Slimdrive SL NT specified for new British Airways i360

GEZE’s Slimdrive SL NT single operators have been specified to provide automatic access to Brighton’s latest tourist attraction, the prestigious British Airways i360.

Combining contemporary architecture with a seaside legacy, the British Airways i360 is Brighton’s newest landmark.

Sitting at the landward end of the former Victorian West Pier, the attraction was designed by David Marks and Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects. After twelve years in development, it finally opened this summer, featuring construction materials and technology from all over the globe.

At 530ft, the structure has been named the world’s tallest moving observation tower. At the bottom, its Beach Building accommodates an event space, shop and restaurant; at the top, its glass viewing pod offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the city, the Brighton and Hove coastline and across the channel.

Slimdrive SL NT

The Beach Building boasts a contemporary glass façade, which was developed by Fill Metalbau, a specialist company based in Austria. When considering doors for the building envelope, the company had three key requisites: robust, resilient and rigorous in performance.

As the British Airways i360 is located on the seafront, it is prone to harsh weather and strong winds. The use of swing doors was, thus, deemed impractical; Fill Metalbau sought to find automatic sliding doors, which would be able to withstand the elements and the large number of expected visitors.

GEZE’s Slimdrive SL NT single operators were specified to power the Beach Building’s six pairs of sliding doors. The operators are discreet in operation, with a slim design and a small drive unit of 7cm. Fill Metalbau considered them aesthetically suitable for the glazed frontage.

The operators have been designed to provide easy access in high traffic areas, whilst working silently. Their durability has been measured by over one million operators in TUV test cycles.

Contact:

GEZE UK,
Blenheim Way,
Fradley Park,
Lichfield,
Staffordshire,
United Kingdom,
WS13 8SY

Phone: 01543 443000
Fax: 01543 443001

Visit the GEZE UK website

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