Combining layered entrance security with welcoming aesthetics is a growing challenge in Australasia and globally.
Increasingly it is emerging as a risk management and presentational fusion facing architects, builders, facility managers, and public and private enterprises with financial and confidential data and IP to safeguard.
"It is a pretty sad fact of life these days that public agencies and private corporates have a growing duty of care to physically protect their own staff, visitors, and the information they hold, so as to safeguard it from crime, theft, sabotage, and violent individuals," says entrance and security specialist Michael Fisher.
Operating in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, Boon Edam Australia is a full branch of the global Boon Edam Group, which provides comprehensive suites of layered security and entrance solutions in 27 countries.
Applications of its tailored solutions include multiple Fortune 500 corporates and some of the world's biggest global data organisations. The Group's layered security solutions also feature in financial, telecommunication, and corporate headquarters, as well as government agencies, legislative facilities, diplomatic establishments and sustainability-oriented urban renewal projects.
One major project in which Boon Edam was recently involved in London is a project within Exchange House, originally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merril (SOM). This striking 10-storey office building is most recognised externally for its distinctive black arches and exposed industrial trusses.
The building-bridge hybrid is a feat of structural engineering with its form and structure built upon an exposed steel bridge spanning 78 metres directly above London's bustling Liverpool Street Station.
Exchange House is part of the Broadgate Estate, a 12.95-hectare (32-acre) dynamic neighbourhood that bridges the City of London's financial hub and creative, tech-focused communities. It houses business operations of Cisco, Deutsche Bank, Herbert Smith Freehills, McCann, Oracle, and UBS. The Broadgate Estate is the largest pedestrianised neighbourhood in Central London and offers some of the best connected, highest-quality and most sustainable spaces in the city, designed on circular economy principles.
Scope of the reimagining project
Leading architectural practice, Piercy&Co, was commissioned by property developer British Land and asset management firm GIC to reimagine the ground-floor reception, improve tenant amenities and fit out 7618 sq M (82,000 sq. ft) of office space to a CAT A refurbishment standard.
Having worked on multiple buildings within the Broadgate development, Boon Edam was appointed by fit-out and refurbishment contractor Parkeray to deliver a tailored entry solution that would seamlessly integrate with the newly refurbished reception.
Boon Edam's team worked closely with Parkeray and Piercy&Co to better understand the project requirements, which focused on enhancing security measures, optimising pedestrian flow, and elevating the aesthetic appeal of the space
A new entry point was constructed during the refurbishment, providing access to Appold Street and Bishopsgate. To align with the client's sustainability objectives and design vision, they opted for Boon Edam architectural revolving doors, specified for their flexibility and energy-efficient features.
The new reception is a shared space used by both occupants and visitors. To ensure security, the client requested speed gates equipped with tailgating detection to prevent unauthorised access to the building's lift lobby, escalators, and other floors. There was also a requirement for third-party access control integration to mitigate risk and to ensure that only authorised card or QR code access is granted.
Considering the project scope, building capacity and intended use, Boon Edam proposed two Crystal Tourniket revolving doors and two banks of Signature Speedlane Sculpt speed gates (layered security technologies which are also available through Boon Edam Australia, and which have been successfully applied here).
Solution
The elegant and technologically advanced speed gates are strategically positioned to ensure efficient traffic flow and secure access control within the building. The installation consists of ten cabinets expertly configured to form seven lanes, facilitating individuals' smooth and swift movement throughout the building.
Boon Edam worked closely with the client to ensure that the design preferences for the speed gates aligned seamlessly with the overall architectural vision. The Signature Speedlane Sculpt was specified with a PPC RAL 7021 (30% gloss) finish, harmonising with the building's aesthetic appeal. Adding a touch of sophistication, the top panel and drive cover feature black painted glass, providing a sleek and modern appearance that complements the surrounding environment.
Exchange House's complementary pair of 3-wing, automatic Crystal Tourniket Type 3 revolving doors are strategically positioned at either side of the reception. These revolving doors provide visitors with a seamless and secure entry experience while adding a touch of architectural elegance to the building's façade.
