GEZE’S Degree of Distinction

There’s a degree of distinction about Swansea University’s new student accommodation where GEZE UK is helping open doors to a new way of living on a campus by the sea.

The Bay Campus, developed by St. Modwen in partnership with Swansea University, has been designed to promote a ‘friendly and collegiate feel’ and foster a sense of community which flows through the design of 900 apartments.

They have been created in 11 blocks, in clusters of four to 11 bedrooms, each with reception, common room and kitchen and are built around a courtyard, plus the Tower which is a combination of residential, office and management areas. Further phases of student apartments are now under construction and will open in September 2017, taking the total number to 2,000.

Anyone who has lived ‘in halls’ will know that the comings and goings of student life can be a little noisy which is why GEZE’s Slimdrive EMD-F electro-mechanical swing door operator was specified for the 10 external main entrances.

It eliminates the possibility of banging doors in the wee small hours as the Slimdrive EMD-F is virtually silent in operation and has the capacity to move large and heavy, single leaf doors with ease. Its durability also means that it’s a low-maintenance solution for areas of heavy footfall and its slimline design - the Slimdrive EMD-F operator is just 7cm high – means that it is extremely discreet.

Inside, more than 2000 TS 2000 NV manual overhead closers have been fitted to student rooms, corridors, and communal areas, while eight TS 4000 closers were chosen for some of the external doors.

The TS 2000 NV was the ideal choice for the accommodation blocks as it features an over pressurisation valve which protects the internal workings of the unit from damage. It is also highly efficient and has a fully adjustable closing speed, hydraulic latching action and adjustable closing force, making it easier to conform to the requirements of Approved Document M and BS 8300.

The TS 4000 was chosen for the larger doors, particularly external swing doors which may have to battle with the elements. The adjustable power 1-6 makes the unit a great solution for heavier door leaves, particularly those which may need to be opened in windy conditions by the sea as they are suitable for doors from 750 - 1400mm wide and are also fitted with an adjustable backcheck as standard.

Lock-Tech carried out the supply and installation of the Slimdrive EMD-F operators and the supply of the TS 2000 NV & TS 4000 closers working closely with VINCI Construction and their sub-contractors. The company attended several site meetings to refine the ironmongery schedules to suit the client’s needs.

“As GEZE UK is our core door closer provider, we knew that its products possessed the quality that was required. We also knew that the universal fixing options and adjustable features would be perfect for the manual closer requirements. Grade 316 satin stainless steel was specified for the general ironmongery to these buildings where possible” said Ian Twose, Technical Specialist for Lock-Tech.

Kaz Spiewakowski, managing director of GEZE UK, said that he was delighted that GEZE’s products had been used in such a prestigious development which promised to transform the learner’s journey with top quality facilities.

“The Bay Campus is a great example of university facilities designed and developed for the 21^st century. Everything that students, academics and staff may need can be found on one site including accommodation, gym, shops and crèche facilities against a stunning coastal backdrop. I am certain that GEZE products match the exacting standards of this development.”

The creation of Bay Campus is a ground-breaking development covering 65 acres, features 2,000 student residences clustered around communal courtyards, with direct access to the beach and neighbouring amenities.

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has developed this former BP Transit site, in partnership with the University. The £450m project includes academic and research facilities including a library and Great Hall.