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Portcullis Doors / Moving Façades

ARX Kinetic Solutions have the capabilities and experience to bring motion to even the most elaborate of structures using reliable and proven technologies, to help make your architectural vision a reality.

The Challenge

As part of a mixed-use redevelopment of 25 Wilton Road, our client wanted to integrate portcullis doors into a kinetic facade on the main elevation of the building.

The building, opposite busy Victoria Station in London, was designed with a decorative facade that also provides access to the main entrance foyer. However, the doors also need to remain in full view, whether lifted or lowered, to show off the intricate design by local London artist Chloe Steele.

The Solution

Working closely with both the main construction contractor and lead architect, ARX engineered a robust, integrated counterweight system to raise and lower the doors.

The system is hand-powered and weight-balanced, a nod to older gates in the city, while helping to keep modern eco credentials by avoiding electric motors. When lowered and locked, the stainless steel doors also serve a physical security function.

Technical Details

Delivering the architect’s vision
  • Kier Construction is known for its high-profile regeneration projects – this development was on behalf of Royal London Asset Management
  • Our moving structures deliver new architectural visions – no longer do buildings have to be rigid and static
  • An innovative mechanism is integrated into the door’s frame, designed to highlight Chloe Steele’s artwork and add architectural interest
Style and substance
  • ARX supplied the stainless steel panels, cut to the artist’s design using high-pressure water jets
  • The two doors embellish the building’s front elevation and are on display in both raised and lowered positions
  • The doors also provide physical security, being 15mm thick, measuring 3m by 2m, and weighing over 800kg each
Fit-for-purpose design
  • ARX blended mechanical engineering with electrical safety expertise to deliver the solution
  • Using a hand-powered gearbox, the doors can be lifted or lowered in just 15 seconds, and then safely held by electromechanical locks
  • The clever counterweight arrangement is visible from inside the building’s foyer, behind polycarbonate panels

Portcullis Doors / Moving Façades

ARX Kinetic Solutions have the capabilities and experience to bring motion to even the most elaborate of structures using reliable and proven technologies, to help make your architectural vision a reality.

The Challenge

As part of a mixed-use redevelopment of 25 Wilton Road, our client wanted to integrate portcullis doors into a kinetic facade on the main elevation of the building.

The building, opposite busy Victoria Station in London, was designed with a decorative facade that also provides access to the main entrance foyer. However, the doors also need to remain in full view, whether lifted or lowered, to show off the intricate design by local London artist Chloe Steele.

The Solution

Working closely with both the main construction contractor and lead architect, ARX engineered a robust, integrated counterweight system to raise and lower the doors.

The system is hand-powered and weight-balanced, a nod to older gates in the city, while helping to keep modern eco credentials by avoiding electric motors. When lowered and locked, the stainless steel doors also serve a physical security function.

Technical Details

Delivering the architect’s vision
  • Kier Construction is known for its high-profile regeneration projects – this development was on behalf of Royal London Asset Management
  • Our moving structures deliver new architectural visions – no longer do buildings have to be rigid and static
  • An innovative mechanism is integrated into the door’s frame, designed to highlight Chloe Steele’s artwork and add architectural interest
Style and substance
  • ARX supplied the stainless steel panels, cut to the artist’s design using high-pressure water jets
  • The two doors embellish the building’s front elevation and are on display in both raised and lowered positions
  • The doors also provide physical security, being 15mm thick, measuring 3m by 2m, and weighing over 800kg each
Fit-for-purpose design
  • ARX blended mechanical engineering with electrical safety expertise to deliver the solution
  • Using a hand-powered gearbox, the doors can be lifted or lowered in just 15 seconds, and then safely held by electromechanical locks
  • The clever counterweight arrangement is visible from inside the building’s foyer, behind polycarbonate panels

ARX’s mastery over moving structures combines effortlessly with Chloe’s striking design to make the
steel doors look as graceful as the architect intended.

Martin Melges
Senior QS
Kier Construction

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