Architectural Openings – News from DORMA

With the help of donations from DORMA Group North America, DORMA sales representative The Spargo Group and other corporate supporters, Skidmore Owings & Merrill’s Chicago office won three First Place awards for its CANstruction project at the 2009 NeoCon World’s Trade Fair.  The awards included First Place Overall, Best Structural Design and Best Group Design Innovation. During the competition, more than 86,000 full cans of food are incorporated into structures. All food will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.  SOM’s winning sculpture can be seen at the Merchandise Mart Apparel Center in Chicago.

With the introduction of a new coating option featuring antimicrobial protection, several DORMA Architectural Hardware products can now meet the strict specifications for projects in which ultra-clean tactile surfaces are desired or necessary.

In environments such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, food processing and manufacturing areas, public venues, office buildings, hotels, and restaurants, the new antimicrobial-protected coating can add an increased level of cleanliness due to its microbe growth-inhibiting properties.

DORMA’s CL800 Cylindrical, ML9000 Mortise and D800 Deadbolt lockset series offer the coating option on levers, roses, escutcheons, thumbturns, trim rings and cylinder face plates. For the DORMA family of exit devices, the coating is added to the touchbar, touchbar rail, chassis cover, end cap, surface vertical rods and latch covers, as well as to the following trim components: escutcheon, plate, rose, lever, knob, pull and thumbturn.

The clear-finish, antimicrobial-protected coating requires no additional prep considerations. An “AM” logo applied to each treated surface will assure end-users of the hardware’s antimicrobial features. Under DORMA’s warranty, antimicrobial-treated surfaces are protected for the life of the product provided coating remains on treated surfaces. Antimicrobial protection is limited to the treated article and does not protect a user against disease-causing bacteria.

The antimicrobial technology is an additive to the powder coating material used on the hardware. It is supplied by Agion Technologies, Wakefield, Mass., a recognized leader in the development of antimicrobial solutions for products ranging from door hardware to footwear. The Agion antimicrobial substance is registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Food and Drug Administration, and the United States Department of Agriculture as maintained by the National Sanitation Foundation.

For more information about the antimicrobial coating, contact DORMA Architectural Hardware at 1-800-523-8483 or visit www.dorma-usa.com

Rich Albright, director of sales and marketing for DORMA Entrance Systems, recently authored an article in Commercial Building Products entitled “Healthcare Settings Influence Entryway Decisions: From patient rooms to ERs, function dictates the type of door installed.” The feature article includes useful information about door selection considerations, important safeguards and the integration of revolving doors.

GREENFIELD, Ind. (April 1, 2009) – Interior designers who like glass but need acoustics and facility managers who like the versatility of a moveable wall but need natural light finally have a system that meets their diverse demands.

The slim profile-edge glass panels in the new MOVEO® Moveable Glass Wall System from Modernfold offer unprecedented openness and daylighting while delivering sound insulation ratings up to 45 STC for exceptional privacy.

The MOVEO system is ideal for offices and conference rooms, restaurants, hotels, meeting facilities and educational settings. MOVEO glass panels provide an attractive, solution to demanding interior space division needs. Unlike conventional solid panels, MOVEO glass panels permit unobstructed sightlines between partitioned areas, helping to create an inviting atmosphere. Optional automatic blinds are available in situations where room occupants desire visual privacy.

The MOVEO® Moveable Glass Wall System is nearly effortless to deploy and operate. The glass panels glide on an overhead track with the simple push of one’s palm. Once the panels are in place, the top and bottom seals automatically actuate using the system’s patented ComforTronic mechanism, providing the ultimate in convenience and reliability. No floor track is needed, which eliminates trip hazards and unsightly breaks in the floor covering.

The MOVEO system features the narrowest trim profile to optimize the amount of glass in each panel. Panels can be manufactured up to 13 feet high. The system’s overhead track can be constructed of standard aluminum or steel for an extra level of stability and strength.

About Modernfold and DORMA Group North America

Modernfold is the worldwide leader in operable partitions commonly found in conference and convention centers, hotels, classrooms, corporate meeting rooms and other public spaces. Since 1925, Modernfold has delivered quality and durability through product design and technological advances. The company is supported by a nationwide network of independent distributors who assist in layout development, product selection, project coordination, installation, training and service.

DORMA Group North America manufactures and markets a wide range of products for the architectural openings industry, with a particular focus on commercial and institutional openings. Part of The DORMA Group worldwide, DORMA Group North America comprises DORMA Architectural Hardware, DORMA Glas, Modernfold, DORMA Canada, DORMA Mexico, and DORMA Entrance Systems — which markets products and services under the DORMA Automatics, Crane Revolving Door and Carolina Door Controls brands.

