Canford School: Bespoke Aluminium Features for a Historic Setting

Building Products Index Ltd Aluminium building products Leave a Comment

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When a new building sits within a historic setting, the challenge is not simply to create something new. It is to make sure it feels as though it belongs.

That was an important consideration at Canford School in Dorset, where a new Upper Sixth boarding development has been designed within a campus with a history stretching back almost a thousand years. First recorded in the Domesday Book in the 1080s, the estate has developed over centuries and today includes a Grade I listed manor house, medieval structures including John of Gaunt’s Kitchen, and later architecture shaped by Edward Blore and Sir Charles Barry.

Adding new buildings to such a setting called for a careful balance: creating modern accommodation for today’s pupils while respecting the existing architectural character.

Bespoke Aluminium for the New Sixth Form Accommodation

Opened this September 2026, Canford School’s new Upper Sixth accommodation forms part of the secondary school’s continued investment in its facilities, following the completion of the Sixth Form Hub in 2025, which saw the conversion of Montacute House.

Previously spread across seven existing boarding houses, Upper Sixth pupils are now brought together in a purpose-built residential facility providing 120 en-suite single study bedrooms across two wings. Arranged around a central courtyard, the collegiate, Oxbridge-inspired design is intended to create a university-style environment for living and studying, while remaining closely connected to the historic campus.

The entire school estate sits within the Canford Magna Conservation Area and is subject to Local Plan Policy PP30, placing particular importance on protecting the character and setting of the area’s heritage assets. Consequently, architectural detailing and material selection played an important role in the design.

To help old and new blend together, Dales Fabrications designed and manufactured bespoke aluminium features for the project, including:

  • False chimneys
  • Dormer cladding
  • Portico detailing
  • Window surrounds

Each component was bespoke designed and manufactured for the project, allowing the new accommodation to incorporate the traditional architectural details seen across the existing site.

The false chimneys continue the established roofline seen across the campus, while the dormer cladding, window surrounds, and porticos provide a visual link between the new accommodation and the school’s long‑standing architectural character.

Why Aluminium?

For projects where architectural character is as important as practical performance, bespoke aluminium offers architects considerable flexibility.

Aluminium can be fabricated into project-specific shapes, profiles and features. This makes it possible to develop details around the design of the building.

For a project such as Canford School, this offers a number of advantages:

  • Design flexibility – components can be developed to suit specific architectural details and complex forms.
  • Lightweight construction – aluminium provides a relatively lightweight solution while offering the strength required for architectural applications.
  • Durability – aluminium offers long-term performance and resistance to corrosion, making it well suited to external applications.
  • Finishing options – aluminium can be finished in a wide range of colours, tones and textures to complement the wider material palette.

For Canford School, the bespoke aluminium features supplied by Dales were finished in Interpon Y2217F Steel Bronze, a muted metallic tone which complements the surrounding estate.

A modern material with a traditional feel

Canford School demonstrates what is possible when bespoke fabrication is used to bridge the gap between historic architecture and contemporary construction.

The new accommodation is a modern development designed around the needs of Upper Sixth pupils, but its architectural detailing responds to the buildings around it. By manufacturing the features specifically for the project, Dales was able to help the design team introduce traditional architectural references while retaining the benefits of a modern aluminium solution.

For architects working on heritage-sensitive developments, conservation-area projects or buildings with particularly strong architectural identities, that flexibility can be invaluable.

How Dales Can Support Your Project

At Dales Fabrications, we work with architects, contractors and specifiers to develop aluminium solutions around the requirements of individual projects.

From reproducing traditional architectural details to developing entirely bespoke features for contemporary façades, our in-house manufacturing expertise allows us to take a project from initial design through to manufacture, with a network of preferred installers available to support delivery on site.

Talk to Dales Fabrications about your next project: 0115 930 1521 | enquiries@dales-eaves.co.uk | www.dales-eaves.co.uk

Toupret launches Filler Finder: specification made simple

Building Products Index Ltd Filler Leave a Comment

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Specifying the right product on site is crucial to carrying out a good job in the required time. But it can often be difficult when faced with an unusual or unexpected job. Can you be confident that the product on your spec or the one you’re about to purchase is the most suitable for the job in hand?

Is there a better solution out there? In the extensive world of fillers, Toupret’s new Filler Finder tool answers these questions.

What it does

Filler Finder is a problem-led digital tool that matches a specific problem on the surface you’re working on to the correct Toupret filler in seconds. Rather than working backwards from a product catalogue, start from the actual condition on site; whether that’s damp-affected plaster, exterior render cracking, timber decay or a plasterboard jointing job, and be guided directly to the product engineered for that repair on that specific surface.

