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7500 Series Floor Access Covers

Howe Green and DMC Contracts help create a first-class finish at Farringdon Elizabeth line station

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Image courtesy of Crossrail Ltd
Image courtesy of Crossrail Ltd

As a central part of the Elizabeth line that will connect with Thameslink and the London Underground, Farringdon station will be one of the UK’s busiest.

Strategically situated 30 metres underground between the cultural and financial centres of London, the Elizabeth line station will provide links to the capital’s centre and Canary Wharf, outer suburbs, home counties and three of London’s five airports. Up to 24 trains will run each way through central London every hour at peak times when the Elizabeth line is fully open.

Throughout the construction process 200 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers were installed at Farringdon Elizabeth line station by DMC Contracts, one of the UK’s leading fit-out contractors.

Image courtesy of Crossrail Ltd
Image courtesy of Crossrail Ltd

The floor covers were installed throughout the entire 25,596 square metre station, including two new ticket halls, which are connected by an underground central concourse, in addition to the 244 metre long passenger platform.

Having to fit within a complex infrastructure network below ground presented engineering and design challenges that required bespoke design solutions.

This included the specification of Howe Green’s single, duct and multipart configuration steel floor access covers, which were manufactured in standard and modified depths to provide safe and secure access to under-floor services, without impacting the overall design scheme.

Conor McCann, Director at DMC Contracts, said: “Farringdon Elizabeth line station sets the standard for specification. The BREEAM excellent accredited construction features the highest specification of modern building components.

Image courtesy of Crossrail Ltd
Image courtesy of Crossrail Ltd

“Drawing on our 15 year relationship with Howe Green we were able to ensure all under-floor services could be accessed quickly and conveniently, whilst meeting the project’s specific requirements and ensuring compliance.”

Suitable for up to 5 tonne pneumatic tyre wheel loads, Howe Green’s medium-duty floor access covers were specified to withstand the station’s high volume passenger footfall, whilst the easy lift mechanism will ensure minimal disruption to passengers when engineers are accessing below floor services.

Manufactured to BS 476: Part 22, Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers also provide resistance to fire and smoke for up to two hours, eliminating the potential transmission of smoke and fire from below floor services in the event of a fire.

This was a key consideration throughout the specification process, to ensure the access solutions provide the highest standards in safety and performance throughout all areas of the station.

Chris George, Business Development Manager for Howe Green, said: “We are extremely proud to have partnered with fit-out specialist DMC Contracts at Farringdon station, in addition to six other stations as part of the Elizabeth line. As Farringdon will become one of the busiest stations in the UK, it was crucial that our floor access covers could meet the project’s unique specifications, and by working in partnership with DMC Contracts, we successfully achieved this.”

For further information on Howe Green’s complete range of floor access solutions, visit www.howegreen.com or call 01920 463230.

Howe Green and DMC Contracts create strong foundations at Whitechapel Elizabeth line station

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36076 Image Retouch_1-TB (6)As an important interchange for both the Hammersmith & City and District Lines and London Overground, Whitechapel station will be an integral element of the Elizabeth line, with services running every two and a half minutes at peak times.

Featuring a design approach that weaves the new Elizabeth line station between the existing transport services to an elevated station concourse that acts as a bridge to improve community links, the full route will allow passengers to travel through to Paddington, Heathrow or Reading in the west and Shenfield or Abbey Wood in the east.

As part of the construction process, 900 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers in standard and bespoke depths have been specified and installed by official Crossrail sub-contractor and one of the UK’s leading fit-out contractors, DMC Contracts.

36076 Image Retouch_3-TB (4)Supplied in single, duct and multipart configurations, the resilient steel floor access covers have been installed throughout all areas of the station, including the new ticket hall and station concourse, to provide secure and concealed access to under-floor services.

Howe Green’s durable 7500 Series Floor Access Covers were specified in standard and bespoke depths in conjunction with Granazzo floor tiles, to create a streamlined visual appeal, whilst also delivering the highest standard in safety and security.

Suitable for up to 5 tonne pneumatic tyre wheel loads, the medium-duty floor access covers will also withstand heavy footfall throughout all areas of the station with ease, whilst the easy lift mechanism will ensure minimal disruption to passengers when engineers are accessing below floor services.

Conor McCann, Director at DMC Contracts, said: “The new Whitechapel Elizabeth line station was a significant project for both ourselves and the team at Howe Green. The sheer size of the development required a significant quantity of floor access covers to provide consistent and secure access through every area of the vast station.

36076 Image Retouch_2-TB (7)“By working in close partnership with Howe Green, we were able to ensure each project specification was successfully met. The end result is a flooring installation that not only reflects the polished, calming aesthetic of the entire station, but is also functional, safe and compliant.”

Manufactured to BS 476: Part 22, the 7500 Series Floor Access Covers provide resistance to fire and smoke for up to two hours, eliminating the potential transmission of smoke and fire from below floor services in the event of a fire. This was a key consideration throughout the specification process, to ensure the access solutions provide the highest standards in safety and performance throughout all areas of the station.

Chris George, Business Development Manager at Howe Green, said: “Our relationship with DMC Contracts spans over 15 years and it was a real privilege to be able to collaborate together on such an iconic and significant infrastructure project.

“The design of the new Whitechapel Elizabeth line station required bespoke specifications, which our inhouse team of design and engineering experts in Hertfordshire were able to quickly and successfully accommodate, to ensure a functional yet visually appealing finish.”

For further information on Howe Green’s complete range of floor access solutions, visit www.howegreen.com or call 01920 463230.

Howe Green on the right track with the Elizabeth line

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As Europe’s largest current infrastructure project, spanning over 60 miles via 41 different stations, the Elizabeth line will transform rail transport in London and the South East, when services commence in the first half of 2022.

Canary Wharf Access Covers 016The landmark project has seen the construction of 42km of new tunnels and the development of 10 new stations, with 31 existing stations also undergoing extensive upgrades.

As part of the formation of the Elizabeth line’s central section, which spans from Westbourne Park to Plumstead and Pudding Mill Lane, one of the UK’s leading fit-out contractors, DMC Contracts, has installed over 1,500 Howe Green Floor Access Covers throughout seven stations.

This includes Whitechapel, Farringdon, Paddington, Bond Street, Woolwich Arsenal, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton Mainline, where over the last five years DMC Contract’s team of engineers have also installed over 30,000 square metres of Granazzo floor tiles.

Howe Green’s 7500 Series stainless steel Floor Access Covers have been installed throughout the ticket halls, walkways and main concourses of each station to provide engineers with secure and concealed access to under-floor services, whilst the tamper proof construction also prevents unauthorised access.

This is due to the cover’s unique design, which features unobtrusive barrel cover lifting points that can only be accessed with specific lifting and securing keys. As only the securing bolt and barrel edge are visible, the covers provide the highest standards of security, without impacting on the overall design scheme or presenting a potential trip hazard.

Conor McCann, Director at DMC, said: “Due to the nature and sheer magnitude of this project, it was imperative that we worked in tandem with Howe Green from the initial design and specification stages through to site installation to ensure the successful flooring completion of all the Elizabeth line stations.

“When we embarked on this project back in 2016, it quickly became apparent that no other manufacturer could match the calibre of Howe Green’s expertise and superior product excellence. By working together from the very beginning, we have been able to ensure the flooring of every station has been installed to the highest possible standard and will withstand the heavy footfall of passengers with ease.”

Manufactured to BS 476: Part 22, the 7500 Series provides resistance to fire and smoke for up to two hours, providing the highest standards in safety, performance and compliance throughout all seven stations.

With each floor access cover withstanding up to five tonne pneumatic tyre wheel loads, the 7500 Series was also supplied in a range of configurations, including singles, multiparts and ducts, to provide unobstructed access to rodding points and winch systems and electrical pits throughout all areas of the stations.

As the lifting blocks are anchored to the inner frame, the floor access covers can be handled easily and safely by contractors, reducing any potential disruption to passenger’s travel as the maintenance can be conducted quickly and safely.

Throughout the design stages, the floor access covers were installed in conjunction with the Granazzo floor tile modules to create a flush, unbroken visual appeal, whilst also ensuring the safety of all passengers when travelling throughout all areas of the station.

Chris George, Business Development Manager for Howe Green, said: “Over the last 15 years we have developed a successful and close relationship with DMC, which has been fostered and maintained through our combined dedication to achieving the most successful specification for every project.

“It has been a real privilege to work together throughout the construction of the Elizabeth line and I know I speak for both parties when we say we’re extremely proud of the level of work that’s been achieved.”

For further information on Howe Green’s complete range of floor access solutions, visit www.howegreen.com or call 01920 463230.

For further information on DMC Contracts please contact Conor McCann on 01375 845070 or visit www.dmccontracts.co.uk.

Howe Green supplies floor access covers for inspirational university building

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Collaborative Teaching Laboratory 065Over fifty Howe Green 5000 Series Light Duty Aluminium and 7500 Series Medium Duty Aluminium Floor Access Covers were supplied for the award winning Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Campus.

The robust 6,700 m2  brick structure was designed by architects Sheppard Robson. It has won four awards in the RIBA West Midlands Awards 2019, including RIBA West Midlands Building of the Year.  The CTL has also achieved a BREEM Excellent standard and an EPC A Rating for efficiency.

The building design was meticulously detailed and the materials used were chosen to minimise maintenance and enhance the life expectancy of the building.

The Howe Green aluminium floor access covers were supplied to main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction and were specified by Sheppard Robson.  The covers were installed by the team from Morgan Sindall Construction and infilled with ceramic floor tiles.

In addition to ceramic tiles the 5000 Series and 7500 Series can be used with marble, terrazzo, concrete, resin, wood or parquet flooring.   The 5000 Series is suitable for use in areas with pedestrian traffic and the load performance of the 7500 Series is for cars and light delivery vehicles up to 5 tonnes pneumatic tyre load.

The access covers can be removed, safely and easily, for maintenance purposes with the use of lifting keys or Howe Green Access Cover Skates.  The access covers fit perfectly flush with their surround to avoid the risk of hazard from slips or trips.

Available as a single cover, a duct run or as a multipart unit the 5000 and 7500 Series can be supplied in standard sizes from stock. If a custom size is required it can be manufactured to order at the Howe Green manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire.

Howe Green has over thirty six years of experience in supplying floor access covers to the education sector.  Howe Green’s access covers can be found in many educational settings including John Moores University in Liverpool, St Bernadette’s Primary School in Antonshill, Scotland, and the University of Surrey.

If you would like Howe Green to assist with your requirement for a solution to access concealed building services located under hard flooring please call 01920 463230 or visit www.howegreen.com.

Worry free floor access for Westgate Oxford

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Howe Green Westgate Edit FinalOver 80 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Medium Duty Stainless Steel Floor Access Covers were specified by architect Chapman Taylor LLP for the Westgate Oxford development. The floor covers provide access to essential services concealed under the flooring.

Laing O’Rourke began construction of the 800,000 sq. ft. centre in spring 2015.  The centre will eventually have over 100 stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a 5 screen boutique cinema and a public roof garden complete with cocktail bar.

The Howe Green 7500 Series Floor Access Covers provide safe, easy access to underfloor services and high levels of performance for what will be a heavily trafficked pedestrian area. The 7500 Series can withstand up to a 5 tonne pneumatic wheel loading and, as they are made of stainless steel, are resistant to rust and corrosion.

The covers, installed by specialist stone contractor Vetter UK, have been infilled with various types of stone to blend seamlessly with the different hard flooring finishes used across multiple locations.  The flush finish ensures the attractiveness of the flooring is not compromised and the risk of slip and trip hazards is reduced.

The 7500 Series Medium Duty Floor Access Covers are tamper resistant, meeting the requirement for a secure access solution, a necessity in such a public place.