DORMA Group North America offerings include safety and security products, locks, door closers, exit devices, glass hardware and patch fittings, sliding and swinging automatic doors, revolving doors and operable partitions.

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LAKE BLUFF, Ill. – Powered by advanced linear magnetic drive technology (LMD), the MAGNEO sliding door system from DORMA Entrance Systems opens and closes doors with an even gliding action that’s virtually free of sound and friction.

To complement the smooth movement, the MAGNEO system’s clean lines and unobtrusive, low-profile header blend seamlessly into commercial or residential settings, especially those with a modern or minimalist design motif.

It is the only sliding door entrance system to utilize LMD technology instead of belts, pulleys, gears or motors. The unparalleled MAGNEO system enables a sliding door to open and close on an electromagnetic “cushion,” reducing wear, noise and maintenance.

In addition, MAGNEO is ideal for use in “green” applications. The use of glass doors can improve interior daylighting properties. Meanwhile, it uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb during operation and a mere tenth of that when inactive.

MAGNEO is also engineered to meeting all safety requirements for low-energy applications. Its extra-sensitive operation instantly detects any obstruction and reverses the closing operation to prevent potential injury.

The versatile MAGNEO system can be configured with MANET fixings from DORMA Glas and either a recessed door grip or stylish minimalist handle when used with all-glass doors. A glass clamping rail is available for added stability. Various activation options are offered: motion detector, radio remote control, external program switch, and push-and-go operation.

MAGNEO is suitable for all-glass, framed glass, wood and metal doors up to 175 pounds (80kg). The system can be surface-mounted or concealed in the wall. It is available in three opening widths: up to 34 inches/875mm, up to 39 inches/1000mm and up to 44 inches/1125mm. The system includes floor guide rails all-glass, wood and framed door panels.

For more information about the MAGNEO sliding door, contact DORMA Entrance Systems at 1-877-367-6211 or visit www.dorma-usa.com

About DORMA Group North America

DORMA Group North America manufactures and markets a wide range of products for the architectural openings industry, with a particular focus on commercial and institutional openings. Part of The DORMA Group worldwide, DORMA Group North America comprises DORMA Architectural Hardware, DORMA Glas, Modernfold, DORMA Canada, DORMA Mexico, and DORMA Entrance Systems — which markets products and services under the DORMA Automatics, Crane Revolving Door and Carolina Door Controls brands.

DORMA Group North America offerings include safety and security products, locks, door closers, exit devices, glass hardware and patch fittings, sliding and swinging automatic doors, revolving doors and operable partitions.

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New custom glass fittings from DORMA Glas in the suites at the new, $1.3 billion stadium for the Dallas Cowboys have been acclaimed by Charlotte Jones Anderson, the team’s executive vice president of brand management. In a recent article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the daughter of team owner Jerry Jones claims, “her favorite feature is the glass panel system, which allows suite owners to open the front windows and slide them back into the suite, allowing fans to watch the game without frames or window edges blocking the sight lines.”

Based on DORMA’s HSW-G Sliding Glass Wall, the system was custom fitted and designed for the stadium. The HSW glass wall features the modern, clean look of tempered glass with outstanding design flexibility. The sliding panels operate as part of an overhead-track-mounted sectional system that can be moved without guides or channels in the floor, eliminating catch or trip hazards. Hundreds of luxury suites on five separate levels will be included in the stadium, which incorporate over 2,000 glass panels. Over six kilometers of track were installed.

Read the article and watch the video.

LAKE BLUFF, Ill. – With a floor-installed, sealed compartment for its electrical and mechanical components, the new ED400-IG Automatic Operator from DORMA Entrance Systems is ideal for glass doors in all-glass storefronts as well as other swing door applications that demand clean aesthetics.

The unobtrusive placement of the ED400-IG’s components also make the product suitable for uniquely shaped doors – such as arched, irregular or historically accurate configurations – that would be difficult to accommodate with conventional overhead automatic hardware.

Compatible with new construction and retrofit applications, the ED400-IG operator features a remarkably compact 32” x 6” x 7” deep compartment that’s recessed in a weatherproof steel container and secured in the floor. The operator’s robust drive unit can accommodate doors up to 800 pounds. The drive directs energy to the door’s pivot in a rotating motion. This enables a consistent, smooth opening and closing action.

Appropriate for ADA-compliant applications, the ED400-IG can operates in a low energy mode,and offers functionality such as push & go, power close and a lock interface. Extended hubs for terrazzo or other special flooring requirements are also available.

