Interiors

As a detrimental component of a fire door’s performance, it is critical to get the specification of fire door closers correct. Here, Graham Hulland, Product Marketing Manager at dormakaba explains the key requirements and outlines the issues to consider to ensure the product is compliant and fit for purpose.

Fire doors are the first line of defence against the spread of smoke and fire, enabling the safe evacuation of all building occupants. As important as the fire door itself is the door hardware and ironmongery.

A rise in multi-generational living, alongside an aging population, means that bathroom safety has come into sharp focus in recent years. Martyn Brown, Contracts and Technical Manager at Triton Showers, outlines Triton’s PASA Test, and the important role it plays in shower specification.

There are currently 1.8 million UK households with several generations living under the same roof, a figure which is expected to triple by 2040 . At the same time, there are 11.8 million people aged over 65, set to become 14.3 million by 2025 . These shifts in demographics coincide with a rise in demand for social housing, presenting a significant challenge to those tasked with delivering fit-for-purpose homes.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the number of people with dementia is steadily increasing and careful planning is required to manage their care and support. One in every 14 people aged over 65, and one in six aged over 80 struggles with the condition. Here, Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, a leading provider of accessible home solutions, discusses the launch of a new guide that will help housing associations create more dementia-friendly bathrooms.

EffectAble Construction Services are one of the largest independent specialist disability adaptation companies in the UK. During these turbulent and unprecedented times, EffectAble have worked tirelessly along with independent living solutions supplier, N&C Phlexicare to ensure comprehensive stock levels were achieved for unhindered installation of the bathroom adaptations in homes.  

AKW shows that it is possible to build cost-effective inclusivity into a bathroom’s design, so it is fit for purpose, no matter what the tenants needs. How is this possible? By using AKW’s latest cost-effective ‘Bathroom for Life’ solution.

With an ageing population and only 7% of housing stock in England offering even the most basic accessibility features , there is a growing need for housing associations to offer flexible accommodation. An area that is the most challenging for those with mobility issues is the bathroom. Here Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, shows how housing associations can have the best of both worlds – contemporary, long-lasting bathrooms for day-to-day use and then, when needed cost-effective transitioning to accessible wet rooms.

The half height Pro-Door systems from N&C Phlexicare, manufacturer of carer-led showering solutions, enables easy level access for family member and carers.

The quality constructed, half height shower door system is available in a variety of configurations, finishes and sizes for for use in wet-rooms and shower areas to maximise on space and suit the users’ needs.