were very good as usual with good technical back up from the UltraFloor team.”

A Manchester based passive fire protection specialist has utilised products from the range of FIREFLY – including the versatile Phoenix Smoke & Flame barriers – to achieve the compartmentation of concealed spaces within the new Macclesfield manufacturing facility of a world-leading pharmaceutical giant.Firetech UK Ltd. is a key sub-contractor to DES for the construction of the extensive new laboratories and production plant for AstraZeneca, part of the FTSE 100 company’s continuing investment at its East Cheshire site for the distribution of drugs to markets around the world. Firetech was established more than 25 years ago and makes extensive use of FIREFLY  flexible fire barriers for its work on both commercial and domestic contracts. In the case of the Macclesfield project, Firetech purchased the FIREFLY  products via national distributor, Encon.  The Contracts Manager for Firetech UK on the Macclesfield Project, Josh Dodds comments: “We work nationwide though predominantly in the North-West of the country and have been using FIREFLY  products for the past five years, including here on this very large new plant.  Early on in the contract we installed a large quantity of Titan Lite™ 120:60 fire barriers in the ‘Amenities Area’ of the building and then when we were tasked with installing a series of smoke and flame barriers in the ceiling voids over the laboratories, we proposed the Phoenix product as being the most cost-effective solution. The work consumed approximately 540 square metres of the Phoenix to create a series of vertical barriers valued at some £50K.  Although we were able to employ standard details for the installation of the Phoenix barriers  and the Collaroll which wraps some of the beams and other features, FIREFLY has been involved from the earliest stages, providing general guidance and carrying out inspections.  The project has gone very well.”FIREFLY Phoenix is a lightweight smoke and flame barrier which facilitates compartmentation within buildings to provide up to 120 minutes’ integrity under BS476 Parts 20 & 22.  Certified by IFCC, the flexible and straightforward to install material is suitable for both new-build and retrofit situations.  Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios. The flexible barriers are easy to install horizontally or vertically using a full selection of ancillary products.  Used mainly in the construction industry across the UK and Europe, FIREFLY fire barriers help to contain fire, giving building occupants extra time to evacuate and the fire service to enter safely.Images shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

The ProjectCapital Content is a media content production team based in Cobham. The company provides videos, photography, audio, and various other marketing and branding media for a range of businesses and individuals.Capital Content approached G Harding Flooring, a flooring contractor, to “bring their office to life” with design featured flooring. The company records podcasts, film shoots and other advertising material for clients at their workplace, so the designs needed to match their own vision of how they wanted to be perceived.Glenn from G Harding Flooring carried out a site inspection with the owner of Capital Content, and discussed how to best incorporate their business logos and assets into the flooring layout. This would involve sourcing stair nosings and carpet tiles which would match the colours of the company’s branding.The ApproachGlenn contacted Quantum Flooring to talk about which stair nosings would be suitable for the job. Q-Range DUO Stair Nosings have tread inserts on both the tread and the riser of the profile. This enables the profiles to have either one colour on both or, as with this project, a different colour on the tread and riser for design purposes.Q-Range DUO allowed G Harding Flooring to pick colours for the tread and riser to match Capital Content’s branding and logo. As Glenn says: “We wanted to create a visual ‘wow’ factor to the entrance of the office where visiting clients would be first greeted on arrival – the staircase. Samples of additional colours to match Capital Content’s own branding was a big plus.“By using Quantum’s extensive colour bank, not only were we able to find a perfect match, we found 2! The colours, a bold pink for the tread, and a vibrant blue for the riser, gave the stairwell an abundance of colour that would change as you walked up it.”The OutcomeG Harding Flooring installed the Q-Range DUO profiles using Q-Fix Stair Nosing Adhesive. This has ensured a solid, firm and secure fixing which can withstand the traffic anticipated for the workplace. The stair nosings achieve the aim of an eye-catching entrance to the office, while making the stairs safe and easy to navigate.The branded theme is continued throughout the office, where G Harding Flooring installed hand cut logos and patterns utilising carpet tiles. The results are outstanding, with the offices being an excellent example of G Harding’s flooring design skills, and showcasing Capital Content’s brand and logo.As Glenn from G Harding Flooring says: “The client wanted to show the importance of branding, attention to detail and how to stand out from the crowd as this is a key service they provide to their clients. Where best to start and show off their visions? In their very own workspace.”

