When introducing passive fire protection to a building, there are two systems for sealing penetrations by plastic pipework. The systems include fire collars and fire wraps and are essential products to maintain the safety and integrity of a premises in the event of a fire.

These intumescent products are ideal for masonry or plaster applications helping to stop the spread of fire and smoke where walls and floors have been penetrated by pipe work that is combustible (i.e. plastic piping made from PVCu, HDPE, MDPE, PP, ABS). When placed on steel piping, pipe collars can also achieve a cooling effect.

A UK fire collar and fire wrap supplier will be able to provide the full safety data for these products and ship the items directly to your site. Ideally you should find a supplier whose construction products with fire performance comply with a stringent set standards above the minimum regulatory requirements.

Intumescent fire collars

During construction of a building, services such as plastic waste water pipes or plastic drainage pipes have to penetrate a structure in various locations. This compromises the fire-resistance of the walls and floors and can lead to smoke, fire and hot gases moving from one compartment (or room) to another. Intumescent fire collars are designed to re-instate that resistance.

When exposed to extreme heat from a fire, the intumescent materials within the fire collar expand and exert pressure on the pipe, closing off the opening between two compartments. This process occurs at around 150°C and crushes the melting plastic pipe closing off the penetration through the wall or floor.

Made from galvanised steel, the fire collar should be fitted to both sides of the opening where a risk of fire is present. These pipe collars are available in 2-hour or 4-hour fire-rating resistance and a range of diameters.

Fire wraps

Fire wraps work in the same way as a fire collar but are secured around a plastic pipe by means of a self-adhesive strip. This is attached to a plastic sleeve which contains the intumescent material that expands when exposed to high temperatures. Fire wraps are suitable in areas where access to the pipe is tight and like fire collars they can be used against masonry or plaster.

Available in diameters up to 160mm, these wraps can provide either 2-hours or 4-hours fire-rated resistance.

Murcia is home to some of the best golfing in Europe and the Roda golf resort continues in that spirit with its course designed by one of Europe’s most prestigious designers. If you enjoy golf among magnificent surroundings and in a warm climate that’s year round, then buying a golf property in Murcia will be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

Roda Golf and Beach Resort

This resort combines glorious weather, great golf and luxury to create the perfect golf holiday or permanent Spanish residence. Located just a 5 minute drive from Murcia airport, travelling to your Roda golf property from the UK will take just a few hours. Once there, you’ll be just 1.5km from Mar Menor and the 250km of Mediterranean beaches which stretch out either side. At the resort you’ll find property and facilities which blend in with, and match, the beauty of the Murcia landscape plus elegant homes that integrate with the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Roda Golf Property

At the Roda Golf and Beach Resort you’ll find a range of exquisite properties to suit your budget including apartments, townhouses and villas. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the resort, your property will always be a short stroll from a communal pool and the private residents pathways which lead you to the golf course and resort facilities.

Apartments at Roda are available in two styles named Alhambra and Brisa. Within the styles you’ll have a choice of 2 or 3 bedrooms along with private gardens, solariums and optional jacuzzis.

Townhouses are available in five types of varying size and layout. The townhouse designs have been named Balcon, Baranda, Finca, Hacienda and Mirador and offer 2-3 bedrooms with living space across two floors plus access to a swimming pool.

The villas at Roda golf resort have been designed in four styles named Albatros, Eagle, Birdie, and Green. Villa properties are available in 4, 3 or 2 bedrooms with ample terraces, optional swimming pools and great views of the golf course.

Phase 4 of property development at Roda is well under way with low-density of building and the eagerly anticipated Brisa apartments.

Facilities at Roda Golf and Beach Resort

As you’d expect from one of Murcia’s newest and best golf resorts, facilities at Roda are opening at a rapid rate. The sports facilities containing tennis courts, multi-purpose sports pitch and football pitch have recently opened. Here you’ll also find some first-class changing facilities and a children’s play area surrounded by beautiful landscaping and views across the 7^th hole and lake to the clubhouse.

The commercial centre of Roda will be home to shops, restaurants and bars and work begins in September 2009 ready for early 2010.

The resort is also home to the Beach Club. Here you’ll find a swimming pool, mud baths, bars and a restaurant right on the doorstep of a sandy beach. Head through the entrance to the club and you’ll pass by an elegant staircase and emerge between a bar and restaurant with shining white floors and glass doors.

To the rear of the club is a vast sliding door leading you out to the beach with the sea lapping at the shore just a few metres away. Sun loungers, an outdoor bar and swimming pool invite you to spend plenty of time here enjoying the climate and indulging in food and drink. Head back inside and up to the first floor and you’ll discover a veranda offering stunning views across the Mediterranean. The Beach Club is a great place to relax during the day or for an evening’s romantic dining among luxurious surroundings and attentive staff.

