"storage"

St Luke’s Church of England School is part of Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust. They are all about their community to treat one another with dignity and respect and follow their Christian ethos. The school prioritises making students under their care to know and feel that they are highly valued as human beings and are worthy of an outstanding education.Here at Helmsman, we have manufactured and installed 179 four-compartment laminate metal lockers. The specification of the lockers was 1775mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. The school requested for the lockers to have a sloping top when they were fabricated. For school lockers, sloping tops are a popular option as they prevent the increase of dust and prevent the top of the lockers from being used as storage which can create a safety hazard if any items fall off.The school requested for the body of the locker to be Metal, and the door was to be Laminate. The doors were coated in multiple colours between Paradise Blue, Yellow Crisp, Orange, Hot Pepper, and Stone Grey, and the body of the lockers was powder coated in our standard colour ‘Ice’. The lockers were all finished with oval number plates above the Camlocks which is a great choice for school lockers as students can feel secure that their belonging is safe in the laminate metal lockers.Laminate metal lockers are an excellent choice for school lockers as it’s modern and stylish. Additionally, the material will do better at withstanding scratches, and dents.

Whilst the summer holiday is going on, many schools are thinking about replacing or expanding their current metal lockers. Our team at Helmsman manufactured and installed new lockers at West Coventry Academy. West Coventry Academy is a co-educational secondary school and sixth form.The academy requested metal school lockers, with 4 compartments, with sloping tops. Sloping tops are a beneficial option for schools as it is a way to prevent people from using the top of the lockers as a storage area which could cause a safety hazard.Metal lockers are a popular and essential option for schools, as they can come in a variety of compartments, shapes, colours, and sizes. Furthermore, the door frames of metal lockers are robust, and designed to last long term.Our team manufactured 116 four-compartments with the size of the lockers at 1780mm high, 305mm wide, and 460mm deep. The doors of the lockers were powder coated in the shade ‘Blue Grey’, with the body of the lockers powder coated in ‘Ice’.The project was finished with Cam Locks which is an effective lock option for schools as it keeps personal belongings secure. Additionally, it can come with a master key option too.It was great working with Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd on this project! Get in touch today if you have a similar project, or if you want more information about your school lockers. Give us a call at 01284 530 427.

OverviewIn partnership with Tidyco, Powrmatic was selected to supply an energy-efficient air rotation heating system for a 5,100m2 warehouse storage facility in Derbyshire using a Powrmatic TEx41 Air Rotation Heater measuring over 20ft tall.Project BackgroundTidyco was approached by a customer who is involved with manufacturing, transport and additional services in the aerospace industry amongst others. After recent success, their customer needed to expand their footprint and managed this by moving into a newly built warehouse situated in Derbyshire.SolutionAs this was a brand-new commercial building, there was no heating provision and just the original lighting installed by the builder, which was not fit for purpose. Tidyco was tasked with installing an efficient and effective means of heating solution for the 5,100m2 (55,000 sq ft) vast space along with a modern lighting system. In order to heat and illuminate this space, which occupied a space of more than seven and a half football pitches, some heavy-duty kit was required.ResultFor the heating aspect, Tidyco engineers installed an internal Powrmatic TEx 41 air rotation heater, manufactured in the UK. With an output of 350 kW, the unit measured in at over six metres (20 ft) tall. This particular TEx model was gas-powered and has the superior capacity to provide complete climate control for a 55,000 sq ft with a single TEx Air Rotation Heater.

 Divided into time slots so school life could go on as smoothly as possible during the restructuring, the renovation work involved changing all the functions of the educational establishment. A structure with entrances on either side, limited storage space for materials, the need to create various secure entrances to the institution consecutively according to the work phases… The BW Dumot architectural firm met these high-stake challenges with agility in organisational terms. Of course, by choosing a ventilated facade solution on a subframe and products renowned for their ease of installation and great resistance, the firm was able to optimise the External Thermal Insulation (ETI) phase.Changing the perception of the institution through the building envelopeLocated in a so-called sensitive neighbourhood, Paul Eluard Secondary School was ageing, with deteriorating facades. Its new generation design had to mark a change in order to both encourage residents to see the institution in a new light and help the students to reclaim the school.Since the college is located in a green space, away from the centre but overlooking the entire city below, the architectural firm chose a sleek design, a smooth and structured white mineral look, and the PAPYRUS finish (crumpled paper). In this way, while aiming for an understated look, the firm was able to create a strong contrast with the school’s surroundings, so that it would stand out and become a landmark.It was through the building envelope and the treatment of the facade that architect Barbara Dumont was able to express this aesthetic preference.

Commercial to residential, it may be last orders for some of our great British pubs, for other’s its discovering exciting ways of transforming commercial structures into luxury residential dwellings.  The growing trend of converting old inns offers new homes a unique history whilst being packed with character and features.Delta Registered Installers, Advance Property Preservation Ltd were engaged to assist on a troublesome vaulted basement to a property, based in central London which had already been converted into high living accommodation.Just off the basement area were two large vaults around 12m long. Made from brick barrel construction, this below ground space had previously used for storing kegs of ale!One of these vaults had previously been converted into a spa area with jacuzzi and steam room, the other was used as a storage area. The owners had previously had the storeroom tanked with a Type A, render system, however this approach repeatedly failed, allowing for substantial water ingress which was causing damage to items stored in this area.With Structural Waterproofing one of the major contributors to project failure lies with the design. When hiring contractors, ensure the design, procurement of materials and installation is undertaken by one specialist will naturally reduce these known and associated risks. A specialist contractor will always be able to offer quality assurances.

Waterproofing design is a key and critical component for successful construction of below ground structures. Whether it’s a completely new build or making smaller changes to an existing property, waterproofing design should never be overlooked.Waterproofing might account for just a small fraction of a building’s total cost, but waterproofing defects can result in catastrophic consequences. When waterproofing fails, the implications are significant.Delta’s MD, Kevin Dodds was approached to offer advice and guidance on a failed waterproofing system.The existing structure had an impressive 5-level basement which houses: kitchens, food storage and food preparation areas, spa, plant rooms and accommodation. Near to a large river, the site sited well within the water table. The original waterproofing system was based on the secant piled walls and a block wall internally to provide a basic drained protection system with drainage holes at various points to drain to various levels.Over time, the third floor had become completely saturated with all levels of the basement experiencing water ingress in varying levels from damp patches to significant “jets” of water and flows of water through the secant piles.With remediation waterproofing design strategies, it may take some time to specify a suitable system. It is important that investigations are thoroughly carried out by individuals with the capability of diagnosing the defect, assessing the extent of that defect, and recommending a suitable corrective measure.

