Shaping Spaces with Timeless Timber

With sliding and bi-fold doors available in a diverse set of materials, David Knollman of Allegion UK explains why timber can leave a lasting impact on projects.

There’s a unique flexibility offered by sliding and bi-fold door applications.

Whether fitting out a contemporary home or a larger recreation or exhibition space, compact doors are effective in saving space, providing more natural light and offering greater energy efficiency.

Though, as much as a sliding or bi-fold door feature may apply the finishing touch to a project, its material choice is an equally important consideration.

Modern doorsets are supplied in a range of materials, finishes and variants and decision-makers must navigate the unique offerings of each door profile and system to ensure their chosen hardware is practical in application.

With that in mind, why does timber remain a popular choice for so many?

Written in timber

Renowned for its versatility, timber is a finished wood that combines natural aesthetics with inherent durability.

Over time, it has remained a popular style for both internal and external doors and is now widely recognised as the classic option for bi-fold and sliding door applications.

Aesthetically speaking, timber panels can help add style and sophistication to a project. The natural colouring of wood can soften a space and its features, or for some projects, act as a statement piece.

Commonly constructed from hardwoods such as oak or walnut, or softwoods such as pine or cedar, timber panels and their accompanying hardware systems adhere to a more rustic and traditional preference, whilst simultaneously offering a level of style customisation through staining, varnish or painting.

The benefits of timber run deeper than surface level however, and it’s perhaps the functional advantages that has helped to keep this option relevant against a rise of alternative materials.

Timber upholds natural insulation for example, with air pockets in its structure naturally creating a barrier between heat and cold.

Whilst sliding and bi-fold doors allow for improved airflow and ventilation, thermal efficiency is later maintained when doors are closed.

Equally, timber doorsets offer strong sound absorption, with internal doors helping to create quieter rooms and external doors shielding spaces from outside noise.

In comparison, aluminium and UPVC systems, whilst not inherently effective in these areas, do offer advantages in other situations.

Aluminium, for example, is structurally resilient and requires less maintenance, whereas in some cases, timber may require preparation and upkeep to maintain its longevity, style and performance.

In coastal or corrosive environments, an anodised finish may be applied to an aluminium finish for additional durability, but should it be scratched or damaged it can be difficult to repair.

On the other hand, timber components can be easier to repair and may be more cost-effective to replace, with modern timber treatments now designed to strengthen the durability of doors, ensuring reliable systems stand the test of time for 10 years or more.

David Knollman of Allegion UK

Nature of the project

With manufacturers offering a range of sliding and bi-fold products that can suit both timber and aluminium door types, specification can often depend on project, property and mechanism position.

Whilst style may be preference-led, end users and specifiers are reminded of the design considerations that must be followed, such as whether a system needs to be top-hung or bottom-rolling.

For folding door designs, timber will often be applied when using top-hung systems, with hinge pins extended up into the top rollers where required.

As the centre of the track must be offset to align with the hinge pins, the frame on timber top hung systems is usually thicker, but with minimal leaf preparation necessary - particularly when non-mortice hinges are used.

Comparably, whilst aluminium systems can accommodate a bottom roller housing within its panel profiles, timber variants can also be applied to bottom rolling systems but may require bespoke bottom profiles or panel corner removal to accommodate the roller system.

In these instances, the track systems are usually inline and not visible from either side, allowing for a narrower frame.

For sliding door designs, installation is similar and may only require minor alterations to the door, regardless of material, suggesting this choice can often be left to personal preference.

When it comes to security, there is also not much to separate material choice.

Both timber and aluminium systems can utilise multipoint locking systems on the swing leaf of an odd leaf system, ensuring Product Assessment Specification (PAS 24) and Secured by Design (SBD) requirements are met.

PAS 24 is a testing system applied to complete installations, including the door, frame and hardware system, whereas SBD can be awarded to hardware elements such as locks, hinges and sliding door systems, with both accreditations signifying quality assurance and security performance.

Amidst the many differences and similarities between materials, the number of bi-fold and sliding door possibilities continues to grow and decision makers are tasked with a more difficult choice than ever before.

Yet, there’s a reason why timber systems have had a lasting impact on the market.

In combining tradition and elegance with contemporary customisation, timber has proven its unique qualities for decades - it’s what makes timber timeless.

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Ready to Exhilarate MG Cyberster Trophy and GT

MG Motor UK has announced today that its highly-anticipated EV roadster, the Cyberster, is now available to order with the first UK deliveries planned for August this year.

