Case study
Revolving door replacement at warwickshire university
EA Group worked on a project with a university in Warwickshire to replace two ageing fully automatic revolving door systems, providing a more reliable and serviceable entrance solution designed around the building’s long-term needs.
EA designed and manufactured two bespoke three-wing revolving door systems with power-assisted drives. The new doors are lighter to operate, easier to maintain and can help improve pedestrian flow during busy periods.
About the Client
The university based in Warwickshire used revolving doors to provide access to a busy campus building.
With the existing entrance systems becoming increasingly unreliable, the university needed a replacement that could provide dependable everyday operation while making future servicing and maintenance more straightforward.
The challenge
The building’s two existing entrances used four-wing, fully automatic revolving doors which had become increasingly unreliable over time.
A further challenge was the doors’ closed-protocol control system. Servicing, diagnostics and repairs were effectively restricted to the original manufacturer, limiting the university’s options when maintenance was required.
As reliability declined, keeping the entrances operational became more difficult. EA Group was brought in to develop a replacement solution that would address these issues rather than simply installing another version of the existing system.
Client objectives
The replacement entrance systems needed to:
· Improve the reliability of both revolving door sets
· Remove reliance on proprietary closed-protocol controls
· Make ongoing servicing and maintenance more straightforward
· Provide smooth, controlled operation for building users
· Support efficient pedestrian movement through the entrances
The solution
EA Group designed and manufactured two bespoke revolving door systems in the UK specifically for the university and its operational requirements.
The existing four-wing fully automatic doors were replaced with three-wing revolving doors fitted with power-assisted drives.
Moving from four wings to three created lighter door leaves, making the doors easier for users to operate. The power-assisted system provides smooth and controlled movement while retaining the ability for the doors to be moved manually when required.
This approach also avoids the limitations associated with the previous closed-protocol system, helping to make future servicing, maintenance and parts replacement simpler.
What EA did
The project included:
· Removal of the two existing four-wing automatic revolving door systems
· Design of bespoke replacement revolving doors for the existing entrances
· UK manufacture of the new door systems and components
· Installation of two three-wing revolving doors
· Integration of power-assisted drives for controlled lighter operation
A more practical approach to pedestrian flow
The power-assisted design also offers an operational advantage during busier periods.
Unlike a fully automatic revolving door, where movement is dictated by the automatic drive speed, users can comfortably push a power-assisted door slightly faster as they move through it.
This can allow people to pass through the entrance more efficiently at busy times while still providing controlled operation.
The Results
The university now has two bespoke revolving door systems designed to provide greater reliability and make ongoing maintenance easier.
By replacing the closed-protocol automatic systems with UK-manufactured, power-assisted alternatives, EA Group has reduced the university’s reliance on proprietary technology while creating entrances that remain straightforward to operate and service.
The project also demonstrates the value of looking beyond a like-for-like replacement. By reconsidering the design of the entrance itself, EA Group was able to provide a
solution better suited to the building’s day-to-day use and future maintenance requirements.
Looking to replace or modernise your revolving doors?
EA Group designs, manufactures, installs and maintains entrance systems for buildings across the UK.
Maybe an existing revolving door has become unreliable, difficult to maintain or no longer meets the needs of your building, our team can develop a replacement solution tailored to your requirements.
Contact EA Group to discuss your entrance project.
