"ventilation"

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.

A landmark London entertainment venue is under refurbishment and will feature striking black windows that will not only suit the style and appearance of the Grade II listed building but also meet modern performance criteria for thermal insulation, fire safety, security, and ventilation. The new windows being at installed at Camden’s Koko Club, manufactured by heritage windows specialists Mumford and Wood, use Hodgson Heritage putty to meet performance standards while maintaining a traditional appearance. 

Harbour Central is one of the most recent developments in Canary Wharf, one of London’s two financial centres. There will be 5 residential buildings and a leisure complex. The main building of the development will be the Maine Tower with 42 floors. The upper floors are quite promising, as they will comprise breath-taking panoramic views of London. The Effisus Breather breathable membrane was the chosen solution for this project, in order to ensure the watertightness of the façade, and, at the same time, to allow ventilation of the façades components.

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.

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.

Large laboratories, dubbed ‘super-labs’, use AV and acoustic technology to allow up to 120 students to be taught different lessons at the same time in the same space. There is also a range of flexible spaces that help bridge the gap between disciplines, allowing researchers to find better solutions by working together. The labs and research areas benefit from plenty of natural light and ventilation thanks to large expanses of glazing constructed with Schüco FWS 50 curtain walling.

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.

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’.

Within an educational environment, natural light creates a comfortable space which can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of students and staff. When the existing bitumen roof at East Preston Infant School came to the end of its service life, naturally the decision was made to replace the existing roof and upgrade the rooflights. Kingspan Light + Air introduced 23 Kingspan Classic Skylight Domes into the building enabling the school to embrace natural light, ventilation and smoke management performance benefits.

This multi-million-pound training facility at CPFC’s new-look academy includes a full-size indoor 3G training pitch.A state-of-the-art indoor training facility that will allow the football players to train in all weather conditions. GDL were approached to help with the ventilation requirements for the space. Six large rectangular recessed louvres were manufactured and installed to meet the demands of extracting the air from the indoor space generated by eight large fans each with a duty of 12900 m³/hr. 

A prime new mixed residential development, located in Kings Road, Chelsea. All 11 apartments are fully KNX controlled. Smart keypads, integrated thermostats, and PIR automation sensors within each apartment give occupants intuitive and automated control of their heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and motorised blinds. In addition, the home can be controlled via iPads and the main, centrally located, Gira G1 touch screen. Architect: Nick Shipp ArchitectsPhotography by: Alexander James

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.

The intricate facade on Garden Halls was inspired by the existing large-scale Victorian and Edwardian buildings that populate Bloomsbury, such as the Russell Square Hotel and Victoria House. The windows employ a very thin profile section, achieved with Reynaers CS 38-SL systems, and have a decorated, perforated aluminium screen to the side. This uses an insulated panel that can be opened from the inside for ventilation. The lower level screens are bronze-coloured anodised aluminium, while the upper screens are powder coated.

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.

Eternit’s fibre cement open protected ridges were used to create an effective ventilation system in the bull accommodation unit at Knocknagael Bull Stud Farm - ensuring a constant outflow of stale, moist air. The width of the air gap created by the open ridge was specifically designed for the number of bulls and size of the building. Profile 6 sheeting from Eternit was also specified for the roof, thanks to its durability and low maintenance costs, as well as its noise insulation properties.

When Vitsoe, makers of iconic minimal-modernist furniture, decided to build a new HQ, it was always going to be something special. Central to the design is the saw tooth roof with 240 northlights created using the VELUX Modular Skylight system. The elegant sightlines of the VELUX skylight frame sections complemented Vitsoe's own minimal-modernist design philosophy. " Natural lighting and ventilation from the VELUX Modular Skylights were critical to restoring a connection between the building's users and the world around them."

A bespoke new home complimented by curved bespoke glazing and moreThe ChallengeOur client wanted to create a truly unique environment to enjoy wide open views of their ample garden, the countryside and stunning sky views for a spacious room that linked two parts of their new build’s dwellings together. The homeowner wanted to both emphasise and compliment unique features of the construction to let the outside in with an abundance of natural light and controlled natural air ventilation. The SolutionCollaborating closely with the client we create a bespoke curved multi-panel rooflights which followed the unique structure of this spacious room. These bespoke curved multi-panel rooflights had low-profile rafter supports so that from the ridge of the curved roof to the eaves the pitched glass roof gave the maximum feeling of height and space. This gave an abundance of natural light to flood in and with the addition of electric opening vent rooflights that allowed the homeowner to control the natural air ventilation in this stunning example of modern living in rural Hertfordshire. Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light 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.

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.

Our client Pocket Living had the vision to refurbish and transform the 1920’s industrial office building of Astra House in Arklow Road, London into 44 affordable homes. NorDan products were the perfect choice for a refurbishment development like this one. Our fixed light windows allow extensive use of large glass areas and particular architectural styles. Additionally, NorDan fully reversible windows offer extra safety assurance, with integrated child safety restrictors that locks the hinge to operate in the ventilation position only.

Originally used during Victorian and Edwardian period as sewer vents or "stench flaps", these cast iron vents with 100mm round spigots are making a bit of a come back. We've replaced the flaps (that used to allow air in but not out) with mesh so air flows freely in both directions and they've become quite a hit with specifiers ventilating basements and cellars and new builds. As well as sending a shipment to Abu Dhabi we've also had orders from closer to home - Travis Perkins, Midas, Bryen & Langley and 800 Group

Glenpark provides 100 places for 3-4 year olds and eligible two-year olds around the Greenock area, west of Glasgow. A commitment by the Scottish Government to increase free early learning and childcare hours available in Scotland from 600 to 1,140 per year by 2020 proved to be the catalyst for creating this inspiring development Holmes Miller Architects had to ensure that both children and staff could access the benefits of natural light and ventilation, whilst identifying an easy mechanism to control glare and provide shade.

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.

1400 sqm of the unique Sotech Optima Shingle System has been used on the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, Birmingham University. The shingles were Anodised Regency Gold 2, 2.5 & 3, the finish was selected to create a scaled texture, which can be seen in the project photography. This stunning façade had to be flexible enough to accommodate the practical demands of a modern building. Due to a requirement to ventilate the high level plantroom, the shingles in this area were perforated and fixed to a bespoke support grid, which integrates seamlessly with the surrounding cladding.

The starting point: an awkwardly shaped lot High above the city centre, halfway between the mountains and the sea, there is a building that nobody can fail to notice: 'U Pavayun' proudly showcases the principality’s official colours – white and red – in a way uniquely its own. By combining vivid colours inspired by nature with a bold and modern architectural concept, the building maximises the visual impact of its ventilated façades. To add thermal efficiency to the cladding’s enduring beauty, external insulation has been integrated into the façade system.

Investment in the infrastructure at Festival Place shopping centre in Basingstoke has included the refurbishment and extension of the 3,000 space car park. Lang+Fulton worked with Bell Associates to design a new façade using their STEREO-KINETIC® Wall cladding. The gradation of the stainless steel tiles was designed to allow for ventilation whilst transforming the appearance of the original car park and linking it to the new extension with one seamless frontage. The panels were mounted on to an independent steel frame which was bolted back to new structural steelwork.

Steeped in a rich artistic history, The Now Building in London is an architectural marvel designed to revive the musical majesty of the formerly named 'Tin Pan Alley''.Inspired by the striking lights of Times Square in New York, the new, multi-purpose music venue and art installation is truly a sight to behold. Boasting a foyer that is covered from wall to ceiling with 8K screens broadcasting entertainment, music and digital artworks in breath-taking 360-degree, interactive 4D quality. For such an incredible, interactive and artistic experience – the ventilated flooring grilles were never going to take centre stage! However, the high quality systems were specified to perform and subtly enhance the spectacular digital aesthetic and unmistakeable gold exteriors surrounding them. An immersive experienceRegarded as London’s new home of music, art and culture, The Now Building plays host to 5 stories of interactive digital art, venue rooms, restaurants, studios and more. To achieve such an immersive experience for visitors, ventilated flooring grilles were specially designed and adapted for the floors, skirting and feature walls. INTRA Ceiling Grilles were also specified to hide various structural and functional services above, masking the pipework and HVAC units.The grille flooring uses a bespoke hinge bracket, custom designed for the project, to provide easy access to electrical socket points below. When it came to the feature walls, INTRA created a unique solution; the first of its kind on the market: a tailored version of INTRAgrille T2850, designed to plug the ventilation gaps for the huge 8K screens, allowing airflow to pass through and keep the screens from overheating. A matt black coating keeps this grille work ‘invisible’ – ensuring it doesn’t detract from the visitors’ viewing experience.Truly Spectacular!Proactive developing our existing product range to solve specific challenges for the site was one of the core successes of this project, as we were able to mould new fixings to help achieve Orms original design vision.The finished article is truly spectacular. The Now building and wider Outernet complex is now a centre piece of London’s artistic culture. Having already hosted some of the biggest names in British music and art, our INTRAgrille product enables the immersive experience to take centre-stage.

The new £65 million, Science, Engineering and Environmental Building (SEE Building) at the University of Salford was designed under the concept of incorporating high sustainability credentials. This supports the university’s pledge in reducing the environmental impact, as part of the wider Salford Crescent and University District masterplan. The SEE building promotes innovation, environmental protection and excellent educational opportunities and offers students state-of-the-art facilities with the aid of the LAMILUX Glass Roof PR60. A stunning skylight measuring an incredible 44 metres long and 9 metres wide, as well as three other Glass Roofs PR60, were installed onto the roof of the four-storey building, illuminating the lecture halls and common areas. This results in enhancing the natural daylight, whilst also allowing for natural ventilation, creating an inspiring environment for learning and development. To avoid overheating and glare inside the building, special 60/30 high performing solar glazing was used. This innovative technology ensures a comfortable indoor climate whilst providing an optimal learning environment.LAMILUX worked with the architect from the early planning stage of the project to design, supply, and install the four rooflights. “Just-on-time” deliveries were planned to enable offloading of the materials, with a crane, from the vehicle to the roof, to minimise loading out as space on site was very limited. Integrated ventilation panels were installed within the three smaller PR60 Glass Rooflights to provide the ideal solution to provide natural ventilation into the building alongside natural daylight.The largest rooflight was glazed with an impressive total of 120 fixed glass panels to make up the impressive 44 metre length and complete the installation. The glass panels were specified with Class 1 Fragility, suitable for walking on for cleaning and maintenance loads, according to CWCT TN 66 /TN 67 & TN92. Before the final handover of the project, extensive water tightness testing was carried out. On site CWCT hose tests were passed successfully, as testament to the quality and durability of the installation led by the LAMILUX installation team. The University of Salford is passionate about sustainability. LAMILUX are proud to be involved with a building project that not only contributes to the progressiveness and commitment to sustainable architecture, but is also considered a BREEAM Excellent-rated facility.

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.

Over 50 Howe Green 7500 Series access covers were made to order for one of London’s popular tourist attractions - The Cutty Sark, as part of an extensive refurbishment project. The aluminium covers were manufactured with bespoke Z-section supports to provide a safe, reliable route to essential ventilation ducting used to keep air circulating in what is effectively a large void under the historic clipper. The covers were fitted into raised flooring within the new museum facility. The 7500 Series are designed to withstand high levels of pedestrian traffic.

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.

As part of the refurbishment of this 1970’s building, Bolton Gate were specified to provide a hybrid grille / shutter to the loading bay. In addition to providing vehicular entry / egress with the requisite ventilation for such an application, matching side panels were required with integral hinged doors to allow personnel access and provide emergency exits. The grille / shutter was provided with a special bottom rail and operates via a keypad outside, loop detectors inside and photocells / safety edge to meet H&S requirements. The whole assembly was powder coated brown in keeping with the surrounding structure.

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.

The new Vista apartments occupy an enviable location, close to Chelsea Bridge and overlooking Battersea Park. As a high-end residential project, the landscaping was given a high priority.Lang+Fulton were approached by the architects to propose a suitable stainless steel grating for pedestrian use, which would ventilate the underground car park. A grating with a heel proof mesh of 55x11mm was recommended and was designed with support beams and anchor bolts. The stainless steel was pickled and polished. In addition, 31m2 of galvanized mild steel grating with 66x33mm mesh was supplied for an area which was inaccessible to the public.

A landmark in the regeneration of Spitalfields,The Steward Building is situated within the historically and architecturally interesting Artillery Passage Conservation Area.The site required the highest quality stainless steel louvre as a street front cladding, providing ventilation and visual screening, on two elevations of a prime office development.The design, which was developed by Lang+Fulton, featured recessed supports for the panels and incorporated a sliding door with concealed gate hardware to achieve a seamless aesthetic.The louvred panels were made from DeltaBox/SS-90 a pressure locked stainless steel product.

The contractor was installing a jacuzzi for a client. The jacuzzi’s filter requires regular cleaning which means lifting a slab to gain access to the area. The best solution for the slabs around the jacuzzi was to elevate them without fixings over the very high void. 915-1020mm Megapads were chosen. Megapads were positioned around the perimeter. Slabs were then laid on top, covering the area whilst allowing access to the filter and giving ventilation to the mechanics. With a weight tolerance of 1,560Kg and temperature resistant to Minus 40°C, Megapads were the perfect solution.

Over 60 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series floor access covers were chosen for the development of a sizable extension of King’s Cross tube station. An access solution was required to provide access to essential under floor services including ventilation ducting, electrics, communication cables and rail services. The specification required a solution that would prevent the passage of fire through service channels. Howe Green’s 7500 Series access covers met requirements with a three hour fire rating. In addition to single covers, Howe Green’s innovative multi-part covers were also used.