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The University of Leicester’s Centre for Medicine is officially the largest non-residential Passivhaus building in the UK and has gone on to win many awards for the buildings outstanding performance. LAMILUX designed, supplied and installed two Passivhaus certified glass roofs, each measuring 6.5m x 15.6m. Why LAMILUX were chosen ? Passivhaus approved was required for the project ? LAMILUX could install with a surface inclination of just 3° ? Opening vents were required to be integrated within the glass roofs.

No timber was allowed as part of the new refurb to conform to FM Global (Airbus Insurers) regarding system fire rating. IKO recommended an overlay on the existing deck, which complied with all the latest British Standards and Regulations. IKO Mach One System was chosen as it provided a flame-free System. Where detailing was difficult IKO Polimar EC/UV System was used. The roof refurbishment also included the installation of smoke vents, associated smoke control panels and accessories.

Working closely with key stakeholders on the project, Sertus delivered much-needed products, that blended seamlessly with the contemporary aesthetic of the building itself.Project Name: Grafton QuarterLocation: CroydonSector: ResidentialClient: Grafton Quarter Property Development LLPInitial Brief:Grafton Quarter in Croydon was an ambitious £25M project aimed at transforming a declining two-acre industrial site into an outstanding mixed-use scheme. The resulting development features an innovative creative hub with circa 20,000 sq ft of artist studios and 97 residential units and is an impressive addition to this upcoming area.Sertus supplied many Shaft Louvre Dampers and Roof Single Leaf vents to this project, as you can see from the imagery. If you'd like these products for your project, take a look here.Outcome:The installation of a bespoke products (dampers and roof vents) represents a future-proofed solution that delivers superior safety performance for residents at Grafton Quarter, while simultaneously enhancing the overall quality of life within this forward-thinking development thanks to improved air quality and advanced comfort ventilation functionality.Crucially, the Sertus products offer assured compliance to Building Regulations Approved Document B, BS 9991 for ventilation of areas in apartment buildings.

Looking down for architectural features in any Georgian town and as well as coal hole covers, manholes and the like you'll see all manner of air bricks and grilles, mostly for sub floor ventilation in property walls. Here is an illustration of a cast iron vent underneath a front door in Regency Bath. Like many it's in a pretty poor state. This one's patched up with steel plate and it's suffocating, what is a key part of the ground floor causing damp. Prevent damp in period property basements and below suspended floors...

Sertus provided mechanical smoke ventilation products during the later stages of this project.Project Name: Moxy HotelLocation: BirminghamSector: CommercialClient: Vastint UK BVInitial Brief:Sertus were asked to manufacture many different products for this project: Roof Mechanical Pod, Shaft Louvre Dampers and Roof Single Leaf smoke vents. Have a look at them here.Outcome:Throughout the project, continual communication and flexible thinking meant that we could complete the request of products ahead of a tight schedule.

United Living approached Sertus to supply automatic smoke ventilation products for all seven blocks, to keep fire escape routes via stairwells and communal corridors free from smoke in the event of a fire.Project Name: Dagenham FlatsLocation: East LondonSector: ResidentialClient: London Borough of Barking & DagenhamInitial BriefUnited Living is one of the UK’s leading providers of refurbished and new build dwellings. The company was tasked with the refurbishment of seven apartment blocks in the London borough of Dagenham and Barking. As multi-storey blocks occupied by demographically-diverse residents, including families and the elderly, the requirement for safe escape routes in the event of a fire was clear; and the existing ventilation within this 1970's building had been identified as less than optimal.Sertus' Façade Louvre Blade (Glass) vents were used in this project. View the product here.OutcomeThe addition of windows has improved overall quality of life in the building by introducing more natural light, increasing ventilation and comfort, and reducing the energy costs associated with both.Fitting into the existing window frames and supplied with full wiring schematics, the window vents proved simple and speedy to install, which kept costs down and reduced disruption for residents during the scheme of works. All products are certified to residential building regulations, including EN12101-2, delivering total peace of mind for client, contractor and residents alike.