Berry Systems supplied and installed Internal and external safety barriers to protect doorways, walkways, columns, racking, site and equipment at the Co-operative, Avonmouth project.The 435,780 square foot (40,485 sq m) state-of-the-art facility is conveniently located near to Junction 18 of the M5 and ideally placed to distribute goods to 482 Co-Operative stores in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Wales area. Our safety barriers have been installed extensively both inside and outside the distribution centre. The access roads are lined with Barrier Rails mounted on semi-flexible Flexi-Posts. In the vehicle waiting areas power cables have been integrated into the barrier with post extensions mounted to every other post, for the power outlets. The Flexi-Posts give greater protection if a reversing vehicle fails to stop in time, avoiding damage to the barrier, power cables and HGVs. We also installed a number of exterior bollards to protect doorways and other access points and additional barriers to protect fuel storage and other plant. Inside the distribution centre, structural columns benefit from our column protection units that flex upon impact to minimise damage. Other areas have our unique double rail system mounted on spring steel buffers to create an impenetrable but flexible  barrier from ground level to a height of 610mm.

THE PROJECTLocated on the south bank of the River Thames, this iconic building is being renovated and built into a thriving neighbourhood full of culture, art and history. Within the area, you can live, eat, shop and explore a range of places and living options.There is a range of apartments within the iconic landmark as well as the building surrounding the power station. Not only do the apartments offer a prime location in London, but they also come with a wide range of amenities included, including unforgettable London views, rooftop gardens, affordable homes, sustainable living plus much more.THE PRODUCTBattersea was built in stages and so were the mailboxes supplied.Phase 1 included full stainless steel RENZ Mailboxes that look absolutely stunning. They are recessed into the wall and include a soft close function for design purposes. These mailboxes look like they could be a brown colour, but that’s the reflection off the floor!The stainless steel has been engraved for easy identification. The boxes are also double-height for more storage capacity. Phases 2 & 3 are completely bespoke solutions to ensure the industrial cultural look of the building is kept throughout the additional finishes. These mailboxes were designed specifically for Battersea Power Station, they are suspended above the ground and in between concrete and steel pillars. These incredible Tileboxes are fitted with bespoke cladding, engraved numbering for easy identification and powder coated in anodic brown with a dark bronze lock.

Cuplas are Liverpool’s first choice for providing wholesale plumbing supplies to the trade and public. They contacted us to assist with a project they became involved with at the Tobacco Warehouse, Liverpool’s luxury waterfront apartments.The Grade II Tobacco Warehouse is the largest brick build building in the world. Formally the storage facility for all of the tobacco coming in to the UK from the new world. It has now been converted into a residential complex with ‘New York’ style apartments of varying sizes. To compliment the modern design, the apartments needed to be fitted out with quality bathroom products.Round table discussions took place with key experts within the business and directly with Cuplas to fully understand the challenge and help them achieve their goals. Following these discussions and numerous visits to site to visualise the setting, our design, specification and product teams worked together to present various solutions to satisfy their demands. After looking at all of the options available, the customer chose our premium WRAS approved concealed cistern range along with our Reef dual flush pneumatic push plate.Testimonial“The two main driving factors on deciding to use TYDE for this job was value for money and reputation. The apartments are top end properties, we wanted to use a manufacturer with a solid reputation for quality. The products were easy to install, they function well and have been faultless so far.”

Here's how Freedom has transformed Izzy's living space -Why Freedom?Freedom embraces unique features to support independent living scenarios and offers the latest kitchen trends so there’s no need to compromise on style. Key components of safety, style, storage and smart flexibility at the core of the Freedom brand, make it ideal for multi-generational living, including mobility requirements.Meet Izzy Izzy Hussain, is a full-time wheelchair user, who lives in Milton Keynes. Izzy’s new kitchen allows her to host friends and family with ease.  “I now have the freedom to cook what I want, when I want and this new style of kitchen allows me to be independent and spontaneous, which is really important for me.”Izzy’s previous kitchen wasn’t accessible. Izzy reverted to using a camping hot plate and an MDF worktop just so she had the ability to cook.Following Izzy’s spinal injury, Occupational Therapist Zoe Paye provided necessary support and helped oversee the design process and renovation of Izzy’s bungalow. Zoe recommended Adam Thomas, leading accessible design consultant and Tara Neil Kitchen Retailer to offer a tailored design service, including delivery and installation. Izzy’s Kitchen DesignAs part of an early design consultation, a few features were agreed:An Island on two levels with fixed height prep space and induction hob so Izzy can cook and entertain guests at the same time.A pull-out table, doubling up as a place to safely transfer dishes to the island and as additional preparation space.A pantry/tall larder with pull-out drawers providing easy and quick access to dried food and tins.Additional design features:A drinks cabinet as entertaining is a big part of Izzy’s life allowing her to host friends and family with ease. A NEFF Slide&Hide® oven, including heat proof resting shelf which Izzy wanted following good reviews on a Facebook spinal group. Essential storage such as pull down i-move baskets and pull-out pan drawers provide easy access to everyday items, helping Izzy to be independent. A push to open slimline NEFF dishwasher for ease of accessing crockery and kitchen utensils and a hot tap which eliminates the back and forth of filling up a kettle. Finally, a well-equipped utility room incorporating a sink to wash and groom her dogs as well as a handy pull-out dog treat drawer were a must-have for Izzy. Products featured: Freedom Alta Kitchen in gloss pure white with chrome handles. A statement worktop made from Quartzite in aurora pink.Appliances: sink with drainer, integrated hide and slide ovens and induction hob, hot tap, integrated fridge-freezer, slimline dishwasher, feature lighting and flip sockets.The Freedom brand is designed in collaboration with the Adam Thomas Consultancy. Adam is an accessible design consultant and industry expert with over 40 years’ experience. Freedom is available from selected retail partners around the UK.

While the summer holidays are going on, many schools are thinking about restoring, replacing, or expanding the current lockers. The holidays are a great time to get these jobs done, as it's much quicker for installers to operate and they don’t get in the way of your students. Our Team at Helmsman manufactured and installed new lockers replacing the old ones at Weald of Kent Grammar.  Weald of Kent Grammar is a secondary school that has a strong focus on academic achievement and selects pupils based on their ability.The school requested metal lockers, with 3 compartments and 1 compartment with metal sloping tops. Metal lockers are a beneficial option for schools, as they can come in a range of compartments, colours, and sizes. The school requested sloping tops that prevent people from using the top of the lockers as a storage area, which can create a safety hazard if items fall or if students climb on top of the lockers.Our team manufactured 98 one-compartment lockers with the size of lockers 665mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. Also, three compartment that is 1775mm high, 300 wide, and 450 deep. The colour of the lockers was requested to be ‘Ultramarine Blue’ with body colour to be ‘Ice’. With sloping tops to be 'elegant grey' and extended by 80mm. With the lockers, they have requested Cam locks which would make students feel guaranteed that their belongings are safe and secure.It was great to work again with Weald of Kent Grammar on this project. If you have a similar project or want to know more about school lockers, give us a call at 01284 530 427.

