GEZE UK Ltd

A striking glass entrance at Kingsthorpe Grove Primary School in Northampton, which was shortlisted in last year’s 3R Awards (Refurb, Rethink, Retrofit) by the Architect’s Journal, is sporting two Slimdrive SL sliding automatic operators from GEZE UK, seamlessly enabling access for all.

Architectural firm EllisWilliams has created a highly transparent building which links the Grade 2 listed primary school to its nursery, while complementing and enhancing the traditional Edwardian architecture. Two sets of bi-parting automatic glass doors form a lobby to reduce heat loss or gain, providing a sustainable, safe, functional and elegant entrance.

The bold, crisp lines of the framework, creating an eye-catching diamond shape above the entrance, combined with glass for maximum light and transparency, are an essential part of the architects’ design, which is why glazing specialists Birchdale Glass called on GEZE UK to supply its Slimdrive SL operators for the automatic entrances.

At just 7cm high, they can be mounted almost invisibly to the glass, making them the ideal choice. They have also been designed and tested to meet the requirements of all relevant standards and regulations, including Building Bulletin 93, Approved Documents B and M, as well as assisting with the vigorous demands of the Equality Act.

GEZE UK’s operations director Simon Bowden said: “This building is a fine example of early 20th Century architecture and it’s been further enhanced by the imaginative way the architects approached this refurbishment.

“The entrance really is exemplary, and it’s no wonder the project was shortlisted for best listed building or structure in the AJ’s refurb ‘Oscars’. By using our Slimdrive SL operators, which could be mounted to the glass, the architects could achieve the impact and beauty that has made this project so iconic.”