"vav equipment terminal units"

Union Industries, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke industrial doors, has utilised virtual reality (VR) to help Leeds-based Met Fab Solutions maintain comfortable working conditions with the installation of a Bulldoor.Union Industries has successfully deployed its innovative new VR software to assist Met Fab Solutions, a leading UK manufacturer of aluminium panels and aluminium pressings, specify and configure the correct door suited to its needs.This innovative tool allows Union to immerse prospective clients in a 3D showroom where they can experience their high-speed door offerings and interact with the products in a virtual environment. The software, comprising a VR headset and handheld units representing the customer’s hands, showcases the extensive features, specifications and benefits of Union Industries' products.Met Fab’s powder coating facility contains an extraction unit which draws the temperature outside of the building to keep the area cool during hotter periods. However, when windy, the extraction unit causes a wind-chill resulting in employee discomfort, hence the company’s need for a fast acting and reliable door.The Bulldoor not only ensures the integrity of Met Fab's facility but also significantly reduces the impact of adverse weather conditions. Operated conveniently via remote control, the door incorporates a 'Crash-Out & Auto-Reset' feature as a standard safety measure, minimising costs associated with door impacts.Renowned for their reliability and efficiency, Union Industries’ doors, including the Bulldoor, have become the preferred choice for manufacturers dealing with heat loss and escalating energy prices. With a robust design requiring minimal maintenance, these doors can withstand constant high-volume operations, making them an ideal solution for industrial settings.Rob Howe, Union Industries’ Technical Sales Engineer, said: “Once again, the Bulldoor is the first choice for those in the manufacturing industry who aim to address heat loss and wind chill through open doorways.”“The Bulldoor is one of our best-selling doors and has been developed by our own R&D team over the years to become the reliable workhorse that it is today. Its robust design ensures minimal maintenance and can withstand constant high-volume operations.”“We are also thrilled with the success of our new virtual reality configuration tool. This software enables us to immerse prospective customers into our world, providing a first-hand experience of the advanced features and capabilities of our rapid roll doors.”Steve Cockerham, managing director at Met Fab Solutions, said: "The collaboration with Union Industries has proven invaluable in addressing our specific needs.“In utilising the VR software, Union was able to demonstrate to us in detail how the Bulldoor was best placed to serve our specific needs and address the challenges we faced.“The Bulldoor has not only enhanced the integrity of our facility but has also significantly improved working conditions for our employees."

Sector:     EducationArchitect:  Innes Associates Specified for: ·      Sustainable construction·      Inner timber frame ·      Durable external aluminium·      Design versatility·      Competitive pricingDesigned by architects Innes Associates, the latest addition to Cromer Road Primary School is a distinctive, L-shaped red-brick classroom building which wraps around a newly landscaped play space. VELFAC slim-framed windows and doors are a key feature of every facade, with dark grey external frames emphasising the pattern of shadows created by textured brickwork and inset window apertures. The VELFAC system has also helped architect Corrie Rounding meet challenging regulatory and sustainability targets while maximising usable space, increasing natural light and improving ventilation. ‘We pushed the contractor to specify VELFAC as we knew the composite frame was the right fit for the Cromer Road project,’ says Corrie. ‘The sustainability of the VELFAC system, and its low energy performance, met Department of Education requirements, while the robust external aluminium frame is ideal for a busy school environment. The design of the windows and doors also met our aesthetic brief, especially the inner timber frames. These are clear lacquered to emphasise the wood, provide a link with the trees surrounding the new building, and to deliver a less ‘sterile’ finish than aluminium or uPVC.’The VELFAC system could also meet key ventilation, daylighting and budget targets: ‘To manage costs, and maximise daylight in the right places, we concentrated our glazing allowance at the areas of most activity,’ explains Corrie, ‘but we also used windows to maximise the usability of the interior. For example, we used tall slim VELFAC units to illuminate the staircase but placed larger windows directly under the stairs to create an additional and useful breakout space.’The Cromer Road building is naturally ventilated, unusual for a Department for Education funded primary school project, with VELFAC units carefully configured to support an efficient flow of fresh air: ‘We wanted to make sure the building could stay comfortable without the need for mechanical cooling, even through the hottest summer,’ says Corrie. ‘This meant the placement of smaller windows on south facing facades, to manage solar gain, and the specification of multiple opening units across the building, including high level teleflex-operated lights. These are especially important in the classroom window screens where ventilation is guided by CO2 monitors.’ To ensure the security of children and staff, all windows also feature restrictors, with finger guards fitted to doors as an additional safety measure.Corrie was also pleased with the support provided by the VELFAC team, especially in the early stages: ‘VELFAC provided the estimates and performance data we needed to convince the contractor that VELFAC was the ideal solution for this project,’ she says, ‘and the school was certainly very happy with the end result’.

Tilt and Turn Windows in a new developmentGowercroft's expertise shines through in their remarkable tilt and turn windows project on Bishops Avenue, London, known as "Billionaires Row." Overcoming technical challenges with meticulous attention to detail, Gowercroft delivered high-quality windows and sliding doors, elevating the new build project to a regal level.Gowercroft products used:Kedleston Tilt and TurnPeveril Lift and SlideAccoya®The Advantages of Tilt and Turn Windows:Tilt and turn windows, popular in continental Europe, are particularly suitable for large residential and commercial buildings. These windows have both vertical and horizontal hinges, allowing them to function like regular casement windows when opened horizontally. When opened vertically, they provide excellent ventilation while maintaining optimal security, as the opening mechanism remains inaccessible from the outside. Tilt and turn windows also feature multiple locking points for enhanced security when closed.Overcoming Technical Challenges:The architect initially specified standard casement windows for the property, which featured large sliding doors. However, Gowercroft recommended installing tilt and turn systems instead to better suit the building's style. The challenge arose due to the height of some window units exceeding 2 meters, placing significant stress on the hinges and mechanisms. Gowercroft's technical director, David Brown, conducted extensive research to identify the best gearing and specially designed frames to withstand these increased stresses.A Testament to Exceptional Craftsmanship:Gowercroft's bespoke tilt and turn units outperformed those of other companies in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and projected longevity. The windows, doors, and joinery at Bishops Avenue were meticulously crafted in American Black Walnut with bronze inlays and accessories, resulting in a tasteful and luxurious finish.Extensive Installation and Impeccable Functionality:The project involved the creation and installation of over 200 windows and doors, internal door sets, architraves, staircases, rails, furniture, and skirting boards, amounting to almost 2 years of dedicated work. Completed in 2008, the multifunctional window and door units remain fully operational, a testament to their exceptional quality and longevity. Gowercroft continues to maintain and service the tilt and turn windows at 49 Bishops Avenue, ensuring their optimal functionality and eliminating the need for customer maintenance.Testimonial from Barry Glantz, WillowAcre Investments & Developments Ltd:Barry Glantz, of WillowAcre Investments & Developments Ltd, praises Gowercroft for their commitment to quality and professionalism, recommending them without hesitation. Glantz highlights Gowercroft as a company that goes the extra mile, adding value to every project.Elevate your architectural designs with Gowercroft's tilt and turn windows, exemplifying excellence, durability, and functionality. Experience the difference of meticulous craftsmanship and customer satisfaction that extends beyond project completion.

Lomax + Wood were selected, from the UK’s finest timber window specialists, to design and produce a range of premium quality oak windows and doors for the Standard Groups first UK hotel. The building, a local landmark was previously the Camden Town Annexe with a brutalist seventies style, now reimagined as the “new cultural crossroads of London”.Lomax + Wood were selected, from the UK’s finest timber window specialists, to design and produce a range of premium quality oak windows and doors for the Standard Groups first UK hotel. The building, a local landmark was previously the Camden Town Annexe with a brutalist seventies style, now reimagined as the “new cultural crossroads of London”.Made-to-order oak windows and doors to the ground floor and eighth.15 Box sash windows with bespoke under panels.8 Curved on Plan fixed casements.34 Fixed casements.17 Single doorsets.10 Sliding doorsets.3 Double doorsets.1 Bifold doorset3 Casements with bespoke under panels.Specialist ancillary joineryEuropean oak timber specified with OSMO 420 clear UV oil finish externally and internally.Bespoke sections machined to accommodate additional thickness of specialist glass units.Glass was a key factor in the design process, specialist 13.5mm laminated outer pane/12mm cavity and 11.5mm inner pane (37mm overall) was required to meet the acoustic requirements of the project, provide solar control and give as neutral an appearance as possible. Specific glass marks required.Bespoke Curved on Plan units with curved glass sourced from a European specialist.Black ceramic coating to hide air conditioning units behind on specific frames.The overall requirement was for a ‘handmade look’, with internal and external linings added to the ground floor windows and a dummy peg detail on the corners. All the ironmongery was bespoke with some handles for the ground floor reception and bar areas by Forms & Surfaces, sourced from U.S.A. Door cylinders were also bespoke as an additional length was required to accommodate the unusual frame thickness.Design required to adapt stable door details to accommodate panic bolt hardware for garden area.The bell boy entrance door was a particularly unusual detail for Lomax + Wood with a bespoke aluminium cover with circular cut outs, manufactured to cover the timber door behind.Overall the project was challenging but Lomax + Wood specialise in producing high performance, made-to-order timer windows and doors to meet our clients specification and aesthetic requirements. It is important to note that the oil finish does require high maintenance and will not be viable in all situations.In addition to timber windows and doors we also provide aluminium composite products which are on display, with our traditional range at our head offices in Essex.

Hexham and Northern Mart is an auction house in Hexham (25 miles west of Newcastle), specialising in the sale of livestock and cattle to farmers across the North East of England. The business decided it was time to replace its old gas-fired heating system with a more sustainable alternative – one that would not only reduce energy consumption and running costs, but also earn additional income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Minimising impact on day-to-day operations during the transition was another key consideration. Managing director Robert Addison tasked renewable energy specialist and NIBE Pro Installer Calibrate Energy Engineering with finding the right solution to meet the heating and hot water demands of the 112,050sq ft building.The SolutionThe team at Calibrate specified, designed and installed a 300 kW renewable heating system made up of five 60 kW NIBE F1345 ground source heat pump (GSHP) units. They paired this with a 50 kW solar PV array, fitted to the roof of the main pen area, which partially powers the NIBE GSHP system. The in-ground heat collectors required for the GSHP were laid in the fields around the buildings, with the controls units sited in a prefabricated plant room to the rear of the premises. The installation took just three months from start to finish, and during this time it was business as usual for Hexham and Northern Marts.ResultsDocked together in a cascade for greater output capacity, the five NIBE F1345 GSHP units now meet 95% of Hexham and Northern Marts’ 394,000 kW/h annual heating and hot water demand. Meanwhile, the 50 kW solar PV array generates enough free electricity to offset a significant 50% of the power needed to run the GSHP system. Hexham & Northern Marts is set to make a 236% return on investment – reaping an estimated £862,000 in energy savings and commercial RHI payments over the next two decades.Customer Testimonial“We couldn’t be happier with our new renewable heat and power sources. As well as delivering instant reductions in energy usage and subsequent savings on heating bills, the NIBE GSHP solution is providing us with a steady stream of income for the next two decades, thanks to the RHI. The power produced by the solar PV panels is an added bonus, and makes running the heat pump system even more cost-effective.“As a result, we’re expecting to see returns of more than double our original investment over the next 20 years – which is absolutely invaluable from a business point of view. Not only this, but we’ve got an efficient, reliable renewables setup that’s fit for the future, and will continue to deliver ongoing savings for years to come.”Robert Addison, managing director, Hexham & Northern Marts

