Sue Corrick of Allegion UK explores the evolution of panic and emergency exit hardware, examining the specification and installation points that decision makers must consider throughout modern application. The swift evacuation of a building and its occupants is critical in an escape or emergency situation. And for decades, escape doors
Timber import volumes in 2023 continued to improve as the year progressed, with total volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures, according to the latest TDUK statistics. Timber import statistics for November 2023 show the market continued to improve in 2023, relative to 2022,
Steven Cunningham, Head of Engineering and Project Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has outlined ambitions for 2024 and beyond, focussing on enhancing customer engagement and developing people. With a wealth of experience in many facets of the business including estimating, trade, sales, and project management, Steven
Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – in collaboration with Waugh Thistleton Architects – have released a study on policies from across the globe which encourage the use of timber in construction. Timber Policy is a comparative study of policies, across six
Bowater Doors, part of Birtley Group, has strengthened the business with the appointment of Pete White in a new role as Head of Sales. An experienced sales professional, Pete has joined the leading composite and fire door manufacturer as the business looks to ramp up its supply to national house
Sentry Fire Safety Group (Sentry), the leading fire safety and security doorset manufacturer, was delighted to welcome Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to its Doncaster manufacturing facility on 12th January. Having last visited the firm in 2011, Mr Miliband toured Sentry’s newly expanded facility,
Steel Window Association members, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) and Steel Window Fittings (SWF) brought their individual expertise together while working on the County Hall project. Building on its 30-year long association with the former GLC headquarters on the south bank of the Thames, ASWS has provided its unique skillset
The UK’s leading manufacturer of plasterboard and plaster-based drylining systems has announced that all of its systems have now been awarded the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark. Earlier this year, British Gypsum announced that its non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, including shaft wall, had become one of
The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. The security of our built environment and the safety of its people is paramount throughout a building’s lifecycle. While these elements remain a primary focus
The versatile W40 window profiles, specifically developed by the Steel Window Association (SWA) for its members, are a stylish and modern solution that suit both new-build and refurbishment applications. While the classic W20 section continues to be preferred by conservationists and many property owners for early 20th century and older
Sue Corrick of Allegion UK explores the evolution of panic and emergency exit hardware, examining the specification and installation points that decision makers must consider throughout modern application. The swift evacuation of a building and its occupants is critical in an escape or emergency situation. And for decades, escape doors and exit hardware have been co-dependent in their purpose of facilitating safe egress when it matters most. In fact, exit hardware has been providing users with a safe means of escape since the early 20th century. Following a string of high-profile disasters, including the infamous Iroquois Theatre Fire in Chicago in 1903, the conditions of the world’s built environment and its emergency exits were more closely inspected as crucial elements of public safety, in large part to The National Fire Protection’s (NFPA) Life Safety Code in the US. Incidentally, this period was a catalyst for change in the exit device industry, with the world’s first panic bar made available in an assortment of configurations in 1908, courtesy of Von Duprin. Today, the term ‘exit hardware’ is more conventionally categorised as either panic hardware or emergency exit hardware. With distinguishing characteristics and features, both categories of exit hardware provide users with a safe means of escape, and both have come a long way since their inception all those years ago. As such, selecting the most suitable solutions can be a challenge for modern projects and decision makers are reminded to consider a number of key factors. Distinctive door hardware In a fire scenario, a building’s evacuation methods must be as straightforward and defined as possible. When a person reaches an exit door, it is essential that the door can be operated with ease, regardless of who is operating it and where it is being used. While all exit hardware plays an integral role in this process, decision makers must consider a building’s type, application and its occupation levels when selecting between panic and emergency exit hardware, since there are meaningful differences between the two. Panic hardware for example, is a type of exit device that has been designed to provide safe and effective escape through doorways with minimum effort and without prior knowledge of its operation. Panic hardware devices come in the form of horizontal push or touch bars and are commonly applied to outward opening doors in public facing buildings or buildings with more than 60 occupants, where they can be operated by untrained people or members of the public, ensuring safe and effective escape. As such, panic device push and touch bars should be installed to provide the maximum effective length, but never less than 60% of the door leaf width, as stipulated by BS EN 1125 and harmonised CE and UKCA designated standards. With its size, panic hardware is typically easier to see and operate than some emergency exit hardware devices. With this in mind, decision makers should often choose to implement panic hardware solutions in busy public spaces such as hospitals, shops and places of entertainment where