"smoke and heat control systems"

THE PROJECTParadise Student Village is in a prime location being only a short walk from Coventry City Centre and the main University campus. This impressive site contains over a thousand rooms, and this is likely to grow.The company behind this development is AXO, a student accommodation provider, who is committed to going that extra mile for their residents. The living experience of the student community is their top priority, with a range of future-proofed attractive facilities.One of the new services on offer at Paradise Student Village is the intelligent parcel management system myRENZbox delivered by The Safety Letterbox Company, part of the RENZ Group.Available to all couriers, this system allows students to manage their parcel deliveries and returns with utmost security and discretion via mobile app or online portal. It can also be used as a safe storage location or to securely exchange personal items between residents or for collection of packages by local services, such as dry-cleaning companies.Not only does myRENZbox save time for users, but having this system as a secure central delivery location also increases the number of successful first-time deliveries at Paradise Student Village. This intelligent parcel box solution has a positive impact on the environment, as there are fewer journeys made by delivery personnel.For AXO, the headache of intercepting and organising parcel deliveries has been solved by myRENZbox. Deliveries are made directly into the system, so the front of house staff can concentrate on offering the best living experience to the students. The responsibility for lost or damaged parcels becomes a thing of the past!For students, myRENZbox streamlines the process. There is no waiting time to pick-up their parcels. They are in control of their deliveries via the mobile app. As soon as they receive a notification of delivery into the system, they can collect their items.The myRENZbox configuration installed expertly at Paradise Student Village comprises of a control module, two 533mm extension modules and seven 300mm extension modules. It has been designed to fit snuggly in the alcove space available. The system has been powder coated in Traffic White (RAL9016), which is one of many standard colours. The overall appearance is clean and bright and allows the myRENZbox logo to stand out.

Reflex Multisport was supplied and installed at the prestigious Eton College.758m2 Multisport Ash floor with underfloor heating.

The urgent need for a replacement rear goods entrance at a high-turnover commercial fast-food restaurant brought our proposed comprehensive solution to address both security and functionality concerns.Recognising the critical role of a secure entrance in the restaurant’s operations, we recommended the installation of a commercial-grade steel door and frame. This robust system not only provided enhanced security but also ensured ease of use for restaurant staff, crucial for maintaining smooth workflow amid the bustling environment. Anticipating the challenges posed by the high usage typical in such establishments, we tailored the solution to withstand heavy use and abuse, including the impact of large food delivery cages. To bolster the door’s durability, we integrated a custom heavy duty pyramid bumper bar system, extending its lifespan and longevity against daily wear and tear.Moreover, to enhance security measures and streamline access control, we incorporated a digital keypad externally. This feature allowed the door to be kept closed and locked securely while granting staff convenient access from outside. Not only did this improve security protocols, but it also contributed to rodent control efforts by minimising entry points. Additionally, to impress trade visitors and further elevate the entrance experience, we introduced a modern digital video door entry system. This innovative technology provided a seamless connection between the entrance and kitchen staff, enabling real-time visual identification of visitors and ensuring efficient management of incoming deliveries and guests. By seamlessly integrating security, functionality, and modern technology, we successfully revitalised the rear goods entrance, ensuring it could meet the demands of the fast-paced restaurant environment while enhancing overall operational efficiency and security measures.

A secure and flexible solution with DORVISIONAs part of a programme of reducing maintenance costs whilst improving security across its stadium and ancillary club buildings, Blackburn Rovers FC has launched a new “open and closed doors” policy. As part of the policy, the football club has installed DORVISION, an innovative GPRS based door controls system developed by dormakaba, global leader in the development of door technology products and systems. Enabling the remote opening and closing of multiple doors from one central location, the system has enabled the Football Club to significantly achieve its goals of reduced costs and increased security.dormakaba’s contribution to the projectAn extensive review of the way the club manned the many entrances associated with its estate and the costs involved with using staff to maintain security, highlighted the rising costs associated with manually unlocking and locking its doors plus emergency and regular maintenance visits. Requiring a solution that would cut man hours associated with manually opening and closing doors as well as reduced service costs, and having been satisfied with the dormakaba automatic door controls used throughout the stadium, Blackburn Rovers Football Club turned to the company’s innovative DORVISION solution.DORVISION was installed onto the existing twelve sets of doors which included dormakaba’S automatic sliding door operators ES200 and ES90 and the electro-hydraulic swing door operator ED200. These were located at various parts of the stadium including entrances for fans and players, a reception area and a retail shop. The club had the additional requirement for a retail shop, located offsite in Blackburn city centre which also required a remote opening, closing and locking facility on the existing dormakaba automatic doors

Engineering firm Tedd Engineering recently expanded into a new unit due to the sustained success of its bespoke advanced control units. Penny Hydraulics were approached to design, manufacture and install a lifting solution to move components between floor level and their mezzanine where many of the products are made. A MezzLight was specified as the ideal solution for Tedd Engineering’s moving and handling problem. With a safe working load of 250kg providing more than enough lifting capacity for the task at hand, its interlocked door system and hold-to-run operation the MezzLight was a safe and efficient solution.

The project was developed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, and its glazed structure has created a new independent global hub for debate on sustainable urban living. Its design intends to both reflect the building´s context and at the same time having a degree of transparency to help connect the building with its surroundings. In this project was used insulated glass materials with varying levels of transparency, allowing spaces to be naturally lit whilst controlling solar gain. Effisus Ecofacade system was applied as an integrated solution to ensure water and air tightness of all facade elements connections.

The trendy Wombats youth hostel sits on the edge of the City of London, offering a contemporary space in an up-and-coming part of London. The refurbishment, designed by London-based architectural practice Mulroy Architects, has bought new life to the space, which was once 19th Century Seaman’s Mission. Hafele Dialock system was supplied for guest rooms for access control. • Second place in the Hospitality category in the RIBA GAI Specification awards 2017 Shortlisted in the 'Hotels' category for the AJ Retrofit Awards 2015 • Commended in the 'Hotels and Hospitality' category for the New London Architecture Awards 2015

Oval Village in Lambeth is a project that comprises affordable residential apartments, with office and commercial space, retail and leisure facilities, and parking.The site is part of a large-scale redevelopment of the former Oval Gasworks site, offering 598 apartments with balconies and terraces for which we designed and developed the paving support system.The balconies used the TerraSmart Pedestal Paving System, which is straightforward to install, powerful and fully non-combustible, with the paving laid safely on our RP-FR, millimetre-perfect adjustable paving support pedestals, with edge spring clips around the edges to ensure uniform spacing for an aesthetically perfect finish.The terraces, with a commanding view of the city at the top of the building, feature a hybrid system starting with the TerraSmart Rail Paving System – super-strong thanks to its overlapping lattice framework – to form the ramps, which transition seamlessly into the TerraSmart Pedestal Paving System for the rest of the area.Throughout the project, we worked closely with Formation Architects, HTA Architects, Building Control, NHBC and Berkeley Group to design the most relevant systems for the project. Fenland Flat Roofing installed the systems for the balconies, while those for the terraces were installed by NAO Landscapes.

The Lindner Group took on a key role in the construction of the MOL Campus. Around 33,000 m² of the FLOOR and more® G40 hollow floor was installed in the high-rise building. The entire system complies with the REI 60 fire protection requirements and can therefore withstand a potential fire for a full 60 minutes, which makes a huge difference in an emergency. In addition, Lindner installed around 1,200 m² of NORTEC control room systems for the server rooms. The implementation of the project required extremely precise coordination on site, especially in close cooperation with electricians and other trades. In addition, there was a particularly tight schedule: At times, up to 2,500 m² of floor were delivered per week. However, with excellent teamwork, these challenges were quickly overcome and the project was completed within a very short time.