It’s prime time for the education sector to refurbish and service institutions. Helmsman manufactured and installed almost 200 new laminate lockers in a high school in Manchester. These laminate lockers were extra heavy duty. Having ‘extra’ heavy-duty lockers means that the laminate doors inset into the locker frame and creates extra durability. The advanced locking design provides a return lip within the internal door frame for the hooked cam to lock behind. In addition, there is a locking slot in the door frame upright that enables secure locking in two places. These stable and fire retardant four compartment lockers have created storage for 776 students.The Laminate used was Arpa Fucisa, which makes the corridors pop. The laminate lockers are all standard sizes of 1775mm high x 300mm wide x 450mm deep. This project included a standard 150 mm stand with the rear leg which has been cladded with matching laminate panels to have a fully secure, clean and aesthetically pleasing effect. Arpa Fucisa also used for the sidewall to locker infill. Chorlton school chose to have engraved numbers on each locker door. Using this solution for numbering protects the lockers from vandalism.Helmsman is the leading manufacturer of a complete range of lockers and cubicles in the UK and a specialist in providing solutions across different sectors from leisure, healthcare and education through to commercial, retail, construction and industrial. With a dedicated and experienced in-house design team supported by its on-site factory, the company produces high-quality lockers manufactured for each project.

Friesland Campina CHALLENGE An absolute must for refrigerated warehouses or dairy processing facilities is to try to keep the building as cool as possible and to avoid all causes of heat, in order to keep the cooling costs as low as possible. Some decisions can have detrimental effects though. Mechanical fixing of the roofing membrane for example, in case the wrong fastenings are used. Thermal bridging may cause cold – or in this case heat - penetrating through the flat roof fasteners resulting in higher energy bills. And, quite important as well, mechanical fixing will perforate the vapour control layer, which in the case of cool buildings sits uppermost on the insulation. The result being moisture-related damage to the insulation! Furthermore, it has also been proved that the darker the roofing membrane, the less the sunlight will be reflected, the more heat will be absorbed. Again resulting in escalating energy costs. Waterproofing a cool storage warehouse is definitely not easy! In this regard Friesland Campina were looking for a durable and ecological roof solution for their brand new refrigerated distribution centre in Maasdam. SOLUTION RENOLIT came up with the perfect answer: the RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT cool roof membrane. Here’s why! RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT is a completely white PVC membrane reflecting the sunlight up to 90%. Absolutely the highest solar reflectance rate ever. Thanks to this membrane, which prevents the interior from warming up, there will be no extra air conditioning expenses. In addition, an extra protective coating makes sure less dirt sticks to the roofing membrane. This layer will in turn help to maintain a durable reflection. 

Cemfloor was chosen for this project due to its compatibility with the various types of high-end luxury floor coverings and for its reduced drying time which allowed the project to proceed with the installation of the flooring without any disruptions.Multiplex were the main contractors for this project, with the screed installed by Progressive Group Limited.The new ten-storey residential building features 221 apartments from studio suites up to four-bedroom penthouses, exquisitely designed by PLP Architecture. Lincoln Square features London’s unparalleled residential amenities space of 17,000 square feet (1600 square meters) by world-class designer Patricia Urquiola.Lincoln Square overlooks the LSE library, the former Land Registry Building, New Square Chambers and the Royal Courts of Justice opened by Queen Victoria in 1882. The views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard and the Gherkin showcase the glorious London skyline.Cemfloor is a high-performance cement based liquid screed which provides the ideal solution for the domestic floor market. Its flowing properties make it easy and fast to install, and yet it is based on cement and therefore has none of the concerns inherent with other flowing screeds. There are no special measures required before applying adhesives or floor finishes to it and, it dries relatively quickly when compared to other flowing or “ordinary” screed materials.The limited space available on site was also a factor to be considered and was resolved by using Cemfloor Screed. It was delivered to the site ready mixed which eliminated the need of on-site mixing and storage of sand and cement on site

Built in 1957, St Cuthbert’s is one of the oldest Secondary Schools in St Helens, and was the first Catholic Secondary Modern to be built since the war. The distinctive main elevation of the school appears largely as it did nearly sixty years ago, but over-all the school’s buildings have increased over the last half century to accommodate increased pupil numbers and more facilities. Last year, Twinfix were approached by BPL Construction to design, supply and install an enclosed free-standing mono-pitch canopy at the school, which would provide additional space for dining, a popular choice for schools looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional extensions, allowing them to utilise their outdoor areas and provide additional covered space. The canopy covering a total of 129 square metres, manufactured from rust-resistant aluminium and powder coated to RAL 9004 signal black comprises of our innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF roof-glazing system, glazed with 25mm opal polycarbonate. Coloured vinyls were attached to some of the side panels to brighten up the structure and tie in with school branding. Mrs Twist, Head Teacher at the school commented: “We are extremely impressed with the quality and design of the canopy. The onsite team have worked in close proximity to our students and have taken full account of their health and safety.” The addition of the side glazing and doors add extra protection from the elements, making it a usable space throughout the year and a secure area for storage of equipment.

THE PROJECTThe University of Hertfordshire project features multiple different mailbox styles, including banks of boxes freestanding with support pedestals and also single mailboxes mounted upon a wall.The banks of multiple boxes feature a ‘Dry Riser’ product that has been incorporated in to the unit to minimise the amount of space used outside of the student residence. The pedestals that the unit is mounted upon have been designed and manufactured to securely hold both the mailboxes and Dry Riser product.The COM 2 – 145 mailbox is the chosen product for the external banks of mailboxes. They have been combined with complete weather cladding that ensures that mailboxes are weather resistant and withstand inclement British weather. The banks of mailboxes have been designed with an opening that the Dry Riser product is fitted into, mounting of this product is simple with the use of installed fitting brackets.The ‘town houses’ in this project use a COM 1 – 389 double depth mailbox fitted onto the external wall of the property. The double depth variation of the COM 1 – 389 mailboxes allows for additional mail storage, perfect for residences with multiple occupants and users who will be expecting large deposits of mail on a regular basis.All products featured on the University of Hertfordshire project are polyester powder coated with a RAL 7015 – Slate Grey colour that matches the branding guidelines of the residence. All mailboxes are engraved with unique numbers that easily show the mailbox that is for each user. This project also benefited from use of The Safety Letterbox Company specialist installation team who safely delivered and installed the mailboxes.

We worked with Squire Sanders, the global law firm, and their architect Jacobs Webber, to design their contemporary headquarters. Based in Central London at 7 Devonshire Square, their space needed to be professional, functional and fit with the aesthetic of the rest of their offices located in various countries around the world.In their building, we fitted secondary doors – for cupboards and storage spaces – that were full-height and designed to discreetly hide the casing of sliding folding walls to create a smooth and sleek interior. They worked perfectly with the architect’s plans so that the company had to make no compromises on the design they wanted within the space that they had.We also spent time drawing up a completely bespoke design for their fire extinguisher cupboards, factoring in aesthetics, function, and safety. The end result consisted of cupboards with a concealed frame, a stainless steel wrapped door, and a vision panel to see within the unit from the exterior.In terms of the doors themselves, we worked with the architect and the law firm to select the Arriva, Innova, models and bespoke SS-Faced Arriva models. These choices allowed us to create designs that worked perfectly for their use and allow the design to flow throughout their headquarters.The end result is effortlessly modern, and the design is consistent with their global branding. The functionality is improved for both employees and clients or guests, and the interior has a timeless professionalism that suits the ethos of the company.Browse the images to see exactly what we did or, if you think your commercial space needs some expert help with contemporary, functional doors, get in touch with our team at Selo, and lets get chatting.

This major redevelopment of Charlton Park Academy school involved replacing temporary mobile classrooms and a single storey building with a two-storey steel framed brick building to better meet the needs of students, teachers and carers. A structural flooring solution was required for use over precast planks, covering 800m2 on the ground and upper floor at a depth of 75mm to 120mm. Space and access would be challenging, due to the small footprint of the site, proximity to the existing school building and access from a busy main road. Given the large floor area, a traditional sand cement screed would have been very time consuming to place. Tarmac’s TOPFLOW SF a self compacting steel fibre reinforced concrete was chosen as the solution. Its flowing nature would allow it to be quickly pumped into place and adapt to the variable thickness criteria. TOPFLOW SF is designed to act as a structural topping with both, steel mesh & fibre reinforcement. The steel fibres added to the TOPFLOW SF gave its robustness and flexural strength as it was being placed over a precast plank system that could flex with loadings. They also reduced the risk of cracking. By replacing steel mesh reinforcement, it helped avoid problems with access, storage and handling and kept the site open for parallel trades. Using TOPFLOW SF rather than a sand cement screed or reinforced concrete, improved productivity and saved time. This saved 13 days or just over 2.5 weeks on the programme. 

Efficient and safe goods lifts optimize performance for a large online shopping retailer’s warehouseThe top online fashion retailer improves its productivity, efficiency and safety to meeting higher market demandsOnline orders for the fashion industry have significantly peaked over the last few years, making fashion retailers recognise the need to expand their warehouses. The international and rapidly growing fashion brand has opened a new warehouse in Litchfield to supply their multinational customers efficiently and on time. In 2021, Lödige Industries was contracted to design, manufacture, deliver and install one SHERPA and one ESCORTA goods lift for the new facility. Installation work of the goods lifts was accomplished in November 2021, while the rack system will be finished afterwards.Optimizing space and serving each mezzanine floor efficientlyDue to the increasing number of online orders, the international fashion retailer needed an efficient and space-saving lift solution. The client envisioned a multi-level storage solution, to fully utilise the available warehousing space.Lödige Industries in the UK decided to implement large goods lifts as a solution to access each floor. The free-standing SHERPA and ESCORTA goods lifts fully automate the transfer of goods across five and six floors and were easily integrated into the rack system. The two lifts have been configured specially to help the flow of goods in the building. They have been fitted to align with their vast increase in orders, facilitating their constant success globally. Overall, the cabin sizes of the goods lifts allow the customer to fit all their equipment in the shaft without any disturbances between different stops.Safety and security are key priorities for the customerSafety for employees in installation and operation of goods lifts is one of the key priorities for the fashion brand. Therefore, engineers from Lödige Industries installed the goods lifts in line with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It contains guidelines to minimise any injury to the user or people close to the machine. It specifies the maximum gap in a guard and directives regarding the lift such as lift speeds for different applications, alongside many other guidelines.For the ESCORTA, Lödige Industries fitted a bumper rail to protect the emergency stop button from being damaged. Additionally, rumble strips were installed to prevent the trolley from moving and maintaining the smooth running of the lift. As a result, this reduces downtime of the goods lifts, the amount of call outs and allows them to be more cost efficient.Consistent site coordination to apply the best lift solution for the customerThe biggest challenge for the customer was the limited space available for the goods lifts. Consequently, the customer required a lift solution to fit between the steel building columns and respecting all other work and storage areas. This made the sizing of the lifts become complex.In close collaboration with the customer, the efficiency of the building was maximised by optimising both, general goods flow and use of space within the goods lifts areas. The constant coordination and communication between the customer and Lödige Industries allowed a precise location for the lifts within the space available.SolutionIn order to save space and meeting the available space restrictions, free standing goods lifts were attached to the rack system.The applied safety measurements reduce downtimes of the goods lifts, the amount of call outs and allows the customer to operate more cost efficient.Close collaboration between the go-to fashion brand and Lödige Industries enabled the customer to optimise goods flow while respecting all site specifications.

In conjunction with construction company Speller Metcalfe, Medspace was delighted to work on the new £35 million Accident and Emergency department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The previous A&E department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital had been built in 2002 to service a far smaller number of expected patients – around 45,000 patients each year. In recent years, the A&E department has seen 75,000 attendees every year – more than 160% of their predicted numbers. As such, the size and layout were inadequate to service today’s patient numbers.Medspace was tasked with designing, manufacturing, and installing bespoke reception desks and staff bases for the new A&E department as well as our standard HTM63 and HTM71 storage solutions. The desks and bases were bespoke designs made to fit the spaces perfectly and to house all the items necessary in these spaces.To ensure the finished items were as successful as possible, we worked closely with the hospital, the architect and Speller Metcalfe to get the designs right for the space and make them as functional and useful as possible. The items had to be highly durable and versatile so that staff could use them as effectively as possible, making their jobs easier and making it more straightforward to treat patients.The designs we created for Worcestershire Royal Hospital A&E department made use of solid surface; highly clinical materials with seamless joints, making them ideal for infection control within healthcare environments. This offers the client peace of mind that their staff bases and reception desks will last the test of time, no matter how much traffic they see. Working closely with SpellerMetcalfe, the Medspace team installed the fitted furniture and equipment to fit in with their construction schedule so that the project could be completed and handed over to the client by their agreed timeline. Our team fitted the items quickly and without disrupting other ongoing work on the site. Medspace was tasked with designing, manufacturing, and installing bespoke reception desks and staff bases for the new A&E department as well as our standard HTM63 and HTM71 storage solutions. The desks and bases were bespoke designs made to fit the spaces perfectly and to house all the items necessary in these spaces.To ensure the finished items were as successful as possible, we worked closely with the hospital, the architect and Speller Metcalfe to get the designs right for the space and make them as functional and useful as possible. The items had to be highly durable and versatile so that staff could use them as effectively as possible, making their jobs easier and making it more straightforward to treat patients.The designs we created for Worcestershire Royal Hospital A&E department made use of solid surface; highly clinical materials with seamless joints, making them ideal for infection control within healthcare environments. This offers the client peace of mind that their staff bases and reception desks will last the test of time, no matter how much traffic they see. The A&E department has proven to be a resounding success, revolutionising the provision of emergency medical care in the region. The department has significantly reduced waiting times and enhanced patient outcomes with state-of-the-art facilities, streamlined processes, and a dedicated team. SpellerMetcalfe said, “The expansion of urgent care facilities will further contribute to the improvements being led by local health and care organisations to reduce waiting times, improve ambulance handovers and also introduce new and innovative models of care in and out of hospital.”

