ALL ABOUT THE DOOR
HOPPE ( UK ) hardware used for Guernsey charity hub
When Guernsey ’ s Rural Occupational Workshop ( Grow ) commissioned design and build of a new community hub and sensory facility , the building needed to adopt sustainability principles while catering for a range of accessibility requirements .
» GROW SUPPORTS ADULTS WITH learning disabilities and difficulties to develop self-confidence and valuable life skills . The new timber-framed building helped meet the registered charity ’ s needs by reusing glass houses across two sites , while delivering a range of ironmongery solutions from HOPPE to ensure ease of access for wheelchair users .
From its dedicated site based at the Guernsey College of Further Education , Grow provides occupational training and mentoring in areas such as hospitality and gardening to empower service users to fulfil their potential .
In the lead up to its 40th anniversary in 2024 , the Les Petits Quartiers site underwent a complete redevelopment . Planning permission was granted in December 2020 , triggering a highly successful fundraising campaign . By August 2022 , more than £ 3 million had been raised .
The project , which cost more than £ 4 million in total , involved the creation of a two-storey centre containing dedicated facilities for wellness , arts and crafts , and carpentry , plus a shop selling products made on site .
Grow has introduced a hospitality training programme for its crew to use the produce grown on site , as well as other areas , to enhance their experience
and gain qualifications . The centre also contains a new community hub , providing office accommodation at affordable rents as well as room hire for charity partners and members of the public .
Sustainable and accessible design
The timber frame building was designed by Paul Vaudin & Associates – a multidisciplinary architectural and surveying services company based in Bailiwick , Guernsey . As such , all decisions regarding the design elements were discussed collaboratively and made jointly between the two parties .
It was decided the place should be light and airy while being as functional and sustainable as possible . For example , the ethical glass houses are recycled from two different sites .
Given that the building , which will be used by people aged 11 and above , is multi-purpose use on one side and sensory on the other , accessibility requirements had to be considered in the design stages . All areas are wheelchair friendly and there are secure , high-quality fire doors .
The timber doors throughout were complemented by hardware from HOPPE ( UK ), which included door closers and hinges .
Collaborative working
Working closely with Guernsey-based timber and builder ’ s merchant Norman Piette , HOPPE ( UK ) business development manager Donna Davison wrote the ironmongery schedule , detailing exactly the pieces of door furniture needed at each instance . She liaised with the architects , who specified stainless steel throughout the building to perfectly match hardware to design across the Grow facility .
The ARRONE curved return-to-door ( RTD ) lever AR961 / 60 was specified – a popular choice for public buildings and healthcare environments for compliance with The Equality Act 2010 – along with the AR8182 ball bearing radius hinge , both in stainless steel . The hinges met all the criteria for door sizes and weights and were machined off site .
She selected the versatile AR1500 overheard fire door closer in aluminum throughout , and the AR6409 cam-action overhead door closing device in silver enamel for corridor doors . Both products from ARRONE are designed for use with timber doors and fit a maximum door width of up to 1100mm . Each offers a power size from 2 to 4 which can be adjusted by spring tension , meaning the door can close firmly in the latch but has low resistance , making it easier to open for those who are less physically able , including wheelchair users .
All of the products specified have been fire tested to BS EN 1634 Part 1 for use on 30 , 60 and 120 minutes timber fire doors .
www . hoppe . co . uk
JANUARY 2025
41
locksmithjournal . co . uk