Conflicts in design can lead to innovative entrances

Conflicts in design can lead to innovative entrances It’s easy to assume that specifying an entrance system for commercial premises will be a simple task; but an entrance, especially for large premises, can have multiple functions each of which can affect the design. All too often, resolving one issue can then throw up a design conflict in another area. Here we speak to Andy Howland, sales director of GEZE UK about some of the projects the company has worked on and how they overcame some of these conflicting challenges. "Entrances and doors perform a functional role in architecture. They may need to allow large numbers of staff or visitors to enter or exit a building simultaneously; they help maintain an even temperature helping to contribute to a building’s sustainability targets; aid accessibility; and contribute to safety and security. "At the same time, the aesthetics of architecture should never ‘stop at the door’. An entrance sets the tone for a building’s interior; blends seamlessly with the design and wider materials; and makes an impact. But marrying all these different – and at times conflicting – elements takes experience and skill and needs to be planned from the start. Attractive dramatic entrance provides maximum footfall "Located in the heart of the City of London, the brief for the striking 12-storey Beaufort House was to create a large, wholly original entrance that would make a dramatic statement to all staff and visitors, as well as complementing the building’s grand 60ft-high atrium. "However, with extremely high footfall expected at peak periods, it was essential that the chosen entrance would also enable the largest possible number of people to flow through the lobby at any one time – while also maintaining a feeling of space within the lobby area and creating an easy transition between the building’s atrium and the busy square outside. "This was achieved through the installation of an individually designed, oval-shaped entrance lobby with curved doors powered by our energy-efficient Slimdrive SC, a curved automatic door operator enabling access for all. "The reason for the oval design was two-fold – aesthetically, the design is extremely striking, whilst installing curved doors can increase the size of the entrance by up to 40 per cent compared to sliding doors, making them ideal for lobbies that experience high levels of footfall. What’s more, creating a lobby helps to minimise heat loss or gain, whilst the Slimdrive SC meets the highest efficiency and quality standards. "Two glass swing doors with EMD-F automatic door operators were also installed on either side of the lobby for security use and out-of-hours access. These highly compact operators are able to move large and heavy doors easily with virtually no noise. "Our final challenge was to help deliver this very unusual project with minimal disruption to office workers and visitors. Design aesthetic balances with accessibility and security "As with Beaufort House, visual impact was a key element of the brief for 60 St Martin’s Lane in London’s fashionable West End, however, on this occasion it was essential to balance design aesthetics with accessibility and security. "Our frameless IGG system was chosen because its unparalleled transparency and unrivalled visual appeal would complement the building’s traditional stone façade and columns. This bespoke system integrates both frame and fitting systems between the two panes of glass, then conceals them with internal ceramic printing of the glass edges. "The IGG bi-parting sliding doors were custom-made to the precise dimensions of the main entrance, incorporating both the frame and the locks within the double glazing ensuring security whilst appearing to be made entirely from glass. The automatic Slimdrive SL NT operator was then bolted directly to the glass, creating an ultra-modern, seamless effect, with no visible frames. A second top-of-the-range IGG door was then installed with a manual swing door operator, to the right hand side of the main entrance, providing access outside normal office hours. "Aesthetically, the frameless double glazed system is modern and minimalistic, while practically, the seamless glass surface is easy to keep clean and maintain. Accessible entrance for listed building "Converting a heritage building and changing its use, throws up all manner of design issues as was the case, when the vicar of St James’ Church decided to open The Sheriff Centre as a commercial and community enterprise, housing a Post Office, café, stationery and retail shop and a children’s soft play area. "It was clear that the ramshackle wooden porch was not fit for purpose and we were commissioned to create sleek new purpose-designed glass lobby that would allow members of the community to safely access the new facilities. "According to Caroe and Partners Architects, the entrance lobby and ramp were among the most important parts of the design – in our opinion; they were also amongst the most challenging! "As St James’ Church is listed, a faculty application to undertake the conversion was made to the Church of England. "As with any listed building, it was essential to preserve the traditional features. The lobby was designed to maximise space and light, and features bi-parting AP glass doors to create a visual connection between the inside and outside spaces. ECdrives were chosen because they have been specifically designed for use in busy areas, allowing people to enter and exit a building quickly and safely. "However, when it came to the installation, the flagstone floor was uneven. To rectify this, we installed guides to allow the doors to slide easily. Pocket screens were also installed for safety, to eradicate the potential for finger entrapment on the inner door. "The operators feature intelligent digital control and have been programmed so that as someone enters the lobby the first door closes as the second opens. This ensures the entrance opens and closes efficiently, maximising footfall and minimising heat loss or gain. "Another challenge was the uniqueness of the Sheriff Centre – it was the first time that a Church had been adapted to incorporate such a wide range of commercial and community facilities whilst still remaining a place of worship. "We therefore chose automatic operators that are extremely quiet and allow high volumes of people to enter quickly, efficiently and safely. What’s more the lobby and door closing configuration also contributes to the environmental efficiency of the building. "Of course when it comes to designing an entrance, challenges are rarely the problem they seem at first glance. In fact, when approached correctly, they can be used to encourage innovation, leading to some of the most unusual – and impactful – design solutions."

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