Project Focus: Kier HQ, London
May 2006
Equipment Installed
- 100m of 2.0m high self raking railings.
- 1 x Pedestrian gate.
- 7.0m Magnetic Rising Arm Barrier, with specially coloured mechanism box and full length underskirt.
- Timber fencing around cycle store.
Client Goals
Kier wanted to secure their Headquarters along one side, and also wanted to gain control of vehicle access through the main entrance.
Darfen Solution
Kier initially approached Darfen North London when they learnt that it was Darfen themselves that had recently completed the installation of vertical railings at the nearby office of another main contractor. Kier had already specified vertical bar railings for their headquarters’ and the nearby installation that also used vertical bars caught their attention.
Upon site survey, and after closely assessing Kier’s requirements, Darfen suggested that due to uneven ground conditions, TangoRail would be more suited to the site. The revolutionary design of Tangorail had the capacity to accommodate the changes in line and ground levels of the site, as opposed to fully welded vertical bar railings.
Although Kier liked the look of the of the vertical bar railing, they took on board the advice given by Darfen North London and decided to go ahead with self raking railings instead. This was not only a cost effective option for Kier but its choice also reinforces Kiers image of delivering modern methods of construction.
In particular, the access control to the main entrance was an important issue for Kier. In order to install a fully integrated system, Darfen North London worked closely with leading fire and security company ADT so that the barrier could be integrated into both the building entrance control system and the fire alarm system.
Working to tight deadlines, the overall project was a success, having completed all the works within just three weeks.
Customer Comment
'Stephen Tant, Quantity Surveyor at Kier HQ said: 'Darfen were very flexible and accommodating when working with us on the project. The rocurement service was very good, and Darfen put in lots of effort in by assessing our needs. Although the fencing was only a small part in the construction of the new headquarters, Darfen helped us stay in budget by offering alternative fencing solutions '
