"ventilation systems and ventilators"

Architect: GSS ArchitectureInstaller: Teams RoofingStone: Fletcher Bank SandstoneGSS Architecture were the lead architects for the £11m Enterprise and Innovation Centre in the heart of Sunderland.The development of a large new building next to a Grade II listed building contrasts the old and the new with some style.The Aztec Rainscreen System comprised a ventilated Fletcher Bank Sandstone façade at 40mm and was installed by Teams Roofing. Completion was in 2016.

Bespoke garage and car port doors from Rundum Meir, which provide natural ventilation and daylighting into enclosed garage spaces, can deliver a seamless aesthetic result in contemporary architecture featuring vertical timber board-on-batten cladding. This is illustrated at the Abode development in Cambridgeshire, where the architects delivered uniformity across different housing styles using a limited palette of materials. Horizontal and vertical cladding was extended into the doors for the car ports manufactured in matching oak. These ventilated doors enable fresh air and daylight to flow through the car ports from the rear gardens, adding an interesting visual dimension.

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...

Architect: Redbox Design GroupMain Contractor: Tolent Construction Installer: Metcalfe Roofing & Building Services LtdStone: Cebecca LimestoneThe Sunderland Hilton Garden Inn, on the banks of the River Wear, is a 141 room hotel featuring MX curtain walling as well as Aztec 20mm Cebecca limestone Ventilated Rainscreen. Designed By Redbox the architects wanted a light and spacious building without the need for a heavy support system. The glass and limestone mix imparts this vision perfectly. Completed in 2016 The Aztec system was installed by Metcalf Roofing & Building.

A new ferry terminal on Brodick Bay, created as a tourism and community gateway to the Scottish Isle of Arran, has been fitted from stem to stern with door and window systems supplied by GEZE.Maritime design and modern comfortThe ship-shaped terminal, designed by the renowned architectural firm Norr of Glasgow, is part of a £30 million investment which aims to update the harbour, get it ready for 21st century travel, and improve passenger comfort.Natural ventilation thanks to automated windowsThe generously sized lounge with its double height and large wall of windows on the western façade offers visitors a breathtaking view of Brodick Bay. The large windows, which are automatically opened and closed by 30 GEZE Slimchain chain drives, give the reception area at the main entrance to the building a bright and spacious feel. The uniquely slim and understated look of the Slimchain window drives integrates perfectly into the unique façade design of the Brodick ferry terminal.The Slimchain window drives were installed not only on the large windows in the lounge, but rather throughout the entire two-storey building – with the exception of the upper ventilation openings: Powerchain chain drives are used there. These especially powerful window drives were chosen to operate the larger windows, since they allow for large opening widths – which is important for quickly venting smoke in case of a fire.The window drives are connected to a GEZE MBZ 300 SHEV control panel for smoke and heat extraction drives, which is integrated into the building management system of the terminal. This makes it possible to easily control and monitor the complex natural ventilation system.Ventilation, smoke and heat extraction, and emergency exit protectionThe windows in the staircases are also equipped with Slimchain chain drives. If needed, the window systems also allow for natural smoke and heat extraction: In case of smoke and heat, the smoke extraction solutions open the windows and control fresh air openings, so that lifesaving escape routes remain smoke-free and safe to use in case of an emergency. In addition, GEZE OL Line manual fanlight openers provide supplementary natural ventilation.Door systems for accessible fire protection doorsBeneath the glazed western elevation are two automatic swing doors to either side. These are powered by GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F door systems, just like another door on the side façade of the building. The electro-mechanical swing door drives for single leaf fire and smoke protection doors are extremely versatile: They provide power assisted opening and can be initiated using the operating button with constant opening and closing speed. Integrated obstacle detection also identifies potential obstacles and stops the opening or closing process if needed. By doing so, Slimdrive EMD-F drives also ensure easy and safe access for people with mobility issues.Understated design and high access convenienceFrom the main entrance, a glazed corridor leads to a bi-parting sliding door powered by a GEZE Slimdrive SL NTsliding door system, which leads into the foyer of the main reception area. The Slimdrive door drive fulfils two key stipulations here at once: It is suitable for interior and exterior doors with high levels of footfall, and ideally suited for glass façades with high design standards – such as the Brodick ferry terminal – due to its low operator height of just 7 cm.

For the tenth time, Heinze GmbH, an important data partner for building and hardware products in the architectural sector, conducted an independent survey among architects and planners. With a choice of around 200 producers in 25 product categories in the scope of the largest industrial sector survey in Germany, SIEGENIA was named one of the best in terms of product quality, comprehensive personal consultation and outstanding cost-effectiveness in the ventilation of living spaces. This is why the company was distinguished with the "Architects’ Darling Award" in bronze. 