County Sligo has been blessed with a brand-new luxury hotel, the internationally renowned Radisson SAS Hotel, where the comfort of guests and staff is of paramount importance. Every precaution has also been taken to ensure the safety of residents including the installation of high quality, clear view fire-resistant glass products, Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur®, which have been fitted extensively throughout the entire hotel.Pilkington Pyrodur® is a laminated glass with a special interlayer, developed for the optimum combination of minimum thickness, integrity fire resistance and impact performance. In a fire, the glass forms an opaque barrier to exclude flames and hot gases as well as blocking the sight of the fire, hence reducing panic. In addition to its integrity performance Pilkington Pyrodur® reduces the transfer of radiant heat significantly.Jackie Corcorran of main contractor, J J Rhatigan & Co. Galway was closely involved in the specification of the specialised glass alongside White Bros. Joinery Sligo & Jim Walsh of Greaney Glass Galway. 160 m2 of 10 mm Pilkington Pyrodur® with a 30-minute integrity rating was installed within the corridors of the building. In other areas where there is a slightly greater risk of fire, such as the kitchen area, internal doors and function room screens, were fitted with 21 mm Pilkington Pyrostop®, which provides 60 minutes fire integrity and insulation.Specialist glass & glazing contractors, Greaney Glass, were responsible for installing the fire-resistant glass and Ivan Greaney, Managing Director, comments: “For such a prestigious project it was imperative we used a fire-resistant glass we could trust. There could be hundreds of people within the hotel at any one time so we needed to use materials that would provide maximum protection under the most extreme circumstances. As Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur® are backed by a full suite of impact and fire performance tests, we had no doubts that this was the ideal glass for this project.”Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur® provide excellent levels of protection and have been tested and assessed to BS and EN standards. Not only do they offer excellent fire-resistance they also fully comply with impact safety tests and permit safe breakage in the manner of a laminated glass. In addition, they provide acoustic improvement over standard fire-resistant glass, an important consideration in the hotel that offers a peaceful and relaxing retreat for guests.

Procheck A2, the high-performance fire-resistant vapour control layer system from the A. Proctor Group has been selected as part of a £6bn regeneration project that will create over 10,000 homes in Enfield, London, over the next 20 years.Leading regeneration specialist Vistry Partnerships has been appointed for the first phase of the Meridian Water scheme working in partnership with Enfield Council. Meridian One will see the development of 1,000 new homes with a mixed tenure of private sale, private rent (PRS) and 50% affordable housing spanning 13 blocks ranging in height from four to twelve storeys. In addition, the scheme incorporates 2,235m2 of employment space and over 2 hectares of green, parkland and open space.Sam Bennett, Commercial Director at SCL LONDON, a Structural Framing Systems and Drylining specialist, commented.“Procheck A2 was selected because it has a Class A2 performance and excellent vapour-controlling properties. In addition, the membrane comes with a high vapour resistance and is airtight, allowing its use as an AVCL.This means that Procheck A2 provides high levels of airtightness which ensures the thermal efficiency of the building.”“Procheck A2 has an A2-s1,d0 fire classification to BS EN 13501-1, is considered limited combustibility and minimal contribution to fire, and therefore, conforms with the requirements for high rise construction (18m).” The superior performance of Procheck A2 from the A. Proctor Group is the perfect solution, delivering significant benefits to the combination of in-factory manufacture and on- site housing construction.Procheck A2 comprises a unique design consisting of a glass fibre backing with a pure aluminium foil and clear lacquer coating. It is this clear surface which provides Procheck A2 with the added benefit of a low emissivity surface, which, when used with a service cavity, can enhance the overall thermal performance of the building fabric, as well as ensure a high fire protection performance, with an A2-s1,d0 fire classification. Procheck A2 is designed to protect the building fabric from the potential risks of condensation whilst providing the added benefit of serving as an effective airtight barrier.Sam Bennett added,“the technical team at the A. Proctor Group supported us throughout and provided comprehensive installation guides giving vital information for both operatives and clients and helping with sign-off at specific hold points throughout the project.” Based on years of investigation, research and development, the A. Proctor Group can offer a superior range of technically advanced membranes to address the safe design of fire solutions in building construction.The installation of Procheck A2 will ensure a high level of protection throughout the building’s lifespan.

Premier Security & Fire Consultants has joined forces with leading forensic security company DNA-Detect to create a market-first, integrated high-security door system armed with a Forensic DNA traceable, marking fluid.Our design team has worked with DNA-Detect to incorporate an automatic spraying system into our LPS1175 SR2 (B3), SR3 (C5) and SR4 (D10) and our upcoming SR5 (E10) security door designs tested and passed by the BRE (Building Research Establishment), the UK’s No.1 testing house.If attacked, the DNA based security system will automatically dispense a covert spray concealed within the door frame. The perpetrator will be forensically marked linking them to a crime scene providing irrefutable evidence to prosecuting authorities.Each DNA-Detect Forensic Perpetrator Marking system contains a unique, registered Bio-synthetic DNA Code. The UV Marker in DNA-Detect’s products is Orange, to avoid any confusion with other products which may offer different colour UV MarkersOnce in the police custody suite, the police will check a suspect for the UV marker and will then proceed through the police process to take swabs from the marked area for submission to DNA-Detect’s forensic Labs for DNA extraction using a process known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)If the sequenced code recovered from the perpetrator’s skin and clothing matches the code from the registered door device, which can be securely verified at the ISR (International Security Register) then this will provide prosecutors with irrefutable evidence pinpointing the perpetrator to the crime scene.Premier Security & Fire Managing Director Neil Johns welcomed the collaboration with DNA-Detect. “Breaking new ground with unique designs and ideas is very much in Premier’s own DNA. The combination of Premier’s certificated door systems and the DNA-Detect trace system certainly brings an exciting, new element to the security market.”Those words were echoed by Chris Taylor – Chief Technical Officer at DNADetect. He said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Premier in this important industry-first initiative. Integrating Forensic DNA Spray Technology within Premier high-grade security doors will provide the ultimate deterrent to violent attacks within both private and business premises. This will ensure our client’s safety, protection and business continuity.”Premier Security & Fire Consultants is the UK’s leading supplier of Secured by Design LPS1175 door systems with more than 2000 designs and options including SR2; SR3; SR4, fire-resistant and thermally brokenTechnical Overview:An integrated compact modular DNA based Forensic Security System can be completely concealed within, for example, a door frame or above any entry point.The unique DNA and UV mark will forensically link an offender to a crime scene providing irrefutable evidence to prosecuting authoritiesWhen installed above or within an entry point or a door, the system will activate when the door is attacked. The perpetrator will be Forensically marked with a DNA based Forensic Marker and Orange UV fluorophore, dispensed as a covert spray from within the door frame or over the entry point.The unique DNA code within each door frame installation is backed up and registered on an LPS1224a secure database managed by the International Security Register (ISR)The Forensic DNA component within DNADetect’s system is widely tested and proven in court as a highly effective deterrent to criminal activity.​Unique DNA markers provide irrefutable evidence linking an offender to a crime sceneEach DNADetect Forensic Perpetrator Marking system contains a unique Bio-synthetic DNA Code which is registered to the trained security professional.When called to the scene of an incident where a DNADetect product or system has been activated, the police may use their standard-issue 365nM UV torch to look for a UV Marker on the perpetrator.The UV Marker in DNADetect’s products is Orange, to avoid any confusion with other products which may offer different colour UV MarkersOnce in the police custody suite, the police will then check the perpetrator again for the UV marker and will then proceed through the police process to take swabs from the marked area for submission to DNADetect’s forensic Labs for DNA extraction using a process known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)If the sequenced code recovered from the perpetrator’s skin and clothing matches the code from the registered canister (which can be securely verified at the ISR (International Security Register) then this will provide the Police and Prosecuting Authorities (CPS) with irrefutable proof that the perpetrator was at the crime sceneKey Features of DNA Detect’s DNA Forensic Marking Systems:Forensically Robust – DNA Markers have been proven in court to irrefutably link the suspect offender to the offenceIntrinsically Safe – All materials used within DNADetect Jet are safe having undergone extensive Toxicology testingEnd to End Secure – Every DNADetect Jet Device is registered to a trained security professional on an LPS 1224 Secure Database.Accredited Training Programme – DNADetect can only be used by Security Personnel that have undergone an accredited training programme delivered through DNADetect’s ‘Trusted Trainer’ network. This negates misuse ensuring that if and when deployed, the authorities can have confidence that the DNADetect was deployed as a last resort and inline with legal guidelines (within Common Law and Criminal Law – both of which are covered in the training programme)For further information about DNADetect, please contact:Chris Taylor – 07824099907Clive Lloyd – 07730370381Website: dna-detect.com