How it works

The tool reduces product selection to a few short steps. From cracks on walls to exterior render repair, the filler finder helps you identify the repair, provides a step-by-step guide to solve the problem and suggests the products for the job.

How it helps

  • A faster route to the right answer – The tool narrows the substrate and repair combinations down to the products most suited to the job at hand.
  • All the technical detail you need – Whether you are confirming the filler already specified or considering for the first time, the tool sets out the product’s suitability for that substrate and repair alongside the supporting technical information.
  • Coverage beyond the obvious – Unusual substrates, damp-affected areas, and less common repair scenarios are built into the tool, not just the standard jobs.

The tool brings Toupret’s substrate-by-substrate technical guidance across both interior and exterior repairs into one place.

Filler Finder is live now at fillerfinder.co.uk.

FIREFLY® Zeus Specified To Protect Peabody Apartment Blocks

Building Products Index Ltd Fire Protection Leave a Comment

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A total of 20 traditionally built apartment blocks belonging to the Peabody Trust in North-West London have been brought up to the current requirements of the Building Regulations using products from the FIREFLY® range of high-performance barriers.

The work to the properties is being led by LMAC Group with Essex based T and R Fire Protection being the specialist installer of the Zeus 90-30, Zeus 60-30 Horizontal and ancillary products like FIREFLY® Collaroll and intumescent adhesive. Zeus Horizontal 60-30 was utilised to create ‘protected zones’ within the roof spaces.

The Site Manager for T & R Fire Protection, Tom Port-Smith, added: “So far, we have completed three of the blocks and are now waiting for Building Control to confirm they are happy with the work before our scheduled three teams tackle the rest of the buildings. Peabody required us to use FIREFLY® Zeus 90-30 on this contract we do tend to favour the manufacturer’s product range for our compartmentation work, due to the ease of installation and the dependability of performance…

…while the lightness and flexibility of the barriers make them ideal for working in relatively confined spaces like this, we always get good technical support from the company’s Technical Manager, Andy Greenwood and his team, whenever we need special details.”

Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY® range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios.

FIREFLY® Technical Sales Manager, Andrew Greenwood commented: “I’ve had the opportunity to inspect a number of projects completed by T & R Fire, including installations of Firefly Zeus Lite fire curtains, and I’ve consistently been impressed with the quality of their work. They have always demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving a high standard of installation, backed up by excellent technical knowledge and professionalism.

Their installers regularly undertake direct training with TBA Firefly, helping to ensure they remain up to date with the latest manufacturer details, specifications and installation requirements. From my experience, T & R Fire combine quality workmanship with a genuine understanding of the importance of installing passive fire protection systems correctly. They set a very high standard, and it’s always reassuring to see their work on site.

FIREFLY® barriers are manufactured and designed for installation horizontally, alongside a complete range of FIREFLY® ancillary products, to ensure a fully tested and certified installed system.  As one of the manufacturer’s most widely used products, Zeus has been designed and certified to achieve compartmentation in large, concealed spaces including roof voids, helping to restrict heat transfer as well as the spread of flames while its certificated performance exceeds the requirements of Building Regulations Part B.

Images shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

Stannah delivers full lift replacement for contemporary public sector building

Building Products Index Ltd Lift Leave a Comment

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Endeavour House, in Ipswich, Suffolk, has undergone a significant lift replacement, with the installation of five Stannah lifts designed to improve performance, reliability and overall user experience.

Home to a mix of municipal offices and meeting rooms, the five-storey public building serves as a meeting point for Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council.

With high levels of footfall placing increasing demand on the existing lifts, a full replacement was required to deliver consistent reliability and performance. The new lift solution is designed to meet current usage demands while also ensuring seamless, step-free access throughout the building.

Following a competitive tender process, Stannah Lifts was awarded the contract to deliver the lift replacement project at Endeavour House on behalf of Suffolk City Council, working with Concertus, Design and Property Consultants, and main contractors Dalkia.

The works

Stannah’s comprehensive lift replacement plan included the complete removal of five existing lifts, full refurbishment and preparation of the lift shafts, and the installation of four high-performance passenger lifts and one firefighting lift.

The aim was to provide an energy-efficient solution that complements the building’s modern appearance and ensures the safety of occupants and service engineers when carrying out maintenance work. 