The single motor Cyberster Trophy is available from £54,995 OTR and like all MG models is supported by a comprehensive 7-year, 80,000-mile warranty.

Featuring signature scissor doors as envisioned by Carl Gotham and his MG London design team as well as a fully-electric fabric hood which can be opened or closed in as little as 15 seconds at speeds up to 30mph, the rear-wheel-drive Cyberster Trophy promises to be a compelling yet refined drive.

The Trophy delivers power figures of 340PS (250kW) with maximum torque confirmed at 350 lb ft (475 Nm). The 0-62mph sprint is completed in just 5.0 seconds.

The £59,995 Cyberster GT will be the marque’s new flagship, and the most powerful production model in MG’s 100-year history with no less than 503PS (375kW) and 725Nm (535 lb ft) of torque.

The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in a staggering 3.2 seconds.

Both the Trophy and GT are equipped with four drive modes – Comfort, Custom, Sport and Track – allowing drivers to explore the full potential of the Cyberster from refined, long-distance touring through to pure, performance-focused options.

The Cyberster’s electrifying performance is combined with a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin which catapults the grand touring experience into the electric era, creating an environment hitherto reserved for ultra-expensive GTs replete with 6-way electrically-adjustable heated seats with memory function and electric lumbar support.

A distinctive heated steering wheel featuring  4-way adjustability as well as twin paddles to assist with kinetic regeneration, completes the perfect juxtaposition of elegance and outright sportiness of the cabin space.

To maximise the pleasure and comfort of long distance, roof-down motoring, a specially-designed wind deflector positioned between the front seats reduces buffeting to a minimum.

The Trophy and GT’s 77kWh battery delivers an exemplary combination of range and performance. Maximum range (WLTP) for the Trophy is 316 miles and 276 miles for the more performance-focussed GT.*

David Allison, MG Head of Product and Planning, comments:

“The Cyberster is a car designed to excite, whether through its head-turning design or its scintillating performance.

“Both the Trophy and GT are compelling two-seat EV sporting roadsters which promise to propel grand touring into the electric age.”

A sporting grand tourer for the electric age

Both the Cyberster Trophy and GT have undergone an extensive 18-month performance and handling development programme in the UK, directed by MG’s Longbridge engineering team who also played a key role in developing the award-winning MG4 EV.

The end result is a powerful roadster with a chassis optimised for UK and continental driving that offers high-levels of refinement in the city right through to a genuinely sporting experience on the open road.

The Cyberster is equipped with Brembo brakes as well as three-mode regenerative braking to maximise energy efficiency and extend the driving range.

Trophy features a 19-inch alloy Lightning-design wheel, while the GT wears a 20-inch Jetstream-design with Pirelli P Zero tyres for optimised performance and control.

The impressive driving range for a sporting GT is underpinned by rapid DC charging up to 150kW, enabling a charge of 10% to 80% to be delivered in only 38 minutes.**

An extensive suite of driver assistance features provides additional safety and actively managing traffic conditions via MG Pilot.

This includes Lane Change and Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Active Emergency Braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and Intelligent Headlight Control.

A beautiful, connected cabin for a contemporary GT

Automatically-opening twin scissor doors ensure that entering the Cyberster is always an occasion. 
The cabin has the classic two-seat configuration of a British roadster but with both driver and passenger placed at the centre of a contemporary, connected, cutting-edge experience.

Central to that is the wraparound three-screen cockpit, with a 10.25-inch driver display flanked by two 7-inch displays.

A further colour display mounted in the centre console provides touchscreen access to the dual-zone climate controls.

An extensive range of infotainment features are included, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker Bose sound system, DAB and voice recognition. A 360° parking camera and twin USB ports are also standard.

Practical touches include a central armrest with storage, ambient lighting, sunglasses storage, sunvisors with integrated mirrors and lights and a 12v power socket.

A 249-litre boot capacity ensures grand touring practicality for a long weekend.

MG’s interior designers have designed a cabin to match the striking exterior. In addition to the highly distinctive and multi-functional steering wheel there are metal sports pedals, with the leather-style seats available in grey with white accents or black with red.

There are five exterior colour choices, from the classic New English White to the vibrant Inca Yellow, accentuated by the contrasting black lower trim.

Including roof fabric and exterior paint colours, there are 32 combinations to choose from.

