"swimming pools fittings enclosures"

A major housing provider wanted their new workspace to reflect its corporate and environmental ethos. Vtec's premium wood-slatted system, SupaSlat, was used in the ceiling design. The beauty of the system was it supported the client's green initiatives, as FSC® Certified (FSC® 160047) wood was used. Vtec's SupaSlat system addressed the need for sustainable measures. The beautiful light-coloured grain complimented the sophisticated soft furnishes infusing warmth and vitality to the space. Read more to explore how the Lift and Shift system enabled accessible locations into the T-24 ceiling grid.

The UK's most exclusive and largest bungalow provider needed a refurbished space to tell their story. Vtec was excited to support the designers with a premium and modern ceiling beam design with the MaxiBeam system. The ceiling beams were 39mm x 85mm tall and the decorative ceiling was coffered, creating a sunken rectangle in the space. The ceiling carries occupiers on a journey in the large open areas achieving both visual and functional benefits. Learn more about how the Click Fix installation system made it easy for the beams to be removed for access to M&E services.

Project/ObjectiveProtection of offices from noise and vibration due to dropping freeweights.

Skyliner Sports Centre, Bury St Edmonds

Overlooking the Vale of Evesham in an area of outstanding beauty, the brand-new Wood Norton Care Village is more than just a residential home. Featuring 48 village apartments, a 60-bedroom care home and a whole host of amenities – including restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema, as well as a leisure centre, spa and swimming pool – the Wood Norton Care Village encompasses an entire community. The complete interior and exterior decoration at the new facility required a number of premium quality paints from Johnstone's Trade.

The outer walls were constructed using blockwork and then rendered using KEIM Universal Render, which is an extremely flexible render system, negating the needs for expansion joints which would look unsightly on the impressive building. The render was then painted using KEIM Soldalit which combines durability with breathability, ensuring the system will last for many years. The swimming pools ceilings were also plastered using KEIM Universal Render but the fine version for a smooth finish, and decorated with KEIM Soldalit to give a high performance finish in such a humid environment.

This luxurious residential project incorporated a double level basement with the lower level extending out underneath the garden. In regards to the below ground structure Knowles & Associates Ltd undertook the following works: Excavation and formation of a basement to footprint and under 7 metres below garden level. Two/three stage underpinning. Internal steel staircase frame. Piling. Mass excavation of spoil. Construction of rear extension. Below slab drainage. Cavity drain Waterproofing. Insulation and screed. Swimming pool shell within lower level basement.

Hydrotherapy has always been on the agenda at Vranch House, but this vital treatment has recently been given a new lease of life with a completely refurbished state-of-the-art indoor heated swimming pool, including Altro Whiterock hygienic wall sheet. “The walling choices were integral to this vision. Altro was a key partner on the project because they were sympathetic to the broader picture and what we wanted to achieve for the children. Their level of experience and understanding helped us to find a solution that delivered across the board; on quality, safety, aesthetics and durability.

LAMILUX designed, supplied and installed eight LAMILUX Glass Roof PR60 mono-pitch rooflights at Oundle School Sports Centre. Seven of the rooflights, were positioned over the 50 metre swimming pool, adding an abundance of natural light, with special sun protective glazing to eliminate overheating. A special coating was applied to the aluminium profiles to protect them from corrosion within the chlorine environment. The eighth rooflight, an 18m x 6m trapeze shape, illuminates the atrium at the flagship of the school’s sports masterplan.

