your free copy. - Acorn Architectural Ironmongery Ltd

Specification
of door
hardware
An Architect’s
guide
Guild of
Architectural
Ironmongers
Specification of
door hardware.
An Architect’s guide.
The hardware for doors
— commonly known as
architectural ironmongery —
is a core component of any
project. The right choices will
enhance the visual impact of
a building, and its functionality,
accessibility, safety and
longevity.
This Guide brings together all
the information you need to
make the specification process
run smoothly and to achieve
the best possible end result.
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
Content sections
1.Main considerations when
specifying door hardware
2.
Risks, and how to avoid them
3.How to find an architectural
ironmonger
4.How to work effectively with
your architectural ironmonger
5.Useful links for further advice
6.
Useful glossary of architectural
hardware terms (inside back cover)
01
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
02/03
Main considerations when
specifying door hardware.
1.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
04/05
The following is a list of key
questions that the architectural
ironmonger will ask you:
What type of building
is it for?
Getting the right hardware for
a particular building involves
functional as well as aesthetic
considerations.
On any project, work on the door
hardware can only begin after an
ironmongery schedule has been
drawn up. This document specifies
every single piece of hardware,
from handles, locks and hinges to
doorstops, kick plates and signage,
and may include electronic locking
systems and access control, and
even door automation.
Hospitals, schools and care homes,
for example, will need fittings
appropriate for less physically able
and vulnerable users. Safety and
security requirements also vary
between types of building.
There is a wide range of specialist
architectural ironmongery available
to accommodate different needs
– including antibacterial finishes,
anti-ligature fittings, biometrics,
and braille/accessible signage.
What function is it
expected to perform?
Do you want your door to be
self-closing, held-open, locked,
latched, free from fastenings
or with lever handles?
All these details will be provided by
the architectural ironmonger who
draws up the ironmongery schedule.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Getting the right fittings in
the right location will enhance
a user’s experience of a building.
Door hardware is the building’s
most tactile aspect and one
they will come into contact
with on a constant basis.
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
The choice of hardware will also
impact on building performance
issues such as acoustics, airflow
and draughts that affect the
experience and comfort of the
building’s users.
Durability and longevity are also
considerations with items such as
handles and door closing devices
which will be in almost constant use.
What period or style
is the building?
Aesthetics is naturally a prime
consideration for most specifiers
who are concerned to ensure the
door hardware complements and
enhances the finished project.
To achieve this you don’t need to
specify the exact fittings, but you
do need to identify the period
or style of building they will be
reflecting, so the architectural
ironmonger can make the best
choice from the huge array of
products and finishes available.
It will also help the architectural
ironmonger to co-ordinate
the different hardware items
throughout the project and,
where necessary, match new
fittings with pre-existing hardware.
In tricky cases, for example when
new fittings have to be matched
to existing ones, you can talk to
your architectural ironmonger
about bespoke solutions.
1. Main considerations when specifying door hardware
1. Main considerations
when specifying
door hardware.
06/07
CASE STUDY 1
Minimal aesthetic,
maximum performance.
Combining a unique, minimal aesthetic with
high-quality performance was the challenge
for architects Caruso St John working with their
architectural ironmongers on the recent, widely
praised, refurbishment of Tate Britain.
To achieve the architects’ vision, the architectural
ironmonger, working closely with Caruso St John
and manufacturers, produced a unique shot-peened
finish for the stainless steel door furniture.
To overcome this technical challenge, the
architectural ironmonger provided a bespoke solution
incorporating tile trays which concealed door springs
in the floor. This maintains the building’s aesthetic
while allowing easy access for floor spring adjustment.
The Tate Britain Project is the Winner of Winners
in the 2015 Architectural Ironmongery Specification
Awards co-organised by GAI and RIBA to celebrate
the partnership between architects and architectural
ironmongers.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
“ Throughout this project, the
architectural ironmonger
had to liaise with all parties
to ensure that the bespoke
element of the specification
would deliver an end result
that made a real difference
to the building. This required
a real team effort and high
level of technical expertise to
ensure that the ironmongery
package performed beyond
expectations, whilst delivering
a unique, minimal aesthetic
to the project.”
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
What finishes are required?
Door hardware comes in a wide
selection of materials, including,
stainless steel, aluminium, brass,
iron or other metals as well as
wood, with a range of finishes.
Your first concern is likely to be the
appearance of the finish, but there
are functional considerations which
need to be factored into the final
choice; some finishes are unsuitable
for certain environments. Certain
grades of stainless steel, for example,
are vulnerable to the chemicals in a
swimming pool environment or
a chemical factory, while lacquered
brass is liable to degrade in a
seaside setting.
What is your budget?
Discussions relating to the
ironmongery will proceed more
quickly and effectively if you have
at least a ballpark figure for the
architectural ironmongery budget.
This will assist the ironmonger as
the ironmongery schedule will
ultimately provide you with a
“cost per door” figure.