Orders can be placed with selected MG dealers across the UK and full details are available at mgcyberster.co.uk

*These figures are subject to final verification  and UK Type approval 
**Further charging information is available in the technical briefing

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Tillymint Communications has Excellence in its Sights

Tillymint founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes

Midlands Marketing and Public Relations consultant Tillymint Communications has made the finals of a prestigious industry award – for the third year running.

The company, run by Alison Gallagher-Hughes, has been shortlisted in the Independent Practitioner category of the CIPR Excellence Awards 2024. The awards represent global recognition from the world’s only chartered PR organisation – the Chartered Institute of Public Relations - and attract a huge number of entries.

Alison, from Stafford, primarily works with business-to-business clients including trade/membership organisations and clients in building products supply and manufacturing. She has worked with GEZE UK, the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, Strand Hardware, Strand Technologies and AliMet Fabrications.

She scooped the CIPR’s Independent Practitioner regional title - PRide - for the past two years and is hoping that 2024 will take her to the top for the international award.

Tillymint is one of six contenders - the winner is selected following a rigorous panel interview with judges - and will be announced at a glitzy awards ceremony, at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on 26 June. This year, the ceremony is being hosted by comedian Axel Blake.

Alison founded Tillymint Communications in 2020. She was previously Head of PR for a full-service agency and has spent much of her career working ‘in-house’ primarily within the public sector: policing, social housing and further education. She moved into PR following a career in newspaper journalism.

She decided to set up her own business in the wake of the Covid crisis.

“The pandemic brought many businesses to their knees but as the threat lifted, there was a growing need for them to ‘get back in the game’ and actively promote their products and services, so it seemed like the ideal opportunity to start a new chapter by founding Tillymint.

“I look back over the past four years and marvel at how rapidly the business has grown. Our first project was a one-off piece of work for an organisation that soon after became a retained client and they remain with us today. That is incredibly rewarding because the more we work with a particular client the more that trusted relationship develops and we become an outsourced member of their team – always on hand to support and add value to their organisation.

Alison said that she was delighted to be “in the mix” for this year’s CIPR Excellence Awards.

“To be shortlisted in this category is a very great honour. As a Chartered Practitioner, I know how hard CIPR works to establish and maintain professional standards and I am very humbled to be a finalist for a third consecutive year alongside some very worthy contenders.”

For more information on Tillymint services visit: www.tillymint.co.uk

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Distinction Doors To Showcase Fire Door System At The Fire Safety Event

Distinction Doors will demonstrate the capabilities of its proven, consistent, and compliant fire door system, fds at The Fire Safety Event from 30th April to 1st May at the NEC in Birmingham.

Visitors to stand 5/A36 can touch, see, and hear about the fds FD30/E30 internal and external composite fire door system via demonstration products, samples and digital displays, under the guidance of Distinction Doors’ technical and commercial representatives.

Half-moon glazed composite fire door

The show presents a compelling moment for visitors to admire and learn more about Distinction’s half-moon glazed and thermally insulated composite fire door, a style exclusive to the fds system when part of a complete doorset.

Part of its tested and trusted fds range, this 30-minute fire door style will feature on stand 5/A36 in striking Colza Yellow. Other fds door styles and configurations will be presented alongside standard and any RAL colour options.

Only supplier of UKCA-accredited composite fire doorset

The stand will also communicate that the fds system is the only UKCA-accredited external composite fire doorset in the country. UKCA-accredited fabricators of the fds system can therefore provide a Declaration of Performance (DoP) that references both BS EN 14351-1, the external pedestrian doorset standard and BS EN 16034, the standard for fire resisting and/or smoke control pedestrian doorsets proving compliance.

Rich opportunity

“The Fire Safety Event provides a rich opportunity to connect suppliers with specifiers and key decision makers to share, educate and promote the best fire prevention and protection products and services in the country,” comments Gareth Roberts, head of fds sales for Distinction Doors. “We are proud to exhibit our proven fds 30-minute fire door system. 

“We are the only UK supplier to offer a UKCA-accredited external composite fire doorset alongside our range of glazed fire door styles, this means we are an attractive proposition for visitors, especially when coupled with our testing and certification pedigree. 

“fds is already trusted by many Registered Providers and local authorities, this show provides ample opportunity to showcase this and raise awareness of modern composite fire door capabilities amongst fire safety professionals. Our team will be available to answer questions and discuss requirements across the three days.”

