Secure Mental Health Facility – Pontypridd

Pontypridd, Wales
Ligature-resistant Inset Window Protectors

Project:  Secure Mental Health Facility, Pontypridd 

Challenges: Rising costs and long lead times associated with full window replacement, combined with the need for a secure, ligature-resistant solution to improve patient safety in a mental health setting.

Solutions: Installation of bespoke ligature-resistant inset window protectors, fitted within the existing window reveals. The solution allowed the retention of original glazing while significantly enhancing safety and reducing disruption.

Outcome: The facility achieved enhanced safety, a discreet and secure finish, and approximately 60% savings compared to full window replacements, all while maintaining project timelines.

Background

The project was located at an adult mental health facility in Pontypridd, South Wales, undergoing full refurbishment across its main building and three self-contained one-bedroom units. These smaller units required an effective and secure window protection solution that didn’t involve replacing the existing glazing, which was proving costly and came with long lead times.

The appointed architects approached the Contour team to explore a more practical and budget-friendly option. They needed a product that could enhance safety, reduce risks, and meet the specific needs of a secure healthcare setting, all without extensive construction work.

The Challenges

Budget Limitations
The initial quotes for full window and door replacement exceeded the available budget for the smaller residential units. The client needed a more cost-conscious approach that didn’t compromise safety.

Lead Time Pressures
Long delivery schedules from the original supplier risked delaying the entire refurbishment programme. A solution was needed that could be manufactured, delivered, and installed within a much shorter window.

Patient Safety and Security Risks
The existing windows presented several vulnerabilities - potential escape routes, glass breakage, and opportunities to pass contraband. A secure, anti-ligature intervention was essential.

Design Sensitivity
The facility’s therapeutic environment required that all safety interventions remain discreet and non-intrusive. The new system needed to integrate seamlessly within the existing space.

Solution Implemented

Contour specified a series of ligature-resistant inset window protectors, each tailored to fit within the original window reveals. This retrofit solution retained the existing glazing, which allowed the client to save significantly on cost and avoid invasive construction.

Key features included:

    • Secure Compression Locks and Hidden Fixings
      Designed to reduce tampering while preserving a clean, low-profile finish.
    • Anti-ligature Design
      Smooth surfaces, no sharp edges, and tight joins helped minimise the risk of self-harm and injury.
    • IP3X Rated Anti-ligature Ventilation Grilles
      Precision-punched to limit the passage of small items without restricting airflow.
    • Customisable Layouts
      Bespoke vent placements tailored to the layout of each room, and a frosted finish for bathroom units to preserve privacy.
    • Adaptability
      A large, modular protector was created for one of the wider apertures, demonstrating the system’s flexibility.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates how Contour Secure’s window protection systems can provide a safer, more cost-effective alternative to full window replacement. The solution delivered on every requirement: patient safety, installation speed, aesthetic sensitivity, and value for money.

Could your facility benefit from secure, retrofit window protection?

Whether you're managing a refurbishment or simply want to improve safety in high-risk spaces, Contour Secure’s ligature-resistant window protectors offer a discreet and effective solution.

📞 Call us: +44 (0)1952 890158
📧 Email: sales@contoursecure.co.uk
🌐 Web: www.contoursecure.co.uk

Or speak to our team today about your specific project requirements.

Related Case Studies

Here are a selection of Case Studies related to this one.
Click on a Case Study to read more.

