Canal Engineering, now in 3D - September 2010

Canal Engineering has introduced 3D Inventor Software in to the design office and has plans to ensure the whole team has 3D design skills. Digital Prototyping, as it is becoming known, is a fantastic way for Canal Engineering to show off their design and engineering skills in architectural metalwork, whilst at the same time providing clients with a cost effective validation of design concepts; it speeds up the manufacturing process too.

The Inventor Software is a comprehensive, flexible software package that will enhance the ability of Canal Engineering to create rendered 3D images of architectural metalwork and designer staircase projects. These amazing images will accurately represent the design, and will thus allow the client to truly visualise the finished project and the engineering team to simulate real world performance.

Contemporary Helical Steel Staircase - August 2010

Canal Engineering has just finished an incredible helical staircase for the new Jersey office of International Corporate and Finance Law company; Ogier.

The architects, ORMS of London, set a tough task; their design was for a stunning helical staircase totally unsupported from below. Structurally this was made even more difficult as the atrium it ascended to was a square opening; much bigger than the staircase diameter. Without compromising the integrity of the design the upper floor needed to be decked out with structural steelwork; creating a circular opening strong enough to support the load of the floating staircase.

Staircase Engineering and Installation

To get the right combination of gorgeous lines and required strength, the staircase banister and the balustrade around the top of the stairwell has been made from 15mm thick steel plate which needed to be fully welding together on site to prevent any deflection occurring: This will give you some idea of the enormous task faced by the Canal Engineering installation team.

The finished contemporary staircase is complemented by stained oak handrails, grey stone treads and a white plastered underside. All the effort was well worth it; the finished staircase creates a work of art out of a feature staircase.

Staircases and Balustrade Innovation

If you have a staircase, balustrade or architectural metalwork challenge contact Lee Hunt at Canal Engineering on 0115 986 6321. With all the skills, experience and expertise of Canal Engineering behind him, you’ll be glad you did!

29th March 2010

48,000 people interested in self-building homes were at the NEC in March for the National Homebuilding and Renovating Show. With a brand new exhibition stand Canal Engineering attracted lots of attention from both architects and self builders with projects big and small. Bespoke and customised staircases and balustrades are very popular with self-builders offering impact and an opportunity for expression, creativity and innovation. The National Homebuilding and Renovating show is already in Canal Engineering’s calendar for next year; 24th to 27th March at the NEC.

24th March 2010

Martin Price, Managing Director celebrated his fiftieth birthday this week. Having started at Canal Engineering as an engineering apprentice straight out of school at 16, the landmark birthday also marks 34 years of metal fabrication for Martin. The experience, knowledge and expertise that Martin has accrued over the years is hard to beat; he is now proud to pass on his set of skills to others to ensure the continued success of Canal Engineering.

5th March 2010

Along with around 1,000 other exhibitors and 41,000 people, Canal Engineering was at Earls Court for Ecobuild in March. With a packed conference programme and tonnes of product demonstrations it really was a great exhibition for anyone involved in the sustainability of the built environment. Canal Engineering dealt with lots of great enquiries for forthcoming projects, so many in fact, that they have already booked to attend Ecobuild at ExCel, London from the 1st to 3rd March 2011: See you there!

24th February 2010

A specialist job requires a specialist solution which is why General Mills Australia, part of the sixth largest food group in the world, recently turned to the expertise of Canal Engineering.

Their load moving involves the use of an overhead hoist to lift high level loads away from the edge. This required a specially designed food grade stainless steel pallet gate barrier where no part of the gate hangs over the load when the gate is closed.

Canal Engineering's design team came up with an innovative solution that was manufactured in the Nottingham factory before being shipped half way around the world.

17th February 2010

From a glass balustrade for a home on the island of Jersey to balustrades for the new transit station at Gatwick Airport the manufacturing team at Canal Engineering are busy, busy, busy.

These bespoke special orders are a great motivation for the team; challenging them to find creative and innovative solutions to design projects they are set. And all this alongside their regular work which includes Aspen stainless steel kerbs and drains for a new food production facility and a Righthite traversing safe access step unit destined for Ireland.