Leading architectural ironmonger, BJ Waller, has provided specialist hardware for a new dementia care unit at Margaret House, a residential care home in Barley, Hertfordshire.
The 24-bed unit, designed by architect, Portess and Richardson, is located in a purpose-built environment adjacent to the main house, a former rectory. Portess and Richardson, which has worked closely with BJ Waller since its establishment in 1982, commissioned the company to provide the ironmongery schedule for the 74 doors in the dementia care unit. “The key requirement was to balance the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act accessibility-wise, with the need for effective access control for the safety of residents and staff,” explained Paul Ingle of Portess and Richardson.
For security doors, BJ Waller provided an electronic access system requiring keypad operation, while bedroom doors incorporate high quality stainless steel lever handles ‘for simple onehanded operation’, complemented by electronic swing-free door closers, allowing people to safely enter without risk of the door slamming shut, and panic release locks for ease of opening in emergency situations.