New Stannah Lifts website streamlines product selection to support contractors, architects and project teams

Building Products Index Ltd Lift, Platform Leave a Comment

View the Stannah Lifts entry on BPindex

Visit the Stannah Lifts website

Stannah Lifts Distribution & Service (LD&S), a leader in the UK lift sector, has launched a new commercial website that makes it easier for construction professionals to find the right lift solution.

Developed around the needs of architects, contractors and consultants, the site features a simplified structure, improved navigation, clearer product pages and more consistent data, making it easier to access technical information and identify the right lift solutions for different building types.

Replacing a website that served the industry for nearly a decade, the new platform responds to the growing need for accurate, accessible product data in building design and construction, which is essential for demonstrating compliance with building regulations.

Key improvements include:

  • Easy to navigate view of the complete Stannah product range in one place
  • Enhanced on-page product specifications that make comparing lift types, configurations and aesthetic options quicker and more intuitive
  • Sleek, unified product pages packed with consistent, project-ready information to support confident decision-making
  • Faster access to product technical documentation and gated resources that help architects, contractors and consultants specify with certainty

This updated approach ensures faster, more confident decision-making, whether customers are researching products, comparing specifications or downloading documentation.

Archie Hungwe, CEO of Stannah Lifts Distribution & Service, said: “Our new website gives the construction sector clearer technical information, simplifies specification and helps project teams quickly find the right lift solution. As construction demands evolve and our product offering have become more complex, we’re committed to supporting contractors, architects and consultants with the tools and resources they need to deliver high-quality, compliant lift installations.”

Built on a more flexible and scalable digital architecture, the website now allows Stannah to introduce new products and technical content more easily as the business expands its portfolio.

To explore the new website and Stannah’s lift solutions, visit: www.stannahlifts.co.uk.

ACO launches new Shower Drain Range

Building Products Index Ltd Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

View the ACO Building Drainage entry on BPindex

Visit the ACO Building Drainage website

ACO Building Drainage launches new shower drain range to simplify specification, installation and procurement—while improving hygiene

To help specifiers, installers and bathroom merchant teams overcome the practical challenges of wet‑room drainage, ACO Building Drainage has launched a comprehensive new shower drain range. The collection now places an even greater focus on shower drainage channels, advanced gully solutions, and fully configurable modular options for flexible, long‑run commercial and leisure applications.

Next‑generation shower drainage channels

ACO’s new ShowerDrain C channels introduce enhanced performance, through an increased range of benefits.

The new channel designs offer:

  • More outlet orientations including vertical, in-line (left/right) and perpendicular options to minimise on‑site compromises.
  • Low‑build height versions for projects with restricted floor depth.
  • Optimised flow rates for improved drainage performance.
  • Reduced component cost thanks to automated, streamlined manufacturing and supply chain efficiencies.
  • Hydro‑formed gullies for higher flow rates and improved cleanability.
  • Pickle Passivated steel channels to optimise product longevity

These features provide specifiers and installers with greater flexibility in both standard and constrained wet‑room environments, helping maintain aesthetics, flow performance and hygiene across a range of project types.

For smaller or retrofit installations with reduced build height, ShowerDrain B and E channels offer low‑profile or 360° rotating gullies that minimise on‑site adjustments and accelerate installation.  ShowerDrain B offers a costs effective project solution for tiled floor installations while ShowerDrain E offers an elegant finish for both tiled and vinyl floors.

Improved gullies for high flow, tight spaces and easier maintenance

The range also introduces several advanced gullies engineered for higher hydraulic performance and simplified cleaning.

Key options include:

  • Solutions for tile or vinyl finishes, ensuring compatibility with varied floor constructions.
  • Passino gullies featuring a single‑unit that seals directly into the outlet pipe, combined with a removable two‑piece foul air trap for faster cleaning and lower backflow risk.
  • Optimised foul‑air‑trap geometry to improve flow capacity and reduce blockage potential.

Erik Mul, Product Manager at ACO Building Drainage, said:

“The range gives specifiers and installers more options to suit their application, easier maintenance access and consistent performance on both tiled and flexible floors whether the installation is in a domestic bathroom, a hotel, a care home or a busy swimming pool changing area. Our new shower range provides solutions that avoid the usual trade-offs between aesthetics, hygiene and flow rates.”

