FEBRUARY 2014

CAMBRIDGE COLLEGE USES NEW BUILDING SYSTEM

Yorkons new off-site building system has been used to construct three new wings at Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire P. 40

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PLASTER PAINS
Duncan Haywood explores how a different approach to plaster choice can make significant savings P. 8

ASSESSING GLASS IN FIRE

Mike Wood offers guidance on fire resistant glazing P. 24

BUILDING A FUTURE
Jacqui Allen discusses building management for schools wishing to achieve academy status P. 36

FEATURE: MAINTENANCE, REFURB + REFIT

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Developing storage for maximum efficiency

Workplace designers in the public sector can deploy storage solutions at the fit-out stage to enhance efficiency in the working environment. David McLaren, director of UK manufacturer and installer James Tobias, explains how...
Whether its for lockers, filing, office equipment, coats, or for any other purpose, storage is an important aspect of interior workspace in public sector buildings. The effective deployment of a built-in storage wall improves the efficiency of the working space and of the staff working in it, as well as setting design cues for the space as a whole. By buildingin the storage solution at an early stage, to form an integral part of the design, it is possible to achieve an enhanced working environment and to create the most efficient workspace. In the public sector, storage is often intended to be used by customers or young people, in addition to staff. Ease of use and robust construction are therefore important while the aesthetic design of storage units can have an impact on the customer experience. Since a storage wall is designed to reach from floor to ceiling, the colours selected will affect the feel of the space as a whole. There is also the possibility for branding or location-specific decals being included on the units. Although it might not be appropriate in every environment, such as those used by small children, in many installations the provision of storage space from floor to ceiling can be an important bonus, as it increases overall storage capacity. By making maximum use of the available vertical space total storage capacity can

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FEATURE: MAINTENANCE, REFURB + REFIT

...Continued from page 41 be increased by up to 20%. In instances where an aesthetic approach is required, but where storage at ceiling level is not appropriate, for instance in rooms with a higher than normal ceiling height, a fascia board can be installed to create a flush finish between the storage units and the ceiling.

Another advantage of a storage wall is that it can be used to divide up space in a large, open plan office. So, if youre dividing up office space, consider the use of a storage wall, instead of partitioning. This will save both space and cost, potentially providing storage capacity on both sides, as well as acoustic and thermal protection. As an added benefit, such units will be demountable and repositionable,

should future requirements dictate. This also means the designers will be able to play their part in helping a project achieve an SKA gold rating as a sustainable fit-out. A storage wall can also, of course, be positioned against an existing wall and, in many cases, this is the most appropriate way for it to be installed. By providing a new fascia and appearance to the wall, it can effectively create a makeover within the working environment. Ensuring that materials used in fit-outs are recyclable and sustainably sourced will also help achieve SKA objectives. This will include insisting that carcass materials used in storage units are manufactured from FSCapproved timber products. For the educational sector, storage wall, or media wall, can incorporate bespoke ventilated units which house server and AV equipment, tailoring the design to the requirements of the individual installation. Weight loadings are a key area of interest in many installations. Therefore, specifiers should be looking for units manufactured from structured aluminium carcass with steel shelves. These are most likely to come from established UK manufacturers. The combination of structured aluminium carcass with steel shelving and fittings guarantees the most durable and longest-lasting products. This form of construction also provides the best weight loadings, compared to pegboard units. These systems normally provide weight loadings of around 240kg per unit, about two-and-a-half times greater than typical pegboard systems. The provision of improved capacity may well mean that less storage units are ultimately

required, releasing workspace for other purposes and also saving money overall. In addition to its inherent strength, which is derived from the aluminium framing, such units will most likely feature adjustable shelves, allowing for versatility. Furthermore, hinges and locking mechanisms will all be of high quality manufacture. At the outset of any refit project, the level of disruption and disturbance caused to those working in the facility is often an important concern. In such cases, fit-out contractors will need to consider not just the finished result, but the whole process of specifying and installing storage products. What they will probably be looking for is a solution in which the site survey, manufacture and installation is handled by the manufacturer itself. A good survey at the outset is critical, because it enables off-site manufacturing to a high degree of accuracy. The elimination of material processing on-site cuts down dramatically on the disruption experienced by the workforce or customers in the facility. As public sector specifiers come under pressure to achieve costeffective solutions, the versatility and durability of high quality storage walls looks increasingly attractive. This is particularly so when the whole process from survey through to installation can be handled by a UK manufacturer which has an established track record with the best-known fit-out companies in the sector.

Enquire about James Tobias PM289

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