Design & Build construction of a purpose build student accommodation development to provide 1,025 bedrooms and once completed it will provide a dramatic new addition to the Birmingham skyline.The buildings comprise of two bold, angular towers with sharply defined ‘razor’ edges and a smooth, highly detailed, gloss black finish, rising 13 and 24 storeys respectively. The towers are anchored by a middle section rising to 10 storeys and finished with a traditional, matt brick with defined window reveals and texture.The building is designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and the student beds arranged principally in cluster units.Noise absorbing window ventsDucoMax SR is a self-regulating, acoustic vent (sound attenuating ventilator), specifically engineered for situations exposed to high levels of noise disturbance. The various types are attractively designed and offer excellent acoustic and airflow performance. Suited to high-rise applications, the SkyMax variant was also placed in this project. The SkyMax SR is an upgraded version of the DucoMax SR making it applicable to heights up to 70 meter. The acoustic vents ensure that the students have a carefree night's sleep in a bustling city. 

Luxury boutique hotel Sir Joan, located in Ibiza Town, houses 12 hotel rooms and 2 rooftop suites with private pools and stunning views of the port of Ibiza. The black and white façade combines traditional and current Ibizan architecture. The openings in the façade offer privacy to guests and create natural ventilation and lighting. This stunning aesthetic was achieved using Reynaers CF 77 and CP 155(-LS) sliding and folding door systems, and CS 68 aluminium window systems.

A combined smoke and natural ventilation system from SE Controls Africa is helping create a comfortable and safe environment for visitors at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A natural ventilation system from SE Controls Africa is helping create a cooler and improved learning environment for pupils and staff at independent Heron Bridge College co-educational school in Northern Johannesburg.

Installation of Eternit Profile 6 painted sheeting and ventilation systems was carried out in Gunmetal Grey on the top half of the nitric acid plant and Blue on the bottom half by FP Services UK Ltd and in Blue on the centrifuge building by Cape Industrial Services.

A new prestige office development in Sandton, Johannesburg is using a combined smoke and natural ventilation system, involving automatic window vents in the building’s elliptical glazed central tower, which is actuated and controlled by an integrated solution from SE Controls Africa.

A new sixth form study and careers centre at Hampton School in South West London is using a combined ventilation and smoke clearance system from SE Controls to help provide a comfortable learning environment with enhanced fire safety for students and staff.

A combined smoke and natural ventilation system at a leading Western Cape wine grower’s new production facility at Simondium is using chain actuators, monitoring and control solutions from SE Controls Africa to help provide a comfortable and safe working environment.

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.

A £52 million student accommodation development in Coventry is using smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) systems from SE Controls to enhance fire safety by providing smoke free escape routes for almost 1000 students living at Paradise Student Village.

A new 1000 seat multi purpose entertainment and sports centre at Holy Rosary School in Johannesburg is using precision automatic window actuators and control systems from Durban based SE Controls Africa, to provide effective smoke ventilation in the event of a fire.

An integrated smoke control and environmental ventilation solution from SE Controls is helping keep residents safe and comfortable at a prestigious 11-storey residential development in Manchester, which also incorporates the company’s intelligent temperature monitoring and control system, SE Evello.

The smoke ventilation system at Matlosana Mall, shopping and entertainment centre in Kerksdorp, South Africa is using SE Controls’ window automation and control panel solutions to ensure it operates perfectly in the event of a fire, allowing smoke-free escape routes to be maintained for shoppers and staff.

Berkeley Homes’ flagship Woodberry Park apartment development in North London is using an advanced smoke and natural ventilation system from SE Controls to not only provide protection for residents in the event of a fire, but to also create a better environment by actively managing any excessive heat build up in corridors.

A lot of DucoGrille Classic G50 High Performance louvre grilles can be found in the new Tottenham Hotspur FC Football stadium, North London. Energy Design Solutions fabricated, supplied and fitted this project. The DucoGrille Classic 50HP has been developed especially for intensive ventilation. The uniquely shaped ‘High Performance’ louvre blade with a low resistance factor ensures excellent airflow. All types are manufactured from extruded aluminium sections. Insect mesh is fitted as standard.

This new livestock barn project at New House Farm in Staffordshire, was completed in November 2019 using UK structural steel and UK manufactured profiled sheeting.Ventilated ridge systems ensure maximum building breathability, enhancing the internal environment and the well-being of the livestock – very important to the owners of this family-run farm.