Over 1,200m² of Protan SE 1.2mm PVC single-ply membrane was installed in the Protan Vacuum roof system at Butlins Splashworld, Skegness. The roof system required no mechanical restraint or adhesives (except for around the roof perimeter and penetrations), as it relies upon the wind to keep the membrane in place with the help of Protan vacuum vents installed at locations designed by Protan's Technical Services Department. William Bird of Protan partner roofing contractor, Roofdec Ltd, commented, "Protan's vacuum roof system is quicker to install than conventional fully-adhered or mechanically-fixed systems."

Flymesh and cast iron air bricks, up till now, Installers have either pushed the mesh into the back of the air brick from inside - never to be cleaned again - or meshed over the air brick and held it in place with silicon - never to be removed again. Which is why we invented the cast iron flyscreen airbrick with removable copper mesh. It solved a problem faced by Galliford Try, constructing the athletes village for London 2012 Olympics when they needed feature vents for kitchen extraction to enhance their clay bricked homes. Discover how they work...

Metal Technology has contributed to achieving the desired aesthetic for the flagship Leeds College of Building Campus designed by Fuse (Leeds). The scheme utilised Metal Technology’s System 17 High Rise capped curtain walling and incorporated manual and automatic 4-20Hi+ casement opening vents. System 5-20D Hi+ doors completed the range of products used. These systems combined to deliver complete design flexibility, achieving not only a very high level of thermal performance, but also exceptional structural, security and acoustic performance. All Metal Technology systems comply with the latest British Standards and are Secured by Design certified.

A lovely example of our CGA01 cast iron grilles, these classic heritage designs are in keeping with the shop fronts in this beautiful Georgian street in central London. Britannia Metalwork grilles can be powder coated in any RAL paint, or a bespoke colour as seen here to match the setting. They can be used to disperse heat or set into steps or walls on the outside of houses to act as air vents for ventilation in cellars and basements covers, or set into the flooring of external or internal balconies.Providing an elegant and decorative solution to a practical application, please see the full range of designs on our website or contact us to discuss our bespoke service.

Sustainability and design were the major focus for this new £24 student accommodation project which achieved a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating. Senior’s highly thermally efficient glazing package was chosen to meet the scheme’s sustainability criteria and budget. This included thermally enhanced SPW600 windows fitted with a Louvre Guard System in bedrooms and kitchens and with smoke vents in corridors for additional safety and security. With their innovative thermal break offering exceptional thermal efficiency, PURe® Commercial Doors were installed at the security office whist PURe® SLIDE Lift & Slide doors were specified for the large communal area.

This £21 Million project involved partial demolition, refurbishment and extension of the existing East Wing of the Student’s Union to create a spacious, modern and accessible mixed-use building. The stunning design by Shepheard Epstein Hunter, features a spectacular façade to the four-storey extension which fronts directly onto the University’s central square. Created using Senior’s thermally enhanced SF52 silicon glazed and fully capped curtain walling, with the innovative patented PURe® aluminium opening vents, the façade gives a light and spacious feeling to all four floors. Curved glazing and perforated panels add to the dramatic appearance.

A comprehensive rooflight solution was supplied to the new £33 million Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, creating a light airy environment which offers exceptional thermal comfort for athletes. Designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, the centre features a full-size indoor synthetic football pitch, two sports halls and other facilities. This building features a unique curved roof, incorporating a combination of rooflight systems that maximised daylight and limited heat gain. The products chosen were a combination of Ritchlight mono pitched rooflights and Xlok Ultra panel glazing systems, vented and unvented, ensured the differing aesthetic and performance requirements were met.