The challenge

A key challenge was carrying out a complete turnkey solution in a live environment. As the building remained fully occupied throughout the works, constant coordination was needed to ensure successful planning and execution. To ensure the building remained safe for occupants, hoarding was installed to segregate work areas.

Once installed, Stannah progressed with the full removal of existing lifts and the installation of scaffolding to facilitate safe access within the lift shafts. Each lift shaft was thoroughly cleaned and prepared before installing bespoke Stannah lifts to ensure a clear foundation for the equipment.

The project spanned over 12 months, but each lift installation involved working to a tight schedule, and to support the needs of a live environment, the project was delivered in a phased approach. This ensured that at least two lifts remained operational at all times to maintain step-free access between floors. 

The solution

Stannah designed two sets of bespoke duplex lift systems, consisting of four passenger MRL (Motor Room Less) traction lifts. The MRL lifts are equipped with gearless variable voltage drives, which offer a smooth and energy-efficient operation and provide reliable performance over time.

These passenger lifts carry up to 13 people and operate at a speed of 1.6m/s to significantly improve passenger flow and reduce waiting times. The duplex design was chosen to enhance service reliability, allowing for one lift to remain operational if the other undergoes maintenance.  

The lift car finishes and wide vision panels were carefully chosen to complement the modern interior design. The incorporation of panoramic glazed panels creates a more open and spacious environment for passengers, allowing natural light to flow through the space while seamlessly integrating with the building’s glazed aesthetic. Grey expo flooring was also chosen due to its durability, low maintenance and consistent fine-grained aesthetic, providing a modern finish that withstands heavy foot traffic.

All lift shafts were designed with LED lighting to improve visibility and safety for lift engineers. Pit and entrance fascias also help to protect the shaft structure and surrounding finishes from damage.

In addition to the passenger lifts, a bespoke simplex firefighting lift in brushed stainless steel was installed to meet stringent safety requirements, while maintaining ease of use for emergency services.

The new firefighting lift complies with EN81-73 standards, which ensure safe shutdown in the event of a fire and includes firefighting controls for enhanced occupant safety. The lift is also equipped with a car preference key switch, allowing it to ignore external landing calls during an emergency and respond solely to commands from firefighters within the lift car.

All five passenger lifts are designed in compliance with EN81:21 standards and incorporate a CTV mechanical package. For better connectivity and to ensure continual operation during power outages, a GSM unit was installed, futureproofing the lifts ready for the digital phone line switchover due by 2027.

Lifts at Endeavour House were handed over with ‘open protocol’, which gives Suffolk County Council complete freedom to choose any maintenance provider for easy part replacement.

The results

The new duplex passenger lifts successfully provide reliable and efficient movement throughout the building, delivering a future-proofed, resilient solution for long-term use. The new firefighting lift better equips the building to handle emergency situations, instilling confidence in the event of emergencies and ensuring safe and quick access for emergency services.

James Gregory, Main Contractor at Dalkia UK, said: “Working in a live environment necessitates strong coordination from all on-site teams to deliver this project successfully and smoothly. Stannah were very cooperative and worked closely with our on-site teams to create the best practical solution, whilst also delivering bespoke lift solutions that blend harmoniously with the building’s aesthetics.”

Gavin Satchell, Project Manager at Stannah, adds: “The combination of the passenger and firefighting lifts provides a practical solution for Suffolk County Council. Working together, the lifts transform the building into a safe, desirable space with step-free access to all floors. We are currently working with Suffolk County Council on a 12-month maintenance plan, ensuring the lifts continue to perform reliably.”

Stannah Lifts is proud to continue supporting Suffolk County Council with ongoing lift maintenance and repair services. With a twelve-month warranty and servicing, including 24/7 emergency callout, Suffolk County Council can be confident that their lifts will remain in great condition, leading to fewer breakdowns, lower running costs and a reliable service overall.

Find out more about Stannah Lifts maintenance and repair services at Visit the Stannah website

Rising gas prices put boiler efficiency back in the spotlight

Building Products Index Ltd Limescale Prevention Leave a Comment

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With gas bills set to rise this autumn, Cistermiser is urging heating and plumbing professionals to make limescale protection part of the conversation with customers as boilers return to regular use.

Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will increase by 4% from 1 October, taking the annual bill for a typical household paying by Direct Debit for gas and electricity from £1,663 to £1,723. While electricity costs will remain broadly stable following the temporary removal of VAT, gas bills are expected to rise by 8%, largely as a result of higher wholesale prices.

