Schools and nursery school environments present many design challenges given the need to create attractive spaces where children will feel engaged and comfortable whilst being safe and secure. And studies from around the world, conducted over many years, have demonstrated how important it is to get school design right due to the negative impact a poor quality environment can have on a child’s development and ability to learn.

Lifts have become an essential feature for multi-storey residential buildings over recent decades as the importance of maximising accessibility is increasingly prioritised in building design. In fact, ever since the publication of the Disability Discrimination Act in 1995, which was subsequently replaced by the Equality Act 2010, there has been a much greater focus on installing passenger lifts within apartment blocks and flats.

Retail buildings take many forms from the smallest independent shop units, food and drink kiosks and trade counters to multi-storey shopping centres and car showrooms. Despite their variation in size and purpose, there is one overriding design goal that is likely to apply to all types of retail outlet. That is the creation of an attractive and appealing environment in which customers will feel comfortable and engaged, whilst also being confident that they will be safe in the event of a fire.

Homeowners and developers looking to create safe, stylish interiors where rooms are filled with natural light are increasingly recognising the value of fire resistant glazing, windows and doors. In the past 12 months, Promat, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fire rated glazing systems and high performing fire glass products for doors and windows, has seen a noticeable increase in the number of enquiries it has received relating to domestic projects. From doors into attached garages and basements, to large butt-jointed glass screens such as for separating a kitchen from a stairway, fire glass is increasingly on the radar of home builders and renovators.

Two large internal glass screens which balance aesthetics with assured fire protection have been created using Promat SYSTEMGLAS® F1 within a new multi-million pound facility to support the day-to-day operations of a major UK airline.

Christchurch in Teddington Middlesex was founded in 1864 and was a place of worship for over 150 years. In 2015 it was purchased by Renaissance Design & Build for conversion in to 6 luxury apartments. The extensive refurbishment has included a complete modernisation including a spiral staircase, roof garden and much more. One of the many challenges was ensuring the building was upgraded to current building regulations and that compartmentation was introduced into what was originally an open area for the congregation. The Renaissance team engaged the Promat glass team to provide the best technical and aesthetic solution for each area of the building.