Clearview 223 - June 2020 | Page 58

Hardware Extra RAF NURSERY SECURED FOR CHILDREN’S SAFETY » PROJECT SPECIFICATION GROUP, A unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has specified a range of solutions for a RAF nursery in Oxfordshire, delivering assured access and safety for children using the facility. Working in partnership with designers Frankham Consultancy Group and contractors Antac, the RAF base required an extension to its existing nursery facilities, increasing its capacity to cater for more than 100 children. David Shields, National Specification Manager at Project Specification Group, added: “The plans for the build were incredibly multifaceted, but – as we have access to such a wide range of products – we were able to adapt and supply a bespoke specification. “On a project like this it’s not just about the products but also the added value that the team can provide. Performance guarantees, door scheduling and an understanding of the building’s ongoing use are invaluable.” Products specified by Project Specification Group included the DC500A CAM-Motion® door closer, delivering a low opening force while providing sufficient closing forces to satisfy fire legislation, and ASSA modular high-security deadlocks, delivering a strong locking solution for doors. Other solutions specified included P600 cylinders, patented to ensure keys cannot be duplicated by unauthorised parties, and ScanFlex door furniture, offering classic Scandinavian design in a hard-wearing stainless steel. The doorsets provided were all oak laminate with a horizontal grain, complete with PVC edges – making them easy to clean – and factory-painted frames, meaning the products arrived to site in their finished condition, ready for a quick installation. Project Specification Group also supplied the graphics for the toilet doors in a self-adhesive vinyl. With access and safety for young children of paramount importance, solutions such as ASSA finger guards – protecting children from accidentally trapping their fingers in doors – and thumb turn locks for the toilets, installed at a lower height, were other crucial considerations. Doug Swadling, Site Manager from Antac, said: “Specifying and installing ASSA ABLOY’s products could not have been a smoother process. We always received regular contact with the Project Manager and any questions I had were answered straight away, which was brilliant. “The end result is fantastic – the building looks great. We’re so pleased that we managed to deliver an upgraded nursery for RAF Benson with some of the best door solutions available on the market.” www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/ specification OUTSTANDING DOOR HARDWARE PROFESSIONALS CELEBRATED AT INDUSTRY AWARDS » THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST WITHIN the door hardware industry were celebrated at the annual Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI) awards ceremony on 7 March 2020. The IAI Fellowship Award is given to an individual who has shown a longstanding and ongoing commitment to the IAI over at least 10 years. This year’s winner was Kevin O’Reilly, technical director of Securefast. Kevin has impressed fellow institute members through his many years of help and support, which include attending all IAI Midlands branch meetings, writing CPD presentations and volunteering for the GAI Education Committee. The Paul Lewis Award for Customer Service is given to an individual, group or company that has made an outstanding commitment to customer services throughout the year. Phoenix Sales (RJ) Ltd won the award after being nominated for its focus on providing a “first-class service” to its customer base. Phoenix Sales staff attend site visits as well as meetings with architects and clients to ensure they fully understand the specification required and the end users’ needs. The GAI Award for Services to the Institute is awarded to a current IAI member who has made a recent and visible contribution at branch level. This year’s winner was Chris Colley, technical director at Monaghan Planck. Chris has been a part of the IAI for nearly 30 years, after he completed his diploma in 1990. He was an active member of the South West branch during this time before becoming national chair in 1998. In 2002 he joined the North West branch and also chaired the regional branch from 2010-2012. The Promising Ironmonger of the Year award went to Rav Jagdev, sales director at Phoenix Sales (RJ) Ltd. This award is given to the brightest ironmongers in the early stages of their careers. Rav’s nomination describes his customer focussed approach to service and dedication to his own professional development. He is currently working towards RegAI status after recently completing his GAI diploma. Deborah Cannon, chair of the IAI, said; “The awards offer a great opportunity to celebrate the wealth of talent and commitment that is prevalent in this sector. It’s important that we recognise not only our dedicated industry professionals, but also the promising newcomers within the industry, and continue to support them throughout their career.” www.gai.org.uk 58 » JUN 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM