Requirement

Bolton Gate Company was selected to work alongside Sir Robert McAlpine on a project at ExCel London.

The contract initially involved the supply and installation of a range of 30 and 60 minute fire-rated shutters to satisfy the requirement for fire compartmentation between different exhibition spaces, and to communal walkways throughout the Exhibition Centre.

As the fire strategy developed it became evident that for particular areas, including some of the largest openings (7 x 10m), the fire shutters were required to provide fire integrity combined with an acoustic rating of up to 17dB RW.

At the time, acoustic rated fire shutters did not exist on the market as a single product solution and consequently it was typical to supply two separate shutters with one to satisfy each requirement. However, given space limitations, this was not a viable option for this project.

Solution

Drawing on years of experience, Bolton Gate was committed to developing a workable solution in order to fully satisfy the project requirements.

Moving away from the standard single-skin type fire-rated rolling shutter, efforts were concentrated upon manufacturing a new insulated type shutter that would be capable of providing the acoustic rating.

The new shutter design was subjected to a series of rigorous testing, include both fire and acoustic tests, all of which were in keeping with the very latest standards.

The testing proved to be highly successful and the company completed its contractual obligations using the very first Fireroll Acoustic shutters.

Outcome

Fireroll Acoustic provided a compact, hardwearing, aesthetically-pleasing single shutter solution which was entirely suitable for incorporation into such a highly-regarded exhibition and conference centre.

About the venue

ExCel London opened in November 2000 and was the integral component of a huge regeneration project in the area of the Royal Victoria Docks next to the River Thames.

The Phase 2 project had the primary objective of increasing the existing flat floor space by 32,500m² resulting in an incredible one million square feet of flexible floor space. This projected the already highly-regarded Excel London into the position of a world-class exhibition and conference venue.

Close to London City Airport and with its own dedicated station on the Dockland Light Railway, the centre manages to attract millions of visitors per year and is a major employer within the local community.