Puddle Ducks is a thriving business welcoming over 20,000 babies and children at a number of locations across the UK every week. Staffed by a highly qualified team, the company prides itself on providing child-led instruction in a safe and nurturing environment.Classes at the swim school’s brand-new, dedicated pool in Barons Quay, Northwich, were flourishing but increased attendance had resulted in unwanted noise, making communication difficult. These conditions can result in a phenomenon known as The Lombard Effect or Lombard Reflex, which often occurs in spaces with poor sound control. It is an involuntary tendency of speakers to increase their vocal effort to enhance the audibility of their voice and can have a negative physiological and psychological influence on wellbeing. Staff members working in these conditions might also suffer vocal damage.Acoustic analysis and guidelinesPuddle Ducks wanted to remedy the situation in the best way possible, so an inspection and measurements of the acoustics in the teaching pool area were commissioned by Rockfon and conducted by Hepworth Acoustics of Manchester. In their report they advise that the most useful description of reverberation is Reverberation Time (RT), which is the amount of time it takes for the sound level to become inaudible after the sound has stopped. The report also mentions that, although there are no specific guidelines for privately operated pools, ‘Acoustic design of schools: performance standards’ Building bulletin 93 (February 2015) (BB93), does offer guidance for design targets for swimming pools in schools. The aim of these guidelines is to provide suitable reverberation times (RTs) to allow clear communication of speech between teacher and student. The RT is quoted in terms of the mid frequency reverberation time Tmf, which is the arithmetic average of the reverberation times in the 500 Hz, 1 kHz and 2 kHz octave bands. The maximum reverberation time for swimming pools with a floor area of less than 280 m2 is 1.5 Tmf, per second. Consultation process and proposalRockfon Area Manager, Natasha Checketts, “Following a referral, I visited the site with Gary Hymanson of Granmore Ceilings and discussed the issues being experienced at the pool with Puddle Ducks Business Development Manager, Jo Warner. In addition to unwanted noise, there were challenges with maintaining the appropriate environmental conditions in the pool hall, meaning a tailored solution would be needed. Following further consultation, I proposed our solution and plan of action to Puddle Ducks and was given the go-ahead.” Granmore’s Gary Hymanson, spoke about the process, “Regarding the installation, the trickiest part was finding a suitable solution to carry out the installation without draining the pool. We decided to board the pool area out so we could use access equipment above the water level. Also, due to the difficulty in reaching the pool through the building, an access point was specially built into the wall of the space, enabling us to get the materials and access equipment in place. Once this was done, the installation went very smoothly.”Specialist systems offer perfect solutionsHACCP certified Rockfon® CleanSpace™ Pro was considered the perfect choice for the project. The range embodies high sound absorption (Class A) and highest fire safety (Class A1), ISO Class 4 low particle emission, and does not contribute to the growth of microorganisms. CleanSpace Pro is highly durable and will withstand numerous cleaning and disinfection regimes. It is available in a full range of formats, in semi-concealed and visible grid options. It also demonstrates humidity and sag resistance up to 100% RH with no visible deflection in high humidity.The ceiling tiles were installed into a Rockfon, Chicago Metallic T24 Click D2890 ECR grid. The grid components and accessories of this specialist system all meet the highest-Class D corrosion resistance protection requirements of EN13964. “The work really has made an amazing difference” The maximum Tmf measured at the pool prior to the new ceiling being installed was 3.46. Once the Rockfon ceiling was in place, this reading was dramatically reduced to 0.93, well within the 1.5 target adopted as a maximum permissible level of reverberation for the Puddle Ducks teaching pool.James Shaw, Senior Consultant at Hepworth Acoustics, “It is clear from the results above that a significant improvement has been achieved. This is consistent with feedback from staff who use the pool.”Rachel Bateson is the Puddle Ducks Manager at Barons Quay, “The pool was opened in August 2021 and we are extremely proud of the facility. Customers loved it but, as numbers increased, we began struggling with an echo in the pool hall which was becoming disruptive. Since the work has been done, the difference has been incredible. Teachers love the change – they are no longer having to strain their voices and are finding it much easier to communicate with parents and children. Customers have also reacted positively, telling us that lessons are a much calmer and more enjoyable as a result. The work really has made an amazing difference.”

As described by Eastleigh Borough Council, the £25 million facility underpins the council’s commitment to promoting a healthy borough. It incorporates a high quality design in keeping with the parkland environment and has high environmental standards. The new building will boast many facilities that are larger than at present, including an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a larger, versatile learner pool, 15-badminton court sports hall, a versatile, multi-station gym and a group spinning studio. This case study will look at the challenges and solutions of this vast project that involved insulating and waterproofing over 8,500m2 of flat roof areas.Following decades of experience using Polyroof’s liquid systems to protect buildings throughout the district, including waterproofing the original Fleming Park Leisure Centre back in the early 1990’s, Eastleigh Council specified the Protec system for the project.

The Tullamore Court Hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of Ireland’s picturesque countryside. The 4* accommodation offers its patrons leisure facilities, rooms, a 20-metre swimming pool, a bistro, a bar and a restaurant, which was in desperate need of renovation. The hotel’s main restaurant hadn’t been updated since the late 90s, so interior design practice Helen Casey Design Associates (HCDA) was called upon to bring the space into the 21st Century. HCDA chose Gingham, a predefined colour and pattern combination from the Amtico Designers’ Choice Collection.

The Outdoor Deck Company are delighted to have started work at Islington Square. Located in the heart of Islington, Islington Square is set to become one of London’s newest residential neighbourhoods. The former Edwardian Mail Centre and Post Office buildings are being transformed into a selection of apartments, maisonettes and penthouses including high-end retail units and restaurants. The Outdoor Deck Company have been commissioned to supply and install premium grade Ipe timber decking for the eleven Penthouse roof-top gardens, which include `endless` swimming pools and private decked entertaining areas.

This contemporary style, five-bedroom detached house commands a floor area of 10,000sq ft and includes an indoor swimming pool together with gym and leisure facilities. Rear facing, the property has been constructed on raised land that slopes down to a natural stream with breath-taking countryside views beyond.Following the initial design with the architect, TECHNAL provided a full NBS specification for the aluminium systems with typical through sections and full thermal value calculations, as well as budget budget pricing pre-tender to ensure an accurate tender package.

Schlüter-Systems used its specialist technical knowledge and a number of key product solutions to minimise floor build-up and guarantee complete waterproofing provision in the refurbishment of one of Ireland’s most magnificent country houses. Set in 840 acres of grounds, Adare Manor was the subject of an 18-month-long renovation—its most extensive in 25 years. 40 new bedrooms have been added to this 19th century neo-gothic masterpiece as well as a host of new facilities; including a swimming pool, boardroom, cinema, spa and 350-capacity ballroom.

Location: Manchester, UKThe gym and swimming pool areas of Property Alliance Group’s Oxygen development required works to start before the tower cranes had been removed and ahead of the building being made watertight – ideal conditions for a mould-resistant, quick-to-install product like Specwall which can be installed in all weather conditions.Using a blockwork alternative would have required a large amount of scaffolding on the 6.2m high walls and doubled the installation period. Using Specwall eliminated this issue and provided significant programme savings for the client.

One of the most recognisable buildings in Keynsham, UK has been given a new lease of life which includes a number of new restaurants, a cinema, spa and swimming pool alongside over 55's living accommodation. The former Fry's chocolate factory was built in the 1920s, and it later became home to Cadbury. After a £60million investment, St Monica Trust has converted the iconic former Cadbury's chocolate factory into 151 assisted living apartments and a 90-bed nursing care home was project managed by the Andrew Wilson Partnership, with architects KWL of South Wales, and AWW of Bristol.

Bunn Leisure Holiday Park has revamped its facilities at Chichester resort. Part of the works included the supply of new leisure lockers and the refurbishment of the existing lockers for both the wet and dry areas of the swimming pool complex. We designed, supplied and installed the new units as well as completely overhauling the existing lockers. Lockers are all three compartments in standard 1800mm x 300mm wide and 450mm deep banks with aluminium body and laminated doors in a mix of colours. Works included replacing of door springs along with coin lock replacements, number wrist straps and locker numbers.

The new £75 million Murray Royal Hospital, Perth was officially opened by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond last year. The hospital provides state-of-the-art mental healthcare for adults from across Tayside. Franke supplied all manner of janitorial and healthcare washroom products to the project. Specification was exacting to ensure long and efficient product life and savings in water and energy use. Products from Franke Washroom Systems have included; an array of differing formats of HTM63 stainless steels sinks and worktops, disposal and janitorial units.

Estudio B76 designed its new headquarters in an industrial warehouse built in the 50s. They kept and revealed reinforced concrete trusses and the perimetral walls made of bricks. The design focuses on using glass and steel to maintain the industrial atmosphere.Thanks to active and passive sustainable measures, such as photovoltaic panels, aerothermal energy, and efficient shading solutions, the project achieves high sustainability.From Bandalux, we proposed a combination of systems suitable for both the working and residential parts of this mixed project:, but Veranda Plus is particularly convenient as it completes without denaturing the former structure of the building.

Four rooms affected by noise and dust ingress in the Grade II Listed Harris Manchester College, part of Oxford University had thermal secondary glazing installed by Selectaglaze to lower noise breakthrough and to make the buildings more energy efficient. Selectaglaze installed secondary glazing to 28 windows. A number of products were combined for the specification, including Series 20 slimline vertical units. Series 10 horizontal sliding units were used in conjunction with Series 42 fixed lights and Series 42 curved fixed lights for large gothic arched windows. The College has created a more comfortable environment for all users of its spaces.

Project: Derry Sports ComplexYear: 2014Architect: Samuel Stevenson & Sons Assembly:·        Roof - APL StrongBak™ (perforated) acoustic roof with APL 65ZS aluminium standing seam system·        Wall – APL Slimwall™ Flat Panel System Size:·        Approx 15,000 m² of StrongBak™, APL 65ZS standing seam & Silmwall™ panels Special Features:·        StrongBak™ supplied in special white colour so no suspended ceilings required·        StrongBak™ supplied in aluminium over swimming pool area·        Building generally 10m high Building Location:·        Derry, Northern Ireland

Accoya to clad the external façade and construct individual poolside gazebos and walkways used by hotel guests. Exposed to high coastal humidity all year round and an annual average rainfall of over 2000 mm during the four month monsoon season, the hotel chose Accoya for its stability and natural appearance. Accoya delivers outstanding levels of performance, including dimensional stability, class 1 durability and sustainability. Distributors RitikaaWood used 25 m3 of 16 x 150 mm Accoya boards to clad the hotel’s façades as well as the area surrounding its swimming pool, which the distributors also designed, manufactured and installed.

The development for this village, forms part of a wider masterplan for the Sackville Road site in Hove. In this project includes 260 flats plus communal areas, including restaurants, bar bistro, swimming pool and well-being area, events space, gym, shop and village hall. Graunt Francis Architects Director, Toby Adam, said: “This will be a transformational scheme for this under-utilised site in Hove. We look forward to the next steps with excitement”. In this project Effisus Pre-fab True Seal, a pre-fabricated sealing solution, was developed and applied for sealing difficult facade 3D details, minimizing human error possibility.

Stofix has been specified for a number of Department of Education projects, part of the Government’s 10 year school rebuild programme.  The programme sets out to do major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth form college buildings across England, with all new buildings to be net zero carbon in operation. Stofix is working with main contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland. West Coventry Academy is one of the first schools to benefit from this funding and the total rebuild of the school will cost £38.4 million. The plans include the construction of a state of the art sports hall and swimming pool, which will also serve the local community.

Stargroves, a Grade II listed building, is a manor house and estate in Hampshire. Its best known for being the home of Mick Jagger in the 70s. The on site recording studio has been used by The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, and Bob Marley, adding to the rich history of the site.Other bands who have recorded on the grounds include Bob Marley, Iron Maiden and Status Quo.The project entailed the refurbishment of the internal swimming pool area. Main contractor SizeBreed Construction, gave the project to Soundis, to resolve the persistent reverberation issues within the area. Crucially, however, they didn’t want a solution which took away from the character of the building.This was perfect project for the seamless 25mm Spray Plaster Boards. This system can be applied to virtually any surface, including straight and curved walls, dramatic angles and arching domes. Which was particularly helpful on the outside the pool area. Acoustic spray plaster solutions offer a more flexible, discreet alternative to traditional acoustic solutions, such as suspended ceilings.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo was established in 1988 in Wales when the old dairy farm grounds were converted into an adventure park and zoo. So when they were preparing for the arrival of a pride of African Lions, one of the top priorities was to design and manufacture their enclosure fencing. The main requirements for this project were to protect the welfare of the lions whilst holding security features for visitors and staff when observing. The lion enclosure consisted of CLD Fencing Systems Dulok Double Wire Fencing using a dark green RAL colour for coating. The whole enclosure featured 2 paddocks, 4 dens and 5 yards to offer the very best comfort for the African Lions.

Optimum sound control and humidity resistance were design imperatives for the new Strathclyde Sports Centre. HERADESIGN® and THERMATEX® Aquatec were specified for the project. HERADESIGN® Macro was installed on the walls around the swimming pool. THERMATEX® Aquatec formed the ceiling system in the adjoining changing, showering and circulation areas. Gareth McKnight, Kennedy Fitzgerald & Associates said, “The challenge was finding a system that met the anti-corrosive criteria and performed acoustically. An acoustician measured the reverberation times and HERADESIGN® performed well. With a white interior colour scheme HERADESIGN® brought texture, added depth and interest to the overall interior design.”

Ikon Tower is an ambitious residential project located in Valencia (Spain) and designed by Ricardo Bofill architect. Nowadays, is the tallest building in the city with a hundred meters. The building was designed thinking in its inhabitants. The common areas include a gym, a swimming pool with a solarium, a gourmet area, and a Mediterranean garden. Being a skyscraper, light management was another important part of Bofil’s work. The façade has big openness in which our Zi-Box roller shades replace the classic shutters. They are configured with a blackout fabric that provides visual, acoustic, and thermal comfort. Thanks to its Easy Zip guides, the Zi-Box system offers total concealment and privacy. 

We were called in by the client to look at supplying engineered wood flooring throughout the redevelopment and refurbishment of the Pavilion at Hampton Court.This prestigious private residence “The Pavilion at Hampton Court,” was the traditional summer residence of the royals, and is the only surviving example of four garden pavilions built by Sir Christopher Wren for William III between 1700 and 1702.The building is Grade II listed and we supplied our unfinished engineered wood flooring for the main areas of the house, and our engineered herringbone basketweave for the library. The fitters we recommend did all of the installation and finishing on site. We supplied our specialist flooring for wet areas in the swimming pool area.