For more information about the ED400-IG, contact DORMA Entrance Systems at 1-877-367-6211 or visit www.dorma-usa.com

About DORMA Group North America

DORMA Group North America manufactures and markets a wide range of products for the architectural openings industry, with a particular focus on commercial and institutional openings. Part of The DORMA Group worldwide, DORMA Group North America comprises DORMA Architectural Hardware, DORMA Glas, Modernfold, DORMA Canada, DORMA Mexico, and DORMA Entrance Systems — which markets products and services under the DORMA Automatics, Crane Revolving Door and Carolina Door Controls brands.

DORMA Group North America offerings include safety and security products, locks, door closers, exit devices, glass hardware and patch fittings, sliding and swinging automatic doors, revolving doors and operable partitions.

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The unique European-designed LOOP structural glass hardware system from DORMA Glas has crossed the Atlantic to offer architects in North America a contemporary design and reliable performance for all glass facades, canopies and overhead applications.

The stainless-steel LOOP system derives its name from its circular shape. LOOP clamping brackets provide a distinctive way to connect adjacent glass panels of all types and thicknesses at their intersection to form interior or exterior wall assemblies. The fitting requires no preparation of the glass, eliminating the need for drilling or machining before installation. The LOOP’s steel retaining ring imparts the ideal grip pressure to maintain the position of glass panels. It also provides a reliable hold for tie rods or cabletype bracing arrangements for wall, floor and ceiling connections.

The patented system has been tested and approved in accordance with the requirements of DIN 185.16, Part 4.

The LOOP system is part of the versatile DORMA Glas structural glass hardware line, which includes the GlassFin Spider System, MANET CONSTRUCT, RODAN, and V Spider System.

For more information on DORMA Glas structural glass fitting products contact DORMA at 1-800-451-0649.

To expand its ability to help architects and specifiers properly select products, DORMA Group North America (DGNA) has partnered with Ethan Newcomb, AHC, CDT as Specifications Writer.

Newcomb, who is an AHC member of the Doors and Hardware Institute and a professional member of the Construction Specification Institute, will assist design professionals in Northern California and other West Coast markets with writing architectural specifications for DORMA Group North America’s products and systems, including architectural hardware, automatic doors, glass hardware, revolving doors and operable partitions.

He brings more than three decades of experience in the architectural hardware market from senior management to field capacities. His past responsibilities have included project management, outside and inside specification consulting, estimating, bidding, sales and inventory management.

Modernfold’s operable partitions can transform your interior space requirements to meet current and future demands, and could increase revenue potential by allowing your room size to be tailored to each event. This flexibility means that a large meeting room can be transformed into several small rooms with minimal set-up time, thus maximizing space utilization.

The Operable partitions provide sound control through a wide range of acoustic ratings without fixed wall constraints and allow for more efficient use of floor space. Two or Modernfold’s operable partitions are the Acoustii – Seal 911, which is used in multipurpose rooms, exhibition halls, and commercial buildings, and the Ultra – Seal, which utilizes Modernfold’s sound isolation technology. Specifications for both:

Acoustii-Seal 911 – Fire Rated, Flat Panels, Individual Operation

• 1-hour UL fire rating – 2-hour rating also available
• Solves complex layout challenges.
• Simplifies setup and storage with the use of the Smart Track suspension system.
• Operation: Manual
• Nominal Panel Thickness: 3.06-inch
• Frame: Roll Formed & Welded 16 gage Steel
• Skin/Face Options: Steel
• Finish Options: Vinyl, Fabric, Carpet, Full Height Marker Board, & Customers Own Material
• Maximum Width: Unlimited
• Maximum height: 28-feet (custom engineered solutions available beyond maximum)
• Acoustics – STC: 45, 50, 52 (see Acousti-Seal 941 for 55 STC)
• Hanging Weight: 8 to 11 lb/sq ft
• Accommodates wide variations in floor conditions.

Ultra-Seal

• Used in Hotel Ballrooms, Exhibition Halls, and Commercial Buildings
• Operation: Manual
• Nominal Panel Thickness: 4.25-inch
• Frame: Roll Formed & Welded 16 gage Steel
• Skin/Face Options: Steel
• Finish Options: Vinyl, Fabric, Carpet, & Customers Own Material
• Maximum Width: Unlimited
• Maximum height: 30-feet
• Acoustics: Guaranteed 46 NIC (layout and installation requirements provided)
• Hanging Weight: 13 lb/sq ft
• Accommodates wide variations in floor conditions.

For more information on these, or other Modernfold operable partitions, call DORMA at
1-800-523-8483 or visit www.dorma-usa.com.