Work was undertaken at Ringside House in order to convert the building from offices into 46 luxury one and two bedroom apartments.Acoustics are vital for maintaining comfort in private residences, particularly in multi-level apartment buildings with numerous occupants, due to the noise being passed between floors and walls.Soundis along with our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems were brought in by the main contractor PDR Construction to provide 2,862m2 of acoustic flooring. After site visits, we agreed to use one of our Soundis Cradle & Batten Systems, as this system provides excellent impact and airborne noise reduction capabilities, can be used to level out uneven floors, creates an underfloor void for utilities such as piping/ wiring and even underfloor heating. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. After the project completion, we successfully achieved our goal of providing an excellent flooring solution, which could create a peaceful environment and improve the acoustics within the building, helping add value to the luxury apartments.

McMillan House is a first class development providing luxury rental apartments to young professions in the local area of KT4. Built in 1950 it had been used as an office building for over 50 years. Now delicately restored, McMillan House will provide 46 luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rental apartments upgraded to the highest standards.After the main contractor won the project, we were requested to propose an acoustic solution that would comply with Building Regulations. As part of this 2,115m2 luxury conversion, the Soundis dryscreed board with a resilient layer of wood fibre was selected, this is a high quality, interlocking dry floor screed system using gypsum fibreboard technology.This system, was selected due to its high thermal conductivity allowing for the use of the proposed underfloor heating systems throughout the flats, but also for its main purpose of Meeting Regulations, where it’s incorporated Wood Fibre Resilient Layer effectively reduces impact sound transmission from footfall. As traffic can be taken immediately once the glue had hardened, on the low installation thickness acoustic board.

The Erratics Exhibition features an impressive 6.5m by 5.5m sculpture, created by Lubna Chowdhary, who fabricated a stunning giant modular sculpture using ROCKWOOL® RockLap heating and ventilation pipe (H&V) sections.Lubna Chowdary chose ROCKWOOL RockLap sections as it was a material that could be easily formed and constructed into more complex shapes with minimal tools and processes.Traditionally used for heating and ventilation pipes in a range of settings, ROCKWOOL RockLap sections have been proven to deliver thermal insulation performance.

The 'HOOLA' in Tidal Basin Road in East London, gateway to the soon-to-be regenerated Royal Victoria Docks area, has transformed a brownfield site into two rippling 23 and 24 storey glass towers, that offer 360 apartments with a mix of studios, along with one, two and three-bedroom units.The buildings are super-insulated and the concrete frame will act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. An innovative link-up with the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre will also see excess heat piped directly into the two towers. This will provide all the necessary heating and hot water requirements and significantly reduce maintenance costs by doing away with the need for individual boilers. A critical design requirement for such a super-insulated building was the avoidance of any risk of thermal bridging at the many concrete-to-concrete balcony connectivity points – so highly efficient structural thermal breaks were required throughout. The preferred solution was the Schöck Isokorb® T type K for cantilever balconies.Luke Smerdon-White, Technical Director at Thorp, takes up the story: "We had to design, manufacture and deliver 1410 precast concrete balcony sections that had to then be cast integrally with the in situ concrete structure." "The exposed front-face is curved, with almost 50 different dimensional configurations, while the internal face has a facetted line that had to correlate with the glazing line and opening doors."

As part of a £14 million redevelopment of Bolton’s Market Place Shopping Centre, the extensive historic vaults that lay beneath were uncovered and developed into bar and restaurant units. Bolton Gate were engaged to design, manufacture and install nine collapsible steel gates which spanned the openings some of which were arched and in keeping with the surrounding metalwork, a clear powder coating was applied over the galvanised substrate to match. In addition to the vault gates, Bolton Gate also supplied a series of roller shutters, smoke and fire curtains in the upper development of the project.