A barn conversion in Brecon has had a renewable heating system installed, featuring an Aerona³ air source heat pump and a QR hot water cylinder, a system which was designed by Grant UK and installed by a G1 Installer.

Over 250 Profile 22 Optima Flush Tilt and Turn windows were manufactured and installed in a stunning new build contemporary apartment development on a prominent plot in Shirley, West Midlands. The windows manufactured and supplied were Optima Flush Tilt and Turn Windows from Profile 22, the UK’s leading award-winning commercial window system. The fabrication and installation contract was awarded to experienced Profile 22 Approved Contractor Kingfisher Windows, a leading manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and conservatories.

Project at Loop Technology to create dust and contamination free robotics enclosure

THE PROJECTThe Royal Wharf is a new town built within the city of London, the development introduced over 3000 new residential units in a prominent and beautiful riverside location. Headed up by Ballymore, this location is over 40 acres of land, minutes from Canary Wharf and just half an hour from Oxford Street. Making it a very desirable place to live in London. The idea was to bring a community within the development, to ensure this there is also a new school, GP surgery, high street, pubs, and community centre.The amenities offered include a concierge service, gym and swimming pool, parks, and a riverside walk. The development boasts a rich and textured community.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox was delighted to work with Ballymore again on the incredible development. We supplied over 3000 units of apartments and homes all over the neighborhood. Ballymore Decided on our front entry/front retrieval H1 steel flap letterboxes. These horizontal mailboxes were also fitted with an aperture restructure to comply with the Secured by Design Home 2019.Powder-coated in a stunning bespoke Satin Gold with vinyl lettering for identification, they really do look incredible within the multiple building of the Royal Wharf.

Our most recent project was in Romford, London. We worked alongside Vincent Stokes on their refurbishment of the changing area at Central Park Leisure Centre. The project included a variety of new furniture for the changing rooms, Helmsman supplied new lockers and bench seating.The client chose our Leisure Lockers, which are manufactured with an aluminium body and solid grade laminate doors. These lockers are specifically designed to withstand an environment subject to high moisture, humidity and chlorine, perfect for swimming pool changing rooms such as this project. The choice of lockers for Central Park Leisure centre were a mix of 1 and 2 compartment lockers.Helmsman’s leisure lockers come in a variety of colours and finishes, and with a variety of suppliers, there’s a huge range of colours to choose from. For this project, Vincent Stokes requested lockers in 3 colours, with Greenlam Laminate doors manufactured in Pearly White, 268 Dust and 297 Blue Galaxy. These colours work brilliantly together and match the rest of the design in the changing rooms perfectly. A popular choice of lock for a leisure centre changing rooms is a coin return lock. The locks used for this project were Ojmar coin return locks, with wrist straps, perfect for a swimming pool environment to keep the keys safe whilst the customer uses the facilities. We also produced bench seating for the project at Central Park Leisure Centre, with both wall to floor benching complete with hook boards, and wall island benching. These were manufactured with Greenlam laminate slats in colour 297 Blue Galaxy to match the lockers and the rest of the changing room design. It was great to work with Vincent Stokes on this project. If you need leisure lockers, bench seating, or have a project you want to chat with us about, give us a call today on 01284 530427 or email specifications@helmsman.co.uk

Riverside Leisure Centre in Exeter is run by Exeter Leisure and boasts a Gym, Swimming Pool, Health Suite, Sports Hall, Squash Courts and more. Following Helmsman’s work with Exeter City Council on the changing rooms at St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre, we were asked to return to Exeter for some repair work at the Riverside Leisure Centre.Whilst Helmsman had not fitted the original lockers and locks, our service department are equipped to help with repairs and replacements for lockers and other products provided and/or fitted by other manufacturers. The Riverside Leisure Centre lockers had a number of faulty digital locks, and so we recommended a new lock that would stand the test of time.Our team removed 290 doors and re-drilled to fix the new Ojmar OTS Advanced RFID locks. The existing doors with new locks were then re-fixed to the lockers. The new locks allow users to open or close lockers by simply pressing a proximity media: card, bracelet or Wellness® key against the doorknob. With a high battery life and vandal proof design, this lock is the perfect choice for a leisure centre changing rooms.It was great to be invited back by Exeter City Council and highlights the high quality of work Helmsman provided at St Sidwell’s Point. We look forward to working alongside the team at Exeter City Council again in the future.If you have a similar project you need updating, replacing or refurbishing, even if Helmsman didn’t supply the products, contact our Service Department on 01284 530427 or email service@helmsman.co.uk