In 2020 the River Wye broke its banks and flooded nearby Monmouth Prep School in Wales causing severe damage to the entire ground floor of the Prep School, playground and surrounding fields. According to the latest reports on the impacts of climate change, flooding caused by severe and frequent rainstorms is the UK’s most pressing climate-change risk and could affect millions of people causing extensive damage, disruption and loss. So, once the school was back on its feet, we were delighted to work with their insurance broker, Hettle Andrews, to make sure the property was protected against future flooding. Monmouth Prep School, MonmouthMonmouth Prep School is a fully co-educational Prep School in Wales for children aged three to 11-years-old. The independent school is one of Wales’ leading prep schools and offers boarding and day attendance to pupils in modern and contemporary teaching spaces which encapsulate the very best of traditional, independent education.  We worked with the school’s insurance broker and project facilitator, Hettle Andrews, who work primarily with schools, universities, colleges and charities. The challengeThe school had previously had minor issues with flooding as the River Wye is situated at the bottom of its garden. However, the flood of 2020 was the most devastating. The river broke its banks and flowed into and through the school to the dual carriageway situated on the other side. The flood damaged the entire ground floor of the school, the playground and surrounding fields and the whole school had to be urgently evacuated. No warning: the school is surrounded by a flood bank and had flood gates installed in 2002 however there was no early warning system in place to get the flood gates closed in time.Extensive damage: the 200-year-old school building sustained catastrophic damage and needed large-scale structural repairs to be restored.Sanitation issues: the waste from the surrounding farmlands was washed into the school along with the floodwater, mud and debris causing not only damage but also sanitation issues. Inconvenience: the clear-up process included using five 40 foot skips which were filled with damaged items such as furniture, clothing, educational equipment and floating debris.Disruption: the school had to close for nearly seven months to clear the debris, remove all the damaged school equipment, clean the entire premises, sanitise and eventually re-build.The solution;Andel’s FloodAlert – one of our innovative, industry-unique flood defence solutions which provides an early flood warning for properties not covered by the Environment Agency flood warning service. FloodAlert provides real-time information on rising water levels and automatically sends out early warnings. The robust and reliable system is easy to install and set up and once in, tracks surface water levels for up to 15km from a gateway. This means the school now has:A cost-effective, real-time local flood alert system with three alert levels A sensor which sends SMS and email alerts to give them time to take action to protect their pupils and the school Optional live monitoring on a cloud-based portal, via any device with internet connectivityA system that can communicate with an unlimited number of designated usersCommunication via a low-power LoRaWAN network. The resultEarly warning: the school now has an effective early warning system for rising surface water. Safety first: the school now has safety measures in place to protect its pupils aged three to 11-years-old. Confidence: the early warning system gives the school staff around six hours from the first notification of rising waters to close the flood gates allowing plenty of time to evacuate the children as well as any equipment. Peace of mind: the staff at the school feel relieved knowing the water levels are constantly being monitored at the property especially because they are so close to the banks of the River Wye. Community: we are always quick to try and accommodate schools that require our services as we know they are the centre of the community and provide safe havens to many. We are proud to have been involved in this project alongside Hettle Andrews and to have been able to install our FloodAlert product on a site with such a rich history and provide the school with an effective early warning system plus peace of mind.What the customer said;The 2020 floods were devastating and left us with the fear that it could happen again. Having such little children on site, it was very stressful knowing there was no early warning system in place. Now we have a good five or six hours from the first notification of rising waters to close the flood gates, evacuate the children safely, and make the necessary arrangements to protect the building. With all these flood defence measures in place, we hope to never have a repeat of the destruction and school closure of 2020.Rob Alexander, Caretaker, Monmouth Prep School

The facilities at Wimbledon Chase Primary School were in need of a complete overhaul. Accredited Installers, G Haslehurst Builders, were appointed to reconfigure the space which included the installation of contemporary, reliable and easy to maintain washroom systems.Versatile and robust Award toilet cubicles were specified due to the unrivalled safety features that come as standard. Anti-tamper fixings and emergency release indicator bolts make Award a popular choice for schools. The washroom also featured pre-plumbed, factory tested SanCeram Chartham WCs pre-plumbed to SGL Vepps panels and hardwearing SGL vanity units with SanCeram semi-recessed basins and self-closing mixer taps.Read the full case study for more details.

FOAMGLAS® S3 (Slab)Design Architects: Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, LondonConstruction: 1982Application: Compact Roof - FOAMGLAS® S3 (Slab ) Finish: PaversBarbican Centre in the City of London is a residential, commercial and performing arts centre, it has an array of buildings which has pushed the forefront of architecture.The centre is the largest of its type in Europe and despite its construction many years ago, the centre continues to attract many visitors from around the world not only for its arts and performances but its 1970's Brutalist Architecture.The client, City of London Corporation, is the third largest arts funder in the United Kingdom.In 2001 the Barbican Complex became a Grade II listed building.

The Wickes Farnbrough DIY store is one in the latest Wickes stores to have been developed by Travis Perkins as part of its ongoing plan to double its UK store network to 400 by 2020.The project used Trimapanel® micro-rib 90mm on the front elevations and Trisomet® 80mm for the rear wall elevations; Trisomet® 120mm was used for the roof; and parapet gutters lined with a Colorcoat Aquatite® PVC membrane. (HR50) site assembled built-up system, which is being used as a feature on a number of the Wickes Stores, ran across the top of the Trimapanel® on the front elevation acting as a separator between the two units. LP1000 liner panels were also used internally.

The BriefFoley Building Contractors were working on a project at the hospital which is run by the Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. Part of their works required several canopies to provide shade and shelter for their patients and visitors whilst queueing outside due to the social distancing measures that were in place. Because the summer had come to an end and the wintery weather was on the way, these canopies were needed with a quick turnaround.The SolutionJust a couple of days after the initial enquiry, we were on site conducting a site survey to enable us to provide the contractor with a firm quotation. We provided them with a price for four Coniston Wall Mounted Canopies; two for their Elective Care and Heart Centre and then another two for their COVID-19 testing units.

For two existing units, a delicate garden terrace pavilion provides additional kitchen dining space and outdoor utility.Project BreakdownThe pavilion is set inside a planted terrace with special focus put on complimenting the existing structure with a delicate palette of materials.Customer FeedbackPioneer Granite Composite Decking set a muted charcoal backdrop for a stage of vibrant vegetation. The sustainable credentials of the materials reflect the harmony of the natural overgrowth and the use of Manticore plastic lumber and MESA Decking Pedestals ensured quick and easy installation.Project DetailsSize: 75 m²Product: Granite Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: Manticore Plastic Lumber, MESA Adjustable Decking PedestalsClient: Birds Portchmouth Russum ArchitectsLocation: London

Birmingham-based Ryan’s Removals and Storage provide a huge range of removal and storage services to businesses and private customers in the UK. Following a huge demand for storage space, Ryan’s Removals added a mezzanine floor to its facilities. This allowed Ryan’s to make the most of its space, doubling the number of units available to meet the growing demand. However, it quickly became apparent that employees and customers struggled to take their belongings to the upper floor, posing a serious health and safety threat.The BriefAs Ryan’s had never needed a lift before, the team at Ryan’s were unsure of exactly what they needed.They approached Penny Hydraulics to advise on the best solution and provide a goods lift that would improve usability and meet health and safety guidelines.The ChallengeThe key challenge was ensuring the lift could be used by anyone. As the general public would be using the lift on a daily basis, the solution needed to be straightforward to use.As well as choosing an easy-to-use product, we trained employees to use the lift, allowing them to assist customers that may struggle.As a busy storage facility, Ryan’s Removals needed the lift as soon as possible so customers could access units and business could continue as usual. Additionally, any future maintenance or repairs of the lift must be dealt with quickly to guarantee business continuity.The SolutionOur experts visited Ryan’s Removals storage facility to assess its needs and recommended a Mezz Pro – 500kg goods lift. This solution was installed and ready to use in less than 6 weeks.This easy-to-use lift holds up to 500kg, allowing safe access to the upper floor. As a result, customers have an improved experience and business is much more efficient.Not only has the lift improved the overall health and safety of the facility, but the convenience of the lift is a huge selling point for customers, putting Ryan’s Removals above competitors.