Surespan is increasingly being asked to provide specialist glazed access and ventilation solutions. Project:The architects working on a project at Stratton House in London, approached Surespan to design and manufacture a“bird wing” style, double-leaf glazed ventilator with concealed operating gear from below. Surespan was chosen for its expertise in producing bespoke products.Product:The operation of each leaf ensured maximum airflow into the building below and smoke release in the event of a fire. Measuring 2500 x 2000mm and polyester powder coated white to match existing building roof furniture.

Client: University of Brighton Consultant: Stripe Main Contractor: Keir Construction Specialist Contractor Thelwell Flooring Main Products Used: Emseal DSM SystemThis new multi-storey car park for the University of Brighton is part of a major redevelopment of the former Preston Barracks site in the City. There are 550 parking spaces on 7 floors, including 55 EV charging bays, plus there is a PV array on the roof with the power stored in batteries on the ground floor, which also includes 330 cycle parking spaces. The car park design uses a Vertical Circulation Module (VCM) that provides a more efficient solution for confined sites, as this contains no external ramps and traffic circulation is via slopes within the floors themselves. This creates more parking spaces in the steel framed structure in the centre, with two lift and stair cores positioned at each end. This design also made it possible to locate the necessary structural expansion joints transversely between these 3 parts of the structure and away from major traffic impact areas. The engineers specified these joints to be a nominal 40mm wide to accommodate a high movement capability of up to +/- 50% (i.e. total 100%), as they knew these could be quickly, securely, and durably sealed using the Emseal DSM System. This also saves time on site as it is installed from above, allowing other trades to continue working below, plus as it is bonded into position, there is no potentially damaging drilling for mechanical fixings.

The Problem:Associated problems caused by damp and flooding are commonplace throughout the UK’s housing stock. Growth of black mould and efflorescence caused by salt transfer can lead to thedelamination of the plaster and there is no simple resolution. Often the only choice left to the housing association or local authority is to remove the original plaster and treat the walls with a Damp Proof Course (DPC), before waiting for it to dry to receive a backing plaster – all at the expense of the landlord or local authority.The Solution: A Modern, Lightweight Renovating Plaster:Limelite Renovating Plaster solves all of these problems. Firstly, it can be applied to damp walls, saving an enormous amount of money for time that would be otherwise spent waiting for the walls to dry out – it effectively controls dampness passing through walls, as well as providing a barrier against salt transfer – ultimately allowing the substrate to dry naturally. Secondly, and crucially, Limelite Renovating Plaster will withstand damp issues caused by future events, which may be likely in properties susceptible to damp and flooding.Thirdly the Limelite plaster system offers Thermal Insulation by drying the walls rapidly, reducing loss of heat and insulating the internal walls to meet modern day standardsThermal Conductivity, λ10,dry,mat, P=50% = 0.17W/m.KThermal Conductivity (k) at 0% moisture = 0.13W/m.KAnother benefit with Limelite plasters for internal use is their fire resistance/protection as a non-combustible product (as defined by BS476:Part 4) which can be assigned Class O in accordance with the requirements of the National Building Regulations and Reaction to Fire = Euroclass A1 Making the Difference for Local Authorities Dudley Council in the West Midlands is among the many local authorities that specify the use of Limelite Renovating Plaster when tackling such issues in social housing.“Where a renovating plaster is required we use the original and proven, Limelite” said Andy Pratt, Specification and Design Manager for Dudley Council, which has been specified by the council for over 40 years.Where existing plaster is sound, a small area of plaster is removed and replaced with Limelite.In more severe cases where the existing plaster is unsound, all plaster is removed and the wall is treated with a DPC before Limelite Renovating Plaster is applied. Limelite Renovating Plaster is also used for patch repairs in areas such as window reveals, where again the damaged plaster is removed and replaced with Limelite.A BBA Approved SystemLimelite Renovating Plaster is a BBA approved solution, when used as the backing plaster in a 2-part system, finished with our High Impact Finishing Plaster - a hard, durable finishing plaster that produces a Grade D impact resistant surface.