Modular shower channels for large-scale commercial and leisure projects

For concrete‑bed projects or sites requiring long continuous drainage runs, the Modular 125 system provides a reliable, efficient alternative to using multiple discrete channels.

This system is fully configurable to suit the channel length and flow rates required to cater for high-traffic leisure facilities, gyms and health environments where hygiene and durability are non-negotiable.

Erik added:

“Our new range highlights maintenance-friendly, easy clean features such as removable traps and accessible grates to mitigate hygiene and safety risks posed by inaccessible gullies and poor outlet design.

Whether it’s for care homes, wetrooms, or sports facilities—ACO delivers performance, practicality, and choice. ACO’s new shower drain portfolio gives specifiers, installers and bathroom merchant teams configurable, durable options that improve hygiene and lower whole‑life risk.”

Technical support is available to guide product selection for complex layouts, long runs or specialist design requirements.

For more on ACO’s new shower drain range including data sheet and installation instructions, visit www.aco.co.uk/wetroom-showers

Why POWERFLEX® RV-K is a better cable choice than standard NYY cables

Building Products Index Ltd Electric Cables Leave a Comment

View the Top Cable entry on BPindex

Visit the Top Cable website

For years, NYY cables have been a economic, reliable, fixed-installation standard all over Europe. But what if you could have the same advantages with unparalleled flexibility and better electrical performance?  RV-K cables with class 5 conductors and XLPE insulation are becoming the preferred choice for industrial installations across Europe.
While NYY cables have their place, the RV-K cables are redefining efficiency and performance on the job site. We are increasingly seeing this cable specified in the UK as well as across Europe. Let’s break down why making the switch to RV-K is a cost-effective game-changer for your industrial installations.

DECODING THE CABLE DESIGNATION: NYY VS RV-K … AND MORE

Understanding the cable designations reveals their core purpose and construction, so you can specify with confidence.

What does NYY cable mean?

NYY refers to a unarmoured power 0,6/1kV cable, most suited for energy supply in fixed installations.  The cable construction is the following:

  • Conductor: solid or stranded, plain copper
  • Insulation: PVC
  • Outer sheath: PVC

NYY cables are German Standard Industrial cables designed for fixed installations in buildings and industrial sites. Available as NYY-J with an earthing conductor, or as NYY-O without earthing, these cables are offered in single core or multicore versions (2, 3, 4, or 5 cores, cross-sections offered up to 630 mm².)

NYY cable can be installed indoors where there is little chance of mechanical damage. Cables can be fixed on cable trays, within conduits or fixed to walls. This cable is not suitable for direct burial.

What does RV-K cable mean?

RV-K refers to a flexible, low-voltage 0,6/1kV power cable used In Europe -and many other international markets following IEC standards- for electricity supply. It is used in indoor and outdoor installations, and it is well known for its high flexibility, durability, and moisture resistance. The cable construction is the following:

  • Conductor: class 5 (flexible) copper
  • Insulation: XLPE
  • Outer sheath: PVC

RV-K cable is designed according to IEC 60502-1 and AENOR UNE 21123-2 standard.

CLASS 5 COPPER CONDUCTOR: The high flexibility of the RV-K cable -thanks to its class 5 copper conductors- makes cable routing for installation process substantially easier and, as a result, is particularly suitable for use in difficult layouts including connection within industrial applications.

XLPE INSULATION: XLPE insulationis superior to PVC because it allows higher continuous operating temperatures (90ºC vs 70ºC), enabling greater current carrying capacity and better performance under overload conditions. XLPE also offers improved electrical properties, longevity, and resistance to thermal aging compared to PVC.

Are NYY, NYY-J and NYY-O the same?

While NYY, NYY-J and NYY-O may look similar, this simple letter code prevents confusion and ensures the correct cable is selected for the electrical and safety requirements of the installation. Misunderstanding them can lead to ordering the wrong cable, causing project delays, safety hazards, and unexpected costs.

  • NYY: The base cable type. By itself, it has no dedicated earth conductor.
  • NYY-J: “J” = with a bare earth conductor. This is the most common version for grounded power applications.
  • NYY-O: “O” = without earth conductor.

A look at a closely related cable: what does N2XH mean?

Within the range of low voltage industrial power cables, N2XH cable should also be considered. It is closely related to the NYY, but stands out for its enhanced flexibility and superior LSZH fire performance. The “H” in the cable designation stands for Halogen-Free. This cable outer sheath is Low Smoke (it does not emit dense, corrosive smoke or acidic gases) and Zero Halogen when exposed to fire.

NYY AND RV-K CABLE APPLICATIONS

Both NYY and RV-K power cables are perfect and equal cost-effective for:

  • Energy distribution in industrial and commercial buildings.
  • Connection of electrical equipment and tables.
  • False floors or technical channels installations.
  • Motor power lines, lighting, production machines.
  • Tertiary facilities (hotels, offices, warehouses).
  • Suitable for installation on cable paths, in conduits, In chute or full walls.

NYY cables cannot be used for:

  • Flexible power supply cable
  • Moving applications in machinery, control cabinets, and automation
  • Underground installations (when NYY electrical cables are required to comply with the buried requirements of BS7671, they should be installed in conduits or pipes).

When RV-K cable is preferred? 

Class 5 conductors are becoming the preferred choice for industrial installations across Europe due to their cost effectiveness, flexibility and ease of installation.

  • For easy and fast Installation: it means less physical effort and time required for your team.
  • For easier and safer cable termination: flexible strands are simpler to fit into terminals and connectors securely.
  • To reduce damage risk: Less strain on the cable during installation means a lower risk of internal conductor damage, enhancing the long-term reliability.
  • High-density cabling environments: In dynamic environments like modern data centers, Class 5’s flexibility allows for easier updates and scalability, making it a more suitable choice for high-density cabling.

STANDARD NYY CABLES vs POWERFLEX® RV-K

Here’s a quick comparison table to highlight the key advantages:

Feature NYY cables RV-K cable
Designation Meaning PVC/PVC, fixed installation. XLPE/PVC, fixed installation
with flexible conductor.		 It’s the flexible XLPE option.
Conductor Class 2 Copper. Class 5 (flexible) Copper. Superior flexibility for easier handling and faster installation.
Flexibility Standard / Rigid. High. Reduces installation time and labor costs.
Installation Ease Good, can be challenging in tight spaces. Excellent. Simplifies complex routing and termination.
Durability High for fixed installation. High for fixed
& occasional movement.		 More versatile and resistant to work-hardening from bending.
Max. service temperature 70ºC 90ºC Greater current carrying capacity and better performance under overload conditions.
Min. service temperature -20ºC -40ºC Better temperature performance on cold environments.
Application Scope All over Europe. All over Europe. A more adaptable solution for a wider range of projects.

INDUSTRY INSIGHT: THE GLOBAL PUSH FOR EFFICIENCY

Worldwide, the industrial cable market is prioritizing solutions that reduce total project costs. A recent study highlighted that labor can account for up to 60-70% of total installation costs. Choosing cables that enable faster installation, like RV-K designs, is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity to stay competitive on a global scale.

PLANNING YOUR NEXT CABLE PROJECT?

When specifying cables for your next tender or project, defaulting to “NYY” cable can lead to receiving a less performance cable. Always specify “POWERFLEX® RV-K” or “NYY flex” in your documentation to ensure you get all the functionalities of the NYY cable while adding a significant performant capability at no additional cost. Ask your cable distributor for a quote on POWERFLEX RV-K.

And if your project needs an extra fire safety performance (or is subjected to CPR Cca or B2ca public places requirements) ask for TOXFREE® N2XH flex option.

POWERFLEX® RV-K stock & logistics 

A superior product is only as good as its availability. We understand that project timelines are non-negotiable. Furthermore, POWERFLEX RV-K is a standard cable within our Top Cable manufacturing program. To provide the fastest possible delivery, we maintain a comprehensive stock of POWERFLEX® RV-K cables in the most popular cross-sections, ready for immediate dispatch in our central European warehouse.

