Enfield Speciality Doors completes world-class project for Atlas Copco HQ
A rundown office and warehouse space in Hemel Hempstead has been completely transformed into a modern, BREEAM-rated building for one of the world’s leading providers of innovative, reliable and energy efficient solutions to industry, Atlas Copco. Enfield Speciality Doors was chosen to provide more than 120 internal doors for the project, delivering on quality, price and sustainability credentials to meet the company’s high expectations for its new UK head office.
The complete shell-and-core fit out of Atlas Copco’s 55,000 sq ft building was delivered by Habit Action, experienced design and build contractors specialising in workplaces. The brief was to bring together thoughtful design, sustainable features and a focus on employee wellbeing and collaboration in one modern, environmentally-conscious workplace.
To achieve this, Habit Action stripped the original building back to its shell and reimagined it from the inside out. Every door had to be replaced and the contractors were keen to find a supplier partner which could meet the complex demands of the project. Enfield Speciality Doors was one of three fire door manufacturers approached, including two longstanding suppliers.
Darren Cooper, Procurement Manager at Habit Action said: “We wanted to secure a fire doors manufacturer early on to simplify communication and accommodate any design changes.
“Enfield Speciality Doors set themselves apart with their quick understanding of the scope and scale of the programme, which required 126 doors delivered over 3-4 phases, to fit with onsite construction schedules. Enfield were the best fit for us in terms of the complete package – cost, delivery, lead-time, and how we were running the project.”
Enfield Speciality Doors supplied an array of timber flush door specifications in full and standard heights – the tallest were 2,638mm high. Many required either a FD30 or FD60 rating and some doors also required glazing fitted with quirk glazing bead, to give a neat, flush finish. Most of the doors were supplied with an ash veneer finish with concealed lipping to blend seamlessly with the ‘biophilia’ aesthetic of the interior design – creating a connection with nature through the use of natural materials, texture and tones.
A focus on sustainability
Sustainability was an important part of the project. Roof solar panels were fitted to provide a source of renewable power for the building, electric vehicle charging stations were installed, and a new central staircase was created from cross-laminated timber – a material with very low amounts of sequestered carbon.
“Enfield Speciality Doors were compliant with the certification required for the project, which was Cat A and Cat B BREEAM accredited. They were able to supply us with all the documentation (e.g. FSC certification) up front, which made our job easier,” adds Darren.
With so many doors required for the project, it was important that Enfield Speciality Doors delivered the correct specification of doors for each phase – on time and in full. Great service was key to keeping the project on track.
Darren continues: “We had a dedicated point of contact who visited the site a couple of times to go over the operational side and delivery schedules. Communication was clear especially around design changes and the day-to-day project works. Enfield Speciality Doors were very proactive at keeping us informed at every stage, updating us on production schedules and when the materials had arrived. We didn’t have to chase for anything.
“The quality of product and service from Enfield Speciality Doors overall was exceptional and delivery was great, even down to small details like the packaging. The fire doors were well secured and packaged, with no damage in transit. Deliveries happened exactly as scheduled, with drivers phoning up to say they were an hour away so the contractors on site could be ready to accept the doors and unload. The prefinished frames meant we hardly had to do anything on site apart from slide them into the openings and complete the final fit.”
Shaun Arnold, Business Development Manager at Enfield Speciality Doors said: “A range of door specifications were required at different phases within the build schedule. By bringing together dedicated service and attention to detail with high quality products, we satisfied the brief for the Atlas Copco building and we have opened the door to future projects with Habit Action.”
Darren concludes: “When you bring a new manufacturer or supplier on board there’s always an element of nervousness, especially on larger projects. The Atlas Copco project was one of the biggest jobs Habit Action has undertaken, but everything went smoothly with Enfield Speciality Doors. We were very happy working with them and have another couple of enquiries with them.”
For help specifying bespoke fire doors for commercial projects, contact Enfield Speciality Doors on sales@enfielddoors.co.uk or 020 3199 6232.
This project also featured in an article in April 2024’s Premier Construction magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/xahs/qdfg/#p=104