The new store was built as a main contractor’s design and build shell construction, with a traditional Morrison fit out, and involved working with two design teams simultaneously. The store was one of the first new stores to incorporate Morrison’s new “hybrid heat reclaim system”, and also incorporated a series of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines on roof areas to contribute to the renewable energy targets required by the local Planning Authority for this new development.DrillFast low profile A4/316 stainless steel fasteners were utilised as part of the design, with lacquered heads blending in with the panel for a barely noticeable finish."Thank you all at Fixfast - you make my job easier"Paul Guyton - Senior Designer

Project: Castello in Civitella dei Conti, San Venanzo, Italy

Project: Motorway Rest Area Gurbrü/Wileroltigen, Switzerland

Since 2015, the Fresno Area Express (FAX), operated by the Department of Transportation in the City of Fresno, California, USA, has undertaken three separate major capital improvement projects, which have been implemented to improve services to the city’s many public transit users.

JORDAHL® cast-in channel provided the versatility of fixing, whilst J&P provided the quality of support for this prestigious project. Loveld Concrete provided the high-quality precast panels used on both end gable elevations. Unitised glazing was fixed into each panel using JORDAHL® JTA K channel. Each panel was then subsequently fixed back to the concrete structure also using JORDAHL® JTA W 72/48 high-load channel. The pods were fixed using JORDAHL® JTA 53/34 channel, which accommodated the greater loads required.

New Era was specified to provide a high level of acoustic isolation for this 3000m2 residential project in Fitzrovia, London

Project: Hotel Veronesi la Torre ****, Dossobuono di Villafranca (VR), Italy

Profile 22 has completed a refurbishment programme for Kirklees Council and its ALMO Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) supplying 150 replacement windows, specified in-line with the principles of Passivhaus. Formerly Richmond Flats, Harold Wilson Court on Leeds Road in Huddersfield is an 11 storey building comprising 43 one-bedroom flats.

Project: Catholic elementary school Laurentius, Breda, Netherlands

Project: Conversion of old shed building Zug, SwitzerlandClient: Alfred Müller AG, Baar Photos: Beat Brechbühl 

This multi-million-pound training facility at CPFC’s new-look academy includes a full-size indoor 3G training pitch.A state-of-the-art indoor training facility that will allow the football players to train in all weather conditions. GDL were approached to help with the ventilation requirements for the space. Six large rectangular recessed louvres were manufactured and installed to meet the demands of extracting the air from the indoor space generated by eight large fans each with a duty of 12900 m³/hr. 

Project: Cycle d'Orientation de Vouvry, Vouvry, Switzerland

Project: Lotte Plaza Shopping Center, Moscow, Russia

Project: Secondary school Robert Bosch, Gerlingen, Germany

Project: La Maison du Marais, Saint-Omer, France

Nearly 500 square meters of Flotex Planks form the basis for a relaxed soccer experience for almost 400 VIP guests in the VIP lounge of the Benteler Arena in Paderborn. Christian Schuster from Freiraum Planungsbüro was responsible for the feel-good ambience. Here, the sports club's holistic interior design concept includes not only a fancy lighting installation but also the creative design of the floor surfaces. "The unique feel of the flooring and its sound-absorbing effect decelerate the atmosphere in the room, " says Schuster, who particularly appreciates the combination of functional and design aspects for Forbo Flooring. It was precisely this combination of the exclusive look of the textile surface and high durability of the flooring that also convinced the sports club SC Paderborn to give preference to the flock flooring. While Flotex planks in a herringbone pattern in three harmonious colourways in the main area, a calm grey tone was chosen for the adjacent lounge and a radiant red tone for the new media lounge. With around 90 colourways, Flotex's broad colour selection offers the opportunity to set colour highlights.

Project: Church Saint Honoré d'Eylau, Paris, France

Project: Les Ateliers des Capucins, Brest, France

Project: New Medical Center Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates