Where access control is concerned, architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality and security, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Following a period of innovation and integration, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade. Where systems
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and
Supported as a route to more efficient and sustainable construction, modular construction is an evolving sector that offers the industry progressive benefits, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Recognised as an emerging model in modern methods of construction (MMC), modular construction is an industry on the rise, albeit one
Styled after the sumptuous interior of the Brighton Pavilion and named after the one true love of King George IV, the Fitzherbert Collection is a stylish suite of door knobs from master ironmongers Joseph Giles. The gloriously eclectic style of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, built at the end of
Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware explores the close relationship between fire safety and ironmongery and how compliance becomes compromised without essential hardware components. Unpredictable and untameable, fire is a beast that we can’t afford to ignore. It doesn’t prejudice against any building type, and as we’ve seen most
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has been awarded a £3.1m contract by Robertson Group to manufacture and install bespoke kitchens and wardrobes for a new £80m build-to-rent neighbourhood in Glasgow developed by Moda Living. Holland Park is Deanestor’s first build-to-rent contract in Scotland. It follows
Ministry of Furniture, the company which emerged from Remploy Furniture, has made a further investment in its workforce, creating seven new positions, six of them new hires, as it enjoys further growth on the back of its enhancement of its offering during the pandemic. The new appointments, which span design,
Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware, discusses the role door hardware plays in improving hygiene within public building environments. Health and hygiene are delicate themes, particularly in today’s settings. Both our homes and public building environments can have a huge impact on our wellbeing, and over the past few
Daval Furniture, market leading British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture is proud to partner with the winner of BBC Interior Design Masters 2021, Lynsey Ford, as she designs with Renzo in a luxury family suite Willow Cottage at Another Place, a boutique hotel on Ullswater in the Lake
More than four years following the tragic fire in the Grenfell Tower, we are still waiting for the full legislative response from the government. While it is accepted that the public inquiry has yet to complete its work, are there measures, perhaps including some of those contained in Dame Judith
BDC 321 : Oct 2024
Where access control is concerned, architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality and security, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Following a period of innovation and integration, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade. Where systems were once rudimentary, modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements, resulting in a versatile selection of options that move beyond the limited capabilities of centralised deployment architecture. The push for smarter buildings has played its part too. In fact, according to a 2022 report, the number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million to 115 million by 2026, with global market size estimated to hit $201.16 billion by 2031 – and this growth shows no signs of slowing down (omitting another global pandemic). In order to meet growing market demand, manufacturers continue to modernise access control solutions, introducing the use of mobile credentials, cloud control and even bio-metric systems. As such, the specification process for access control hardware continues to become more nuanced, and for architects in particular, there’s an increasing challenge to ensure all design objectives are met. With this in mind, how can professionals strike a balance between seamless integration and design? Aesthetic choices For many decision makers, access control is viewed as an efficient and flexible route to securing their building. But more than that, it has become critical to the operative performance of our built environment, where from residential settings to commercial space, the adopted use of interconnected systems is further boosting accessibility, functionality and security. Take modern hotel environments for example. According to a 2022 report, 56% of hospitality consumers expressed locking and unlocking rooms using biometrics and facial recognition would enhance their experience. From Wi-Fi infrastructures to cloud services, technology has almost become synonymous with a hotel guest’s experience and is designed to improve their stay. Where digital access control systems are adopted, guests can interact with the premises independently, streamlining their access to essential entry points while safeguarding rooms against unauthorised visitors. Similarly, hotel operators benefit from enhanced building security and increased traceability, not to mention improved business efficiency and higher guest ratings. However, while security and accessibility are frequently top of the agenda when it comes to specifying hardware, from an architectural perspective, a solution’s aesthetic is just as valuable and plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Often, door hardware can feel like the finishing touch to a design project, and