Alpro Square the Circle with their range of Door Hardware

IDF Aluminium has installed transom closers, solenoid locks and hook locks from Alpro Architectural Hardware at a building in a historic section of London’s Finsbury Square.

4 Chiswell Street backs onto the Artillery Ground which has seen archery in Tudor times, some of the first organized games of cricket in the 1730s and even a hot-air balloon flight in 1784.  

The four-storey structure has been refurbished by main contractor Parkeray to a design by Ben Adams Architects which created column-free office space with exposed concrete soffit and a signature golden mesh & grille façade based on curtain walling with bold circles.

The glazing is unusual since the Reynaers’ curtain walling for the double-height reception uses innovative bracketry to support massive panes from Euroview Architectural Glass. The Alpro closers are on the distinctive gilt exterior doors and the client is also benefiting from solenoid bolts in the door heads. 

Alpro transverse action deadlocking bolts offer high levels of physical strength with holding forces of up to 2,000kg, a bolt throw of 14mm and models with oversize pins. 

The advanced microprocessor module provides power reduction allowing for continuous operation without heat generation as well as automatic voltage regulation, dual monitoring and access control features to fully monitor and control movement. Installers can use housings from the same series for surface mounting which facilitates the securing of glass doors. Dress plates are offered for a clean finish.

The 4 Chiswell Street refurbishment was carried out with tenants in occupation and even involved use of abseiling techniques to replace glazing. A temporary reception was created for access and egress. Daylight has been maximized and floor-to-ceiling height is used wherever possible in a design that meets the Equality Act and includes a revised fire strategy.

IDF specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium doors. The door projects are often in business and public sector environments where usage may be high but maintenance costs must be minimised.

IDF has 30 years’ experience in the shop front and commercial door market. The company ensures a quality service by designing and fabricating all of its doors and shop fronts in-house with no use of sub-contractors. The client portfolio covers transport, local government, healthcare and education from schools through to universities.