Posted to News on 5th Mar 2013, 14:55
Quiet and reliable linear actuation for historic house extension
For most HepcoMotion applications, the technical qualities of its linear slide systems are the primary consideration but for a recent architectural project, aesthetics were of equal importance. So too was the linear motion expertise that HepcoMotion was able to supply. The company worked closely with the architect and the glazing contractors to provide a reliable and visually appealing solution.
London-based robert grace architecture needed to source a driven mechanism that would automate the opening and closing of large and heavy sliding doors; a double door weighing 2.5 tonnes and a smaller one of 1.5 tonnes, with a respective travel of 4.6m and 2.6m. The doors form part of an extension to a historic house in London that open onto a private arboretum. The structure is built on the site of an old, stone-walled orangery.
The weight of the doors dictated motor-driven actuation, but the chosen mechanism had to be very unobtrusive and operate almost silently.
Robert Grace explains: "We looked at providing a bespoke system but felt the package from HepcoMotion was far superior to anything we could have designed and engineered ourselves."
The resultant systems comprised five HepcoMotion Driven Linear System (DLS) units with geared motors and two UtiliTrak systems to guide the top of the doors. To suit the all-weather environment in which they would operate, all were specified in corrosion-resistant material, a standard offering within the HepcoMotion range.
HepcoMotion DLS is a complete, off-the-shelf mechanical package that has been designed to make specification simple and quick. The slideway is hardened and precision ground, and the product's double row cap sealed bearings ensure long system life and low maintenance, making it well suited for this architectural application.
UtiliTrak provides the companion guides for the glass doors. These are lightweight U channels and commonly used for applications where low cost, easy installation and minimal maintenance are the primary objectives. The product offers high reliability in a sleek and compact design.
Robert Grace concludes: "This was a very prestigious project so the need for hidden mechanisms and switching was essential. The options provided by HepcoMotion ticked all the boxes for us."
For further information about linear slide systems from HepcoMotion, please go to www.hepcomotion.com/.
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