GEC Anderson

Her Majesty’s Service

Martin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:54:47 +0000

Made-to-measure stainless steel worktops, by GEC Anderson, were recently specified by Munkenbeck and Partners at the highly desirable city space known as 55 Gee Street, Clerkenwell.

The funky, new build, mixed-use development comprises offices, shops and six, high-end apartments. Four flats have two bedrooms, a two bedroom duplex occupies ground and basement levels whilst the 150 m² penthouse has three bedrooms. Previously the site was occupied by a building belonging to Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.

Outside, the distinctive street facade resembles a Jenga block game, made up of extruded airbricks, randomly assembled. The bricks allow natural cross ventilation through the wall without having to make the glass panels move.

Inside, the contemporary living spaces are high tech and high quality. Concrete, wood, stainless steel and glass dominate the open, elegant and functional spaces. The continuous and expansive stainless steel worksurfaces blend-in perfectly within their neutral and effortless surroundings. Formed in one piece, the GEC Anderson custom stainless steel worktops include integral sink bowls and edge detailing. Full height splashbacks are included to alcove worktops whilst the striking penthouse kitchen includes a stainless steel island element.

Stainless steel worktops and splashbacks still are often associated with only commercial kitchens. However, discerning specifiers have always recognised stainless steel as an interesting, practical and versatile worktop material for residential kitchens. GEC Anderson, with its high quality, brushed satin, stainless steel worktops has helped to promote the popularity of stainless steel within this environment, since the early Sixties.

Alfred Munkenbeck, Munkenbeck and Partners, chose GEC Anderson worktops because they could be made in one piece, to the exact size and shape required and with the desired edge profiles, sink bowls and details. The highly specific requirements and details are matched by the quality, appearance, design honesty, integrity and practicality demanded by the apartment settings.

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops and splashbacks are made to order in any shape or size, with seamless finish and no visible joins or junctions. The Touch kitchen units, from OIKOS, were supplied by Eurobath Trading UK. A full measuring and installation service was provided by GEC Anderson for main contractor, Morgan Sindall.

Stainless steel sinktops provide design flexibility at art gallery learning studio

admins — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:04:53 +0000

Watts Gallery

Design freedom and product flexibility was high on the architect’s agenda when specifying a mix stainless steel sink tops for the new education workshop and standalone sink pedestals for the artist studio at Watts Gallery, Compton, Surrey.

The new education space and arts studio known as the Foyle Art for All Learning Studio is part of a restoration and remodelling scheme at Watts Gallery in Compton. The work has been part funded by Heritage Lottery Fund & English Heritage, the finished scheme provides an art studio and education space for around 15 people. The gallery runs workshops for the local community including life drawing, painting and pottery, and an art club for young people.

Workshop

GEC Anderson supplied a mix of Made to Measure and Decimetric® units. The Made to Measure range for the workshop area allowed the specifier to order to their exact size requirements. The customised sink tops arrived on site in two continuous pieces which incorporated a lower level top to comply with DDA requirements and suit the height of children working in the studio. These items incorporated a plaster trap and sand trap in order to segregate the paints/sands being used in class from the waste water.

The Made to Measure units included a large bespoke sink bowl 1100 x 340mm in size. There were no joins at the sink bowl, edges or upstands and the 18mm bonded substrate provided rigidity and strength as well as allowing for easy fixing.

Art Studio

Watts Gallery has run the Artist-in-Residence scheme since 2005 and the new studio provides all the facilities required for the artist to work there in comfort. Here GEC Anderson’s Decimetric® commercial stainless steel sinktop was chosen for the wash area. Manufactured from domestic grade stainless steel, this free standing unit includes a lipped front and side edges, integral back upstand and is mounted on square section stainless steel legs.

Mark Edmunds, Quantity Surveyor for Blenheim House Construction said, “GEC Anderson was very professional in their approach to the project, delivering on time and to the correct specification.” GEC Anderson provides a complete measuring and installation service and on this project a technical representative attended a pre contract meeting at Watts Gallery to take the brief. At the appropriate time in the construction programme, an operative returned to site to take dimensions and subsequently to install the manufactured unit.

Blenheim House Construction is no stranger to GEC Anderson products and has used them on a number of other projects.

For the architect, stainless steel provides clean lines and good looks in a modern art environment. It was also the obvious choice for this busy educational space, as it is hard wearing, hygienic, maintenance free and retains its original appearance over time. They had also worked with GEC Anderson on previous projects and were chosen on this one for their track record as well as their ability to provide the sinktop configurations to meet the design requirements.

An exclusive touch from GEC Anderson

simon — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:50:06 +0000

Royal Windsor Quay is an exclusive riverfront development of sixteen townhouses, duplexes, apartments and penthouses.

Because of the development?s exclusivity, the style and quality of the kitchens were considered to be two of the most important features of the homes by developers, Hadley Homes. The aim was to design kitchens that would make a statement and be the focal point of the spaces.

Says Jamee Kong, head of design at DesignSpaceLondon: ?The two townhouses and two penthouses were marketed as the most luxurious of the sixteen properties.?A combination of Schiffini?s ?Cinqueterre? and ?One? collections were used with a black polished granite worktop.? The all black scheme, in a variety of finishes, created a sophisticated and striking look that answered the design brief.

?To create balance and to add interest, stainless steel appliances by Kuppersbusch were specified and single-piece stainless steel bridge-worktops by GEC Anderson were introduced in the two penthouses. ?The continuous stainless steel worktops, with deep edge profiles provide an important and bright ?focal-point? to the penthouse kitchens.

?This was the first project we had worked on for this particular client and as a result of the success, we have been commissioned to work on two further developments, with kitchen installations due to start in the second quarter of 2011.?

GEC Anderson Managing Director, Martin Tye, comments: ?Use of high quality stainless steel in luxury kitchens provides a supremely practical yet, visually, stunning solution to worktop requirements and truly sets them apart in terms of form and function.

?The versatility and design freedom possible with GEC Anderson worktops makes them popular with designers and discerning users. For example, worktops can be produced in one piece and with edge profiles and sink bowl arrangements to meet exact user-requirements. Their unrivalled performance comes free.

?The bright and reflective stainless steel worktop finish adds light and spaciousness to the kitchen interior, whether used alone or in combination with traditional materials, such as wood and stone.?

Dental decontamination solutions from GEC Anderson

simon — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:33:08 +0000

New regulations, monitored by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), have meant a lot of changes for dentists across the UK.

Dentist William Hoy, of The Dental Surgery, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, explained that a change in regulations means that two dedicated sinks should now be available for decontamination work, including where an automated washer-disinfector is in use.

These sinks should not be used for hand-washing. Two sinks or two bowls incorporated into a single unit are recommended because, after cleaning instruments in the first sink, the operator can efficiently rinse the cleaned instruments into the second sink. There?s a greatly reduced risk of re-contaminating the instruments with cleaning agents/detergents or previously removed bio-film.

Mr Hoy asked his plumber to search for a solution. ?We had a problem sourcing twin sinks that would fit a 500mm base and couldn?t find a suitable solution anywhere locally.

?But our search led us to GEC Anderson. They were given the measurements over the phone and produced a great solution that fitted perfectly. I?m very happy with the service received and the product supplied.?

GEC Anderson provided two special sinks ensuring compliance with the new setup to meet the regulation requirements.

GEC Anderson use a combination of highly efficient, state-of-the-art, automated manufacturing processes and skilled craftsmen to produce a stainless steel finish that provides visual simplicity, intrinsic quality, durability, safety and hygiene that were considered desirable in the project.

GEC Anderson Managing Director, Martin Tye, comments: ?We?re pleased we were able to meet Mr Hoy?s requirements after he?d searched for a solution. This provides a really excellent example of the effective use of our bespoke system.

?As a matter of fact, demand for such units is certainly growing and reflects the imposition of more onerous regulations within the Dental Industry.

?In my opinion, the use of high quality stainless steel in an area of hygiene such as dental decontamination is obviously highly desirable, providing hygiene and durability benefits whilst projecting a high degree of professionalism. In this instance, the requirement for sinks without overflow was also crucial.?

The hard-wearing brushed satin stainless steel finish ensures the retention of a professional appearance, even after heavy use in the most?demanding?of environments.

St Michael?s RC High School, Garston

simon — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:20:19 +0000

GEC Anderson?s Decimetric range of stainless steel worktops, sinks, base cabinets and wall cabinets were the preferred choice of architects Curl La Tourelle in the ?1.8m sports hall project at St Michael?s RC High at Garston, Hertfordshire.

The specialist sinks, base units and wall cabinets were used in fitting out the new First Aid Room and P.E Staff Office. The school, specifier and contractor were all very pleased with the units that were supplied and installed by GEC Anderson.

The work features in an impressive new brick and cedar clad building, which transforms the public face of the voluntarily aided secondary school, as well as providing a new activities hall.

GEC Anderson supplied and fitted:

Decimetric commercial grade stainless steel sink top with corner cut out, integral up-stand and lipped edges
Integrated sink bowls with outlet and overflow fittings
Stainless steel base cabinets with hinged doors, integral handles and adjustable feet and full length stainless steel plinth
Stainless steel wall cabinets with adjustable shelves and hinged doors, again with integral handles

GEC Anderson Managing Director, Martin Tye, comments: ?This was an interesting project for GEC Anderson and it provides a really excellent example of the effective use of our Decimetric System.

?Due to its modularity, Decimetric can be extremely cost-effective, thereby enabling the use of high quality stainless steel in areas that can definitely benefit from the durability and professionalism associated with stainless steel but where cost might otherwise be prohibitive.?

Martin added: ?Curl La Tourelle have specified GEC Anderson products in a number of other schools, which is always pleasing.?

GEC Anderson?s Decimetric range is a cost effective, versatile solution, because its modular system can be specified in 100mm increments. Products are fabricated under ISO 9001 compliant conditions in modern workshops.

The hard-wearing brushed satin stainless steel finish ensures the retention of a professional appearance, even after heavy use in the most?demanding?of environments.

About GEC Anderson

GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of stainless steel made-to-measure units for nearly 40 years. Today the company remains the leading developer of stainless steel solutions for public sector, commercial, industrial, institutional and domestic interiors.

The comprehensive and versatile product range combines dependable functionality, safety, strength, hygiene and low maintenance ? with intrinsic beauty, and includes:

Sinks and worktops, made-to-measure to meet the precise requirements of each project
Cabinets and shelving, providing sleek, durable and hygienic solutions for all storage requirements
Sanitary appliances, from WCs and urinals to washbasins and drinking fountains
Specialist equipment for industry, such as cleaner?s sinks, sluices and plaster-room apparatus

All GEC Anderson products are backed by full technical and project support, including CAD detailing, site measurement and installation services.

?When you invest in any GEC Anderson product, you can be confident that only materials of the highest quality have been used during manufacture.?

For further information about GEC Anderson see www.gecanderson.co.uk or call 01442 826 999.

Kitchen Buyers Guide

Martin — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:35:14 +0000

Getting your new kitchen designed by the professionals is always a great idea. There are a number of companies that provide kitchen design services in the market and selecting the right one is not always easy. Kitchen companies vary in sizes; some are International while others operate nationally or even locally. To help you choose the right firm, Kitchen Directory have a published a comprehensive guide. Take a look:

http://www.thekitchendirectory.co.uk/kitchen-buyers-guide/kitchen-buyers-guide/a-quick-guide-to-the-uk-kitchen-market/

High Quality Steel Products

Martin — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:57:49 +0000

From a domestic end user to a commercial organization, all need superior quality stainless steel products. GEC Anderson is a company that can meet all your needs and requirements very well. The company has a very good experience and reputation in the market as it has been working fine since it was established in the year 1962. Other than quality and durability, they take care of attributes like simplicity, safety and hygiene. They have been producing Sinks, Worktops, Cabinets and many more products which you can find at:

http://www.gecanderson.co.uk/

Decimetric range meets hospital?s exacting requirements

simon — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:40:46 +0000

Efficient utilisation of space, durability, health and safety requirements and exacting hygiene standards were the challenges for a ward refurbishment at St Martin?s Hospital in Bath.

