Nullifire Unveils Next-Generation Structural Fire Protection Range: Comprehensive, Compliant and Future-Focused Solutions from Floor to Roof

As the demands on modern building safety intensify, Nullifire, a brand with more than 50 years of specialist fire protection experience, has launched a new, enhanced range of structural fire protection solutions. Developed with a unique combination of global research and local technical expertise, the range offers robust, certified performance for every structural fire protection need — from foundation to rooftop.

Nullifire’s latest product suite includes firestopping systems, intumescent coatings, and high-performance spray-applied mortars like the bio-sustainable Perlifoc HP Eco+ and Carboline Farbocustic, a gypsum based mortar offering fire, thermal and acoustic protection. These solutions are engineered for compatibility across applications including interior steelwork, concrete substrates, floor and deck assemblies, car parks, plant rooms and more.

Protection with Purpose

The new range reflects Nullifire’s position as a market leader in passive fire protection. As part of the Tremco CPG family, and with access to Carboline’s advanced primers and topcoats, Nullifire provides an end-to-end solution protecting:

- Stadium and arena infrastructure

- Factories and industrial buildings

- High Rise Buildings

With membership in bodies such as the ASFP, NBS Source, and IFE, solutions are backed by third-party certification including Certifire, and CE Marking. To achieve this products are tested to rigorous standards, including BS EN 1366-3 and the EN 13381 series.

Designed for Real-World Application

Nullifire's offering is underpinned by monthly global R&D testing, ensuring the range remains at the forefront of performance and sustainability. Each product is tested not only in isolation but also for compatibility within multi-layered protection systems, delivering maximum reliability and reducing risk of failure.

One Partner. One Complete System.

The new range positions Nullifire as a true single-source supplier. From technical specification writing to on-site training and post-installation support, specifiers can rely on:

• Simplified ordering

• One point of contact

• Resource and cost efficiency

• Support for the ‘Golden Thread’ of building safety documentation

  
  

Case studies from recent large-scale developments show how Nullifire’s integrated solutions have successfully delivered both enhanced fire safety and installation efficiency — all while aligning with environmental building standards.

Sustainability Built-In

From the eco-friendly Perlifoc HP Eco+ mortar to low VOC coatings and recyclable packaging, the range supports environmentally conscious construction. With products contributing to sustainable certifications, Nullifire continues to shape the future of fire protection with both people and the planet in mind. www.nullifire.com

Haddonstone's USA Customers Love Traditional English Architecture

Here Chris Doyle, Vice President of Haddonstone's Commercial Operations in the USA, talks about the American operation in Pueblo, Colorado, and gives us an insight into the American customer base.

Can you give us a short biography on you?

I hail from Doncaster in South Yorkshire and have worked for Haddonstone Group for 15 years. I joined whilst still at university (it is the only ‘proper' job I have had!).  In terms of education, I have a Bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Hull along with Master's degree in Senior Leadership from Sheffield Hallam University (Haddonstone also sponsored and supported me to carry out my Master's).  

I joined the Haddonstone group in 2010 working for Pennine Stone as a graduate trainee and worked my way up to Commercial Manager after learning all aspects of the business processes.  I was then asked to move to the US operation in November 2021 as Commercial Manager and now hold the title of Vice President of Commercial Operations. Regarding family, I have an amazing wife and seven-year-old son who are enjoying a new life in the USA; we have been here nearly 3 years now! In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf and exploring the Colorado mountains with my family.

What is your title and role at Haddonstone? Can you describe the role and what it entails?

As VP of Commercial Operations, I oversee all aspects of the company's commercial operations including sales processes, contract management, and pricing strategies.  I am tasked with ensuring the efficient performance of all sales activities and operational performance.

Where do you find inspiration?

Great question! I get a lot of inspiration from people.  Interacting with people from all walks of life, especially those from diverse backgrounds who have admiring stories to share, gives me new ideas and insights.  I also get a lot of inspiration from personal experiences (both positive and challenging). 

Projects - most proud of and why?

Two projects spring to mind.  One was a project called Yuki Hospital in Japan; this was the first large project I was involved in when I moved to the US.  This is now a huge private Nursing Home in Ibaraki (about 70 miles North of Tokyo).  Our client was based in Seattle and I had multiple visits there to fully understand the requirements.  This was also a UK collaboration with the products being manufactured in Northamptonshire.

(https://www.haddonstone.com/en-us/case-studies/yuki-hospital-ibaraki-japan/)

Yuki Hospital, Japan

The second project was a local one in Evergreen Colorado (which is about two hours north of our office and manufacturing plant in Pueblo).  Our client was an inspirational man called Charles Bluth who is a very successful self-made property developer.  Charles took his vision and passion for classical architecture and wanted to produce a property designed with the look of the palace of Versailles. We manufactured the façade stonework for this property on its own private mountain 30 miles from Colorado's capital of Denver.

(https://www.haddonstone.com/en-us/case-studies/private-residence-evergreen-colorado/).

Chateau V in Evergeen, Colorado

What size is the facility you look after and how many people work there?  What is the capacity product-wise? For example, "how many units per week" is a good statistic.

