Designed by Hulme Upright Architects to improve the quality of homeless accommodation in the UK, Snow Hill project has been realised through the transformation of one of Birmingham’s largest supported housing schemes.
During the creation of the building’s stylish new lobby area, a feature entrance that maximised the use of natural daylight was required. Having specified DORMA products on a range of projects in the past, Hulme Upright again specified DORMA’s products. The elegant, functional and energy-efficient DORMA KTV glass automatic revolving door provided the stunning finish to the new light-filled entrance and lobby.
As part of the refurbishment, the building’s original structural columns were retained. To accommodate this, DORMA installed the revolving door off centre alongside a series of associated fixed glazed screens to create the modern and minimalist glass frontage.
The DORMA KTV revolving door acted as a permanent lobby which claims to keep out noise, dirt and draughts, effectively separating internal and external environments. This helps to reduce the building’s energy usage, wastage and cost.
To the side of this revolving door, and in compliance with the Equality Act and Building regulations, DORMA also supplied and installed two DORMA ES 200 bi-parting sliding doors. Used to create an easy access pass door, the DORMA ES 200 offers a quick, smooth and virtually silent motion. For a series of doors on the building’s first floor, DORMA installed three automatic sliding doors.
Designed to meet the requirements of almost every automatic sliding door application, the DORMA ES 200 is easy to install and quick to set-up. It features a powerful motor and a dynamic acceleration/deceleration control capability to ensure safe and reliable operation, matched by its stylish, clean design which complements virtually any interior design scheme.
Built by main contractor Frank Haslam Milan, the Snow Hill project is being delivered for Midland Heart in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and Birmingham City Council. Part new-build and part refurbishment of an existing 60-year old building, Snow Hill provides mixed-use accommodation that will benefit individuals who have experienced homelessness and private renters seeking affordable city centre accommodation.