Typical cross-sections of POWERFLEX® RV-K in Stock

We consistently stock a wide range of single core or multi-core cables:, including (but not limited to):

  • RV-K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 x 1.5 mm² to 10 mm² (for standard lighting and power).
  • RV-K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 x 16 mm² to  95 mm²  (for industrial circuits and distribution).
  • RV-K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 x 120 mm² to 185 mm² (for heavy power applications).
  • RV-K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 x 240 mm² to 630 mm² ((for main distribution and high-load circuits).

Thanks to our strategic logistics network, we guarantee fast and reliable delivery all across Europe. Whether your site is in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, Eastern European countries or Scandinavia, you can count on getting the high-quality POWERFLEX® RV-K cables you need, when you need them.

EXPERIENCE THE POWERFLEX® RV-K DIFFERENCE

Want to learn more about why POWERFLEX® RV-K is becoming the preferred choice for industrial installations across Europe? Read our dedicated blog post about POWERFLEX® RV-K.

Upgrade to the flexibility, durability, and efficiency of POWERFLEX® RV-K. Get a competitive quote today and see how we can power your project forward. Our team is ready to advise on the perfect cable solution for your specific needs.

GEC Anderson Stepless Stainless Steel Shelving System (V90)

Building Products Index Ltd Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel Shelving Leave a Comment

View the GEC Anderson entry on BPindex

Visit the GEC Anderson website

The GEC Anderson 3-part V90 stainless steel shelving system, comprising of shelves, uprights and brackets, can be used to create versatile, durable, hygenic and attractive configurations suited to a wide range of applications.

The uprights of each stainless steel shelving unit allow simple ‘stepless’ adjustment (un-slotted linear adjustment) of shelf positions to wherever required using a single locating bolt per bracket. This versatile system provides more ergonomic and efficient way of working for the user.

Specifications are as follows:

  • Shelf lengths of up to 4000mm
  • Shelf widths: 200 / 300 / 400 / 500mm
  • Uprights: 400 / 600 / 800 / 1000 / 1500 / 1800 / 2000mm
  • Brackets: 170 / 270 / 370 / 470 / 570mm
  • Solid shelves.
  • Option: perforated shelves (eg. to allow for drying)

Individual components are also available separately, for use in combination with other materials. Eg. glass shelves

Manufactured from EN 1.4301 grade brushed satin stainless steel. Optionally, available in EN 1.4401 grade acid resisting stainless steel.

https://gecanderson.co.uk/gec-anderson-stepless-stainless-steel-shelving-system-v90/

Curved glass stairways from Ion Glass

Building Products Index Ltd Architectural Glass Leave a Comment

View the Ion Glass entry on BPindex

View the Ion Glass website

Beautiful and functional, a frameless glass staircase makes a contemporary statement to buildings of all ages and styles

Ion Glass bespoke frameless glass balustrading can be flawlessly installed even on curved or spiral staircases, with each individual panel of glass measured and manufactured to work perfectly with each stair tread.

 

This magnificent floating elliptical staircase is built on a central tubular steel spine rising from the living space to the first floor in a luxurious barn conversion. Each helical panel is unique, with different dimensions and different radii. The panels are bolt fixed to each individual tread using a system designed by Ion Glass to ensure the bolts don’t damage the curved glass whilst still ensuring the integrity of the result.  The steel treads of the staircase were subsequently finished in oak.

The curved glass balustrade installed on both sides of this double staircase extends seamlessly across the landing to create an impressive entrance hall for a new luxury residence in Nigeria.

Each individual panel was manufactured in 21.5mm thick laminated and toughened low iron safety glass and bolt fixed to the outside face of the concrete staircase.  Accurate survey measurements were essential: the glass was manufactured in the UK and transported to Nigeria with a zero margin for error or replacement.  The balustrade was successfully designed, measured and installed by Ion’s team,  meeting all challenging parameters.

Ion Glass installed the curved glass balustrade flanking the Rotunda Staircase at the heart of Tate Britain.  An especially complex project, with an inner and outer skin of decorative opaque glass panels on either side of the spiral staircase.  The panels were flawlessly measured and designed to fit accurately around the curve of the spiral and also sit perfectly around each individual step.