The town of Whitchurch in Hampshire is a special place: most of the town is a Conservation Area, the amount of wildlife in and near the River Test means its course and banks are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the town is the Gateway to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the third largest of Britain's 46 AONBs. The current Town Hall was built by a local landowner, Lord Middleton, in or around 1791, using some of the timbers from the Old Town House that had stood in the centre of The Square, and was demolished in the 1780s. During the 1800s the building had many tenants including the Mechanics Institute and a furniture warehouse.Records show that in the 1900s the building was also put to a variety of uses. The local Magistrate held sessions, two rooms were used to shelter Military Units passing through Whitchurch, and in 1919 the building was used by the National Federation of Discharged Soldiers and Sailors. Parish Councils were set up in 1896, but met at the Poor Law Institute (the Gables). More recently, the National Fire Service was accommodated in the lower middle section of the building. In 1946, Midland Bank, (now HSBC) was in the lower right hand corner. The Town Band practiced here, and the British Legion used the upper floor. Recently, an extensive program of refurbishment works has taken place to improve the Grade II* Listed Building. This included new steel doors and windows by Clement for the front elevation. The Clement W20 range was chosen for both, with krypton gas filled units. Ash pull handles perfectly complement the steel doors and Boleyn handles were chosen for the steel windows. Sarah Weir, Clerk at Whitchurch Town Council said ““The Town Council are really pleased with the new windows and door which are modern, practical and in keeping with the historic building”. 

These are the 32 FalcoBloc picnic tables Falco supplied to Euston Railway Station back in April 2008. Now fourteen years on, after continuous use all day every day within the capital, the picnic tables are in as good of a condition now as when they were first supplied!Each picnic table was repainted during lockdown to continue to protect each unit from weather and general wear and tear, enabling each picnic table to last another ten years and beyond!Back in 2008, when Network Rail was looking to upgrade the concourse outside Euston station, they approached Falco to develop a bespoke picnic table solution. Based on the original FalcoBloc range of seating, the new design for the main West Coast terminus was specially adapted to meet the needs of the travelling public. Falco’s street furniture design team took the popular FalcoBloc table and adapted it in conjunction with the requirements of Network Rail’s station management team. The solid and functional picnic table design provides a stylish and welcoming environment for travellers to the North and West.The image below shows the original fourteen year old FalcoBloc picnic tables, installed back in 2008, on a crisp January afternoon.Along with Euston station, Falco has also supplied picnic tables to many locations across the UK including Manchester United Football Club, Manchester City Football Club, Loughborough University, Middlesex University and Assured Guaranty Europe (next to the world famous ‘Gherkin’ in the heart of London).More information on the FalcoBloc picnic table is available by clicking here.For more information about the FalcoBloc picnic table or any other product from our street furniture range, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Mega Balance is the new adjustable height pedestal for paving and decking systems that does three jobs all in one. Firstly it achieves both the ultra heavy duty weight tolerance of the Wallbarn Megapad by tolerating over 2 tonnes per unit before breaking and having a self-levelling headpiece for smoother, more high end surface finishes. Secondly, it can become both a self-levelling or a fixed headed pedestal within the same unit by adding "the grey nut". By inserting and locking into place the grey nut into the centre of the headpiece, users can lock off the head to create a more rigid pedestal. Instead of having to order different pedestals to create these changes, both options are available in the same product. Thirdly, when paving, a brilliant new mechanism is provided to deal with rocking or moving slabs over time on paving areas. Slabs will often move over time for various reasons (structural movement, traffic etc.) and operatives have traditionally had to lift multiple slabs, adjust the height of the pedestals and then relay the slabs. Now, using "the yellow key" major labour saving and health & safety improvements are gained. Insert the yellow key into a small slot in the centre of the headpiece to turn the thread of the pedestal and adjust the height with the slab still in position.Mega Balance is available with a standard paving headpiece, a decking joist headpiece and a clip headpiece designed to hold Wallbarn's profiled aluminium rail. Added benefits include steeper, narrower weight bearing fins on the outside of the central column which means the bases can be cut back closer to that column for paving up tot he wall or parapet. A stronger, tidier finish on such details is achieved.Mega Balance offers much greater flexibility and scope for constructing suspended paving and decking schemes.

PROJECTSecondary school in Grüze 5, Dübendorf [CH]COMPLETIONOctober 2023ARCHITECTStutz Bolt Partner Architekten AGPRODUCTSTANGENTA Y100 luminaireLight distribution: 2 x 60°; light colour: 4000 K; DALI dimmable; CRI > 80; LED: 3 x 34.5 W; dimensions [L x W x H]: 1,550 x 100 x 100 mm [72 units].S7 RHOMBOS TAIFUN expanded metal ceiling system1.5 mm thickness of black sheet; mesh size: 44 x 12 x 3 x 1.5 mm; dimensions: 980 x 790 mm and 1,650 x 680 mm; powder-coated in RAL 9016 matt [576 units] The new extension to the school building at Dübendorf-Schwerzenbach blends seamlessly into the existing complex and, with a lightness of design touch and its versatile range of usage options, it takes a big step towards modern school infrastructure. This building has been designed to enable it to be adapted to suit changing requirements in future. The school building is constructed on a double gym facility, two thirds of which are recessed below ground level, receiving natural daylight through a strip of windows at the top of its walls. When needed, the TANGENTA-Y100 luminaires supplied by durlum can be switched on. These deliver high lighting intensity combined with superlative lighting efficiency. These luminaires are discretely integrated in the S7 RHOMBOS TAIFUN expanded metal ceiling system with tested ball impact resistance to fulfil the special requirements of sports hall. Combined with its small mesh size, the white, powder-coated ceiling imbues an aesthetic appeal to this hall, which is also used by the general public. All entirely in sympathy with the architectural vision.

The responsive service and high standard of craftsmanship offered by stainless steel specialist, GEC Anderson has led to the manufacturer repeating the success of a previous collaboration with a design practice renowned for its expertise in historic buildings: creating a commercial style kitchen within a very confined space in the undercroft to London’s French Protestant Church.  Although it was established in London by Royal Charter five centuries ago in 1550, the French Protestant Church’s current home in Soho Square was designed by Sir Aston Webb and was completed in 1893. The current contract came about partly as the result of an aspiration for improved facilities, able to cater for larger numbers of people and a pressing need to replace the sub-structure’s failing tanking system. Caroe Architecture Ltd. was duly appointed as the lead consultant while Coniston Ltd. was the main contractor for the work.Having worked with GEC Anderson on previous projects such as The Old Deanery in the City of London, Caroe Architecture was confident in seeking the company’s advice on the possibilities for the refit in the very confined space of the barrel-vaulted crypt. GEC responded by conducting a detailed site survey, followed by a ‘templating’, supply and installation contract.  The Project Architect, Alanah Honey, commented: “Not only was the existing, domestic scale kitchen beneath the French Protestant Church not meeting its full needs, but the failure of the old waterproofing measures required the walls to be taken right back to bare brickwork for repair.From previously just providing tea and coffee, the client wanted to move to more of a commercial scale installation, but unfortunately there wasn’t the space or the extract capacity for a full commercial facility, we therefore went for the highest specification we could, calling on the services of GEC Anderson on the basis of our past experience of working with the company.”  “The fit-out has gone very well with GEC installing all of its stainless steel drawer units, shelves and work-surfaces as well as providing a detailed specification for the church to purchase all the appliances direct, to help keep within budget. We are delighted to have been appointed to York Minster this year, having been nominated as Inspecting Architects to a number of other Cathedrals and major churches over the last 10 years. So our work is expanding significantly beyond London and Cambridge – also involving National Trust properties as well as the Oxbridge Colleges – so there is the likelihood for further cooperation with GEC.”   Benedicte Fougier, the President of the Consistory stated, “On the advice of our architects, Caroe Architecture Ltd., we contracted GEC Anderson to design and build a kitchen in our quirky, grade 2* historical building which was no small feat given the many architectural constraints. GEC Anderson has been terrific, coming up with creative ideas and delivering exactly what we needed and more. They have been extremely professional and personable throughout, very engaged with us through constant communication and adjusting their design until the last minute to take into account our needs”. Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering - the company’s custom engineered solutions have been selected for some of the country’s top sports, entertainment and leisure destinations. 

EVAC-ALERT, C-TEC’s powerful BS 8629 compliant evacuation alert system is protecting seven high-rise residential tower blocks in the heart of London. Guinness Square in Southwark and the Houses of Aubin, Clemoes, Maitland, Sherratt, Southgate and Sweeting in Brixton’s Loughborough Park are all managed by The Guinness Partnership, a 130-year-old charitable organisation that prides itself on providing high quality homes to improve people’s lives. The upgrading of the life safety systems was deemed vital to ensure the protection of residents living in the properties.Orestone Controls, the BAFE SP203 and SP207-accredited specialist systems integrator, was tasked with equipping the blocks with fully BS 8629 compliant evacuation alert systems to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part, or all, of a building in an emergency.  Ryan Mullen, Orestone’s CCO said: “Demand for evacuation systems is at an all-time high due to a combination of improved fire safety standards and new legislation. We’ve particularly noticed an increase in enquiries and orders since the new Part B of the Building Regs came in last year, as this says they must be installed in all new high-rise residential buildings over 18m in England. The new HSE ‘Be Ready’ campaign will also no doubt trigger new contracts with local councils and private companies over the next six months.”Ryan said: “We chose to specialise in EVAC-ALERT primarily for the ‘handholding’ service C-TEC provides, namely the first-class technical support that is so important on life-safety system projects. From the very first demonstration of EVAC-ALERT at our offices, to where we are today, C-TEC has supported us and our relationship has gone from strength to strength. We are experts at installation, highly conversant with the standards and because of this we have had to expand our fire division again with additional dedicated engineers to deal with growing demand. We have also started to work for other Housing Associations including GreenSquare Accord on some of their high-rise buildings.”As BS 8629 is a relatively new standard, C-TEC is very keen to ensure to educate people about its requirements. Throughout a project, the company is there to make life easier for the client, be that the consultant, the installer, the owner or building management company and they can assist with plans, technical drawings and the loop calculations required.By using the unique evacuation alert system software created by C-TEC’s R&D team and undertaking an assessment of a building, Orestone calculated exactly which devices are required. Special requirements for, say, elderly, vulnerable and disabled residents, were also taken into consideration. For example, visual indicators, vibrating pillow pads, etc. C-TEC also provided free advice and training on commissioning, cause and effects.  Ryan said: “Our engineers are constantly expressing how simple and intuitive EVAC ALERT is to install. The wiring is very straightforward and the flat interface units give you confidence that any short circuits will be isolated protecting the integrity of the loops. There’s no doubt that the system’s simplicity has allowed us to achieve minimal disruption to residents and work around their busy lives as we can be in and out of each flat in under an hour.  “Customer satisfaction is very important to Orestone and we consistently score five out of five on reviews. We take time to engage with residents and explain how the systems we are installing are designed to protect them. At Guinness Square we even held a joint open day with The Guinness Partnership to showcase the technology to residents, which the London Fire Brigade also attended and which was very successful.”The systems in each high-rise typically consist of 2-loop control panels connected to a host of single and multi-way interface units, self-testing sounders and visual indicators. Simple and intuitive, with manual controls to allow firefighters to easily operate the evacuation alert devices located inside flats on a floor-by-floor basis, the panel is stored in a secure vandal resistant cabinet which can only be accessed by the FRS using a special copy-protected key.Peace of mind that there is a Plan B if everything else goes wrong is crucial in the current climate, not just for owners and residents, but also for the fire service. By installing an evacuation alert system, building management can be confident that every precaution possible has been taken to protect the people residing in the property.EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and is fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new Cloud-based fire alarm remote access, service and site management software package which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing. 

