DORMA’s innovative MOVEO® and Variflex movable wall systems have been installed at the new City Library in Newcastle, providing a bespoke space utilising solution that also incorporates one of their own automatic operators.

With the MOVEO® and Variflex walls separating the second floor entrance and lobby from the Bewick Hall performance area, public access had to be available to the hall even when the walls were in place. DORMA were specified by Ryder Architecture and came up with a unique solution where they installed an ED 200 automatic swing door operator within one of the panels. Not only does this enable full access to the hall at all times, but also meets the requirements of the DDA, ensuring disability access is also maintained. When the Bewick Hall performance area is in use the sound insulation provided by the MOVEO® and Variflex movable wall systems stop noise escaping to the rest of the library.

This £24 million building designed by Ryder Architecture is part of the £40.2 million Newcastle Libraries PFI project in conjunction with developer Kaijma Partnerships and Tolent Construction. Ian Kennedy, director Ryder Architecture explains: “The new city library is a building meant to delight and inspire the residents of the city and be a destination venue. To make sure that this challenging development was a success it was essential to work closely with everyone involved. DORMA’s ability to use its products in new and exciting ways made them a perfect choice for this project.”

The ED 200 is a fully automatic, electro-hydraulic swing door operator suitable for standard and large doors. It is adaptable to a wide range of applications and mounting requirements making it a perfect choice to be used in movable wall systems similar to the Newcastle City Library. The ED 200’s unique package of safety, security and interfacing features makes it ideal for demanding high traffic applications – when the fire alarm is actuated, or when the power is cut, the closer will revert from an automatic door to manual operation with a hydraulically dampened spring close action.

The DORMA MOVEO® system is extremely light, weighing around half that of most conventional systems due to its innovative construction and design. As a result, the MOVEO® panels can be moved by anyone, quickly, accurately and effortlessly to their required location. The Variflex range can be selected according to a combination of sound requirements, fire protection and sheer design aesthetics. All Variflex models have flexible, vertical sealing strips as standard to ensure the best possible seal for sound insulation.

Email: jenny@redcomm.co.uk