As part of a modernisation and extension of Headlands Hotel, Torquay, partitioning experts Style was specified to install three Dorma Moveo moveable wall systems, delivering flexibility to the space and maximising the opportunities to host a wide variety of events, meetings and conferences. “The moveable walls replace solid walls and windows”, explains Kim Furness, representative for Duchy Hotels which owns Headlands. “The high quality partitioning systems offer excellent privacy between the divided areas and have increased the potential revenue from the lucrative business and wedding events markets.”
This elegant Torquay hotel is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Torquay on the English Riviera, sitting majestically on the headland looking out to sea. It is set in two acres of magnificent grounds and offers stunning views across Torbay with numerous coastal walks nearby. Working alongside Chillcott Designs, Style was contracted to the moveable walls as part of a significant refurbishment and extension to the Grand Lounge.
Replacing a large external window, Style recommended installing a DORMA Moveo glass partitioning wall, ensuring plenty of natural light throughout the Grand Lounge even when areas are divided. For added privacy, the partitions are fitted with integrated vertical-rising blinds. A simple yet brilliantly clever solution, the blinds rise from the bottom, rather than drop from the top, which means privacy can be provided whilst retaining space above eye level for light.
“This is the first UK installation of Dorma’s vertical-rising blinds’, comments Chris Winwood, Style’s Area Manager for the South. “By raising the blinds just above head height, no-one can see into the room, but light can still come in. It’s one of those obvious ideas that’s really rather ingenious!”
Style also installed two sets of DORMA Moveo semi-automatic partitioning systems, further dividing the Grand Lounge for smaller gatherings. Making it quick and easy to divide an area, all three Moveo partitioning systems incorporate semi-automatic technology. As each panel is slid effortlessly into place, an electrical circuit is initiated, automatically expanding rubber seals to precisely the correct level to create a firm seal for wall strength and maximum acoustic privacy of 50dB for the glass system and 49dB for the other two.
“The potential business from events is obviously important to future success of the Headland Hotel,” confirms Julian Sargent, Style’s Group Managing Director. “The new partitioning walls represent a good investment in the long term, greatly increasing the number and variety of meetings, private dining events as well as conferences and weddings that they can accommodate.”