Roger Humphreys, managing director of Charter Specialist Security, a specialist supplier of ’built-in’ roller shutters, argues that, with the ability to be effectively ‘integrated’ into the fabric of a building, and availability in a wide range of ‘exciting’ colours and finishes, modern security shutter systems are a world away from the ‘often ugly and purely functional’ designs many will immediately picture when they consider using such items to protect their properties and their contents against attack.
The healthcare sector faces a difficult challenge – it must allow visitors and employees a considerable degree of freedom of access, while at the same time protecting sensitive areas from unauthorised entry. Located in the heart of communities, healthcare buildings can become the subject of unwanted attention when unattended. Given the potential for opportunist crime throughout what are often large sites and buildings, even areas of low sensitivity may require a high standard of protection, particularly as security staffing levels are often low. Security shutters provide a good level of security for out-of-hours use, but, when many think of security shutters, they will inevitably have in mind shopfronts hidden behind ugly metal shutters, often covered in graffiti – a rather depressing image. That type of shutter is purely functional, and is generally there to protect the property behind it, without any regard for the building’s design and appearance. That is why, historically, many building specifiers and architects recoil from incorporating security shutters into their carefully thought through designs.
Integrated systems differ from ‘run-of-the-mill’ units
However, things do not have to be this way. With the latest developments in security shutters, specifiers are discovering that they can successfully incorporate these systems into the building’s design without detrimental effect, and without compromising on security; to use an old cliché, it is a ‘win-win’ situation. That is because modern integrated security shutters, such as the Charter- Integr8 system from Charter Specialist Security, differ from ‘run-of-the-mill’ shutters in two key aspects: the shutter mechanisms are ‘built’ into the very fabric of the building, and the shutter curtain designs are stylish, and come in an exciting choice of styles and finishes. The latter option is a rather more obvious way to make security shutters more attractive. So, for example, the shutter curtains are now available in a variety of styles – some solid, some perforated – and can be polyester powder coated to any RAL / BS colour to coordinate with the design style of the building. Consequently, the shutters can be used to make a bold design statement, or can be subtly blended into the building’s design. The feature that is really grabbing potential users’ attention, however, is the integration of these shutter systems within the building.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
