At the redevelopment of London’s King’s Cross Railway Station – viewed as part of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe – an extensive range of automatics, door closers and ironmongery from DORMA has been used to help transform this historic facility into a transport hub fit for the 21st Century.
Originally built in 1852, the new-look King’s Cross Station combines old and new architecture and includes refurbishment of the Grade I Listed Western Range to be used by station staff, train-operating companies and their management teams.
Designed by John McAslan & Partners for Network Rail, the new Western Concourse – including atrium, offices, retail units and the Western Range building – will form a contemporary gateway for millions of visitors.
At the historic station, it was a prerequisite that the Western Range’s internal and external doors provided safe, secure and reliable access. Used by hundreds of staff members every day, it was vital that door components were robust and met the latest fire legislation, so proven performance was essential.
Provided by architectural ironmongery specialists Scott Beaven Radius Ltd, a large number of DORMA automatics, door closers and ironmongery was supplied – with the company’s products renowned for elegance, reliability and long term performance.
For its virtually silent, smooth operation, a series of DORMA ED 100 low energy swing door operators were supplied. These were installed to enable the doors to be opened under power when required and used as a conventional manual swing door at all other times.
Opening the door at precisely controlled speeds and forces, the ED 100 assures safety for all users and removes the barrier of physical ability.
Designed as part of DORMA’s elegant Contur range, the dimensions are kept to a minimum and the product styling co-ordinates with other DORMA automatics, manual door closers and ironmongery to seamlessly blend into any interior.
DORMA TS 93 cam action door closers also proved ideal for the heavily trafficked site. Providing minimal resistance throughout the opening and closing cycle, they provide a much easier and safer door operation for the busy station.
Also supplied in the Contur design to match the automatics’ aesthetic, the TS 93 meets the highest performance standards enabling doorsets to comply with BS8300 and Approved Document M. The closers are also CE marked to BS EN1154 and CERTIFIRE approved.
The DORMA TS 93 cam action door closers feature the additional benefit of a “thinking back check”. “Thinking back check”, as opposed to standard or fixed back check, only engages fully when the door is opened with great force or speed ensuring minimal opening resistance and a full clear opening width for the user. Additionally, the potential for damage to the door and any nearby walls is reduced. It also features “delayed action”, a delayed closing mechanism which is particularly useful in areas of high traffic.
In addition, some 170 x DORMA TS 83 door closers were installed predominantly throughout internal buildings, as well as DORMA TS 73 EMF electromagnetic hold-open door closers which are ideal for use in buildings with constant traffic. Both the TS 73 EMF and TS 83 can be fitted to virtually any door, on either the pull side or the push side. They are both CERTIFIRE approved for fire doors and are CE marked to BS EN1155 and BS EN 1154 respectively,
Finally, DORMA BTS 80F floor springs, designed for use on fire doors were also used. With a proven, robust design capable of withstanding leaf weights of up to 300 kg, the BTS 80F has been CERTIFIRE approved and CE marked to BS EN 1154. And as with all of DORMA’s floor springs, these were completely concealed into the floor to provide a flush installation and perfectly complement the overall design.
To complete the specification, over 200 DORMA latches, locks and bolts – including sash locks, dead locks, bathroom locks, panic bolts and emergency escape locks – were also supplied.
The stylish door closers and ironmongery further enhance the contemporary aesthetic achieved throughout this landmark development. Thanks to the high quality, high performance products provided by DORMA, the Western Range building complements the stunning new Western Concourse and helps to create a station for the 21st Century and beyond.
