Hungarian-born Ernő Goldfinger was a renowned modernist architect who moved to Britain in the 1930s. Typical examples of his work include high-rise housing blocks, such as London’ s Trellick Tower, post-war schools and office blocks. He had a distinctive style using concrete frames and grids of windows.

Ernő’ s designs caught the attention of author Ian Fleming, but for all the wrong reasons. The James Bond author disliked some of Goldfinger’ s projects so much he named the villain in his novels after him.

Many of Ernő’ s projects were in London but he also ventured out of the capital to design Goldfinger House in Solihull, near Birmingham. Originally constructed as the office headquarters for Carr’ s Paper Works in 1955, the

Grade II listed building became home to The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals( CIPP) in 2014.

A view to a refurb

Following a fire risk assessment in 2024, improvements relating to fire doors were recommended. The building’ s owners subsequently worked with local architectural ironmonger 1st Call Lock and Key Shop Ltd( LKS) to specify new fire door products to help meet building regulations.

Established in Birmingham, in 2004, LKS has grown from a small key cutting trade counter supplying local trade to a full-service architectural ironmonger servicing the Midlands and distributing products throughout the UK. Following a management buyout in 2014 by current managing director Joshua Kambo and

business partner John Camp, the company now offers a complete suite of services including survey, design, supply and installation. LKS conducted a full site survey to establish what products would be required for the building, where many of the rooms are named after James Bond characters. After developing a schedule of works incorporating products from ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, work began on site.

Licence to refit

Over the course of a few weeks and multiple phases, with a works schedule and project management devised by LKS, all fire doors throughout the building were removed, the frames were repaired with the correct fire lining, and replaced, bringing the

entire building into compliance with all regulations. All finishing works were completed, including decoration, working around CIPP’ s hybrid working pattern. This meant that some works had to allow for staff being present.

For the new fire doors, LKS specified the popular AR1500 overhead surface-mounted door closer. The category of the AR1500 has recently been upgraded from three to four, providing a controlled closing of a door from at least 180 degrees compared to the previous lower angle of 105 degrees. It is particularly suited to applications on doors where wider openings are needed.

The controlled power can be altered by adjusting the spring. This can help in obtaining acceptable opening forces required to open the door which is a consideration for those less physically able. The unit also has adjustable closing speed to control the doors closing speed which can assist wheelchair users. This was an important consideration for LKS to help accessibility at Goldfinger House and was also specified for the ground floor toilets.

Locks and latches from the ARRONE range were also chosen including the AR8102 mortice deadlock and both the AR910 and AR8100 mortice sashlocks.

To allow easy operation, the AR3616 straight pull handle in

stainless steel is featured on all fire doors.

From Goldfinger with love

Joshua Kambo, managing director, LKS said:

“ It has been an absolute pleasure to work on Goldfinger House. This project showcases where we are going as a business. We have the technical know-how and the complete end-to-end solution, from initial survey and specification, through to design, full management, remedial works and sign-off.

“ Where we can, we always lead with HOPPE products. The quality of the hardware is excellent and they always provide the most appropriate onsite and after-service technical support.”

Andy Syms, senior business development manager, HOPPE( UK) said:

“ We have worked closely with LKS for many years. In addition to supplying HOPPE and AR- RONE products we support with technical advice at every stage from specification to aftercare. Goldfinger House has been an excellent project to not only showcase our products, but the complete service offered by LKS.”

The project was completed in October 2024.

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