"special purpose lighting"

SMET supplied SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for a timber suspended floor, in a self-build set in the idyllic district of Ballymena. Smet LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is a high-quality, innovative, pumpable factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate. German-made, SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is unique, in that it’s the first-available, pumpable lightweight flowing screed. Made from specially selected aggregates, which make it 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and 70% lighter than Sand & Cement - means less is required per m2. Another plus is that that screed made from Calcium Sulphate has naturally substantially lower embodied carbon emissions than a sand and cement screed.LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article. Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Innovative SMET LiteFlo® is particularly suitable for use in timber-frame builds, suspended timber floors, tower blocks, apartments, and high-rise buildings. SMET demonstrates best practice in construction partnerships - providing a superior level of customer service to their Smet Supported Partners during the installation process.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

When the 35th South West Cheshire Scouts moved into their brand new £285,000 state of the art Scout Centre, they immediately noticed that a problem with extreme echoes in the main hall.The hall is used by over 120 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts weekly, plus wider community use, so it was imperative that the acoustic issues were resolved as quickly as possible.The building itself was purpose built and is a conventional brick construction lined with Thermalite blocks. The main activity area measures 11 x 11 metres and around this are toilets, a kitchen, large equipment store and a small meeting room. The store area remains with the painted Thermalite blocks, but the remainder of the building has been rendered and skimmed with plasterboard. The decision was made by the Scout leaders that it was inappropriate to use plasterboard in the main activity hall fearing it would not stand up to the rigorous activities of the scouts and would soon get damaged, therefore opting for render and plaster. The ceiling was skimmed plasterboard.After immediate recognition of the acoustic problems within the building, the organisation approached Hush for advice and guidance. Our technical manager carried out tests, calculating the overall existing reverberation time to be 3.9 seconds with a peak at 500 Hz of 5.39 seconds. Subjectively the reverberation time seemed longer, around 6-8 seconds, which was surprising in a hall of these dimensions and construction.After carrying out the tests on the centre, Hush recommended a solution to treat the hall (aiming for a reverberation time of 1.5 seconds over the wider frequency spectrum) using 40x Hush Absorber 50 panels.The transformation was instantaneous, with immediate feedback that they could hear the room recovering. John Bennett, Group Scout Leader, said“The result has exceeded our hopes, it is now possible to have a quiet conversation whilst 20+ six to eight year olds are having fun! Not only that, it looks good as well.

Helmsman won an exciting Leicestershire Police project for charging lockers with bespoke specifications. Leicestershire Police is the territorial Police force responsible for policing Leicestershire and Rutland areas in England.For this project, we had to balance two sets of needs. We needed to create an ideal storage solution for technological equipment and to deliver something stylish and space-saving. Our team recommended a few options, but being able to provide a bespoke powered solution was most important.Helmsman manufactured, supplied and delivered bespoke powered lockers to the headquarter office in Enderby for the frontline staff. Above all, these lockers serve the purpose of storing technological devices such as laptops and airwave radios. Security has been the key to this project. A request of 12 compartments per locker meant lockers could hold more items within the small space.Inside each compartment, there are 2 UK sockets with double USB portals on each side. Each locker compartment has a four-number combination lock for protection. Every locker has a ‘D’ door which can open all locker compartments with one master key, only accessible for supervisors who may need to reset locks for a single locker compartment. The ON/OFF switch is located at the top of each locker in the sloping top, saving electricity and keeping clear of clutter. Sizes are 1800mm high by 450mm wide and 500mm deep, been powder coated in standard colours of ‘ice’ and ‘royale’ for the doors. These doors have bespoke square perforations specifically requested by Leicestershire Police. In addition, they are easy to use and plug into a standard wall socket.Emergency service personnel in mind, Police lockers provide robust, practical storage solutions. We manufacture a variety of Police lockers for uniforms, kits and other equipment.

The extraordinary, purpose built SuperLab in Oxford provides much needed lab space and fantastic facilities for the next generation of science entrepreneurs and innovators. The new state-of-the-art building is located close to the city centre and the university, which spins out around 15 science firms a year. Created and built by Oxford-based Robin Swailes Design and Development, the SuperLab offers almost 7,000 sq ft of accommodation for up to 84 staff and blends contemporary design with the latest efficiency features while meeting the needs of the modern workforce. The building is made of 95 per cent recycled aluminium and features a grey water system using collected rainwater to flush the toilets, thermal efficient panelling, air source heat pumps and solar panels to minimise its carbon footprint and keep running costs as low as possible. Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of its high-performance glazing products for this unique development via approved fabricator Alternative Windows. Products used were: System 17 Curtain Walling, System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 4-35Hi Fixed Casement Windows and System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Doors. Curved walls, round windows and open ceilings create a sense of space and wellbeing, topped off with advanced acoustics, quality finishing touches and a playful interior. The result is an inspiring and design-focused workplace that encourages collaboration. Outside, a roof top recreation area provides space for al fresco meetings, eating and drinking with views over Oxford’s Dreaming Spires. A fantastic project to have been involved in, which ultimately encourages young and innovative science pioneers to stay and further their career on home soil.