Standing tall in a prime location at the entrance to the Salford Quays – one of Greater Manchester’s most vibrant and prominent media and culture hubs – Anchorage Gateway is here to make a statement. The 250,640 sq ft, 29-storey residential high-rise, completed three months ahead of schedule, is set to be the tallest residential brickwork building in the UK.  Yet, behind this traditional brick façade finish is a design that demanded a modern approach to diverting moisture from the cavity to the outside of the building, using construction methods far more efficient than the conventional. Key information Completion date September 2023 Sector Residential Developer Cole Waterhouse Main Contractor Domis Construction Façade Contractor Kinlan Brickwork Delivery Architect Jon Matthews Architects  Products used Siderise CT Cavity Tray  Design and specification Representing the gateway entry point into Salford Quays, the build-to-rent (BTR) Erie Dock Apartments (Eda) development replaced a vacant four-storey office block of 1990s construction with a building designed to offer a truly contemporary residential experience. Hosting 290 apartments of various sizes and private amenities such as co-working spaces, a fitness studio, a screening room, and more, it was important that the building’s exterior reflected a feeling of home and community, giving it a sense of place in this rapidly developing part of the city.  The building’s L-shaped footprint is emphasised by the use of stepped massing, with the slimmer block extending to the top of the building and external rooftop terraces at the crown of each ‘block’. Each elevation is constructed from pale-coloured brickwork, supported by an SFS System and concrete core works, giving the building a solid and striking, yet clearly domestic feel in an area dominated by glazing and cladding.  Moisture management is a fundamental element of any masonry construction, and cavity trays must be installed to ensure that any rainwater entering the wall cavity through the external brickwork is directed away from the inner structure, reducing the risk of internal damp and mould. Main contractor, Domis Construction, and brickwork contractor, Kinlan, had previously been using the traditional approach comprising metal cavity trays. However, in their search for a more efficient method that could improve the speed and cost of delivery without compromising on quality, they came across Siderise CT Cavity Tray.  After carrying out their due diligence, the team engaged the Siderise Site Services to deliver training onsite, which included a benchmark installation. It was then that Domis Construction and Kinlan realised the huge labour and time-saving benefits Siderise CT Cavity Tray could offer and that ‘it did what it said on the tin’. The factory-engineered system was subsequently trialled on a section of another Salford project before being put forward to the fire consultants and building control officers for the high-rise Anchorage project.  The CT Cavity Tray achieves an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification to EN 13501-1, is BBA certified and can comply with NHBC, LABC and Premier Guarantee warranty requirements.  David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Siderise CT Cavity Tray has been a gamechanger for us. We’d been using traditional all-metal cavity trays, site-formed and pre-formed. Even though we’d used Siderise Cavity Barriers and Firestops before, we were somewhat unsure about this single-fix tray and insulation combo at first.   Nevertheless, we researched the product, confirming that it met regulatory compliance criteria and seeing the potential benefits in terms of time saving ability, labour cost reduction, and scaled-down site complexities associated with specialist tools, equipment, and segregated workshop areas for onsite fabrication.”  Installation and inspection Over 3,200 units of Siderise CT Cavity tray were used on the project, helping to realise installation benefits that carried real value for the project. On previous projects where traditional cavity tray solutions were used, the installation teams would need to share masts with the bricklayers on a 50/50 circa ratio. This meant that the bricklayers would take longer to complete their job, due to the time it would take to form and fit the cavity trays, as well as other products, ahead of them.   By using the pre-engineered Siderise CT Cavity Tray, which combines a flexible aluminium tray with non-combustible insulation, the installation team was able to install this lightweight element much faster with just a cutting knife and sealing tape for joining at details such as corners or windows. The requirement for specialist equipment, isolated onsite workshop zones, vast site storage facilities, soldering, sealants and installing insulation as a separate fix and was eliminated, enabling them to free up mast usage, with an estimated ratio of 70/30 in the bricklayers’ favour, speeding up the build programme.   David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Working with our brickwork contractor, Kinlan, the Siderise Site Services team came down and delivered an in-person practical training programme before the install and it was during this in-depth session that we started to realise the operational advantages it would have. They have also been supporting us continually on the build, checking how we are installing their product and giving us any advice necessary to ensure a top-class delivery.”  Summary Anchorage Gateway demonstrates, with tangible evidence, how traditional building methods can be improved using modern products that have been engineered and tested to meet the demands of contemporary construction, allowing the creation of beautiful brickwork buildings without sacrificing on speed or quality of build.  

IntroductionThe Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray has been installed as part of a major housing project , Park East in South East London, helping to improve efficiency onsite, and to exceed building regulations.OverviewPark East is a £95 million development in Erith, designed by ECD Architects and developed by Wates Group. The project comprises 320 new homes, of which 20% are for private sale, 24% for Shared Ownership, and 56% for rent in order to accommodate a mixed tenure community. The modern, stylish homes are in close proximity to the local amenities and parks, with excellent transport links to London.Working alongside brickwork contractor Lee Marley Brickwork, Keyfix supplied 3,772m of its Non-Combustible Cavity Tray (NCCT), 3,528 units of corners, and 20,774 units of its Non-combustible Weep Vents to this project. Keyfix’s sister company Keystone Lintels supplied 890m of its Non-Combustible Cavity Tray Lintel, which was powder coated as per the client’s request.Challenge The main challenge faced on this project was the brevity of the programme, which ran from November 2020 to November 2021. As the project was time sensitive, the main contractor required an accredited solution which could be supplied in line with the tight-build programme. Keyfix’s NCCT presented the ideal solution to this challenge.SolutionKeyfix was able to meet the client’s objectives by providing products in accordance with their tight-build programme. To ensure the maximum efficiency of installation, Keyfix designed various types of bespoke units including preformed corners and pier units to assist Lee Marley brickwork in keeping to its the fast-paced build programme. Due to the scale of the project, the products were prefabricated, allowing the brickwork to be conducted swiftly. Despite the bespoke nature of the products, the first delivery was made just two months after the initial enquiry in September.Duncan Marley, Contracts Director at Lee Marley Brickwork commented: “On the Park East development we required various bespoke products and Keyfix were able to provide a quick turnaround on those. The Keyfix NCCT also helped us to save time significantly because the system is so quick to install. Keyfix also provided us with a scheduled breakdown of components which was a great help.”The Keyfix NCCT was specified due to its ‘one-piece system’ which allows for a very simple and efficient installation. The system is self-supporting as it doesn’t require fixing back to the internal frame, therefore saving valuable time. Additionally, the adjustability of the perp joint allows for the cavity trays to be shunted to match the brick coursing on site, ensuring consistency in the brickwork formation.The NCCT was also chosen due to its A1 fire rating. It is made from non-combustible Grade 304 stainless steel which will never contribute to fire loading in the building. This fully compliant system ensures that the Park East buildings will be future-proofed against the implementation of tighter regulations.The non-combustible nature of the product makes it an effective solution to provide DPC protection over lintels, masonry supports, soffit systems and other elements in the cavity such as fire barriers. Additionally, the fact that the Keyfix NCCT does not rely on tape or mastics to form its watertight joints negates the prevalent cause of product failure and creates a more robust system altogether.In addition to providing NCCTs, Keyfix identified where it could offer technical support, and provided a full technical review of architects drawings, a comprehensive mark-up, and a scheduled breakdown of component location. The team also attended design meetings to ensure that the products were being used correctly, as well as hosting a Tool Box Talk prior to the first install to ensure the system was installed properly.Commenting on the NCCT, Kieran Coyle of Keyfix stated, “The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray is an A1 fire rated system, ensuring our customers peace of mind as their buildings are future-proofed and safeguarded against fire, as well as our on-site benefits.”The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray has played an important part in the creation of a safe new-build development for future tenants to enjoy.