so, careful consideration must go into consistent design choices that make a positive impact on the building’s aesthetic. Ultimately, better-quality aesthetics enhance environments by making them more welcoming. Again, hospitality is a good case in point, where hotels must ensure their environment is visually pleasing as part of the service quality offered to their guests. However, a survey on urban design revealed 40% of architects find incorporating security measures into new developments without impacting aesthetic appeal a key design challenge. With this in mind, architects and design teams can be forgiven for past frustration towards the unattractive and cumbersome access control systems that were once in their infancy. In reality, today’s systems offer a much more seamless design, and with end users placing value on key elements such as accessibility, fire safety and reliability, it’s now possible to incorporate a solution that works for everyone. Combining value and visuals Upon recognising today’s access control systems promote functionality and seamless installation without compromising aesthetics, there’s a growing demand for comprehensive, single-package solutions across many contemporary projects. As a result, architects and designers are increasingly met with questions on door hardware and access control and must keep up to date with the latest solutions that are available. As such, the initial design stage provides an opportune period for architectural teams to consider the needs of the end user in relation to access control systems. From a building’s security elements to its flow of movement, there are various objectives to reflect upon, and architects must look to develop their knowledge on access control solutions to ensure all end user objectives are met, and all while considering the final aesthetic. Naturally, projects can often benefit from greater collaboration and architectural professionals are urged to lean on the expertise of manufacturers where required. By working closely with trusted manufacturers early in the process, teams can incorporate the latest technology into buildings at the initial stages of design, as opposed to being an addition later in the process. In many cases, manufacturers now offer bespoke access control solutions too, each designed to adapt around the end user’s needs while working with the architect on a design level. Through greater collaboration and the use of tailored solutions, architects are given the ability to choose consistent finishes and materials that fit the planned aesthetic, removing the need to try and match across various suppliers later down the line. Seemingly, access control will continue to play a larger role in building design as the industry progresses. And while the adoption of new technology may inherit an element of uncertainty for some, by introducing tailored solutions with seamless integration at early stages of the design process, architects can rest assured that their proposals address core challenges such as security and fire safety, while keeping their aesthetic vision intact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and flexible access to power or data sockets, style is at the heart of Incara which presents a vast range of functions and style to suit any interior. Easy to install, Incara is Legrand’s most flexible range of power solutions to date. From flush, in-desk disk-shaped contemporary sockets through to on-desk power and data connections, Incara has been designed to fit within any workplace furniture requirement. The range offers wireless charging, USB Type-A and C inputs and multiple colour schemes, while it can be designed with a mix of international power sockets if required. Additionally, Incara allows companies the possibility to take control on the presentation of the product, with bespoke branding options available. Manufactured from high-quality materials, Incara can fit in with the latest trends to meet the most challenging workplace requirements. This is achieved thanks to its configuration with a vast range of Legrand’s Arteor™ modules, which ensures a stylish, reliable and versatile solution is supplied. Paul Martin, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand UK & Ireland’s power distribution ranges, said: “We are always searching for ways to manufacture solutions that meet the modern day needs of post-pandemic ways of working. With Incara, we have created a unique proposition for spaces that have desires for a high-end and flexible power solution. Whether being designed for a modern office, library, university or an airport lounge, Incara provides our most stylish and flexible solution to date.” As with all Legrand products, Incara boasts robust and durable qualities, helping to contribute to a more sustainable world. All packaging is made from recycled materials wherever possible, while Product Environmental Profiles (PEP) are available, providing a reference tool to measure the environmental impact of the product. Incara is also CE and UKCA marked, ensuring quality and compliance with legislation. Paul Martin added: “We are confident that Incara not only meets the needs of today’s workers, but it is also futureproofed for ever-evolving technology changes. Our R&D team remain dedicated to manufacturing solutions as sustainably as possible, and with Incara, we have delivered. When you add our renowned customer service commitment to the mix, we are in a unique position to deliver an unrivalled solution to meet the needs of all – whether installers, designers or end users.” The full range boasts eight products, with multiple variations includes: For more information, visit https://www.legrand.co.uk/products/power-distribution/incara/.
Supported as a route to more efficient and sustainable construction, modular construction is an evolving sector that offers the industry progressive benefits, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Recognised as an emerging model in modern methods of construction (MMC), modular construction is an industry on the rise, albeit one that’s still in its infancy. In broad terms, the concept is often described as the process of constructing a building in a controlled, off-site setting, before being transported and assembled at its intended destination. In 2019, modular construction was reported to be worth £753m in the UK market and was projected to grow by 14% between 2020 and 2024. Globally, the numbers are much higher, valued at $72 billion in 2020 and predicted to reach over $175 billion by 2025. Its growth – although slower in the UK – can be attributed to the needs of modern markets, where modular initiatives are praised for their ergonomic and environmental benefits, as it produces buildings at a more efficient rate and lower cost – and often with more sustainable materials. Efficient production At its core, modular construction shares many similarities to any construction project, where under controlled conditions, teams use the same materials and design to the same codes and standards as conventional developments. Yet, for many, modular construction provides answers to some of the industry’s most pressing issues. Britain’s housing crisis for example, is exacerbated by a shortage in homes, unaffordable rents and rising purchase prices, and coupled with modern carbon initiative targets, there’s a need to find a swift and sustainable solution. Currently, only 15,000 modular homes are built in the UK each year, despite modular construction presenting itself as a viable MMC. But, as experts suggest, the potential is far greater, and the production of over 75,000 modular homes is considered a fair target to aim for, with the Homes England programme now aiming to construct 25% of affordable homes using MMC. By manufacturing structural components off-site (at the same time groundworks and foundations are completed on-site), the process of modular construction can offer various sectors (such as residential housing) a more flexible and cost-effective option – not to mention, one that’s completed in a much quicker time than traditional methods. In fact, where the turnaround time of projects is concerned, building in an off-site setting is said to reduce construction times by up to 30%, with total development time halved. From a sustainability perspective, the quicker delivery of development projects is also contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. With less time spent on site and less manufacturing machinery used, total pollution is moderated in pre-set factory environments. Already, UK studies have also found that up to a 90% reduction in materials can be achieved with modular building methods. And as more sustainably sourced materials are used to create better energy efficient buildings, construction’s green initiatives appear evermore achievable this way. Staying on track When it comes to the production of our built environment, the speed and sustainability benefits modular construction offers will continue to turn the heads of decision makers who recognise efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Yet, as the method continues to advance, those involved in the procurement of modular components and materials must continue to give considered thought to the supply, transportation and design process of projects to truly unlock its potentially progressive benefits. With a constant flow of components, from structural modules right through to hardware products, decision makers must continue to factor how building materials may interact with each other upon completion of projects. Where reliability and functionality are concerned, the specification of construction products is crucial and decision makers have a responsibility to ensure all materials and products are fit for purpose throughout the entirety of modular construction developments. The supply chain is often simplified for modular construction projects, and with various regulations to follow and an assortment of construction products to keep track of, the onus is on a smaller team of decision makers to make conscious choices that meet all of a project’s regulatory requirements. With this in mind, modern manufacturers and professional bodies are working to support professionals throughout the decision-making process. As part of the Building Safety Bill’s regulatory framework, the Golden Thread of Information has been developed to provide more complete and detailed product information in the form of comprehensive product datasheets and installation guides. The Golden Thread of Information encourages greater collaboration and education and can provide invaluable and transparent information on product performance and testing throughout the completion of modular projects. Enhanced traceability will lead to more informed and consistent product choices, and it is imperative decision makers remain informed if they aim to deliver complete and efficient buildings. If the acceptance of modular construction continues to ascend, we may shortly see a shift of landscape within the construction industry. The environmental and cost saving benefits are evident. But to effectively tap into the progressive benefits modular construction has to offer, the importance of specification must be widely understood. After all, safety, functionality and reliability will always remain unremitting themes in construction, regardless of method.
Styled after the sumptuous interior of the Brighton Pavilion and named after the one true love of King George IV, the Fitzherbert Collection is a stylish suite of door knobs from master ironmongers Joseph Giles. The gloriously eclectic style of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, built at the end of the 18th century for the Prince of Wales (afterwards Prince Regent and eventually King) was a design collaboration between the architect John Nash and interior design firm Crace. Considerable input came from the Prince himself, who wished the Pavilion to be the ultimate pleasure palace with every latest modern convenience for stylish and comfortable living. The palace’s chinoiserie interiors and flamboyant architecture make it a “a stylistic phantasmagoria” of a property once bequeathed to Maria Fitzherbert, the Prince’s companion of many years who married him in secret in 1785. Design details at the Pavilion, such as the imposing perimeter octagonal columns, elaborate minarets, grand domes, decorative cornices and detailed marquetry all play their part in inspiring the motif of the Fitzherbert range by the Joseph Giles design team. Intricate inlays and octagonal bodies to the knobs are redolent of an interior design style that is the epitome of opulence and extravagance. Crafted from the finest grade solid brass, the Fitzherbert knob functions just as beautifully as it looks thanks to Joseph Giles’ unique sprung bearing grip tight inner rose system. Available in a combination of two standard finishes, the decorative insert panel at the centre can be selected to contrast with or match the main finish. All door knobs come with a 10-year mechanical guarantee. Joseph Giles is an innovative ironmongery company providing a carefully curated range of products with unrivalled customer service. Their hardware not only looks beautiful but also offers flawless functionality to add value and style to properties. Taking inspiration from icons of design and forming collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned architects and interior designers, Joseph Giles puts design, practicality and ingenuity front and centre of everything it does. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware explores the close relationship between fire safety and ironmongery and how compliance becomes compromised without essential hardware components. Unpredictable and untameable, fire is a beast that we can’t afford to ignore. It doesn’t prejudice against any building type, and as we’ve seen most recently in Whitechapel, London, it can cause immeasurable damage and loss when fire safety isn’t prioritised. Fire safety itself is a complex topic, covering a wide range of subjects and themes, from prevention to containment and evacuation – all of which carry great significance when designing and maintaining a fire-safe building. For a building’s architects, specifiers, inspectors and owners, it’s imperative to provide an acceptable level of fire safety for occupants and visitors alike. And for this, fire doors play an integral role. Recognised as part of a building’s passive fire protection system, fire doors are a means of escape and are tasked with compartmentalising smoke and fire during a fire incident. In doing so, they protect the property and its people for a specified time, most commonly resisting for 30 (FD30) or 60 (FD60) minutes. Yet, fire doors aren’t the only piece of the puzzle. Combined protection As is outlined by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), ironmongery and fire safety share a distinguished relationship. To assure performance and compliance, all dedicated fire doors, other than those to locked cupboards and service ducts, must be fitted with the necessary ironmongery components. This includes hinges, door closers, locks and latches. Each of these hardware components are designed to operate in tandem with a fire door – without them, the door is made redundant. In fact, the integrity of a fire door could immediately be compromised should one area become damaged or fail to meet strict performance standards. To eliminate vulnerabilities, hardware, in accordance with the UK Construction Products Regulations (CPR) must be CE marked (or UKCA after the 1st January 2023) to prove fire performance, and it is a criminal offence to supply products that do not comply. Fire door closers for example, whether concealed or surface mounted, are required to perform what is considered an essential function in closing a door to completion from any angle into its frame or until the latch engages. In facilitating the closing motion, door closers play an active role in ensuring a fire door accomplishes compartmentation. Because of their significance, controlled closing devices must be tested to BS EN 1154 and fire rated to BS EN 1634. Upon application, a closer must also be compatible with a door’s existing mechanisms and in addition to CE marking, it is highly advised it should be approved by a third-party scheme such as CERTIFIRE, providing the detail needed for its application. Similarly, hinges and latches play an important role in ensuring the integrity of a fire door. Commonly, three hinges are applied to fire doors, and at all times must remain adequately attached, repressing any charring or damage to the door’s timber in the event of a fire. Locks and latches are also essential, assuring a door remains closed within its frame, and thus, provides an effective barrier in the event of a fire. Because of their significance, locks and latches must also be CE marked and tested to BS EN 12209, with many professionals, such as architects, also demanding CERTIFIRE approval for the hardware they use. Maintaining safety and compliance Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, should a building fall short in its fire safety practices, the associated party is under risk of receiving heavy penalties and fines. Compliance is a continuous process and so, fire doors and their fitted hardware must remain operational and effective throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. To preserve fire performance, regular maintenance is vital. Aside from being up to code, the operational functions of all door furniture items should be checked regularly, including any additional mandatory components such as the operating furniture, intumescent seals (designed to expand and hold the door within its frame in the event of a fire) and relevant door signage. If basic maintenance is neglected, a fire door’s operational life can be significantly reduced – even with the correct hardware in place. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 recognises this, making it a legal requirement to ensure that fire resisting doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained to be fit to purpose. To keep the building protected, workplace environments for example, must designate a Responsible Person (RP) to undertake regular fire safety risk assessments, inspecting all elements of fire safety including the operation of fire doors. As part of ongoing risk assessments, regular maintenance periods are critical and provide Responsible Persons with an opportunity to review and repair any damage to a door’s working components. Should any hardware issues be raised, decision makers must act quickly and seek professional support to replace or repair the ironmongery until the door is once again fully operational. Whether in a commercial, residential, or institutional space, a functional fire door is paramount in delivering a building’s fire safety, but only when operating in tandem with ironmongery can it deliver its purpose. All stakeholders and responsible persons found throughout the supply chain must recognise this significant relationship between ironmongery and fire safety, or risk falling short of stringent fire safety standards. Because, simply put, door hardware is more than just a finishing touch, it’s a fire safety enabler.
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has been awarded a £3.1m contract by Robertson Group to manufacture and install bespoke kitchens and wardrobes for a new £80m build-to-rent neighbourhood in Glasgow developed by Moda Living. Holland Park is Deanestor’s first build-to-rent contract in Scotland. It follows its successful delivery of multiple fitout projects for private rental schemes in other parts of the UK, and the company’s long track record of providing furniture solutions for major new developments across Scotland. Deanestor will provide 433 contemporary kitchens and 599 wardrobe sets for the high-tech studios and apartments in Holland Park. Set around a new public courtyard, the development will provide 433 homes for rent in four buildings up to 22 storeys, creating a vibrant community of around 900 people. The scheme is designed by Haus Collective and delivered by Ryder Architecture. Deanestor is manufacturing L-shaped and linear kitchens in 18 different configurations for the 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments. These will have a dark grey woodgrain finish for the base cabinets and matt arctic grey wall units with contrasting white quartz worktops and splashbacks. According to Ramsay McDonald, Managing Director of Deanestor Scotland, “We engaged with Robertson at the early pre-construction planning stages of this project and so were able to develop the furniture solutions to meet Moda Living’s stringent design, cost, quality, and programme requirements. We look forward to starting on site, and to completing the furniture and fitout works by Spring 2023.” “Holland Park will help to address a significant under-supply of quality homes for rent in Glasgow whilst contributing to the cityscape. Demand for our kitchen and fitted bedroom furniture solutions continues to rise in the fast-growing UK build-to-rent sector. We are delighted to be involved in this exciting new city living scheme for Moda Living in Scotland.” The kitchen cabinets will have integral formed handles and integrated appliances including extractor fan, ceramic or induction hob, combi or dual fan oven, dishwasher, built-in fridge/freezer or under-counter fridge, microwave, and washer/dryer fitted in a specially designed utility cabinet. The bespoke, full height fitted wardrobes for Holland Park will have a woodgrain finish and will be installed with mirrors, shelving, and hanging rails. Deanestor’s sister company, Offsite Solutions, is also working on the Holland Park project, manufacturing bathroom pods in its third contract for Moda Living. Deanestor provides a complete furniture and fitout service for both bedrooms and kitchens, working on major residential schemes for some of the UK’s leading developers and contractors. Its high specification cabinets are built for longevity and crafted using robust glue and dowel constructions which provide a durable finish for build-to-rent developments. The units are all pre-assembled in the factory for consistently high quality and to reduce work on site. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk/buildtorent call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com .
Ministry of Furniture, the company which emerged from Remploy Furniture, has made a further investment in its workforce, creating seven new positions, six of them new hires, as it enjoys further growth on the back of its enhancement of its offering during the pandemic. The new appointments, which span design, production and operations, have been made by the firm on the back of an expansion and diversification of its services, a move prompted initially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Terry Mortimer has joined as a technical designer and estimator. He has more than 20 years’ experience in bespoke design. Qualified in Revit, Autocad, and 3D Studio Max, he has a technical background with the ability to carry out surveys, produce detailed technical plans and product drawings. He will work alongside Whitney Harris who has joined as an interior designer. Whitney is a graduate interior designer with Revit and 3D visualisation experience who joins from Do Digital. David Bond joins as a production operator through the Government’s Kickstart programme. David, a blacksmith in his spare time, previously worked as an observation assistant at Hawkeswood Ecology. He will also benefit from a rigorous training programme at the company in line with the company’s social aims. Ministry has also recruited Adrian Badcock as a production operator. Jake Webb joins the sales team as a fitted furniture sales specialist. Jake, who will be responsible for developing vector sales across the education sector, brings a depth of experience in the construction sector where he has worked as a sales estimator. He can use CAD and Revit and has Graphic Design qualifications. Samantha Garnett joins as purchasing manager. Samantha is an experienced procurement and product manager with an extensive background working across a range of sectors in both the retail and automotive industries. Reporting to the operations director, Samantha will manage strategic procurement activities across multiple category spends negotiating the best deals and managing the suppliers. Finally, Kay Wood has been promoted to project coordinator. She has a wealth of customer service experience having worked for Remploy for 22 years and Ministry for five years in sales and customer service roles. She will be responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered to the highest standard. Ministry is enjoying a period of sustained growth, partly on the back of changes it made in the business prompted by COVID-19. Now, it is eyeing growth and diversification in line with its values and aims as a company in 2021 – and is investing in the people, systems and skills to allow it to leverage that. This also includes anticipated growth in the commercial, construction and education sectors over the next 12 months. Having realigned the company’s working practices and offering in the past 12 months, it now offers clients a seamless journey over the timeline of a big project – from concept to completion. In Wales, as a framework supplier for The National Procurement Service (NPS) for Wales, it can offer its suite of services to all public sector bodies. Graham Hirst, Managing Director, Ministry of Furniture, said: “We are delighted to see five new faces join the company as we consolidate some of the changes we made through the pandemic and realign our values to ensure we are always offering the best possible customer service. The appointments will help to strengthen and improve departments throughout the business as we gear up for 2022.”
Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware, discusses the role door hardware plays in improving hygiene within public building environments. Health and hygiene are delicate themes, particularly in today’s settings. Both our homes and public building environments can have a huge impact on our wellbeing, and over the past few years, this fact has only been exemplified. Eighty percent of common infections are spread by touch and every 30 minutes, the average person is said to touch surfaces that expose them to 840,000 germs. These germs are prevalent in buildings too, where touchpoints are areas or items that are used by several individuals. Within workplace environments for example, door handles are the most touched surface and can be associated with cross-contamination and health risks. At present, the need to improve hygiene within our building environments, understandably, carries a greater significance than it maybe once did. But in truth, when it comes to building design, the process of protecting occupants and visitors against infection – especially those most vulnerable – should never be overlooked. Design for Bacteria Control Over the past two years, we’ve seen building environments closed, reopened and the process repeated. The idea of reducing footfall in facilities was key in fighting the rising infection rates associated with the coronavirus. But now, that footfall has returned. Once again, those critical touchpoints such as door handles are harbouring germs. In fact, research has shown that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours, and even days on metal door handles – and the same can be said for the common flu. In response, we’ve seen government campaigns promoting hand washing, sanitising and distance-making in the wake of a return to public facilities. Undoubtedly, infection control methods such as hand washing and systematic cleaning are the most guaranteed way of controlling cross-contamination – yet, still these methods can become redundant when faced with human error or relaxed conventions within public buildings. Building design can play an important role here. Daniel May, Director at Consort explains: “We’re at a point where decision makers are under pressure to keep building hygiene standards as high as ever before. And outside of the clear-cut hygiene measures, it’s understood that more can be done throughout the building design process, with architectural hardware selection at the core of decisions. “Door hardware is the first touchpoint when entering, exiting or navigating a building, and can be one of the most bacteria-ridden. Yet, the latest in hardware advancements could give facility managers an edge in the fight against infection, especially in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals for example, where footfall is high and the need to maintain strict sterile environments already exists. “For added protection against bacteria, facilities can implement tailored anti-microbial hardware and finishes. Anti-microbial coatings applied to door handles are precisely formulated to prevent bacteria build-up upon the surface by interrupting cell multiplication. Some door seal solutions also make use of modern anti-bacterial technology, embedding it within the aluminium and silicone of the door seal during production, further reducing the spread of bacteria in high traffic areas.” The Care Quality Commission (CQC) sets a regulation that cleanliness and effective infection control is a necessity for care and hospital locations. As well as best practice methods, healthcare environments are encouraged to introduce innovative infection control methods where possible. Similarly, under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, decision makers have an active duty to keep inhabitants safe and their environments clean. And aside from the use of antimicrobial solutions, many are challenged to provide hygienically maintained environments without sacrificing fire or safety standards. Daniel adds: “Facilities with high footfall must also consider ventilation and ease of movement. Whether in healthcare, commercial or public environments, both are key elements of efficient building management and when done effectively, can further help inhibit the spread of infection by ensuring fresh air is consistently making its way through halls and rooms. “The most effective way to improve ventilation throughout a building is by opening its windows and doors. This creates an inlet for fresh air and an outlet for the old air, and with access points open, minimises the need to touch door handles. Yet, when focusing on airflow, it’s inopportune to disregard fire safety. Too many times, we’ve seen facilities fall foul of leaving fire doors propped open in favour of improving ventilation and ease of access – but simply put, it’s illegal to do so and leaves fire doors wholly ineffective in a fire situation. “Modern exit systems are purpose built to ensure fire doors can be left open safely and securely. Automatic door controls make use of sensors which activate the operator devices connected to the main access doors. In turn, this aids access and egress when required and closes the doors shut when necessary. In the event of a fire, the alarm is sounded, and the doors close automatically – ensuring safety is never compromised. What’s more, these systems can be integrated with the external building security, reducing risk on all fronts. “Ultimately, when paired with regular cleaning practices, these modern solutions can play an assist role in the fight against infection, helping to maintain building hygiene as well as the obligatory standards associated with building and fire safety.” Infection Control at Consort Consort’s bespoke specification services extend to hygienic solutions, offering users tailored products to suit the needs of any building infrastructure. Antimicrobial finishes can be applied to any touch products and door seals, of which are already supplied to large complex hospitals around the world including Pamela Youde in Hong Kong and the Metropolitan Hospital in Birmingham. Find out more here: https://www.consortme.com/hygienic-solutions
Daval Furniture, market leading British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture is proud to partner with the winner of BBC Interior Design Masters 2021, Lynsey Ford, as she designs with Renzo in a luxury family suite Willow Cottage at Another Place, a boutique hotel on Ullswater in the Lake District. Yorkshire-based interior designer and architect, Lynsey Ford, has been commissioned to transform Willow Cottage, a self-contained family suite complete with two bedrooms, kitchen and bar, boot room and ample storage via the custom wardrobes and desk space. “Sourcing and procuring materials for my projects locally wherever possible is really important to me. Daval is based in the same village as me, Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, so it was naturally my first port of call when exploring cabinetry designs for the suite at Another Place,” said Lynsey Ford, owner and founder of Lynsey Ford Design. “Sustainability is integral to all my work. I hate waste and the thought of anything useable going to landfill. So, I’ve chosen cabinetry from the award-winning Renzo range by Daval for part of the scheme as the cupboard doors are made from 100% recycled materials, meaning I can balance my keen interest in sustainable design while still achieving the deep, rich and textured aesthetic I want to create. I’ve taken inspiration from the views at Another Place, and the colours, textures and materials that surround it. There are lots of natural woods in the hotel already, and a lovely palette of rusty colours and greens.” In fact, Renzo is the ideal furniture solution for this project as the range offers rich textural variety with five high-texture door finishes – three contemporary timbers and two mineral-inspired options with fine-textured, stone effect surface. Designed to empower the eco-conscious homeowner, every door within the Renzo collection is made from 100% recycled raw materials at our factory in the heart of Yorkshire. “We are delighted to collaborate with Lynsey as trends for 2022 indicate a growth in family-friendly spaces, both in residential and hospitality sectors as more and more Britons explore UK beauty spots in the wake of the pandemic. As we have the expertise to manage projects for homeowners, as well commercial properties we can constantly innovate our made-to-measure, made-to-order furniture to meet all specifications and end-user requirements, as well as support ‘Buying British’. We are therefore absolutely thrilled to help bring Lynsey’s design ideas to life and realise a deluxe family-friendly lifestyle retreat dubbed Willow Cottage – due for completion Q1/22,” added Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval Furniture.
More than four years following the tragic fire in the Grenfell Tower, we are still waiting for the full legislative response from the government. While it is accepted that the public inquiry has yet to complete its work, are there measures, perhaps including some of those contained in Dame Judith Hackitt’s report from 2018, which could have been introduced already? The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is convinced that there are initiatives which could be undertaken today, without pre-judging any findings of the public inquiry. For example, chief among these would be the introduction of a legal requirement for third-party certification of fire-resisting doorsets. The Hackitt report calls for third-party certification of safety-critical construction products and it is clear that fire doorsets at Grenfell failed to protect the landings and the stairwell from smoke and fire spreading from the flats. This failure to protect the escape route had fatal consequences. Fire door certification could be introduced without affecting requirements relating to other components or structures which may be still under consideration. There are several certification schemes in existence today covering manufacture, installation and inspection of fire doorsets, but, even so, some time would inevitably be required for existing facilities to be expanded. This makes it all the more important to begin the process now, without waiting for decisions to be made in other areas. “Fire-resisting doorsets are obviously safety-critical and should therefore be subject to third party certification, at least when the intended use is in high-risk buildings,” explains DHF’s General Manager and Secretary, Michael Skelding. “There really should be little need for discussion on this. If we wait for all the other issues raised by Grenfell to be debated before dealing with this one, we are missing a golden opportunity to make a significant improvement in fire safety in high-risk residential buildings”. DHF’s recommendations come on the cusp of this year’s Fire Door Safety Week, a national safety awareness campaign that was first launched in 2013 and is, this year, taking place from 20th – 26th September. DHF has been a long-standing supporter of the objectives of Fire Door Safety Week, and as always, the federation will be putting its weight behind the campaign’s objectives to raise awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property. “We are very pleased to be able to support Fire Door Safety Week once again this year, and applaud its efforts to increase the public’s understanding of the role that fire doors play,” says Michael. “We continue to stress that the use of fire doorsets, correctly installed and with robust fire door maintenance procedures, are a vital part of fire safety and urge those in positions of responsibility to seek the correct training with regards to installation and maintenance. Equally important is that companies carrying out the manufacturing, installation and repair of these doorsets are also certified.”