For millions of households, the increase comes just as central heating systems begin doing their heaviest work of the year. Cistermiser says this makes the weeks ahead an important opportunity for installers to help customers ensure their boilers are operating as efficiently as possible , particularly in hard water areas where limescale can build up unseen inside boiler heat exchangers.

Around 60% of the UK lies within a hard water area, and when hard water is heated, calcium and magnesium deposits can form limescale on internal surfaces, including boiler heat exchangers and hot water pipework.

The resulting layer acts as an insulator between the heat exchanger and the water, meaning more energy can be required to achieve the same heat output. British Water figures indicate that 1.6mm of scale within a heating system can result in a 12% loss in heating efficiency.

Richard Braid, Managing Director at Cistermiser, comments: “Customers are understandably going to be thinking about heating costs again as we head into autumn, particularly following the latest increase in gas prices. For installers, that creates an opportunity to look beyond whether a boiler is simply working and consider what can be done to help keep it working efficiently.

“Limescale is easy to overlook because much of the damage happens where the homeowner cannot see it. But in hard water areas, allowing scale to build up on a heat exchanger can make the boiler work harder to deliver the heat the customer is paying for.

“At this time of year, when installers are servicing boilers, replacing heating equipment or preparing customers’ homes for winter, it makes sense to talk about preventative measures too. Protecting the heat exchanger from scale is a relatively straightforward intervention that can help maintain efficiency and potentially extend the working life of the appliance.”

Cistermiser’s Combimate is a polyphosphate scale inhibitor designed to prevent limescale build-up in domestic hot water systems. Fitted to the cold water supply, it uses food-grade Combiphos to prevent scale-forming minerals accumulating on hot surfaces, without removing naturally occurring minerals or altering water hardness.

Requiring no electricity or magnets, Combimate can protect an individual boiler or wider hot water system and, when fitted alongside a new boiler, heat exchanger or thermal store, is backed by Cistermiser’s Lifetime Scale Prevention Guarantee, subject to installation and maintenance requirements.

Richard adds: “Energy prices aren’t something an installer can control, but helping customers get the most from the energy they use is. As the heating season begins, protecting against limescale is one relatively simple step that can make a meaningful difference over the lifetime of a boiler.”

For more information on water-saving solutions and how Cistermiser can help, visit www.cistermiser.co.uk

Marley launches Edgemere 2.0, the first UK roof tile to use carbon-capture cement technology

Building Products Index Ltd Roof tiles Leave a Comment

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In a first for UK roofing, Edgemere 2.0 combines Marley’s familiar concrete roof tile specification with carbon-capture cement technology and Carbon Bank evidence supplied for every order.

The carbon reduction story behind Edgemere 2.0* begins with the cement. CO₂ from cement production is captured at source, before it enters the atmosphere, and permanently stored beneath the seabed. The carbon reduction is then recorded in the publicly available Carbon Bank, which allocates captured and stored CO₂ reductions to specific Edgemere 2.0 orders, with full end-to-end traceability through an Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC).

The launch responds to a market in which embodied-carbon evidence is moving from optional to expected. For the public sector and increasingly housing providers, product-level carbon evidence is becoming part of the specification process.

Sustainability leads, along with quantity surveyors and architects, are frequently asked to produce verifiable, product-level carbon evidence and do so without redrawing details or rewriting specifications.

Edgemere 2.0 expands the Edgemere range by offering a low carbon option with a Global Warming Potential (GWP Fossil) of just 1.86kg CO2e per m² from cradle to gate, whilst retaining the familiar thin leading edge, technical performance and dimensions of Edgemere together with a Green Guide A+ rating and BES 6001 Excellent certification.

The change is behind the tile: in the cement production process and the addition of verified, order-specific documentation. The Carbon Bank allocates reductions from actual captured and stored CO₂, to specific Edgemere 2.0 orders, with ownership of the EAC transferring to the final customer.

“Edgemere 2.0 is a significant step forward for Marley and for the roofing industry,” said Stuart Nicholson, Managing Director at Marley. “By introducing the UK’s first concrete roof tile to use carbon-capture cement technology, we’re supporting the industry’s transition to lower-carbon construction, with a documented carbon-evidence trail supplied for every Edgemere 2.0 order.”

Edgemere 2.0 is available in Smooth Grey. For more information, or to discuss your next project with one of our specification experts, visit www.marley.co.uk/Edgemere2

About the carbon evidence and end-to-end traceability

*Edgemere 2.0 is supported by Heidelberg Materials’ evoZero® carbon captured near-zero cement, enabled through the first carbon capture facility at its cement works in Brevik, Norway. To avoid the transport emissions that would be incurred by shipping from Brevik, Edgemere 2.0 CO₂ reduction can be transferred and attributed to locally sourced Heidelberg Materials cement.

