Smart door and window systems in the Brodick Isle of Arran ferry terminal

A new ferry terminal on Brodick Bay, created as a tourism and community gateway to the Scottish Isle of Arran, has been fitted from stem to stern with door and window systems supplied by GEZE.

Maritime design and modern comfort

The ship-shaped terminal, designed by the renowned architectural firm Norr of Glasgow, is part of a £30 million investment which aims to update the harbour, get it ready for 21st century travel, and improve passenger comfort.

Natural ventilation thanks to automated windows

The large windows are opened and closed automatically by 30 GEZE Slimchain chain drives.

The large windows are opened and closed automatically by 30 GEZE Slimchain chain drives. © Keith Hunter / GEZE GmbH

The generously sized lounge with its double height and large wall of windows on the western façade offers visitors a breathtaking view of Brodick Bay. The large windows, which are automatically opened and closed by 30 GEZE Slimchain chain drives, give the reception area at the main entrance to the building a bright and spacious feel. The uniquely slim and understated look of the Slimchain window drives integrates perfectly into the unique façade design of the Brodick ferry terminal.

The Slimchain window drives were installed not only on the large windows in the lounge, but rather throughout the entire two-storey building – with the exception of the upper ventilation openings: Powerchain chain drives are used there. These especially powerful window drives were chosen to operate the larger windows, since they allow for large opening widths – which is important for quickly venting smoke in case of a fire.

The window drives are connected to a GEZE MBZ 300 SHEV control panel for smoke and heat extraction drives, which is integrated into the building management system of the terminal. This makes it possible to easily control and monitor the complex natural ventilation system.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NATURAL VENTILATION

Ventilation, smoke and heat extraction, and emergency exit protection

The windows in the stairwells are manually controlled windows equipped with GEZE OL Line.

The windows in the stairwells are manually controlled windows equipped with GEZE OL Line. © Keith Hunter / GEZE GmbH

The windows in the staircases are also equipped with Slimchain chain drives. If needed, the window systems also allow for natural smoke and heat extraction: In case of smoke and heat, the smoke extraction solutions open the windows and control fresh air openings, so that lifesaving escape routes remain smoke-free and safe to use in case of an emergency. In addition, GEZE OL Line manual fanlight openers provide supplementary natural ventilation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SMOKE AND HEAT EXTRACTION

Door systems for accessible fire protection doors

Beneath the glazed western elevation are two automatic swing doors to either side. These are powered by GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F door systems, just like another door on the side façade of the building. The electro-mechanical swing door drives for single leaf fire and smoke protection doors are extremely versatile: They provide power assisted opening and can be initiated using the operating button with constant opening and closing speed. Integrated obstacle detection also identifies potential obstacles and stops the opening or closing process if needed. By doing so, Slimdrive EMD-F drives also ensure easy and safe access for people with mobility issues.

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Power-assisted opening and integrated obstacle detection for the sliding doors.

Power-assisted opening and integrated obstacle detection for the sliding doors. © Keith Hunter / GEZE GmbH

Understated design and high access convenience

From the main entrance, a glazed corridor leads to a bi-parting sliding door powered by a GEZE Slimdrive SL NT sliding door system, which leads into the foyer of the main reception area. The Slimdrive door drive fulfils two key stipulations here at once: It is suitable for interior and exterior doors with high levels of footfall, and ideally suited for glass façades with high design standards – such as the Brodick ferry terminal – due to its low operator height of just 7 cm.

Other advantages of Slimdrive door drives

  • With a height of just 7 cm, Slimdrive drives are very unobtrusive, and fit perfectly into the door frame.
  • They offer a low-wear, powerful system that is extremely quiet in operation.
  • The automatic linear sliding door systems are ideal for buildings with high levels of footfall, so that everyone can enter and leave the building safely and comfortably.

This was a fascinating project with which to be involved. Many GEZE products were used throughout the build and much thought was given from the outset to making this an intelligent functional building geared up for the future, whilst embracing the natural environment in which it sits.

Andy Howland, Director of Sales and Marketing GEZE UK

Overview of all GEZE door and window systems used:

  • Slimchain window drives
  • Powerchain chain drives
  • MBZ 300 SHEV control panel
  • Slimdrive EMD-F swing door drives for single leaf fire and smoke protection doors
  • Slimdrive SL NT sliding door systems
  • OL Line manual opening systems