"stairs"

In 2016, we installed our new improved Bike Wheeling Ramp on the bridge across the River Lea at the bottom of Spring Hill at Springfield Park. This bridge sits exactly on the Hackney-Walthamstow border.It is a key thoroughfare for commuters on a daily basis, however, not everyone has such an easy job negotiating stairs particularly if you own a heavier bicycle with panniers or luggage.The challenge of this project was in the design of the bridge which was multi-level as well as curved. This problem was solved by the real ingenuity of the ramp which lay in its modular design. This comprised floor fixing brackets that adjust to the different angles of the slope. The flexible angle adjustment of the ramp allows installation into any pre-existing environment which is a big bonus when retrofitting cities with historical architecture.The Bike Wheeling Ramp has been specifically designed to improve bicycle access when travelling along multi-level routes, and allows to people who cycle to gently wheel their bike up or down without having to carry it or forcefully bump it along the stairs.This ramp also includes flip-up functionality allowing for easy cleaning underneath and preventing trapped rubbish or leaf litter building up. The length of the ramp can be ordered in made-to-measure sizes to ensure a truly bespoke solution.“As former project manager for the Wetlands to Wetlands route I am delighted to work with award-winning Cyclehoop on this initiative. This innovative wheel ramp will enable cyclists to access the beautiful surroundings of the Lea Valley Regional Park without lifting heavy bicycles up steep steps and help improve connections for visitors to London’s exciting new Wetlands Centres at Woodberry Downs and Walthamstow.The greenway marks the start of a 3km route that will connect the recently opened Woodberry Wetlands centre with the soon-to-be-open Walthamstow Wetlands centre. The wheel ramp will complement two recently completed public realm schemes at Newton Close and Clapton Common. The initial phase of the scheme was part-funded by Hackney Council and the Mayor of London’s Big Green Fund.” – Kevin Burke, former Senior Transport Planner for both Waltham Forest and Hackney

Essential Protection for Tall Buildings.As one of the world's leading coatings companies, we strive to be at the forefront of design trends and our International range of protective coatings and passive fire protection products is developed to complement architectural innovations.With its curved façade and spiralling form symbolizing China’s emergence as a global financial power, the Shanghai Tower is world's second tallest building (behind Burj Khalifa in Dubai), after its six-year construction was completed at the end of 2015.Shanghai Tower is one of the most advanced sustainable tall buildings in the world and goes to great lengths to generate its own energy.Around 200,000 liters of our protective coatings and intumescent fire protection products, including Interchar 1983, were used to provide fire protection for stair steel structures and the façade’s supporting steel structures for up to 90 minutes.We were the company of choice for the owner, painting applicators and the fabricator.

City of London Freemens first opened in Brixton in 1854 for ‘the maintenance and the religious and virtuous education of orphans of Freemen of the City of London’. Paid for by the Corporation of London both boys and girls were enrolled from the outset making it the one of the oldest co-educational independent schools.In 1926 the school moved to Ashtead Park in Surrey. The Grade II* listed Main House at Ashtead Park had been the home of Sir Robert Howard, Chancellor of the Exchequer during the 17th century.In 2016 an ambitious development project was commenced, due to span the next decade. The modernisation of the Main House, now the Sixth Form Centre, involved a redesign of the building and the new layout required fire screens to ensure the building met with current Building Regulations. Clement Windows Group supplied the internal fire rated doors and screens at the top of the adjacent internal stairs which are access controlled and linked into the main fire control of the building.

Products:Stairs: OS211 Orbis Glass Infill Top FixCourtyard Podium: M311 Mono Glass Infill Top FixCone Glazing: V510S Glass Infill Fascia Mount Side FixContractor: Galliford TryArchitect: 10architectDelta were proud to work alongside Galliford Try and 10architect to supply balustrades and handrails to the new community cluster on behalf of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.The £15m development included the construction of a new build facility that provides space for mental health and neurodevelopmental outpatient facilities and a 12-bed specialist inpatient mental health unit.Community Cluster forms a key element of the growing Alder Hey campus, the facility brings a centre of excellence for Children’s health closer to nature within a newly created landscape.Delta’s structural glass range, Vista, helped to materialise the architects vision for the unique cone glazing design.

SENSO UK teamed up with Room Studio to help create this unique space that uses warm tones throughout the property. Senso creating a seamless look that not only unites the rooms seamlessly but creates a sense of warmth, something that we all look for in a home.‘NO LOCATION IS TOO FAR FOR SENSO’ As you can see this project was on the Isle of Skye. Location is no obstacle for us, if you do have a project that is not in London or surrounding area, we can still accommodate you.Senso helps creates an environment that is not only minimalist but sumptuous. Why stop with the kitchen, continue the Senso look throughout the project from the living area to bedroom and even the stairs ( treds' and risers'). The colour dune has two hues together which create a beautiful fusion.Following this we add in our aggregate of recyclable materials from old concrete remains, this creating a look of polished concrete but without the ramifications you get with a concrete.

Mono M311 Glass Infill Top FixOrbis OS211 Glass Infill Top Fix As part of the North West Fire PFI scheme, the Southport Community Fire Station provided improved facilities for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service.The client’s main objectives were to create well designed facilities to a high architectural standard and provide a safe and healthy environment. Designed and built by Balfour Beatty Construction, this new 6 bay station included community-orientated facilities, training facilities, rest rooms, additional office space and two staircases.In line with the client’s vision, Delta Balustrades were appointed by Balfour Beatty to design, supply and install handrails and balustrades to both staircases and an external balcony area. Combining a minimalistic look and feel with a high quality stainless steel finish, the Mono system with clear glass infill panels was chosen for the main staircase. For the rear stair and external areas, the Orbis system with powder coated uprights was chosen.

