Door Industry Journal - Winter 2018

the architect or designer’s personal preference or design intent, KCC work with them to advise on the most aesthetically-pleasing, yet functional solution, whether that be a sliding door system or a revolving door. “We also need to be aware of the overall energy performance requirements of the building”, says Norman. “The façade of the building will have an insulation and energy performance rating and therefore we have to identify the most appropriate front entrance system that will meet the energy performance requirements whilst providing efficient access.” KCC are known within the architectural and construction world for being ‘compliance experts’ in terms of their product range. When designing an access strategy Norman mentions the need to ensure that the access and automation systems chosen are compliant with both Part M of the building regulations for accessibility and European standard EN16005:2012 for automation. Another very important element to consider as part of the access strategy is Fire Safety. Does the main entrance need to be an escape door also? Is it part of the smoke evacuation plan for the building? Norman and his team liaise very closely with the project Architect and Engineer in this regard to ensure the automation or access control systems link into the smoke escape system, meaning they will automatically open if the fire alarm goes off to allow smoke and heat to escape as quickly as possible. Special doors such as security doors require electric locking systems and can be case-specific. Norman’s team would liaise with the Project team and fire consultant to ensure these are fully compliant and fit for purpose. Internally – access requirements within the building “Most multiple-occupancy buildings will also require an internal access strategy. We assess each individual door in the same manner looking at it from the point of view of access needs, security needs, compliance, energy requirements, aesthetics, level of use, type of user and function,” says Norman. “Picture a hospital corridor – generally there will be double fire doors intermittently along the corridor, and then either single doors off into offices or double doors off into more corridors. Those double doors may need have swing door operation to allow hospital trolleys or equipment to pass through easily and efficiently. These corridor doors might also require a hold- open device to allow for high levels of footfall to pass through but can then be linked to the BMS to automatically close in the event of a fire or even just after certain hours. Part of this can be dictated by Part M of the Building Regulations, but there is also a certain degree of what is convenient to the end user for ease of access,” says Norman. “Internal doors may also require an access control system, maybe a fob or swipe card, restricting the flow of traffic in and out of the area to staff or specific personnel. Certain areas will require push-pad automation for wheelchair access. Other areas such as a drug storage room might require a restricted access system whereby access can be monitored and recorded by management”, Norman tells us. In healthcare settings where hygiene and infection control are of paramount importance, KCC also provide hermetically sealed and cleanroom doorsets, designed specifically for healthcare environments that can be fully automated to allow for hands-free access. KCC are renowned for working with their clients to create bespoke solutions for their project requirements. “Traditionally we were known as an ironmongery supplier but over the years we have grown the business to provide a vast array of products across several different business units which has allowed us to provide our clients with ‘solutions’ not just ‘products’,” says Norman. KCC currently has three offices in Ireland, one in Dublin, one in Cork and one in Belfast and they are delighted to be celebrating their 20th birthday this year. Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 109 THE door industry journal winter 2018 Entrance & Bi-folding Doors