A plan was drawn up to provide a security system in the reception hall to the main entrance of the building, limiting access to only authorised occupants and visitors. As such an access control system with turnstiles was required. Key issues under consideration were the need to install a user friendly entry system for both able-bodied people and wheelchair users whilst maintaining the aesthetic nature of the main entrance.

Fastlane Glassgates were recommended by Tilney Shane Architects as they complemented the architectural design of the building while also creating a secure perimeter inside the building. The Glassgate has a glass barrier which operates in a user friendly 'door-like motion' allowing for quick acceptance by new users. The same PAC access control system that is used to control access throughout the building was integrated seamlessly with the Fastlane Glassgates; the 1200mm high glass with the added lip was chosen to restrict vaulting over the pedestals.

The Fastlane Glassgate is a speedgate that combines IR detection sensors for tailgate detection and glass barriers to control access. The Glassgate's bi-directional swinging glass barriers intelligently control traffic flow while maximising throughput and the IR tailgate detection offers excellent protection against intruders.

Safety beams monitor the area near the barrier; if an object is detected in the path of the barriers, they slow to a crawl until the obstruction is removed. The Fastlane Glassgate can integrate with a fire alarm system so that in an emergency the barriers automatically open in the exit direction to allow for free emergency egress. In a power failure, the barriers can be gently pushed out of the way.

Three standard width lanes of Glassgate were installed by Office Projects Ltd, along with a Fastlane dual Intelligate to comply with the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act). The Intelligate, unlike a standard passgate, has infrared beams to detect tailgating while still being wide enough for wheelchair access.

"We can see now why Tilney Shane specified Fastlane Glassgate speedgates from IDL, as they successfully combine the high security needs and throughput requirements of the modern office environment with the aesthetics to match" says Adam Rowe, Office Projects Ltd.