Brief
One St Paul’s Church Yard, London is an historic building dating back to 1925. Sheppard Robson Architects were contracted to oversee the renovation of the building by AXA Real Estate as part of its strategy to reposition the asset by undertaking a major mixed-use redevelopment scheme. The premises are currently occupied by Genesis Oil & Gas Consultants Ltd (a leading engineering provider), Grange Hotels (a luxury serviced apartments provider) as well as Drake & Morgan, Hush Brasserie and a high quality independent boulangerie.
There was an environmental requirement for the glass and other materials to conform to BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification.
The building has an open column lined portico porch and the design brief included two portcullises. These are intended to protect the main entrance circular slide door after hours, yet allow authorised access via integrated linear sliding doors.
Solution
Open Entrances were awarded the contract, with a significant factor being the integrated service the company provides, offering in-house design, development, manufacturing and installation.
• Open Entrances designed, engineered, manufactured and installed two glass portcullises with integrated linear sliding doors. During the daytime the portcullis doors are raised to allow access to the main entrance circle slide door. The portcullis is lowered after hours to prevent unauthorised access to the main entrance. The integrated sliding doors in the portcullis allow authorised entrance and exit.
• Open Entrances supplied and installed the main entrance automatic bi-parting drum slider with concealed underfloor drive unit, concealed air curtains and minimal profile.
• Open Entrances’ unique frameless FRAMEGLAZE technology was used to design, engineer, manufacture and install glass shop unit doors and internal lobby glazing.
• Matt black speed gates were also designed, engineered, manufactured and installed.
The portcullises designed and engineered by Open Entrances for One St Paul’s Churchyard are unique in London and may present a contemporary design solution to owners of prestigious buildings with a portico.
