In Exeter, the Printworks offers student apartments, between the city and the university. The building includes a cinema room, gym and an on-site café.
The residences were fitted throughout with 596 of UNION’s Optimus3 modular lockcases, providing access to the student homes.
The Optimus3 range is tested as suitable for high frequency use, making it a choice the makers say for the heavy demands of student living. Specifying the correct duty of products will reduce maintenance costs throughout the lifecycle of the building and in this particular case keep disruption to the students to a minimum.
Stephen Besley from SWS Ironmongery, the Newton Abbot installers, said: “The Optimus3 latch is easily reversible, which simplified the installation process for us, while its profiled shape enables smooth operation. The spindle-gripping feature further enhances its performance by reducing the potential to rattle, which is beneficial in student accommodation where it is likely to endure aggressive use by multiple students.”
“All-in-all, UNION offered features that would normally only be found on more expensive lockcases, such as the splinter guard for the strike plate.”
Colston Hendy, Regional Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY UK, said: “As well as having a uniform footprint throughout the entire range, the lockcases also feature a two-piece forend that can be easily removed when doors are being painted or repaired, saving time and costs on routine maintenance work.
“UNION has extensive experience in educational building projects; using this knowledge we have developed products which can save time when installing and carrying out repair and maintenance work, which is crucial in buildings which are prone to wear and tear.
Tested to BS EN 12209 and CE Marked, the Optimus3 range from UNION has been assessed by Certifire for use on 30 and 60-minute fire doors. The escape lock, supplied with a split spindle is tested to EN179, making it suitable for use on emergency escape route doors when used with the 1000 series lever furniture. For further information on UNION’s products and design solutions – visit www.uniononline.co.uk.
About ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions
A division of ASSA ABLOY, ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions comprises ASSA ABLOY door closers alongside the product brands of UNION, ASSA, Adams Rite, Trimec and Pemko.
