Challenge

Sweeping curves are a feature of the Duty Free retail area at Newcastle International Airport, which was designed by Ryder Architects. The shopfronts are also curved which presented a challenge when it came to securing and closing off the retail units outside of trading hours. Vertical fire shutters were not an option as they would not follow the curves or manage the particularly wide shopfronts, which range from 10 to 23 metres.

Solution

Bolton Gate worked closely with the architects and the contractors (Sir Robert McAlpine) and the solution was found by using the Contour Shutter. This shutter comprises galvanised steel laths and has been successfully fire tested for four hours. Contour operates laterally and coils into a box at one side.

This innovative system can cover an infinite number of bends and curves whilst closing off openings up to 100m wide.

Outcome

Bolton Gate manufactured, delivered and installed six Contour shutters on schedule. Working normal and out-of-hours shifts ensured that the shops could trade as normal throughout the installation.