usability is paramount. For spaces where opening width is limited, a non-intrusive touch bar can also be a practical option. Furthermore, in cases where users may wish to gain access from the outside of a door with a panic bar, an outside access device can also be applied to maintain equal levels of accessibility and security. Emergency exit hardware is dissimilar in a few areas. Typically smaller devices, emergency exit hardware is often applied in buildings with less than 60 occupants or non-public buildings, where its users have prior knowledge of the building’s layout, its escape routes and the exit devices placed throughout them. Think office spaces and warehouses for example. In design, emergency exit devices commonly comprise of a single push pad with a rim latch or a lever handle operating a mortice escape lock or nightlatch and allow for single action egress. Where emergency exit hardware is applied, it must be certified to BS EN 179. Information is key As per Approved Document B, all doors located on an escape route must have suitable exit hardware installed. And so, with varied solutions available, specification teams must also consider the door in which an exit device will be fitted. Will the device be applied to single or double doors? What are the height and width requirements? And does the device need anti-thrust bolts for added levels of security? Above all, does it meet the latest fire safety standards? If in doubt, decision makers are urged to select door hardware devices that are tested to EN 1125 while referring to harmonised and designated standards if they feel unsure. BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 standards provide important safety and reliability details on panic hardware and emergency exit devices respectively, reviewing classification, product performance requirements, test cycles and test methods as standard. For traceability purposes, decision makers and end-users can also review the UKCA and CE marks on exit hardware to find its fire rating, certificate numbers and the manufacturer’s details. Typically, dependable devices will be supplied with full product information from the manufacturer – including Declaration of Performance (DoP), Certifire certification and product data sheets – showing that they comply with the necessary harmonised standards. The Code for Construction Product Information has been designed to assist people in reviewing and selecting door hardware solutions transparently and can also be referred to for clear, accurate and up-to-date product information, to ensure door hardware solutions conform to the latest building standards and UKCA and CE certifications. Similarly, when it comes to installation, teams are advised to use the support that’s made available by manufacturers, in the form of helpful online tools and product guides. This further helps to ensure there are no oversights made at the installation stage that could develop into life-threatening issues later down the line. Under current EN standards, it is also recommended that all of a fire door’s hardware devices should be supplied from the same manufacturer and tested together to ensure the full doorset remains
Timber import volumes in 2023 continued to improve as the year progressed, with total volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures, according to the latest TDUK statistics. Timber import statistics for November 2023 show the market continued to improve in 2023, relative to 2022, with total import volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures. Import volumes in the month of November 2023 were 0.9% higher than in November 2022. The deficit in the cumulative annual volume of the UK’s timber and panel imports after 11 months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, reduced once again to stand at around 117,000m3 – down from 123,000m3 last month. This cumulative reduction in volume of all imports in 2023 to November over 2022 was 1.3%. This is a significant improvement on earlier in the year, as during the spring import volumes were on track to be the lowest since 2013, but imports during the second half of the year allayed any fear of this being the case. The loss in volume peaked at 384.000m3 in May 2023 and has reduced each month since to stand at 117,000m3, or just 1.3%, below 2022. The 0.9% growth in the month of November completed six months of consecutive growth of the combined volume of the main timber, panels and engineered wood products imported by the UK. This better second-half performance has been realised largely through higher softwood, hardwood plywood, OSB and MDF imports. Solid wood imports over the first 11 months of 2023 remain less than 1% lower than over the same period in 2022, with imports of panel products around 3% lower. TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “It’s encouraging to see main timber import volumes have now seen six months of consecutive growth in the second half of 2023, with statistics for the year just 1.3% below 2022 levels. “This supports our belief – and the CPA forecasts – that while the market may be challenging for the coming months, particularly in the core newbuild housing and RMI sectors, better times lie ahead. “It’s important to remember that while 2024 may have started slowly, this is likely to be an election year and the political parties will soon begin to set out their manifestos and plans for the construction and housebuilding sectors. The industry is expected to see recovery begin in 2025 post-General Election, and we look forward to learning how the different political parties plan to support the move towards timber as a core low-carbon building material, as has already been set out in the Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap.” This month’s statistics also contain a summary of the latest Construction Products Association’s forecasts for 2024 and beyond, with a focus on newbuild and private housing RMI. TDUK members can read the full report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Steven Cunningham, Head of Engineering and Project Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has outlined ambitions for 2024 and beyond, focussing on enhancing customer engagement and developing people. With a wealth of experience in many facets of the business including estimating, trade, sales, and project management, Steven is now responsible for the design function of the business. He said: “As we look ahead to our ambitions for 2024, customer engagement is a key business driver for us, as well as ensuring a smooth operation from the design to stage all the way through to manufacture and delivery. “The experience I have gained from my various roles in the business has given me a greater understanding, allowing me to see things from many different stakeholder’s perspectives – both customers and internally – to be able to improve processes and the quality of our offering. “As we are part of the wider ASSA ABLOY group, it gives us the ability to provide a more comprehensive solution than competitors, offering both the door and additional hardware as well.” The company’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) application, Openings Studio™, remains a key focus, with Steven keen to promote the benefits of the platform. “Openings Studio™ integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications. “This enables seamless extraction of door design intent and all relevant interfaces to assist fabricators to develop complete door requirements that meet building regulations.” In addition to solutions such as Openings Studio™, Steven believes great people are at the heart of the company’s success. He adds: “We’re keen to develop staff, grow the design function, and increase collaboration across departments. We have a very capable design team with different age ranges, some with many valuable years of experience and some newer team members. “This blend helps vastly when it comes to innovation, and I’m always learning new things from younger colleagues and looking at ways we can improve and do things better. “Teamwork is crucial to reach our goals and exceed all expectations, and we are confident we have to tools in place to make 2024 a year to be proud of.” For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit bit.ly/3OpVQRa. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – in collaboration with Waugh Thistleton Architects – have released a study on policies from across the globe which encourage the use of timber in construction. Timber Policy is a comparative study of policies, across six countries, which can act as a powerful tool to support policy makers on their journey to decarbonise construction in the UK, and beyond. Commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, this new report follows hot on the heels of the UK Government’s Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap, which aims to safely increase the use of timber in construction. Timber is a low-carbon, natural, renewable material, at the heart of transitioning to a sustainable, circular economy for the UK and many nations around the world. This study is a snapshot of a rapidly evolving movement. David Hopkins, chief executive of Timber Development UK said: “What we need to see this year is ambition turned to action. This means forward looking policy – and politicians brave enough to create a framework which places value on low-carbon construction. “Timber is the ultimate low-carbon material, and countries across the developed world have rightly recognized this – working to create comprehensive policy frameworks that support the growth of the timber industry. “The UK Government’s roadmap is a fantastic starting point, but without more action, there is a risk the UK falls behind. We need a clear timeline for change, starting with limits on embodied carbon in buildings, which is currently unregulated. “Embodied carbon can account for more than half of the emissions of a building over its lifetime – hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon per year – but this is currently ignored by UK politicians and policy makers. “Our new book, commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, highlights the policies being put in place in a variety of countries around the world. “The UK Government, if they are serious about achieving the goals of their roadmap, now need to look at what policies would work in the UK. We hope that these examples give food for thought and we can start to engage policy makers on making this happen, rather than simply relying on the market to change. “This year we must turn pockets of excellence, like the Stirling Prize winning Goldsmith Street, the Phoenix Development in Lewes, or the pioneering Black & White Building from exceptions to the norm. The opportunity has never been greater.” Andrew Waugh, director and co-founder, Waugh Thistleton Architects, said: “As pioneers in timber construction, we are proud to collaborate with TDUK to author the Timber Policy Book. Working at the forefront of global timber construction and participating in extensive research with European partners, we understand first-hand the impact of government policies on sustainable, low-carbon construction. “While the UK once led the world in mass timber construction, recent years have seen a shift in global leadership. Recent assessments, such as the Climate Change Committee’s critique of the UK Government’s Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, highlight the urgent need for accelerated policy development in the UK. “While we commend initiatives like the Timber in Construction Roadmap, our research for Timber Policy reveals that current UK efforts fall short of addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. Bold leadership, as demonstrated by progressive nations such as France, Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark, mandating limits on embodied carbon and investing in sustainable timber projects, is essential for a meaningful transition to a low-carbon future. The Roadmap sets out timelines to consider options, encourage voluntary reporting, and seek advice, after which revisions to policy will be put in place. The Timber Policy Guide shows how this process has already happened in the six example countries and policies which have already been implemented. “Despite challenges, some progress in the UK is evident; for example, the DfE’s flagship project to standardise mass timber school fabrication underscores its commitment to innovation. Additionally, the Mass Timber Insurance Playbook and New Model Building Guides, funded by Built by Nature, a philanthropic organisation, provide invaluable resources for navigating the complexities of timber construction. “The urgency of climate action cannot be overstated. With projections indicating a 1.5-degree increase in global temperatures by 2050 and up to 3 degrees by the end of the century, decisive steps must be taken. The Timber Policy book serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how public-private partnerships can drive systemic change towards a sustainable future.” Embodied carbon is recognised by major policy influencers such as the United Nations, Royal Society and World Green Building Council, and in the UK by the likes of the Climate Change Committee and Environmental Audit Committee as crucial to overcoming climate change. Despite a wide array of evidence and calls from these bodies to implement key policies, such as the regulation of embodied carbon, there has been a highly variable policy approach across the world. The UK, once positioned as a leader in sustainable construction using timber, now lags behind many other nations due to its regulatory environment. With this book, Timber Policy, we outline how six different countries around the world are helping to support the transition to low-carbon construction. This is the second in a trio of essential books, with the first edition Timber Typologies providing clarity on different timber systems. The final book in the series, Timber LCA, will demystify lifetime carbon analysis for timber buildings. Collectively, these books are intended to act as a stimulus for action – in the UK, and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bowater Doors, part of Birtley Group, has strengthened the business with the appointment of Pete White in a new role as Head of Sales. An experienced sales professional, Pete has joined the leading composite and fire door manufacturer as the business looks to ramp up its supply to national house builders and for social housing refurbishment and social rebuild. Previously, Pete headed up a team of five as Northern Sales Director for Vent-Axia. The business manufactured and supplied ventilation, heating and air conditioning equipment for social housing and local authority housing. Within his role at Bowater, Pete will appoint and lead a national sales team for the business, which is headquartered in Birtley, Gateshead. Pete aims to increase revenues as the firm meets the requirements of house building groups as well as local authorities and housing associations responsible for tenancy new builds and retrofit projects. Pete said: “Having worked in the UK manufacturing sector, I know Bowater Doors is an established business that is well-regarded within the sectors that it serves. “It is great to be joining a North East employer and am looking forward to being an intrinsic part of an entrepreneurial company. I plan to raise Bowater’s provision of fire doors and composite doors for residential new builds and renovation projects for social housing houses, flats and tower blocks. “A robust supply chain of composite doors and BM Trada performance certified fire doors and frames are fundamental for house building and retrofitting. I am excited about meeting Bowater’s current and new clients and being involved with their projects.” Jason Anderson, Managing Director for Birtley Group, added: “We’re delighted that a person of Pete’s calibre and experience is now a part of the business, as we support Bowater customers across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sentry Fire Safety Group (Sentry), the leading fire safety and security doorset manufacturer, was delighted to welcome Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to its Doncaster manufacturing facility on 12th January. Having last visited the firm in 2011, Mr Miliband toured Sentry’s newly expanded facility, chatted to staff, learnt about the company’s transformation and impressive growth trajectory, and saw first-hand how Sentry is leading the way in sustainable manufacturing. Sentry manufactures compliant, certified timber fire safety door sets for use in social housing, education, healthcare, care, and commercial environments, from a 35,000 sq. ft factory in Adwick le Street. It works closely with social housing and other sector providers to replace unsafe fire doors and advance the aims of the Fire Safety Act, which has become an important focus following the Grenfell tragedy. Investment in new facilities and state-of-the-art machinery Following its partnership with strategic advisers Cairngorm Capital in 2019, Sentry has benefited from a £2m investment in new facilities and state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, and investment in a new ERP system to streamline procurement and automate the ordering process and contribute to ongoing staff training. The company has also gained a second facility in Birmingham following its acquisition of Knowles in August 2022, a move which saw Sentry become the UK’s leader in fire safety and security doorsets market. Employee numbers have increased from 28 in 2019, to 200 today across both the Doncaster and Birmingham factories and has been supported by investment that has been made in staff training. Overall, this investment has resulted in an astonishing 100% increase in turnover and profits. A sustainable approach to manufacturing As Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Mr Miliband was particularly keen to find out more about Sentry’s sustainable approach to manufacturing, which guides everything that the firm does from product design to selecting their supply chain. Sentry leads the way in sustainable doorset production, through a variety of initiatives. For example, sawdust created during the production of Sentry’s timber fire doorsets is recycled by a local mill and the warehouse is heated using a return air duct from their extraction system. Sentry’s Birmingham factory is proud to hold IS0 14001 certification and FSC Certification, and the company is a strong supporter of green initiatives including Trees for Cities. Ty Aziz, Sentry’s CEO who spent time with Mr Miliband during his first visit, commented: ‘We were delighted to welcome Mr Miliband to our facility once again, we thoroughly enjoyed his company and welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate the transformation in our business and the growth that we’ve achieved since he was last here. It was also great to discuss our various ESG initiatives with him and be able to introduce Mr Miliband to some of the people that make Sentry the fantastic, forward-thinking business it is today.” Following his visit to the Sentry Doors facility, Mr Miliband commented: “I’m delighted to visit Sentry again and witness the growth in the business that has occurred since I was last here. Sentry provides jobs for local people and is a great example of how quality companies can thrive with committed partners. I look forward to Sentry continuing to support local people’s livelihoods for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Steel Window Association members, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) and Steel Window Fittings (SWF) brought their individual expertise together while working on the County Hall project. Building on its 30-year long association with the former GLC headquarters on the south bank of the Thames, ASWS has provided its unique skillset to a company carrying out an equally unusual style of redevelopment within the property’s long neglected top floor level. ASWS carried out a comprehensive, yet carefully considered repair and replacement contract at County Hall. Level 5 of County Hall had actually been empty since 1994, with little maintenance carried out and a number of the dormer window structures having been boarded up or infilled with brickwork for the past two decades. Following its completion of a detailed condition survey on behalf of the project consultants, ASWS was duly tasked with repairing and easing a total of 134 faceted bay windows, many of which had suffered heavy corrosion. Director of ASWS, Kris Bennell, recounted, “The original windows featured Medium Universal suite steel frames, so for the 11 which had to be reinstated we produced close replicas using W20 sections; though across the job as a whole we were asked to provide a ‘light touch’ restoration. This is very much the ethos of the client which is committed to providing sustainable workspaces; as well as offering help with issues such as funding and recruitment.” “Rather than gutting out the 5th floor, the old parquet floor was cleaned and preserved while many wall areas were left bare. For the fenestration, new handles were fixed to the original back-plates, while we designed new blocks which were fitted to the heads, for the spring catches to engage with. Any broken panes were replaced and all of the hinges reset to ensure ease of operation.” Kris Bennell concluded, “This is one of the very first contracts of its type in the country, where interventions have been kept to an absolute minimum – based on sustainability and environmental impact rather than cost – and we have been very proud to be involved.” James Barrett, from Steel Window Fittings, said, “It was fantastic to see our hardware in-situ on such a prestigious building. The B205N09F is a unique window handle with a sleek, curving lever that complements the Edwardian baroque architecture.” Steel Window Fittings’ duplex system was selected to stay true to the building’s heritage appearance whilst providing functionality to the large, multilight windows. Adding a duplex system produces a tight seal between the frame and sash, reducing weathering and promoting longevity. Along with the handle fittings, the B59KN OG – a classic slide stay with a fitted round knob – was also installed onto the bottom section of the window to allow for fixing of the window position for safety within the building. All hardware was supplied in a matching oil rubbed bronze finish to blend with the traditional window frames throughout level 5 in County Hall. The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments. For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s leading manufacturer of plasterboard and plaster-based drylining systems has announced that all of its systems have now been awarded the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark. Earlier this year, British Gypsum announced that its non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, including shaft wall, had become one of the first products on the UK market to carry the CCPI mark. Now six product sets have been validated by CCPI, a method developed by the Construction Products Association’s (CPA) Marketing Integrity Group to provide assurance that the product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous. The six product sets listed cover 23 British Gypsum systems, incorporating 300 products. The six product sets are: non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, including shaft wall; non-loadbearing ceiling systems; structural steel encasement systems; ceiling systems below loadbearing timber joist floors; non-loadbearing wall lining systems and proprietary and non-proprietary lining systems incorporating Gypsum products, such as GypLyner Xternal, linings for timber frames and plastering systems. Dave Robinson, Head of Technical Support at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, which includes British Gypsum, Celotex and Isover, said: “We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI and welcomed the initiative with open arms and were keen to be one of the first to get involved. “In essence, it provides a benchmark for manufacturers and signifies to customers that the product information they’re receiving is trustworthy and adheres to the high standards set out by the CCPI.” Dave, who sat on the CPA’s Marketing Integrity Group, added: “In working with CCPI there was very little difference with what we were doing already. We have always set great store by our data integrity and we ensure that our test data is shared openly and transparently, as evidenced by the fact that we have been publishing the White Book for more than half