GEZE UK has helped make the Welsh Government fit for the future with a refurbishment of one of its regional offices in Carmarthen.
Picton Terrace, a three-storey 1960s block and a five-storey 1970s building with connecting link, has been refurbished inside and out to provide a flexible working environment that reflects the rural communities it serves.
An elegant and welcoming entrance was supplied and fitted by GEZE UK – a TSA 325 NT automatic revolving door – fully glazed with slim aluminium profiles with rounded edges. Activated by a motion detector inside and out, the door gently accelerates and rotates to allow visitors and staff to move through door without disruption. It has various operating modes with adjustable speeds and run-out times that can be set to accommodate the seasons – longer for summer or none in winter.
Set alongside it, is a Slimdrive EMD-f automatic swing door - one of 15 fitted in the redevelopment - which operates a door that has been added for increased accessibility. The electro-mechanical swing door mechanism makes it extremely versatile, providing easy access for those with mobility issues. Assisted opening can be initiated using the operating button with guaranteed constant opening and closing speed.
At just 7cm high, the Slimdrive EMD-F operator is extremely discreet and sits neatly on the frame. It is a low-wear, hi-performance system which is exceptionally quiet in operation.
From the reception area, a TSA 160 NT – one of four fitted on the premises - operates a door which links the public area to corridors that lead to work areas. The TSA 160 NT is an electronically controlled, hydraulic swing door operator - ideal for heavy doors in high traffic areas. It is extremely reliable and requires little maintenance.
Throughout the complex, more than 100 TS 2000 NV door closers were fitted, all in satin stainless-steel finish with radius covers which provide a sleek finish. They were fitted to internal doors including toilet doors and corridors. The closers are suitable for doors with up to 1100 mm leaf widths and for use on fire and smoke protection doors. They have an adjustable closing force to meet Building Regulations Part B.
GEZE UK worked with Cardiff-based Rio Architects which specified GEZE products for the external doors while the internal closers and operators were specified by architectural ironmongers PWIDF which produced the ironmongery schedule and supplied GEZE’s door closers and controls. The project which was approved by the Welsh Government in 2012 and completed in 2017.
The purpose of the redevelopment was to provide a modern office environment and facilities for staff and public which would benefit from improved energy efficiency, building performance and a reduced carbon footprint.
The building is occupied by various Welsh Government departments and is home to more than 200 Welsh Government staff.
Outside, the buildings have been clad in slate grey and pale green panels. Its interiors provide space utilisation with smart work stations, set against scenes of rural Carmarthenshire. Biodiversity was also key with the use of locally sourced materials, fabrics and plants native to Wales.
Said Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director for GEZE UK: “It was extremely satisfying to work on a project which has resulted in two aging office building being given a new lease of life with design and application which has provided them with a greater flow and connectivity to each other and their surroundings.
“The GEZE products used in this redevelopment provide great functionality and benefits for those using the building and compliment the contemporary aesthetics that have been applied to make this regional office adaptable for the challenges ahead.”
Paul White, owner of PWIDF, said: “PWIDF always specify GEZE products for our commercial projects as we find that they are high quality and very durable products at a price that suits the client’s requirements.”