Creating a welcoming entrance to the new Lincoln Cathedral visitor centre, TORMAX has installed a set of two-leaf automatic swing doors, powered by invisible iMotion 1401 underfloor operators. Set into a striking dark grey façade developed by AccentHansen, the automatic entrance is understated yet contemporary, providing the perfect complement to the Cathedral cloisters on one side and the Deanery on the other.
Designed in-house at the TORMAX HQ in Switzerland, the iMotion 1401 door operators are concealed in steel casings set within the floorspace, delivering automation without the need for external operators. Invisible automation such as this is only possible thanks to the innovative iMotion motor which features none of the parts that usually wear out, such as gears and brushes, ensuring minimal maintenance and enhanced efficiency in the long term
The state-of-the-art visitor centre has been created as part of a National Lottery funded project to upgrade and improve the overall experience for all visitors to Lincoln Cathedral. The TORMAX doors form the main public entrance to the new building, leading directly into the Cathedral shop and then through into a café with inside and outside seating, an exhibition gallery, community rooms and learning centre.
Successfully marrying the new building with the old was one of the biggest design challenges for this development. Demonstrating a commitment to detail, TORMAX was able to deliver an automatic entrance that provides clear access for all users, whilst avoiding the addition of aesthetically incongruous, modern door operators.
“Our iMotion 1401 door drives have been installed successfully in period properties worldwide,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX. “On the flip side, they are also extremely effective for creating ultra-modern, minimalist entrances too.”
TORMAX has been providing bespoke door design, manufacture and installation of entrance systems worldwide for over 60 years. The high torque iMotion motors have been shown to outperform other operators with regards to reliability and performance.