Extension and renovation of an existing building in front of Lake Como, Italy.The building is able to manage on its own: once the construction is finished, thanks to the geothermal, solar thermal, photovoltaic, controlled ventilation and air conditioning systems, coordinated through home automation management, the building can be considered to all effects as energetically independent.

Location: Solihull, West Midlands Project Type: Hotel, Leisure Product: Spalding-Micropanel Material: Solid Sheet Aluminium 1050 AlloyFinish: Syntha Pulvin Architectural Polyester Powder Coating System in RAL 8002 Matt, RAL 8004 Matt, RAL 8012 Matt and RAL 8016 Matt Other products: System Flashings, Weatherstruck Coping, Window Surround System (inc. Jamb, Head flashing & Cill flashing inc. ventilation) in Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Matt, Column-Casings Syntha Pulvin RAL 7001 Matt Support system: Helping Hand Bracket & Rails Architects: Nixon Development Consultants Contractor: T. N. V. Construction Ltd Sub Contractor: G. F. S. Supplies Ltd

The new store at Coventry was built using environmentally sustainable building materials. As the first city centre store, it also provides contained parking for 800 cars. Lang+Fulton supplied ventilation screens to the ground floor parking which extended to form a barrier to the first level. Terra-34 grating was chosen with a 34x100mm aperture to comply with anti-climb guidelines. Panels were custom-sized to continue the aesthetic of the surrounding cladding material and mounted to conform with the horizontal and vertical joints. Over 200m² of screening was supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish incorporating two emergency exits.

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.

The first homes at Barratt Homes’ new energy efficient Hanham Hall development feature Posi-Joists as the floor system of choice. Each home is constructed using highly insulated materials and is fitted with a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, which is why Posi-Joist was the natural choice for the floor system. Kingspan Potton have been involved throughout the design and delivery of the project, supplying both Structural Insulated Panels and the Posi-Joist floors.

Royal Winchester HouseComer Homes is renowned for the high quality of its residential and commercial developments, which span London, Hertfordshire, Dorset and throughout the South East. Its latest project is Royal Winchester House, a landmark building of one and two bedroom apartments at the heart of Bracknell's new town centre. As a planning requirement of Bracknell Forest Council, Comer Homes was required to provide a sustainable, low energy form of heating that would offer a reduced carbon footprint, as well as being affordable to run.The SolutionComer Homes specified F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump systems from NIBE for all 337 apartments on the development to ensure they could meet their renewable targets. The new homes builder employed MKP Consultants Limited to undertake the building services design as they had previous experience of NIBE systems on other apartment developments in the area.The NIBE F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump system was an ideal solution, as it offers mechanical extract ventilation, alongside heating and hot water in a compact design. The heat pump units were installed in a service cupboard in each apartment, as they have a small footprint of only 0.6m2.NIBE F730 operates by recovering energy from the ventilation air and, if desired, extracted from outdoor air, the heat energy is absorbed by the heat pump using a vapour compression process and subsequently transferred to the water-borne heating system, in this case an underfloor heating system. The integrated 180L domestic hot water cylinder also ensures a plentiful supply for the one- and two-bedroom properties.A sustainable solution, NIBE F730 keeps energy consumption to a minimum. The efficient control system automatically adjusts the indoor climate for maximum comfort for the occupant, using a combination of weather compensated control and the low energy inverter driven compressor.Each apartment is also fitted with a NIBE RMU 40 room controller, to allow greater flexibility of control for users and if required can be easily connected to NIBE’s internet remotely monitoring and control platform UPLINK™.Thanks to this innovative heat pump system, residents at Royal Winchester House are set to benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.The ResultsThe NIBE F730 system complies with Parts L, F and G of the building regulations, and helps to meet planning requirements designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints within residential housing developments. External noise is kept to a minimum and building aesthetics are unaffected by the need for external plant.TestimonialHead of Projects at Comer Homes, Jack O’Brien explains: “We were looking for a heating and ventilation system that would be both sustainable and affordable to run. We have been impressed with the performance of NIBE’s heat pumps, with their high efficiency, low noise and low running costs further enhancing the sustainability of the whole development.”About Royal Winchester HouseRoyal Winchester House is a landmark building of high specification 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available to rent. The unique design and architecture of Royal Winchester House creates a striking and impressive presence from the ground floor retail spaces up to the luxury penthouse levels.Royal Winchester House has been built for the private rental market and the development is being managed by Chancellors estate agency. The apartments benefit from high standards of insulation and air tightness. In addition to the NIBE heat pumps, the whole development has been fitted with a biodigester for the repurposing of food waste, as part of reducing waste sent to landfill and to add to its sustainability.

Above food preparation areas, the existing rooflights needed replacing, but it was vital no broken glass could ever enter the production chain for obvious reasons. Our PlasGard patent glazing system combined with ‘unbreakable’ multi-wall polycarbonate was the obvious solution. Ventilators were fitted with fly-screens to prevent insects entering the building as again everything had to be done to prevent contamination of the food-stuffs being produced below.

With a housing stock that dates from the 1900s to present day, Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust provides affordable housing for more than 17,000 people living and working in Aylesbury and the surrounding villages of the Vale. After a successful, no risk, no obligation trial, it was clear that the Dimplex Quantum off-peak heater was a fitting choice for the Trust’s varying housing stock - delivering controllable heat on demand.

Developer Manchester Life is transforming the residential market in the city of Manchester and Senior Architectural Systems is proud to have partnered with them to create a number of apartment schemes including Cotton Field Wharf, Weavers Quay and New Little Mill. Lampwick Quay is the fourth and most recent project to have been undertaken by Senior as part of this successful repeat business relationship.Located in Manchester’s thriving new community in Ancoats, the new Lampwick Quay development comprises 213 apartments across three blocks of five, six and ten-storeys, with ground floor retail units and communal facilities including a gym and residents club room. A mix of Senior’s aluminium windows, commercial doors and curtain wall solutions have been used extensively throughout the development and installed by supply chain partner Aire Valley Architectural Aluminium for main contractor John Sisk & Son Ltd.To help reduce heat loss and energy costs, Senior’s low U value and Part L compliant PURe® aluminium casement windows have been installed to each of the apartments to create a comfortable living space. The stylish window system also provides the perfect frame for the development’s views of Manchester’s New Islington Marina.Energy-efficiency has also been addressed in the communal, retail and ground floor areas through the use of Senior’s thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system which maximises the controlled use of use of natural light.To meet the scheme’s stringent safety and security requirements, Senior’s robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors were installed to the main entrance and exit points. The SPW501 commercial door system is ideally suited to high pedestrian use and meets the requirements of Secured By Design. Key elements of the fenestration package have also been designed to work as part of the scheme’s overall passive fire protection strategy, with the use of Senior’s SPW600 automatic opening ventilation (AOV) aluminium windows in the communal areas and stairwells. Although visually similar to Senior’s popular SPW600 system, these AOV windows are fitted with a smart actuator which allows for quick and automatic ventilation in the event of a fire, helping to remove smoke from the air.The development’s low pitch sawtooth roof design pays homage the area’s industrial heritage, with the slim aluminium frames of the fenestration package further complementing the main façade of zinc cladding, brick and coloured panels. Initially designed by CallisonRTKL, the Lampwick Quay development was delivered by jmarchitects.

Henderson’s sliding door hardware systems were specified by Penton Architects for the central dining space and garage of the architects’ own rural new build. Adam Penton commented: “The large sliding doors to the central dining space utilise P C Henderson’s Lift and Slide Base System which was specified for its performance and ability to be housed into a bespoke glazed timber screen and cill system.” The dining room doors open up the side of the house and are used daily during the summer months for ventilation and access to external terracing to create an indoor / outdoor experience.

There are a lot of different official documents about the rules and regulation around fire safety and smoke ventilation, which, in turn, influence the way you should choose and install your AOVs. Building regulations are minimum standards that apply to almost all new residential and commercial buildings, and also alterations to the existing ones. If you are planning to use an Automatic Opening Smoke Vent (AOV) System in your project, you will have to comply with the regulations mentioned.

At the end of 2021 we were approached by a couple looking to build their dream retirement home in Braemar.The client's wished to maximise the main aspect to the West, within the tight width of the site, by creating a double height living room with a glazed gable.The final design consisted of a one-and-a-half story dwelling. The client's also chose to install a Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery and Air Source Heat Pump system, with heating supplemented by a feature wood burning stove.

The Gym Group required external street-level access for the Monument location in London, and the Aritco 7000XT from our commercial range was ideal. External installation also saved valuable space internally for the group, vital in a city or restricted location where space is at a premium. Additional weatherproof finishes, canopies and heating/ventilation systems keep the lift in great condition in any weather. Providing the lift with restricted access using a key locking system also allowed them to lock the lift out of hours to prevent any misuse or unattended access.

Lonsdale have provided several bespoke roof glazing solutions to residential retirement home developers McCarthy & Stone. Research conducted by the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford, concludes natural daylight aids mental health and sleep patterns benefiting the well being of patients with dementia. Our ThermGard Rooflight system and SpanGard Roof Lanterns feature on several of their projects and in most cases Smoke Ventilation to EN12101 has been mandatory.