OVERVIEW
Bath Abbey sits at the heart of the historic city of Bath
where there has been a place of Christian worship on
the site for more than 1,300 years. The Bath Abbey
Footprint Project sought to ensure the 17th Century
Grade I listed building remained a focal point for
generations to come. The project aimed to sensitively
renovate parts of the Abbey whilst modernising its
facilities to cater for present-day demands in a building
whose origins date back to 1499.
Allgood worked with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
and Emery Bros Ltd to provide a complete package
of ironmongery and a comprehensive access control
solution. The project required many bespoke items to
accommodate the Abbey’s historic architecture.
Given the age of the building, there were particular
challenges to overcome during the specification
process. A highlight being how to bring a 400-yearold
lock back into working order as part of a modern
access control system. The lock on the main doors of the
Abbey had not been used in decades and the key had
been lost many years ago. Allgood delivered the lock
to its specialist partner, Guardian Lock & Engineering
Company, who called upon the services of one of their
retired locksmiths to diligently disassemble the lock,
repair, and service it before crafting a new key.
Another particular specification issue was improving
access control for the ancient catacombs which needed
constant airflow to maintain the right environmental
conditions, but they also needed to be secure.
Allgood worked with the architect on several options
to balance these needs in a way sensitive to the 17th Century surroundings. The solution was a door designed
to have a clear gap on either side for airflow but narrow
enough to maintain security. Allgood Secure also revised
the internal exit and a second card reader was fitted to
boost security, allowing a read in, read out system to give
full visibility of people arriving and departing. To complete
the work, a specifically designed stainless-steel cover was fitted to house the electronic locking system.
Alex Morris, Associate at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios,
commented: “From early stages in the project, we
have been very pleased to work with the Allgood team
on the ironmongery and access control for the Bath
Abbey Footprint project. We have benefitted from
their expert advice and extensive range of high-quality
products, needed to deal with the wide range of project
requirements.”
The Mode 3570 lever handle in a bronze Spectra finish
was specified throughout the Abbey, as well as a full
suite of matching door furniture. This fully coordinated
range not only provided the desired aesthetic but is also
designed to last. The comprehensive 25-year warranty
and Quadaxial rose, which is tested up to one million
cycles, means the lever handles are perfect for the high
foot traffic the Abbey receives. Allgood Secure also completed an access control system
for the Abbey. Because many of the doors and frames
were protected by Historic England listing requirements,
the team had to develop a sensitive yet functional
solution. All visible products had the same Spectra bronze
finish to match the ironmongery, as well as installing entry
controls for much narrower doors than usual.
A video entry system was also required - but one that
could function without disturbing events in the Abbey
including the regular choir practices. Rather than an
audio alarm, the team created a visual beacon using a
25mm LED fixed to the choir room wall, allowing for an
unintrusive system that would draw attention but not
disrupt any rehearsals.
The entire access control system is networked so
that each door can be monitored, and access rights
managed easily via a simple database. The Allgood
Secure team has provided full training to all those
who need it and have offered a package of ongoing
maintenance and support for the Abbey.
Mode® Door Lever Handles
Mode® Pull Handles
Proprietary Single Range Ironmongery
26-31 Charlotte Street
Hodge House
RHS Bridgewater
Spitfire Studios
26-31 Charlotte Street
Hodge House
RHS Bridgewater
Spitfire Studios
Barbara's atelier
BSF concept store
Cambridge Central Mosque
SAS Royal Hotel
BSF concept store
Cambridge Central Mosque
The Black Diamond
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