 A Carbon Bank withdrawal is made to reduce the corresponding Global Warming Potential (GWP Fossil) of the locally produced UK cement to zero.  The carbon reduction is recorded in Heidelberg Materials’ publicly available Carbon Bank, which allocates captured and stored CO₂ reductions to each specific Edgemere 2.0 order, with full end-to-end traceability through an Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC).

Flood resilience: innovative measures and practices that reduce flood damage to homes

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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This project was designed and delivered by Delta’s Technical Team in collaboration with Shield Waterproofing and Preservation, a Delta Registered Installer. The objective was to successfully deliver innovative flood resilience (“PFR”) measures that would not only meet, but exceed recognised standards and codes of practice.

The privately owned detached house was built in 2007.  The property flooded in 2023 and again in 2024 after poorly designed, insurance-funded retrofit works failed.  These repeat incidents caused significant stress for the homeowner and damaged their trust in construction professionals and contractors.

Property Flood Resilience (PFR) strategies include measures that reduce flood damage and enable a flooded building to be recovered and reoccupied more quickly. These measures are typically grouped into resistance measures, which limit the amount of water entering a building; resilience measures, which reduce damage to the building fabric; and recoverability measures, which support faster, safe reoccupation. An effective PFR strategy may combine all three approaches to prevent water entry or limit the amount of floodwater that is able to enter the building.

PFR products can be either permanent or temporary. Permanent products are installed in-situ and remain ready to protect a building at all times, with no action needed when flooding occurs. Temporary products are stored away and deployed only when a flood is expected.

The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) design and installation featured here followed key principles of flood resistance, resilience, and recoverability, in line with best-practice guidance including BS 85500:2025 Flood resilient construction – improving the flood performance of buildings, CIRIA C790 (2020): Code of practice for property flood resilience, and the PCA Code of practice for the recovery of flood damaged buildings (2013).

Methodology

Following the six stages/standards of PFR:

  • Hazard Assessment
  • Property Survey
  • Options for Development and Design
  • Construction
  • Commissioning and Handover
  • Operation and Maintenance

 All potential flood sources must be identified and assessed. At this property, the key sources were surface water, infrastructure failure, overland flow, and groundwater rising beneath the house. The homeowner’s experience was also considered. Together, these inputs informed a comprehensive risk assessment based on Environment Agency flood maps, geotechnical reports, drainage surveys, and utility layouts, using the widely recognised source–pathway–receptor methodology.

The second stage involved a comprehensive physical survey of the property, including its construction materials and details, supported by data from the structural engineer and coordinated by Robinson & Hall, the client’s representative.

The third stage used codes of practice and British Standards as a framework for developing options and PFR design proposals. It also involved meetings with the client, his representative, the structural engineer, the main contractor, and related trades such as M&E to ensure an integrated solution could be delivered within budget and project constraints.

The fourth stage involved detailed discussions with the client, main contractor, and design team on the key principles of flood resistance, resilience, and recoverability, including how water exclusion and controlled water entry strategies would work together. These discussions were essential to set realistic expectations for PFR performance and to agree the balance between cost, benefit, and risk.

The fifth stage involved coordinating all trades and stakeholders to develop an installation programme that clearly defined responsibilities and sequencing, ensuring the works could be delivered on time and within budget.

This flood resilience project, and the PFR solutions designed and installed, are entirely original and innovative.

Using our extensive knowledge in structural waterproofing and risk assessment for below-ground structures, Delta Membranes worked with the design and installation teams to apply expertise in design standards, forms of waterproofing, product application methods, water exclusion and water management, behaviours of diverse building materials when subjected to water ingress, and residual contamination risk to meet the flood resilience needs of an above-ground building. This approach combined creative thinking with technical rigour to ensure compliance with CIRIA C790 and BS 85500:2022.

As described, the core design rationale combined water exclusion measures to keep the building dry during shallow, short-duration floods with water entry measures and the potential consequences during deeper, longer-duration floods.

The water exclusion measures broadly comprised:

  • Pre-applied fully bonded Type A waterproofing membrane beneath new concrete floor slabs.
  • Type A crystalline slurries to internal faces of all internal and external walls.
  • Curved fillets of repair mortar at all structural junctures.
  • Sealing around all service penetrations through the structure, such as pipes, cables, drains etc.
  • Closing off all wall cavities and thresholds at door reveals and other locations of structural discontinuity.
  • Use of sealants, resins and other products to close off any other potential pathways.
  • None return valves (NRVs) where appropriate.

