The reimagined Creamery building at the heart of Castle Cary railway station now boasts a striking, all-glass passenger lift from Stannah. This modern addition combines style with accessibility, offering a transparent and elegant way to visit the trackside restaurant and working creamery. This historic structure, which has been a part of the area since 1912, recently underwent an extensive renovation to enhance the safety, stability and user experience. The Creamery is renowned for its tower, ‘La Belle Epoque’, which still stands tall today as a symbol of industrial innovation and artistic flair. Originally established by brothers G&C Prideaux as a milk factory, the creamery processed milk delivered by local farmers into cheese, then transported to London via the railway. Today, The Creamery is open to the public and has been transformed into a community hub, featuring a restaurant and shop, and offering a range of delightful food options to travellers, visitors, and train passengers while reviving its cheesemaking heritage. The client The Creamery is owned by Koos Bekker and his wife, who also owns The Newt in Somerset, which was recently awarded the World’s Best Boutique Hotel at The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. Ken Biggs Contractors were appointed as the principal contractor on this project and made contact after being impressed by Stannah’s distinctive refurbishment of a vintage passenger lift at the YMCA in Bristol. Working with architects Stonewood Design, and Ken Biggs Contractors, Stannah Lifts worked to deliver a lift that was both modern and harmoniously integrated with the early 20th-century aesthetic of the building. The project’s vision was to blend the 1912 style with contemporary elements, which also resulted in Ken Biggs Contractors reconstructing the entire Creamery. The work Stannah Lifts collaborated with architects to incorporate the new lift into the design of the re-imagined Creamery. The project commenced with the installation of vertical rail guides to keep the lift aligned within the elevator shaft, followed by the mechanical first fix in 2023 and the completion of the mechanical package. Shortly after, works commenced on the glass lift shaft and car. The lift shaft and car featured bespoke glass sourced from Gemtec, a specialist German company. Stannah Lifts facilitated a 24-hour visit to Germany for Ken Biggs Contractors and Stonewood Design, allowing them to review the glass and how it would integrate with the lift design before shipping it to the UK, which minimised the need for additional modifications. To ensure the glass was installed without any issues, Gemtec provided helpful support throughout this stage. Meanwhile, Stannah Lifts supplied and fitted custom trims and a glass panel to fill the gap adjacent to the glass car doors.  A CTV mechanical lift car package was fitted as part of the overall lift components and snagging works meant full lift completion in April 2024. Additional building works in the Creamery included a new brick extension to match the original factory’s detailing, reflecting the 1912 era and the Titanic’s historical significance, with posters embedded in the staircase brickwork. The design also pays tribute to the rich history of milk and cheese production at the Creamery, with milk bottle carvings integrated throughout the building and on the lift car doors. The challenge One particular challenge was aligning with the client’s design vision while maintaining the lift’s structural integrity for safe and efficient operation. As a result, the design and concept of the lift evolved during the project to better address customer needs and project requirements.  Precision was crucial as several design elements, including lighting and fitting locations, were adapted throughout the project. Stannah Lifts collaborated closely with the client to balance their needs with practical and mechanical feasibility, such as incorporating shaft lights underneath the lift structure for a minimalistic look, creating an illuminated effect. At the customer’s request, the lift’s structure wasn’t initially anchored to the brickwork, resulting in a requirement to monitor structural movement. Stannah conducted wind load calculations, revealing potential issues during gale-force winds. To ensure the safety of passengers, Stannah proposed securing the lift to the brickwork. Given the complexity of the installation, Stannah assembled a highly skilled team to execute the project, which included Gemtec, R&R Lifts, and Vinsol. Stannah participated in regular meetings and design consultations with the client to ensure their requirements were thoroughly addressed. The result The custom-designed passenger lift features a minimalist approach with discrete fixings and fixtures. It seamlessly integrates handrails through the glass without additional supports or corner trims. This 8-person all-glass lift allows natural light to illuminate the interior, offering passengers views of the Creamery as they travel to the first floor. The hydraulic passenger lift serves two floors and travels 3.6 metres to provide step-free access from The Creamery restaurant to the train station’s platform. A unique aspect of the lift is the placement of the keyhole for manually operating the car and landing doors. Traditionally mounted at the top of the landing doors, Stannah positioned the keyhole at the bottom to align with the minimalist design, effectively concealing the system. To address signal issues within the shaft, a GSM package was installed with an antenna mounted on the structure ensuring reliable signal reception. The bespoke lift adheres to all open protocol requirements, allowing for independent maintenance and repair, and is fully DDA compliant, ensuring accessible features like illuminated push buttons are positioned at a height accessible to wheelchair users. All Stannah lifts are certified according to the Lifts Regulations 2016 (2016 No. 1093). Ben Harding, Bristol Branch Manager at Stannah Lift Services, said: “We’re proud to have worked on this unique project. It hasn’t come without its challenges but we can proudly say this bespoke glass lift embodies our client’s minimalist vision while offering a safe and accessible alternative to reaching the train platform. It seamlessly blends modern design with functionality while offering an unobstructed view of the Creamery as passengers ascend.”www.stannahlifts.