Reaching new heights with Pendock
The Pendock name has become synonymous with high-quality column casings and service enclosure systems since the company was formed 35 years ago. Today, its expanded range includes six distinct product lines that encompass column casings, building linings and complete washroom systems, as well as specialist casing solutions for the social housing sector.
A history of innovation
Initially, Pendock produced casings and enclosure systems manufactured from pre-formed plywood with a choice of finishes, including laminated real wood veneers. The adaptability and performance of its products meant that it was soon supplying a wide range of interior and exterior solutions aimed at concealing or protecting unsightly structural elements and building services on new-build and retrofit projects.
Pendock’s relationship with architects and specifiers runs in parallel with the introduction of new products, but its visibility increased considerably when the company co-sponsored the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2004 and again in 2005.
Also in 2005, the washroom solutions range was launched, which helped Pendock broaden its reach while also offering a wide range of products from single cubicles to complete washroom and IPS duct panel systems.
Pendock’s long-standing relationship with housing associations and local authority specifiers has recently enabled it to play a key role in retrofitting fire sprinklers on social housing projects by providing specialised casings to conceal surface-mounted sprinkler pipework.
A new brand structure, introduced in 2021, amalgamated key product ranges with the aim of simplifying specification and upgrading access to product and technical information online. This was further enhanced in March 2022 with the launch of a completely redesigned website which features its six branded product ranges.
The six brands comprise Radius, Linea, Profiles, Washroom, SafeHeat and Ducting, enabling casing solutions to be selected and sourced from the company’s comprehensive range of standard and bespoke products
Pendock’s Technical Projects Manager, Gavin Byram, explained: “Prior to the restructuring, all our products simply fell under the Pendock name and had no clear distinction between the type or relevant application. Now they have specific identities, which eases specification and access to information.”
Pendock Linea
The extensive Pendock Linea range includes nine different building lining and architectural finishing products, covering exterior roof lights, parapets and soffits, to interior pilasters, perimeter casings and ceiling features.
Suitable for a wide range of applications, they can be manufactured from plywood, MDF, compact laminate, HPL, moulded GRG or GRP, plus stainless steel, aluminium and textured metals.
“The range now enables architects to specify several lining elements within a project, as opposed to these items being unlisted or ‘floating’ within various sections of the specification document,” added Byram.
“It also allows consistency, as the elements can be manufactured, supplied and/or installed from a single source. This in turn reduces risk, mitigates potential coordination issues on site, and ensures a uniform, high-quality finish.”
Pendock Radius
Designed primarily for concealing interior and exterior structural steelwork or concrete columns, Pendock Radius combines six individual column casing types. The range includes interior only casings manufactured from pre-formed plywood and GRG, alongside aluminium, stainless steel and GRP models that are suitable for both exterior and interior applications. Each product is available in a range of standard dimensions and shapes, as well as bespoke options.
Pendock Washroom
Designed to meet most specifications and requirements, Pendock Washroom includes five systems – Classic, Classic Plus, Robust, Ultimate and Education – as well as duct panel systems for use with IPS washrooms. Vanity units, back panels and accessories are also included within the range.
Depending on the washroom solution chosen, they are manufactured from 18mm melamine faced (MFC) or high-pressure laminate (HPL) faced chipboard, as well as 12mm compact laminate for use in high traffic applications or wet areas. DDA and Approved Document M compliant solutions are also included.
Pendock Profiles
Forming a key offering for local authorities, housing providers and the education sector, the Pendock Profiles range of casings for services, includes pipe boxing and casing solutions for concealing pipework used on heating systems and fire sprinkler installations, as well as classrooms and other education applications, such as STEM teaching laboratories.
Among the six product ranges available are the MXF fire sprinkler boxing and the CHM-MXM metal casings range, which are designed to provide protection for external pipework used in low carbon district heating, as well as ground source or air source heating solutions.
Pendock SafeHeat
Pendock SafeHeat low surface temperature (LST) radiator guards are designed to reduce the risk of burn injuries in a wide range of sectors, including care homes, schools and hospitals.
There are three core models: Prima, Ultima and ST, each of which also has a ‘Plus’ model variant that incorporates hidden fixings and lockable, drop-down access panels. All models incorporate anti-bacterial coatings as standard, as well as anti-ligature options.
Pendock Ducting
Simple but highly effective, the Pendock Ducting range is designed to conceal pipework, electrical cabling and other utilities, while also ensuring easy accessibility for maintenance. Secured to the surface of the subfloor before screeding, the two-part system is available in standard or bespoke sizes, comprising of a pre-formed, hot-dip galvanised steel tray with a decorative plywood cover, that sits flush with the finished floor level.
Knowledge and expertise
“From shop floor to the management team, our workforce has decades of experience, which provides huge breadth and depth of knowledge,” commented Byram. “Consequently, we can provide specialist input and guidance for specifiers, which could help them avoid pitfalls and save time. We know what works and, more importantly, what won’t work.”
Byram added: “Although standard products still form the largest percentage of our business, particularly with column casings, many specifiers require bespoke designs where a solution must be engineered to solve the needs of a particular application. By innovating and working closely with specifiers, we are able to achieve not only the desired aesthetic, but also ensure the results are a precise match for the specification,” he concluded.