We have a three-acre site in Pueblo Colorado, and we employ 25 people.  We manufacture, on average, 35,000lbs of product a week and, depending on the size of products, this would be roughly 200-300 products. 

How many employees are you responsible for?

I am responsible for four employees in the front office, and I also help the factory of 21 individuals on some operational practices.

Haddonstone is known for continual investment in the factory - what is the next addition/development in US?

Our next addition to the factory will hopefully be the custom-made manufacturing arms that have been installed in the UK for a couple of years now.  These were designed by our in-house steel fabricator, Andy Holt, and these produce a more compact product; they also reduce the hand arm vibration that our casters experience with a routine hammer.

Haddonstone's site in Pueblo, Colorado

Where in the world do your products go - just USA?

We ship to the US, Canada, Korea and the Caribbean Islands.

What are favourite products/design trends the USA loves?

I think the USA market really appreciates our classical and more traditional architectural and landscape products.  They give them a feel of having an English-inspired design in their space.  Americans are also proud to receive products that are made in their own country so our balance of English designs that are manufactured in America really goes well with our clientele.

Does the US operation differ from the UK one? If so, what are the differences?

Overall, the manufacturing operations are very similar. However, one big difference is the logistical challenges of moving product around such a large country.  Commercially, it makes no sense to have our own fleet of vehicles, like we have in the UK; we rely on trusting and developing relationships with America's largest freight carriers to get our products to customer safely.

Are US customers different to UK customers? If so, how?

Overall, I think customers have some similarities. However, I think US customers are just so devoted to a product or service once they have received or experienced something they like! They love us and love telling everyone. 

Who are your customers?

We have a wide range of customers such as private homeowners, architects, landscape designers, general contractors and governing bodies.  We have a very loyal customer base; particularly, architects and landscape architects who continue to specify our products for appropriate projects.

What is the best thing about working for Haddonstone?

The best thing about working for Haddonstone must be the family history behind the business.  Although we are a relatively small business, our employee retention in both countries speaks for itself and I truly believe this is down to everyone having value and respect for one another which I think has been instilled right from the start of the founding of the business over 50 years ago.

 For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.haddonstone.com

West Fraser Panels Match Environmental Goals Of PassivHaus Specialist

A Gloucestershire-based supplier of highly sustainable, PassivHaus standard timber frame buildings has been making extensive use of high performance panel products from the range of  West Fraser since it was established almost a decade ago; while it continues to grow a  reputation for delivering on client ambitions, whatever the technical challenge or location.

Passiframe operates from premises on the Lydney Harbour Estate in the Forest of Dean, mainly delivering bespoke residential properties ranging in size from off-grid cabins to large, detached homes, but also undertakes projects such as community centres and smaller commercial premises.  The unifying theme, however, is creating very low energy structures which also attain excellent environmental standards. Ambitions with which West Fraser 's  CaberDek  and  SterlingOSB Zero  are fully in step. 

Scott Adams director of Passiframe, explained: "We panelise offsite and generally fill the 300mm thick panels with Warmcel insulation in the factory.  We have employed the CaberDek panels for flooring from very early on and then also started buying  SterlingOSB Zero which we fix on the inside face of the exterior walls for airtightness.  We are aiming for a figure of 0.4, but actually average 0.2 by taping all the joints and applying an external membrane.  Then we offer a wide selection of external finishes, including stone or timber cladding.  We are currently nearing completion on a five-bedroom 200-square metre property which is typical of the homes we build where CaberDek is secured across the Posi-joists using the manufacturer's CaberFix D4 adhesive and self-tapping screws, creating a working platform which can withstand wet weather quite easily during the two to three days it normally takes to install - and then the peel-clean finish can be simply stripped off when the following trades like plasterers have finished."

While SterlingOSB Zero‘s burgeoning popularity can be attributed to an array of technical benefits, in these days of heightened environmental awareness and the push to achieve Net Zero, SterlingOSB Zero can also assist the construction industry to cut carbon emissions.  The board is primarily manufactured from a natural product which in itself locks in CO2 from the atmosphere, with the myriad of mainly softwood strands sourced as sawmill residues and co-products in the form of peeled chips, along with a small percentage of round wood.  The traditional alternative,  plywood, requires the peeling of much larger tree trunks which take longer to grow. 

After leaving the factory gates, because it is precision-made, there is less waste on building sites or in MMC fabrication, and the associated costs of disposal to landfill are significantly mitigated.  Contractors also report lower waste in handling because SterlingOSB Zero is more resilient to damage than rival products and is much easier to align when used for tasks like sheathing or laying floors.  The accuracy of manufacture is especially good for producing SIPs panels, with no need to "size" boards in the factory or suffer misalignment during installation.

Summing up, Scott reflected on how the West Fraser products complement Passiframe's ethos on sustainability: "The OSB3 is really good quality, offering structural stability as well as dimensional accuracy - all helping achieve the comfort standard of PassivHaus, which includes noise reduction.  The feedback we get from clients often includes their reporting enjoying the peace and tranquillity of living in one of our homes.  Furthermore, FSC chain of custody helps clients fulfil their ambition on being kind to the environment."

All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation.  Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC® certified (C012533) and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/