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| ASSA ABLOY supplied modular Smartair systems and tailored master key systems to the schools |
ASSA has supplied security products – including master key and access control systems, locks and door closers for the first two UK schools to be formally certified under the Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency.
Continuing its involvement with energy-efficient public building projects, ASSA – working with West Midlands-based Architectural Ironmongers Locks & Fittings – supplied modular Smartair systems, as well as tailored master key systems, to Oakmeadow and Bushbury Hills primary schools, both located in Wolverhampton, England.
The schools received formal Passivhaus certification in January of this year. Founded in Germany in 1990, the Passivhaus standard focuses on dramatically reducing heating and cooling requirements while maintaining excellent indoor comfort levels. With a fabric-first approach to design and high levels of insulation, the indoor environment of a Passivhaus-certified building should always be light and fresh.
A carefully tailored ASSA master key system was installed in each school, balancing the sometimes conflicting needs for security and ease of movement. Smartair access control systems were used to secure high-traffic areas such as communal rooms or classrooms. Each person is issued with an individual key or fob, ensuring that personnel can only enter the areas that are appropriate to their job function or level of authority – thereby protecting costly equipment and sensitive information. This level of door control also helps to prevent heat loss, thereby maintaining the buildings’ environmental credentials.
ASSA modular lock cases and aluminum lever handles, as well as DC500 door closers from the ASSA ABLOY range, completed the high-security product specification.
Mark Parry at Locks & Fittings said: “ASSA was the obvious choice for product specification. The schools are located just beyond its doorstep, in the heartland of British lock making, and sourcing locally made sense environmentally.
“Having worked together before, both Architype (the architects for the project) and ourselves were assured that (ASSA) understood the pressures involved with educational specifications, and could deliver on time and on budget to live up to Wolverhampton Council’s strict proviso that the schools should cost no more than average school buildings.”