See all Case Studies
Secure Mental Health Facility – Pontypridd
Project:  Secure Mental Health Facility, Pontypridd  Challenges: Rising costs and long lead times associated with full window replacement, combined with the need for a secure, ligature-resistant ...
Project:  Secure Mental Health Facility, Pontypridd  Challenges: Rising costs and long lead times associated with full window replacement, combined with the need for a secure, ligature-resistant solution to improve patient safety in a mental health setting. Solutions: Installation of bespoke ligature-resistant inset window protectors, fitted within the existing window reveals. The solution allowed the retention of original glazing while significantly enhancing safety and reducing disruption. Outcome: The facility achieved enhanced safety, a discreet and secure finish, and approximately 60% savings compared to full window replacements, all while maintaining project timelines. Background The project was located at an adult mental health facility in Pontypridd, South Wales, undergoing full refurbishment across its main building and three self-contained one-bedroom units. These smaller units required an effective and secure window protection solution that didn’t involve replacing the existing glazing, which was proving costly and came with long lead times. The appointed architects approached the Contour team to explore a more practical and budget-friendly option. They needed a product that could enhance safety, reduce risks, and meet the specific needs of a secure healthcare setting, all without extensive construction work. The Challenges Budget LimitationsThe initial quotes for full window and door replacement exceeded the available budget for the smaller residential units. The client needed a more cost-conscious approach that didn’t compromise safety. Lead Time PressuresLong delivery schedules from the original supplier risked delaying the entire refurbishment programme. A solution was needed that could be manufactured, delivered, and installed within a much shorter window. Patient Safety and Security RisksThe existing windows presented several vulnerabilities - potential escape routes, glass breakage, and opportunities to pass contraband. A secure, anti-ligature intervention was essential. Design SensitivityThe facility’s therapeutic environment required that all safety interventions remain discreet and non-intrusive. The new system needed to integrate seamlessly within the existing space. Solution Implemented Contour specified a series of ligature-resistant inset window protectors, each tailored to fit within the original window reveals. This retrofit solution retained the existing glazing, which allowed the client to save significantly on cost and avoid invasive construction. Key features included: Secure Compression Locks and Hidden FixingsDesigned to reduce tampering while preserving a clean, low-profile finish. Anti-ligature DesignSmooth surfaces, no sharp edges, and tight joins helped minimise the risk of self-harm and injury. IP3X Rated Anti-ligature Ventilation GrillesPrecision-punched to limit the passage of small items without restricting airflow. Customisable LayoutsBespoke vent placements tailored to the layout of each room, and a frosted finish for bathroom units to preserve privacy. AdaptabilityA large, modular protector was created for one of the wider apertures, demonstrating the system’s flexibility. Conclusion This project demonstrates how Contour Secure’s window protection systems can provide a safer, more cost-effective alternative to full window replacement. The solution delivered on every requirement: patient safety, installation speed, aesthetic sensitivity, and value for money. Could your facility benefit from secure, retrofit window protection? Whether you're managing a refurbishment or simply want to improve safety in high-risk spaces, Contour Secure’s ligature-resistant window protectors offer a discreet and effective solution. 📞 Call us: +44 (0)1952 890158📧 Email: sales@contoursecure.co.uk🌐 Web: www.contoursecure.co.uk Or speak to our team today about your specific project requirements.
Mental Health Hospital - Birmingham
Project: Mental Health Hospital, Birmingham Challenges: The hospital faced the challenge of addressing easily tampered locking systems and ligature points on windows while maintaining a secure, ...
Project: Mental Health Hospital, Birmingham Challenges: The hospital faced the challenge of addressing easily tampered locking systems and ligature points on windows while maintaining a secure, therapeutic environment without requiring major disruptions or construction work. Solutions: Contour Secure provided solutions by installing tamper-resistant cam locks and ligature-resistant window protectors, ensuring enhanced security without compromising the room's therapeutic environment or requiring extensive construction. Outcome: The outcome was a safer environment with improved security and reduced ligature risks, while maintaining the room's therapeutic atmosphere. BackgroundContour Secure recently completed a project at a mental health hospital in Birmingham, providing essential security solutions for a high-risk room. The installation included our Tamper-resistant Security Cam Locks, Ligature-resistant Surface Mounted Window Protector, and Ligature-resistant Inset Window Protector. These products were specifically chosen to address the unique security and safety challenges posed by the room's design and the nature of the patients. The ChallengesThe mental health hospital was focusing on enhancing safety within one of its high-risk rooms. This space required both robust security features and ligature-resistant solutions to reduce risk factors. Traditional locking systems were easily tampered with, and the windows presented potential ligature points, compromising patient safety. The hospital also wanted to ensure that the chosen solutions would not disrupt the room's calming, therapeutic atmosphere or require extensive construction work. Solution ImplementedTo meet the hospital’s requirements, Contour Secure recommended a combination of three tailored products that offered both security and practicality: Tamper-resistant Security Cam LocksThe hospital installed our Tamper-resistant Security Cam Locks to secure various access points within the room. Designed with a three-point engagement mechanism, these locks offer exceptional resistance to tampering and damage, providing a more secure environment. Their sleek, durable design ensures long-term functionality with minimal maintenance, reducing the need for frequent replacements while maintaining ease of use for authorised personnel. Ligature-resistant Surface Mounted Window ProtectorThe windows in the room posed a significant risk, so the hospital selected our Ligature-resistant Surface Mounted Window Protector for retrofitting. This protector provides a discreet, cost-effective solution that improves window safety without requiring major alterations to the structure. It was installed outside quickly and easily, ensuring minimal disruption while enhancing security. The low-profile design maintains the therapeutic atmosphere of the exterior, allowing the hospital to address safety concerns while preserving the environment. Ligature-resistant Inset Window ProtectorFor a more integrated solution, the hospital opted for our Ligature-resistant Inset Window Protector for one of the interior room's windows. This product is custom-manufactured to fit seamlessly within the window reveal, offering a tamper-resistant, flush finish that blends naturally with the room’s design. The inset protector provides a discreet yet effective security measure, ensuring enhanced safety without interfering with the room's aesthetics. Installation The installation of these products has significantly improved the security and safety of the room. The Tamper-resistant Security Cam Locks have ensured that access points remain secure, preventing tampering and unauthorised access. The Ligature-resistant Surface Mounted and Inset Window Protectors have greatly reduced the risk of ligature points, helping to create a safer environment for patients and staff.The hospital has reported a marked improvement in both safety and the overall atmosphere of the room. The discreet design of the window protectors has preserved the therapeutic environment, while the durable and low-maintenance nature of all products has helped reduce long-term operational costs. Conclusion Contour Secure’s solutions provided the mental health hospital with the necessary security enhancements for a high-risk room. Our products combined strength, durability, and a discreet design, improving safety without compromising the room's therapeutic atmosphere. This project highlights our ability to provide tailored, effective solutions in specialised environments. How could Contour Secure's products improve safety in your Mental Heath unit? All Mental Health units require secure solutions. Contour Secure achieve this through anti-microbial, easy to clean, secure Window Protectors and Tamper-resistant Locks that are made to specification ti improve safety, hygiene and security in your facility. To find out how Contour Secure services can be tailored for your setting call our sales team on +44 (0) 1952 890158, or email sales@contoursecure.co.uk.