Industry Trends

Glass entrances - the energy efficient optionWith rising energy costs and Government legislation, such as April’s changes to Part L, architects face pressure to improve energy efficiency across every aspect of a build.As a result sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the specification of entrances.

Glass remains a popular choice for entrances thanks to its ability to create a feeling of light and space. However, in its natural form, glass allows heat to escape. As a result, we have seen an increase in demand for automatic doors that have sustainable properties such as low emissivity (Low E) coatings.

These not only dramatically reduce heat transfer, but reflect interior heat back into the room. To maximise the efficiency of such coatings they should only be used as part of a double glazed system and so doors and screens will need to be of a framed construction. Low E coatings can be complemented by the use of argon filled double-glazing which buffers against heat loss and gain even more effectively.

While such products reduce heat transfer through the glass, the entrance itself must be designed to maximise energy efficiency particularly in high footfall areas by limiting heat loss through the access point and avoiding uncomfortable blasts of hot or cold air.

Other ways to enhance energy efficiency include incorporating a staggered entrance system into the design of a lobby, while revolving doors provide a high degree of insulation against the elements, saving energy and ensuring a pleasant and uniform climate inside the building.

By combining the latest advancements in glass technology with good design principals, we can create innovative, sustainable solutions that improve the efficiency, effectiveness and aesthetics of entrances both now and in the future.

Door closers with a touch of colour

While stainless steel remains the most popular finish for covers on overhead door closers, we have been noticing a growing trend for special finishes.

Our comprehensive range of overhead door closers is available in a variety of different cover shapes and finishes including traditional silver, RAL, satin stainless steel, polished stainless steel and EP polished brass as well as special finishes such as bronze, pewter or a variety of different colours.

Sales Director Andy Howland attributes the new trend to a desire for consistency in refurbishment projects. He said: “We are usually asked for special finishes when the architect or specifier is renovating historic properties and listed buildings. Such finishes are often essential because organisations such as English Heritage or Historic Scotland which manage these properties need to comply with all the necessary fire and safety regulations, but at the same time want the overhead door closers to be as unobtrusive as possible - bronze fittings are therefore ideal as they blend in and complement other architectural ironmongery.

“We can also create bespoke finishes to match virtually any colour scheme, which makes them perfect for use in other organisations such as schools and nurseries, which want to create a friendly and vibrant learning environment or hospices and hospitals that need a more calming feel.”