More on fds

The fds fire door system is independently tested to British Standard BS 476-22:1987 (FD30) and the more demanding European test method BS EN 1634-1:2014 (E30). It has achieved an average of 45 minutes of integrity performance over 44 individual test specimens subject to 22 bi-directional fire tests.

To address variables in test laboratories and prove consistent performance, the system experienced the same test methods across three countries and was installed in both rigid and flexible supporting wall construction.

All submitted doorsets featured the same letterplates, viewers, and auto-throw lock to underpin the need for consistency in testing. A variety of overhead door closers were also tested.

Every fire test was filmed. Visitors can watch this footage when attending stand 5/A36.

Fully Compliant

The fds system also delivers on ambient smoke control (EN1634-3:2004) for internal applications, security (PAS24:2022), weather (BS 6375), and thermal performance (Approved Document L).

It is Secured by Design accredited and triple Q-marked for fire resistance, smoke control, and enhanced security under the BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Manufacturer certification scheme.

fds is available nationwide through a network of official fds doorset manufacturing partners, each selected by Distinction Doors and audited to meet the non-mandatory requirements of Q-Mark STD 170.

Visit fds on stand 5/A36

Visit stand 5/A36 at The Fire Safety Event from 30th April to 2nd May at the NEC, Birmingham. Connect with Distinction Doors and fds on LinkedIn for updates ahead of the exhibition and beyond.

www.firedoorsystems.co.uk

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BM TRADA Highlights Climate Change Considerations to ISO Management System Standards

Following The London Declaration to combat climate change through standards, ISO has published an amendment to many of its existing and new management systems standards.

The changes emphasise the importance of addressing the effects of climate change within the framework of management systems standards. BM TRADA, a leading UKAS-accredited independent management systems certification provider, highlights that the changes are presented as additional text within the organisational context in clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of the management system concerned.

The new requirement specifies that organisations shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue and whether relevant interested parties have requirements related to climate change. If found to be a relevant issue, climate change needs to be considered in the development and implementation of the organisation’s management system.

The climate change amendment applies to all Type A ISO management system standards, i.e. those that specify requirements and to which companies can be certified. This includes the following standards: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, and ISO 27001.

ISO has added two key changes within clause 4 of all management system standards. The additional wording is as follows:

• Clause 4.1: “The organisation shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.”

• Clause 4.2: “Note: Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.”

Lee Horlock, Head of Technical & Approvals – Management Systems at BM TRADA, said:

“We welcome the amendments being made to the ISO management system standards. Climate change considerations will now be placed at the front and centre of organisations minds when determining factors which influence the organisation’s purpose, objectives and sustainability. 

“For organisations currently undergoing the certification process or already hold an ISO management system certification, our experts are on hand to guide you through these new amendments.”

BM TRADA, part of the Element Materials Technology group, emphasises that the overall intent of the requirements for clauses 4.1 and 4.2 remain unchanged. These clauses already include the need for the organisations to consider all internal and external issues that can impact the effectiveness of their management system, and these new inclusions are assuring that climate change is considered within the management system.

The certification provider also mentions that the standards themselves have not been revised so organisations do not need to purchase new standards. ISO has released the changes as amendments titled ISO 14001:2015/Amd 1:2024 and ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024 which can be obtained free of charge from the ISO website.

Lee said: “BM TRADA clients who already have a management system certified to an ISO standard will already be conducting this type of contextual analysis and many will already be determining how climate change affects their businesses. 

“We stress that our clients already holding an ISO management system certification, will not need any additional audit or a new certificate issued. For those who have yet to do so, climate change must now always be a topic that is considered in your analysis and if found relevant be part of your management system. Going forward your BM TRADA auditor will include the above new requirements in future audit activities when assessing these parts of the management system.”

For more about BM TRADA and its management systems certifications, please visit www.bmtrada.com

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ZEROplus Launch New Circular Vision Panel Glazing Kits

Leading door hardware supplier ZEROplus recently launched its top-selling, flush-fitting Slimport circular vision frame in a convenient kit form. 

The new circular vision panel glazing kits include everything you need to install your porthole vision panels in your doors or partitions, saving the time and hassle of sourcing other individual components.

Available in a fire-rated or non-fire-rated option, the fire-rated kits include the attractive round Slimport vision frame, fire-rated safety glass, fire-rated glazing tape, intumescent aperture liner and all fixings.  

 

Gavin Hogan, Sales Director at ZEROplus, says:

'Individually sourcing and selecting the correct vision frames, safety glass, and glazing tapes can be inconvenient and take up valuable time—and who's got time to waste? But selecting what you need from our circular vision panel kits is quick and straightforward. Simply select the size, finish, and style you need, and the stunning Slimport vision frame will be delivered to you as a complete kit ready to install.' 

'Especially important when sourcing vision frames for fire doors, our new kits provide essential peace of mind that all kit components have been fire-tested together, providing a fully fire-rated vision frame installation you can trust. Sourcing individual components from different suppliers that haven't been fire tested together could present a dangerous fire risk.' 

The new circular porthole glazing kits suit three different door cut-outs of 250mm, 350mm and 450mm. Featuring countersunk holes in the bevel return on one side only and 25mm screws that pass through the door cut-out and fix internally, the circular vision frames are free from visible fixings on the corridor side, creating a flush fit and a contemporary, clean-lined design.     

Gavin continues: 'Whether you're fitting a single circular vision frame in a door or a few to create a unique, design-led look, Slimports offer an excellent aesthetic and safety choice for commercial buildings such as hotels, bars, restaurants and public buildings.'

Along with more convenience and improved peace of mind, the Slimport circular vision panel glazing kits help to reduce potential collisions in busy areas and create visually appealing, design-led doors.

 

To find out more about the new circular vision panel glazing kits from ZEROplus or their extensive range of door hardware, visit zeroplus.co.uk or call 01785 282 910.

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Alunet Systems Set New Strategic Direction - Making It Easy For Their Customers!

Designed specifically for fabricators and installers, Alunet Systems is a market leading supplier of aluminium door and window materials in the United Kingdom.

Making it easy is a phrase now commonly used by many at Alunet.

Knowing a great supplier when you experience one is a key driver of their people.

This behind-the-scenes passion and energy provides Alunet customers with valued competitive advantage in their local markets.

The start of this calendar year provided a rare opportunity to reflect and assess the business and identify the key elements of how to win as they embark on the next exciting chapter of development.

Phil Rotheram, Group Commercial Director introduces why Making it Easy is so important for Alunet and their customers:

“We knew our customers were comfortable with our offer, they said so and we value their feedback and listen intently to where they suggest we can improve.

“However, we won’t stand still that’s just not acceptable. Good is not good enough. We want to be great!  

“Winning as a business with our customers is something that we have invested in across most areas of our business.

“Alunet is no single person, instead we are the summation of many core skills that enable any existing or future customer to succeed.”

This investment has taken many forms. An improved accounting software platform has enabled faster and more efficient reporting.

Business processes have started to be fully mapped to identify bottlenecks and work solutions to positively impact customer service and finally, the external sales team and their focus has been revamped and expanded with investment in new roles to support and accelerate their underlying ambition.

Having invested in their people to upskill them to be the best, Alunet now seek to improve their market position by championing service and beating their competition.

Integrating their people and their talent to encourage best practice and innovating within their markets will fuel their ambition to be the leading aluminium systems house in the UK and an authority on sustainable construction.

James Tuveri, Managing Director of SGG Manufacturing, a valued fabricator of the Aluna range from Alunet Systems explains:

“Their mission is clear, Alunet make it happen for their customer.

“Doing what they say they will is simple and effective.  Making it easy takes this to the next level.

The changes in their sales team have encouraged both business development and robust account management locally.

“Their Aluna product range of aluminium doors and windows hugely enhance the fabric and sustainability of any construction project.

“However, Alunet also provide high levels of customer satisfaction at every available touchpoint, from initial enquiry through order process, delivery, and support, it’s a seamless proposition that makes working with them simple and easy!” 

Phil summarises

“We are a modern and forward-thinking company, yet our traditional values and customer centric philosophy remains at the heart of everything we do.

“We know it is our relationships that will set us apart. We are committed to protecting and nurturing them. 

“Our strong sense of ambition drives us to advance and continually improve however, it will always be our choice, simplicity, value and service which separates us from other suppliers”.

For more information contact info@alunetsystems.co.uk, 01924 350 110, or www.alunetsystems.co.uk.

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On the Road with Hörmann

Hörmann UK have announced that they are hitting the road and holding a series of events to showcase their fitter friendly RollMatic T roller garage door, aimed at demonstrating just how easy it is to transport and install.

Hörmann will start their journey in Scotland and the North - with the first event taking place in Glasgow on 11th June, followed by Bradford on 13th June.

