Tackling the needs of buildings that have a high frequency of use, ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions’ timber doorsets not only address safety and access, but whole life costing, too.
ASSA ABLOY timber doorsets have been proven to enhance a range of busy commercial and public sector buildings across the country by reducing maintenance and replacement expenditure. One example of this can be seen in Royal Blackburn Hospital in Lancashire, where the doorsets have proven to be robust, delivering best value over the project’s lifetime.
The hospital opened in 2006 and was supplied with more than 2,200 ASSA ABLOY doorsets. Since then the site has been inundated with visitors, including around 70,000 A&E attendances every year. The ASSA ABLOY doorsets were installed as part of the initial CapEx budget, but their ability to withstand the wear and tear of high-density through traffic and heavy equipment is providing value over time.
Allan Thomson, commercial manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said: “Specifiers for projects such as Royal Blackburn Hospital can no longer afford to make large project investments without justifying the long-term cost implications, particularly due to the widespread cuts across the NHS. With the implementation of BIM and Whole Life Cost modelling it has become imperative to understand better that low-value product quality selection ultimately has a negative impact on the building’s running costs.
“It is important not to risk investing in a doorset that offers an attractive initial saving if the quality of the product isn’t fit for purpose and durable enough for its continual application. We independently test our timber doorsets to ensure they match the industry’s key performance standards, providing specifiers with an indication of the products durability and lifecycle so they can make the best decision with regards to TotEx cost.
“With regard to Whole Life Costing, the general allowance for building managers to have a repair/redecoration programme is every seven years, so our doorsets are now saving this hospital money thanks to their long-lasting performance.
ASSA locks were also supplied as part of the integrated doorsets in the hospital. The heavy-duty locks have ensured that minimal maintenance will be required over the planned 30-year lifespan of this PFI project.
A complete master key system was installed, covering both internal and external doors and giving access tailored to the individual users. The system allows a flexible response to suit the trust’s developing requirements. ASSA’s 4800 cylinders, door automation systems, electromechanical floorsprings and door magnets completed the project specification.
