Clients
King's Cross Station
- Project - King's Cross Station Redevelopment
- Client - Metronet Rail
- Main Contractor - Balfour Beatty
- Architect - Arup
- Package Subcontractor - McGrath Group
Project Outline
A major upgrading of King's Cross underground station was required to meet increased demand. The existing Grade 1 listed station was being returned to its former glory, including the original 1951 façade, ticket hall and main train-shed roof. The project includes expansion and redevelopment of the existing ticket hall and the construction of two new ticket halls underground, involving major interfaces between London Underground and Network Rail. ASSA ABLOY Security Doors' element was to supply Powershield Fire steel doors. Fire safety in public buildings is always a top priority, even more so in underground stations.
Scope of Works
This project required steel fire doors within the tunnel interfaces between underground access points, stations and ticket offices. The fire doors needed to be held open on magnets to maximise foot flow in these busy tunnels and only close to provide compartmentation in the event of a fire. Other design requirements for the steel doors included; the need to be pivoted and flush within the wall assembly in the open position, match the stainless steel shot peened tunnel finishes, have flush vision panels, and provide the 60 minutes fire resistance and smoke control without any latches or locks fitted to the door.
The Works
ASSA ABLOY Security Doors faced a very tight programme and before manufacture could commence the steel doors had to be designed and a prototype built. A Powershield Fire door was then fire tested through Exova Warringtonfire to BS EN 1634-1 2008 to prove the fire door's integrity. Despite the onerous conditions of the test, it proved successful; achieving well in excess of the required 60 minutes resistance. Following the success of the test, full manufacture began and the steel doors were delivered to site. Powershield door were installed in challenging conditions, being underground and with tight access and restricted working hours however all 42 steel doors were installed to programme and are now in location providing an important element of the fire safety within the station complex.