a century.” In order to ensure a ‘single source of truth’ for its test data, British Gypsum created a sophisticated Product Information Management (PIM) system, which includes 13,000 test reports, with drylining system tests carried out at the independent, UKAS-accredited Building Test Centre. The PIM system means test data is always up to date, which is why British Gypsum took the decision to stop printing the White Book, making it digital to ensure accurate, timely and accessible data. Dave added: “As the construction industry adapts to a new and improved building safety regime, we hope our partners within the industry and the wider sector join us in securing CCPI accreditation and taking responsibility for building better and safer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. The security of our built environment and the safety of its people is paramount throughout a building’s lifecycle. While these elements remain a primary focus at each touchpoint of a construction project, today’s design teams are sooner adopting modern access control systems to address this age-old challenge, but why? Where systems were once rudimentary, modern access control has evolved into a revolutionary factor of building design, unlocking various benefits for its many users in the process. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced building security as we know it, and as technology continues to advance, more options enter the market. Following more than a decade of innovation and integration, the access control market is projected to grow year on year, from £7.8 billion in 2023 to £11.8 billion by 2028. Modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements during this period, and decision makers and design teams alike can now choose from a versatile selection of options. Some door hardware products now utilise smart locks, cloud control and even biometrics for example, and most recently, there’s been a substantial change to the way access control systems operate, with focus moving towards end users and ease of use. From an operational perspective, interconnected access control systems gift users with an intuitive network that improves building security through the use of real-time status updates, while also providing them with the ability to grant instant access approval and denial at the touch of a button. Often, users can operate their building’s various access points through their mobile phone, which has led to improved flexibility and efficiency in most environments – whether at home or in a public access property. The security benefits also become clear when compared to the alternative of physical keys. If a traditional key is lost or stolen, the security of a building becomes at risk until it is found or replaced. Intuitive access control systems are designed to build upon the traditional lock and key methods. By seamlessly integrating smart door hardware into both new and retrofit projects, users can manage access points and improve security across the building – without stifling ease of access, stunting future scalability or unsettling the aesthetics. As many adopt Wi-Fi infrastructures, NFC technology and cloud services into their buildings, decision makers must also consider the need for better standards. While the introduction of IoT may advance security, performance and functionality, it can also introduce new risks which must be mitigated by adhering to both localised and international standards, such as ISO 27001 for example. The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) standard is one of the widely recognised and respected standards for access control products and provides comprehensive requirements for systems by focusing on interoperability, scalability, and functionality. This standard ensures that access control products from different manufacturers can seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other, allowing for greater flexibility and choice when designing a complete access control system. After all, a one size fits all access control solution simply doesn’t exist and decision makers would be remiss in not selecting a product that aligns with their building’s needs while meeting the required standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The versatile W40 window profiles, specifically developed by the Steel Window Association (SWA) for its members, are a stylish and modern solution that suit both new-build and refurbishment applications. While the classic W20 section continues to be preferred by conservationists and many property owners for early 20th century and older properties, W40 exemplifies how steel fenestration systems have kept pace with modern tastes and technical demands, while retaining key attributes such as strength and excellent daylight transmission. Today’s W40 profiles, manufactured from hot rolled steel, provide greater flexibility than their predecessors, being able too accommodate thicker double or even triple glazing units. They are also capable of creating larger window openings without coupling individual frames together. Doors manufactured using W40 profiles and featuring double or triple glazing can achieve very good thermal performance, while further providing excellent security; with multipoint locking being an option. The preferred IG unit for a building regulations compliant W40 steel window now features a 4-8-4-8-4mm construction, with two soft-coat Low-E panes; plus warm edge spacer bars and argon gas filling. They can also contain acoustic glass, making W40 designs ideal for many inner-city areas where noise pollution is a common issue. The SWA represents steel window manufacturers, from expert restorers working with heritage bodies and local conservation officers, to large companies producing W40 frames for commercial offices and leisure destinations as well as modern apartment blocks, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. Significantly, W40 profiles can be used to fabricate a wide variety of opening formats, including multi-leaf folding/stacking doors, in a full selection of RAL colours. The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments. For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
