Sertec Welfare Area Refurbishment

The Sertec welfare area refurbishment was completed by Advanced Commercial Interiors for Sertec Aluminium Structures in Birmingham, transforming an existing staff welfare space into a more durable, functional and compliant environment.

The project focused on the refurbishment and enclosure of a heavy-use welfare area within a warehouse setting. The existing space required significant upgrades to meet the practical demands of the site, while also addressing building regulation requirements around the mezzanine structure and fire-rated elements. The completed works included a refurbished canteen, new teapoint, prayer room, Wudu washroom, safety flooring, fire-rated partitioning, a black suspended ceiling, feature lighting and decorative wall finishes.

A key requirement of the Sertec welfare area refurbishment was to create a space that could withstand regular daily use by staff while still feeling modern, clean and welcoming. ACI worked alongside building regulators throughout the project to ensure the mezzanine, ceiling and partitioning works were designed and delivered to the required standard.

The result is a practical, hard-wearing staff welfare area that provides improved dining, refreshment, prayer and wash facilities for Sertec’s workforce.

Sertec required a full refurbishment of their existing welfare area to create a more suitable environment for staff working within a busy industrial and warehouse setting. The existing space needed to be enclosed, upgraded and brought in line with building regulation requirements, while also improving the overall quality and usability of the facilities.

The brief called for a robust welfare space that could support heavy daily usage. This meant selecting practical finishes, durable flooring and simple furniture that would perform well in a demanding operational environment. The space also needed to include a new canteen layout, improved kitchen and refreshment facilities, and dedicated support areas for staff.

As part of the Sertec welfare area refurbishment, ACI was also asked to incorporate a prayer room and Wudu washroom to better support the needs of the workforce. These areas needed to be planned into the wider welfare layout without compromising the functionality of the canteen or circulation routes.

The project also included important compliance-led works. This involved fire-rated elements to the mezzanine, fire-rated partitioning, a new suspended ceiling, upgraded lighting, emergency lighting, ventilation, and associated enabling works.

ACI delivered a full welfare refurbishment package that combined practical construction works with a clean and modern interior finish.

The works began with enabling and preparation, including the removal of existing drylining, worktops and sinks, capping remaining pipework, creating new openings within existing blockwork and removing non-compliant staircase elements where required. Due to the scale and height of the project, ACI also organised specialist hire equipment, including mobile towers, a stair tower, scissor lift, genie lift and steel cutter.

To support building regulation requirements, ACI delivered fire-rated works across key areas of the scheme. This included fire-rated fascia and column casings to the mezzanine, a 60-minute fire-rated suspended ceiling beneath the mezzanine, fire-rated jumbo partitioning to form the fire corridor and additional fire lining works to the ground floor ceiling.

New partitioning and drylining were installed to form the canteen, prayer room and Wudu washroom. Oak veneer doors with vision panels were fitted into white timber frames, while black laminate skirting was installed to the new partitions to provide a clean, durable finish.

The canteen was fitted with new hard-wearing safety vinyl flooring, a black suspended ceiling and recessed LED lighting linked to motion sensors. A new teapoint was designed and installed, including base units, wall cupboards, integrated tall fridge, fridge freezer, two integrated microwaves, stainless steel sinks, Quooker boiling water taps and a bespoke acrylic splashback. Decorative slatwall wood panels and Sertec logo lettering were added to help bring the client’s brand into the space.

ACI also installed a double Wudu foot wash trough with fixed stools in a stainless steel finish, alongside heating, ventilation, emergency lighting and power provision to support the finished layout.

The completed Sertec welfare area refurbishment has transformed the existing staff facilities into a far more practical, compliant and visually improved space.

The refurbished canteen now provides a clean and durable environment for staff breaks, with new tables and seating, a modern teapoint, hard-wearing flooring, feature ceiling lighting and a bold black ceiling finish. The green splashback, decorative timber wall panelling and Sertec branding add visual interest while keeping the overall scheme simple and suitable for a warehouse environment.

The project also delivered important improvements beyond the main canteen. The new prayer room and Wudu washroom provide dedicated facilities for staff, helping to make the workplace more inclusive and better aligned with day-to-day workforce requirements.

From a practical perspective, the project has improved safety, compliance and usability across the welfare area. Fire-rated partitioning, fire-rated ceiling works, upgraded lighting, emergency lighting, ventilation, safety flooring and robust finishes all contribute to a space designed for long-term use.

Overall, the Sertec welfare area refurbishment has created a modern and hard-wearing staff welfare facility that balances compliance, durability and comfort within a busy industrial setting.