Ahmarra installs fire doors at University of Southampton
Ahmarra, a leading manufacturer and installer of certified fire doors, has successfully completed a major project at the University of Southampton's Life Sciences building. The company supplied and installed fire-rated and non-fire-rated doors, as well as over panels, as part of the building's latest refurbishment.
The state-of-the-art Life Sciences building is a hub of interdisciplinary research, bringing together students and academic researchers specializing in health, medicine, biology, and disruptive life technologies. Situated on the Highfield Campus, this contemporary research institute was designed to inspire the next generation of life scientists. The building features a range of facilities, including laboratories, seminar rooms, a neuroimaging suite, offices, meeting rooms, and social spaces.
Designed by architectural firm NBBJ, the Life Sciences building has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South of England Award in 2011. Praised for its sustainable construction, robust landscaping, and use of natural light and ventilation, the building’s centrepiece is its stunning atrium with curved skylights that allow natural light to flood the space.
Main contractor SM5 Developments Ltd was appointed to refurbish parts of the building's office spaces. Ahmarra was selected by SM5 Developments Ltd to manufacture and install Q-Mark certified performance doorsets, including FD30s fire and smoke-rated doors, as well as 30 to 32 RwdB acoustic-rated doors. These bespoke doorsets were produced at Ahmarra's Hampshire-based production facility.
Ahmarra used American White Oak crown cut vertical grain wood veneer for the door and panel facings to complement the building’s natural interior design. Sustainability was a priority for the project, and Ahmarra’s FSC® certification ensured that all timber used in the doors, frames, and panels was responsibly sourced.
The doorsets feature Ahmarra's VP03 vision panels with a middle rail, compliant with British Standard 8300, to ensure safety and visibility. Framed with American White Oak flush quirk beading, these vision panels enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of the doors.
As part of Ahmarra’s Education Range, the doors were supplied pre-hung with factory-fitted satin stainless-steel ironmongery, ensuring they arrived on-site as fully finished units with a single fire certificate. Ahmarra’s Q-Mark Fire Door Installation team, accredited by Constructionline Gold, CHAS, and SafeContractor, ensured a safe and professional installation.
Joe Smith, Director of SM5 Developments Ltd, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s outcome: “Just wanted to drop a quick note to say a big thank you to all of you for helping get this project delivered on time. The doors were the big risk item, but thanks to your effort, we avoided any delays to the programme. We hugely appreciate the effort. You’ve cemented yourself as my number one door supplier moving forward!”
Ahmarra is proud to have played a key role in the enhancement of the Life Sciences building, supporting the University of Southampton in its mission to provide a world-class learning environment for future generations of life scientists.
Ahmarra
Tel: 023 92 389 076
Email: sales@ahmarra.co.uk
Web: https://ahmarra.co.uk