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Profab Access rises to the top at Aungier Street Student Accommodation

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Situated in the heart of Dublin just a short walk or cycle from Trinity College, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and University College Dublin, Scape Aungier Street is a new state-of-the-art student accommodation complex.

Offering a diverse range of high quality accommodation options, from en suite rooms in shared apartments, through to large and premium studios, the latest Scape development features communal study spaces, large open plan kitchens and gym areas to offer students all of the amenities they require.

As part of the construction process, which was managed by John Paul Construction, 226 Profab Access 4000 Series Riser Doors were specified for installation by AE Doors throughout every part of the building, including the communal areas and individual bedrooms.

The 4000 Series Riser Doors offer the highest standards of fire safety, supplied with comprehensive CERTIFIRE bi-directional certification from third party accredited testing, Warrington Fire.

This means the riser doors are fire tested from both sides to two hours, providing the specifiers, contractors and ultimately the students residing within the building with confidence the critical fire integrity products offer the highest standard and most up to date evidence for fire safety performance.

The 4000 Series is the only riser door in the UK to be independently bi-directionally fire tested and certified by an accredited third party to ensure legal compliance.

The steel riser doors feature a slimline construction that doesn’t compromise on quality or functionality, offering aesthetics without compromise. Providing clean and concealed access to the riser shafts, the unobtrusive doors were specified with a central key cylinder lock and hinges on one side.

This significantly streamlined the installation process for the team at AE Doors and reduced the risk of damage to the doors upon installation, particularly in the student bedrooms and bathrooms where access was restricted.

Pat Woods, Technical Sales at AE Doors, said: “Given the nature of this development we knew the quality and durability of the riser doors was paramount to ensure their longevity and continued efficiency.

“We have supplied and installed Profab Access’ riser doors for over two years and continue to be extremely impressed with the quality of construction, so we knew the 4000 Series would be the ideal choice for this project.

“The products are extremely easy to install and as they are manufactured in the UK, they are available with impressive lead times. This meant we could ensure the development of the project was kept on track, ready for its opening this autumn.”

In the event of a fire, the doors will maintain their frame and integrity for up to two hours, preventing the spread of fire throughout the property for this period of time.

The riser doors are 35dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L, whilst also featuring intumescent smoke seals that enable occupants to safely exit the building. By specifying the CERTIFIRE bi-directionally fire tested 4000 Series Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence that evidences the products are not only fit for purpose, but meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance.

Mick Hill, Lead Technical Manager at Profab Access, said: “Scape provides students across Ireland, the UK and Australia with contemporary accommodation that offers the highest standards in quality, safety and functionality.

“The specification of our 4000 Series bi-directionally fire tested riser doors throughout all areas of the new Aungier Street development is a further reflection of this commitment, ensuring the building features the highest levels of riser shaft fire protection currently available on the Irish and UK markets.”

The 4000 Series Riser Doors were supplied with a high quality powder-coated matt surface, which were finished on-site in a range of bold colours to reflect the contemporary interior design scheme.

Profab Access’ diverse portfolio of riser doors and access panels are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages.

Manufactured at Profab Access’ Atherstone headquarters in accordance with ISO 9001, the 4000 Series Riser Doors can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet each project’s specific measurements and requirements.

For further information on Profab Access and its range of access panels, riser doors and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 719051 or visit https://www.profabaccess.com.

Profab Access proves its worth at One Bishopsgate Plaza

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One Bishopgate Plaza 035Situated in the centre of the City of London, One Bishopsgate Plaza is one of the first high-rise residential and hospitality developments to be built in the capital for a number of years.

Once construction has been completed, the flagship 43-storey tower will house London’s first luxury 5* Pan Pacific Hotel, which will comprise of 237 rooms, an indoor swimming pool and a 370 capacity Pacific Ballroom, Square Mile’s first dedicated ballroom.

From levels 21 to 41, the development will house 160 luxury one, two and three bed residential apartments, or ‘Sky Residences’, which will boast panoramic views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks.

As part of the construction process, over 200 steel riser doors from Profab Access in a range of door leaf configurations and sizes from its 4000 Series, combined with over 300 bespoke ceiling panels from its 7000 Series, are currently being installed throughout the entire tower by BDL Dry Lining.

Specified due to their impressive seamless integration into masonry walls, shaft walls and drywall partitions, the riser doors provide discreet and secure access that won’t impact on the overall interior design scheme of the development, a main consideration for the public and private areas of the hotel.

The 4000 Series’ third party CERTIFIRE bi-directional certification from Warrington Fire was also a leading factor for specification, as the riser doors are fire tested from both sides to two hours, providing the highest standard of evidence for fire safety performance.

One Bishopgate Plaza 016All of the doors were supplied with comprehensive CERTIFIRE accreditation documentation as evidence of Profab Access’ up to date fire testing, providing both the specifiers and contractors responsible for the development with absolute confidence in the performance of the critical fire integrity products.

The 4000 Series is the only riser door in the UK to be independently bi-directionally fire tested and certified by an accredited third party, to ensure legal compliance.

A combination of one and two hour fire rated riser doors were chosen to be installed throughout all residential and communal areas of the building to not only achieve compliance with current regulations by eliminating the spread of fire throughout the building for the specified durations, but sufficiently future proof the building for years to come.

The bespoke Profab Access 7000 Series Ceiling Access Panels have also been specified for installation throughout the hotel bedrooms and communal areas to provide concealed and maintenance free access to the ceiling shafts.

Due to the significant size of the ceiling access panels, which span up to 1100mm x 1800mm, Profab Access developed a bespoke additional safety system that featured a one side lift out and one side swing/push latch mechanism. The innovative design assisted BDL Dry Lining’s team of engineers in stopping the heavy doors swinging from the ceiling, while also enabling the panel design to work within a reduced space.

BDL Dry Lining is one of the  largest specialist dry lining contractors in the UK and has been an installer of Profab Access riser doors and access panels on high profile commercial and residential projects for a number of years.

Tony Grayson, Project Manager at BDL Dry Lining, said: “This is a standout development to be involved with and we knew from the very beginning that Profab Access would be our go to supplier for this project.

One-Bishopgate-Plaza-001-cleaned“Over the last two years we have worked closely with Access 360’s team of Specification Managers and Engineering experts to deliver and install the riser doors and ceiling access panels throughout the 41 storeys. The access solutions are extremely easy to install and offer the highest standards in performance, quality and compliance for unfaltering consistency across the entire site.”

The riser doors are also 35dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L. In the event of a fire, the doors will maintain their frame and integrity for up to two hours, limiting the spread of fire and transmission of radiant heat for this period of time. The doors’ intumescent smoke seals also enables occupants to safely exit the building, whilst subsequently minimising potential damage to other areas of the construction.

By specifying the CERTIFIRE bi-directionally fire tested 4000 Series Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence that evidences the products are not only fit for purpose, but meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance.

Mick Hill, Lead Technical Manager at Profab Access, said: “As One Bishopsgate Plaza is such a unique building, it required a bespoke approach that ensured the access solutions we provided were not only fit for purpose, but superseded expectations.

“That’s why every element of the ceiling and wall access products have been individually considered, from the additional safety systems on the ceiling access panels, to the Euro Cylinder locks on the riser doors to prevent unauthorised access. The result is a complementary suite of solutions that provide unobtrusive access, without compromising on aesthetics.”

Profab Access’ comprehensive portfolio of access panels and riser doors are manufactured in-house at its headquarters in Atherstone and are supplied with impressive lead times throughout the UK. The products are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages.

Manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001, the 4000 Series Riser Doors and 7000 Series Ceiling Access Panels can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet each project’s specific measurements and requirements.

For further information on Profab Access and its range of riser doors, access panels, and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 719051 or visit www.profabaccess.com.

Three brands, one objective – safe access all areas

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View the Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green entries on BPindex

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Access 360 Header Image - 3 brandsThree of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry.

Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green.  These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment.

The brand identities have been updated, reflecting the holistic offer that Access 360 presents to the market, to represent the synergy between the brands and the complementary nature of the products.

Bilco UK is a horizontal access specialist supplying the commercial market with standard and bespoke roof access hatches, ladders, smoke vents and floor doors. Founded in the USA in 1926 the company has been operating in the UK since 1989.

Following the acquisition of Bilco by the Tyman Group in 2016 Bilco UK became part of home security specialist ERA in April 2017.

Howe Green was acquired by Bilco UK in 2017. The company manufactures fabricated floor access covers, linear drainage, tree pit covers and bespoke metalwork from a manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire. Incorporated in 1983 Howe Green access covers are specified across a diversity of industry sectors.

In August 2018 Profab Access, a leading manufacturer of vertical access panels, riser doors and steel doors was acquired. Established in 2001 Profab employs a team of 71 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Warwickshire.

The strategic acquisitions of Howe Green and Profab Access were designed to strengthen Bilco UK’s “Safe Access All Areas” proposition. The three companies serve the same market, working with architects, specifiers and building service professionals to provide trusted, high quality, safe access solutions.

James Fisher, Managing Director of Access 360, explains the rationale behind the creation of Access 360 and the new brand identities. “Since the acquisition of Howe Green and Profab Access we have been promoting our ability to provide an unparalleled range of access solutions. From an operational perspective it soon became obvious that we needed a name and an identity that could encompass all three companies, whilst retaining the established and trusted brand names.

“We have members of the team whose responsibilities cover the three brands, including myself, our Sales Director, Technical Director, Marketing Manager, SHEQ Manager, New Product Development Engineer and our sales force.

“The name Access 360 represents what we have to offer the construction sector – products that cover the complete spectrum of access solutions.  We have a new brand mark for each company to illustrate how the brands, and respective products, complement each other.  We are delighted to present Access 360 to the world and to announce the bringing together of three brands with one specific objective – safe access all areas.”

To find out more about the range of products available from Access 360 please visit www.access-360.co.uk.

Profab Access Ahead of the Curve with Fire Testing

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Profab Access Ltd, part of the Access 360 portfolio, is prioritising fire safety in buildings with the introduction of fire testing for both sides of its 4000 Series riser door range.

Established in 2001, Profab Access Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer of wall and ceiling access panels and riser doors.  The company employs a team of 71 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire.  All aspects of the design and manufacturing process are carried out onsite.

Fire Testing to 4 hoursProfab has been working with the global testing, inspection and certification company, Warrington Fire, for several years and has the CERTIFIRE independent third party certification for its 4000 Series riser doors, 8000 Series access panels for tiled walls, 1000 Series access panels and steel doors.  The 4000 and 8000 Series ranges are available with up to a 4 hour CERTIFIRE rating.

Since the Grenfell Tower fire the issue of fire safety has dominated the construction sector.  Following the Hackitt Review and the subsequent Government Implementation Plan, published in December 2018, four key areas were highlighted for improvement, including “Clearer standards and guidance, and product safety”.

James Fisher, Managing Director of Access 360, comments, “From our perspective actions speak louder than words. In the spirit of the Hackitt Review we wanted to ‘start living the cultural shift’and to lead the industry by investing in testing and certification because we believe it’s the right thing to do and not just because it’s a legal requirement.”

“Fire testing from both sides is a significant investment on our part, in terms of time and cost.  It takes nearly twice as long to test from both sides, requires two doors to be tested on opposite sides and doubles the cost of the testing and certification process. The benefit to our customers is that they can have absolute confidence that when they specify a Profab fire rated riser door its performance has been tested and independently verified above and beyond what is legally required.”

“We want all our customers to have this level of peace of mind and it is our intention to conduct fire testing from both sides on all the products in the Profab range. Testing on the 1000 Series access panels is already under way.”

Warrington Fire, now a part of the Element Group, is a UKAS accredited laboratory which specialises in fire resistance testing for passive fire protection products.  The testing process is stringent, from start to finish. The testing personnel from Warrington Fire come to the Profab Access manufacturing facility to personally select the riser doors they wish to test. Both the doors and frames are signed by the testers to ensure the correct products are delivered to them for testing.

Once at the laboratory the riser doors are tested to BS EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018, the standard for fire resistance and smoke control.  The testing process involves the riser doors being held in a rig in front of a kiln. The size of the rig, 3 metres high by 3 metres wide, enables testing of single, double or triple riser doors to be carried out.

The riser doors are tested to measure the integrity of the door and frame when subjected to fire. The process involves ensuring that flaming cannot occur on the unexposed face of the door for longer than 10 seconds and that a 25 mm rod cannot be passed through the specimen.  The transfer of radiant heat though the surface of the doors is also measured.  Limiting the transmission of heat from one side of the door to the other to protect building occupants so they can safely exit the building is paramount.

Amendments have already been made to the Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety), notably the ban on combustible cladding on all new buildings over 18 metres in height. Further changes are expected as a result of the call for evidence for the technical review of Approved Document B, which closed in March.  By taking the lead in fire testing both sides of the 4000 Series riser doors Profab Access is future proofing the products being used in the construction sector.  When it comes to riser doors building professionals now have the opportunity to specify products that exceed the legal requirements.

To find out more about the range of fire rated products available from Profab Access please visit www.profabaccess.com or call the Technical team on 01827 719051.

 

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