Incorporating all the key elements that are synonymous with the world’s most famous and iconic car brand, the HR Owen Showroom recently underwent a complete refurbishment together with a replacement on shopfront.
EHW Architects specified the DORMA Agile 150 sliding door system to provide a sleek modern finish to the spacious 810 square metre showroom. In keeping with the minimalist aesthetics of the modern interior, the Agile track which measures only 63mm high, was completely concealed in the ceiling to ensure a contemporary design.
Due to the special track roller technology, the system has very little friction guaranteeing ease of operation in both opening and closing cycles, which meets Class 3 of the BS EN 1527 standard for sliding door systems. The maintenance free carriers also incorporate effective door stops ensuring that the doors are gently de-accelerated, protecting them against accidental slamming. With the flexibility of its modular design, the DORMA Agile 150 was also found to be suitable for use in a space which is both of high specification and accessible to members of the public.
The sliding door system was installed in three interior sales offices and a configuration room. Since the brief was to hide the sliding door track in the ceiling, an independent means of suspension was installed to hide the trackwork in the line of the ceiling. Despite these technical challenges, the specialist team achieved the seamless ceiling through the installation of a large softwood timber beam which was suspended from the structural slab above the ceiling using wedge anchors and threaded rods.
Highlighting DORMA’s glass range versatility, Universal patch fittings and BTS 75V floor springs were also used to support a privacy glass car lift. Provided by glass manufacturer ESG, the glass system incorporates a PDLC film placed between layers of glass. When a minute electrical current is passed through the glass sheet, the opaque glass becomes virtually transparent.
Concealed within the floor, DORMA’s BTS 75V was suitable to keep both design aesthetics minimalistic, while ensuring that with ease of opening the doorset complies with BS8300 and Approved Document M. With fixed back check, and a delayed action option available, the robust floorspring catered for all eventualities.
Universal patch fittings such as (PT10’s, PT20’s, PT40’s), provided freedom when designing the car lift and shop front, in that every permutation for a glass door or wall can be catered for within the vast range of fittings. The shop front now highlights the sleek Ferrari cars within for all prospective customers, while new owners can see their purchase using the specialised lift.