The water entry measures broadly comprised:

  • Design and installation of an internal water management and pumping system, based upon a typical Type C cavity drainage system that one would find in a basement.
  • Use of resilient floor insulation bonded down to the new floor slabs, and other materials which are also “recoverable” in that they do not change form or properties, or support bacterial growth when immersed in flood water, and would therefore not need to be stripped out.
  • Use of hydrophobic additives to cement screeds, for example, to ensure they would not break down when immersed.
  • Use of “sacrificial” materials – materials which would need to be removed in the event of a flood, for example, to access hidden voids for cleaning and sanitisation behind, but which can be quickly and easily replaced post-flood.
  • Elimination of hidden voids which could otherwise harbour trapped contaminated flood water and pose a health risk.
  • Enhancing the access and serviceability of voids which could not be eliminated (eg. increased frequency of inspection ports in perimeter drainage channels).

Installation

All existing/flood-damaged finishes were removed to reveal the underlying structure and allow installation.

A new ground-bearing reinforced concrete slab was designed by the structural engineer. This included Delta DualProof, a fully and permanently bonded, Pre-Applied, Type A waterproofing membrane, beneath it. Delta DualProof is a continuous pre-applied fully bonded barrier protection waterproofing membrane system which is installed on blinded hardcore prior to steel reinforcement being set out and the new concrete being poured. It’s tough and unique profile features an integrated layer of fleece on the upper face. Delta DualProof keys with the new concrete to form an inseparable bond with such that the DualProof membrane and structure become fully integrated. This means that water ingress through any minor and un-noticed damage or defects typically caused by general building site conditions remains isolated to that specific area instead of being able to track between membrane and structure, so dramatically reducing risk of any water getting through.

The perimeter Delta Drainage Channel network was recessed within 50mm deep 100mm wide channel chases formed within the Delta Glass insulation zone, following all wall/floor juncture construction joints, so as to protect the full perimeter of the building, and to accept and drain away any flood water at the most vulnerable points of potential ingress.

External ground levels slope down towards the house, increasing the force of flow and exposing the front elevation to the greatest surface water flooding. A Delta dual packaged pumping station was installed internally near the front door to help manage this risk.

Delta Water Based Epoxy Resin offers waterproofing and protection for sand & cement screeds, mortar beds, concrete or masonry. It applies like paint, works in damp conditions, and dries to a tough, non-toxic, easy-to-clean surface.

Delta MS 500 is a robust Type C cavity-drainage membrane protection system designed for demanding conditions. It combines strength, durability, functionality, and ease of installation, making it well suited to applications where structural integrity is critical.

A Type C “drained protection” cavity drainage system can be a practical solution for both new-build and refurbishment projects. It consists of two main elements: internal cavity drainage membrane linings applied to the internal faces of the structure which act as a drainage space and a vapour barrier to accept and de-pressurize water ingress from outside the structure, and a maintainable internal basement drainage and pumping system, which acts to collect and control water from behind the cavity drainage membranes and pump it out to higher external surface water drainage or above flood design level, via an air gap . BS 8102:2022 (Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water Ingress – Code of Practice) defines Type C waterproofing as a protection system that manages water penetrating the outer shell of a building by collecting it in a cavity between the external wall and an internal lining or wall.

The Type C System forms a flexible dimpled inner membrane lining to the walls and floor which acts as physical barrier to capillary dampness and salt contamination, and also enables seepage to be collected and managed to a packaged pump station.   To enhance flood resilient performance, Delta has tailored the Type C system in such a way that it will also accept water from upon the internal finishes on the internal or “dry” side of the membranes. In accordance with the water entry strategy, this acts to minimise internal flood levels and passively drains any flood water attempting to rise above floor level to a packaged pump system to be pumped out to above external flood level, also simplifying de-contamination and recovery post-flood.

Related Products:

  • Delta MS 500
  • Delta Plugs
  • Delta Water Based Epoxy
  • Delta DualProof
  • Delta Perimeter Drainage Channel
  • Delta Dual V6
  • Koster KB Flex 200
  • Koster KBE Liquid Film
  • Koster NB1 Grey
  • Koster Repair Mortar Plus
  • Koster MS Joint Sealant
  • Koster Mortar Tight Cement Additive
  • Delta Glass Floor Insulation
  • PC56 Adhesive

Case Study Results

The human impact of this project was also significant. The design team together with Delta Registered Installers, Shield Waterproofing and Preservation recognised the long-term psychological and financial effects of flooding suffered by the homeowner and actively paired empathy with professional expertise and practical support.

