Charter-Integr8 security shutters from Charter Specialist Security, the UK’s leading supplier of built-in roller shutters, have been installed in the new Eastpoint Centre in Southampton – a state-of-the-art purpose-built combined community centre and training and conference facility serving the private, public and voluntary sectors.
The Eastpoint Centre, constructed by Kier Construction (Southern), features 17 meeting rooms, nine community activity rooms, space to host large events, a business centre, social club, restaurant, cafe and associated facilities. Replacing the Centre’s existing building in Thornhill, recognised as an area of social deprivation, the new Eastpoint Centre will continue to play a valuable role in the local community.
The new Centre’s iconic design provides a gateway building on the approach to Southampton from the east. It’s open, welcoming design, without fencing, encourages the community to use its facilities, but at the same time makes it vulnerable to vandalism. To protect these impressive new premises, Charter-Integr8 security shutters from Charter Specialist Security have been installed to all ground floor doors and windows, including the car park entrance and the lift which opens to the outside of the building.
Charter-Integr8’s ability to work with the varying heights of windows, doors and openings, and its ability to integrate with curtain walling systems was a determining factor for the Centre’s architects Atkins who specified the product. Concealment was the other major factor, as the Architect states: “With the building designed to be open and encouraging to the local community, we didn’t want the shutters on view when open. Concealment was important. The Charter shutters can’t be seen when open because they are built into the building’s lintels and in to the projecting cladding system. They were the best fit for this project.”
The Charter-Integr8 design concept is based on shutter mechanics integrated into the fabric of the building, ensuring unobtrusive and enhanced aesthetics with increased security. In the raised position, the shutter is completely concealed from view – even with the high areas of glazing due to the very compact hood box detail. In the lowered position, the shutter ensures effective resistance against intruder attack. Furthermore, the absence of visible guide rails or boxes limits the potential for effective attack on the system.
Charter Specialist Security is an industry leader of built-in roller shutters for the new build and renovation markets, offering clients an innovative range of integrated security solutions. For more information, please contact Charter Specialist Security on 0845 050 8705 or [email protected], or go to www.chartergroupuk.com