Projects Information: Type: Public Swimming Pool Room: Shower area for women/men, shower Location: Berlin Kaulsdorf Construction company: Heidrich Fliesen, Zernitz-Lohm Project Description: 50m pool Non-swimmer pool with slide 2 sauna cubicles 95°C, steam bath, samarium 4 water wheelchairs, no lift, but flat, rounded Disabled parking spaces Products/Systems used: wedi Building Boards in different thicknesses wedi 610 Adhesive and Sealing Material wedi Tools Reinforcement Tape Special production (8 units each) with Fundo Requirements: Very short assembly times on site Support from AD + AWT in setup/instruction Very short drying times Water-tight material Quick processing

Star architect Christoph Ingenhoven’s company provides an extraordinary lifestyle concept in Singapore’s urban space with their smart idea for Marina One. The AXIS planning office implemented the notion of a feel-good indoor climate in the building’s living areas with Villeroy & Boch. Construction time/completion: 2011 - 2017 / 15th January 2018. Area: Gross floor space: 400,000 m². Office space, usable space: 175,000 m². Apartments: 1,042 units (2-4 rooms). Client: M+S Pte. Ltd., Singapore. Architects: Ingenhoven Architects, Düsseldorf. Landscape architecture: Gustafson Porter + Bowman, London. Awards: Green Building: LEED Platinum, Green Mark Platinum (Selection). Interior designer: Axis ID Pte Ltd, Singapore.

“Venesta's product is both quick and easy to install. This, combined with an experienced CAD and manufacturing team, made them the ideal choice when procuring a washroom package of this size and complexity.” - Marcus Lynes, Shire Integrated Systems. The quality of our specialist healthcare washroom products and customer service was crucial to the success of the project at The Royal London Hospital. The client had total peace of mind, knowing that deadlines could always be met, even when faced with unforeseen problems on site. We appointed a full-time project manager to oversee the surveying, scheduling, and production drawing of every unit supplied.By specifying Vepps, our industry-leading pre-plumbed (IPS) system, installation time was reduced by 50%.Read the full case study for more details.

Sertus were commissioned to provide natural smoke ventilation products for the university.Project Name: Scape Student AccommodationLocation: GuildfordSector: Student AccommodationClient: ScapeInitial BriefHere at Sertus, we took a particular interest in this student accommodation development as it’s situated immediately adjacent to the unit where the Whitesales Group was founded in 1983, and it’s under ten miles from our current headquarters and factory! Consisting of 403 beds across two blocks and a 116-bed co-living block, we were asked by the main contractor’s in-house M&E department to provide compliant products of the highest standard.Outcome of the projectA successful project - which Sertus provided Roof Single Leaf smoke vents and Shaft Louvre Dampers for. Take a look at those products here.

Imago Interiors, an award-winning design and build company, was tasked with creating an environment that merges design, technology and wellness to provide X+Why, a co-working real estate provider, a perfect home from which to grow at Whitechapel Road, London. "Forza Doors were selected as we have established a trusted relationship with them on our previous projects, based on their customer service and exceptional quality." Paul McArdle, Construction Director & Co-Founder “X+Why want to change the way the world works by uniting purpose-driven businesses in tech forward, wellness focused, and thought provoking environments. It was essential for us to fulfil every aspect of the brief to deliver their vision. We couldn’t be more proud of the end result, and to work with a fantastic forward thinking client.”

Devonshire Row, 150 Bishopsgate is a residential and commercial redevelopment in Central London. The existing façade was retained amongst the area to be redeveloped. The project consisted of 97,718 square metres of floor space and includes a site area of 5,000 square metres, with 284 residential units, car parking, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as business ventures. KEIM’s remit was to coat the existing Bath stone façade to match and blend seamlessly with the new Portland Stone façade.To deal with the potential for the new stone to age differently, KEIM Fixativ was applied to preserve and prevent the surface from getting soiled.KEIM Soldalit in colour 9295 was applied to all the surfaces, followed by a two-coat application of KEIM Restauro Lasur in colours ST019 and ST002 to mimic the new Portland Stone façade.

Arras Way is a development of 47 units of 17 houses and two blocks of flats built in a traditional style to create a modern and comfortable living experience. The landscaped communal gardens help maintain the feeling of community life this fantastic location offers. It is situated in the coastal town centre of Folkestone, under 20 minutes to Dover and 35 minutes to Calais via the Euro tunnel. Cellecta’s TETRiS was specified by Apex Architecture as it provides outstanding thermal and structural performance. It produces a floor with zero cold bridges and is quicker and easier to install than a concrete block floor. TETRiS is a foil-facing insulation block with excellent thermal performance and very low water absorption; these blocks make the ideal flooring system.Dwyer Engineering was awarded this 2,914m² contract to construct this development in Folkestone. 

