GEZE’s automatic doors have hit just the right note in the development of a London building which is the new home of Universal Music.
Two automatic circular sliding doors create a chart-topping entrance to 4 Pancras Square – one of a cluster of new buildings that have led to the emergence of Kings Cross as a creative hub.
They are a statement piece to the 11-storey angular building which reflects the area’s lineage as a former goods yard to King’s Cross railway. With an exposed weathered steel frame, Eric Parry Architects’ building echoes the industrial revolution which enabled the expansion of London.
Positioned side by side, the two Slimdrive SCRs provide a 360° drive solution combining high performance with unobtrusive operation – the drives are just 7 cm in height and very discreet – and as pass doors are not needed, they maintain the clean aesthetics of the glazed facade.
Focchi undertook the installation of the façade: glazing, entrance and building envelop and worked with GEZE UK to identify the right solution – moving away from an original design featuring revolving doors which would have prompted requirements for pass doors.
There are also environmental benefits to the Slimdrive SCR selection – having only one set of doors open at a time, reduces heat loss and air pollution. Emergency buttons on reception were also added to immediately close the doors and prohibit the building being surged by fans in the wake of a visiting celebrity!
There is also bespoke lettering in the canopy of the Slimdrive SCR which was laser cut by GEZE UK and bespoke bronze lettering was added.
Other GEZE products used around the building include a Slimdrive SL NT automatic sliding door with access control. This allows workers to access a cycle ramp, meaning that they can ride straight up to a cycle store – an ideal solution for city commutes.
The Slimdrive SL NT is a good solution for buildings with high levels of footfall and a continuous flow of people moving in various directions. Almost invisible, it is virtually silent in operation and can move leaf weights of up to 125kg.
In addition, there are eight pairs of TS 550 floor springs fitted to retails units within the building. This provides an option to automate the entrances in the future– effectively ‘future proofing’ them.
Extensive rooftop gardens were added to the office block, which were intended to evoke a ‘windswept moorland’ and provide a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city with panoramic views across London.
Said GEZE UK sales and marketing director Andy Howland:
“Music is so important to our cultural landscape, so we are delighted to be opening doors for Universal Music which will no doubt benefit from its move to such an exhilarating part of the capital and present an inspiring environment from which to work.”
The relocation puts Universal amongst a vibrant set of neighbours, including Google, global media company Havas, Louis Vuitton and PRS, as well as Central Saint Martins, the world’s leading fashion college.
For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk