Neaco would like to introduce a friendly new face serving our customers across the UK with the arrival of Leeanne Cook as Administration Assistant.
Born and bred in Malton, Leeanne is a true local lass and will be based at our head office near the town. She is now assisting our Operations Manager, Steve Bean, in production administration with a range of duties including purchase order processing. Her work will cover orders throughout Neaco’s product range, including handrails and balustrade, structural glass, glass balconies, railed balconies, Juliet balconies, metal grating, cladding, solar shading louvres, roof walkways and bathroom mobility aids such as true level access showers, half height shower doors, designer grab rails, shower seats and support rails.
Neaco’s Managing Director, Alan Green, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leeanne, who is an experienced and very capable performer across a wide range of administration roles. I’m sure she will make an excellent contribution to the smoothness, speed and efficiency of our customer services.”
Balustrade Design Guide – Part 1: stanchions
Designing balustrade for stairs, mezzanine floors, partitions and barriers is one of the more complex requirements for any built environment. There are many elements to consider, from suitable fixings for the building fabric to the horizontal load-bearing capability. Many architects find it difficult to know where to start, so with that in mind Neaco are introducing our Balustrade Design Guide, a four-part series which focuses on the design options and technical demands of each key balustrade component. In Part 1, we’re focusing on stanchions.
The primary concern for stanchions is the method of fixing to the building structure. The nature and fabric of this structure determines which methods of fixing your require. Stability is the key to structural integrity and horizontal load-bearing, so it’s important to determine a viable solution (you can read more about horizontal load requirements here). There are broadly four common methods used to fix balustrade stanchions:
1) Grout-in base
This is the most common solution in balustrade design. Stanchions can be grouted in to a void which is core-drilled into the structural concrete. The stanchion should be inserted to a minimum depth of approximately 125mm into structural concrete. A cover at the base can conceal the grouting and provide a more attractive aesthetic.
This adaptable option is suitable for various fabrics which are unsuitable of grout-in installations, e.g. steel. A flat plate can be secured with bolts on each side for a straightforward installation. Plates can also be manufactured at bespoke angles to adapt to raked surfaces commonly found on stairwell structures and ramps.
When it’s not viable to install down into the ground, side /face fixings can be used on balconies and stringers. This method is often used when there is a lack of space on the horizontal surface. It’s also useful when a grout-in or flat base installation is not possible on an uneven surface finish or a sensitive membrane such as damp-proofing on a roof. A side fixing system can be slightly more time-consuming on site but it does create more floor space, particularly on stairwells and mezzanine floors. The stanchion can be directly bolted onto the wall with button caps to cover up unsightly screws.
This is an unusual option which is used in tricky installations where the balustrade stanchion needs to be fixed within a void below the finished floor level, which is sometimes required in balcony installations. In these types of installation the stanchion requires additional strength, stability and support which is provided by the Socket Flat Base which is fixed to the lower surface below the finished floor level. The Socket Flat Base is bolted onto the surface and the stanchion is slotted into the socket. A cover can be applied where the stanchion appears above the floor level to provide a neater appearance.
SUITABLE FABRICS: Concrete metal decks, hollow plank floors
AESTHETIC OPTIONS
Tubular stanchions are still the most popular specification but a variety of other aesthetic options for balustrade design, including square stanchions and flat-bar stanchions. Neaco have also developed an innovative stanchion profile called Shape (pictured below left) designed for economical use of materials. For further details on Neaco’s full range of stanchion options please visit our balustrade section
CLICK HERE TO READ PART 2 OF OUR BALUSTRADE DESIGN GUIDE
Open mesh flooring has anti-slip qualities by design
The danger of slipping and tripping is a lingering cause for concern for countless workplaces, especially in industrial environments, but welcome peace of mind is at hand with Techdek open mesh flooring, an innovative solution from Neaco which incorporates anti-slip qualities by design.
Based on an aluminum grille profile with a patented swage-locked structure, Techdek open mesh flooring is available in a choice of slip-resistant surfaces with ribbed or serrated profiles. The system is fully load-bearing yet lightweight and easy to install. The open grille allows liquid and waste to drain below the surface a for large displacement area between and below the foot contact area.
Neaco’s National Sales manger, Peter Melia, said: “Our technical team specifically designed the Techdek open mesh flooring profiles to provide a sure foot contact area whilst being able to quickly and effectively disperse liquid below it. This is an especially useful performance element in industrial environments, where waste can create slippery conditions, but it’s also valuable in kitchens and other workplaces where surface liquid can be a major hazard. Techdek is also available for use in stair treads.”
Designed for modular construction with a simple fixing system that requires no welding for assembly, panels come in a choice of standard sizes and thicknesses but can also be cut to bespoke dimensions. Structural efficiency is achieved by swage locking in which the swage bar passes through the load bar without cutting into the top or bottom edge, thus providing a panel of great rigidity and strength. Precision engineered to the most exacting standards at Neaco’s in-house facilities, Techdek is manufactured from fully recyclable aluminium which is corrosion and fire resistant.
