GETTING THE RIGHT SPECIFICATION FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION AND SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECTS

As the UK’s first manufacturer to bi-directionally fire test its riser doors, Profab Access understands the importance of ensuring the highest standards of compliance and certification. It has developed a comprehensive suite of fire rated riser doors that provide architects and specifiers with affordable yet compliant solutions that are ideal for specification throughout student accommodation and social housing applications. This includes the VEGA 1500 Series, INTEGRA 4000 Series and VISION 8000 Series. The riser door sets are fire tested from both sides for 60 or 120 minutes, depending on the product specified, and supplied with comprehensive certification. This means architects and specifiers can be confident the doors will maintain their frame and integrity for this period, preventing the spread of fire throughout the building. The VEGA 1500 Series Fire Rated Riser Door is supplied as standard with the Profab Access revolutionary PRECISION adjustable frame, which completely transforms the installation process and reduces fitting times by up to 30%. The PRECISION adjustable frame’s unique construction enables the frame to be fully adjusted to meet the specific dimensions of each structural opening. Featuring a continual adjustable steel packer system, the PRECISION adjustable frame ensures the installation is fit for purpose by providing the highest standards in accuracy. It also removes the requirement for traditionally used packers during installation. The engineered frame features built in factory applied intumescent fire rated mastic strips to the outer frame, which provides fire stopping between the wall and the frame. This eliminates the reliance on the correct thickness of the intumescent mastic bead being applied, removing any potential margin for error and ensuring compliance and adequacy of the entire installation. Extensively bi-directionally tested by Efectis in France and Ireland, the riser door is suitable for use in shaft walls, standard flexible wall constructions and with all board manufacturers. The lightweight, easy to install solutions provide professionals with permanent and safe access to mechanical and electrical services housed within a riser core. Product in practice Situated in the heart of Dublin, just a short walk or cycle from Trinity College, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and University College Dublin, Scape Aungier Street is a new state-of-the-art student accommodation complex. The complex offers a diverse range of high quality accommodation options, from ensuite rooms in shared apartments to large and premium studios. The latest Scape development features communal study spaces, large open plan kitchens and gym areas to offer students all of the amenities they require. As part of the construction process, which was managed by John Paul Construction, AE Doors specified 226 Profab Access Riser Doors for installation throughout the building, including the communal areas and individual bedrooms. The Riser Doors offer the highest standards of fire safety, supplied with third party accredited comprehensive bi-directional fire testing certification. Specifiers, contractors and ultimately the students residing within the building can be confident the critical fire integrity products offer the highest standard and most up to date evidence for fire safety performance. The steel Riser Doors feature a slim line construction that does not compromise on quality or functionality, offering aesthetics without compromise. Providing clean and concealed access to the riser shafts, the unobtrusive doors were specified with a central key cylinder lock. This significantly streamlined the installation process for the team at AE Doors and reduced the risk of damage to the doors upon installation, particularly in the student bedrooms and bathrooms where access was restricted. Pat Woods, Technical Sales at AE Doors, said: “Given the nature of this development we knew the quality and durability of the Riser Doors was paramount to ensure their longevity and continued efficiency. “We have supplied and installed Profab Access Riser Doors for over two years and continue to be extremely impressed with the quality of construction, so we knew they would be the ideal choice for this project. “The products are extremely easy to install and as they are manufactured in the UK, they are available with impressive lead times. This meant we could ensure the development of the project was kept on track, ready for its opening.” The Riser Doors are acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L, whilst also featuring intumescent smoke seals that enable occupants to safely exit the building. By specifying the bi-directionally fire tested Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence. The audit trail evidences the products are fit for purpose and meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance. Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Profab Access, said: “Scape provides students across Ireland, the UK and Australia with contemporary accommodation that offers the highest standards in quality, safety and functionality. “The specification of our bi-directionally fire tested Riser doors throughout all areas of the new Aungier Street development is a further reflection of this commitment. The building features the highest levels of riser shaft fire protection currently available on the Irish and UK markets.” The Riser Doors were supplied with a high quality powder-coated matt surface, which were finished on-site in a range of bold colours to reflect the contemporary interior design scheme. A wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files, to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages, supports the Profab Access diverse portfolio of Riser Doors and Access Panels. Manufactured at the Profab Access UK headquarters in accordance with ISO 9001, the Riser Doors can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet the specific measurements and requirements of each project. For further information on Profab Access and its range of Access Panels, Riser Doors and Steel Doors, call +44(0)1827 718222.

For more information on GETTING THE RIGHT SPECIFICATION FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION AND SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECTS talk to Profab Access Ltd