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Fastlane Glassgate speedgates, from Integrated Design have been installed at 35 Portman Square, London W1, as part of the building refurbishment of this multi-tenanted 67,578 sqft (6,278 sqm) prestigious office building.

A plan was drawn up to provide a security system in the reception hall to the main entrance to the building, limiting access to only authorized occupants and visitors. As such a card swipe access control system and turnstiles were required integral with the door entry control systems throughout the building.  Key issues under consideration were the need to install a user- friendly entry system for both ambulant and disabled people while maintaining aesthetic nature of the main entrance, as the design team wanted to retain open feel, yet maximize the space available to provide three lanes, including a double width DDA (UK Disability & Discrimination Act) central lane.

Fastlane Glassgates were recommended as the Glassgate has a glass barrier which operates in a user-friendly ‘door like motion’ allowing for quick acceptance by new users.  The system was integrated seamlessly with the access control system used through out the building further easing the user acceptance of the new system, and the more secure higher version of the barrier was chosen to prevent vaulting over the pedestals.

As a DDA width lane was required, the Glassgate comes with a single barrier for standard lanes and a double barrier lane was added to the system to create a wider passage for DDA compliance.  This is the first time the DDA lane was installed in the middle of the bank of lanes, adding to the design and making it a feature.

Safety beams monitor the area near the barrier; if an object is detected in the path of the barriers, they slow to a crawl until the obstruction is removed.  The Fastlane Glassgate can integrate with a fire alarm system so that in an emergency the barriers automatically open in the exit direction to allow for free emergency egress.  In a power failure, the barriers can be gently pushed out of the way.