Contractor: SM5 Developments Ltd
Client: University of Southampton
Type of works: Manufacture & Install FD30s Fire Doors, Non Fire-Rated Doors and Overpanels
Ahmarra manufactured and installed certified fire doors, non fire-rated doors and over panels for the University of Southampton’s Life Sciences building.
The state-of-the-art laboratory and teaching space supports interdisciplinary work, bringing together student and academic researchers whose expertise spans health, medicine, biology and disruptive life technologies. The contemporary, purpose-built research institute was designed to provide an optimised learning environment, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of life scientists. Situated on the Highfield Campus, it houses laboratories, seminar rooms and a neuroimaging suite, as well as offices, meeting rooms and social spaces. Designed by architect firm NBBJ, the Life Sciences building was recognised for its inspirational architecture, when in 2011, it was awarded Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)’s prestigious South of England Award. The building has been praised for it’s intriguing perspectives, hierarchy of spaces, sustainable construction, robust landscaping and use of natural light & ventilation. The building’s centrepiece is its stunning atrium, with its curved skylights above allowing natural light to flow through.
Main contractor SM5 Developments Ltd were appointed to refurbish some of the building’s office spaces. Ahmarra were selected by SM5 Developments Ltd to manufacture and install fire doorsets and non fire-rated doorsets, as well as matching over panels. Bespoke manufactured at our production facility in Hampshire, these Q-Mark certified performance doorsets are FD30s fire & smoke rated, and 30 to 32 RwdB acoustic rated.
Natural materials such as timber panelling, concrete pillars and glass, as well as earthy tones, are used throughout the building’s interior architecture. This preference for bringing the outside in is reflected in the choice of American White Oak crown cut vertical grain wood veneer for the door and panel facings, which adds warmth to the interior design. Sustainability was a key driver in the building’s design, and as Ahmarra is FSC® certified (FSC C018847), all of the timber doors, frames and panels support responsible forestry.
Many of the doors feature our standard VP03 vision panels with a middle rail, which are compliant to British Standard 8300, ensuring that they meet the minimum zone of visibility. Vision panels enable staff and students to view what is on the other side of the door and help prevent injury resulting from collision with opening doors. The vision panels are framed by stylish American White Oak flush quirk beading to match the facing.
As is standard with all doors in Ahmarra’s Education Range, they were supplied pre-hung in their frames with fully compatible, factory fitted, satin stainless steel ironmongery. With all essential part from a single source, these severe-duty doorsets are supplied as fully finished units with a single fire certificate.
Ahmarra’s experienced Q-Mark Fire Door Installation team fitted the doors. All of our installers are Constructionline Gold, CHAS (Contractors’ Health And Safety) scheme and SafeContractor accredited, ensuring a safe environment and mitigating supply chain risk.
Ahmarra were delighted to receive excellent feedback from SM5 Development Ltd’s Director, Joe Smith, who said;
“Just wanted to drop a quick note to say a big thank you to all of you for helping get this project delivered on time. The doors were the big risk item but thanks to your effort we avoided any delays to programme. We hugely appreciate the effort. You’ve cemented yourself as my number one door supplier moving forward!”
