PSBJ March 2013 Supplement by Red Hut Media Ltd

www.psbj.co.uk

Education Focus March 2013

Concealed closers

Take care of building occupants with reliable door closers

Added value

Foremans enhances facility with recycled modular solution

Attention to detail

AKW applies expertise for specialist shower requirements

Education Focus

Welcome T ...to the

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702 Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 232702 Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Account Executive Adam Barron adam@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Terms and Conditons:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Front cover:

Education Focus

he specification of high performance and aesthetic products is integral in education settings. Not only do they encourage students to have a sense of pride in their environment, but they also contribute greatly to learning abilities. Within this month’s focus, we discover how building products are increasingly being sourced to ensure the safety and security of its occupants. Doors closers and fire resistant paints are just some of the solutions that can give peace of mind to heads of schools and colleges. Also in this edition, Foremans profiles its recent installation, which has provided St John Rigby College with enhanced learning facilities through recycled modular solutions. With an endless list of building solutions available and tailored to this particular market, PSBJ’s Education Focus is an essential source of information designed to help building professionals plan and specify. For further enquiries about any of our contributors or if you wish to comment on a particular issue affecting the education sector, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Hannah Frackiewicz

Hannah Frackiewicz - Editor, PSBJ Magazine

Contents 5 7 8

Reducing risk:

Hardware manufacturer, Samuel Heath unveils how door closers are playing a key role in the education sector.

Automatic divide:

Style has successfully installed a contemporary partitioning system to deliver two discrete areas in a school hall.

Tile protection:

To prolong the performance of its recent tile installations, Sandwell College looked to Schluter Systems for a solution.

10 Enhanced benefits: Tile installations in a brand new multi-million pound West Midlands college campus will now be protected with top-class products from Schlüter-Systems. See page 8.

Foremans shows how recycled facilities can offer better value, compared with on-site construction or new modular buildings.

12 Safety measures:

Offering more than just aesthetics, Dorma’s recent installation successfully excels in performance and functionality.

15 Surfacing standards:

Dulux Trade Pyroshield has been instrumental in a university refurbishment thanks to its fire safety properties.

16 Inspiring vision:

Technal’s MODAL has helped a visionary new primary school wins a series of awards and accolades.

Mixed Media Information Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232702 Fax: 01622 816874 www.psbj.co.uk www.mixedmediainfo.com

18 Access to equipment:

AKW reveals how specialist, high quality shower equipment can be specified by the education sector yet still meet budget.

Public Sector Build Journal

Education Focus “The potential for door controls to be vandalised can pose a very real risk to the safety of a building's occupants, particularly where fire doors are concerned”

Safe learning environment

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A concealed door closer can make a significant contribution towards the reduction of risk

Professionals responsible for the management and development of buildings in the education sector are also recognising the many other fire performance, accessibility and reliability benefits that make Powermatic an ideal choice for new-build, refurbishment and enhancement projects in schools, colleges and universities.

enq 068 info@samuel-heath.com ( 0121 766 4200 

Ensuring the safety of building occupants is paramount, and can be greatly increased by the specification of high performance door closers. Leading hardware manufacturer, Samuel Heath is reporting increased interest from the education sector in Powermatic — its controlled, concealed door closer.

hilst its fire performance credentials, maintenancefree service and enhanced aesthetics are undoubtedly factors in this heightened attention, anecdotal evidence suggests that it is the door closer’s health and safety benefits that are proving to be just as compelling, especially in areas where a concealed door closer can make a significant contribution towards the reduction of risk in both fire and non-fire door situations. Two key areas of health and safety concern have come to the fore in recent months; the first being the risk of a fire door being rendered ineffective by a damaged door closer and the second the potential risk for self harm, which can be present in all types of educational establishments. The potential for door controls to be vandalised can pose a very real risk to the safety of a building’s occupants,

particularly where fire doors are concerned. Being totally concealed when the door is closed, Powermatic presents very little opportunity for the would-be vandal, or prankster, to damage its mechanisms and render the door useless in case of fire. In addition, this total concealment, together with the fact that Powermatic can be installed towards the bottom of the door jamb, also means that the closer offers a very useful anti-ligature solution, the demand for which is not necessarily confined to specialist psychiatric facilities.

Invisible power In itself, the door closer’s invisibility when the door is closed reduces the temptation and, hence, opportunity for it to be used as a point of ligature, whilst its low mounting height, when combined with other anti-ligature measures significantly reduces the risk.