Ion use computer aided digital measuring techniques to ensure perfect results, even around challenging radii and uneven or irregular surfaces.

An unusual barn conversion used concrete, glass and metal for contemporary styling whilst still maintaining the visual impact of the exposed roof beams.

The curved glass installed by Ion Glass to the spiral concrete staircase flows seamlessly up the stairs and blends into the straight panels across the face of the bridge and mezzanine floor.  Each glass panel was individually designed to follow the stepped underside of the staircase and fixed with stainless steel bolts, set off the face of the concrete. The panels are made from 17.5mm thick laminated and toughened glass with no requirement for a handrail. 

The expert team at Ion Glass will take your bespoke structural glass design from concept to reality, providing technical advice and drawings to ensure your project meets all criteria before our fully trained and experienced installation teams achieve optimum results on site.

For more information on our frameless glass balustrades, glass stairways, structural glass linkways, glass porches and doors, glass screens or other architectural glass installations visit our website www.ionglass.co.uk and book a call to discuss your project.

Call 0345 658 9988 or email  info@ionglass.co.uk

How to protect, preserve, or add design flair to concrete projects

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

View the KEIM entry on BPindex

Visit the KEIM website

Lime based mortar mixed with aggregates may have been used since AD50, but how, in the modern world, can designers, architects and concrete manufacturers ensure protection and preservation in today’s harsher environment?

KEIM Mineral Paints have the answers, with not one but several products in their portfolio specifically designed for use on concrete.

Whether you’re a pre-cast manufacturer, or use concrete for construction purposes, if you’re a designer or architect looking to enhance the appeal of concrete, or a facilities manager who needs to protect concrete surfaces from graffiti, KEIM has an armoury of products to help.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON PROBLEMS?

  • Exposure to the elements including car fumes and chlorides leading to carbonation, damage, and potential weakening
  • Colour variants or imperfections may occur during construction or patch repairs
  • Rust staining from shuttering

How to mask imperfections, defects, variations in concrete’s appearance?

KEIM products are used to …

  • Tint or blend imperfections or defects
  • Protect the concrete against water ingress
  • Colour match to the existing concrete
  • Minimise variations such as roller compacted concrete
  • Increase light reflectance; ideal for office environments

Products include – KEIM Concretal Lasur – simple application process for internal and external concrete

Project examples include: Park Hill Estate, Sheffield, Dudley Zoo, West Midlands, London Aquatics Centre, London

How to improve the longevity?

How do you protect and preserve concrete against the elements such as chlorides and carbon dioxide, and the ingress of water which can lead to damage or decay?

KEIM products are …

  • Applied to concrete surfaces to treat and protect against discolouration
  • Creating a protective coating that can last for decades
  • Designed to protect against weathering
  • Fire resistant to A2-s1, d0

Products used – KEIM Concretal W

Project examples include: Paradise View, Birmingham, Brunel House, Portsmouth, Loxford School of Science & Technology

How to bring creative flair to concrete projects?

Not everyone embraces the look of concrete and may consider it dull or boring. If that’s the case, then KEIM can transform with colour, and renovate building facades with the stroke of a brush!

Concrete walls can be painted in a variety of colours including blue, red, gold or even black.

Products used – KEIM Concretal-Black, KEIM Design Lasur, KEIM Soldalit

Project examples include: The National Theatre, London, Battersea Power Station, London, London Underground, Wessex Water Head Quarters

Concrete preparation and repairs

Alongside KEIM’s coatings and finishes there are cleaners and repair products too! Ranging from acidic cleaner for the removal of release agents and impurities, to repair mortar for larger scale reparation works.

Regardless of product application, all KEIM products follow the ethos; kind to use, kind to you, kind to the environment.

If you’re working with concrete and need some advice, why don’t you arrange a no obligation site survey, or talk to one of our specialists based in our Telford manufacturing facility?

Interested to find out more?

View KEIM’s profile on Bpi – https://www.bpindex.co.uk/supplier/4136/keim-mineral-paints-ltd/

Find out more https://www.keim.com/en-gb/products/concrete-systems/

KEIM – unparalleled performance and durability since 1878.

Tel: 01952 231 250       Web:  https://www.keim.com/en-gb/       Email: sales@keimpaints.co.uk.

Social Links:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keim_uk/

Pinterest https://in.pinterest.com/KEIMMineralPaints/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/keim-mineral-paints-ltd/

AATi Foundry: Manufacturing the BAFTA Award

Building Products Index Ltd Cast Metal Leave a Comment

View the AATi entry in BPindex

Visit the AATi website

AATi Foundry is proud to be in its third year as the manufacturer of the iconic BAFTA award. The BAFTA award is one of the most recognisable symbols of excellence in film, television, and gaming, and its production demands the highest levels of precision and craftsmanship.

Please find link to the BAFTA video which gives a behind the scenes look into how the BAFTA award is manufactured at our UK based factory.

The manufacturing process begins with advanced scanning hardware, and MagmaSoft simulation software to determine the optimal casting method. AATi’s experienced in-house pattern makers then produce the tooling at the Company’s dedicated pattern shop.

Air-set sand moulds are formed and carefully treated to achieve a sharp and clean finish before phosphor bronze is poured at 1,200°C. Once cast, the award is meticulously finished and mirror polished by AATi’s finishing team, resulting in a refined piece ready for presentation.

The Essex based foundry produces approximately 400 BAFTAs a year, and each BAFTA undergoes thorough quality control before being sent to BAFTA HQ in central London.

Hugh Bisset, Director at AATi: “The production of the BAFTAs demonstrates the market’s confidence in our business to achieve the finest finish possible for cast metal products. We have built up a particular set of skills and processes since 1934 which means we can manufacture any geometry in a broad array of finishes, always to the highest possible standard. This suits the prime and super prime brands and markets well, such as BAFTA.”

www.AATi.co.uk

TORMAX IP65 & IP68: Automatic Door Drives for Any Environment

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

View the TORMAX entry on BPindex

Visit the TORMAX website

Setting a new standard for hygiene, reliability, and durability, TORMAX introduces a comprehensive range of three automatic swing door drives and four sliding door systems, all designed to meet the highest IP65 and IP68 protection ratings.

Engineered to withstand even continuous immersion in water and to fully resist dust, dirt, and splash water, these robust door drives also perform reliably across a wide temperature range, from locations subject to high levels of humidity, right through to arctic chill.

Swiss precision engineering guarantees smooth, quiet movement, long service life, and minimal maintenance. Adjustable speeds, opening profiles, and programmable control options allow users to meet functional and regulatory requirements without compromising aesthetic design

Constructed with stainless steel components or full stainless steel housings, these corrosion-free drives have been successfully specified in diverse projects worldwide.

Capable of enduring intensive cleaning with high-pressure water jets, TORMAX IP65/68 door drives are the perfect solution for environments requiring the highest levels of hygiene, such as hospital operating theatres, laboratories, and clean rooms.

Equally suited to consistently wet conditions, including swimming pools, offshore platforms, and cruise ships, these drives deliver reliable automation even in challenging settings. Their resistance to extreme temperatures also makes them ideal for use in saunas, greenhouses, and cold storage units.

Offering exceptional design flexibility, the TORMAX range of IP65 and IP68-rated swing and sliding door operators provides architects and specifiers with versatile solutions — including the option for completely invisible swing door automation. Installed discreetly within the floor casing, the iMotion 1401 preserves clean architectural lines while delivering outstanding performance.

These high-performance drives can support door leaves weighing up to 600 kg and spanning widths of up to three metres.

AKW Launches Virtual Showroom to Support Accessible and Inclusive Specification.

Building Products Index Ltd Kitchen accessibility solutions Leave a Comment

View the AKW entry on BPindex

Visit the AKW website

AKW has introduced a new virtual kitchen showroom designed to support architects, contractors and other specifiers working on accessible and inclusive residential projects.

Building on the success of its virtual bathroom platform, the new digital showroom provides a practical resource for reviewing accessible kitchen solutions in realistic settings. The online environment enables construction professionals to explore product functionality, finishes and layout options remotely – helping to streamline early-stage design decisions and reduce uncertainty during specification.

The virtual showroom features two fully realised accessible kitchen environments, demonstrating how key features can be integrated into everyday settings. Specifiers can explore practical solutions including rise-and-fall worktops, drop-down storage baskets, pull-out ironing boards and heat drawers – all designed to improve usability and independence within the home.

Integrated product display boards provide an overview of AKW’s wider kitchen offering, covering doors, worktops and handles. Direct access to brochures throughout the experience allows professionals to move quickly from concept review to detailed evaluation.

Finish coordination is also addressed within the platform. The second virtual kitchen space showcases 28 door colourways alongside four complementary worksurfaces, enabling specifiers to assess aesthetic combinations while maintaining compliance with accessible design principles. This is particularly relevant for projects where inclusive functionality must sit alongside contemporary interior design expectations.

The virtual kitchen showroom complements AKW’s physical showrooms in Droitwich Spa and Middlewich, offering flexible product selection options depending on project needs and location. Together, the digital and in-person environments provide practical support throughout the specification process.

Stuart Reynolds, UK Marketing & Product Management Director at AKW commented: “Our virtual bathroom showroom has been widely adopted by OTs, Installers and end users. Extending this experience to our accessible kitchen range ensures that specifiers can review products in a realistic setting from anywhere in the UK, helping to remove uncertainty and support confident specification”.

By combining functional insight, finish selection and direct access to technical documentation, AKW’s new virtual kitchen showroom offers a valuable resource for professionals delivering adaptable and accessible kitchen design.

A-Clad: The complete non-combustible brick slip rainscreen system

Building Products Index Ltd Brick slip cladding, Cladding Leave a Comment

View the Eurobrick entry on BPindex

Visit the Eurobrick website

Since 1990, Eurobrick Systems has specialised in brick slip cladding in the UK. Last year, they launched A-Clad, a non-combustible brick slip rainscreen system that is fully fire-tested and achieves A1 rating for reaction to fire.

As regulatory requirements have changed, demand has grown for cladding systems that provide demonstrable fire performance without compromising on design or construction.

A-Clad has been developed to meet these requirements, combining robust safety credentials with the flexibility needed for a wide range of building types. The system has undergone rigorous fire and mechanical testing and is now being specified across different sectors.

“A-Clad has been designed to give specifiers confidence,” says Richard Haines, Director of Eurobrick. “It’s the complete system that has been comprehensively tested to ensure safety and performance. This full system testing is fundamental to providing peace of mind and is what sets A-Clad apart from other systems.”

The rigorous testing ensures that A-Clad performs not only in terms of fire safety, but also durability and long-term resilience. With safety and compliance at the forefront of specification decisions, A-Clad provides a robust solution that can be specified with confidence.

A complete system backed by technical expertise

A-Clad is supplied as a complete system, backed by Eurobrick’s in-house estimating and technical team, who brings over four decades of experience in cladding systems. They can provide:

  • Detailed design reviews to identify practical or cost-efficiency issues early on
  • Comprehensive take-offs and accurate estimates
  • Ongoing technical guidance throughout the design and build process
  • Use of Eurobrick Approved Installers to ensure correct installation, or…
  • Dedicated A-Clad installer training delivered by Eurobrick’s technical specialists

This level of technical support is often critical in reducing costly design revisions, avoiding unnecessary on-site delays and supporting smooth project delivery. Eurobrick work closely with architects, contractors and installers from early design and specification stages right through to completion.

Designed for a wide range of applications

A-Clad is part of Eurobrick’s established portfolio of brick slip systems and is suitable for all applications, including new build and refurbishment projects. The system is currently being specified on projects within the residential, education and public sector, including apartment buildings, student accommodation schemes, and operational buildings such as police stations. It has also been selected for technically demanding applications, including lift shafts, where performance and compliance are critical.

This breadth of use demonstrates the versatility of A-Clad and its ability to meet both regulatory and design requirements across different building types. Eurobrick looks forward to sharing further details of completed A-Clad projects in the near future.

Technical documentation and training

Full A-Clad system specifications, technical literature, installation guidance and training information are available on the Eurobrick website at www.eurobrick.co.uk. Installer training is a prerequisite for the A-Clad system and can be arranged directly with Eurobrick’s technical team by emailing info@eurobrick.co.uk.