SECTOR INSIGHT
Em-B Solutions Scoops Two Gai Specification Awards
» ARCHITECTURAL ironmonger Em-B Solutions has won two prestigious GAI AI Specification Awards, with judges recognising the company’ s work on both a nationally significant healthcare project and a bespoke private residence. The Leeds-based company received the Public, Health and Education Award for its work on the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital, Leeds, and the Small Projects Award for Overdale, a Victorian home overlooking Ilkley Moor.
The biennial GAI Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards recognise excellence in architectural ironmongery specification and celebrate the collaboration between architects and architectural ironmongers in delivering successful buildings. The two winning projects could hardly have been more different.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease was created to provide specialist care, support and research facilities for people living with MND. Designed around accessibility, dignity and independence, the building brings together clinical services, therapy spaces and support facilities within a single purpose-built environment.
Working alongside Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, I & G Group and the wider project team, Em-B supplied and specified the centre’ s complete architectural ironmongery package. Bespoke black ironmongery, manufactured by Instinct Hardware, was combined with automatic door systems and carefully specified hardware designed to meet the demanding requirements of a modern healthcare environment.
The project held particular significance for Em-B and its supply chain partners. Working closely with manufacturers including ASSA ABLOY, dormakaba and Instinct Hardware, the company secured discounts and product support, enabling Em-B to donate the ironmongery package free of charge to the scheme. This ensured more of the funds raised through the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal could be directed towards supporting people living with Motor Neurone Disease.
In contrast, Overdale showcased a very different set of skills. Working closely with interior designer Bess Sturman, Em-B developed a bespoke Imperial Bronze hardware suite for the complete refurbishment of a substantial Victorian residence in Yorkshire. The project combined restored period features with contemporary interventions, including hidden doors, bespoke joinery and an authentic basement pub.
The hardware package included bespoke knurled levers, cabinet fittings, hinges and closers, all carefully coordinated to support Sturman’ s design concept,
Where Heritage Meets Horizon. The judges praised the project’ s attention to detail and the way the specification helped bridge the building’ s Victorian heritage with modern family living.
Philip Goldberg, Joint Managing Director of Em-B Solutions, said:“ To receive two awards for projects that are so different is particularly satisfying. It demonstrates the breadth of expertise within the team and the collaborative approach we take with architects, designers, contractors and manufacturers.
“ The Rob Burrow Centre and Overdale presented completely different challenges, but both required the same level of care, technical knowledge and attention to detail. We are grateful to everyone involved in both projects for helping to make them such a success.”
The awards continue a strong track record for Em-B at the GAI / RIBA Specification Awards, where the company has previously received recognition for projects including Grantley Hall, which was named overall Winner of Winners in 2022.
Founded in 1966, Em-B Solutions works with architects, contractors and designers across the UK, providing architectural ironmongery, access control and door solutions for projects ranging from private homes to healthcare facilities, hotels and commercial developments.
www. em-b. co. uk
JUNE 2026
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