dormakaba has supplied access solutions for the entrance and waiting room area at Pullman Place – a specialist mental health and learning disability clinic in Gloucestershire.
Part of a wider refurbishment strategy, it was crucial that the products improved access for visitors with mobility issues, while maintaining the aesthetics of the building’s lobby.
Situated in the centre of Gloucester, Pullman Place was purchased by 2gether NHS Foundation Trust to be redeveloped as a hub for the Gloucester City Community Mental Health and Learning Disability teams.
As the property was previously used as a call centre, the building’s access needed to be improved significantly to cater for visitors with mobility issues.
Appointed in September 2016 to complete the redesign of the four-storey building, Quattro Design Architects was additionally contracted to improve the front entrance lobby.
“While the lobby was not part of the original brief; it was agreed mid-way through the site works that the front of the building needed some attention,” said Tom Bell, architect at Quattro.
“The original lobby had hinged doors and was not wide enough to incorporate automatic doors. As such, the old structure was almost entirely removed in favour of a more-welcoming, aesthetically-pleasing design which met both the client’s accessibility and security needs.”
To achieve this, Quattro specified dormakaba’s ST Flex Green Sliding Door for the building’s main entrance.
Selected due to its slender profile design, the ST Flex Green Sliding Door is an energy-efficient access solution that reduces day-to-day energy and heating costs thanks to its interlocking side, top, and bottom seals which stop heat from escaping the building, while also meeting the legislative requirements for disabled access in the UK and Ireland.
As the service users visiting Pullman Place have varying needs, it was decided by 2gether NHS Foundation Trust that the reception should be split into two distinct areas: one a cosy, welcoming space; and the second forming part of the larger atrium adjacent to the entrance and exit lobby.
To achieve this separation, Quattro Design Architects specified dormakaba’s Charon HSD E03 Half-Height Swing Door.
Providing a physical barrier between the two spaces, and suitable for use in emergency and escape routes; the Charon HSD provides quiet, noiseless operation and ensures barrier-free access for wheelchair users. In addition, the unit is highly adaptable in design, uses low energy consumption and allows for comfortable passage thanks to its servo drive.
Debbie Armstrong, estate project manager at Pullman Place, said: “We are really happy with the redevelopment of Pullman Place. The new sliding doors at the front entrance meet our brief for improved accessibility, security and aesthetics.
“We have also been able to programme the opening sequence of the doors to meet our security needs and the access needs of our service users, staff and visitors.”
