A case study of student accommodation for the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). Madeira Road halls of residence opened in 2014 and are near the town centre and beach. The modern building provides rooms for 378 students and complies with the ANUK National Code for student accommodation, which maintains standards for student developments. The residences were fitted throughout with UNION’s Optimus3 72mm lockcases, providing access to the students’ flats and rooms.
The Optimus3 range is tested as suitable for high frequency use, making it suitable for the heavy demands of student rooms, says the lock company, part of Assa Abloy Security Solutions, a UK division of Assa Abloy.
Sean Morrin from the installer Dorset AI, said: “Recently students at AUB took part in a burglary awareness week, called ‘Who’s Locked Up’, highlighting just how important security is to the university. So it was vital that we worked with a trusted manufacturer who has extensive experience with the education sector to secure the project.”
Colston Hendy, Regional Sales Manager for Assa Abloy UK, said: “We develop our products with the installer in mind, the Optimus3 latch is easily reversible, which simplifies the installation process, 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 heavy use by multiple students.”
Optimus3 has a uniform footprint throughout the range, the makers say. The lockcases also feature a two-piece forend that can be removed when doors are being painted or repaired, saving time and costs on routine maintenance work.
Tested to BS EN 12209 and CE Marked, the Optimus3 range has been assessed by Certifire for use on 30 and 60-minute fire doors. The escape lock, with a split spindle is tested to EN179, making it suitable for use on emergency escape route doors when used with the 1000 series return to door lever furniture.