This brand-new sophisticated working environment in London was designed with best-in-class facilities, so it was an honour for Helmsman to be asked to supply the lockers. With the cycle to work scheme fast becoming more popular amongst workplaces, its no surprise that 72 Welbeck Street provided 114 spaces for bicycles, 9 showers and 138 lockers in their luxurious new commuter facilities.It was great to work with Specialist Joinery Group again on this project. In order to optimise the storage for the lockers, the client chose a variety of locker designs, including Z Lockers and 3 Compartment Laminate Lockers.Z Lockers are a great choice as they allow 2 people to store their items in the footprint of one locker and allow hanging of clothes, perfect for those who have cycled to work and are getting changed. While laminate lockers are perfect for a professional heavy duty finish.Both the Z Lockers and Laminate lockers chosen were manufactured from aluminium and stainless steel with Abet Laminate doors in colour Spring White. These materials are designed to withstand a wet environment and so are perfect for the changing rooms at 72 Welbeck Street. The Z Lockers also featured stands with seats, with slats in matching laminate from Abet.All of the lockers were finished with black circle number plates and Lowe and Fletcher camlocks. The perfect choice to keep the changing rooms looking slick and modern.This was another great project to be a part of in the heart of London, and it’s great to see that our lockers look and feel just like the designer intended.If you need Z lockers, Laminate lockers or want to chat with us about any bespoke locker requirements, give us a call on 01284 530427.

Verdo, Kew BridgeEcoWorld BrentfordCemfloor Level PlusA luxury development of apartments, shops, restaurants, parks and offices situated next to Brentford Football Club in West London.Cemfloor Level Plus was chosen for this project as the contractor required a screed that could be installed at low thicknesses. Cemfloor Level Plus was supplied by Capital Concrete and installed by Advance Screeding UK ltdClose to the River Thames, and next to Brentford football club in West London, Kew Bridge is a selection of beautiful new homes, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants. It is part of the wider Brentford regeneration project, and developed by EcoWorld.There are a total of 6 blocks on the site, and Cemfloor was the screed of choice for the main contractor.The main contractor had problems with the floor levels on site, so Cemfloor provided a thin screed system to work alongside the unique low profile UFH system; a castellated mat system installed onto Superfoil insulation. The UFH system was supplied by Compact Underfloor Heating. The complete floor build was only 45mm in depth and included acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, castellated UFHsystem, and Cemfloor Level Plus.Advanced Screeding installed Cemfloor Level Plus throughout the development. In total 800m3 of screed was easily pumped to height, over 11 floors without issue,providing an excellent, fast drying low profile floor, and saving significant time on the project.As Cemfloor Level Plus is a ready mixed solution it removed the need for any site mixing, material storage and material disposal from the site. Given the volume of screed required; if a self leveling compound product was used this would have equated to approx. 55,000 x 25kg bags of material having to be mixed on site.

Our Bikehangar Rentals Scheme was first taken on by the London Borough of Hackney in July 2013.Each Bikehangar provides six spaces to securely store bicycles with each space available for residents to rent. The award-winning design is an effective way to protect bikes from theft and tough weather conditions where outdoor storage space is limited. This made the Bikehangar an ideal solution for Hackney Council to offer its residents, where space is at a premium.The success of the scheme has thrived since it small beginnings. In 2016, we were delighted to mark the 150th Bikehangar to be installed in the borough with a customised unit. The special edition Bikehangar, which provides cycle parking for six bikes – was commissioned by Hackney Council and features a customised design conceived by London street artist Tony Driver. It was great to be able to collaborate with a local street artist on this project.To date, we have installed 308 Bikehangars in the London Borough of Hackney (including Hackney Homes) providing 1,848 secure cycle parking spaces.Hackney Council are eager to become one of the most cycle-friendly boroughs in London, therefore reaching this milestone is something to be incredibly proud of. This is a great reflection of the thriving London cycling culture, with one in six people cycling, and more than half a million journeys made by bike every day. The capital has gained huge momentum in the development of its cycle infrastructure over the past few years, going beyond simply painting blue cycle lanes on busy roads and actually creating fully segregated cycle superhighways. Our Bikehangars dotted around the city are just one example of this hard work.

Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive.The house is a 190m² new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air.This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows.When asked, why Fakro roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying Fakro roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes.Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architect-owned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS).

13 new dwellings situated in the small village of Doddington, Lincolnshire are providing much-needed affordable housing for people working at nearby Doddington Hall.Located on Main Street, the development enhances this area of the village, providing important infill on the site once occupied by the local school, which was demolished in the 1960s and has latterly been used as a car park and general storage area. It is bordered by a mix of farmland, mature trees and shrubs, and existing housing, and lies partially within a conservation area.The development comprises two 2-bedroomed, five 3-bedroomed and six 4-bedroomed terraced and semi-detached dwellings. One of the terraces fronts onto Main Street while the remainder have been sensitively designed to create an attractive group of dwellings centred around a newly-created ‘village green’.Perhaps the most significant element of the appearance of the scheme is the elevation of the terraces towards Main Street. In developing the specifically tailored to design for this elevation, account was taken of the nature of the surrounding buildings within the village.Although not prominent to public view, the balance of the development has been designed in a manner sympathetic to the architectural vernacular found within the village. With a common thread running-through which will serve to unify the development and reinforce the sense-of-place which is presented by the scheme.In particular, simple, uncomplicated/uncluttered designs have been developed. High quality materials have been utilised for the development, essential in reinforcing the architectural character of the development, reflecting the high-quality of other developments which have been executed within the village recently.The brick selected was Forterra’s Butterley Breckland Multi Reserve, a red brick with a tumbled texture.

THE PROJECTThe brand new ‘Bay Campus’ at Swansea University is now open, and we’re extremely proud to say that we played a part of this fantastic project. Developed over a 2 year period, the £450M project will provide academic, student accommodation and research space to over 5000 students and 1000 staff, and is one of the few global universities with direct access to the adjacent beach and its own seafront promenade.THE PRODUCTThe student accommodation includes a mail room featuring multiple banks of freestanding mailboxes designed in compliance with the strict branding guidelines set out by the university and project architects.The mailbox chosen for the project is the Steel 1 product that has been modified to feature a 380mm depth that allows for a larger storage of mail than if using the standard Steel 1 that features a depth of 120mm. The larger depth Steel 1 variant required a number of bespoke pedestal supports that would ensure the mailboxes were secure and stable when configured into large banks of mailboxes.THE FINISHThe banks of mailboxes used in the project feature a variety of colour finishes that met the branding guidelines set out by Swansea University and the project architects. Each mailbox is finished with polyester powder coated paint with either of the following colours:RAL 7024 (Graphite Grey)RAL 7031 (Blue Grey)RAL 7038 (Agate Grey)The layout of the colours was randomised which is a very popular choice for student accommodation projects, ensuring all standard branding colours are adhered to whilst promoting a fun and vibrant style in the location area. This project also benefitting from the services of The Safety Letterbox Company specialist installation team who safely delivered and installed the mailboxes.

THE COMPANYAs you UK leading manufacturer in mail and parcel boxes, we always welcome the opportunity to create different solutions for our customers, whether it’s the design, size or functionality of a mail or parcel box or the feel, look and shape of materials. When Mars Foods UK got in touch, this was no exception.The Mars foods factory has been running for over 100 years and have over 130,000 associates in over 80 countries. They focus on business, wellbeing, people and sustainability.The Mars Foods factory has a strict policy regarding protective clothing in their workplace in order to meet the strict Food Quality & Safety regulations. Overalls are fully laundered after every shift, and the issuing and control of these must be organised. This project also utilises a storage shelf built under the mailboxes, offering an area to place parcels.THE PROJECTThe laundry boxes we designed and manufactured are open on the rear side of the product and locked on the front side. Laundry is placed into the box through the open side, and members of staff unlock their specific box with a designated key – accessing their fresh clean overalls ready for each shift.This project features over 300 boxes that are semi-recessed into a stud wall, mounted upon plinths which provide stability and support to the banks of boxes. Each bank of laundry boxes is fitted with a surround flange (on both the rear and front sides), ensuring a neat finish between the boxes and the wall. The mailboxes are finished in a Sky Blue (RAL 5015) colour finish which was specified to meet the branding guidelines of the company.Always aiming to think outside the box, this was another opportunity to provide a high quality solution on another interesting project.

With the aim of making a somewhat dated house welcoming and comfortable for a young family from Vilnius, the architect Ieva Prunskaitė of the Prusta studio redesigned the interior. The minimal, clean design combines functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter. Wood, plaster and cement are the three elements that are used throughout the house.The predominantly white walls with ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged white doors contrast beautifully with the wooden flooring. There are also wooden accents across the white kitchen cabinets and wooden panelling defining storage areas and a cloakroom between the main door and the living room.The interior is also interspersed with accents of grey and black in the form of the black marble worktop and black chairs in the kitchen, the minimalist wood burning stove, grey accent wall and grey sofa in the sitting room and a decorative black metal screen with a geometric design separating the master bedroom with the ensuite.The minimalist style of the ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged doors integrate perfectly into this interior being almost invisible, whilst being accented with sleek black handles echoing the colour scheme throughout.The ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door is part of the Syntesis® Flush Collection. This is a range of flush or architrave free products that work in harmony with each other. The collection features a, the concealed hinged door frame (available as a door set or frame only), pocket door system without jambs or architrave and a flush skirting board adapter. The emphasis is on uninterrupted, clean lines for an interior without fuss, where less is more.Architect: Prusta studioProduct: ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door

In July 2022, Medspace was awarded the FF&E package for the New University of Bristol Dental School.Working closely with the University and construction company Kier, Medspace were tasked to design, manufacture and install bespoke Reception Desks, 119 Dental Bays, Worktops, Roller Racking and HTM71 Storage as well as fit Group 2 items such as hooks, mirrors, grab rails and soap dispensers.Once again, cleanliness, clever design and functionality were paramount in the successful execution of the project. The existing building spanned six floors and hosted a series of challenging shaped rooms and obstacles to overcome. Working alongside the Kier design and site teams, Medspace worked to fit all bespoke items within the existing fabric of the building, producing more than 160 designs to meet the exact needs of the university staff and students. The communication between the design and the installation team played a huge part in ensuring that the highest level of finish was achieved with weekly meetings held to iron out issues before they got to site. This high standard is immediately apparent as you enter the building and view the 'centre piece' main reception desk, which features a solid surface desk with whitewashed birch panelling, surrounded by a fully bespoke structure featuring fully integrated services, matching the same birch finish to compliment the integral desk.The £27million purpose-built facility near Bristol Temple Meads train station was successfully opened in 2023 following extensive renovations. Medspace is proud to have been part of creating this exciting upgrade for students and staff, incorporating bespoke design and the latest equipment spread across 7,300 square meters of space.

Collaborating with John Turner Construction, Team BOYCO was approached to transform Kendal College’s newly built T-Level Construction Block with our fixed furniture solutions, with the customer requesting Worktops, Cupboards, and Shelving.Project ScopeLocated on the outskirts of the Lake District, Kendal College focuses on its ethos of 'Creating Bright Futures'. Offering a variety of courses, from A-Level to Degree, to a range of ages they sought to enhance their classroom space and create a practical yet comfortable learning environment. The BOYCO Way BackgroundA requirement from the client was for the product to be manufactured and installed as whole package something which BOYCO, with our own British Factory and expert installation team, was readily available to provide.Due to tools being frequently used as part of the learning experience and construction curriculum; it was important for the worktops in the T-Level block to be robust and able to withstand repeat impact.Due to this, our in-house team of designers opted to use Econo-Top worktops. Suitable for workstations, the material boasts optimal scratch and wear resistance; perfect for the construction-focused classroom, and therefore a great choice for the customer.Merinolam FR+ Laminate Sheet, in the style of ‘Castle Concrete’, was used on the exterior of the worktop after our sales team provided samples of different options to the contractor, to support with final design decisions. Not only did this add to the durability due to its phenolic resin coating which creates flame retardant properties, but it was cost-effective and provided a clean aesthetic finish to the classroom worktops. Quality Bespoke Products5 Tier adjustable shelving was installed within the Construction Block Storerooms. As per the BOYCO standard, all our metal work has been processed with our ‘Hot Dip’ Nylon coating. 500x abrasion-resistant than the next powdered coating alternative, it is easily able to withstand daily usage by the students for many years to come. This is particularly vital in a construction learning environment, where heavy and sharp tools are frequently used, therefore reflecting BOYCO’s ‘Built to Last’ exceptional quality.Our ‘Hot Dip’ Nylon also contains Anti-Microbial properties. Formulated to stop bacteria from surviving on its surface, it prevents the spread of 99% of all known bacteria. Beneficial to Kendal College, it contributes to the health and well-being of all in the classroom and complies with school safety standards.In addition to the adjustable shelving, fixed Wall Cupboards were installed in the Workshops. This storage solution ensures that students have easy access to the materials and items that they need to keep close to hand whilst working on the worktops below. The multiple storage areas help to keep the Workshop environments tidy due to equipment being organised behind the cupboard doors.Whilst completing the works on site at the College, we were notified that underfloor heating was present in the areas that BOYCO were due to fit out. We were quick to work closely with John Turner Construction to provide a solution to ensure that this wouldn’t impact the design and install. This was not a problem for us, as with over 60 years of heritage in the manufacturing business, we overcame this obstacle by utilising suitable shallow screws and fixings to avoid puncturing the structure underneath. Project SuccessThroughout the project, from design to install, Team BOYCO visited the site to ensure exceptional standards were delivered at each and every project touchpoint.Joining forces with John Turner Construction, we worked meticulously to ensure Kendal College’s requests were met. This resulted in the construction block being finished to an impeccable standard.Creating a fantastic end result, BOYCO is super proud to have worked on this project and to have positively contributed to the learning environment of future construction industry workers.

