Door makes a grand entrance
17th November 2015

One of the first applications of the new Soleal aluminium door system from TECHNAL is a prestige office and apartment refurbishment at Clifford’s Inn in the City of London.

Fabricated and installed by Everglade Windows, the Soleal doors at 138 Fetter Lane met a range of requirements:

• A single thermally broken pivot door provides access to the new lobby for the 30,000sqft Grade A offices. These silver anodised doors have a concealed overhead closer for a discrete and stylish appearance; an anti-finger trap bulb stile safety feature; full height tubular stainless steel handles, and flush dead bolts at the head and cill for enhanced security. The door also has an electric strike to allow fob pass access.

• A single thermally broken pivot door to the same specification was used for the entrance to the offices from the east courtyard. This system is inserted into Technal’s Geode-MX SG structural glazing that was used to extend the offices southwards.

• The apartments are accessed to the side of the building frontage on to Fetter Lane via double open-in, anti-finger trap pivot doors.

• Fire exit doors were installed on the west courtyard. These were rebated, polyester powder coated in white, use robust butt hinges, have surface-mounted closers at the door head, and a push paddle handle.

Jonathan Manser, Managing Director of architects The Manser Practice, said, “The replacement door systems for this project had to be sufficiently versatile and robust to address the needs of two distinct building users – staff and visitors to the high specification offices and occupiers of the apartments.”

“We also needed systems that would complement the existing building fabric to create a contemporary and high quality aesthetic for each elevation, and to use materials that would help reinstate the character of the original 1930s building. Our specification requirements have been achieved and we are pleased to report that all the door systems are performing well.  We would definitely use Technal products again on future projects.”

Delivered by architects The Manser Practice in conjunction with concept architects, David Walker Architects for developers CLS Holdings, the £9m refurbishment of 138 Fetter Lane included the upgrading of the existing building frontage with Technal curtain walling and Portland stone cladding. Windows for the offices were replaced with Technal’s side hung casements, and Geode-MX SG structural glazing was used for two office extensions overlooking a secluded, landscaped courtyard.

The new Soleal high traffic door range has a patented design and uses a 55mm deep module for both the single action hinged, and double or single action pivot doors. The system benefits from a crimped double polyamide thermal break to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and deliver U values as low as 1.4W/m2K as well as dual colour finishes for further design flexibility.

www.technal.co.uk/solealdoor