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automatic door system

Glass Entrance Lobby Creates Automatic Entrance to Oxford Chapel (March 2025)

Building Products Index Ltd Automated systems, Automatic door, Automatic door system Leave a Comment

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Working with commercial glazing specialists IQ Projects, TORMAX has delivered discrete and reliable automation to a new draught lobby installed inside the main entrance to the 13th century chapel at Merton College, Oxford.

Successfully reducing heat loss from the building whilst improving the internal ambient temperature, the elegant glass lobby features two sets of automatic sliding doors. Working in tandem, the doors are powered by in-house designed TORMAX iMotion 2202.A operators.

Helping maintain the heritage aesthetics, the iMotion 2202.A has an installation height of just 100mm which, along with a slender guide track, makes it suitably unobtrusive. Reliable AC motor technology combines with a state-of-the-art microprocessor control system to deliver near-silent movement quality, for an appropriate entrance into this ancient place of worship.

An exquisite example of Gothic architecture, Merton College Chapel has stood as a place of worship at the heart of this ancient College, for over 750 years. Today the Chapel is home to a lively and diverse Christian community with a busy programme of daily services and concerts.

With sustainability a targeted priority throughout the College, it was recognised that the existing entrance doors were a source of avoidable heat-loss. Seeking a modern solution that would create a welcoming atmosphere without compromising the building’s historic charm, IQ Projects was contracted to install a thoughtfully designed glass lobby.

“We have worked with IQ Projects on a number of different installations,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX. “This glass lobby is a truly elegant solution with the automatic sliding doors offering seamless and unhindered access for everyone.”

Reliability is a priority for any automatic entrance and the Chapel doors should only require minimal maintenance thanks to the advanced designed of the iMotion operator. Featuring a motor that has none of the working parts that easily wear out, such as gears and brushes, the iMotion life expectancy is second to none.

TORMAX UK provides high-quality automatic door solutions, including sliding, swing, and revolving doors, with expert installation, maintenance, and repair services for commercial applications.

TORMAX Delivers Access Solutions to Prestigious Commercial Facility

Building Products Index Ltd Automated systems, Automatic door system Leave a Comment

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As part of a major expansion, TORMAX was invited to return to the headquarters of De Soutter Medical Ltd – a decade after installing an automatic curved-sliding door to the main entrance – to enhance the facility with four additional automatic door systems.

A newly created main entrance features an impressive semi-circular, curved sliding door, like the initial installation. Two bi-parting sliding doors systems provide side-access to the building. In the warehouse, a double set of curved sliding doors work in tandem to create a D-shaped lobby, where small deliveries can be quickly and easily processed.

All entrances are powered by TORMAX iMotion 2202.A door drives. Uniquely engineered with a motor that features none of the working parts that generally wear out, such as gears or brushes, the iMotion 2202.A delivers exceptional reliability and longevity.

De Soutter Medical specialises in the development, production, and global distribution of high-performance, powered orthopaedic tools, for surgical procedures. At the UK headquarters in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, the company combines premium office space with advanced manufacturing facilities, as well as substantial landscaping and outdoor features that contribute to a positive working environment.

TORMAX worked with sub-contractor, Apic, and the architect, to deliver functional yet aesthetically impressive automatic entrances throughout the facility.

“TORMAX doors have well-deserved reputation for durability,” said Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK Ltd. “The original system installed at De Soutter Medical is still performing reliably and the new entrances will continue long into the future. With minimal ongoing maintenance demands, our door drives have been known to last more than 25 years.”

As well as adding a prominent architectural detail to the front of a building, curved-sliding door systems are intensely practical, providing up to 40% more pass-through space than linear sliding doors.

In buildings with entrance pods formed by two curved sliding doors, like in the De Soutter warehouse facility, heat loss can be greatly reduced by programming the doors so that one is always closed. This setup ensures a continuous physical barrier against outside elements, helping to maintain indoor temperature.