In 1861 a small group of stonemasons formed the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company to create affordable homes, by and for workmen, to escape from slum landlords. Typically, the terraced houses were arranged back-to-back with individual gardens: the ground-floor front doors facing one direction and first floor front doors on the opposite side with external staircases.The ‘colonies’ design has been widely replicated and recently resurrected with a contemporary approach in a new Edinburgh development by Glencairn Properties. Bellevue Colonies at McDonald Road recreates the original sense of community and interaction between neighbours with shared footpaths, gates and external stairs.Lang+Fulton supplied Modena railings to delineate each private garden space and provide boundary demarcation to the street. The railings were mounted on dwarf walls and were hot-dip galvanized and polyester powder coated for a durable finish in keeping with the quality materials of brick, zinc and slate that were used throughout the development.Awards: Homes for Scotland - Housing Development of the Year (shortlisted)

The new Student Centre at Queen’s University Belfast brings together student services and the Student Union in a spectacular new building. Designed through collaboration between Hawkins\Brown and RPP Architects, the building sits at the heart of campus and cleverly bridges the gap between the University’s heritage and future. An accessible, modern space with an open plan entrance area creates a vibrant hub for students to socialise, engage, collaborate, and access support and advice. The interior exploits the high ceiling and large-scale steel structure where a central staircase doubles as terraced amphitheatre-style seating. Clad in Junckers’ solid Nordic Oak flooring with nosing in contrasting Black Oak to achieve an LRV differential of 30 points, the stairs form a visual and social focus in the building, creating a flexible, infinitely useable space. “The central social stair is a key design feature that links the spaces on different floors and provides clear, intuitive wayfinding for visitors. The warmth and natural character of the Nordic Oak flooring complimenting the red laminate cladding helps visual orientation running up through the public spaces” said Alan Shields, director, RPP Architecture. The solid hardwood flooring forms a hard-wearing and long-lasting surface ideal for high traffic areas and the natural warmth of the timber adds to the material beauty of the interior. With strong sustainability credentials, Junckers’ flooring plays a part in the architects’ design to create a building which is more efficient and less costly to operate and maintain, future-proofed for generations to come. The building also houses a performance studio with Junckers’ sprung SylvaSport Beech flooring and the one-of-a-kind Union Bar which has been fitted with a reclaimed Junckers’ sports floor. With the old line markings intact, the floor has a rustic, industrial look which will hide a multitude of sins in a busy student bar. It was finished with Junckers’ High Performance Friction+ lacquer to provide a slip resistant surface. The reclaimed floor was sourced with the help of Junckers’ Buy Back Scheme. Junckers connects with flooring contractors who specialise in reclaiming wood flooring by providing details of projects where an old floor needs lifting, as well as acting as liaison between contractors sourcing a floor which can be repurposed. The sports floor fitted in the student bar by Oakvale Wooden Flooring was lifted from a school sports hall in England by Hargreaves Reclaimed Flooring. 

The main building of the NHL Stenden University in the Netherlands has recently been extended. In addition to a focus on sustainability, the architect wanted to stimulate meetings and bring students and teachers together. In the middle of the central hall you can climb, sit, lie and build with the cube-shaped elements. The long wooden stairs and the walls are partly overgrown with plants and the floor features a beautiful green lawn digitally printed on Flotex Vision.Furthermore, BRTArchitecten has created various meeting places and has given the building it its own landscape. There is an area with a corn field, a tropical rainforest and a delta landscape. These landscapes are all also printed on Flotex Vision and thus form a beautiful focal point in the room. In addition to Flotex Vision,Forbo's Flotex Metro and Marmoleum Real were installed within the University Building.The renovation of the Stenden Hotel Management School was completed in December 2019. A beautiful new campus of 4,500 m2 where Flotex has been chosen thanks to its unique combination of design flexibility, acoustics and ease of cleaning.

The ancient printing house of “De Vooruit” in the Center of Ghent, was completely stripped to only the ancient concrete supporting structure. From there the renovation to an ultramodern student home was to be made with steel, providing safe stairways, safe and easy to walk on platforms, as well as outside sitting areas for the students. This was all to be made in aesthetical harmony with other products, such as COR-TEN steel that was used in the project. This to create a modern look, aspiring to the students.The project criteriaPcP had to meet the criteria for a sustainable, durable product which was safe and comfortable to walk on. At the same time, the product needed to blend in well with the COR-TEN steel being used for other parts of the project, providing a modern look that would appeal to students. Another challenge was installing the new steel structure onto the existing concrete supporting structure of the original building.The solutionLannoo Konstruktie chose the OPTIMO® O2, Spiral treads – Type K and panels, as these high-quality products met all the stated requirements for the new student accommodation building. In addition, it was a bonus that the OPTIMO® O2 perforation is easy to walk on in all types of shoes, and is even suitable for outdoor furniture, such as tables and lounge chairs.“The strength-to-weight ratio of the PcP solution is very favourable. This was very helpful for us, as we had to mount the new steel structure onto the old concrete supporting beams. It was important to have a light but very strong panel and steps. PcP was ideal for this purpose.”– Christophe Lannoo, CEO, Lannoo KonstruktieThe resultThe ancient printing house of ‘Dagblad Vooruit’ in the centre of Ghent was completely stripped back to its concrete supporting structure. The structure was then developed to create ultramodern student accommodation using steel with safe stairways, safe and comfortable platforms as well as exterior seating areas for students. This work all harmonised aesthetically with the other building materials, such as the COR-TEN steel used in the project. The aim was to create a modern and inspiring student residence.Architectural steel platform and spiral stair treadsThe project lasted a total of five months from first production to final installation of the panels and steps. In total, 150 spiral K treads were used for three spiral stairs on the three-storey building. More than 100 OPTIMO® O2 treads were installed, together with almost 300 square metres of OPTIMO® O2 panels, both standard and customised. For Lannoo Konstruktie, it was a very attractive project to be engaged in, and likewise for PcP, which is used to projects which are more industrial in nature.

