Architectural Ironmonger Em-B Solutions has been recognised for its work on Cherry Tree House in Leeds at the AI Specification Awards 2024, taking home the inaugural Ethos Award. Presented by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the AI Specification Awards identify and reward excellence in the specification and design of architectural ironmongery.
The award ceremony took place at Southwark Cathedral on Thursday 18 April where the AI industry, architects and clients gathered to “celebrate architectural ironmongery at its most effective and beautiful best.” Philip Goldberg, Treasurer of the GAI, explained the philosophy of the awards. “Entries are judged on the totality of the architectural ironmongery specification – how it supports and enhances the design vision; how it ensures the security, safety and accessibility of the building; and the contribution it makes to the functionality, sustainability and longevity.
Cherry Tree House is a purpose-built sheltered housing scheme developed by Leeds Jewish Housing Association in the heart of the Jewish Community. It opened in Spring 2022, offering 51 one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments complete with modern fitted kitchens and accessible bathrooms.
Commenting on the winning project, the AI Specification Awards judges said: “Cherry Tree House is a good example of overcoming budget constraints creatively. The project functioned well without sacrificing quality, ensuring the client’s accessibility needs were met with the use of hold-open/free-swing and automated doors where required. It is a good example of a specification that is the right one for its application.”
Matthew Raistrick, who managed the project for Em-B, commented, “The client, Leeds Jewish Housing Association, had a tight brief for the door hardware on this project: top-quality compliant hardware that was easy and pleasing to use, to an exacting budget. We also consulted residents and staff over their choice of lever handle so that we had buy-in from all stakeholders.”
“LJHA’s Director of Operations, Craig Simons. We were impressed with Em-B’s attention to detail when it came to these smaller points, and the residents love the finished results—high-quality door hardware that gives the right impression and works well and easily for some of our less able clients.”
Em-B is a well-established, award-winning architectural ironmonger and supplier of door solutions based in Leeds, established in 1966. The company regularly win awards for its architectural ironmongery schemes on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects, working for household name architects and clients. Em-B’s success is built on working as a true partner within the construction process from drawing board to installed product and beyond.
For more details on all the winning entries, visit www.gai.org.uk/specificationawards.
