The UK’s first ‘Red Brick’ institution, the University of Birmingham, has specified a whole host of door opening solutions from ASSA and UNION, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions.

Opening its doors to students for the first time in 1900, the University of Birmingham is one of the country’s leading educational establishments. As part of its continual improvement programme, the university has invested in the refurbishment of its modern apartments on Prittchat’s Road, which provide accommodation for UK and Non UK Postgraduates, as well as its 105 bed Tennis Court development.

Preferred supplier to the University of Birmingham, ASSA and UNION products have been fitted throughout the refurbished residences, providing access and security solutions for students.

Supplied through Powell Hardware, UNION’s N8899 electro-magnetic and Retro3 door closers, Optimus3 standard locks and door furniture from the 1000 Series, as well as ASSA modular lockcases and 4800 series Master Key system range have been installed throughout the Tennis Court development. Whilst, Access Architectural supplemented an extension to the existing UNION DTEC masterkey suite with 8825 door closers and N8899 electro-magnetic door closers, 1000 Series lever handles and Optimus3 lock cases.

Speaking on the installation, Ian Humphries from University of Birmingham said: “Student accommodation can be a minefield for access and locking products – needing to find the right balance between a manageable system for estate managers and a convenient solution for residents, with protection for student property and fire safety for all.

“The masterkey suites from ASSA and UNION are an ideal way for controlling key management, and their patents provide protection against un-authorised key-copying. The electro-magnetic door closers are integrated with the university’s alarm system delivering crucial fire safety for a building of multiple-occupancy, whilst the lever handles provide an attractive and reliable door furniture solution. Overall the specification meets all the university’s requirements and is testament to ASSA ABLOY’s experience and heritage within the education sector.

Ian Chapman, Regional Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Solution, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with the University of Birmingham, borne out of our experience in the education market and the university’s understanding of a need for durable access solutions.

“The refurbished accommodation will have a high turnover of students, so it was important that any products installed were not only durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear but also facilitated a manageable and protected key distribution system.

“In addition, working with experienced architectural ironmongers provided the additional reassurance that the products would be installed correctly and efficiently.”