Buildable"Glass Fibre Concrete (GRC) was identified early on as the ideal material for the project to achieve the desired civic aesthetic but also to avoid adding significant stress to the existing structure." - Nat Keast, Associate, Wilkinson-Eyre.DesignableThe project is an AJ Retrofit Higher Education & Campus Award 2023.The lightweight, three-dimensional GRC cladding panels featuring a stylisation of LSBU’s “sail” emblem give the building a welcoming, civic quality."We worked closely with subcontractor Tellings during the design phase to develop the three-dimensional panels, as well as vertical slats and horizontal bands. Alongside the 100% white bromo brick with white grout used for the existing concrete stair cores and shear walls, GRC helped change the perception of the building."We had to fight hard to keep the GRC through various value engineering exercises, but the university supported us and was able to appreciate the impact of the new facade." - Nat Keast, Associate, Wilkinson-Eyre.SustainableThe building has received a very good BREEAM rating and by retaining the existing structure, total embodied carbon is half of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge target benchmark.

IssueA 15-year-old bathroom in a housing development was looking tired and dated and the owner wanted to refresh the area with minimal disruption in a quick timescale. The bathroom had three walls of ceramic tiles, and a sink splashback, which were in good condition but were unfashionable and required high levels of maintenance to remove limescale and mould.The property, a first floor flat, had easy access but no lift, so equipment, materials and any waste needed to be carried up and down the stairs.Approach“We wanted to replace the ceramic tiles, without having to re-plaster the bathroom walls which would mean a complete renovation and redecoration project,” said Helen Green, the owner. “We live in an area with hard water and limescale is a real problem so a wall that is easy to keep clean would be ideal.”SolutionAfter liaising with Altro customer services, the new Altro Walls ShowerKit was recommended as being the ideal solution as the wall panels can be installed over existing ceramic tiles and provides ease of maintenance for residents. There is also no requirement for construction materials or heavy equipment as Altro Walls ShowerKit is lighter to transport than ceramic tiles.

An intelligent Advanced Go panel has been installed in The Steading, the home of sculptor and furniture maker, Tim Stead MBE.The Steading is an A-Listed building, located in Blainslie near Lauder in the Scottish Borders, and was both the creative centre and home to the Stead family across several decades. It was purchased by the Tim Stead Trust in 2021 and a programme of restoration work has included the addition of an Advanced Go new-generation, single-loop fire alarm control panel to protect this historic home.The Steading is considered Tim’s masterpiece with an interior that was transformed over many years. The interior is completely clad in sculpted wood: floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, cupboards, beds, a grandfather clock, sink, conservatory, hanging sculptures, desks and so on – all made by Stead himself. This exceptional building now aims to become a hub for practical expertise in everything to do with wood and the environment, hosting a variety of day and residential courses in the unique environment of The Steading.Fire and security service providers, Safe Services, installed the Advanced Go fire alarm panel in The Steading and were involved from the design stage though to installation and commissioning. The Advanced Go panel is integrated with EMS Firecell radio equipment for a complete cable-free fire system – which was an essential requirement to preserve and protect the unique interior of the building.

A £40 million investment, 13 roof areas, eight different roof levels, and a steady stream of visiting students to keep happy throughout – the University of Reading (UoR) Library’s complete refurbishment was a large and challenging project spanning three years.Originally opened in 1964 and later extended in 1985, the library’s internal and external revamp was designed to increase space, improve facilities for individual study, provide better access and security across the building, and improve energy efficiency.In addition to a new-build Café extension, a new entrance canopy, a new ground-to-roof level lift and stair core extension – each featuring a new flat roof area – there were also 10 existing flat roof areas refurbished, coupled with the replacement of windows and re-cladding of the building’s exterior.Following a competitive tender based on an outline specification, Owlsworth Roofing, Sika Sarnafil single ply flat roofing specialists, impressed with the level of detail included in their quote and were awarded the contract by main contractor ISG.Roofing:Sika® Sarnafil G410-12 ELF.Sika® Sarnafi G410-12 EL.Sarnavap®-5000E SA.Sarnavap® HD SA.Primer 600.Sikatherm® PIR Insulation and Sarnacol®-2162.

Crossrail’s new station at Abbey Wood has been built over the railway tracks where the Elizabeth line terminates. From above, the building is shaped like a manta ray, its ‘wings’ extending into canopies sheltering staircases either side which swoop down to platform level below.Stretto-22 Soffit PanelsThe soffit panels for the staircases and elevated walkways were made from Stretto-22 pressure-locked grating, customised to a bespoke 66x22mm aperture to provide an enhanced level of visual screening. Each panel was exactly contoured to match the demanding serpentine shape of the footbridge canopies.Torino-22 Barrier FencingBarrier fencing was made for the platforms from Torino fence panels which were customised and engineered with a heavy intermediate framing bar at the loading point to comply with Network Rail’s specified requirement.DeltaBox-70 Louvred ScreeningStorage areas beneath the stairs were secured with DeltaBox-70 louvred screening panels.Torino-11 and Stretto-11 Protective Screens Lang+Fulton also supplied a Torino-11 screen to protect the overhead lines and track from the threat of thrown objects.An alternative access to the station was enclosed with a Stretto-11 anti-projectile screen.

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 ChallengeThe client’s requirements were to provide value for money and create a building that was easy to maintain and appropriate to its function and setting.Deafblind Scotland provided training for the architects so they could gain an appreciation of the barriers faced by those who would use the building. The design was then developed to satisfy funding requirements. Technology was utilised to assist the client’s team with visual impairment to understand the building layout.The SolutionWorking closely with the client the architects carefully selected materials, colours, stair detailing, thresholds and ironmongery. Our Welford Buff brick was chosen for the brickwork.Careful consideration was also given to the pedestrian route configuration that visitors would use when approaching the building – it was important to ensure a strong colour contrast between road and pedestrian walkway.Natural ventilation was maximised to reduce energy consumption and associated costs.The BenefitsThe 7,500 square foot building provides a centre of excellence for deafblind people with a hub for training and development. It is a daily resource for more than 300 deafblind people in the Glasgow area, and a further resource for the 2,700 people across Scotland who are severely dual sensory impaired.The project offers deafblind people more opportunities to learn, enjoy a range of subjects, collaborate, and to become more familiar with IT through the assistance of specially adapted technology and equipment.Feedback from building users has been extremely positive with the client remarking on the ease of way finding and legibility within the layout.

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is the UK’s agency for providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world. Their visually stunning new headquarters in Taunton has been designed based on the concept of contours and currents by multi-award winning architects, AHR. An impressive central atrium with feature stair connects the two wings with access to the upper floors reached by a feature stairway which leads onto open platforms and connecting walkways. The fluid lines and vast spaces gives the interior a sense of openness in such a large structure and is an incredibly inspiring environment in which to work. Lusso worked closely with BAM and AHR on the internal glazing requirements to create administration offices, a meeting suite, training rooms, as well as recreation and dining areas to the ground floor. The use of Lusso 25 single glazed partition system and Lusso 105 double glazed partition system allowed for the different acoustic and structural design specifications throughout the building. The clever use of glass partitions has ensured that the requirement for a “one team approach” design brief has been met. The UKHO can now boast highly impressive headquarters, befitting of a world leading geospatial information company. Opened by HRH The Princess Royal, it has now been nominated and won several design awards and is on course to achieve BREEAM Excellent.  

Canal Architectural were approached to design, manufacture and install luxury feature staircases, balustrades and screens for a commercial space in Bond Street. A leading commercial design company collaborated with the Technical Sales Team to engineer bespoke architectural metalwork for this world class project.The 14,500 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of London was developed to connect its employees and working spaces together over 10 floors. The Zig Zag profile staircase structure and flat bar balustrade featured hidden structural steelwork supports with a site applied bronze effect paint finish. The fully cantilevered stair structure spanned over 6 floors and featured flat bar balustrades and underside soffit panels, all site sprayed in a contemporary bronze effect finish. Another staircase structure spanned over 2 floors and featured hidden structural steelwork supports, wall panels and mild steel flat bar construction.Canal Architectural worked closely with the team to engineer various bespoke items for the development including bespoke planters, balustrades and screens. The entire development was transformed into a contemporary co-working space for the specialist real estate firm.The Canal site team worked closely with the contractor throughout the entire installation process to ensure smooth delivery in line with current building regulations. Canal Architectural are proud to have worked on this extensive redevelopment programme to engineer exquisite architectural metalwork designs for this landmark commercial space.

Our premium granite TerraPave® flagstones were a perfect choice for this scheme at one of London’s foremost rooftop cocktail bars and pizzerias. Skylark Roof Garden, located on Kingdom Street, sits on the 10th floor of Paddington Central, offering incredible views overlooking the beautiful Notting Hill, on the banks of Little Venice. For this project, a combination of Pedestals and TerraPave® flags were utilised. The incorporation of Pedestals (stools on which the flags were laid) , meant no base was required. The depth of TerraPave® flags is calibrated as part of the manufacturing process, delivering exceptional dimensional accuracy which in turn delivered consistent levelling across the terrace. Project architects, Allies and Morrison selected our TerraPave® Flags, in Rimini and Milano Ground due to their rich, distinctive styles and impressive durability in highly pedestrianised areas. These flags are produced with locally-sourced, natural aggregates instead of pigments meaning their unique colouration won’t fade. TerraPave® also offers a cost-effective, and practical alternative to traditional stone paving. The £80m Paddington Central scheme was completed built by Wates Construction and designed by Allies & Morrison. Some of the impressive project’s additional features include London’s highest basketball court, an external glazed stair tower, and a public colonnade around the retail space on the ground floor.

Slip-resistant steps for Villa ParkDegafloor were thrilled to be involved in the redevelopment of Aston Villa’s famous Villa Park football stadium. Slip-resistant steps were required for the Holte End of the stadium in addition to new facilities, including a new bar and suite complex.As part of the project, slip-resistant steps were required. The entire 600m² staircases were treated with Degafloor concrete crack seal, followed by a flexible waterproof membrane to deliver a impervious solution to protect the new bar and suite complex. The staircases were then finished with a bespoke Degafloor Quartz Trowelled with Aggregate System, finished in a unique Terracotta Quartz.To comply with current DDA legislation (Disability Discrimination Act) the stairs were finished with a separately formed nosing in White.Due to the tight project timescale and to overcome traditional British weather constraints, Flo-Dek (UK) Ltd recommended a range of fast curing Degafloor resin systems. As well as being fast curing, all Degafloor systems exhibit excellent UV resistance – essential for external environments – whilst the QTA system applied to the treads offers unrivalled slip resistance to ensure spectator safety, whatever the weather conditions.Speaking on behalf of Flo-Dek (UK) Ltd, Sales Director Dave Cope said, “This was a very complex and demanding project. The colours had to match perfectly and the hand formed nosings required a high level of skill and attention to detail”.