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

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

We adapted our aluminium window specification to meet the narrower than normal vent dimensions at the best-in-class £52 million student village in Coventry, balancing requirements for daylighting, ventilation, student safety and aesthetics. A total of 3,500 sqm of aluminium windows together with aluminium curtain walling and aluminium high-traffic doors were fitted at the 893 home development. The installation not only contributed to the creation of an uninterrupted, zero combustible facade, but also provided maintenance solution for the building owner. Paradise Street has been architecturally inspired by the originally medieval city of Coventry. The scheme's homes are arranged in a wall, and three towers to address the busy ring road, with a gatehouse opening into a 2,000 sqm piazza. Balancing the ventilation and necessary daylighting requirements led to the introduction of a fixed and opening vent to each room. This presented a whole new design challenge when it came to the window detailing, hailing a true example of design and technical collaboration between the architect, contractor, fabricator and TECHNAL. Complementing the subtle textures used for the facade's anodised aluminium panelling as well as the interior colour scheme, the TECHNAL systems are dual colour. Externally they are finished in pearl beige and white, internally. Other TECHNAL systems used for this project include the visible grid curtain walling. This is installed into an angled brickwork detail, creating an interesting wedge shape design to the common room space. To the main entrance, TECHNAL high traffic aluminium doors have been installed and tested to Secured by Design standards. These feature maglocks and automatic gearing that are tied into the building management system, ensuring all doors open in the event of an evacuation.

Tiny Houses are on trend. Downsizing, sustainability and the desire for affordable housing are the three most important reasons why miniature houses are rapidly gaining in popularity in Germany. More than one tenth of single people considering home ownership are currently interested in this kind of Tiny House - according to the "Livee Tiny House market study 2021". And you don't have to go without your home comforts. The Tiny House with solutions from SIEGENIA proves this.Save precious spaceWith this well-thought-out use of just 16.5 square metres of floor space, the solutions from SIEGENIA have made a significant contribution to the favourable response to the Tiny House. For example, the sliding hardware, ECO SLIDE, saves valuable space behind the sofa because the window sashes do not swing open and closed but slide to the side instead. Every centimetre of living space can therefore be used. Room comfort solutions from SIEGENIA are also installed in the remaining windows. Here the tried and tested TITAN fittings provide smooth operation and ease of use. As TITAN vent secure, it combines this in the bathroom with efficient burger resistance in accordance with resistance class RC2, even in the tilted position. Whereas in the loft, it demonstrates its versatility as hardware for an especially narrow, elongated element.And finally in the kitchen area, the AEROPAC wall-mounted vent unit guarantees demand-based ventilation even when you are out and about. The ventilator with its elegant design not only operates incredibly quietly, it is also equipped with sound absorption, which provides a quiet home in noisy environments.

Brunel House is a listed building being converted into luxury apartments. Replacing the primary windows was not permitted, so our client needed to look at a different solution to gain the thermal performance required.The windows were large sashes, requiring heavy duty frames with tilt facility, providing simple access to the primary windows for cleaning and maintenance. An unusual and bespoke feature of this project was - at the architect’s request - trickle vents installed in the bottom of the secondary glazing track.The end result is that, without any visible sign of works “Replacing the primary windows was not permitted” being done, tenants would experience comfort levels that match modern day double glazing, even though their windows are over 100 years old.

Chosen in a riven textured finish and in Iceberg, Bordeaux and Basalt colours to create symmetry in the building’s decorative facade, the high quality of each Carea cladding panel creates a stylish finish which met the architect’s vision. In addition special vent tiles were specified which were used above the windows and for kitchen extracts to create an invisible way of creating ventilation for the building.Each of the riven panels were installed by OCL Facades using innovative grooves at the top and bottom edges to create a seamless finish. As well as an efficient secret fix installation process, Carea cladding panels provide several performance benefits. Offering a high degree of insulation, they will play a pivotal role in the development’s thermal efficiency, thereby lowering its heating needs and aiding sustainability. 

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.

On the Grand Union Canal in Hemel Hempstead, the Nash Mills Wharf housing development features a range of stylish new build 1-4 bedroom houses and luxury apartments offering high quality waterside living in this Hertfordshire town.With a waterproofing system required to protect the concrete podium above the ground floor car park, a selection of hot and cold applied products were provided by Proteus Waterproofing that met the requirements of the client Linden Homes. The licensed roofing contractor worked with Proteus Waterproofing on a dual system specification which included the fast and economical Proteus Hot-Melt waterproofing system, and for the intricate detailing around upstands and to avoid hot works around the plastic soil and vent pipes, the Cold Melt® waterproofing system was the ideal solution.Fast, hassle-free applicationWith the podium deck covering 3000m2, the Proteus Hot Melt® system was the optimum waterproofing solution for a robust, cost effective, seamless and fast application. This solution worked exceptionally well for the Licensed Contractor and is compatible with the fast applied Cold Melt® solution which was used for high detail items including plastic soil and vent pipes and upstands. There was also the added challenge of wet brickwork and an exacting building program to keep to. To overcome this problem, Proteus isolated the wet substrate with Pro-DPM Primer (Damp Proof Primer) which can be applied to green concrete 3 days old and then followed immediately by the Proteus waterproofing system. This enabled the Cold Melt® to be installed on to the vertical elevations will no loss of time.Quality controlProteus Waterproofing worked in close partnership with its Licensed Contractor to successfully deliver the project to a very high standard within the required timeframe.Long term performanceIncorporating recycled rubber-crumb and other organically grown products, Cold Melt® creates an elastomeric, seamless, cold applied membrane and can outlast the lifetime of the substrate on which it is installed.

Architect: AtkinsInstaller: Vitec Ceilings and PartitionsProduct: Gustafs Linear RibA small but perfectly executed project at 75m2, the new Bracknell Forest Council chambers at the Times Square building in Berkshire is clad with Gustafs Linear Ribs to the ceiling and feature wall.The plain white ceiling ribs are organised into multiple square rafts across the space installed in alternating directions and interspersed with traditional ceiling tiles, lighting, and vents.The split feature wall which stands either side of the speakers’ podium and main panel desks is made up of a mixture of natural Oak and Bamboo veneer and painted ribs installed with irregularly positioned 45° angled joints.The ribs were delivered oversized and cut to size on site, the mitre joints were also cut on site by Vitec and joined using extra-long installation clips to keep the joint inline and give the illusion of a dip-dyed rib.

This five-plot new build project in rural Lincolnshire required cream sash windows in order to match the local architecture, including the stone lintels and cills that had been selected. As a high-end development, the windows needed to be high spec and fully accredited.Solid cream Charisma Rose sash windows were ideal for the project. As a standard colour, the windows didn’t need to be foiled or sprayed. Charisma Rose – like all windows in the Rose Collection – already had all necessary certification and accreditations in place, including Part Q compliance to meet building regulations.As a luxury development, the windows were specified with several features that set them apart from standard sashes. Many windows included arched heads with traditional sunburst astragal bar designs and unequal split sashes for visual balance. All of the windows incorporated traditional run-through horns for authenticity, and colour-coded trickle vents to meet regulations without affecting the overall appearance.

Based in Lincoln this multiple dwelling new build project required sash windows to fit its architecture. The homes were built using local stone which meant standard white windows wouldn’t match its high-end appearance. The developers also needed windows that came with high performing benefits such as thermal efficiency, security, all while remaining maintenance-free. Using our in-house spray shop, Charisma Rose was specified in a solid cream option that complimented the stonework beautifully. The trickle vents were also colour matched to seamlessly blend in with the windows and keep the luxury charm of the buildings. A traditional astragal bar grid was picked to match Georgian architecture as well as run through horns and a 2/3 unequal split for the ground floor. This project ran smoothly providing more than 50 sash windows over seven dwellings. All windows were manufactured and delivered on time and snag-free, meaning there was no impact on the developers schedules.

Westhill Community Church was a new, green field project in Aberdeenshire. Its highly contemporary style was designed for maximum functionality and to encourage use by the wider community. Natural light and climate controllability were the central considerations for the clients of McLean Architects during initial discussions - a common request for high ceiling, large space developments.The architect, McLean Architects (based in Glasgow), had used FAKRO roof windows on a number of other projects and specified FAKRO products because of the excellent technical support and the option to specify matching zinc flashings.33 FAKRO roof windows were discreetly positioned to flood the stage with natural light as well as illuminate a cluster of buildings that formed the sanctuary, low-rise foyer, and adjoining offices.Products included electrically operated FTP-V U3 windows with a rain sensor, specially constructed EFW Kerb Upstands were made to enhance the internal light with combination flashings, Smoke Vent windows, wall switches, and remote controls.

One of the most iconic buildings in central London.The building has been reborn hotel and residential complex for highflyers in the financial services sector. Woods Bagot’s scheme for 10 Trinity Square, nicknamed ‘the whirlpool’ after the glass canopy at its centre.10 Trinity Square was commissioned by the Port of London Authority in 1911 through an architectural competition won by Edwin Cooper. Completion of Cooper’s Beaux Arts design was delayed by the First World War (it was finished in 1922).Many of the original interior features were conserved while incorporating the servicing requirements of a modern hotel. As such, plaster ceilings, such as those situated in the south wing of the second floor, are being maintained and the original air vents may be used in the new HVAC strategy.For this development, Selo used the Una doors which are the solution for timber leaf risers. Una utilises a timber door leaf with a concealed metal frame. Made to suit custom sizes, provided as a flat-packed kit prepared for all ironmongery.

Sertus were asked to work closely with Ark M&E, the project M&E contractor, to ensure our dampers and roof vents were installed in the safest way.Project Name: Barking WharfLocation: LondonSector: ResidentialClient: EcoWorld LondonInitial Brief:Sertus were asked to work closely with the Ark M&E. Of particular importance to the client was to ensure that fully compliant products were used within their smoke ventilation system, especially our EN 12101-8 smoke dampers. View these here.Challenges:To ensure that the project programme was adhered to, Sertus applied Lean manufacturing principles and came up with some unique efficiencies, for example combining the smoke damper and the environmental damper in one housing to reduce installation time on site, and to reduce the amount of builders' work for the client.Outcome:This project is a large phased scheme over 4 blocks and was finalised in 2021. Sertus manufactured & supplied products swiftly and efficiently, allowing this project to be completed well on time.

Copenhagen’s Amager Bakke is a visionary project in Denmark that doubles as a recreational playground and a waste-to-energy plant.The towering structure is over 280 feet high, has an estimated cost of $670 million and is a part Copenhagen’s commitment to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025. Part of the facility is already on line.The waste-to-energy plant, a giant incinerator that burns household garbage to generate heat for approximately 160,000 households and electricity for 62,500 homes, began operating in March. The recreational component is still under construction.Kalwall® translucent sandwich panels provided a critical solution in this truly global project, with their aesthetic beauty, energy efficiency and, most importantly, their best-in-class explosion-venting properties.Kalwall panels are used in areas of the building where a potentially volatile event could occur. The panels work to vent pressure out of the building, allowing it to withstand an explosion without collapsing roofs or floors. The panels are designed to release from their mounting system, but remain attached to the side of the building to avoid becoming falling debris. The interior of the panels are shatterproof and include a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer(FRP) face sheet that can be customied to withstand 230 ft-lbs (312J) of impact.Staying close to the project’s mission of being environmentally conscious, Kalwall panels provide dramatic savings in energy consumption through exceptional thermal and daylighting performance that reduces heating costs and artificial light usage.Working through Sipral, a leading supplier of external building envelopes based out of Prague, the panels were delivered on schedule and required no on-site modifications. Amager Baake was designed by the highly-acclaimed architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and has the world watching as it merges two completely different applications.BIG founder Bjarke Ingels hopes that Amager Bakke will “change public perceptions of what a public utility should be” by providing a social and physical infrastructure.Amager Bakke provides Copenhagen with a rooftop ski slope that is comprised of 1,600 feet of trails, as well as 10 running and walking trails. There is also a 260-foot climbing wall along the facade.Ingels said the concept of a structure that brings together two diverse interests can be lasting. “If you make a building that remains relevant to the people living around it, and using it and inhabiting it, it can last forever,” Ingels said in an interview with CNN Style.Photography: Christoffer Regild

