ISLAND GATEWAY IS
FERRY, FERRY NICE
A new ferry terminal, created as a tourism and community gateway
to the Isle of Arran, has been fitted from stem to stern with products
supplied by GEZE UK.
The stunning development is part of a £30 million investment
intended to upgrade the harbour, make it fit for 21st century travel
and enhance passenger experience.
The terminal, designed by architects, Norr of Glasgow, is ship-shaped
– following the traditional lines of a sea bearing vessel and is clad
in sandstone. It proudly sits near the water’s edge and is filled with
natural light that pours through a wall of windows fitted to the ‘stern’
of its west elevation which are operated by 30 GEZE Slimchain drives.
They provide the light and spacious feel to the building’s main
entrance which opens out into a reception area. The Slimchain drives
a natural ventilation system facilitated by a GEZE MBZ 300 two-
zone control panel, which is integrated into the terminal’s building
management system (BMS).
These have been placed throughout the two-storey building including
in the departure lounge, alongside the GEZE Powerchain drives on
the upper vents that were chosen to operate the larger windows.
The lounge benefits from a double-height room with stunning views
across Brodick Bay.
Stairwells were also fitted with Slimchain drives alongside GEZE
OL Line manual opening systems to enable natural smoke and heat
ventilation if required, and to give additional natural ventilation.
Beneath the glazed western elevation are two automatic swing
doors to either side. These are powered by GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F
operators - electro-mechanical drives that are extremely versatile,
providing easy access for those with mobility issues. They provide
power assisted opening and can be initiated using the operating
button with guaranteed constant opening and closing speed.
At just 7cm high, the Slimdrive EMD-F operators are extremely
discreet and sit neatly on the door frame. They offer a low-wear, hi-
performance system which is exceptionally quiet in operation.
A further Slimdrive EMD-f was fitted to one of the side elevations of
the building.
From the main entrance, accessed by its pass doors, a glazed corridor
leads to a bi-parting sliding door powered by a GEZE Slimdrive SL NT
operator, which leads into the foyer of the main reception area.
With a height of just 7cm – Slimdrive SL NTs are almost invisible,
virtually silent in operation and can move leaf weights of up to
125kg. They are ideal for buildings with high levels of footfall and a
continuous flow of people heading in and out of the building.
GEZE UK worked closely with CMS Enviro Systems which installed the
products for the project.
Asset owners – Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) –
together with Transport Scotland, North Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde
Partnership for Transport and the Coastal Communities Fund,
invested to upgrade the facility.
The previous infrastructure was constructed in the early 1970s
and had reached the end of its serviceable life. The new facilities
will accommodate growing numbers of car and passenger traffic
travelling to the island.
The redevelopment includes a longer and deeper, two-berth pier
and airport-style gangway – safer for passengers boarding and
disembarking vessels. Land has been reclaimed to provide improved
parking and traffic marshalling areas.
The terminal itself incorporates 1328 sq metres of space and has
capacity for 400 passengers.
Andy Howland, GEZE UK’s director of sales and marketing, said:
“This was a fascinating project with which to be involved. Many
GEZE products were used throughout the build and much thought
was given from the outset to making this an intelligent functional
building geared up for the future, whilst embracing the natural
environment in which it sits.”
For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of
automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit
www.geze.co.uk