A combination of Pipe Boxing profiles from Pendock and bespoke access panels from sister company Timloc, has helped minimise the risk of vandalism at a social housing project, whilst increasing the scheme’s aesthetic appeal.
Southampton City Council’s recent project involved the refurbishment of five 13 storey blocks each containing 104 flats, next to Southampton Water in International Way, Weston.
Prior to the refurbishment, all of the flats had exposed pipework in the communal areas which was unsightly and subject to potential vandalism. Potential pipe damage could threaten to disrupt the heating of the blocks and also presented a significant health and safety risk to the residents and vandals themselves.
Keen to address the issue, Southampton City Council specified Pendock for the supply of 4,742m of MX Pipe Boxing profile in a white laminate finish to conceal and protect the pipework.
The MX range is highly flexible in its manufacturing capacity, highlighted by the bespoke production of non-standard 400mm profiles to meet the Council’s requirements for aesthetics, security and strength.
In addition to the communal areas, the flats were also supplied with white melamine finish MX channels to conceal and protect heating and plumbing pipes in the hallways and bathrooms.
During the works it was identified that a secure and attractive access solution was also required to enable regular essential maintenance along the run of pipework. As a result, the council specified and installed 520 AP150 access panels manufactured by Timloc.
These access panels were specially manufactured for Southampton City Council, to include a fitted key lock - a feature which is not standard for the range. These panels were installed into the pipe boxing to allow maintenance access to the pipes inside.
Steve Pearce, Southern Sales Manager at Pendock, comments: “The solution for International Way had to look good, be straightforward to install and meet the Council’s allocated budget.
“Not only are MX channels 65% quicker to install than site-made alternatives, but our competitive pricing meant we were able to supply a bespoke and quality product which remained in line with budgets.
“In addition, the MX profiles designed and manufactured for this specific project have the benefit of no joints - this creates clean lines and also provides additional assurance against vandalism by reducing the opportunity of the channels being accessed to conceal anything inside them.”
Neil Douglas, Contract Project Manager for Housing Operations at Southampton City Council, added: “Both the pipe boxing and access panels were quick and easy to install and have received great feedback from the Council’s project staff and residents.
“The customer service we received throughout the project from both Pendock and Timloc was excellent, particularly when arranging the staggered delivery of what was a significant amount of bespoke product.”