GEC Anderson?s Decimetric range of worktops, sinks and cabinets was chosen to ensure the kitchen refurbishment met all the criteria.

The original kitchen included laminate wood surfaces and units that had served a relatively short life span but were showing the signs of deterioration – typical of a heavily used area.

Robin Stedman from St Martin?s explains the decision to go with GEC Anderson:

?There were two main reasons really, the most important of which was GEC?s ability to adapt the kitchen area to meet our exact requirements and to utilise all of the space efficiently.

?The second was that GEC Anderson were able to supply wall cupboards with a sloping top.? For health and safety reasons we don?t want staff storing items on top of the wall units,? he added.

As with all GEC Anderson products, the components making up the kitchen area were made of high grade stainless steel that confirms to EN 1.4301 standard.

And as with any kitchen area, hygiene is of the utmost importance, especially in a hospital ward. Unlike other surfaces, stainless steel doesn?t absorb liquids, rust or deform over any period of time.

Robin continued: ?We have been very pleased with the products and the company. The hospital staff have commented how easy the kitchen is to clean and with the utilised space there is plenty of storage for everyone.?

GEC Anderson pioneered the development of stainless steel made-to-measure units, becoming the UK?s leading developer of stainless steel solutions for public sector, commercial, industrial, institutional and domestic interiors.

The company?s comprehensive and versatile product range combines dependable functionality ? safety, strength, hygiene and low maintenance and includes made-to-measure sinks and worktops, cabinets and shelving, sanitary appliances, and specialist equipment for industry, such as cleaner?s sinks, sluices and plaster-room apparatus

All GEC Anderson products are backed by full technical and project support, including CAD detailing, site measurement and installation services.

For further information about GEC Anderson see www.gecanderson.co.uk or call 01442 82 6999.

Stainless steel ? stunning and sustainable

simon — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:05:04 +0000

When we first think of materials to use in kitchens, bathrooms, washrooms and laboratories that might meet sustainable requirements, stainless steel is probably not the first thing that springs to mind.

But stainless steel is one of the most environmentally friendly metals commonly used in construction, points out Martin Tye, managing director of GEC Anderson, the Hertfordshire-based market?leader in stainless steel sinks and worktops, cabinets, shelving and sanitary ware in the UK.

In fact, explains Martin, it helps generate and save energy, provides clean air, conserve water, avoid hazardous chemicals, and ultimately limits the amount of landfill waste we generate in the UK.

When its properly produced and finished, it remains attractive for years. Even when neglected, stainless steel can often be restored to its original appearance or re-used in other applications.

In today?s economic environment ? as well as the one we live in ? a material?s recycling potential is an important aspect of sustainable design. Stainless steel is used typically for 20 or 30 years before it is replaced. And when that time does come, stainless steel is 100% recyclable.

?Stainless steel is the common name for chromium-iron alloys containing at least 12% chromium. These alloys develop a chromium rich oxide film, which give the steel its anti-corrosive properties.

?Stainless steel used in kitchens and bathrooms is ‘austenitic’, which means it also contains at least 8% nickel. Where higher corrosion resistance is required, as in laboratories, molybdenum is also added,? explains Martin.

Stainless steel offers the ultimate in durability. It?s resistant to heat and cold and will normally last for ‘a lifetime’ – meaning literally, decades.

?This means that, over the lifetime of the product, its cost is very low. Also, due to this durability, it is possible for the stainless steel surface to remain totally hygienic over its lifetime,? he adds.

?Users want a product that?s totally hygienic, which is the reason why it is standard to commercial kitchens and other environments.? Stainless steel is selected for other reasons, such as versatility, durability, and good looks, in less sensitive areas.

?And it doesn?t prove expensive when the lifetime cost of the product is examined. Typically, the stainless steel product will outlast the alternative many times over. Low maintenance costs mean that stainless steel is very economical over time.?