Another housing refurbishment is set to benefit from the high-performance Roofshield breather membrane. The world-renowned Roofshield membrane from the A. Proctor Group has long been recognised as a first-class roofing membrane solution, providing a pitched roof underlay that is air and vapour permeable.Specialist roofing company S & J Roofing in Bath has been providing roofing services since 1981 and has established a reputation for high-quality roofing work for all kinds of domestic and commercial works, from restoration to complete new re-roofs down to minor repairs.Naomi Richards of S & J Roofing commented, “we have used Roofshield on many of our projects, Roofshield will always be our number one go-to product. Using Roofshield leads to savings in both labour and material costs, keeping the installation team and customers happy. Roofshield was the most cost-effective solution to control the interstitial condensation in a pitched roof. Roofshield is the most reliable product on the market, so it is used on every one of our projects.”Roofshield is a unique, three-layer, nonwoven, spunbonded, polypropylene breather membrane with a patented melt-blown core, and it provides a secondary barrier to the ingress of rain, wind, and snow. Designed with a low vapour resistance, it is air-permeable, with the additional benefit that it eliminates the incidence of interstitial condensation in pitched roofs.The exceptional performance of Roofshield has been successfully incorporated in many of the most demanding locations worldwide. Its characteristics allow pitched roofs to breathe without needing air gaps or secondary venting. Its patented SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) structure allows high levels of airflow and the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of condensation in the roof space virtually impossible. Numerous vapour underlays use an airtight VP film layer to achieve their performance. However, the exceptionally high vapour permeability and air permeability of Roofshield means that it can perform in conditions in which air-tight alternatives will not.The exceptional air permeability performance of Roofshield means that the roof space will result in similar air changes to that of a roof using traditional eaves/ ridge ventilation. Therefore, another advantage of incorporating Roofshield into the roofing design is that it can lead to savings in labour and material costs due to removing the need for these vents as well as a separate VCL at ceiling level.

In the heart of the vibrant student city of Sheffield lies The Gate, a modern student accommodation scheme that houses 455 students. The imposing building is situated along the busy main road bordering Sheffield Hallam University and is equipped with numerous facilities including a gym, rooftop terrace, and a cinema… The complex is truly a diamond among student residences. The installed DucoMax sound attenuating window ventilator makes a major contribution to the healthy indoor climate of the building.About The GateIn the heart of the bustling student city of Sheffield, surrounded by a number of busy roads and right next to Sheffield Hallam University, is the brand-new student accommodation - The Gate.   Numerous facilities contribute to a pleasant living environment for the 455 students who live there, including a gym, a spacious rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, a cinema room, communal kitchens and study areas.A Healthy Indoor ClimateAt The Gate, attention is not only paid to different accommodation levels for the students, but also their long term wellbeing and as part of this a healthy indoor climate is also highly valued. On average we spend 90% of our time indoors. Good ventilation ensures a healthy home and prevents health problems such as dry eyes and throat, headaches while studying, loss of concentration and stress among the students. In addition, good ventilation has been shown to improve learning performance by up to 23%. The Gate opts for a natural ventilation system in which fresh air is supplied through the facade. The DucoMax acoustic window vent not only ensures a plentiful supply of fresh outside air, but also reduces any outside noise from the city below to a maximum (up to 53 dB).Reducing noise nuisanceThe ventilation system supplies fresh air via the DucoMax acoustic window vent in the living and sleeping areas, while in humid rooms polluted air is removed. The central location of The Gate provides easy access to the vibrant city of Sheffield, but unfortunately this can cause a lot of noise nuisance too due to the busy traffic. The DucoMax was developed specifically for buildings with high levels of noise disturbance, to keep the noise out. The integral self-regulating valve also keeps the air flow constant during differing wind pressures. As a result, students are hindered as little as possible by these external factors. The combination of the various facilities with a healthy indoor climate contributes to an optimal learning and living environment for the students.

Tucked away on the outskirts of Brigg, Lincolnshire, Scawby Brook is a carbon neutral, sustainable house that has been sensitively created for modern living and to complement the surrounding wooded setting. The home has featured on self-build TV show, Grand Designs.Designed by local architect Kate Kelly, the connection of the dwelling with nature was a key focus of the client's brief with the house featuring an abundance of glazing to refl­ect the natural environment and provide the best possible views of the rural landscape.A local project manager, Mike Hill was employed to deliver the project and source materials and labour from the local area. Mike specified Kestrel Aluminium window and door systems to provide a complete glazing solution for the project based on previous experience and the knowledge that this would oer the best solution in terms of the quality and budget demanded by the client.The multiple windows are a mixture of fixed or opening vents, with multi-point espagnolette locking PAS24 compliant security. Used in conjunction with low U-value double-glazed units achieving a U-Value of 1.2 W/m2K they ensure the building is safe, secure and energy efficient.