Products:OS211 Orbis Glass Infill Top Fix Stainless Steel BalustradeOS251 Orbis Standalone (No Infill) Powder Coated Double Handrail BalustradeContractor: Read ConstructionArchitects: AHR ArchitectsIt was great to work with Read Construction on this new two storey extension to St John Plessington Catholic College. With a total project value of £1.3m, the vision was to create a new state of the art Sixth Form Centre with significant internal renovations prior to the extension to enhance existing spaces.Deltas role in the project consisted of supplying and fitting:68m of our Orbis OS211 Glass infill Balustrade System with Stainless Steel Handrail to the internal atrium and stairs.37m of powder-coated Orbis OS211 Top Fix Glass infill Balustrade Systems to the external retaining wall.27.5m of powder-coated Orbis OS251 no infill balustrade with a double handrails to the external steps and ramps.Aside from balustrading requirements, this education sector project introduced an open plan learning centre, media room, eight new classrooms, and new break out space with a canopy for students. The outcome has exceeded expectations and created an adult-focused learning environment for sixth form students, similar to a university setting, as well as providing more space for the increasing pupil numbers at St John Plessington Sixth Form College.Image credits: Read Construction Holdings Ltd

The number of Davit Arms required for a project should not sound like the quintessential British question of "one lump or two" for your cup of tea.It should depend on the specific project parameters but it is a question we are often asked, even if the employer's requirements or access strategy specifically identify a quantity.There are however a few definitive requirements. If the system is designed for single users (due to roof/building structural load limitations for instance), then two Davits must be provided to facilitate safe rescue. Equally, although Davits are component form and portable, the units are not light to carry between buildings, might be too large for service lifts and no one even wants to think about the stairs - the buildings being cleaned by rope access for a reason!Additionally, the duty holder and building owner should consider cleaning times and crew efficiency. Responsible IRATA contractors operate in a team of three, with one level 3 supervisor and two operatives. With a single davit, two of the team are effectively non-productive.Finally, it can be that multiple outreach davits are required. The projection requirements can vary depending on rooftop socket locations, parapet sizes, and façade elements. For extended cleaning cycles, Davit arms should project so that there is a naturally extended reach.Leave the one lump or two questions for your cup of tea, or number or shots of espresso if you prefer……….

The Project.Mustard Wharf, in the heart of Leeds, is a Build to Rent development comprising of 247 boutique apartments and ground floor retail units across three buildings, situated close to the historic Leeds and LIverpool canal.  Architectural interior design company, Lister and Lister, worked closely with our client, Amron to design inspiring amenity spaces across the development. A central clubhouse was designed, providing residents with a variety of shared spaces connected by a dramatic steel plate staircase.Expanded metal meshes in Zircon 45 and Zircon 60 were designed by Amron, for the stair soffits, and for balustrades within the Atrium space. In order to retain the appeal of a metallic appearance, a shade was chosen from Powdertech’s Anomatch™ range which resembles the sheen provided by anodising. One of the advantages that Anomatch has over anodising is that it provides an homogenous finish across different metal batches and joined sections. There are over twenty Anomatch shades from which the client chose ‘Regency Gold’. The staircase soffits and the balustrades are a stunning feature within this residential development.Benefits of Anomatch.Fast turnaround.Consistent colour shade within and between batchesExcellent resistance against corrosion.Easy to clean.Sections can be drilled or cut without fracturing the coating.Unlike anodising material can be welded without affecting the subsequent finish

Client: Meggit Avionics, Fareham Design & Build Contractor: Metpark Specialist Contractor: Thelwell Flooring Main Products Used: Emseal DSM SystemMeggit Avionics produce flight data sensors, systems and displays for all types of civil and military aircraft, including helicopters and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) drones. At the firm’s expanding facilities in Fareham, their success meant that they needed to find a way to provide more parking for the growing number of people working on the site. The solution was provided by Metpark UK, in a complete car park design and build contract, that provided a whole new parking level, raised and built directly above their existing surface car park, which added a further 63 parking spaces. This included a new structural steel frame, with steel access stairs, perimeter crash barriers, and lighting, plus composite steel and concrete decks with waterproof deck surfacing. The structural design used 40mm wide expansion joints brought right through the composite deck to allow the anticipated high joint movement capability required, which was up to +/- 50% (i.e. total 100%). The Emseal DSM system was selected and used to securely seal the exposed expansion joints as it can easily meet and accommodate all these requirements. Emshield DSM is a prefabricated movement joint that is easily installed from above, so other trades can continue uninterrupted below. Additionally it is bonded into position with a structural epoxy adhesive, so there is no potentially damaging drilling required into otherwise sound concrete elements of the new decks.

