Looking to transform the way they work, 32 - 41 West Street based in Reading upgraded its large office space to commence a new era of work for its current and future employees.
This large refurbishment will see all floors of their existing building being completely reconfigured and re-designed that sees a new café/bar and staff gym/studio along with a studio mock shop space and office expansion.
Originally and still currently known in Ireland as Penny’s, this retail UK headquarters resides in the centre of Reading. Calling it a ‘workplace of the future’, their new UK HQ spans over 130,000 sq ft of redesigned space that houses 580+ employees.
The challenge in this project was to unobtrusively implement secured entry solutions that could be stylish in appearance but also provide high quality functionality.
The Architects leading the development of this new retail HQ were Morey Smith. A firm already known for designing the owners renowned Madrid, Paris and International HQ Dublin workspaces.
With a large open atrium that homes the main canteen café, all floors file around the atrium creating a bright, open and naturally stunning lit environment. With the overall theme being togetherness, collaboration and open workspace, there was a requirement for the building to be secured yet keep the spacious feeling.
The entry solution was to implement a bespoke revolving door, combining a Crystal Tourniket and a framed Tourniket. This customised door benefits from a hidden fully automatic drive in the ceiling that also provides LED down lighting for better user visibility.
For security, a bank of tall glass Lifeline Speedlane Swings with a wide-lane setup was specified. James Cox, Area Sales Manager for Boon Edam UK mentions that “The lifelines are always a popular choice for corporate offices, not only for security reasons but because they’re aesthetically nice to look at which is ideal for an open environment building.”
The new atrium design follows the trends of many city refurbishments commonly seen in London. Being a common form of corporate entry within UK Cities, the security lanes are designed to sit within a close proximity to the main entrance and reception desk. This enables reception to operate the lanes remotely if needed, giving access to authorised visitors of the building.
Being positioned in sight of the entrance also improves the flow of regular building users helping to alleviate congestion in busy areas.
The Lifeline range of speedlanes have been designed to link with other access products enabling an installation to level up their security through additional features such as the Lifeline Boost and Boon Touch.
The on-going product development means that customers and end users can feel confident that their security solution will always have upgradeable options.
Working in collaboration with the Regional Specification managers, the architect already had a clear idea regarding the outcome of the new entrance. The UK team work through a process known as Boon Select.
This process enables teams to generate, analyse and formulate the perfect entry scenario going through seven key considerations. Being able to map out considerations enables better, more sustainable decision that in turn highlights all aspects of entry requirements.
Throughput
There was a need to protect the /reception area from the outside environment at all times.
Along with this, there needed to be ease of flow during peak times in and out of the building, this also includes the reception throughput also.
Security
A need to ensure building users during out of working hours were secure within the building, that the building and property would be secure and that deterrents were in place to monitor building use.
Safety
Ensuring that all products fully complied with European safety requirements and that user safety and throughput during emergency procedures were guaranteed.
Aesthetics
The design of the entrance needed to feel open, bright and elegant to match that of the overhauled building rebrand. The design elements were fully understood, and the end result of the additional manifestations and product colouring mirrored the design.
Technology
Security into the main entrance was a necessity, this required two external card reader posts to be placed either side of the door for access control integration.
Comfort
As always, the products needed to be easy to use and intuitive. With two sensors located in the floor entrance, upon entry the sensors will activate door rotation, creating a welcoming entrance. The Lifelines also intuitively guide users through the lanes with ease.
Service
With a truly nationwide network of experienced, highly skilled, directly employed, service technicians Boon Edam were able to reassure the client that any issues could quickly be resolved.
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