Approximately one third of the weight of steel panels of similar form, Techdek’s lightweight industrial open mesh flooring panels retain a high residual value and are virtually maintenance-free. Aluminium extrusions provide a high quality and aesthetically pleasing finish, often difficult to achieve with other materials, and a feature can be made of the panels by anodising or powder coating.
Grille flooring specified for internal cycle park
Neaco’s Techdek aluminium grille flooring system has been specified for an innovative internal cycle park at the XYZ building, a landmark project providing a striking new commercial and leisure amenity in Manchester.
Comprising 160,00 sq ft in total, XYZ was designed by Cartwright Pickard Architects to serve cutting edge working culture and fully embrace the lifestyle needs of contemporary business. A signature feature which represents this concept is the provision for cyclists which includes a basement-level cycle parking area with a cycle way leading up to additional split-level parking and the ground floor reception. Techdek grille flooring’s strength and versatility made it an ideal choice for the cycle way decking.
Robert Phillips, Associate at Cartwright Pickard, said: “We specified the Neaco Techdek system for the cycle ramp at XYZ due its robust construction and the simplicity of its design – the modular nature of its construction, its excellent drainage capabilities and the ribbed profile for surety under foot. Its track record of being used on similar, high profile projects gave us the confidence that the product was suitable for the application. Neaco were extremely helpful and proactive in helping us find the right solution and in providing all of the necessary documentation, details and specifications when they were required.”
Located close to the Leftbank area of Spinningfields, XYZ has been described as the UK’s best new workspace building and one which defines the next generation of property asset class. It includes 20,000 sq ft floor plates and over 30,000 sq ft of public amenity space including cafes, restaurants, meeting spaces and leisure facilities. With a view to refining and evolving previous commercial real estate benchmarks, XYZ not only supports both fledgling and mature businesses but uniquely provides the dynamic environment for them to flourish alongside each other. Construction is being overseen by lead contractors, Mclaren Group, and the first occupants are due to arrive in March.
Precision-engineered off site and easy to assemble with no welding required, Techdek grille flooring is suitable for many other applications, including staging, solar shading, maintenance galleries and roof access walkways. Manufactured from recycled aluminium, the product has many environmentally friendly attributes: the system is non-toxic, non-combustible, corrosive-free and 100 per cent recyclable with no downgrading of its properties and very little energy required for re-melting.
Making school work easier
The particular demands of development in the educational sector require building systems which maximise safety and efficiency. Whether new build or refurbishment, the familiar pressures which contractors face are intensified when a development involves a school or college. Schemes of all types are subject to tight deadlines and invariably fall behind schedule, but there is no such flexibility with educational establishments: it is ideal, and often essential, to carry out work within restricted holiday periods, and term time obviously cannot be shifted to accommodate delayed handovers.
Minimising construction time and on-site activities is therefore a high priority when planning a build schedule for a school development. With this in mind, pre-engineered building systems offer a clear advantage, but they represent an even more practical option when designed for easy assembly for a quick installation on site. Over many years this has consistently proved to be the case with Neaco’s Spectrum modular balustrade systems – angles are calculated and lengths are measured at the earliest possible stage within our in-house design and manufacturing facilities, taking much of the workload out of the installer’s hands. The modular connection system is designed for simplicity with cast components connected by internal split-sleeve ferrules, providing a straightforward construction and fast assembly.
On-site disruption is similarly kept to a minimum. As so much of the work is completed off-site, the impact to an existing site and risk of accruing fabric damage is significantly lower. In comparison to traditional construction methods, there is a reduction in noise and dust, whilst pre-measured components eliminate waste surplus and off-cuts at the supply stage. In Spectrum’s case, we also apply the finish prior to delivery – our aluminium handrails and balustrade are nylon powder coated in a wide choice of solid or metallic colours, so no painting is required.
Health and safety is, of course, especially important in school refurbishment when a site’s proximity to children is a critical consideration in cases where contractors cannot avoid scheduling work during school hours. It is therefore preferable to use building systems with standardised connecting joints and fixtures that avoid messy, noisy and hazardous building practices like welding. The risk of accidents and ill health is minimised within clean, well ordered sites and reduced use of vehicles. Precision engineered modular systems also offer a reliable, uniform quality because they are rigorously monitored in the controlled environment of the factory, guaranteeing a high standard of workmanship and avoiding snagging or callbacks.
All of these benefits are limited if, in the refurbishment of a school building, a pre-fabricated system is unable to adapt to the existing fabric, but today’s most sophisticated modular products have the versatility to meet these demands. Our Spectrum balustrade offers a range of components vast enough to suit the most unusual design permutations, awkward layouts and structurally restrictive environments. We utilise advanced forming technology to incorporate bends at any point on a tubular component. Virtually any turn can therefore be achieved to meet bespoke requirements whilst minimising the number of visible seams, and cast elbows can be used when necessary to negotiate the tightest corner or steepest tread. The system is also adaptable to DDA requirements – we often incorporate a double-handrail into stairwells to cater for the varying heights of users.
Once complete, any construction work must meet the peculiar demands of a school, especially one which serves to educate younger age groups. As any parent will acknowledge, children have a tendency to damage less sturdy objects, whether accidentally or otherwise! Durability is therefore a key quality and construction should minimise the need for external fixtures which can be loosened. With its internal connection system, our Spectrum handrails offer smooth, clean lines that are safe and comfortable to the touch without screws that can be tampered with by children. The powder coating also forms a non-chip surface which provides the hard-wearing qualities required to cope with the intense traffic of day-to-day life in a school or college.
Spectrum’s versatility, durability and easy installation are qualities that Neaco sought to emulate with the development of Clearline, a structural glass product has become an equally popular specification for educational developments. In recent years we have seen a growing preference for architectural solutions that maximize visibility using a predominance of glass requiring only minimal support from lateral or vertical components. In response Neaco designed Clearline to combine smooth, clean lines and minimalist looks with the strength and safety to cope with high traffic areas. Suitable for both external and internal use, its free-standing balustrade requires no supporting uprights – continuous glass is fixed in place by aluminium floor channels. Integrated rubber seals insulate the glass and eliminate the need for the more traditional messy mastic detail.
Clearline glass is toughened in accordance with BS EN12600 class 1 with options including clear or tinted grey, bronze, green or blue with the option of acid etching or an applied emblem/logo. The range also includes a low Iron glass option offering a noticeably clearer panel than the inherent green cast of standard clear float glass used in balustrade applications. The glass is capped by an aluminium top rail which is comfortable to the touch with the same internal connection system and hard-wearing nylon coating used for Spectrum.
The emphasis on safety, so critical within schools, is further magnified when designing structural glass applications. The development of Spectrum has given our technical team a broad understanding of what is required when considering children’s safety on staircases and landings, and Clearline’s design certainly reflects this experience. The system is very difficult for children to climb and there are no gaps through which they could pass.
As an alternative to Clearline structural glass, Neaco have also developed a semi-structural glass option with our Elan system (pictured below). Most balustrade designs secure glass infill panels in place by attaching them to the stanchions with a clip, but Elan’s glass panels are secured by a top rail above and a subtle floor channel below. The result is a sleek appearance, an economical use of materials and an easy-to-install solution.
Clearline and Elan offer the primary qualities which characterise the best pre-fabricated modular systems – these attributes are hugely advantageous not only for the educational sector, but for any type of building project. Standardised quality brings peace of mind and a higher degree of predictability which reduces the risk of time and cost overruns. Speedy installation saves on labour costs and economical use of energy and materials is environmentally desirable. Any contractor in any sector will appreciate the value of those benefits.
glass balustrades available with fabric inserts
Neaco’s range of structural glass balustrade is available with a choice of fabric inserts which can add colour, texture and style to design schemes.
We offer a variety of elegant and contemporary textile options, including an innovative, net-like honeycomb pattern creating a semi-transparent effect with a stretchy 3D fabric that’s very eye-catching when laminated between the glass balustrade. Alternatively, you can choose a voile insert offering a metallic shimmer and filigree embroidery lace work for a contemporary, extravagant air. The technique, which was first used in 1883 in St. Gallen, includes a process where the underlying base cloth for the embroidery is washed away, leaving behind pure lace. A roll width of 2950mm opens up a multitude of uses and allows this particular pattern to be positioned vertically or horizontal within the panel. Other options include a satin glass in one of the panels to create a stunning translucent panel allowing light through but no vision, or two clear glasses to allow broken vision through the panel of the glass balustrade. Each textile option is available in a range of attractive colours.
As well as structural glass Neaco’s Spectrum modular handrail and balustrades range offers a comprehensive choice of design options, including railed balustrade, perforated panels and tension wire infills. Characterized by smooth, clean lines, powder coated aluminium handrails and balustrades are available in a wide variety of solid, metallic and wood-effect finishes which are warm to the touch and maintenance-free. Alternatively, hand finished, satin polished stainless steel components provide clean, sharp intersection lines created by true unidirectional polishing. Neaco’s Duplex system forms an attractive combination between the stainless steel and aluminium versions.
For industrial environments we offer mill-finished balustrade which are extremely durable, fully recyclable and corrosion-free. Neaco’s portfolio also includes balconies, inclusive bathroom facilities and aluminium open grille systems.
Neaco would like to introduce a friendly new face serving our customers across the UK with the arrival of Leeanne Cook as Administration Assistant.