Live installations will take place which will allow dealers and installers to see firsthand just how quick and easy it is to install the RollMatic T roller door, with attendees having the opportunity to talk to the Hörmann experts.

Visitors to the events will also have the chance to win a trip to the RollMatic factory in Amshausen, Germany and visit the Christmas market in Bielefeld.

RollMatic T is packed full of features and benefits. Constructed from robust 77mm lath, it is available with either internal or external roller options.

To speed installation, the door is supplied in two sturdy and easily transportable boxes containing all the components needed to install and operate the door, with pre-assembled and pre-drilled components reducing preparation time onsite.

Hörmann have also recently announced that RollMatic T will be supplied with Hörmann DuraBelt technology as an option, which helps reduce the risk of marking or scratching during its operation due to grit or other foreign objects.

The door is supplied with a wired, opto-sensor in the bottom seal which comes as standard, stopping the door if there is an unexpected obstacle and it operates to DIN EN 13241.

Alternatively, a wireless version is available as an upgrade. A space saving tubular operator and two hand transmitters operating on the Hörmann BiSecur radio system are supplied as standard.

David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK comments:

“We are justifiably proud of our RollMatic T roller door, and we feel that it represents the standard to which all roller doors should be compared.

“However, we are aware of the pressure in the market with competitor products being offered at unsustainably low prices.

“That’s why we wanted to get into the market and show the real benefits of the RollMatic T product, not just the fantastic levels of quality that you would expect from Hörmann but also the savings that can be made by the clever features we have included that make it fast and easy to install.

RollMatic T really is a fit and forget product that offers consumers excellent value for money and provides our dealers and installers with a real chance to optimise every sales opportunity.

“Our series of roadshows start in Scotland and the North and then we are heading south during the Autumn with events in Reading and Stratford.”

For further information on Hörmann UK RollMatic T roadshows and to book your place scan the QR code or call 01530 516868.

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DB2/4 restoration project and ‘epic adventure’ Land Rover among entries for Hampson’s sale

Aston Martin enthusiasts have an exceptional opportunity to acquire a 1956 DB2/4 MkII restoration project, offered at No Reserve, at Hampson Auctions’ sale at the magnificent Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire on 12 May.

The car has already benefited from a recent, comprehensive engine rebuild, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the project.

Hampson’s Managing Director Zach Hamilton commented:

“For fans of early post-War David Brown Aston Martins, this is a rare and exciting chance to secure an unrestored DB2/4, with the recent engine rebuild putting the new owner one step ahead in their journey to return this highly original machine to its former glory.

“Add in the fact that the car is being offered at No Reserve, and it’s not surprising that we are receiving a great many enquiries from prospective bidders.”

The diverse entry for Hampson’s sale features a number of other interesting ‘No Reserve’ lots, including a 1976 Land Rover Lightweight Series III, a ‘timewarp’ 1996 Volkswagen Golf GTi, a fully restored 1972 Triumph Stag and a 1961 3.8-litre MkII Jaguar.

The Land Rover has a captivating history, having been acquired by the present owner while he was working in Saudi Arabia in 2001.

He bought the car for approximately £600 and then drove it to the UK through Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland and France in an epic, month-long road trip in which vehicle and owner braved the elements and overcame countless mechanical and bureaucratic challenges.

This left-hand drive example has now been fully restored and just awaits a new owner to take it on another great adventure.

The Golf GTi is a highly original, one-family-ownership ‘timewarp’ car, with a warranted 42,000 miles from new, while the Triumph Stag, which has the desirable manual transmission with overdrive, has benefited from a comprehensive restoration in recent years.

The 1961 Jaguar MkII was originally a left-hand drive machine with automatic transmission, exported new to the USA.

It has now been converted to right-hand drive and equipped with manual transmission with overdrive.

Other notable entries in the 12 May auction include an outstanding 1989 Bentley Continental Convertible.

This impeccably-maintained, luxurious motor car boasts a number of desirable factory options, including Waterford crystal decanters and glasses in the driver and passenger doors (estimate: £100,000-£120,000).

The 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Split-screen camper van on offer is presented in an eye-catching ‘ice cream colour combination’ of pale green and white.

It has been the subject of expenditure totalling more than £50,000 as part of a meticulous, ground-up restoration in the hands of a renowned VW camper specialist and was fitted with a brand-new engine just 2,000 miles ago (estimate: £20,000-£25,000).

Two charismatic and rare entries come in the form of a pair of Datsun pick-ups.

