Broadgate Exchange House, originally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merril (SOM), is a striking 10-storey office building most recognised 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 32-acre dynamic neighbourhood that bridges the City of London's financial hub and the creative, tech-focused communities. It is the largest pedestrianised neighbourhood in Central London and offers some of the best connected, highest-quality and most sustainable spaces in the city.

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 82,000 sq. ft of office space to a CAT A 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.

SCOPE
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 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.

SOLUTION
As part of the renovation, Exchange House now proudly features the Signature Speedlane Sculpt speed gates by Boon Edam. These 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 also features two 3-wing, automatic Crystal Tourniket Type 3 revolving doors 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 were 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 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.

RESULTS
From the custom finishes of the speed gates to the instant lockdown feature of the revolving doors, every detail was carefully considered to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client. 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.

"As a design studio, Piercy&Company 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.” - Hannah Wilson, Associate at Piercy&Company