NBS Source
I'm a manufacturer

O2 Arena London - Vision Guard Sliding Shutters

OVERVIEW

The O2 arena is the first purpose built music venue in London since the Royal Albert Hall was built in 1871. Located in Greenwich on the banks of the River Thames, it's an iconic building, and we've had the joy of installing a set of FlexiGlide sliding shutters to the bars at the O2.

The choice for FlexiGlide sliding shutters

There are 3 large bar areas in the shape of long, curved islands. These needed to be closed off and secured when not is use. Traditional roller shutters wouldn't work due to the bars' rounded designs. Flexiglide sliding shutters turned out to be perfect for the job as they are horizontally driven, lightweight and able to accommodate curves. This meant that that the shutters enclosed the island bars fully whilst also offering security and easy operation.

Vision Guard sliding shutters to bar islands

The Flexiglide Vision Guard sliding shutters were specified to close off the 3 isolated island bars for the main O2 event area. The overall lengths of the shutters are one of 20 metres, and two of 15 metres each.

Vision Guard shutters were the logical choice, because they are strong as well as lightweight (tap the photos for a larger version).

Sliding security shutter challenges

This was a challenging project as there was no support in place and the ceiling height was over 4 metres high. On top of that there was a multitude of structures such as HVAC and lighting, in the way of the shutter support.

The main challenge was bringing support through the HVAC and lighting supports, to hold the sliding shutters in place. This was achieved through a mixture of Unistrut and timber support coming down from the ceiling beam at irregular intervals. The design involved a structural engineer and our engineer team to create a suitable design to hold the shutters in place.

To add the challenge, once we had worked out all the supports to the shutters, new retail structures had been created on the bar which caused an additional redesign before installation.

Why FlexiGlide sliding shutters were the perfect solution

The bar-islands that the shutters needed to enclose are located away from walls and other supports. In practise this meant that traditional roller shutters could never work, because there was nothing to fix them to.

FlexiGlide sliding shutters are top-hung and don't need any support on the side. They lock into floorsockets at regular intervals, creating a secure curtain. When not in use they slide out of the way, leaving the opening completely free.

Additional advantages

  • FlexiGlide sliding shutters can follow any curve, so they are perfect for rounded and curved openings;
  • Our sliding shutters are made from strong but lightweight aluminium, so they need much less support than traditional roller shutters;
  • FlexiGlide shutters hang down from a 42mm high top-track. Compared to roller shutters (that typically need around 300mm at the top) this is a minimum amount of headroom;
  • We supply sliding shutters in various designs, from fully closed off to completely transparent and everything in between. There's always a sliding shutter that will work well in your situation.
  • FlexiGlide sliding shutters work without the need for a bottom track. So there is nothing on the floor for people to trip over.

Products featured in this case study

View all products (4)
Flexiglide Sliding Folding Security Shutters - Curve Sliding Folding Horizontal Shutter

Flexiglide Sliding Folding Security Shutters - Curve Sliding Folding Horizontal Shutter

More inspiration from HVP Security Shutters Ltd

View inspiration
FlexiGlide Sliding Shutters at Leeds Skelton Lake Services

FlexiGlide Sliding Shutters at Leeds Skelton Lake Services

Chainlink Roller Shutters Coventry University

Chainlink Roller Shutters Coventry University

Armourshield Roller Shutters at the New Brighton Shelter Hall

Armourshield Roller Shutters at the New Brighton Shelter Hall

Armourshield shutters installed at Tottenham Hotspur White Hart Lane London

Armourshield shutters installed at Tottenham Hotspur White Hart Lane London

More inspiration from Sliding folding doorsets

View inspiration
West Burton (CCGT) Power Station

West Burton (CCGT) Power Station

First class fire protection for the underground airport car park. 300 fire-proof doors and 52 sliding and sectional fire-resistant doors provide maximum safety on four car park levels.

First class fire protection for the underground airport car park. 300 fire-proof doors and 52 sliding and sectional fire-resistant doors provide maximum safety on four car park levels.

Templeton House: Award Winning Heritage Windows

Templeton House: Award Winning Heritage Windows

Timber Floating Corner Bifold Doors

Timber Floating Corner Bifold Doors