In 2023, CLD Systems embarked on a remarkable project that showcased its expertise.Tasked with transforming the home of West Ham United FC at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s London Stadium, a prominent stadium hosting Major League Baseball London Series fixtures, CLD Systems demonstrated its commitment to excellence and delivered a significant enhancement to the stadium’s infrastructure.This project commenced with CLD Systems being appointed by a pitch installer, the key entity responsible for the stadium’s transformation. CLD Systems’ primary role was to provide a robust fencing system that would enclose the perimeter of the baseball field. This system not only served as an integral structure to form the field build but also had to withstand the impact of professional athletes running at full speed and occasionally climbing the fencing to catch a ball. Additionally, the fencing system provided support for the installation of padding, ensuring player safety, and acted as a platform for advertising and marketing purposes.The efficiency and professionalism of all teams involved were evident throughout the project. Completed within a remarkable 18-day timeline, the stadium was decommissioned and made ready for the next event in under five days. The impact of the project was reflected in the remarkable attendance figures, with over 110,000 spectators witnessing the grandeur of the revitalised stadium. The highest attendance record was set on Saturday, with 54,622 spectators, which was surpassed the following day when Sunday’s attendance peaked at an impressive 55,565."We are proud to have been part of the MLB World Series at the London Stadium project, contributing our expertise in security fencing to enhance the safety and integrity of the venue. The collaboration with our esteemed partners and stakeholders has allowed us to set new standards in stadium security, ensuring a seamless experience for fans and players alike." - CLD Director, Russell Wells.

Bespoke resin flooring for luxury stablesTattersall Race Course (Ireland) required a bespoke resin flooring solution that could offer a very specific blend of outstanding durability, slip resistance, ease of maintenance and visual appeal. It was also crucial the new floor would be equally fit-for-purpose internally and externally, without losing its safety properties when exposed to weather changes.Tattersall is an international firm offering 10,000 thoroughbred horses each year at 15 sales at either its Newmarket headquarters in England, or at Fairyhouse outside Dublin, in Ireland.As a premier facility that offers only the best horses to the most discerning customers, Tattersalls takes immense pride in maintaining immaculate premises. This focus requires regular maintenance and refurbishment projects, and Degafloor is proud to have been involved in one of the most recent.Working in conjunction with approved partner Larsen Contracts (Ireland) Ltd, we were invited to assess the current floor finish within one of the stable blocks at Fairyhouse and recommend a bespoke resin flooring finish, based on Degafloor’s slip-resistant Full Broadcast System.To achieve the best and most consistent finish possible, the heavily tamped concrete was diamond ground, then shot blasted. The bespoke resin flooring was applied in 6 layers; first a primer, next a scratch coat was applied to create a smooth and even finish. The main system layer was then installed and a full broadcast of bauxite applied. The system was finished with 2 x coats of clear Degafloor MMA seal.Speaking on behalf of Larsen Contracts, Contracts Director Eddie O’Brien said, “It is an honour to have been involved in this project and to work for Tattersalls and, in a small way, play a part in maintaining Ireland’s rich horse racing heritage.”

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.

Mixed-use development created from a redundant gasworks site turning it into a high profile quarter in London.In the vibrant heart of Fulham, a groundbreaking mixed-use development has revitalized a once-redundant gas works site, giving rise to a high-quality urban quarter. This ambitious project boasts nearly 2000 new homes distributed across 15 buildings, reaching heights of up to 37 storeys. Beyond residences, the development incorporates a variety of complimentary uses, fostering a dynamic and inclusive urban community.Our involvement in the Fulham Gasworks redevelopment focused on a key aspect of functionality and safety within the expansive development—supplying and fitting metal riser doors. With safety and aesthetics at the forefront, these fire-rated doors seamlessly integrate into the architectural landscape, ensuring compliance with the highest standards.The challenge lay in harmonizing essential utility elements with the aesthetic vision of the redevelopment. Our team provided bespoke metal riser doors strategically positioned within the development. Crafted for both durability and fire resistance, these doors serve a dual purpose: ensuring safety compliance and contributing to the overall modern and sophisticated atmosphere of Fulham Gasworks.The metal riser doors, meticulously selected for their fire-rated properties, play a vital role in the safety infrastructure of the development. Beyond their functional significance, these doors seamlessly blend into the architectural tapestry, adding an element of sleek modernity to the urban quarter. The result is a harmonious integration of safety measures without compromising on the aesthetic vision of the Fulham Gasworks redevelopment.At the heart of the masterplan, a new square and urban park have been created, enhancing the setting for Grade-II listed buildings, a war memorial, and the Grade-II* listed Gasholder No. 2. The metal riser doors contribute to the overall safety and functionality of these communal spaces, ensuring that safety measures are discreetly woven into the fabric of daily life within the development.

Our client GYM24 required a Multifunctional gym space with different areas being used for specific purposes. The brief was to include an area for free weights, an area for floor-based movements and sledge work and an area for resistance machines. The high expected usage of the gym areas meant the flooring had to be significantly resilient. Clear demarcation of specific areas was important to our client also, to create that high end professional feel.To achieve this, we recommended our Castleflex range of Fine Granulate Rubber Gym Tile (900kg/m3 500x500x50mm) with Ramp/Corner edges, 8mm puzzle mats, black with blue fleck (956x956x8mm) and the Artificial Grass (2x8m) Sprint track.Our 8mm Interlocking puzzle mats provide a seamless flooring solution, combined with the straight edge version a clear definition between areas was created. Toxicity tested and made to a high density of 1000kg/m3 for exceptional durability. This product is ideal for fitness applications.Our Fine Granulate Gym Tiles are manufactured with very fine recycled rubber granulate, this gives the tile a sharper surface finish and also makes them easier to keep clean when installed. Ramp edge versions of the Fine Granulate Gym Tiles were bonded down as a perimeter and the inner tiles loose laid in a brick bond formation for increased structural integrity. The thickness and density of the material offers substantial protection to the substrate and also provides acoustic protection.Our Artificial Grass Sprint track was bonded directly to a 40mm Fine Granulate Gym tile which was slightly thinner than the surrounding, to create a flush level finish with zero movement.All of our rubber gym products are easy to install and in this case all installation work was carried out by the client.