Ahmarra Manufacture Fire Doors & Wall Panelling for Grand Central Apartments

Contractor: Henry Construction
Client: LBS Properties
Type of works: Manufacture of Fire & Security Doors

Ahmarra manufactured over 500 FD30s, FD60s and non fire-rated doorsets, as well as over 180 wall panels, for Grand Central Apartments. An LBS Properties development, the 25 storey residential tower that offers 68 one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as a penthouse. Situated in the heart of King’s Cross London, it is a moment’s walk away from West of St Pancras International station. The building was designed by Stiff + Trevillion architects, whilst the interior design specification was provided by Honky.

Inspired by the linear forms and materials of the railway, this iconic tower captures the area’s industrial heritage whilst embracing elegant modernity. Externally, the tower’s facade is inspired by the engineering used to construct the railway tracks of King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations. Internally, Honky’s vision reflects the local planning committee’s call for distinctive, hand crafted elements and a preference for warm timber tones. As such, Honky chose an American White Oak crown cut vertical grain wood veneer with a bespoke stain for the dual certified fire & security apartment entrance doorsets, as well as communal area doors. Ahmarra also manufactured internal doors for bedroom, kitchen, living spaces and stairways, which had a pre-primed eco paper veneer applied, ready for on-site painting. All of the doors were manufactured from FSC® certified timber.

Certified under the Q-Mark Enhanced Security scheme, the entrance doorsets are Secured By Design (SBD) approved and meet PAS24 standards. Also certified under the Q-Mark Fire Door Manufacture scheme, they are FD30s fire and smoke rated. The entrance doorsets feature heavy duty knurled lever handles – in a satin stainless steel finish on the external side and a satin black finish on the internal side – to complement the design scheme.

The stylish grooved wall panelling in the reception and lobby areas is made from Valchromat – a wood fibre panel impregnated with organic dyes throughout. The flush wall panelling in the corridor areas features an American White Oak crown cut vertical grain wood veneer with a bespoke stain to match the apartment entrance doors. Both types of panelling meet EN Euro Class B fire retardant standards.