Alpro’s transom door closers and bespoke handles used at the Exhibit in south London

Alpro’s overhead transom closers are a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of an aluminium door

The Exhibit, a retro-themed bar, restaurant and cinema in south London, is using transom door closers and bespoke handles from Alpro Architectural Hardware. The Balham site which has a focus on art and creativity wanted custom-made aluminium-framed glass doors with a Fifties design which have been constructed by Essex-based IDF Aluminium Ltd.

Alpro dual closing speed at the Exhibit

Alpro’s overhead transom closers used on the venue’s doors are a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of an aluminium door. Features include dual closing speed to allow flexibility, three levels of spring strength and 90-degree hold open facility.

Fabricators benefit from the ability to adjust the latching and closing force according to the weight and height of individual doors as well as type of usage. Fine-tuning to accommodate the exact needs of visitors is all-important in a leisure application.

Alpro works closely with IDF

Alpro worked closely with IDF to create doors in the style of a Crittall window. Across three floors, the Pop Art-themed complex includes a restaurant, cocktail bars, a cinema and function rooms. Aesthetic appearances are at a premium and Alpro supplied a modified slim-line version of their 98 Series pull door handles with an offset crank to avoid compromising locking mechanisms finished in a powder-coat specified by the client.

The pull handles from the Impressionist range are manufactured from aluminium or 304-grade stainless steel in 25, 32 and 38mm diameters with all versions being suitable for bolt-thro (single-side) or back-to-back fixing.

Keith Parry, Sales Director at Alpro, said: “Our transom closers are designed for durability and have been tested independently at 250,000 double-action cycles. At this site, the client made the unusual request for the closers to be mounted on the outside to give 180-degree opening when required.”

IDF Aluminium specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium doors. The door solutions are designed for use in commercial and public sector environments where usage may be high but maintenance costs must be minimised.

Alpro transom closers for various markets

IDF has recently used Alpro transom closers at a school in Essex and a gourmet restaurant in Cardiff. IDF has 30 years’ experience in the retail frontage and commercial door market. It ensures a quality service by designing and fabricating all of its own doors and shop fronts in-house with no use of sub-contractors. The client portfolio covers leisure, transport, local government, healthcare and education.