The project delivered a highly innovative and entirely unique PFR solution that successfully identified and responded to all project constraints, and earned the respect and admiration of everyone involved, especially the client.

 

Axis Case Study: Development of the new Bigbury Orthopaedic Surgical Suite, at Derriford Hospital, in Plymouth.

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Sliding Leave a Comment

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INDUSTRY:                         Healthcare

CLIENT:                                  University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

CONTRACTOR:                Nevada Construction

ARCHITECT:                       Stride Treglown

PROJECT

This award-winning scheme involved the full refurbishment of the existing hospital kitchens, to transform them into state-of-the-art, fully functional, clinical spaces.

The stunning outcome won the Refurbishment of the Year Award for Stride Treglown architects and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, at last October’s Healthcare Estates ceremony.

The project was brilliantly led on-site by Nevada Construction and to help fulfil the overall vision for the scheme, Axis was asked to manufacture and install the door sets.

CHALLENGES

The biggest challenge for this project was ensuring we caused minimal disruption to essential hospital services, while working in and around a fully operational, high traffic environment, within one of the busiest parts of Derriford Hospital.

SOLUTION

Working with the architects Stride Treglown, and main contractor Nevada Construction, the solution specified was for Axis to manufacture, supply and fit nine door-sets from our award-winning Flo-Motion® range.

These included seven Flo-Motion® B01 bi-parting manual sliding door sets and two Flo-Motion® T100 telescopic door sets, with all units having clear, double-glazed glass.

A powder coat finish to RAL 7046 was applied to the door sets with all handles in a stainless steel finish.

FORCE TESTING

All doors were digitally force-tested, with each leaf of the bi-parting doors averaging 6.9N, and the larger heavier telescopic doors averaging 9.5N.

OUTCOME:

Our Flo-Motion® door-sets provide many significant benefits for patients and staff in the new Bigbury Orthopaedic Surgical Suite, including:

  • Enabling excellent light transfer for a feeling of spaciousness.
  • Providing clear visibility between patients and staff.
  • Allowing door operation with fingertip control making life easier for staff.
  • Contributing to an attractive and improved environment for staff and patients

HEALTHCARE ESTATES – SEE OUR DOORS IN ACTION!

This October, we’ll be exhibiting at the Healthcare Estates Exhibition, on 13-15 October, at Manchester Central.

On our Stand F20, we’ll be showcasing three fully operational Flo-Motion® doors from our award-winning range, as well as introducing the Manusa Viso+ 125, which enables remote door management, using built-in Internet of Things (IoT) technology!

We’ll be running demonstrations of this innovative, state-of-the-art Manusa automatic door, across the two days – we hope to see you there!

EXPLORE MORE AXIS HEALTHCARE PROJECTS

View more Axis case studies of highly successful new build and refurbishment projects in the healthcare sector, here: https://axisentrances.com/case-studies/

CONTACT AXIS ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

T: 01604 212 500

E: sales@axisentrances.com

W: https://axisentrances.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axis-automatic-entrance-systems-ltd/

Protecting the places that heal: Why UK healthcare estates can no longer ignore what lies below the sinks and basins.

Building Products Index Ltd Copper Tubes, Pipes Leave a Comment

View the Mueller Europe entry on BPindex

Visit the Mueller Europe website

Mueller Europe is already recognised as the largest manufacturer of copper tube and pipe in the UK. In January 2026, the Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences division was established to commercialise and deliver solutions into the NHS to aid in the fight against the transmission of deadly multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Mueller Europe are now proud suppliers to the NHS and broader healthcare markets through the Healthcare division.

Sink and drain infrastructure is widely recognised as a direct transmission pathway for these gram-negative bacteria to ascend back into clinically vulnerable areas. It is acknowledged that “splash-back” from plug outlets is a direct and specific mechanism by which pathogens move from drains / U-bends back into the clinical environment, onto hands, surfaces and then patients. It can happen every time a tap runs and for Estates and infection prevention teams, already stretched thin, that is a risk sitting in plain sight, within every sink, every day.

The scale of the problem is not abstract. NHS-attributable healthcare associated infections are estimated to cost the NHS £2.7 billion a year in England alone, contributing to roughly 28,500 patient deaths and over 7 million lost bed days, according to peer-reviewed analysis published in BMJ Open.

Globally, antimicrobial resistance already directly accounts for more than a million deaths a year, and that figure is projected to climb toward 10 million annually by 2050. Between now and 2050, the toll is expected to exceed 39 million lives. This is not a future problem. It is happening now and is why Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences was established.

