32 Safety & Security


Preserving heritage, strengthening fi re door safety


A


s part of Mulalley’s extensive programme across the historic Bourne Estate, Grady Doors was appointed to manufacture 500


replacement fl at entrance doorsets that deliver modern fi re door performance while respecting the estate’s Grade II listed architecture. Highly visible from open balcony walkways, the doors required heritage accurate design and careful negotiation between conservation expectations and modern fi re door performance standards.


DOOR DESIGN: PRESERVING ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER Replacing fi re doorsets on a listed property requires careful negotiation between mandatory performance standards and the need for sympathetic, heritage appropriate design. Success depends on close collaboration between all stakeholders, including the residents, to ensure that sustainability, social value, safety, compliance and conservation requirements are met in equal measure. While some doors on the estate had been


replaced over the years, several original examples remained. T ese became the benchmark for a design acceptable to the Conservation Offi cer. T e approved door design features a single


leaf timber sash door with a rectangular glazed aperture fi tted with vertical reeded glass – a period appropriate texture that maintains privacy while allowing natural light into each dwelling. Matching reeded glazing was also required for fanlights and sidelights. T e lower door section incorporates eight vertical grooves, echoing traditional joinery, while all ironmongery including letterplate, lever handles, knocker, viewer and numerals, is fi nished in black to refl ect the estate’s understated utilitarian aesthetic.


BALANCING PERIOD ACCURACY WITH MODERN PERFORMANCE Replicating the original appearance was only half the challenge. T e new doorsets needed to achieve 30 minute fi re resistance, provide smoke control at ambient temperature, and deliver enhanced security and thermal performance. One of the most signifi cant technical hurdles


was the reeded fi re rated glazing. Although Grady Doors operates an in-house fi re glass processing line, this specifi c glazing type had not previously been tested within the required door confi guration. To meet the brief, Grady Doors devised and undertook a primary fi re test programme for the complete doorset, achieving European framework classifi cation to BS EN 13501-2. Security was also a priority. T e doorsets


incorporate tested and certifi cated features, including multipoint locking and Secured by Design accreditation, ensuring residents benefi t from enhanced protection without compromising heritage detail.


COLLABORATION AT THE HEART OF DELIVERY With 500 homes requiring new doorsets, resident engagement was central to the programme. Mulalley led the process, supported by Grady Doors through full size prototype doors and resident information packs. Initial concerns centred on security and


ease of operation, with some residents assuming new fi re doors would be heavy or diffi cult to use. T e prototypes demonstrated the camaction closer and adjustable opening forces, reassuring residents


Housing Management & Maintenance Autumn 2026


that the doors would operate smoothly with minimal eff ort. Residents also contributed directly to the


colour palette and ironmongery preferences. T e Conservation Offi cer provided the fi nal heritage led steer, approving the black external fi nish and endorsing resident selected door colours of red, green, blue and black.


SUPPORTING DOOR INSTALLATION AND BEYOND Grady Doors delivered Golden T read doorset installer training to the contracting team to support the programme, helping to ensure every doorset was fi tted to the tested specifi cation. But their involvement with the Bourne Estate extends well beyond manufacture and installation. Each doorset includes an embedded data


chip, giving building owners, fi re door inspectors and maintenance teams instant access to specifi cation details and maintenance history. As manufacturers, Grady Doors continue to support these professionals to ensure every door remains compliant, traceable and safe throughout its service life.


020 3026 1135 info@gradydoors.com www.gradydoors.com


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