Bespoke twin goods lifts enhancing space and time in Holland and Barrett’s warehouse in Staffordshire, EnglandLödige Industries installs two reliable goods lifts to increase production efficiency in the warehouseHolland and Barrett’s pick, pack and dispatch warehouse in Burton upon Trent has multiple levels. Previously goods were transferred between levels with forklift trucks and pallet gates. However, the a huge spike in orders made the forklift trucks and pallet gates inefficient and impractical. In addition, the number of forklifts operating in a congested area were a cause for concern. To meet the growing demand, Lödige Industries installed two SHERPA goods lifts with multi-level and multi-directional stops, including one for a future mezzanine level yet to be installed, thus future proofing the solution. As a result, H&B has been able to support the increase in its online processes business growth by enabling a higher throughput in its warehouseby operating in an efficient warehouse. The health and wellness market leader benefits from the advantages of quick, safe and reliable SHERPA goods lifts to stock and distribute their goods when required.SHERPA goods lifts maximise storage space in the warehouseThe rising demand for Holland and Barrett’s products meant that the company needed to store and move more goods in the existing facility. The existing lifting processes via forklifts were no longer expandable. By installing twin SHERPA goods only lifts with free standing shafts, all three floors of the warehouse can now be accessed safely and efficiently. As the SHERPA can be installed into any building without any alterations such as pits, there was limited impact during construction.A potential third mezzanine level has already been taken into account and the highest level served has a lifting height of 9.05m. The lifts now enable fast transportation between all floors and open up the possibility of further storage space. Cabin size has been tailored to Holland & Barrett’s goods to ensure the most efficient transportation processes.Integrating with Holland and Barrett’s work routines to ensure uninterrupted processesThe warehouse is a fast-paced and hard-pressed working hive of activity. Avoiding any negative impact on throughput, delivery times and processes was therefore imperative. Lödige Industries team worked closely integrated with Holland and Barrett’s operations team and partners to adjust installation work to daily warehouse routines; the experienced team of engineers were able to adjust their installation to their production times. Therefore, the installation could productivelywas accomplished without impacting warehouse performance go ahead. Fast installation and delivery ensured continuous production and early gains for the customer. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on supply chains, Lödige Industries completed the installation ahead of schedule.Enabling construction in an existing facility- a temporary scaffold meets special customer requirementsThe existing warehouse posed a few challenges in the installation of the new lifts. Many lifts require a temporary lifting beam during installation, to facilitate multiple lifting points. However, like many modern warehouses, the facility in Burton upon Trend did not have a lifting beam. As this was required for both lifts, Lödige Industries developed a concept for an extended load bearing beam, that was created and installed by one of Holland & Barrett’s partners in this project.SolutionIntegrating with Holland and Barrett’s daily routines ensured continuous production to address the rising demands and orders.The SHERPA goods lifts are transporting goods over four floors. This allows the customer to maximise its warehouse space and move their goods quicker and more efficiently.To facilitate multiple lifting points and transport unstable loads, Lödige Industries provided a temporary scaffold platform.

Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) is a rail-road intermodal freight terminal with an associated warehousing estate in Northamptonshire. Owned by Prologis, the business park was originally built in the 90’s, but a recent expansion has added around 4 million square feet of storage and office space. Some buildings are already occupied by leading brands such as Royal Mail, BooHoo, Dunelm, Tesco and Sainsburys.DIRFT’s Unit DC628 (DC10) is a net zero carbon building with 627,707 square foot warehouse space rated BREEAM Excellent. Among its features are solar PV systems, a roof terrace, and enhanced external amenities.Our team was commissioned to provide seating and planting solutions for the outdoor amenity space and roof terrace by BCA Design, Landscape Architects for the project.Our RailRoad modular seating solution with Delta supports, and FSC iroko timber slats, that are left untreated to allow natural weathering, was installed in the outdoor amenity area adjacent to the car park - along with Parallel picnic tables and benches and Zenith 500 litter bins - creating an outdoor lunch break environment in which employees can enjoy during warm weather.Decking supplied by Outdoor Deck was installed on the roof terrace of the building, complete with our AKRI 300 steel planters with 500mm high panels, manufactured from triple process recycled steel, to form a variety of linear shapes filled with plants and greenery to create a peaceful oasis with a view of the countryside.Seating and benches made from FSC Iroko timber which included armrests on some, were integrated onto the planters to provide warehouse staff with quiet spaces to relax. The rooftop planters were complemented by the addition of our Hollo range of freestanding low seating / tables

To facilitiate their exciting BSc Paramedic Science course, the University of Surrey identified that they needed more practical training space for their students. By working alongside Scott Brownrigg Architects, Newton Specialist Contractor Advanced Basements, and the Newton Technical Team, an extensive existing undercroft was converted into three large, dry rooms that are ideal for the purpose.With an emphasis on practical elements, the exciting BSc Paramedic Science course at the University of Surrey needed a new, well-equipped training facility for its students at the Surrey Research Park, Guildford.Having identified a large existing undercroft for the purpose, the University consulted with Scott Brownrigg Architects, as well as the Newton Technical team and Advanced Basements in order to create a new, dry space.The extensive undercroft area was first separated into three large rooms, based on what each room was going to be used for. These were defined as:A live environment Paramedic Training room, with an existing concrete floor, concrete retaining walls, and blockwork internal wallsA storage area, requiring a new insulated floor, and with concrete retainng walls and blockwork internal wallsA plant room, requiring full internal waterproofing to the walls and floorConsidering that the existing structure was already quite robust, Newton and Advanced recommended an internal Type C Newton CDM System. This method of waterproofing is the most failsafe method, using membranes to capture the water, and sump chambers and pumps to collect and remove it. The pumps are also supported by a battery backup system for total security.Advanced Basements acted as the specialist waterproofing contractor and the waterproofing design specialist on this project, working alongside the architect and client to design the system, before providing a high quality installation.Furthermore, thanks to their early involvement, Advanced also took design liability for the project and guaranteed the installation for the client.

Style’s glazed folding wall system, the Stylefold 120, was recently installed at Clarksons Port Services’ new offices in Aberdeen, allowing a highly functional meeting room to be quickly created at one end of a large open-plan area. When not required, the wall can easily be folded back to merge the room seamlessly into the larger space.A leading expert in moveable wall systems, Style offers an extensive range of solutions for almost any location, including being the sole UK distributor for Dorma Hüppe, as well as for the revolutionary Skyfold vertical rising wall range.The Stylefold 120 folding wall installed at Clarksons is a simple, yet very effective solution for rapidly dividing space, with the glass panels maximising natural light whilst still delivering a 31dB acoustic rating for privacy. Clarksons Port Services is a division of Clarksons, the world’s leading integrated shipping services group. Having moved to larger premises at Aberdeen Harbour’s Matthew’s Quay, with a view to increasing efficiency and reducing carbon footprint, the integrated shipping and offshore services provider now has 1,600 sq metres of outdoor storage and 2,000 sq metres of customs bonded warehouse at this site.Style worked closely with architects, Philip Rodgers Design, and contractor, TransForm, to deliver a partitioning solution for the new offices that successfully combines functionality with exceptional aesthetics. Making minimal impact on the existing structure, the Stylefold 120 is easy to install wherever an economical retrofit solution is required. “The Stylefold 120 folding wall is smooth and effortless to manoeuvre, whilst the anthracite finish specified at the Aberdeen offices perfectly complements the contemporary interior design,” said David Louden, Style’s director for Scotland.“The addition of an integrated pass door means that it is entirely practical to leave the private meeting room in situ for long periods, if desired.”

Here at Cyclehoop we are proactive, not reactive. We continually work to come up with innovative solutions to problems. This is why we are so pleased that members of our Bikehangar scheme are equally as proactive as we are and continually strive to support the cycling community.In 2014, the London Borough of Bromley celebrated the long-awaited installation of its very first Bikehangar on Tudor Road, Anerley. Not just any old Bikehangar, this one has an extraordinary story and is an inspiration to anyone who wants safe on-street cycle parking on their street.Alex Baines-Buffery, keen cyclist and owner of cycling holiday business Wine Rides first made the request for a Bikehangar on Tudor Road after the lack of storage for his cargo bike started to become troublesome for him and his neighbours. At the time, there were no Bikehangars in the borough of Bromley. However, Baines-Buffery knew about Cyclehoop and our successful Bikehangar scheme in other London boroughs such as Lambeth, and made sure that was soon to change.He gathered support from his local neighbours through sending a letter of proposal for the Bikehangar listing out the benefits of what safe secure on street cycle parking can have for the street. He clearly outlined the benefits to non-cyclists, making the case for the lack of clutter on the streets or in communal parts of the buildings. In the letter he identified himself as a key point of contact, asking them to email him their details so he could register their interest on the Cyclehoop Suggest a Location page (he also encouraged them to register their interest themselves). As well as this, he encouraged residents who had any further queries or objections to contact him.“I wrote a letter to my neighbours and stuffed it through all the doors on my road. As a result, I got one email from someone who didn’t want it and about eight from people who were supportive. In this letter, I think it is important to introduce yourself and set out what will be lost: half a parking space. If you don’t do that, people won’t trust your intentions. You can then explain why it will be a valuable addition to the road. It is also important to state that it isn’t just the cyclists who benefit: the people they share properties with will also be better off.” – Alex Baines-BufferyOnce he had gathered support he then got in touch with his local councillor, asking for a meeting to pitch the idea of a Bikehangar scheme. Again, he had to make the case for the community benefits, how it can improve the area and what visible difference it would make to the area. Once the councillor was on board, Alex had secured a voice within the council to represent him at a higher level and speak to the right people who could make decisions.This developed into a full consultation between the council and the local neighbourhood, where they wrote to everyone on the street asking their opinion on the Bikehangar. It was at this point that Alex got in touch with his neighbours again via social media and visited them again encouraging them to respond, reiterating the case for secure on-street cycle parking.The result was so overwhelmingly positive that Bromley’s first Bikehangar was installed on Tudor Road, Anerley six months later. To mark this occasion and in recognition of the community spirit in Crystal Palace, a competition was run to name the hangar after a local hero. There were numerous nominations including ‘Paxton’ after Joseph Paxton, the architect who designed the original Crystal Palace. After much deliberation, the chosen name for the hangar was ‘McKenzie’ after Don McKenzie, a local retired man who “has tirelessly driven community projects in Weston.” A further fourteen Bikehangars have been installed in Bromley to date.“I am really grateful to everyone who has helped make the installation of this cycle storage a reality. It will make life more pleasant for everyone who uses it, and I have already been asked by others how to go about getting one where they live.” – Alex Baines-Buffery

Here at Symphony, we pride ourselves on leading the way in design and manufacture innovation. We are also always ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. That’s why we were thrilled to work with Barratt Developments to create the first zero carbon home concept from a major housebuilder. The Zed HouseWith carbon neutral homes being such a hot topic, with everything from the move to heat pumps to electric car charging at home, we were honoured to be invited to work with leading housebuilder Barratt Developments on its unique and flagship zero carbon home concept. The Zed House will be the first new home in the UK built by a major housebuilder to go beyond the new Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125%. The Future Homes Standard ensures that all new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes under current regulations. The carbon reduction of 125% is from 100% regulated and 25% unregulated energy using heat recovery, low carbon and renewable technologies. The Zed House will be lived in and monitored over time in order to assess its performance on an ongoing everyday basis. We can’t wait to see the results.The future of housebuildingDesigned and developed to show what is achievable for the housebuilding market in terms of sustainability, the Zed House is a great example of how our homes could look in the next few decades. At Symphony we have a constantly evolving list of eco credentials that we use in everything we do. How this project worked is that Barratt challenged its supply chain partners to bring in the most cutting-edge products to help reduce its carbon footprint. We chose our Urban kitchen in Grey Walnut, as the door and drawer fronts are made from 100% recycled chipboard and the handles contain renewable coconut fibre. Not only that but the cabinets are also made from 49% recycled board while cutlery trays and drawer storage are all Hemp and Kenaf based. We thought this was the perfect example of how kitchens can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly purchase without sacrificing style. The stainless-steel sink from Franke was chosen as it contains 80% recycled materials and was supplied with a waste disposal unit that processes organic waste to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill. The Insinkerator 4 in 1 tap supplies filtered water to reduce the need to purchase bottled water and therefore encourages the reduction of single use plastic. It also replaces the need for a kettle by providing boiling water, which reduces both energy usage from boiling a kettle but also only provides the amount of boiling that is required. The appliances were also selected for their sustainability credentials including energy efficiency and minimising water use. The worksurface is a carbon neutral material from the Sunlit Days collection from Silestone by Cosentino, the first carbon neutral quartz range in the engineered stone industry that contains recycled glass and minerals. Eco buildThe Zed House itself is made from a closed panel timber frame with highly insulated cladding. It also includes EV charging points, PV solar panels and battery storage. The interior comes with infra-red electronic hands-free taps, reducing water consumption by up to 80%, and a smart electric tariff that automatically moves energy usage to access the cheapest rates. EV charging pointWith more and more people looking to swap their fuel-guzzling car to an efficient electric model, the Zed House also comes with its own EV charging point. The Zed House is located on the main campus at the University of Salford. It contains a knowledge hub built into the garage to display all the products, technologies and results of the home’s occupation on an ongoing basis. We are thrilled to have been a part of this exciting project and can’t wait to see what the future holds.Further informationHead to https://www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk/showcase/z-house for more information on Barratt Homes and www.symphony-group.co.uk/sustainability for more information on Symphony’s sustainability credentials.