Admirals Quay is a business centre in Southampton which created a thriving backdrop for emerging leisure, residential and commercial exchange. This 21,000m² Ocean Village development includes a 26-storey residential tower featuring 300 apartments, the tallest residential building in the area, which will act as a spectacular landmark. The result is three mixed-use towers, unified by commercial units at the base.Cellecta HiDECK Overlay 18 was specified by HGP Architects in this project as the overlay flooring solution. It’s ideal for flooring applications incorporating an underflooring heating system due to its high thermal conductivity, which provides rapid reaction times, saving on running costs. In addition, its high density makes it perfect for various acoustic applications.Warings were awarded the contract to construct this prestigious, connected, and invigorated waterfront on the mouth of the river Itchn.

The newly developed O’Neills Store in Omagh has stunned locals with its transformation from a previously derelict building. Once a tired looking shop unit to a vibrant Sportswear Retail superstore, the change creates a much-needed boost for the surrounding area and local community.Excavation, disposal and the supply and fit all materials completed by Castle Paving. Castle Paving have worked closely with AG over the years and have a high regard for quality products, thus the decision for AG’s top of the range TerraPave® Rimini Ground flagstones.Ranging in two colours and two sizes our TerraPave® flags are top of the range, created using only natural materials that mature with age and are finished with striking granite. The natural granite paving slabs are available in a ground finish.

Rising 143 metres in the London skyline, this 42-storey tower located in Stratford near to the former Olympic park, consists of 248 luxury residential lofts and a 145-bedroom hotel.Designed by high-rise specialist architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, over 17,000m2 of ipasol Light Grey 60/33 glazing was chosen for the facade thanks to its aesthetic of a light grey tint when viewed from outside but highly transparent and neutral when viewed from interior spaces.As the facade includes full height glazing, a combination of solar control and thermal insulation coated glass was needed to allow the facade to achieve its energy efficiency targets. Some glazing types also utilise acoustic laminated glass to maximise the sound reduction properties of double glazing units.

We were delighted to be selected as Oktra’s partitioning partner for their HQ project. As part of the fit-out, Oktra has showcased Komfort’s enhanced Polar partitioning range and latest door systems to help unite and accommodate different working styles and to maintain a bright and open space.This showcase includes Komfort’s slimline Polar 54 system, Polar 30 single glazed and Polar 100 double glazed partitioning system with impressive acoustic ratings, Komfort’s SwitchGlass technology, Kross Glaze 600, frameless glazed doors, Sonik and Sonik slide doors. Each system complements the people-centric design brief, maximising the feeling of openness and offering leading performance.You can read more about the systems installed and partnership here.

Part of a masterplan by Brent London Borough Council to redevelop the heart of Stonebridge, and provide much needed new homes for residents, the project provides a total of 73 modern, purpose built affordable residential units across two adjacent sites, linked by a new public open space with playground and outdoor gym.Constructed on a former car park, the development comprises two distinct sections. The larger, Hillside site, is constructed across two blocks, up to 7 storeys in height and linked at first floor level by a landscaped podium and under-croft car park. It comprises a mix of 51 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with dual aspect and private balcony. Complementing this, the smaller Milton Avenue site, constructed over three storeys, features a total of 22 4-bedroom townhouses.

Radii’s elegant double glazed Parallel 50 (45dB RW) and Parallel 100 (50dB RW) partitions with single glazed pivoting doors was used for Marsh McLennan’s office fronts, meeting rooms and larger ‘project rooms’ along with retro-fit room booking and aluminium faced tech units.Parallel 100 was also utilised with pocket sliding doors for the Level 6 conference rooms, while 4490mm high Parallel 100 extended screens were installed to the East Thames Room on Level 6 and conference rooms. This required structural steel work to support both the weight of the glass above the transom and the hanging weight of a folding wall below by others. Linear 59 (39dB Rw) with bi-parting sliding doors was used on small meeting hubs on Level 6.

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.

Client: Matthew AlgieLocation: Glasgow, Scotland, UKYear: 2023Project size: 300 m²Vebro systems: vebrocrete MFA high performance PU concrete flooring system was required to deliver a hygienic, durable, easy-to-clean flooring solution for a Glasgow-based coffee roastery.Matthew Algie, established in 1864, began life selling its own blend of tea to wholesale customers across Glasgow, before beginning coffee production after the second world war.Today, the Scottish company supplies its famous coffee blends as well as other peripheral goods and equipment to cafés, restaurants and hotels throughout the UK and beyond.Matthew Algie’s award-winning Glasgow roastery is in the heart of the city and close to the banks of the River Clyde.The slab in the facility’s production facility was in need of some attention, requiring mechanical preparation and exposed repairs before being overcoated.vebrocrete MF was chosen to transform the 300 m2 area. vebrocrete MF is a HACCP International certified medium duty, easily-applied, polyurethane concrete screed offering excellent chemical and wear resistance.vebrocrete MF is best suited to use in dry and semi-wet food processing and preparation areas subject to moderate temperature swings, chemical spillage and medium duty traffic.The system, which is resistant to temperatures up to 70ºC, also provides excellent cleanability and features a seamless hygienic finish.The food-safe, solvent-free, odourless, non-tainting and non-dusting system complies with HACCP food safety management guidelines.

The first thoughts about safety at work are always about physical injury prevention as well as inhaling fumes, hazardous substances, etc. However, Occupational Noise, which is the amount of acoustic energy received by an employee of a company, can cause permanent damage if it is continuous.In the UK, The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, came into effect for all industries from April 2008, which is quite late when you consider that the harm hearing loss can cause. Harm such as Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise in the ear or head, caused by a problem with the inner ear.The sustaining of high noise levels can also mask warning signals, prevent concentration and vital communication.Most authorities around the world have agreed that noise becomes dangerous when it’s higher than 85 decibels during a typical 8-hour work shift. However, noises under 85 decibels can also cause issues with the general public who are in and around the working environment.An example below shows the different examples of noise levels in decibels – the definition of noise is sound that is unpleasant or causes disturbance.ReductionIf a noise can’t be reduced by engineering the equipment, then acoustic quieting is required. This is the process of dampening vibrations from machinery and systems such as flue systems.With the increasing demand for noise attenuation, the demand for noise reduction from flues and chimneys in marine and industrial situations mean that many companies have developed their own silencer programmes. These tend to be combined with flue systems to have a product range which is reducing sound at the design stage