Further and higher education
INTO University Partnerships
1.The challenge
INTO University Partnerships are at the start of an extensive role out programme of new University pathway courses for International students. Central to this initiative is the provision of brand new, state-of-the-art, on campus international student centres. These new buildings will house accommodation, recreational spaces, learning spaces and teaching facilities.
Each of the INTO campuses will have its own unique design and feel which will reflect the setting within the Partner Universities. However, this does not preclude INTO standardising various elements of the construction and the setting up of partnering supply chains. The benefits of this approach are economies of scale whilst ensuring quality is maintained, efficient working practices, rapid trouble free installation and use. Additionally we can implement KPI’s which will help drive efficiency and productivity by allowing any lessons learnt to be taken forward.
BACK TO TOP ^2.The solution
Working with the general arrangement drawings for the proposed facilities at the University of East Anglia, which we have assumed are typical of the others, we have calculated that this project has approximately 1200 doors. We have arranged these into 9 standard types:
- Bedrooms
- Corridor
- Kitchen
- Service riser and cupboard
- Stair
- Classroom
- Toilet
- Plantroom
- External access
To further increase standardisation we believe that these doors can be made from 3 door blank types, all of which would be ² hour fire rated. Any uplift in cost from potential over specification is likely to be offset through the streamlining of the manufacturing process.
Main entrance
The main entrance areas and one wing of the accommodation block are shown as multiple swing doors. We believe that sliding doors provide a better solution for the following reasons:
a. Sliding doors will operate in much more adverse weather conditions. Swing doors struggle to open/close against wind and over/under pressure.
b. Sliding doors include as standard a ‘winter opening’ setting. This restricts the door’s opening width in cold weather to reduce heat loss.
c. Sliding doors can be programmed as standard to fail open on fire alarm and/or power failure.
d. The electric locking mechanism of a sliding door is an integral part of the operating equipment.
e. Sliding doors move in their own plane and therefore occupy less floor space.
Swipe card solutions for more than security
The idea is short and simple, in that we strive for one system that does all and is fully integrated. This keeps it easy to use and monitor and allows it to be part of the total INTO experience. Initial ideas include:
- Personalised access to building and bedrooms
- Registration in class
- ID card
- Brand awareness
- Car park card
- Library card
- Cashless vending for photocopier
- Cashless vending for canteen and vending machines
These functions can be driven by a card or token.
In pursuit of quality
INTO is all about promoting a new standard of international student provision, setting it apart from competitors in the UK and abroad. We have been careful to take this into account when preparing our specifications.
This solution emphasises quality and ensures that the student experience will be a step up from the traditional International student’s facility.
We have given consideration to whole life costs rather than just initial costs.
Benefits
- All doors supplied as pre-hung door sets.
- As regulations change, we will meet new standards when new doors are made.
- Our registered testing house will develop unique solutions for INTO where appropriate.
- We ensure compatibility and functionality for all doors.
- All door information for O&M manuals from one source.
- One card saves on collateral costs and admin costs.
- Lease purchase scheme – cost and tax effective.
- Revenue stream via renting room safes.