Roda Golf Course

The real draw of Roda is the 18-hole par 72 course designed by Dave Thomas – one of the most in-demand course designers in Europe. Utilising the Mediterranean landscape and natural vegetation, golfers will find this course challenges their golfing skills on every level but with the convenience of being just a short stroll from home.

The terrain at Roda was initially flat but has been transformed to provide undulating fairways and greens weaved around three lakes. The clubhouse and course facilities are managed by DeVere Hotels who have experience and knowledge of handling some of the best PGA European Tour events such as the Ryder Cup which has been played at the DeVere Belfry four times.

Roda is also home to a PGA golfing academy which has the latest generation of facilities and equipment to help you improve your game.

How to get to La Torre Golf Resort

The course at La Torre is situated just outside of the old village of Roldan in the Murcia region on the east coast of Spain. The closest airport, situated in San Javier, is just 10km from the resort (the airport itself is called Murcia Airport) and plenty of low-cost flights out of the UK arrive here. Once you’ve landed you’re just a 15 minute drive from La Torre. Should your flight land at Alicante airport you’ll have a 55 minute journey into La Torre. In 2010 a new airport will open in Corvera which is just a 20 minute drive away.

La Torre Golf Resort

Within the Polaris World La Torre golf resort there’s a town centre with extensive modern amenities including the 5-star Crowne Plaza Hotel and Spa (containing 200 rooms, indoor pool, gym). Arranged around a magnificent lake, the town also boasts restaurants, bars, boutiques, tennis courts, a swimming pool complex and supermarkets all linked to the golfing greens, parks and properties by wide tree-lined avenues and streets. The resort has a Mediterranean and Floridian appeal largely due to the development being based on Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA.

Some of the stunning properties currently available at the resort include these three apartments:

	A 2-bedroom apartment with views across the golf course, this first floor property has a lounge/dining room area, terrace, underground parking (lift access) and is sited close to a communal pool.
	Another great 2-bed first floor apartment complete with views across the golf course and lake, this property has generous living space, underground parking and comes fully furnished.
	Situated close to the town centre and all the great facilities, this second-floor 2-bedroom apartment has a south-facing aspect, parking and use of the communal pool.

La Torre Golf Course Guide

The La Torre Golf Course was designed by Michael Nicklaus for Nicklaus Design – one of the world’s leading golf course design companies headed by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Michael Nicklaus is the youngest son of Jack and his course forms part of the Nicklaus Golf Trail of 9 courses within a 25km radius (as a Polaris World property owner you have discounted green fees at the courses located in La Torre, Condado de Alhama, Mar Menor, El Valle, Hacienda Riquelme and La Loma resorts).

So, how does La Torre play? The 18-holes are spread across 5 hectares of lush surroundings that combine with and enhance the resort itself. There are various changes in the level of the terrain, sculptured bunkers and three lakes which means this course offers picturesque views at whichever hole you’re playing.

La Torre is a par 68 course with four tees per hole (colour coded black, blue, white and red) which will suit all abilities. The course is kind to those with a higher handicap giving you plenty of safe routes to the pin. For the low handicappers, there are opportunities to take riskier shots particularly on the Par 3’s and 4’s where there’s plenty of sand and water hazards to negotiate. Should you find yourself in the bunkers, the sand is top quality so the ball never sits too low which helps your escape shot (although you’ll still need some skill!).

La Torre comprises 6 Par 3 holes, 10 Par 4 holes and 2 Par 5’s – this means the course requires a strategic approach and calls for accuracy over distance. Although the course is by no means short (and your driver will be called into action), you’ll need to be on form with your wedges and irons as the greens are well protected by hazards. With forward tee positions on the Par 5’s, the big hitters among you will reach the greens in two shots. The first Par 5 is sited on the front nine at the 7^th hole with the second on the back nine at the 12^th.

Course fees vary depending on the season. High season is: February, March, April, May, October and November. Low season is: January, June, July, August, September and December. As a visitor, expect to pay around 60 Euros in low season and 80 Euros in high.

As a Polaris World property owner your green fees will be lower at around 55 Euros for 18 holes although there are special afternoon and twilight rates that can cost around 20-25 Euros.

Residents can also buy vouchers for 4 or 10 rounds:

A 4 round voucher (lasts 1 month) costs 200 Euros.

A 10 round voucher (2 months) costs 440 Euros.

There are also options to purchase yearly memberships (limited numbers) or a 25 year Golf Right. For a full list of La Torre residents’ golf tariffs click here

La Torre Golf Course Facilities

Before setting off on your round there’s a well-equipped practice area and driving range to get your game in order before you begin play. The course also offers a first class pro-shop and lessons with the course professionals are available (subject to booking fees and availability).

For those seeking refreshments before or after their round, the club house offers the Wood House Bar with a terrace overlooking the putting greens and practice area or on the first floor you’ll find the Pinos Bar famed for its live music. Overlooking the lake and 9^th holes is La Encina Buffet Restaurant offering a great range of grilled meat, fish and salad dishes.