22nd March 2022
M100 FIRE RATED GLAZED SCREENS & DOOR SETS FOR UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
MIDDAS were selected through a competitive tendering process to design and deliver a series of full height fire rated M100 glazed screens and door sets to the University of Birmingham.
Working closely with main contractor Bouygues UK, the MIDDAS team designed a bespoke solution for the foyer and main entrance of the university to meet strict tender criteria, which required superior performance ratings for fire and acoustics. As the glazed panels and doors would be integrated into third party walls, MIDDAS worked closely with the incumbent door automation and access control company to ensure all components were engineered to the correct specifications. This meant incorporating in-built connections that would not require any additional site preparation or modifications to function properly alongside the required fail-safe protection and finger guards. All panels and doors were manufactured offsite at MIDDAS’ advanced manufacturing facility in Telford and were delivered to site ready for immediate installation.
The offsite manufacture and clean lines provided by MIDDAS’ flush fitting solution meant the university realised some additional benefits. Building access for students and staff was required during the refit, and with its preformed openings, the MIDDAS panel construction lent itself to quick on-site assembly and, importantly, minimal disruption during installation. Additionally, unlike the pre-existing single glazed screens, the new bi-panel system enclosed the framework within the flush fitted glazed panels. Students were unable to leave items (such as empty takeaway cups and bottles) on the glazing rails which was not only unsightly, but unhygienic. This was an important detail for this project since the partitioning was located near a refreshment area.
The bespoke MIDDAS solution added many benefits over the proposed solution, most importantly because it was manufactured off site and delivered as a complete modular ‘ready-to-install’ solution. This was an important factor in meeting our financial targets for the project and was received very well by the University, who also wanted a quick turnaround.
Gareth Jones, Project Manager for Bouygues UK
MIDDAS fire rated and non-fire rated screens or door sets are available with integrated blinds, switchable glass and DDA-compliant manifestations, including bespoke branding. For more information on all our products or to discuss your specific project requirements, please contact our sales team on 01743 294 141 or email info@middas.co.uk.