OverviewMechanical Smoke ventilation system designed and installed by Dyers Environmental Controls Ltd at Droylsden Marina.Project BackgroundThe Wharf, set alongside Droylsden Marina offers a collection of modern 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments which required a mechanical smoke ventilation system. Dyer Environmental Controls Ltd supplied and installed a mechanical smoke ventilation solution in a Watkin Jones Homes development. The fully automatic EN certified system allows safe escape for residents and clear access for firefighters.Project SolutionDyer Environmental Controls Ltd supplied and installed a mechanical smoke ventilation solution in a Watkin Jones Homes development. The apartment block has 6 levels connected by a central staircase. Dyers installed EN certified dampers to each floor along with local smoke detection. The fans were placed within the smoke shaft with a Powrmatic N-SHEV Roof Opensky louvred ventilator situated above them, providing weather protection. A control panel operates the duty and standby fans. Two AOV smoke dome vents are in place to provide smoke clearance, one located on level 6 and the other on the central staircase.Project ResultThe Powrmatic open sky louvre is situated above the smoke extract fans, providing weather protection. If smoke is detected in the building the system will open the corridor AOV, smoke shaft damper, head of stair vent and open sky louvre. The duty fan will run to extract any smoke located in the corridor. In the event of a power failure the standby fan will engage. Dyer’s fully automatic system allows safe escape for residents and clear access for firefighters.

OverviewHead of stairwell High Rise Student Accommodation Ventilation designed and installed by ADS (Air Design Systems) at a brand new student accommodation on Friars Road, Coventry.Project BackgroundTrinity View is a brand-new student accommodation in Coventry with Six iconic blocks for 614 students, all set around a private courtyard which required a smoke ventilation system.Project SolutionADS (Air Design Systems)  installed Powrmatic N-SHEV Stirling natural and smoke ventilators at the head of three stairs along with Stirling vents above the smoke extract fans in two smoke shafts. Along side these smoke ventilators, a Powrmatic N-SHEV Wall Opensky was installed at the head of a separate smoke shaft that terminated in the Façade. The Stirling Casement Ventilators were operated by 24v drive open/drive close actuators opening to 90° and painted to a RAL 7016 colour to match the existing building. The Roof Opensky N-SHEV ventilator was also operated by an electric 24v drive open/drive close actuator with single skin aluminium blades mounted on a turndown base.Project ResultADS (Air Design Systems)  delivered an expectational high rise student accommodation smoke ventilation installation which was handed over on time and in budget with their customer. The student accommodation now benefits from a life safety smoke ventilation system. ADS also provided the smoke shaft dampers, the facade FLW Fieger louvred vents and the full control system for the accommodation. The 4 different sized Stirling Casement ventilators offered 1.04m² (x2) , 1.32m², and 1.15m² Free area to Approved Document B.

Contemporary architecture often uses curved profiles to create a clean architectural finish. Now, there is a growing market for domestic curved balcony balustrade.A homeowner in Cornwall approached us looking for a curved glass balustrade for their home. We were more than happy to provide a couple of solutions using one of our patented glass balustrade systems. Primarily, Pure Vista proposed two solutions for this home project in Cornwall, both using our ORIGIN-R balustrade system. ORIGIN-R is appropriate for domestic balconies because it achieves 1.5kN, the building regulation that applies to potentially dangerous drops in domestic, single use properties. It’s also the only Pure Vista balustrade channel that can be manufactured as a curved profile, making it the best solution for a curved installation. The first option is the most aesthetically pleasing, for a curved installation is using curved glass inside a curved ORIGIN-R channel. However, this requires the system to be wet-glazed, something that the customer decided against. So, as an alternative to the wet-glazed curved solution, we proposed and ultimately supplied, a faceted curve balustrade solution using straight sections of channel with mitre joints to follow the curved line of the balcony. The installation itself was taken care of by Camel Glass who are specialist architectural glass installers, also based in Cornwall. The result is this fantastic balcony with a railing that allows the customer to see their view, the garden and stay protected from the Cornish breeze. The silver hand railing along the top provides an aesthetically pleasing edge that connects the stairs and the balcony. Please take a look at the images below for a closer look.

The ChallengeInstalled within the reception hall and circulation areas of the two towers, Pyroguard Protect, which was chosen by fire protection specialists, Pyrometal, has helped architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel achieve his ambitious vision, without compromising on safety.Following the successful testing, Pyroguard Protect was installed throughout DUO-1 and DUO-2.In the reception hall, Pyroguard Protect EI120 was fitted inside PYROTEK steel profiles to form full height glass partitions and in the circulation areas on each floor, around 690 square metres of E30 was used inside double-leaf doors with EI60 glass partitions.The same was also used in the corridor doors as a means of compartmentation, which connects various areas to the stairs and lift landings.The SolutionTours Duo rises on a former industrial site on the edge of the River Seine in the Paris Rive Gauche district and at 180 m, DUO-1 is set to be the third tallest building in the capital.The pair of towers, DUO-1 and DUO-2, which lean to form an impressive asymmetrical ‘V’, will house offices, retail spaces, restaurants, a hotel and a top floor panoramic bar.In the design of the mixed-use scheme, Ateliers Jean Nouvel was tasked to create high performing, aesthetically striking buildings and as such, decided to take a bioclimatic approach to reduce energy use and make the most of the outdoor weather conditions.Giving the best protection for people and property, Pyroguard Protect provides integrity and heat insulation for 30 to 180 minutes (EI classification).The solution also provides 1B1 impact classification without the need for additional counterpanes, high performing acoustic properties and peace of mind throughout the lifespan of the product due to its UV stability.

Cyclehoop are set to introduce a major network of on-street cycle storage to neighbourhoods across Glasgow following a successful Bikehangar pilot scheme.With around 70% Glasgow’s homes in flat or tenements, finding safe spaces for cyclists to park their bike can be a real challenge when communal property rules often prevent storage on stairwells. Even then, having to carry bikes up and down flights of stairs can act as a deterrent to people cycling regularly.But the introduction of 130 Bikehangars on streets throughout Glasgow will support the growth of cycling in the city and make cycling a more attractive travel option that residents rely upon routinely.Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, backed the scheme as a way to build greater reliance on more sustainable forms of transport as part of the effort to tackle the climate emergency.Councillor Anna Richardson said: “With so many of us in Glasgow living in tenements or flats, bike storage is a real issue for people who cycle or who are keen to take up cycling. Keeping bikes in stairwells can cause obstructions, which creates a safety risk and can put owners at odds with other residents. Bikes kept on stairwells are also at a greater risk of theft. But having access to secure storage that’s easy to use will take away a significant barrier that deters people from relying on a bike. Our new scheme with Cyclehoop will make using a bike more attractive and ensure how we get about Glasgow is more active and sustainable. Encouraging greater reliance on the bike as an ordinary mode of transport is a vital part of our efforts to decarbonise the city’s transport system.”

Overview The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is located in the City of Westminster and is the oldest theatre in London still in use. There have been four different theatres built on the site, the first of which opened its doors in 1663. The current theatre was designed by Benjamin Dean Wyatt and opened in its current format in 1812. The theatre, now owned and operated by Andrew Lloyd Webber's company LW Theatres, has just gone through an astonishing £60 million refurbishment, designed by architects Haworth Tompkins, which includes new bars, dressing rooms and even a new 16 person lift to grant easy access to upper levels! Installation Over the past 2 years, C.A.T. has worked closely with the client, the architects and the flooring contractors - to supply a range of solid brass flooring profiles and stair nosings throughout this iconic building. Hand-finished here in the UK, these Brass Nosings adorn the staircases within the theatre's auditorium and many of the original cantilevered staircases in the foyers and Royal Boxes. Alongside Loughton Contracts, C.A.T conducted multiple site visits, to measure and template the hundreds of steps across the theatre. These measurements were conveyed to our fabrication team, who worked extremely hard to bring the nosing’s to life and replicate the detail of the treads, to ensure the overall finish was first class. Last but by no means least, as you walk into the newly refurbished theatre foyer, you will be greeted by the stunning bespoke carpet by Alarwool, expertly finished by Loughton Contracts, with our 16mm solid brass rods, hand-turned by our factory and hand finished in antique brass, to match the nosings and trims throughout. Be sure to look up too, the atrium roof is simply stunning!

"The most modern and largest municipal archive in Europe", Cologne proclaims, is now in their city. The future of the city archive had been uncertain for decades: first due to a lack of space, then came the collapse in 2009. The repository with its fragile treasures lay in ruins. No one expected this kind of new beginning. Through the office Waechter+Waechter Architekten, a new building was erected on a different site. With its opening, the rescued archives, the staff and the users are making a comeback - and a successful one at that. For the architects mastered the merging of two opposites. The transparency and openness of a civic archive is now in harmony with an indestructible security wing for the archives. Bronze and glass enclose the façade, of which there are actually two, because the building consists of an outer and an inner cuboid. The core houses the treasures, while the shell houses the offices, laboratories and workshops, the lecture hall and the foyer, whose interior glass façade provides a view of two atriums and the bronze body of the magazine.The staff offices and the lifts are covered with grey linoleum flooring, because Waechter+Waechter value the flooring as a sustainable and ecological product that meets high hygienic as well as aesthetic requirements and is hard-wearing at the same time. On the outside as well as on the inside, the beautifully ageing material of bronze is used again and again, as great importance is attached to the fact that the materials used haptically tie in with the task of preserving significant testimonies of time. Waechter+Waechter speak of their idea of connecting the areas through the repetition of the materials. This attention to detail is also reflected in the use of linoleum. The stair treads and the custom-made tables made of Douglas fir wood, the benches and the shelves have received an inlay of furniture linoleum "in a pastel moss green" (Bauwelt issue 20.21). Protected, the archival material is placed on gentle material for viewing, the colour tone has a soft effect, which gently dictates the handling of the treasures.

Restoration of the Old Rectory in Clifton Village, Nottinghamshire: A Testament to Exquisite Craftsmanship and Heritage PreservationThe Old Rectory, a remarkable Grade II Listed Georgian-style property dating back to the mid-1700s, has undergone a magnificent restoration, showcasing the timeless beauty of timber sash windows. This noteworthy project, carried out with the assistance of Gowercroft Joinery's exceptional craftsmanship, serves as a testament to the commitment to heritage preservation and attention to detail.Key DetailsThe Old Rectory, a Grade II Listed Georgian-style property in Clifton Village, Nottinghamshire, has undergone a £5 million restoration project.Tomlinson Homes, a division of G F Tomlinson Group, collaborated with architects CBP, Nottinghamshire County Council's conservation team, and the local community to ensure the preservation of the property's heritage assets.The restoration project retained and reinstalled many period features, including the original square stairwell with wooden cantilever stairs and purpose-built rooms.Gowercroft Joinery's Classic Range timber windows and doors were chosen as high-quality fixtures and fittings that respected the property's heritage.Products Used48 traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows with elegant Georgian glazing bars and durable Accoya® frames.23 Hardwick casement windows.6 Kedleston tilt & turn windows.12 Melbourne doors with traditional styling and performance features.17 sets of internal decorative shutters in various designs, maintaining the period look.OverviewThe restoration of the Old Rectory in Clifton Village, Nottinghamshire, stands as a remarkable example of a meticulously executed heritage restoration project.Tomlinson Homes, a division of G F Tomlinson Group, collaborated closely with architects CBP, Nottinghamshire County Council's conservation team, and the local community to ensure the preservation of the property's historic character.The £5 million development, known as Rectory Gardens, encompasses the conversion of the iconic landmark into luxury homes while respecting and restoring its heritage.Preserving the HeritageThroughout the restoration process, great care was taken to retain and restore the property's distinctive period features, including its original square stairwell with wooden cantilever stairs and spacious purpose-built rooms.The project aimed to honour the heritage assets that had withstood the test of time, ensuring that the finished design harmoniously merged the old and the new.Exquisite Timber Windows and DoorsGowercroft Joinery's Classic Range timber windows and doors were meticulously selected as high-quality fixtures and fittings, perfectly suited for this prestigious restoration project.The Old Rectory's original wooden sash windows were replaced with 48 traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows. These windows faithfully replicated the elegant Georgian glazing bars, featuring slim and durable Accoya® frames with a stunning maintenance-free white finish.Complementing the sash windows, the restoration included 23 Hardwick casement windows, six Kedleston tilt & turn windows, and 12 Melbourne doors. All these products were carefully chosen from Gowercroft's Classic portfolio, offering a perfect blend of traditional aesthetics and high-performance features.A Thoughtful RestorationAs part of the restoration, Gowercroft Joinery also supplied 17 sets of internal decorative shutters in a range of opening and fixed designs. These shutters beautifully complemented the carefully restored period look of the property, adding a touch of sophistication and functionality.Andrew Madge, Managing Director of Gowercroft Joinery, expressed immense pride in contributing to the conversion of this historic property into a collection of exceptional residential homes. He emphasised how the Classic windows and doors from Gowercroft offer architects and specifiers an ideal solution for upgrading older properties while preserving their traditional appearance, thanks to their well-balanced proportions, exceptional energy efficiency, and remarkable durability.For architects and specifiers involved in large construction firms, the Old Rectory restoration project exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to heritage preservation that elevate any development into a truly exceptional masterpiece. The inclusion of Gowercroft Joinery's Classic Range timber windows and doors ensures a seamless blend of timeless aesthetics, superior performance, and enduring quality.

Access to secure, on-street cycle parking can have a big impact on people’s lives, making cycling more feasible, easier and more convenient. However, conventional cycle parking solutions often cannot accommodate larger non-standard cycles such as handcycles, tricycles and recumbents. This creates a barrier to usage and ownership for non-standard cycle users who do not have convenient private storage space.Working in partnership with Lambeth Council, Cyclehoop provided a specially adapted Bikehangar to accommodate a recumbent tandem bike for the Charles family and their son Isaac, who has Down’s Syndrome.Cycling is a great activity for Isaac, combining exercise, socialising and the outdoors. He and his father Tagore ride a tandem bike with a recumbent front seat made by specialist German manufacturer Hase, which Tagore acquired with help from Wheels for Wellbeing and London Recumbents. The bike gives Isaac an unobstructed view ahead and allows the pair to communicate while they ride.Prior to the Bikehangar, the bike was stored indoors, taking up valuable space in the kitchen. Tagore had to carry the 20kg+ bike up and down a flight of stairs, making each outing a difficult undertaking.How Cyclehoop adapted the Bikehangar Having received the details and measurements of the bike, our design team got to work specifying the Bikehangar adaptations. The most important factor is to understand the specific needs of the user; in this scenario Tagore can operate the door and load the bike in and out of the Bikehangar. Further adaptations such as ramps or platforms were not required. The standard floating rack arrangement was removed and a high-security ground anchor with Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond accreditation was chosen to provide a suitable locking point for the bike’s low slung frame. For the unit’s standard cycle users, a high density rack module provides support and secure locking points. The adapted Bikehangar was installed by the Cyclehoop team in March 2023.In Use The adapted Bikehangar makes a big difference to the Charles family, Tagore no longer has to lift the bike up and down the stairs, risking damage or even injury. The bike doesn’t occupy space in the kitchen and the process of going out for a ride is now substantially easier and safer, leading to more frequent outings for Isaac. The two Bikehangar spaces for standard cycles are rented to other residents on the street.“The adapted Bikehangar has transformed our family’s cycling experience. No longer burdened by the logistical challenges of storing and accessing our recumbent tandem bike, we can now enjoy the freedom and joy of riding together more conveniently. It has brought us closer, allowing us to explore the world around us with ease. We are grateful to Cyclehoop and Lambeth Council for making this possible.”– Tagore CharlesAt Cyclehoop we believe the benefits of the bike should be available to all. We’re delighted to help Isaac and Tagore enjoy cycling more conveniently and more often. We hope the adapted Bikehangar will inspire similar projects in the future. We would like to express our thanks to the Charles family and the cycle parking team at Lambeth for their help.“At Wheels for Wellbeing we know that the right secure cycle parking solution is key to owning your own cycle, especially if it features bespoke adaptations and/or bears a large price tag (both are often the case when you’re a disabled cyclist). I am therefore thrilled to see that the Charles family have been provided with an accessible cycle hangar, on their street, enabling them to cycle as often as they wish.This was thanks to the council putting in place a simple mechanism for residents to indicate what type of cycle they ride (not assuming that everyone rides a bicycle) and discussions with the provider of cycle hangars who made the modifications requested by this particular family. This is true accessibility in action: a system which works for the majority AND which is also ready to adapt when needed. Well done Lambeth Council and Cyclehoop!!”– Isabelle Clement – Director, Wheels for Wellbeing