At the end of the world’s longest pleasure pier, Southend’s new Cultural Centre has opened its doors to the public, offering spectacular water views through its majestic glass façade.
Designed by Scandinavian practice White Arkitekter and UK-based architect Sprunt, the centre provides both shelter and a viewing platform that complements and enhances this dynamic, windswept location. The UK’s leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, GEZE UK, was commissioned by specialist contractor Drayton Windows to install a pair of EMD-F operators to enable access for all to the multi-purpose events space and café.
With a nine metre tall fully glazed façade, the entrance is south facing, protected partly from the weather by a dramatic, geometric, overhanging roof. Given the remote location and the need for easy accessibility in a high footfall area, these premium electro-mechanical drives for swing doors were chosen primarily for their durability.
Combining a maintenance-free, high performance motor featuring low-wear characteristics, with state of the art technology, the EMD-F is the most reliable choice. It’s sustainable too, with a low energy function, and because of its low noise direct current motor and precision gears, it’s virtually silent.
As part of GEZE’s unique Slimdrive range, the EMD-F operator is also just 7cm high, which means it can be discreetly fixed to the slender framework of the façade. Designed and tested to meet the requirements of all relevant standards and regulations, including Building Bulletin 93, Approved Documents B and M, the EMD-F operator is also able to assist with the vigorous demands of the Equality Act.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's project manager Mark Murphy, said: "This centre is a fantastic addition to Southend's iconic Pier and the café and events space have proved highly popular with our visitors. Accessibility, sustainability and durability were obviously really important for us to ensure the centre can be enjoyed by all our visitors, young and old, for years to come.”
GEZE UK’s sales director Andy Howland added: “We worked closely with Drayton Windows to install a pair of automatic operators that would be fit for purpose for many years, even in the hostile weather conditions that are often found at the end of Southend Pier.”
