![Each portcullis weighs 800 kg. [Photo by Jack Hobhouse]](/assets/news_articles/2018/06/1530095629_25-wilton-road-1.jpg)
Sheffield specialist engineering firm SCX Special Projects supplied the stencilled fa莽ade and designed, built and installed the mechanism that allows the two huge decorative portcullis panels to open or close in just 15 seconds.
SCX worked with Max Architects and Kier Construction as part of a regeneration project for Royal London Asset Management at 25 Wilton Road, opposite London Victoria Station.
The two panels on the building鈥檚 front elevation are predominantly polished stainless steel and have a stencil-like design by artist Chloe Steele.
SCX Special Projects supplied the panels, cut to the artist鈥檚 design using high pressure water jets. They are 15mm thick, measure three metres high by two metres wide, and weigh more than 800 kg each.
SCX says that the engineering challenge was not just the mechanical system but also the electricals, ensuring safety controls.
Using hand-power alone, the panels can be ratcheted up or down in just 15 seconds, held by mechanical locks whilst in the raised position. The panels function as security shutters when lowered, and when raised they remain in full view above the entrance.
SCX鈥檚 design integrates into a slim metal framework, while the counterweight mechanism is visible in the building鈥檚 foyer, behind polycarbonate panels.
Max Titchmarsh, founder of Max Architects, said: 鈥淭he Portico at the main entrance to this significant development was crucial to creating a buffer from the busy street and delivering the impact the entrance required. The design of the portcullis doors exposes the mechanism and frames the artwork in way which adds real interest to the principal interest. It is unique and we鈥檙e very pleased with the result.鈥�
Kier Construction鈥檚 senior quantity surveyor, Martin Melges, said: 鈥淭he articulated panels add both form and function to the front elevation of the building. SCX鈥檚 mastery over moving structures combines effortlessly with Chloe鈥檚 striking design to make the steel doors look as graceful as the architect intended.鈥�
SCX Special Projects lead engineer Danny Pickard added: 鈥淲e are seeing a trend towards more moving structures in architecture. It鈥檚 a new route for architects to take 鈥� no longer do buildings have to be rigid and static. The fa莽ade looks fantastic, and it was a pleasure to work with everyone involved.鈥�
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