1. Main considerations when specifying door hardware
State-of-the-art self-closing fire doors had to be fitted
in the gallery’s traditional high-arched door spaces.
08/09
2.
Risks, and how to
avoid them.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
10/11
Issues can arise with
door hardware which
may affect the whole
project, causing delays,
impacting on costs
and even delaying
hand-over which can
lead to penalties.
Not allowing enough time
Changes after specification
A large project may involve
hundreds of doors and literally
thousands of fittings. If insufficient
time is allowed for all the hardware
to be sourced, delivered and fitted,
there is a risk that hand-over
could be delayed.
For various reasons changes
are sometimes made to the
architectural ironmongery
specification when the project
is already under way. This may
create hard-to-foresee knock-on
effects, which pose a risk of delay.
If you are working with a Registered
Architectural Ironmonger they will
have a good knowledge of their
own lead times, and will be able to
plan and manage a schedule which
takes all of these into account.
The best course is to agree
the correct specification at
the outset and to stick to it.
But where changes can’t be
avoided, it is important to make
them as early as possible, and
factor in all the ramifications.
Experienced architectural
ironmongers are accustomed
to dealing with such situations
and their services will be
invaluable in this situation.
Safety and security
Architectural ironmongery has
a key impact on both the safety
and security of a building. It is
subject to more than 50 British
and European standards, which are
regularly updated, as well as Building
Regulations covering areas such as
security, fire safety, disabled access/
accessibility and acoustics.
Hand-over can also be delayed
if door hardware doesn’t meet
all the required standards of safety
or security. To avoid any such
last-minute snags you must be
sure all hardware complies with
relevant and current standards
and legislation, including correct
fitting on site. A qualified Registered
Architectural Ironmonger will
provide you with advice on this.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
What is an architectural
ironmonger?
An architectural ironmonger
works with architects, interior
designers, contractors
and others to specify the
hardware needed for every
door in a building, and to
produce a full ironmongery
schedule of all the hardware
items.
The term ‘ironmongery’,
originally applied to ironmade hardware for domestic
use, today it covers a much
wider range of products.
Architectural ironmongers
are experts in hardware used
in domestic and commercial
buildings for the functioning
of doors, door assemblies
and doorsets. Their expertise
covers many products and
includes hinges, door closing
devices, locking devices, pull
handles, lever furniture, letter
plates, disabled grab rail kits,
specialist window fittings,
washroom equipment and
signage.
Today’s architectural
ironmongery increasingly
incorporates sophisticated
electronics to control locking
and access.
2. Risks, and how to avoid them
2. Risks, and how
to avoid them.
12 /13
3.
How to find an
architectural
ironmonger.
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
14/15
Many architects rely on
recommendations within
their own practice, which
can be very useful. But you
should check whoever you
use is qualified for the risk.
Ensure you are using a Registered
Architectural Ironmonger
Anyone can describe themselves
as an ‘architectural ironmonger’,
but the term Registered
Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI)
guarantees that the ironmonger
is both qualified and experienced.
All Registered Architectural
Ironmongers hold the Diploma
qualification (DipGAI) of the
Guild of Architectural Ironmongers,
have a minimum of three years’
experience and are undertaking
a programme of Continuing
Professional Development which
ensures they are fully conversant
with current industry standards,
regulations and legislation.
How to identify a Registered
Architectural Ironmonger
A Registered Architectural
Ironmonger will use the letters
RegAI after their name on their
business card and correspondence.
This status must be renewed each
year, so you are most likely to see
RegAI on a date stamp on key
documents.
The Guild of Architectural
Ironmongers maintains a register
of all RegAIs by location. You can
access this by going to the GAI
website (www.gai.org.uk) and
clicking on ‘Find a RegAI’ on the
top right.
You can also contact the GAI
to confirm the RegAI status of
any individual.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
What RegAI means for architects
A Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI) has attained
DipGAI – the only recognised qualification for architectural
ironmongers in the UK.
A RegAI:
— has undertaken a three-year
study programme leading
to a Diploma of the Guild
of Architectural Ironmongers
(DipGAI) qualification
— is registered on the GAI
Continuing Professional
Development (CPD)
programme which mandates
a required amount of personal
development every year
— is up to speed with latest
technical innovations,
standards and legislation
in this increasingly complex
and fast-moving field
Working with a RegAI offers
the assurance that all your
door hardware will:
— be prepared by a fully
qualified professional
— be compliant with current
legislation affecting fire,
security and life safety issues
— use the latest technology
and products available
— conform to the latest
European and British BS EN
standards for door hardware,
including CE Marked products
where necessary
— can offer comprehensive
advice on all door hardware
3. How to find an architectural ironmonger
3. How to find an
architectural
ironmonger.
16/17
4.
How to work
effectively with
your architectural
ironmonger.
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
18/19
Getting the most from your
architectural ironmonger
Your relationship with your
architectural ironmonger
should be built on trust.
Once the specification
has been agreed, you
should feel comfortable
leaving your architectural
ironmonger to manage
the door hardware
element of the project
and bring it to a successful
conclusion, consulting with
you when necessary.
Our architectural ironmongers’
top tips for getting more out of
your working relationship are:
Think ‘door hardware’ early on
As touched on earlier, don’t leave
it until the last moment to
approach an architectural
ironmonger. Architectural
ironmongery is a core component
of the project, not an add-on.
Think ‘door details’
It will speed up the specification
process if your architectural
ironmonger is supplied with a floor
plan with all the doors numbered
individually, and a door schedule
listing each door and its dimensions
and make-up. An architectural
ironmonger must have all these
details to ensure the ironmongery
being specified is correct for
each door type. It is worth
remembering not to allow doors
to be manufactured unless the
door specification has been
checked for compatibility with
the ironmongery schedule.
At the start of a new
working relationship it is
worth investing time in
one or two face-to-face
meetings, to establish clear
lines of communication.
This will speed up your
future interactions and
help you work together
smoothly and efficiently.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
Think ‘interfaces’
If there are other parties that
are already involved in the door
hardware provision, things will go
more smoothly and efficiently
if you inform your architectural
ironmonger at the outset.
Electronic locking and access
control, for example, is sometimes
supplied as a separate package
and the architectural ironmonger
and supplier will need to liaise,
and be clear about which of them
is providing the specification and
co-ordinating their efforts.
If the project involves an
existing building the architectural
ironmonger will need to be
provided with details of existing
hardware such as the master-keyed
suite, and may require a site-visit to
assist with co-ordination of finishes.
Think ‘CPD’
There are many architectural
ironmongers who can provide you
with CPD presentations, some of
these having been RIBA approved.
4. How to work effectively with your architectural ironmonger
4. How to work
effectively
with your
architectural
ironmonger.
20/21
CASE STUDY 2
Specification
Award Winner.
Not one but many tightly controlled
requirements had to be met by the architectural
ironmonger working on the West Yorkshire
Police Divisional Headquarters.
The building accommodates a range of functions,
calling for a multidisciplinary ironmongery specification
but retaining a seamless design throughout.
4. How to work effectively with your architectural ironmonger
In the high security custody area, the ironmonger’s
anti-barricade products, concealed closers, reduced
ligature pinch grip pull handles and other specialist
ironmongery allowed maximum control while
reducing the risk of harm to users. Front of house
office doors and corridor doors were fitted with
durable stainless steel.
They also supplied a co-ordinated locking suite
meeting the requirements of six different types
of doors, and a Single Grand Master key system
as required by the client.
The project, designed by architect Jacobs, won
an award in the Commercial category in 2015
Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards
co-organised by GAI and RIBA.
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
22/23
Useful links for
further advice.
Guild of
Architectural
Ironmongers
The Door and
Hardware
Federation
DHI
Door Security +
Safety Professionals
www.gai.org.uk
www.dhfonline.org.uk
dhi.org
The GAI is the UK’s only trade body
solely dedicated to promoting the
interests of the whole architectural
ironmongery industry, architectural
ironmongers themselves, and the
manufacturers and wholesalers of
door hardware products.
The Door and Hardware Federation
represents UK manufacturers and
installers of doors, powered gates,
locks, building hardware and
architectural ironmongery.
DHI is an association proudly
serving door security and safety
professionals, in the non-residential
construction industry. Through
education, advocacy, accreditation
and facilitated networking, it
provides members with the
collective intelligence to meet
the security and safety needs
of their customers.
BWF-CERTIFIRE
Fire Door and
Doorset Scheme
FDIS
Fire Door
Inspection
Scheme
www.bwfcertifire.org.uk
www.fdis.co.uk
The leading authority on fire door
safety and certification of fire
doors and doorsets, and part of
the British Woodworking Federation.
FDIS provides education and the
UK’s leading qualification for anyone
working with fire doors and escape
doors, along with a register of
certificated fire door inspectors.
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
5. Useful links for further advice
5.
Useful links for
further advice.
24/25
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
26/27
Glossary.
Find your local Registered
Architectural Ironmonger
www.gai.org.uk
Follow the GAI on Twitter
@gai_UK
Register for the GAI’s
Architect Briefing Notes
www.gai.org.uk
Contact us
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
BPF House, 6 Bath Place,
Rivington Street,
London EC2A 3JE
Design & Art Direction
Believe in® — believein.net
+44 (0) 20 7033 2480
[email protected]
Photography credit
GAI — Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Specification of door hardware. An Architect’s guide
p09: © Tony Hisgett
6.
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
BPF House, 6 Bath Place,
Rivington Street,
London EC2A 3JE
+44 (0) 20 7033 2480
[email protected]
gai.org.uk