Em-B Solutions has won two GAI AI Specification Awards, with projects in both the healthcare and residential sectors recognised by the judges.
The Leeds-based architectural ironmonger received the Public, Health and Education Award for its work on the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital, Leeds, and the Small Projects Award for Overdale, a Victorian home overlooking Ilkley Moor in Yorkshire.
The awards recognise excellence in architectural ironmongery specification and celebrate the collaboration between architects and ironmongers in creating successful buildings. The two winning projects presented very different challenges.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease was designed to provide specialist care, support and research facilities for people living with MND. Every aspect of the building was shaped around accessibility, dignity and independence, creating a purpose-built environment that brings together clinical services, therapy spaces and support facilities under one roof.
Working alongside Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, I&G Group and the wider project team, Em-B supplied and specified the complete architectural ironmongery package. Bespoke black ironmongery, manufactured by Instinct Hardware, was combined with automatic door systems and carefully selected hardware designed to meet the demanding accessibility, hygiene and durability requirements of a modern healthcare environment.
The project held particular significance for the company. Working closely with manufacturers including ASSA ABLOY, dormakaba and Instinct Hardware, Em-B secured discounts and product support that enabled the ironmongery package to be donated free of charge to the scheme. This allowed more of the money raised through the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to be directed towards supporting people living with Motor Neurone Disease.
The second award-winning project, Overdale, demonstrates a very different side of architectural ironmongery. Working closely with interior designer Bess Sturman, Em-B developed a bespoke Imperial Bronze hardware suite for the complete refurbishment of a substantial Victorian residence. The project combined restored period features with contemporary interventions, including hidden doors, bespoke joinery and an authentic basement pub.
The hardware package included bespoke knurled levers, cabinet fittings, hinges and closers, all carefully coordinated to support the wider interior design concept. The result is a cohesive hardware scheme that helps bridge the property’s Victorian heritage with modern family living.
Philip Goldberg, Joint Managing Director of Em-B Solutions, said:
“To receive recognition for two projects that are so different is particularly rewarding. Both required close collaboration with the wider project team and a great deal of attention to detail, but the challenges were completely different.
“The Rob Burrow Centre is a project that means a great deal to everyone involved, while Overdale demonstrates how architectural ironmongery can play an important role in shaping the character of a private home. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make both projects such a success.”
The awards continue a strong track record for Em-B at the GAI/RIBA Specification Awards, where the company has previously received recognition for projects including Grantley Hall, which was named overall Winner of Winners in 2022.