GEC Anderson?s stainless steel possesses inherent attributes that provide longevity and maintenance-free qualities, including resistance to heat, fire and sustained heavy use; a totally hygienic composition; minimal maintenance and 100% recyclability.

?In recent years heightened awareness of food contamination issues, harmful emissions and toxins, have led to a trend towards use of stainless steel.

?However, it is the ability to form stainless steel into aesthetically desirable products with superior performance characteristics – visual and functional – that are the key. In many instances, stainless steel is the only meaningful choice for serious long-term use.?

GEC Anderson?stainless steel products are featured in domestic kitchens and interiors but also in virtually every economic sector.

Products are fabricated under ISO 9001 compliant conditions, in modern workshops using highly efficient, state-of-the-art, automated manufacturing processes and finished by skilled craftsmen. Again, this is a plus when considering the impact that production techniques might have on the environment.

?Stainless steel, either with brushed or textured finish, provides a stunning, clean appearance. It?s robust and ultra-hygienic performance, so it provides the ultimate in functionality and style for contemporary kitchens.?

The search for a material that satisfies considerations of both form and function has made stainless steel the established first choice for commercial kitchen and wet room applications.

?And the unique characteristics and timeless quality of the material ensures it?s equally at home in the domestic environment,? he adds.

Sinks, splash-backs and up-stands can be seamlessly integrated within the worktop to provide a sleek, ultra-efficient work surface with no vulnerable joints or junctions.

Integral sink bowls and cut-outs for appliances such as hobs, can be specified in almost any shape or size, in any combination, and positioned exactly where required. Stainless steel is also extensively used for sanitary appliances, such as drinking fountains, washbasins, and WCs.

For more information visit gecanderson.co.uk

Stunning steel has that contemporary edge

simon — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:03:46 +0000

In many homes it?s the kitchen that has the ?wow? factor.

The search for materials and fittings that set the kitchen apart as the ?hub? of the house, where families cook, eat, meet and discuss can be fraught. Martin Tye says he has the solution ? stainless steel.

Few people are as enthusiastic about stainless steel as Martin. His view is that stainless steel worktops and sinks offer a versatility and durability that?s without equal.

The search for a material that satisfies considerations of both form and function has made stainless steel the established first choice for commercial kitchen and wet room applications.

?And the unique characteristics and timeless quality of the material ensures it?s equally at home in the domestic environment,? he adds.

Martin, managing director of GEC Anderson, explains that the bright stainless steel worktop finish adds light and spaciousness to the kitchen interior and it can be used alone or in combination with traditional materials, such as wood and stone.

This means that kitchen designers are offered unmatched freedom to ?mix and match? and worktops of virtually any shape or size can be produced as a single unit. This flexibility includes sections up to seven metres long, as well as L-shaped and even U-shaped configurations.
Sinks, splash-backs and up-stands can be seamlessly integrated within the worktop to provide a sleek, ultra-efficient work surface with no vulnerable joints or junctions. Integral sink bowls and cut-outs for appliances such as hobs, can be specified in almost any shape or size, in any combination, and positioned exactly where required.
?Stainless steel provides exceptional functionality as well,? says Martin. ?It will tolerate hot pans without damage, so there is no need for special ‘hot zones’.

?Surfaces are easy to maintain and keep clean, and totally hygienic. There?s a wide choice of perimeter edge profiles ? including water safe, lipped edges.

?And products are available in depths to suit specific project requirements, ensuring bespoke design solutions that deliver practical advantages such as minimising spillage.?
Worktops are available in a choice of brushed satin or textured finish. The raised pattern of textured stainless steel facilitates drainage, resists damage, hides smudges and scratches, and is as easy to clean as the standard brushed satin finish.
Cabinets and shelving provide sleek, durable and hygienic solutions for all storage requirements.

The range also includes sanitary appliances, such as drinking fountains, washbasins, and WCs.

?So the stunning and contemporary look that is stainless steel can also be extended into bathrooms,? adds Martin.

All GEC Anderson products are backed by full technical and project support, including CAD detailing, site measurement and installation services. For more information call 01442 82 6999 or visit gecanderson.co.uk