To ensure optimal security, the revolving doors are equipped with an instant lockdown feature, providing an additional layer of protection. This feature further enhances Exchange House's commitment to maintaining a secure environment for occupants. The revolving doors were finished in the same Pure Black RAL as the speed gates and barrier work, creating a cohesive and visually appealing entrance solution.
Understanding the importance of convenience and user experience, Boon Edam incorporated floor pot sensors outside each revolving door. These sensors detect users when approaching the door, triggering swift and seamless operation. This feature not only ensures a smooth entry process, but also adds an element of sophistication and convenience for building occupants and visitors.
"As a design studio, Piercy&Co are constantly looking for specialist suppliers to help us achieve our project vision. When it came to specifying entrances, we needed something that would offer the highest levels of security and blend seamlessly into the overall design. We were pleased to discover Boon Edam's YourWay concept did just that," said Hannah White, Associate at Piercy&Co.
Michael Fisher says that every detail of the Exchange House project was carefully considered to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client, from the custom finishes of the speed gates, to the instant lockdown feature of the revolving doors.
"Broadgate Exchange House now stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between industry-leading professionals, offering an elegant, secure, and seamless entrance experience for its occupants and visitors.
"Importantly, all of the technologies and customisations involved were sourced from within the broad Boon Edam range, available from under the one roof.
"Rather than a piecemeal approach, this global Boon Edam partnering ensures cost-efficient and integrated planning of perimeter, external entrance and internal security traffic flow keyed to the layered needs of particular areas."
Final word – choose security that's fit-for-purpose
Michael Fisher affirms that globally, and in Australia, risk managers and insurance companies are now asking for strong physical access security to be in place as an integral part of more stringent risk management measures required to combat physical threats.
"For buildings and facilities implementing physical entrance security, it's important to evaluate each entrance individually from a range of solutions, rather than picking a standard product that ticks a lot of boxes, or has a lot of features. One size or type of security generally does not fit all needs, says Fisher.
"Sometimes we have companies come to us with a less-than-ideal solution already in place, which they've paid a fortune for, and they're genuinely surprised when we tell them that a far more cost-effective option would have provided better security," he says.
"The right combination of layered solutions – perimeter protection, entrance protection and interior access protection – can often save considerable amounts, particularly where it is comprehensively planned as a part of a broader solution.
"If expensive manned security is involved, for example, then an overall plan will involve using this resource where and when it is most effective, while applying integrated and automated solutions in places where they provide a better solution 24/7 – and also can integrate with building systems and aesthetics, so security is always present but not oppressively so.
"Ideally, specifiers consider flow rate, different security levels, potential biometric integration, location of each entrance and disability access, for example. It's far more effective to start with the outcome required – such as guaranteed prevention of unauthorised access across broad areas – and work backwards to find the ideal combination of entrance security technologies that will deliver the desired outcome."
About the Author
Michael Fisher is Managing Director of Boon Edam Australia, which is part of the international Royal Boon Edam Group, which provides architectural revolving door and layered security solutions to some of the world's largest companies, Fortune 500 companies, and companies in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, including financial, data and telecommunications, Federal and State Government, hospitality, health and aged care, logistics, retail, and distribution facilities.
About us:
With work environments becoming increasingly global and dynamic, smart, safe entry has become the centre of activity in and around many buildings. Royal Boon Edam is a global market leader in reliable entry solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, with 150 years of experience in engineering quality, we have gained extensive expertise in managing the transit of people through office buildings, airports, healthcare facilities, hotels, and many other types of buildings. We are focussed on providing an optimal, sustainable experience for our clients and their clients. By working together with you, our client, we help determine the exact requirements for the entry point in and around your building. Please take a look at our range of revolving doors, security doors & portals, speed gates, tripod turnstiles, access gates and full height turnstiles to ensure the security of your entry and perimeter. You can find more news about Boon Edam on www.boonedam.com.au/news