With the success of Media City, Manchester has now become the Media Centre of the UK and the best place to study for a job in TV, Film and Radio.Manchester Metropolitan University has built a brand new Media Facility with industry standard studios to allow them to teach students in the highest quality spaces.Our local branch was employed to design, supply and install the concrete floating floors for 12 studios.The 100 mm thick concrete floating floors supported the drylining walls and ceilings to create box-in-box constructions with very high standards of sound insulation.The 50 mm void beneath the 100 mm concrete floating floors was created using Stravifloor Channel isolation rails and the voids were vented to avoid the trapped air layer reducing the isolation performance.Most of the studios were supported off stiff structural slabs with a natural frequency of >10Hz and the specification for the bearings was given as <8Hz.One of the studios, however, was supported off a supporting slab with a natural frequency of 6Hz and the specification for the bearings was changed to 12Hz in this studio to avoid structural vibration amplification.

Our expertise in the student accommodation sector has led to our aluminium fenestration systems being used on this new riverside scheme in Nottingham, which has been designed by architects Maber and built by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland.Managed by student housing provider Student Roost, the new Deakins Place development is located within close proximity of the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus and offers stunning views of the River Leen. These views have been perfectly framed by our patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows which have been installed by specialist contractor HKL.Specified with flat casement vents, our thermally-efficient PURe® aluminium windows have been installed to each apartment to increase the flow of natural light and to reduce heat loss. The slim aluminium fames have been powder coated to provide additional protection from the elements and to complement the wider façade design which features a stunning mix of natural building materials and colour palettes.

Spearheading an ambitious programme of regeneration, Canada Water Library resembles an inverted ‘ziggurat’ – a terraced pyramid of successively receding storeys – that partly overhangs the Canada Water basin.The £1.4m building sits at the edge of a civic plaza and a stretch of open water. The expanding pyramid form integrates a compact footprint at ground level with progressively wider floors above. The building is clad in light bronze anodised aluminium panels with sequined perforations, interspersed with recessed curtain wall screens. This design gives the project a sculptural appeal and a striking visual effect.Finished in bronze anodised aluminium, the structural sealant glazed facade and commercial doors were specified for the ground floor. A Visible Grid Facade has being used for the strips of curtain walling to the three upper floors, with top hung concealed vents and aluminiumdoors providing access to the balconies.The library forms part of the vibrant quayside at Canada Water - a historic Docklands that was once a bustling port. It was designed to exemplify the importance of the library, education and community facilities for local people and focus on the new phase of regeneration.

Maximising light to a bespoke side extensionThe ChallengeThe homeowner did not want to forsake garden space but desired to add more functional space to their family home in suburban London. As part of a charming street of semi-detached properties clever design and effective use of glazing enabled the limited space between the property and their neighbour’s property was utilised.The SolutionA bespoke side extension was created and in addition maximising natural sunlight a bespoke fixed ‘L’ shaped multi-panel rooflight was combined and multi-panel rooflights and electric opening vent which allowed for the new space to receive additional natural ventilation.These glazing solutions meant that the homeowner was able to maximise the natural light and natural ventilation available to them whilst undertaking building work that had a minimum impact on their home. Get in touchWhether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light, ventilation and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Five new towers at the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb Campus are now protected by a fault-tolerant network of MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced.The 13 networked MxPro 5 panels have been installed to protect the five student accommodation towers varying between eight and 18 storeys, which will provide more than 800 student bedrooms as well as ground-floor fitness facilities and amenities for the students’ union. Responsible for the fire system design, supply and commissioning were West Sussex-based Southern Fire Alarms (SFA) Ltd, who installed the equipment alongside mechanical and electrical engineers J&B Hopkins.The fire system is integrated with multiple third-party interfaces, including automatic opening vents (AOVs), sprinklers and access control. Careful consideration was given to the complex cause and effect programming that needed to be applied across the site. Each building is configured with a six-minute investigation period, with sounders on the floor of origin initiated after a single device activation. A single subsequent device activation will escalate into full evacuation of the specific tower. A master key switch has also been introduced, to allow for full evacuation of all towers if required.