Powermatic presents very little opportunity for vandalism

Public Sector Build Journal

Education Focus

Slide with Style The revolutionary DORMA Moveo Comfortdrive is operated using a simple LCD control panel

uccessfully allowing the assembly hall at St Joseph’s Primary School in Dundee to be divided into two discrete areas, partitioning experts Style recently installed a technologically-advanced fully automatic, horizontally sliding wall system. A first for UK education establishments, the revolutionary DORMA Moveo Comfortdrive is operated using a simple LCD control panel, allowing panels to be moved along a ceiling track before locking into position without any manual input from staff. As the partition is over 5000mm in height, a conventional moveable wall would require panels weighing up to 450kg which it was felt would pose significant manual handling risks to staff. Working with main contractor Robertson Central, Style proposed the Comfortdrive as the most suitable retrofit solution.

the first time they recommended a fully automatic, horizontally sliding partitioning system.

“Users can be assured

that the seals are properly extended or retracted through each stage of the operating cycle ”

“As the sole UK distributor for DORMA we have installed Moveo Comfortdrive moveable walls into a number of prestigious commercial settings,” explains Julian Sargent MD for Style. “But with schools having to work harder than ever to maximise the use of space

this system offers significant advantages, improving flexibility by allowing rooms to be rapidly reconfigured, literally at the touch of a button.” As well as being easy to use, this fully automatic system is computer controlled, negating the risk of the operator failing to close the wall correctly. Users can be assured that the seals are properly extended or retracted through each stage of the operating cycle, avoiding potential damage caused by mishandling of large, over-sized partitioning panels. Safety is of course always of paramount importance in a school environment. Style was able to demonstrate that the Moveo Comfortdrive’s network of sophisticated sensors was second to none, ensuring instant response when an object is encountered.

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As the sole UK supplier for DORMA, Style has successfully supplied a fully automatic partitioning system for its first education-based installation. The DORMA Moveo Comfortdrive provided the ideal solution, meeting aesthetic tastes, functionality and performance.

enq 070 sales@style-partitions.co.uk ( 01202 874044 

Application of expertise Duncan Myers, Senior Architect for Dundee City Council explains: “The panels weigh 50% less than their manual equivalent and the automatic operation saves set up time and removes risk of injury. We are delighted with Style’s installation and have incorporated the same system into designs for another school.” Style has particular expertise working within the education sector but this is

Moveo Comfortdrive's network of sophisticated sensors was second to none

Public Sector Build Journal

Education Focus

Top marks for tile installations The new £77m central campus at Sandwell College, in West Bromwich, houses the college and sixth form and provides top quality education and training across the region

Tile installations in the atrium of a brand new multi-million pound West Midlands college campus will be safe from the thousands of pairs of feet that will be passing over them after top-of-the-class products from Schlüter-Systems were installed.

he new £77m central campus at Sandwell College, in West Bromwich, houses the college and sixth form and provides top quality education and training across the region to its 10,000 full and part-time students and 600 staff. With so many people passing through the atrium every single day it was vital to ensure the tiled surfaces were properly protected so Schlüter-DITRA matting, a leading uncoupling membrane which neutralises cracks and prevents movements from the screed being transferred to the tiles, was installed here. Products from the Schlüter-DILEX range of movement joints, which offer secure protection for surfaces subjected to high mechanical stresses caused by continuous use and finishing threshold strips from the Schlüter-SCHIENE range, which finish tiled surfaces and protect the outer edges of ceramic and natural stone floor coverings from mechanical impact, were also installed by Schlüter customer Cladding Components, based in Leamington Spa.

Public Sector Build Journal

Ian Knifton, Divisional Manager at Schlüter-Systems, comments: “With 10,000 students due to regularly walk through the atrium of this impressive new college campus it was vital that the tile installations could stand up to the pairs of feet passing by. One of the many positives about our SchlüterDITRA matting and Schlüter-DILEX and Schlüter-SCHIENE profiles are their suitability for areas with a large footfall such as sporting arenas, international airports, shopping centres and college atriums such as this, all of which experience high levels of mechanical stress. He adds: “Whilst invisible beneath the surface we know that these products will be working to the best of their ability and the tile installations will therefore look a class above.”

to its geometry which allows for the absorption of lateral movement in each direction. The uncoupling effect that it provides neutralises tensions between surfaces, whilst also providing a high load resistance. It’s also waterproof, with the added benefit of interconnected air channels to help moisture evaporate from the substrate. Movement joints from the SchlüterDILEX range offer secure edge protection and maintenance-free solutions for

Proven solution Schlüter-DITRA has been a proven solution for uncoupling and bonded waterproofing for over 20 years and remains unique to the market due

Schlüter-SCHIENE is the original finishing threshold strip and offers the perfect protection

Education Focus

Schlüter-DITRA matting, a leading uncoupling membrane which neutralises cracks and prevents movements from the screed being transferred to the tiles, was installed

studios, restaurant kitchen, construction workshops, imitation dental surgery and even a mock aircraft cabin. To learn more visit www.sandwell.ac.uk. Established in 1968 Cladding Components is a longstanding, reputable tile supplier and is dedicated to providing unrivalled quality. It offers an extensive selection of floor and wall tiles, in a range of materials, colours and sizes, with basic and luxury tiles available for all budgets. With over 8000 products in its range, Schlüter-Systems has an essential role to play in every professional tiling project. Schlüter-Systems will be attending this year’s Ecobuild (stand No. N840) where visitors can explore the green benefits of its vast range of products.

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surfaces exposed to continuous pedestrian and vehicular traffic, making them particularly important within this new community facility which will be used heavily on a day-to-day basis. All profiles are installed at the same time as the tile covering and a wide variety in various material combinations are available, depending on the mechanical or chemical stresses expected on the covering. Schlüter-SCHIENE is the original finishing threshold strip and offers the perfect protection. It finishes tiled surfaces and protects the outer edges of ceramic and natural stone floor coverings from mechanical impact. The threshold strips of the Schlüter-RENO series create a smooth transition before adjoining floorcoverings at different heights, protecting the exposed tile edge. All profiles are available in a range of heights and finishes such as brass, aluminium, anodised aluminium, stainless steel V2A and brushed stainless steel and contribute to the aesthetic and lasting appearance of the floor covering. Facilities at the new Sandwell College will include an automotive centre, beauty and hairdressing salons, computer suites, engineering laboratories, a sports hall, theatre, fashion and photography

enq 071 sales@schluter.co.uk ( 01530 813396 

Schlüter-DILEX's range of movement joints offer secure protection for surfaces subjected to high mechanical stresses

“With so many people passing through the atrium every single day it was vital to ensure the tiled surfaces were properly protected ”

Public Sector Build Journal

Education Focus

Enhanced learning opportunities Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, a leading UK supplier of refurbished Portakabin buildings, has handed over a new teaching block at St John Rigby College near Wigan. The use of recycled building modules allowed the sixth form college to benefit from a larger building and more classrooms within the available budget.

he two-storey scheme, which provides 11 classrooms for social sciences and two IT suites, was craned into position in just three days during school holidays, minimising any disruption to the college. The modular solution reduced the programme time to just 30 weeks, enabling the tight deadline for its funding requirements to be met. The building features brise soleil sun shading, a canopy over the main entrance, timber cladding, and a contrasting white finish for a crisp and contemporary appearance. Commenting on the project, Allan

Keating, Director of Finance, Funding and Estates at St John Rigby College, says: “We received funding to improve our facilities but both site-based construction and new modular building couldn’t provide the additional capacity we needed for the available budget. The Foremans approach proved to be more cost effective for a bigger building but with no compromise on the quality of the accommodation. “At the outset, we visited another sixth form centre built by Foremans and were pleasantly surprised by just what is possible with recycled modules. You

Efficient refurbishment St John Rigby College is a Catholic sixth form college in the Orrell district of Wigan. Its facilities include high specification science laboratories and art studios, and one of the largest synthetic playing surfaces in the country. Foremans has extensive experience in providing high quality accommodation to primary and secondary schools, further education and sixth form colleges, and universities. It offers a wide range of modular building solutions, from interim classrooms for short-term use to fully refurbished teaching blocks and extensions to existing schemes.

“The modular solution reduced the programme time to just 30 weeks, enabling the tight deadline for its funding requirements to be met” The Foremans approach will reduce build programmes by up to 70% compared to site-based construction, allowing schools and colleges to meet urgent place planning issues and deadlines for funding. In order to meet individual project requirements and budgets, the buildings can be supplied decorated or fully refurbished with new windows, wall linings, partitions, mechanical and electrical services, doors, flooring, and cladding.

enq 072 info@foremansbuildings.co.uk ( 01964 544344 

The Foremans approach proved to be more cost effective for a bigger building but with no compromise on the quality of the accommodation

10 Public Sector Build Journal

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The two-storey scheme was craned into position in just three days during school holidays, minimising any disruption to the college

would never know this is a refurbished building. Staff and students are very happy and it has provided a much needed and much improved learning environment. Foremans worked closely with us to develop the design to our specific requirements and were able to meet our tight deadline for the project. The opening of the new building coincided with our best ever examination results and we believe the quality of the new teaching accommodation will contribute to further improvements in the future.”

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Education Focus

Dorma provides climate barrier Making a good first impression is crucial at new educational buildings, so the specification of entrance doors is absolutely vital. However, entrance doors are about far more than just aesthetics — with functionality and performance minimum requirements to ensure safety, security and comfort for students, teachers and staff alike.

t Allerton High School in West Yorkshire, the original design specification of automatic doors on the main entrance did not accommodate the site’s excessively windy conditions. Dorma’s extensive experience in door manufacture meant that they were approached for help. As part of its energy saving product features to reduce environmental impact, the Dorma ED250A is the only automatic swing door operator with integrated wind-load capabilities; it automatically recognises and compensates for wind loads up to 150 N – making it the ideal solution for Allerton High School. The ED250A has a long life cycle – tested to 1,000,0000 cycles – and a low noise electromechanical operator – important in a building with a heavy traffic flow, while the Wind Load Control is integral to the door’s correct functioning on external doors. Suitable for doors with a weight of up to 250kg and a width of 1600mm, Dorma also provides an easyto-install integrated door coordinator for

12 Public Sector Build Journal

double leaf doors. Wind load is a real problem for exterior swing doors, as the wind can act against them and affect performance, especially in the case of electro hydraulic operators, which have an inflexible closing force tied to their current spring force adjustment. This lack of a wind load control leads to the costly loss of precious energy from the building and can lead to unauthorised access – especially concerning in the case of Allerton High School and its 1000+ students.

Adjustable properties With safety and security paramount, the Dorma ED250A’s Wind Load Control feature automatically compensates for wind loads with a force of up to 150N by tailoring the door’s driving behaviour appropriately to the prevailing weather conditions, while the adjustable electronic latching action helps the door to close properly, eliminating wind load problems and helping to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. The design features of the ED250s

“The ED250A can withstand extreme cold weather with its integrated Initial Drive Control, which detects and compensates for weather-related irregularities in the door's performance” The success of the DORMA ED250A installation at Allerton High School is further proof that when it comes to automatic door entrances, selecting the correct product is essential. With the highest quality products, architects and contractors can create learning environments which are built to last – and will continue to deliver outstanding performance for generations.  *

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With safety and security paramount, the Dorma ED250A's Wind Load Control feature automatically compensates for wind loads with a force of up to 150N

and their suitability for the job were immediately apparent. The Dorma ED250A doors are now fully operational, reducing heat loss and draughts, and most importantly, the school is secure and safe. The ED250A can also withstand extreme cold weather with its integrated Initial Drive Control, which detects and compensates for weather-related irregularities in the door’s performance, allowing its operation to remain smooth at all times. In addition, the Dorma ED250 is CE marked, and fully tested and compliant with multiple UK and International standards. Providing secure and reliable operation in line with the client’s demands and legal responsibilities, they also offer ease of access for all building users in line with Approved Document M. With environmental impact also a major concern, the Dorma ED250A once again proved ideal. The contemporary design reduced the material required during its production by almost 40% compared to the previous generation of Dorma electro hydraulic door operators. Consequently, its lower weight and features such as the Energy Saving Mode function and the integrated Wind Load Control system make positive impact on the reduction of unnecessary CO2 emissions.

enq 074

info@dorma-uk.co.uk (

01462 477600

Housing Focus

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Online Enquiry 076 14 Public Sector Build Journal

Education Focus

Meeting fire safety requirements Dulux Trade Pyroshield Durable Eggshell has been used in a project to refurbish the Rootes halls of residence at The University of Warwick. The flame retardant coating was selected to ensure the student accommodation achieved mandatory fire safety requirements sustainably and cost-effectively.

ootes, which was constructed between 1967 and 1969, comprises five accommodation blocks that house over 900 first year undergraduates. Following a decision to refurbish the entire facility, the university prioritised achieving the mandatory Class O fire-safety rating of the Building Regulations Approved document B. Phil Moore, Project Manager at the university, explains: “The project required us to completely redecorate and modernise the accommodation while also meeting mandatory fire safety requirements. We had already used Dulux Trade Pyroshield to refurbish one of the blocks a year before, and having reviewed a range of solutions that could achieve the necessary flame inhibiting standards for the other four, it was clear that the range was the most environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution for the project.” Phil worked with experts from Dulux Trade to analyse the substrates against key requirements and test the various options that would meet the brief. Following this process, Dulux Trade Pyroshield Durable Eggshell was selected for application to all of the internal surfaces in the building, including the bedrooms, kitchens and hallways. Phil continues: “Pyroshield Durable Eggshell was ideal for the project because it not only acts to prevent the spread of

flames, but is also highly durable and stain resistant – perfect for high-traffic environments like university residential accommodation. Redecorating such a large facility is a substantial undertaking, so it is very reassuring that the coating can help to keep surfaces fresh and clean for longer, and reduce the long-term costs that come with frequent redecoration. What’s more, the coating is completely non-hazardous and water-based, so it also met the sustainability requirements of the project.” Facilities Management Specialist, Mitie, was commissioned to carry out the redecoration. Dean Chiltern, Contracts Supervisor on the project, says: “The refurbishment was a major project,

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Dulux Trade Pyroshield Durable Eggshell was selected for application to all of the internal surfaces in the building, including the bedrooms, kitchens and hallways

involving over 50 painters working on-site for several weeks. There were a number of people from different trades on site at any one time, so it was crucial that everything was well coordinated and ran smoothly to complete the project to a high standard and on time. “Pyroshield Durable Eggshell really helped us to stick to schedule and produce impressive end results. It was the first time that I had worked with the range, but it was immediately obvious that it was very a high quality product. It provided great coverage, and importantly, brought the surfaces up to the required fire safety standard in two coats. It’s definitely a product that I would be happy to work with again and recommend for future projects in which there are fire safety requirements.” Phil Moore concludes: “The finished results of the refurbishment have met all our expectations. Not only do the halls look great, but by using the Pyroshield range throughout the interiors, we have provided residents with protection from the spread of fire and given them valuable extra time to escape should a fire break out.”

“Following a decision to refurbish the entire facility, the university prioritised achieving the mandatory Class O fire-safety rating of the Building Regulations Approved document B”

Rootes, which was constructed between 1967 and 1969, comprises five accommodation blocks that house over 900 first year undergraduates surfaces in the building, including the bedrooms, kitchens and hallways 

enq 077

duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

(

08444 817 817

Public Sector Build Journal

Education Focus

MODAL has an innovative modular design, which gives specifiers a much wider choice of configuration options

Award-winning application Forest Park School is a visionary new primary school in Hampshire for children with learning difficulties. With help from Technal's innovative low rise glazing system, the new building has created an inspirational child-centred facility which has now been acclaimed with a series of awards and accolades.

16 Public Sector Build Journal

National Park. Technal’s MODAL low rise facade system was used extensively throughout, installed by glazing fabricator, Glassolutions Installation. Finished in dark brown with contrasting bronze doors, MODAL is used as fixed light glazing and with FXi65 windows. Sound attenuated louvres provide additional natural ventilation, and the GXi sliding patio door, which is fully integrated with MODAL, was also specified, together with Technal’s CD commercial door. MODAL is a rapid-build low rise facade system – and the first in the UK to offer integral opening vents. It has an innovative modular design, which gives specifiers a much wider choice of configuration options. The new school, which has been created following the amalgamation of two existing schools, provides accommodation for 72 children with

special educational needs, aged between two and 11 years. Facilities include a library, IT suite, hydrotherapy pool, hall, children’s kitchen for cookery activities, therapy room, office, dining room, soft play room, light room, specialist art room and extensive external play areas.

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he school, which features extensive use of the revolutionary MODAL facade system, has won a top award at the Solent Design Awards which recognise the best designed buildings in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Commenting at the awards ceremony, the judges praised the building as “a highly specialised environment that avoided any institutional feel…. creating a wonderful and uplifting school where architecture and landscaping coalesce beautifully. This is a terrific resolution to a complex brief where the attention to detail has been superb.” The school has also received a Civic Trust Award and an RIBA award which was presented for the project’s ‘high architectural quality and contribution to the local environment’. In announcing the awards, the RIBA judges said, “…a school cannot just be about facilities, it must engender a sense of well-being, even pride among pupils and staff. The architects have created an extraordinary place in which pupils feel special… in which the children’s needs are primary to the design.” The Forest Park scheme is a collection of low rise buildings interlinked by a series of canopies and arranged around a number of courtyards. The outer walls are constructed of brick with inner facades of dark timber and glass, and a combination of dual and monopitched zinc roofs. The site’s landscaping was inspired by the heathland that characterises much of the New Forest

 *

enq 078

info@technal.co.uk (

01924 232323

“The architects have created an extraordinary place in which pupils feel special... in which the children's needs are primary to the design”

Finished in dark brown with contrasting bronze doors, MODAL is used as fixed light glazing and with FXi65 windows

Online Enquiry 079

Housing Focus

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enq 080 info@evinox.co.uk ( 01372 722277 

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Public Sector Build Journal

17 13

Education Focus power, temperature and water flow settings. Features such as an advanced thermostatic control system ensure that the shower does not exceed 41°C in temperature. The Luda is a fullywaterproof IP45 rated shower unit that carries a comprehensive BEAB Care approval. The flexibility of the Luda also enables it to be installed at any height, safely and securely.

Independent use

Features such as an advanced thermostatic control system ensure that the shower does not exceed 41°C in temperature

As schools across the UK face increased financial pressure due to budget cuts, it can be difficult for educational establishments to ensure that a high level of service is maintained. This is particularly true of institutions which cater for children with physical and learning disabilities, due to the increased cost of specialist equipment.

hadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, is a fine example of a school facing such challenges. The school has undertaken a number of recent projects over the last few years to promote its status as a specialist sports college, including building a customised cycling path around the perimeter of the school’s playfield and the development of a new swimming pool, which features bathroom facilities designed to meet the requirements of the children. As part of the bathroom installations, local independent living solutions provider AKW – based in Droitwich Spa – has donated one of its awardwinning Luda electric showers to help deliver a stylish and practical showering solution to the children. The school and AKW have formed a close relationship

18 Public Sector Build Journal

over the past year, with Chadsgrove School participating in the company’s sponsorship programme of para-cycling athlete Jon-Allan Butterworth, who collected three silvers in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Children at the school competed in a ‘Design a Mascot’ competition for the athlete, who also officially launched an internal cycling proficiency course. The Luda offers the perfect solution for those with special requirements when showering. RNIB accredited – confirming its suitability for an extensive range of disabilities and visual impairments – the Luda includes clearly labelled tactile buttons to ensure the shower is easy to operate. It also features audio feedback to provide partially-sighted users, of which there are approximately 20 at Chadsgrove School, with complete control over the

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Practical showering solution

The shape of the shower is tapered at the base to give more space in the enclosure for any seated users, while its adjustable shower head, soap dish and shelf means the height can be altered to suit the needs of each individual child. The installation also includes a riser rail, doubling as a grab rail, capable of supporting up to 130kg of weight. Liz Morgan, Deputy Head Teacher of Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College, says: “Donations such as the Luda electric shower from AKW really do make a huge difference to the children’s day-to-day lives. Our newly built swimming pool has proved to be a huge success and the kids are really enthusiastic about using it, so it’s great to know that we have an electric shower installed that is purposely designed to meet the requirements of those with specialist needs.” Joanna Marston of AKW adds: “We are delighted that the children at Chadsgrove School are so happy with their new Luda shower. We pride ourselves on high quality solutions that really make a difference to people’s lives, and the Luda shower helps achieve this.”

 enq 080 sales@awk-ltd.co.uk ( 01905 823299

“RNIB accredited – confirming its suitability for an extensive range of disabilities and visual impairments – the Luda includes clearly labelled tactile buttons to ensure the shower is easy to operate ”

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Housing Focus

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To find out more about our 24 hour service visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com Online Enquiry 081

Public Sector Build Journal 19 www.firmanglass.com

THE FRESH APPROACH TO DESIGNER RAILING SYSTEMS Introducing Q-designs Q-designs by by Q-railing, Q-railing, the the modern modern take take on on high high design design railing railing systems. systems. Introducing Want to to combine combine the the elegance elegance of of high-end high-end stainless stainless steel steel with with the the sleek sleek transparency transparency Want of glass? With Q-designs your options are limitless. of glass? With Q-designs your options are limitless. Some things things are are best best seen seen in in person, person, so so we we welcome welcome you you to to view view our our full full poduct poduct range range Some at Ecobuild, 5th 7th March 2013. at Ecobuild, 5th - 7th March 2013. Visit us us on on stand stand S710 S710 to to see see the the potential potential of of Q-designs Q-designs to to enhance enhance any any space. space. Visit

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