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Asticus London building, a striking ten-storey landmark, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally constructed in 2006, the office building features a stunning new reception, business lounge, landscaped terrace, breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, luxurious end-of-trip facilities in the basement, and the addition of four new Stannah passenger lifts, one of which can be used by emergency services in the event of a fire. Architects, Aukett Swanke, envisioned a remarkable Cat A office refurbishment design, with a strong focus on sustainability, achieving BREEAM Very Good accreditations. The building prioritises inclusivity with the new lifts providing daily step-free access. The Client The re-imagined Asticus building was acquired in 2016 by AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments. AXA IM Alts teamed up with primary contractors MND Construction Services, and architects Aukett Swanke, to undertake a comprehensive building refurbishment to all areas. This also included adding a new floor, all part of a broader lease opportunity. Stannah worked with MND Construction Services and Aukett Swanke to create modern and compliant step-free access throughout. Work Stannah installed three passenger lifts, as a triplex, each accommodating 13 people, transporting visitors and staff from the ground floor all the way up to the new tenth floor, with one lift extending to the basement. Stannah installed the lifts using a scaffold-less method. These passenger lifts were specified at 1000kg capacity and operated at a speed of 1.6m per second, providing a quick and efficient ride for passengers. Stannah also installed a fourth lift which is for firefighting but can be used as a normal passenger lift. A firefighting lift is an essential safety asset in high-rise buildings and has dedicated control features to aid the fire and rescue service. Some of the key features included in the firefighting lift design are trap doors, ladders, an emergency intercom system, and a separate power supply used by firefighters during rescue operations. This ensures the lift can operate efficiently even if the main building electrics are compromised. All the lifts adhere to the relevant performance and safety standards. Additional works included a new tenth floor, extensive refurbishments featuring new Cat A and optional Cat A+ finishes, the implementation of end-of-trip facilities such as bike storage racks, and a complete renewal of building services. Challenges New modern lifts were required to accommodate the increased number of people working in the building due to the addition of a new storey. This resulted in the need for a fully compliant and modern firefighting lift to meet the associated fire and safety specifications. There was an existing firefighting lift, although a survey by Stannah revealed concerns about compliance and operational issues. Before the new lifts could be installed, the existing four lifts had to be removed whilst minimising disturbance to the building occupants, ensuring safety and retaining step-free access at all times. This site was a live office environment, meaning it had existing tenants on some of the floors. As always for Stannah, safety was the first priority during the work as well as managing dust and noise levels. The Stannah team took great care to understand the operational requirements and concerns of the building occupiers to ensure that disruption to their daily activities was kept to a minimum. This even involved site tours so that they were fully involved in all aspects of the programme. Results The lift solution provided by Stannah at Asticus centred around accessibility, design and, for the fourth lift. fire safety. Stannah provided a tailored lift solution that not only fulfilled the design requirements but also aligned perfectly with the logistical needs of the construction process. To ensure precision in meeting the design requirements, Stannah delivered black-painted glass car finishes, with careful attention to the equal spacing of grey vertical stripes, even where the back and side panels met. Given the lifts’ placement on an odd-floor triplex, Stannah incorporated priority buttons into the design of the lift which served all floors, enabling efficient group call planning. Additionally, two lifts were installed with counterweight safety gears, emphasising Stannah’s commitment to delivering a functional, secure and aesthetically pleasing lift solution tailored to the specific needs of the project. The bespoke full-depth architraves, which were acid-etched with floor markings, added a decorative touch to the building’s design. The passenger lifts resulted in a practical and elegant solution, transforming the building into a desirable office refurbishment with step-free access to all areas. The 63,000sq of reimagined office space launched in February 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Big Green Coach continues to lead the way in providing carbon-neutral transportation services nationwide. Already established as the UK’s largest events travel company, Big Green Coach continues to grow its Transport Solutions business within the BDC sector, prioritising sustainability and efficiency in its operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Big Green Coach demonstrated agility by pivoting its services to meet the pressing need for safe transportation of essential workers. This move not only showcased its adaptability but also spurred growth in its staff transport business, which continues to expand post-pandemic. Working with Laing O’Rourke, Eiffage, Kier Group, East West Rail, Volker Rail, Murphy Group, Matiere and other key industry-leading businesses has underscored the growing demand for sustainable transport options within the BDC sector. Big Green Coach’s tailored solutions address the specific needs of these clients, whether it’s streamlining logistics for large-scale projects or facilitating daily commutes for workforce teams, while remaining committed to its carbon-neutral ethos. The experienced travel company can source a diverse range of vehicles, including cutting-edge electric minivans and environmentally friendly Euro VI coaches. All vehicles are Chapter 8 compliant and come with fully registered and certified drivers. The trusted and professional service also comes with a 24/7 transport manager, ensuring that there is always a single point of contact to deal with any difficult situations.  Paul Johnson, Business Development Manager at Big Green Coach, expressed his enthusiasm about the ongoing growth of the company’s Transport Solutions department: “We are delighted to continue our longstanding relationships with companies such as EKFB, while also embracing new partnerships within the BDC sector. Leveraging our extensive experience in event travel, we continue to offer robust staff transport solutions. This ongoing growth enables us to expand our services while actively contributing to a sustainable future.” As Big Green Coach looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental responsibility and client satisfaction, driving positive change within the transportation industry.  Companies looking to find sustainable solutions to their transport needs can request a free consultation with Big Green Coach. The initial call will endeavour to help the sustainable transport experts at Big Green Coach understand the requirements and set out the next steps to achieve the company’s goals. Request a free one-to-one call with a dedicated member of the Big Green Coach Transport Solutions team and sign up for its Business Travel Newsletter here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sensitive work to remove damaging paint from a listed building in Dorset has completed the regeneration project on one of the county’s most historic high streets. Bournemouth-based building conservation expert Gary Elford was contracted to undertake the restoration work at the Grand Parade on Poole High Street. The building in question was suffering from internal damp issues due to an incorrect, non-breathable paint finish being applied over the original limewash coat. Gary used the Doff III superheated steam cleaning system – the latest and recently-launched iteration of the iconic machine from Gloucestershire pioneers Stonehealth – to carefully remove the paint layer and expose the original lime finish beneath. The machine uses steam at 150 degrees C to create an extremely gentle cleaning operation which preserves the integrity of historic stonework. The project in Poole was one of the first in the UK to see the new machine in action – launched last month after four years in development. “It’s great to be able to put the Doff III to good use,” said Gary. “Unfortunately the existing paintwork is totally the wrong type of finish to be used on a Grade II listed building like this, so it’s was causing damp issues inside. “These buildings were originally designed to allow water vapour to escape through the mortar joints and brickwork, so layering non-breathable paint over the top is a really bad idea. “I’m happy to have worked with the Council to rectify the problem and play my part in improving this part of Poole. The Doff III is perfect for this type of work and it’s great to see it in use.” Gary’s work, coordinated with the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and the building owner, was part of the Heritage Action Zone project which has focussed on the area from the High Street to the historic Quayside. The regeneration work to the town centre location has seen repairs to historic buildings and brought vacant premises and upper floors back into use, especially for creative start-ups. The work also funded improvements to the public realm and pedestrian routes to make the town centre more attractive and accessible, in a bid to improve footfall and vibrancy. The Doff III is a new and improved, even safer and more sustainable version model of the machine favoured by architects, specifiers and cleaning industry professionals in the UK and worldwide. Four years and a six figure sum have been invested in the development of the new machine, which features an improved, lighter, fully integrated pump requiring 50 per cent less power usage, a remote power control, an electronic temperature control system to reduce water consumption, and increased maximum hose length of 45 metres, while still achieving a steam heat of 150 degrees C at the end of the nozzle. Angela Southern, Business Development Director at Stonehealth, said: “We care about the preservation of historic buildings and so it is important that contractors using our systems are properly trained in the right techniques and maintenance. Gary has been working with our machines for many years so we know he’s done the machine and the centre of Poole proud. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals