Underfloor Automation — Waterloo Place London

Case Study: Automating Heritage Wrought Iron Entrance Doors

Client Objective

The project centred on improving accessibility within a historically significant building while preserving the integrity and visual impact of its original architectural features. The client required a solution that would make the building more inclusive, without compromising the character of its large, wrought iron entrance doors—key elements of the building’s heritage.

Project Challenge

Automating large, heavy, and historically important doors presents a series of unique challenges. The doors in question stood at an impressive 4 metres tall and were both substantial in weight and integral to the building’s listed status.

Any intervention had to be carefully designed to:

• Protect and preserve the original structure and materials

• Avoid intrusive or visually disruptive modifications

• Provide reliable, modern accessibility in line with current standards

Achieving this balance between heritage preservation and functional improvement was critical to the project’s success.

Solution

Franchi Specifications worked closely with the project team to design a specialist automation solution tailored to the demands of the installation.

Heavy-duty in-floor operators were selected as the optimal approach, offering discreet integration while delivering the required power to control the movement of the large wrought iron doors. This solution ensured that:

• The automation system remained largely hidden from view, preserving the doors’ historical aesthetic

• The doors could be operated smoothly and safely despite their considerable size and weight

• Accessibility was significantly improved for all users

The design carefully considered both the structural limitations of the existing doors and the operational requirements needed for everyday use.

Installation & Execution

The installation process required precision and close coordination to ensure minimal impact on the heritage fabric of the building. Each component was installed with care, maintaining the integrity of the doors while introducing modern functionality.

When the system was first activated, the moment marked a significant milestone—these grand entrance doors, for the first time in their history, could be opened automatically.