National Portrait Gallery, London

Client: National Portrait Gallery
Type of works: installation of four underfloor door operators, automating two sets of double swing doors, and improving accessibility.

Continuing to improve accessibility, the National Portrait Gallery specified TORMAX to install four of its underfloor door operators, successfully automating two sets of double, manual, swing doors at the Orange Street entrance. Given the prestigious nature of this significant London landmark it was imperative that the aesthetics of the building remained intact. Avoiding the need for visible door operators, TORMAX electro-hydraulic TN units are mounted in a galvanised-steel box sunk in the floor. For service-free operation, all parts are totally encased in oil. Tried and tested in locations worldwide, the TN operators utilise Swiss-technology developed over 50 years and deliver unparalleled performance and reliability, even under continuous use.

Despite having won an award for accessibility, the National Portrait Gallery considered it essential that further steps be taken to improve ease of access for everyone. A detailed access audit identified door automation as one factor that would make a significant impact for the disabled and elderly. ‘We are delighted with the automation of the doors,’ comments Michael New, Facilities Manager for the Gallery. He continues: ‘and have found TORMAX extremely helpful in advising on how to adjust opening and closing speeds and opening angle, to accommodate different levels of pedestrian traffic and weather conditions.’ The control panel is installed in a suitably discreet location near the doors, as specified by the client.

In addition to making it easier for all members of the public to access the building, automatic doors also help preserve the collections inside. It had been observed that the manual doors were often left open, allowing costly heat loss and disturbing the delicate environment required inside the building to protect the portraits over time.