This is where AseptiFlow changes the equation.

Invented by Dr James Soothill MBBS, MD, FRCPath, a Consultant Microbiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, AseptiFlow is a passive mechanical device fitted to the drain outlet, sitting below the plug and above the U-Bend and iss engineered to prevent “splash-back” and aerosol transmission from ascending back into the clinical environment. There is no power requirement, no consumables, no maintenance contracts are required and most importantly, there is no impact to staff behaviour or working practices.

A randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Hospital Infection in 2025 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in contamination, giving estates and IPC teams something rare in this space, hard clinical evidence verifying a readily available product which directly aids in the fight against transmission risks associated with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Manufactured from the highest grade copper by Mueller Europe, AseptiFlow™ also carries copper’s inherent antimicrobial properties as a secondary benefit, on top of its primary mechanical function. This was one key reason why Great Ormond Street identified Mueller Europe as the perfect partner to manufacture and commercialise their invention, as the antimicrobial benefits of copper added an extra layer of defence into AseptiFlow.

For NHS Trusts, hospices, care homes, and any setting managing the risk of multidrug-resistant infections, or sites exposed to such infections, including hotels and leisure facilities, the case for action is straightforward. The transmission route is already documented and the solution to prevent the ascending of wastewater back into clinical environments now exists.

The only question is whether it gets addressed before or after the next outbreak, as Paul Owen from Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences was quoted as saying “AseptiFlow is a key tool to help fight antimicrobial resistance and nosocomial infections. Patient and people safety must be engineered into the built environment, not managed after failure. The cost of doing nothing, far outweighs the cost of doing something now.”

Specify AseptiFlow™. Close the pathway. Protect the places that heal.

For more information on how Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences can help you in your fight against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, please contact:

Paul Owen

Global Business Unit Manager, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Mueller Europe

Email: powen@muellereurope.com

Tel: 07467 707 838

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulowen-mueller

New Transport Hub Opens with Effortless Automated Access (July 2026)

Building Products Index Ltd Automated systems, Automatic door system Leave a Comment

View the TORMAX UK entry on BPindex

Visit the TORMAX UK website

TORMAX UK has delivered a complete door automation solution for Frostree Ltd at the new Bishop Auckland Bus Station, on behalf of Durham County Council. The installation incorporates a combination of TORMAX iMotion door operators to automate 12 key passenger access points, creating efficient movement from the bus station interior, through to external boarding areas.

The installation includes 8 iMotion 2202a single sliding door operators, 2 iMotion 2203 bi-parting door operators and 2 iMotion 2203 single sliding door operators. Specified for their robust engineering and compact design, iMotion drives are designed to meet the demands of high-traffic environments where durability and ease of operation are essential.

Featuring intelligent door drive technology that allows precision control, the systems are designed to optimise energy efficiency. The iMotion motor’s gearless and brushless design reduces mechanical wear, minimises maintenance, and delivers consistent, reliable performance throughout an extended lifespan.

Funded through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, secured by Durham County Council, the new Bishop Auckland bus station is part of an £11.8m investment in the town’s transport infrastructure, supporting improved connectivity and long-term regeneration. The modern passenger facility enhances the experience of bus travel by providing an accessible and comfortable environment for passengers before boarding.

As a busy public facility, the station needs to accommodate a wide range of users, including passengers with mobility challenges, wheelchair users, parents with buggies and travellers carrying luggage. The automated sliding door systems support inclusive design principles by providing controlled, effortless access whilst maintaining smooth passenger flow.

A Swiss company, TORMAX installed Europe’s first automatic door in 1951 and today designs and manufactures a complete range of automatic  door systems for applications

worldwide. The in-house engineered range of iMotion operators provide solutions that meet both the architectural aspirations and practical requirements of modern buildings.

Working alongside TORMAX on the project was Frostree Ltd, a leading manufacturer of architectural aluminium. With expertise in delivering bespoke glazing solutions, Frostree delivers high-quality fabricated systems for commercial and public-sector environments where precision, performance and finish are critical.

The Bishop Auckland bus station project shows how collaboration between fabricators and automation experts can deliver functional, durable access solutions that also improve user experience.

Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “Bishop Auckland’s new bus station is fitted with modern, up-to-date facilities and will be accessible to all passengers. The new station will play an important role in supporting the town’s regeneration journey, while serving as a positive welcome for visitors travelling to see the area’s growing culture, heritage and events offer.”