The unusual bi-folding nature of the bedroom doors at the home presented a particular challenge for Northwich-based architectural hardware and security systems installer Lock-tec, who where called in to provide a safe and effective door closing solution.

Lock-tec owner Glen Whalley explained: “Identifying a door operator that could open and close these one-and-a-half width doors in a single action was a new application for Lock-tec. We worked together with high performance security and access control manufacturer Abloy Security to find a solution.”

A single ABLOY DA400 door operator was then fitted to one door set at the home on a three-month trial. The application allowed the operator to be fitted to the half leaf, with the door connected to the full leaf via hinges. The opening action of the half leaf would then automatically pull or push the full leaf open or closed in a concertina style.

The functionality and flexibility of this door operator not only meant that it would close the door in the event of the fire alarm going off, but also enabled residents and staff to open the door (and for it to remain ajar) using a simple push button located inside and outside the room.