Overview

GEZE UK supplied door operators from its Slimdrive range for the automatic sliding and swing doors at Waitrose's new flagship store in Chester.

Requirement

Like all new supermarkets, the store required good access; entrances are prime positions for displays that influence buyer behaviour and need to allow multiple shoppers to enter and exit simultaneously even when manoeuvring trolleys or weighed down with bags. At the same time, entrances needed to complement the design of the building.

Solution

Architectural glazing specialists Glassolutions had created a unique curtain wall system that allows the glass façades to visually float. So when it came to the automatic doors for the Waitrose building, it needed a partner renowned for elegant, integrated solutions and GEZE UK was selected.

Creating the gateway between the canal district and Chester’s new Central Business Quarter, the Waitrose building, which was commended at the WAN Metal in Architecture Award, features large expanses of glass with bronze cladding to reflect the site’s industrial heritage. 

Six sets of expansive glass sliding doors have been positioned on the upper and lower floors to provide convenient access and enhance sustainability through the creation of two atriums.

Each of the main entrances feature a pair of bi-parting automatic sliding glass doors powered by GEZE’s Slimdrive SL NT drives. Part of GEZE's Slimdrive range, Slimdrive SL NT automatic operators are ideal for elegant glass façades thanks to an operator height of just 7cm, which makes it almost invisible in elevation. Designed to be virtually silent in operation, it provides safe and easy access in high traffic areas, making it ideal for Waitrose’s busy entrances.

Discreet operation

Upstairs the cafe terrace is accessed via a glass door with a bronze frame powered by a Slimdrive EMD-F electromechanical swing door operator. Like the Slimdrive SL NT, at just 7cm high, the Slimdrive EMD-F operator is extremely discreet and sits neatly on the frame.  It provides assisted manual or automatic opening using the operating button with guaranteed constant opening and closing speed.

Thinking of the environment

The building itself has been designed with the environment in mind. Glass has been chosen to maximise natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, whilst perforated bronze fins provide solar shading from direct sunlight.

Comments

"Waitrose in Chester is a really imposing building. The glass curtain created by Glassolutions features few visible fittings so it was equally important that the automatic door closers provided the right combination of functionality and aesthetic design."
– Kaz Spiewakowski, managing director of GEZE UK