The 1974 620, which features a hardtop canopy, is, according to howmanyleft.co.uk, believed to be one of just 14 on the UK roads today.

This and the equally appealing 1972 1500 version each carry an estimate of £6,000-£8,000.

Another unusual entry is the 1970 Citroen HY van, fully fitted out as a boutique catering van, so offering a business opportunity to its new owner (estimate: £20,000-£25,000).

For further information and to consign a vehicle to the sale, please visit hampsonauctions.com.

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Carbon Negative Mews highly Commended at SBD Development Awards

A carbon-negative mews development in the London Borough of Waltham Forest has been highly commended at this year’s Secured by Design (SBD) ATLAS awards.

Situated in one of London's most popular areas to live, Walthamstow Village, The Arbour is a development of 10 modern and spacious properties just a short walk from Walthamstow Central Station. 

It has been built to be carbon negative over its lifetime, with zero construction waste and energy positive, generating more energy on-site than it consumes on an annual basis, thus incurring no energy bills.

Designing Out Crime Officers from the Metropolitan Police engaged with the developer throughout the build.

The unique nature of the carbon negative/zero waste design meant that some of the aspects needed very specific security-rated products or bespoke design/security enhancements that still provided a suitable level of protection.

Products from Secured by Design member companies Arbor-Fenex Windows, CAME Entrotec and The Safety Letter Box Company were all fitted to the properties within the development.

The development was able to achieve SBD certification without compromising the vision of pioneering planet-positive development, showing that developments can be safe and secure whilst reducing the impact on the environment.

Receiving the award, Metropolitan Police Designing Out Crime Officer Matthew Fletcher said:

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Architects and Developers to ensure a security-conscious scheme even with unique site-specific requirements.

“Advice was taken on board and implemented throughout the build and this is evident from the lack of crime and ASB reported in this development.”

Developers Gs8 said:

“The Arbour was an extremely ambitious development in terms of its environmental ambitions, but also challenging in terms of its position as a backland site with a history of crime.

“Matthew was proactive and helped us to find solutions that enabled us to meet the requirements of SBD, whilst being able to deliver on our carbon, waste and energy targets for the development.

“The Arbour was intended to prove that a market-leading and authentic environmentally conscious development can meet the requirements of policies and regulations and provide an enjoyable and safe place to live, which thanks to all involved, including LB Waltham Forest and SBD, we were able to achieve.”

Architects Boehm Lynas said: 

“Resident’s safety and security are at the heart of any community-led design, which was integral to the overall environmental goals of this development.

“Our engagement with SBD from an early stage helped to achieve this and we are pleased the outcome was a successful one.”

Improved security

Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure.

Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security – Dwellings).

These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete.

Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand-new and refurbished properties helps deter and reduce crime.

Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as concerning high-volume crimes like domestic abuse.

The built environment influences the behaviour of people who work, live, socialise or simply pass through.

SBD seeks to create environments where the law-abiding feel safe and secure whilst at the same time causing the criminal or anti-social to feel vulnerable to detection and thereby positively influence behaviour.

This continues to be a key objective for SBD.

Find out more about SBD Developers Awards here.

SBD Design Guides

SBD has produced a series of authoritative Design Guides to assist the building, design and construction industry to incorporate security into developments to comply with the Building Regulations in England, Scotland and Wales and meet the requirements of SBD.

These Design Guides, available to download for free at the SBD website, have been updated over the years to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour and advances in building design and new technology.

They are a valuable source of reference to architects, developers, self-builders, local authority planners and police officers and cover a range of building sectors, including residential, education, health, transport and commercial.

Police Designing Out Crime Officers

DOCOs provide specialist crime reduction advice to the public, businesses and colleagues about premises or property security.

They also work with building developers, architects, and council planning departments regarding new developments and refurbishments, to ‘design out’ crimes like burglary and anti-social behaviour (ASB) by providing advice on street lighting, building and street layout, entrances and exits - as well as preferred standards and specifications for doors, windows, and locks, under the Secured by Design initiative.

DOCOs are able to deliver site specific interventions required to help design out crime in areas that suffer disproportionately from acquisitive crime, based on local crime pattern analysis, police, local authority and community engagement and the collective knowledge and experience of how criminals behave.

DOCOs are specialist problem solvers, working every day to make a positive difference, changing lives for the better and helping people to be safe and secure in their homes.

Contact details for local DOCOs can be found here.

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