Sliding glass wall at HSBC Bank Milton Keynes

At Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes, HSBC was keen to create a different impression quite unlike that of a traditional bank building. "This project was conceived as being different from the outset" says Martin Cope of Thomas Vale Construction, the main contractor on the project. "It's a new approach by HABC. Inside there is a feeling of openness; there aren't even any counters."

The DORMA HSW-EM automatic sliding glass partition system was chosen to achieve the desired openness within the branch. The system is ideal for any installation where there is a need at times to remove the physical barrier of the glass wall, and is widely used in modern office buildings and retail environments. With the obvious security requirements of a bank building, the HSW-EM opens up the bank to the public during the day and provides a secure partition to the bank when it is closed.

Prominent Features

The panels, which can be either framed of frameless, stack neatly at one end of the track when fully opened. This system offers unrivalled flexibility In design, since the panels can be routed to follow corners, curves or any irregular contour. Automatic swing doors can be incorporated so that people can still gain access when the partition is closed. Operation is entirely automatic, and the programmable electronic control can also be used to implement a variable partial opening, or to allow personnel access when the partition is closed.

In addition to the HSW-EM, HSBC chose to use the DORMA Compact Slide automatic door operator to allow customers to access the cash dispensers in the outer lobby outside of normal banking hours.

"Obviously, we were looking for reliability when specifying", says Mr Cope, "and the Compact Slide performs as well as any traditional door operator. It was important that the system looked good and modern, but also that it works to a high standard."