Towelrads

The Perry Barr Residential Scheme forms part of an exciting £700m regeneration project in north-west Birmingham.When complete, it will welcome thousands of new residents to over 1,400 modern homes. They’ll also have vibrant restaurants and retailers right on their doorstep, along with upgraded transport infrastructure.Towelrads provided radiators for Plot 7, a six-storey residential building with ground floor retail. These included bespoke non-UK market sizes which Towelrads successfully manufactured and shipped into the UK, fulfilling a quick turnaround on a prompt call-off basis. Towelrads also supplied all the chrome electric towel rails in the apartments’ bathrooms.Originally planned to be the Athletes’ Village for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the first residents are due to move into the former Birmingham CityUniversity site in 2023. They’ll be setting up home in houses and apartments spanning the private sector, shared ownership and social housing overseen by BirminghamCity Council.

Goodluck Hope sits in an enviable position on the banks of the river Thames, directly opposite the 02 Arena. This flagship project from the Irish developer, Ballymore, is a prime example of stunning contemporary design with an industrial edge. Using a mix of blue and green façades, interiors feature bright, colour palettes interspersed with splashes of polished brass in both the kitchens and bathrooms.Towelrads have worked with the M&E subcontractor, Borough Engineering, on every phase of the waterside development and supplied Multicolumn radiators, along with chrome and white towel rails, to the private and shared units. This unique island development features an eclectic mix of contemporary buildings including suites, 1,2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, lofts and townhouses. With so many different plot types, most sizes throughout the project have been made to order with vertical and low-level radiators supplied, some up to 1.6m long.

In August 2020, we initiated a meeting with the designated mechanical sub-contractor for this prestigious project, the Copr Bay – Swansea Arena. Shortly thereafter, we were provided with the initial product schedule. The schedule outlined the specific requirements for MHS Monoplan Standard Type EK and Secureguard Style B LST radiators, enabling us to conduct a comprehensive quotation pricing exercise.We arranged a meeting and facilitated the presentation of Flat Fronted Panel and LST Ultra radiator samples. The objective was to determine the suitability of our products for the project.Following the submission of samples, we received confirmation that they were approved by both the client, City & County of Swansea Council, and the main contractor. In response to subsequent site alterations and resulting radiator sizing amendments we made the necessary accommodations to ensure accurate quotations and a seamless collaboration.In December 2020, after resolving the sizing amendments, we received a purchase order for the supply of radiators for the Copr Bay – Swansea Arena project.From May to November 2021, the installation of our Flat Fronted Panel and LST Ultra radiators at the Copr Bay – Swansea Arena was successfully completed. This period involved meticulous planning and execution to ensure a successful integration of our products. Throughout the project timeline, Towelrads and CMB Engineering Services (West) demonstrated effective collaboration and adaptability, resulting in the successful completion of the installation phase at the prestigious Copr Bay – Swansea Arena from May to November 2021.

The ProblemWe were approached in 2020 by James Tough of Butco and his team to help develop a low surface temperature radiator that would survive the ‘kick test” for Dignus healthcare.After an initial meeting and various site visits to Dignus scheme, we recognised the problem they were having with their existing radiators and controls. They had damaged and dangerous casings, broken TRVs and endless replacements.Butco had exhausted the market trying to solve the problem posed by Dignus and found other manufacturers could not fulfil all the requirements of the customer.The remit posed was in brief:A robust cover to withstand the ‘kick test’To meet all of the regulations and achieve high outputsTo be compact and discreet. They didn’t want an institutional-looking coverNot to be cost prohibitedOur SolutionButco reached out to Towelrads, who supply LST’s and other radiator products to the UK market. Upon understanding of the requirements, we investigated the possibility of producing a more robust casing with our UK Fabricator Adcam, based in the West Midlands. Straightaway Adcam produced a sample of the LST casing utilising a 2mm thick steel sheeting, rather than the 1.5mm industry standard. This proved a viable option upon testing and was put forward to the client. On the back of this successful project for Dignus Healthcare, Towelrads now offer 2mm and even 2.5mm thick casings as bespoke options in their LST range.A sample was sent to Butco to test and was approved by the customer to cover all items above.The bespoke LST’s were manufactured to match a sample site in Crown Lane, Sutton Coldfield. These have been installed and to date, there have been no issues with the covers, radiators, or internal controls. We are working on other schemes with Dignus and have been able to offer this product to other clients.The process of testing the radiators and running them on a sample site has allowed Towelrads to promote these further. It was thanks to Butco’s enquiry that made this possible.

In November 2020, we were contacted to schedule a meeting regarding the renovation of the former registry office at 8 Wind Street, Neath.For the radiator specifications, we decided on our Compacts and LST Ultra radiators in our standard white (RAL 9016) for the extension room facilities, whilst our traditional Windsor Column radiators and associated feet were all customised to a rough textured anthracite colour (RAL 7016) for the main offices, corridors, and conference rooms. These choices were in line with the building’s style. We also provided the necessary white and anthracite Angled TRV & Lockshields, as well as the LST ACVK3 Direct TRV Valve Packs to complement the radiators. The local authority accepted our proposal, and with that in December 2020, we supplied our initial quotation for the project.In March 2021, after the construction work inside the building was completed. A site survey was then conducted to ensure that the chosen radiators would fit properly in their designated positions. Following the site survey, a direct purchase order was placed.The installation commenced in May 2021. To assist, we ordered a sample of a White Windsor Column and Associated Feet to serve as a template for the pipework levels.By late May 2021, the specially ordered Windsor Columns and Associated Feet arrived at our Southam Distribution Centre. This allowed Allied Mechanical Engineering to proceed with their installation plan.Between June and July 2021, three batches of radiators were delivered to 8 Wind Street, Neath, and the installations on each floor were completed.

In February of 2022, Towelrads embarked on a collaborative venture, joining a 36-month ongoing initiative aimed at retrofitting Cwmglas Primary School. To ensure minimal disruption to the school’s daily operations, this project has been thoughtfully divided into several stages.Stage 1The initial phase, designated as Stage 1, focused on the top floor of the school premises. Specifically, attention was directed towards the music education and nurture rooms situated on this level. A noticeable difference in temperature existed within these spaces, making them colder than other areas throughout the school. These rooms sported aging standing convector heaters, rendering them ineffective. Furthermore, the characteristics of the building’s construction, the room dimensions, and the heat load posed challenges that rendered conventional low surface temperature radiators insufficient.In response, the decision was made to utilise the Towelrad TZT convector heater equipped with an integrated fan. This selection proved suitable for the low-temperature wet heating system, offering an elevated heating capacity. Notably, the rounded edges of the TZT convector heater not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also elevated the safety of the products, rendering it an ideal choice for a school.The thermostat-controlled fan speed of the TZT convector heater ensured continuous and responsive temperature management within the room, promoting optimal thermal comfort.Although the solution was successfully implemented within the designated rooms, the challenge persisted in the corridors. Enter our Vertical and Horizontal LST Ultra Radiators, serving as the perfect antidote to this issue. Our Ultra LST radiators deliver impressive heat output while maintaining a low surface area. Moreover, their covers, measuring a substantial 2mm in thickness (above industry standards), guaranteed safety across the entirety of the top floor.The Future: Stage 2With the successful completion of Stage 1, marked by the seamless integration of our products into the design framework, we have been entrusted with an extension of our role into Stage 2. This forthcoming phase encompasses the lower floor of the school, encompassing the dining hall, corridors, and classrooms. This work will be carried out over the summer months so that come the start of the school term the students can tackle the winter months in a comfortable learning environment.

Nestled at the heart of the University of Warwick campus, Scarman House is a 210-bed hotel accommodation and conference facility. This versatile establishment provides not only comfortable lodgings but also top-notch conference facilities, well-equipped meeting rooms, and enticing on-site dining options.In the summer of 2023, the hotel underwent a three-floor refurbishment project. Towelrads, in collaboration with the architect firm Baker Hicks, was instrumental in identifying optimal heating solutions for both Electric Towel Rails and Radiators. The client’s vision was to maintain a modern yet contemporary aesthetic in the individual rooms.We take pride in crafting a bespoke solution by designing, specifying, and supplying our Pisa Chrome Electrical Towel Rails for the bathrooms. These towel rails are equipped with Smart Thermostatic Elements, enabling occupants to have complete control over time and temperature settings, ensuring a comfortable stay.For the radiators, we selected a range of Vertical and Horizontal Windsor Column Radiators. This option added a touch of modernity blended with a hint of retro charm to the rooms, all while delivering exceptionally high heat outputs.Throughout this project, the collaborative partnership proved essential in navigating and meeting the challenging project timelines, ensuring its successful and timely completion.

The Stage is a prestigious, high-rise, mixed-use development in the bustling heart of Shoreditch on the site where the Curtain Theatre stood between 1577 and 1624. Considered to be one of the longest-standing Shakespearean playhouses, the historical remains will form the backdrop of a magnificent collection of residential, commercial and entertainment space, along with public parks, bars and restaurants.Galliard Homes are delivering the scheme and have appointed CJ O’Shea as the main contractor.They selected a black colour palette for the bathrooms which demanded a bold, contemporary design. Towelrads worked to the exact specification requirements supplying the Kensington model with a bold, square bar design in black finish.The radiators have been installed as electric-only towel warmers with SMART thermostatic heating elements in matching black controls, which enables temperature adjustment and a boosted power mode.

In 2020, a significant milestone was reached when the CEO of Bluestone National Park Resort obtained the necessary approvals to undertake the restoration of Blackpool Mill, an exquisite Georgian property boasting a rich history spanning 210 years. The restoration endeavour amounted to a substantial investment of £3 million, allocated towards the preservation, comprehensive restoration, and grand revitalisation of this historic gem.How we helpedFast forward to October 2022, Towelrads received a communication inquiring about the availability of a product matching the aesthetic of a 19th Century mill that had recently undergone an extensive renovation. Immediately we introduced them to our Windsor Column radiators that perfectly complemented the buildings aesthetics. Within the same month the creation of design concepts that incorporated our Windsor Column radiators were pieced together, coupled with column feet and Brushed Nickel Manual Angled Valves.Capitalising on our diverse palette of RAL colours, a decision was made to employ three distinct shades, each tailored to a specific area. The main restaurant and restrooms were adorned with the our Anthracite RAL 7016, while the Private Dining room, aptly named the River Room, exuded a captivating Pigeon Blue RAL 5014. The Miller Study Private Dining area, on the other hand, showcased the sophisticated Chocolate Brown RAL 8017 Gloss, effectively enveloping each space in a unique ambiance.Standing as an architectural marvel, this venue now boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen, two dedicated floors for guest dining, an elevated banqueting section, and exclusive private function rooms. Since opening its doors, it has become the talk of the town, attracting a deluge of inquiries. Our role in this endeavour fills us with immense pride, as we contributed to a project of profound significance to the local community, actively participating in the preservation of a cherished piece of history.